The habit of reading has a profound effect on me.  Constantly indulging in reading over a period
of 50 years has widened my horizon, expanded my mind and changes my life - for the better.

A recent read, on the Internet, on a short article written by Professor AC Grayling, University of
London, brightens my life. Inter-alia he wrote:

"I would wish people to live without superstition, to govern their lives with reason, and to conduct
their relationships on reflective principles about what we owe one another as fellow voyagers
through the human predicament - with kindness and generosity whenever possible, and justice
always. None of this requires religion.  Indeed, once this detritus of our ignorant past has been
cleared away, we might see more clearly the nature of good, and pursue it aright at last."

That exposition, to me, is the serendipity.

Last week-end, my wife went down south, to Muar, some 300 km from our place to attend
a relative's wedding. She went with her sister and brother-in-law.  Weddings are a great
opportunity to meet again long distant relatives and catch-up with the latest happenings within the clan.
One sad news is the fact that one of the relatives, my wife's uncle, who is 80+, is now bed-ridden - and need to be taken care of.  I view this with distress, invalids who become a burden to those of their relatives, dependent
on others' constant help for their physical needs.
Hence, there is a greater resolve to do whatever I need to do, for the upkeep of my health, to continually
doing physical exercises, well balanced-diet, and intellectual nourishment with lots of reading.  I definitely
do not want to be a burden to others by being an invalid when I am old.

I went for my usual  walk/jog this morning but I felt a little sad and disturbed even.  The still morning air is
marred by the loud sound of mega amplifiers of the big mosque about 200 meters from the lakeside.
The usual loud sound from the mosque for the call to prayer - the azan - is OK, quite acceptable as
its duration is around 5 minutes. But if the same loud sound continues in the form of a religious lecture,
after the prayer proper, for up to an hour ( fortunately this happens only occasionally) - then I feel
that we, people indulging in Tai Chi, aerobics, walk/jog at the lakeside become captive audience
and suffer considerable discomfiture and loss of concentration in performing our exercises.
I do hope the religious authorities are more considerate and tone down the volume of the speakers -
or better still, confine the lecture sound to inside the mosque only, as the religious lecture audience
are all inside the mosque, and hence no necessity to broadcast it loudly to the outer environment.
Must we suffer in silence just because there are religious people who are inconsiderate?

I was looking through my photo albums, and of old, old albums.  It was a trip down memory lane.
One gets nostalgic to see old, old faces now gone forever.  But  what is even more interesting is
the realization of the transformation, very visible, in the appearance of the people in the photos.
I noticed a stark contrast in the photos that began in the 1970s till now.  Almost 95 percent of the
females are wearing the headscarves - all their hair covered, whereas the photos before 1970,
the women folk were as pretty as women should be, with a variety of hairstyles and smiling cheerfully.
No headscarves, or tudung.  They appear, in fact, sparkling!  The recent photos of fully covered
females appear dull, monotonous and to me, very sad.  Maybe I'm naive or a male chauvinist,
but somehow, I feel cheated, short-changed.  I'm of the opinion that a piece of cloth does not
a Muslim make.

I must acknowledge that my enjoyment and indulgence of my activities above is possible as a result
of the sacrifice and contribution of my wife.  She's 10 younger than I am and she is preoccupied
with taking care of the grandchildren - children of my two sons who are working parents.
My eldest son, Shahfrin, has three children: Haziq, (11 year old boy), Soraya and Safiah (9 year old
twin girls);  The youngest son, Reza, has three children: Azraei (4 yr old boy), Aqif (2 yr old boy),
and Atifa ( 3 month old girl).  They placed their children in our house when they go to work at 7 am,
collecting them at 7 pm when they returned from work. Their houses are just a few km from our place.
The three elder children are able to fend for themselves, but the younger ones need a lot of attention.
We love them very much and dote on them.  I gave my wife a helping hand whenever I'm free.
In this context, I am reminded of the words of George Bernard Shaw:

"This is the true joy in life - that being used for a purpose recognised by yourself as a mighty one.
That being a force of nature, instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments, grievances, complaining
that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.  I am of the opinion that my life belongs
to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privelege to do for it whatever I can.
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die.  For the harder I work, the more I live.  I rejoice
in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle for me.  It's a sort of splendid torch which I've got
to hold up for the moment.  I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on
to future generations.  Service is the rent we pay for the privelege of living on this earth."

After my usual morning walk/jog of 4 to 5 km, I'll continue my exercise routine in my room with barbells,
dumbells - includes neck twists, waists bends, sit-ups, floor-press and finally the yoga inverted pose before
taking my bath.  What a good feeling - one feels invigorated and energised to start the day with plenty of
fruits for breakfast.

In the evenings, between 3 pm to 5 pm, I'll be playing table-tennis (ping-pong) with my regular playing
partners at the Kelab Warga Emas (the Veterans Club).  The game of ping-pong is very exciting, one
needs focus, concentration, speed and agility.  I'm lucky to have regular playing partners who are all
equally enthusiastic.  Two hours of enjoyment in the morning, two hours of enjoyment in the evening - I savour every moment - and to me, that's happiness!

As a retiree and a pensioner, my wife and I are living at subsistence level.  The small pension that I receive
every month is below poverty level but somehow we manage OK. There are redeeming features though -
for when you are old - your wants and needs are few.  Also, there is no more house payment, car payment
and children's education to pay for.  The small pension is sufficient for our food, gas and electricity.  For
medical treatment, the government hospitals provide free service to pensioners and their wives.  What more
do the souls want?  And we have this piece of wisdom:

                            "Life is easier to take than you'd think; all that is necessary
                              is to accept the impossible, do without the indispensable,
                              and bear the intolerable."

                               Kathleen Norris, American author (1880 - 1960)

Once,  a few years ago, in the British Council library, I read an interesting article in a British newspaper.
A British couple went to a Middle East country for a vacation.  Accompanying them were their two
teen age daughters.  They had to cut short their holiday and quickly returned to England. Whilst holidaying
there, their two daughters, having long-flowing hair, were harassed by the youths there, and a few came
close and touched their hair.  The father, frightened for the safety of his daughters, wrote a protest letter
to the ambassador of  that country.
My take on the phenomena (overly excited males at the sight of females without headcover): it's a natural
male DNA functioning.  Deprived males, those living in a closed society where all the females are covered,
will be disorientated and lose control of themselves when suddenly exposed to female beauty. They are
sexually over-stimulated. I believe I would behave similarly if I'm in a similar environment.
The moral of the above sad scenario is that it's a great injustice to the male population when all females
covered themselves.  It is a most natural behaviour for healthy males to ogle at pretty girls. It's their
adrenalin rush!  Imagine a scenario where all the flowers are covered, all the bees will wither and die!
So, to all the girls out there, be rightly proud of your beauty and go ahead flaunt your sexiness - you'll
delight the boys.  After all, that's what males and females are for, to delight each other.

Reading is another passion.  All kinds of subjects interest me: biography, history, travels, philosophy,
religion, sports, health etc.  The local library is my source of reading fare.  I have been a member of
libraries ever since my school days.  During my voracious reading period some twenty years ago,
I was a member of three libraries simultaneously: the USIS library, the British Council library and
the Perpustakaan Awam Selangor.  Now I'm a member of only one library - the Shah Alam library -
borrowing three books every three weeks.
I was hooked to the habit of reading (about 60 years ago) after reading  "The Diary of Anne Frank"
a 14-year old Jewish girl hiding in an attic in Amsterdam to escape from persecution of the Jews
from Hitler's pogroms.  She and her family were finally caught and died in a concentration camp.
Hitler succeeded in snuffing the life of this Jewish girl but she lives forever through her very detailed
diary.  Ever since reading her diary, I too, keep a detailed daily diary till this day.

As a sequel to the story of how gullible people can be made to believe in absurdities, there is another
more ominous implications.  I am of the opinion that these gullible people are potential suicide-bombers.
One captured failed suicide-bomber (his bomb failed to detonate), under interrogation mentioned that
he is not remorseful or regret at his mission.  "I'll immediately go to heaven" says he, proudly.  This is
a terrible evil we are now facing.  Religious men are exploiting these gullible people. Let's all ponder this:
"All that is required for the triumph of evil is that good men remain silent and do nothing." Edmund Burke.

One early January morning in 2005, something memorable happened to me. An old friend, Aziz, who
is the president of MARES (Malaysian Amateur Radio Emergency Service) called on the phone
asking me whether I'm interested to volunteer and go to Aceh, Sumatra. A team of doctors and
assistants were preparing to go there to give relief and medical services to the victims of tsunami
disaster which occurred just 10 days earlier. This team required a radio ham for communication
back to Kuala Lumpur for situation report. Since I'm a licensed radio ham, they needed my services.
I readily agreed - what a golden opportunity. We had anti-cholera, anti-malaria injection before
leaving.
In Aceh, in a disused store-room, we set up our make-shift accommodation.  I quickly installe d
the radio antenna and communication was established to our headquarters in K.L.
We visited several villagers, the doctors dispensing medicine and treating the sick.  We also
disbursed camping materials, tents badly required by those whose houses were destroyed.
I saw a lot of corpses rotting in the mud, being wrapped in black plastic bags by volunteers and
placed on the roadside to be collected by lorries for mass burial.  The enormity of destruction was
enormous. Very sad spectacle this.
One villager informed us, in a very serious voice, that the day before the tsunami occurred, a very
religious man, in flowing white robe, white turban scolded a group of merry-making youngsters,
with girls, singing, drinking and dancing on the beach.  It was Xmas eve. He commanded them to
cease and desist or else a major disaster will befall them.  They laughed and ignored him.
"That's why the tsunami occurred" proclaimed the villager.  I gave a polite smile when I heard this.
At another village, the same story was recited, and again in another village. I began to feel alarmed
and sad.  How could so many people were so gullible and naive as to believe in such absurdities.
Sad, very sad indeed.  It was a real culture-shock to me.

The idea of creating a blog is further reinforced when Dr. Mahathir, our former Prime Minister suggested:
"Blogs an option" - this is in response to disgruntled politicians who complained they are not given
space in the media.

Blogs enable people to express their opinions on any issue. This is a golden opportunity and a real
blessing - thanks to Google and the Internet.  Because you can unleash your feelings, emotions, in a
blog, it relieves you of stress, gives you a great feeling as you have a place to vent it out and hence,
I believe, blogging has some therapeutic value. Moreover, blogs are free.

Finally, life's bigger reward are not at all material. When you reflect upon the higher-value aspects of
life, you'll see they are mostly there for free.

The idea of creating this blog came from a former office colleague, Jasni, whom I met at a coffee-shop
in Shah Alam.  For several years we have not met each other, since I'm retired and Jasni opened up his
own business. So, over coffee, we talked of old times and then Jasni suggested I create a blog and relate
my passion for running and thoughts on my other interests.  Hence this blog.
But I experience difficulties to continue after my first blog input - I don't know how to continue with new
postings as I couldn't find the prompt to do so.  I got stuck.  Very much later, when my teacher son, Azhar,
who is working in Kuala Rompin, came to the rescue when he came to visit me. So at last I got this blog
going, but I still have some problems.  I am puzzled why the sentences got broken-up in midsentence
after I pushed the publish button and view the blog.  I'm trying to improve it.

There is an interesting exposition on journaling (in my case - blogging) written by 'journaldoctordotcom':
"The journal is a place to reach out and meet yourself as you stretch in all directions. You can alleviate
your stress by releasing your emotion in a safe place.  You can create a place for yourself in which
you can express anything and everything on your mind. Not only is this a good place for you to complain
and 'whine' all you need to - getting rid of your pent-up feelings is GOOD for you.  The journal is a
resource for healing body, mind and spirit in a way that supports every activity that engages you and
every predicament that you face.
Writing helps release tensions associated with stress.
Making a friend of the journal ensures that you have a constant source of communication and
comfort.  With your journal, you are never alone.
Writing helps you explore the past, anticipate the future, and live more creatively."

As I have taken in many runs all over the country, Ipoh, Petaling Jaya, Seremban, Malacca, Johor etc.

so one particular year, the Sultan Mahmud Terenggannu Bridge International Marathon were suddenly

cancelled.  When I enquired the reason from the run organizers, I was told  that it was because of indecent

exposure - or 'aurat' - .  On that particular year, Terenggannu was under Pas government rule. I was 

dumbfounded.  I could not believe that a marathon run can be deemed to be indecent.  

Religious zealots in authority are now advising Muslim females against participating in beauty contests.

What next:  impose a prohibition on Muslim females from participating in swimming contests, rhythmic gymnastics, or badminton, as now there is a move to make female badminton players to wear skirts in international badminton championships. Jawaharlal Nehru, former Prime Minister of India once lamented:

"There is much tomfoolery in the practice of religion".  I agree.

Marathon runs are becoming more and more popular.  It is not unusual for a marathon event to have
20,000 to 30,000 runners taking part.  It can be the London Marathon, Boston Marathon, Berlin
or our Penang Bridge International Marathon where 27,500 runners took part and I was one of them.
Taking part in a run are moments of happiness for me.  The sweat, the exhaustion and then feeling
triumphant when you ended the race - what a good feeling.
Another interesting phenomenon: the Kenyans are winning most of these races - in most marathons
all over the world - both for men and women.  They must have trained very hard for their superb performance and they certainly deserve the win.  Anything worth achieving must be earned by working hard for it.
You must work hard for your education, you must work hard for your career and you must work hard
for your health.  Another good exhortation by Steve Jobs:  stay hungry, stay foolish.  I aim to stay
hungry and to stay foolish.

Another plus point on this sport of running is the simplicity of it - all that is needed is a pair of good running

shoes.  Another compelling reason is the alarming increase of obesity, high-blood pressure and 

diabetic cases among Malaysians.  All these afflictions are preventable, more so for the elderly

as there is a popular myth that if you are old, it's inevitable that you'll be decrepit and sickly - not so.

I'll show you that  there are 80+ and 90+ runners, and they are enjoying life - every minute of it - 

like I do.

There are all types of people running in the marathon.  In one marathon race I was participating in,
I was overtaken by one young Indian lady who ran barefooted - and she was fast.
On another occasion, I overtook a group of Malay girls, wearing the full tudung - covered head dress -
I think that's uncool.  And there are runners with earphones on - probably listening to their favourite
music and running at a leisurely pace.  Also runners with armbands and mobile phones attached - definitely
cool.  Obviously all these runners are enjoying themselves.
One Malay chap tapped me on the shoulders asking me for my age.  When I told him, he said that he
is 65 and yet he couldn't overtake me at the finish line.  At that time we were lining-up for refreshment
drinks supplied to all runners.  He was very much impressed with my superior performance to him
even though he is 7 years younger than I am.

At one time during office hours, some twenty years ago, I waxed lyrical to my office colleague on my
passion in taking part in the Penang Bridge Marathon.  The magnificent view on the Penang Bridge
during the wee hours of the morning, the fishermen below waving their hands at the thousands of
runners over the bridge, all these make for a memorable and delightful experience to me.  But when
he heard that the run is held on Sunday mornings, he lamented that he couldn't possibly participate,
as "I'll miss my Sunday morning Mass".  Apparently he is a devout Christian.  On the same note, my
brother-in-law who is a devout Muslim, mentioned the fact that he had to decline my brother's wedding anniversary dinner invitation in a posh hotel, because "I'll miss my 'maghrib' prayers if I were to attend this dinner.  Another friend of mine, mentioned the fact that his wife is a devout Buddhist, devoting most of her
time to cook for the priests at the temple - but "she neglected to cook for me in the house", he lamented.
I am amused when I heard all these idiosyncracies.

Another reason why I'm raving about this sport of running/jogging is that you can indulge in it
at any time you feel like it, morning, evening or night even.  You can also jog anywhere, around
your neighbourhood, on the road, or at any town, village you happen to be.  If you are into
games like tennis, badminton or golf, you have to have a partner, book a venue, arrange a
time suitable for both - so many variables to account for.  It can be a hassle - whereas with
running you are completely independent - simply marvellous!

My morning run today is around 8 km - preparatory to the Penang Bridge run this 20th Nov.  I am excited
about this historic run - last year there were 7,000 runners in this category.  I expect more runners this year -
it's a popular annual event with runners from all over the world participating.  Because of my passion for
running, I've taken part in runs in Ipoh, Melaka, Seremban, PJ and the 2nd Link S'pore/Johor run.  Most
of these are the 10 km category - my favourite event.

One unhappy fact which all runners experienced is when the run starts late, not according to schedule.
If the schedule is 7.00 am starting time, it may actually start as late as 7.30 am.  When I asked the race
official for the reason, the invited VIP to officiate the start is late in coming - hence the delay.  This is a
grave injustice to the runners.  Please, oh please show some respect and consideration to us runners.

What I love most about this  indulgence in running/jogging is that you can do it anywhere and at
anytime you wish.  When I am  holidaying in Mersing, in-laws house, I'll run there - if I am in
Malacca, I'll run there - at Bukit China - a hill overlooking Malacca town with a magnificent view.
In Kuching, I also run there - simply great.  I'll run for half an hour to one hour - filling my lungs with
oxygen - feeling invigorated.  At the 2010 Penang Bridge International Marathon, I met a runner
who is 80 years old - he is from Singapore.  I feel inspired at his energy.  You bet that
 I'll continue running even when I am a nonagenarian (90+).  That will be my magnificent obsession.

The public holidays of Nov 5,6,7 is being spent with the family in Mersing, Johor.  The grandchildren enjoyed
the seaside.  I indulged in jogging from my relative's  at Kg Air Puteri to the Mersing jetty - about 3 km and
back - a total of 6 km - good sweat.  Stopping at the jetty, I enquired the boatman the boatfare  to Pulau
Tioman.  Its RM 35.00 and the journey takes 1.5 hours.  Many holiday makers were queuing up to buy the
tickets.  Mersing islands  are favourite holiday spots for many tourists.

I am still getting some glitches with my posting - trying to iron it out -
Since my priority in life is to be healthy, at age 73, this is all the more important and I believe that by
continuously maintaining my regular 4 to 5 km of jogging every morning is one way to remain healthy and fit.
It so happens that I enjoy the morning run - and the sweat and the heavy breathing keeps my lungs filled with
oxygen - it's invigorating - and all stress and strain of living sweated out of the body and mind.  I believe that
if more people were to indulge in sports and physical activities, a lot of tensions between peoples will disappear  -  and a spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood will emerge - a feel good factor - very much wanting nowadays.

My next road race in which I'll participate is the PBIM - Penang Bridge International Marathon - to be held in
November 20th.  Expected number of runners from all over the world will be around 20,000.  The run has four
categories: the full marathon (42 km), the half-marathon (21 km), the quarter-marathon (10 km), and fun run,
(10 km).  I'll be running the quarter-marathon and last year I clocked 69 minutes for that distance.  About 7000
runners took part in this category and I met one runner from Singapore who is 80 years old - how great!  To
experience running on the Penang Bridge at 6.00 am in the morning is simply heavenly - my adrenalin rush!
I have already decided to make this Penang Bridge Run to be my annual pilgrimage.  More, on my next posting.

There is another jogging site and this is more challenging: it's called Taman Hutan SUK.  It's situated just below the Selangor Govt. office complex.  The jogging path surrounds a small lake and undulates up a hill right up to
the war memorial monument. This hilly path  is more challenging and one is breathing hard and panting by the
one reaches up the highest point - the war memorial monument.  Sometimes one hears the chattering of monkeys up the tall trees.  It's exhilarating and one feels close to nature.

malaysianseptuagenarian

this is a continuation of the last entry - I am still groping about on the way to continue with my next input.
Anyway will keep on trying on my next post.