Why Dave Barry Will Always Be My Writing Hero

Every writer has that one person they look up to -- the voice that made them go, “Yes. This. This is how I want to write.” For me, that person is Miami Herald humour columnist and author, Dave Barry.

Not Stephen King. Not Murakami. Not some tortured soul in a Parisian café. Nope -- my hero is the guy who once wrote a serious column about exploding toilets and still walked away with a Pulitzer (no, really!).

If you’ve ever read anything I’ve written (especially from those FHM years) and thought, “This sounds unhinged but oddly relatable” -- that’s Barry’s influence shining through. I copy his style shamelessly because nobody does it better when it comes to turning mundane, everyday events into something absurd, hilarious, and weirdly profound.

But growing up and living in Malaysia, tracking down his books has always been a challenge. As far as I know, only Kinokuniya at KLCC reliably stocks his work. The rest? I had to hunt down online, one shipping fee at a time. And let me tell you -- it was worth every sen.

Dave’s genius lies in making the ridiculous feel completely logical. He exaggerates things to the point of insanity, but somehow it all makes sense. He'll start by talking about Valentine's Day and end up in a rant about guys buying Star Wars Lego instead of gifts -- and you’ll be laughing the whole way through.

That’s the kind of writing I try to emulate:

✔️ Wild comparisons that don’t belong in polite society

✔️ Men being clueless and proud of it

✔️ Situations spiralling out of control, usually involving trolleys or bodily harm

✔️ And a constant sense that the world is way too weird to take seriously

If you’ve never read him before, start with these five. Trust me, they’re worth every ringgit (and international shipping fee):

And here are five of my absolute favourites from the Dave Barry universe:

I’ll Mature When I’m Dead

Dave Barry’s Complete Guide to Guys – A Fairly Short Book

Dave Barry Turns 40

Dave Barry in Cyberspace

Dave Barry is NOT Making This Up

Whether you're Gen X, Gen Z, or Gen “Still Thinks Email is Cool,” you’ll find yourself laughing -- and learning -- from one of the funniest writers to ever pick up a keyboard.

A Visit to Masjid Cina Muslim Klang: Tranquility Meets Tradition

We were genuinely excited to finally visit Masjid Jamek Cina Muslim Klang in Bandar Botanik -- and once we arrived, we were simply blown away. The mosque’s magnificence, paired with its sense of calm and serenity, made it one of the most unique and beautiful places of worship we’ve seen in Selangor.

What immediately caught our eye was the architecture -- the sweeping tiled roofs, curved eaves, and pagoda-style tower. Modelled after the famous Great Mosque of Xi’an in China, this mosque is a stunning blend of Islamic and Chinese design elements. Unlike most Malaysian mosques, there’s no large dome; instead, the focus is on elegant simplicity and open spaces that invite peace and reflection.

Built on nearly 3 acres, Masjid Cina Muslim Klang can accommodate around a thousand worshippers. The complex includes prayer halls, classrooms, a library, cultural centre, café, and even staff quarters. Every detail -- from the lotus motifs to the carved wooden beams and calligraphy in Chinese-style strokes -- feels thoughtfully crafted to symbolize harmony between faith and culture.

The masjid’s story began in 2017 through collaboration between JAIS, MACMA, and state authorities. It received royal approval from Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in 2019, with construction completed in mid-2024. It officially opened for prayers in August 2024 --- a proud new landmark for Klang and a symbol of Malaysia’s cultural diversity.

Standing in the courtyard, surrounded by stillness and soft sunlight, it was easy to feel at peace. The atmosphere here isn’t just spiritual -- it’s deeply grounding. Visiting Masjid Cina Muslim Klang reminded us how faith can transcend design and language, yet still feel beautifully familiar.

Food, Glorious Food!: The Shack @ DeRimba, Hulu Langat

Some 35 minutes after leaving home that weekend, we found ourselves in Hulu Langat -- a charmingly rustic town that still carries that ol skool “kampung meets mountain air” vibe. Our destination? A makan spot tucked inside a durian dusun called The Shack @ DeRimba.

We couldn’t resist pulling over by the river for a few quick shots -- the kind of simple, quiet scenery that makes you forget the city is just half an hour away.

By the time we reached The Shack, a small crowd was already enjoying their brunch. The place is popular for good reason -- reviewers often mention its serene setting among durian trees, lush greenery, and laid-back weekend mood. It’s open only on weekends, serving local breakfast favourites along with some Western bites like croissants and scones.

We went for the lontong, nasi lemak with ayam berempah, and a few kuih. The lontong was tasty, the nasi lemak decent — the chicken juicy enough, though the sambal could’ve used a bit more kick. Still, sipping teh tarik under the trees, surrounded by nature, made it all worthwhile.

Would we come back?

Most probably yes -- if not to The Shack, then to explore a few other riverside cafes around Hulu Langat next time. Insya-Allah.

My Late Father And His Magic Hands

I recently ordered a second-hand book online and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived -- neatly wrapped in plastic, as if someone had taken the time to care for it.

That simple touch immediately reminded me of my late father. He wasn’t highly educated, but he had magic in his hands. For a time, he worked at the state library in Johor Bahru, where he learned the art of book binding and wrapping like no other. Because of that, all my school books -- even though they were buku pinjaman -- were always perfectly covered in plastic. Needless to say, I became the envy of many classmates.

My late father wasn’t alone in his creative streak. There was a period when he and my late mother were both into macramé, and together they created the most wonderful pieces. They were always busy with projects -- knotting, weaving, perfecting. And I remember so clearly: whenever someone came by and admired one of their creations, they would simply smile and gift it away without hesitation.

Here’s a picture I’ve shared before -- you can spot one of their macramé pieces in it.

Sometimes I wonder what kind of projects my parents would be working on for my own home if they were still around today. I’m sure they’d still be creating -- with love, as always. 😔

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Under The Scorching Sun At Kota & Muzium Lukut

 

Visited Kota & Muzium Lukut this past weekend near PD. It showcases the glory days of Lukut in the 19th century under Raja Jumaat’s rule, featuring exhibits of artifacts, old weapons, and stories of tin mining, trade, and conflicts that once shaped the region.

Once a part of Selangor, Captain McPherson wrote in a report: "Lukut is far better than Selangor, in fact, it can be likened to a European district. It seems strange that such a situation can be found in the middle of the forest."

So the next time you're in PD, make sure you swing by this place to learn and absorb another important piece of the country's history!

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UIA Matricution Centre, Subang Jaya: A Forgotten History

This Inti Campus in SS15 Subang was where the UIA Matric Centre used to be in the 80s. So it was rather surreal when I visited it some years ago. I still remember my taaruf week here (in 1989) and the culture shock I experienced going to qiamulail and listening to the rules and regulations (no dating, no shorts and NO going to the Subang Cinema which was right across the road). We stayed at the shophouses which were also across the road. But that lasted only one semester for me.

At the end of the other block was the hostel for PPP students, and it so happened that I had school friends who were there. So I squatted in their room instead. And oh man, those guys were, um, shall I say, so nakal? You know who you are, dudes! 

But living in Subang was pretty cool. You had to take the Sri Jaya bus to get to KL. But most of the time we lepaked at the stalls near the pasar or Subang Parade. Ah, the good ol days... (The Matric Centre was then moved to Lembah Pantai in 1990.)

Anyway, I titled this post “A Forgotten History” because when I shared this piece of anecdote on Threads, a few UIA alumni replied saying they never even knew the uni once had a campus here. Like, seriously lah? 

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English College JB And Its "Sister Schools"

 

Here’s a fact I didn’t know. I was watching some history videos on YouTube when Kuala Pilah English School popped up. Out of curiosity, I did some googling and to my surprise, it turns out that the school is actually a "sister school" to my own alma mater, English College Johor Bahru. And not just that, we’re also connected to Batu Pahat High School! Suddenly, this old Johor boy felt part of a much bigger family tree.

Kuala Pilah English School

Kuala Pilah English School, founded in 1914, carried the weight of bringing modern English-medium education to Negeri Sembilan. In 1970, it was renamed Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tuanku Muhammad (SMK Tuanku Muhammad), in honour of the state’s royal lineage. The spirit of the old school lives on in its traditions: discipline, community, and producing generations of leaders.

Batu Pahat High School

Batu Pahat High School, or Sekolah Tinggi Batu Pahat, began in 1914 and is one of Johor’s oldest schools. Through the years, it evolved but kept its iconic name, a reminder of its stature in the town. For its alumni, STBP has always been more than just classrooms: it was where future athletes, prefects, and community figures were shaped. The name “High School Batu Pahat” still carries serious weight whenever old boys gather.

English College Johor Bahru

And of course, there’s English College Johor Bahru, established in 1914 -- my alma mater. Known far and wide simply as “EC,” it was renamed in the 60s as Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar (MSAB) to reflect its royal ties. But ask any old boy and they’ll still tell you: once EC, always EC. For me, it was the place of friendships, lessons, and memories that shaped who I am today. The badge, the colours, the pride; they stay with you for life.

Sometimes, you discover these connections later in life, and they make you smile. Three schools born in the same year. Different towns, different students, but the same mission: to prepare young Malaysians for the future. The names may have changed over the years, but the heritage and spirit remain. A shared history that quietly links us across places and generations. And that, to me, is pretty cool.

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Jalan-Jalan Kluang

 

Confession: Growing up in JB,  Kluang was just a name I’d heard -- one of those small Johor towns that people said had good food and a relaxed vibe. (And lots of keluang [bats] flying everywhere!) I never made it there back then, but now, every time I drive back to JB, it’s almost an automatic stop.

And the first order of business usually? The original Kluang Station, of course. Started as a humble canteen in the railway station in 1938, it has moved with the times and evolved into the well-known “Kluang RailCoffee”, now boasting four modern outlets around town. But the original? That’s where the magic is. It’s kept its rustic charm so well that stepping inside feels like travelling back in time. 

Unlike the newer outlets with their expanded menus, the original outlet keeps things simple: a glorious range of breads — roti bun bakar, roti bun gandum, roti keping bakar -- plus steamed buns, Malaysian classics, and a long list of beverages. 

The laksa warms the soul, the bun bakar is crispy outside and soft inside, and the coffee? Strong enough to fuel your road trip for hours. If you’re with friends and family, don’t bother choosing, just order everything and share.

From there, wander over to Laman Kreatif Kluang, a lane splashed with colourful murals that’s perfect for your next OOTD shot. It’s the kind of place where you can spend half an hour taking “just one more” photo. 

But Kluang isn’t just about food and photo ops. It’s got stories in its streets. Founded in 1915 as a railway town, its name comes from keluang, the fruit bats that once filled the skies here. The railway turned it into a bustling hub for rubber and agriculture, and by the 1930s, coffee culture was firmly rooted in its kopitiams. Even wartime didn’t erase its charm; Kluang picked itself up and grew, blending old-world warmth with small-town buzz.

Today, it’s that mix -- heritage, flavour, and laid-back charm -- that makes Kluang the perfect stopover for anyone with good taste, whether in food, history, or just living well.

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