On the 18th of November, 2012, I duly took part in the Penang Bridge International Marathon.  There were
13,000 other runners in this category, the 10 km.  When later I checked the results on their website, my time
is 84 minutes.  This is very much slower that the previous times.  Maybe age is taking its toll.  Ah well, I enjoyed the run, and so did the other runners.

On the 18th Nov. I'll be running on the Penang Bridge, together with 25,000 runners from all over
the world.  This annual event is something I look forward to.  There'll be four categories: the full
marathon (42km); the half-marathon (22km); the quarter-marathon (10km); and Fun Run also
(10km).  I'll be taking the quarter-marathon which is 10 km and I'll do it at around 70 minutes.
Last year, there were 7,000 runners in this category and I was around the 2,000th placing, which
means there were 2,000 runners in front and 5,000 runners behind me.  I felt wonderful, triumphant
even.  This is my adrenalin rush.  I am now preparing hard for this event - jogging around 5 - 7 km
every morning. It feels great.

I am now undergoing massage therapy.  It's conducted by Ceragem, a Korean company promoting
this thermal massage therapy for free.  Your spinal column is being massaged by rollers, made of
jade and emitting far infra-red ray.  You feel the warmth as these massage balls roll beneath you
as you lie on a bed.  It feels good as the whole of your spine from the head to the buttocks is being
massage by these warm rollers beneath you.  Many of the participants of this therapy related their
health improvements after undergoing this therapy for months.  The therapy proper lasts for fory
minutes.  Some improvements mentioned: less arthritis pain, improved blood pressure and diabetes
much improved.  I do hope it'll help with my prostate problems.  Lets see.

I am back to my normal state of health - able to walk/jog for 5 km this morning.  Gosh, to fill the
lungs with oxygen, to pant for your breath, it's exhilarating.  It's nice to be healthy, and now I must
push myself physically, menatally - to be up and about.  Its nice to be able to play with the grandchildren,
who are all very active, and very demanding.  I am happy to be able to play with them and indulge them.
It's a nice feeling that you are contributing to the children's happiness.  And children are the most beautiful
people in the world.  Yes, when you are healthy, life feels good.  Its a beautiful world and I love every
moment living on this earth.

I was down with fever and severe coughing - and on seeing the doctor and given the prescription,
the fever was reduced but the coughing continued.  I am puzzled over this prolonged illness.  I would
have thought that I would recover fast, but apparently I was wrong.  After four days of continuous
coughing, I went to the doctor again, and given further medicines.  I am slowly now recovering,
but not fully, still very weak.  Gosh, how I really appreciate to be in good health.  I will slowly begin
my usual walk/jog again and in the evening, table-tennis with my friends. This was a week of total
inactivity.

In the MSN news portal, "100-year--old Frenchman sets 100-km cycling record"
He completed the distance in 4 hours, 17minutes and 27 seconds.  Wow!
What an achievement.  Its an inspiration.  What he has done, besides breaking
the record, to show all senior citizens that you can achieve great accomplishments
with hard work, displine and determination.

Reading a book on Nelson Mandela:  what a man, imprisoned for 27 years could not break him.
When he came out of prison, he was elected to be the first president of South Africa.  And when
he was asked his experience whilst in prison, he just said it made him more mature. Another thing,
for any complex human situation, there is no simple "yes" or "no" - there are many shades of grey
in between.  He is not bitter.  He made to call to all his followers to "forget the past" and build the
future.
I am very much impressed and have great admiration for this man.  One can learn a lot when one
reads about great people.  Now we know why they are great.  THEY ARE REALLY GREAT!

Two days ago I had a medical check-up.  My blood sample was taken and the lab results showed
that my sugar level, cholesterol level are all OK.  My blood pressure is also OK.  I am glad and
happy with this.  My routine walk/jog for 5 km every morning, followed by barbells and dumbells in
the house, including sit-ups, squats, waist twists and culminating in shadow boxing and fencing helps
to maintain good physical fitness.
Yes, one must work hard to have good health.  You must work the muscles, the heart and lungs -
and when you inhale a lot of oxygen you really feel good.  I believe that a lot of human ailments
are due to physical inactivity. And its a misconception that by taking pills you can be healthy.

In the light of the furore on religion throughout the Islamic world, and the heat and fury and deaths
that occurred, I would like to quote the views of Professor AC Grayling on religion:
"The basic doctrines of the major religions have their roots in the superstitions and fancies
of illiterate peasants living several thousand years ago.
What religious people mean by "god" means nothing to me beyond an incoherent cluster of
concepts from which the aforesaid folk choose the subset most convenient to themselves.
But the word brings to mind the man-made phenomenon of religions, whose net effect on
humanity now as throughout history has been by considerable margin, negative.  It would be so
just because of the falsity of belief, and the consequent absurdity of behaviour premised on the
idea that there exist supernatural agencies who made this imperfect world, and who have an
interest in us that extends to our sex lives and what we should and shall not eat on certain days,
or wear, and so on.  But it is more than false; it is far too often oppressive and distorting as
regards human nature, and divisive as regards human communities.
It is a frequent source of conflict and cruelty.  Monstrous crimes have been committed in its
name.  And more often than not it has stood in the way of efforts at human liberation and
progress.
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."

I really like his views.

I would like to quote what Graham E. Fuller wrote in his book: "A World Without Islam". He wrote:
"Religion is an exceptionally powerful human force.  It deals with gut issues such as meaning of life,
death, war, moral behaviour, community, and sexuality.  It acts on the individual human psyche,
psychology and behaviour.  Its impact is rarely limited to the individual alone, but acts upon
an enitre community of believers who take part in community acts of worship.  At the same time,
religion helps define and strengthen the community of like-minded believers."

From my point of view, when I see some Muslims are easily provoked into violence at the slightest
negative remarks on the religion, I have my qualm on the "goodness" of religion.

Former Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru lamented: "There is much tomfoolery
in the practice of religion".

Jonathan Swift, English writer (1667 - 1745) wrote:  We have enough religion to make
us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.

Apparently, this is still true today.

There is a proposal by the "ulama" to impose Islamic law, the "hudud" which causes much
concern for some people in this country.
I believe that the dynamics of 21st century, multi-ethnic, multi-religious society of Malaysia
cannot accommodate 14th century Islamic law and naturally regard it as an anachronism.
We, all Malaysians, must look forward to being progressive and not retrogressive.

The baby girl, now 13 months old, has progressed to around 15 steps, wobbling about, stepping down,
up again, a few more steps and down, and up and a few more steps, very determined with her walk.
She's definitely thrilled by her progress, and so are we, watching her with amazement, thrilled with
her determination and brave effort.
I believe, in a month or so, she'll be walking all over the house, to every nook and corner.  Her world
has expanded and I will proudly accompany her everywhere, helping her with her exploration. There
is a beautiful world out there baby, and you have a life time to explore and enjoy the magnificence!

The newspapers are filled with photos showing Muslims in many countries showing their anger
towards a film made in USA, denigrating the religion of Islam and the prophet.  Some of the
protests were violent, bloody and damage to property.
I feel sad over this scenario.  These Muslims are over-reacting.  There will always be demented
people out there who are out to create mischief, by their cartoon caricatures, films or whatever; the question is, why are some Muslims become easily provoked, going berserk even.
I believe Muslims should learn to be mature enough to ignore stupid people. Otherwise, you are
always dancing to their tune.  What a pity.

In the vernacular newspaper, a reader wrote that he is very pleased to see a female TV news presenter
donning the headscarf (wearing the tudung) stating: "she appears graceful and increases the image of
Islam".
I wrote in response that I disagree with his viewpoint.  As a healthy male, I feel short-changed when
a pretty female is "covered" as this attire robbed her of her feminity.  A female with nice long hair
is an attractive sight, a thing of beauty and gives me the adrenalin rush.
I am also of the opinion that a piece of cloth does not a Muslim make.  What is more important
is what is IN the head, and not what is ON the head.

The baby girl has now progressed to nearly 10 steps.  What a marvellous achievement.  I watched in awe.
It's a miracle.  In fact, giving birth to a baby itself is a fantastic happening - a real miracle.
A famous actress when asked what was her greatest achievement, frankly stated that giving
birth to a baby and becoming a mother is her greatest achievement.  She said that a woman is complete
when she becomes a mother, and she's very proud that she's a mother - more proud than the fact that
she is a famous actress!  Wow, that's great!

In her book, "Islam and Democracy" Fatima Mernissi wrote: When I visit a Muslim country, whether
Pakistan or Egypt or Algeria, what strikes me as a sociologist is first of all the strong feeling of bitterness
in the people - the intellectuals, the young, the peasants.  I see bitterness over blocked ambition, over
frustrated desires for consumption - of clothes, commodities, and gadgets, but also of cultural products
like books and quality films and performances which give meaning to life and reconcile the individual
with his environment and his century. In no Western country have I ever seen such intense bitterness
over wasted talent, spoiled chances, inequality of opportunity, or absurd career blockage.  What
always surprises me in the United States, for e.g. is that even people with the most mediocre talent
seem to find a way to use the few gifts that nature has given them.  In our country (Muslim country)
what is unbearable, especially when you listen to the young men and women of the poor class,
is the awful waste of talent.  "Ana daya" ("my life is a mess") is a leitmotif that one hears constantly.
I don't find this sense of failure which people drag around with them in any European city.  For me
the absence of meaning and groaning is a sign that I am on foreign territory, where talent follows
a "relatively" normal course to emerge, struggle, expand and flower.
This is one reason, I believe, why Muslims lashed out at other people, blaming them for their
miserable state of affairs. Sad, very sad, this.

Because you will meet new people;
Because deep down you know you are doing the right thing.

I read the above from a book I borrowed from the library 20 years ago.
I copied it down in my diary and I can attest to its accuracy as I have
been jogging for the last 24 years and am enjoying myself and the health
benefits there-from.

Jogging is for everybody - for young and old, fit and unfit, beginners and committed athletes, for all
the family.  With only a little effort and time but much enjoyment it can quickly take you to a peak
of physical fitness and a feeling of well-being.
Twenty one reasons why you should jog:
Because it is what the human body is designed to do;
Because it will help control your weight;
Because it will help your heart stronger;
Because it will improve your circulation;
Because it will decrease the amount of fat in your bloodstream;
Because it will normalize your blood pressure;
Because it will diminish the damaging effects of stress;
Because it will lessen your chances of having a heart attack;
Because it will lessen your chances of a stroke;
Because you will visit your doctor less often;
Because it will increase your life expectancy;
Because you will feel better after it (jogging);
Because you will look better;
Because you will become more self-confident;
Because you will learn about yourself;
Because you will suffer less from depression;
Because you will lead a fuller life;
Because you will be at the forefront of a growing movement;
Because you will get to know your neighbourhood better;

The baby girl has progressed to four steps - wobbling about - and quickly dropping down to the floor.
It's a small progress, to us adults, but to her it's a mighty achievement.  We are seeing a miracle happening
right in front of us.  It's exciting.
When we consider the fact that baby animals could start walking on their first day of being born, it takes
a human a full year before they could walk - it's fantastic!
And talking of miracles, I remembered my wife, about forty years ago, when nursing her baby, she could
get up at 2 or 3 a.m. - on hearing the baby crying for milk, made the milk, gave it to the baby, and when
it was over, both baby and mother fell asleep.  I watched in awe, and I couldn't sleep again until an hour
later.  And women have wide hips, which they utilise to carry the baby, whereas we men with our narrow
hips have great difficulty when carrying the baby, severely straining our arms.  Yes, women are made to
take care of babies - and not men.  It's a wonderful world.

My youngest grand-daughter, one year and two weeks old, is just beginning to take her first step.
What a thrill, to watch her struggling to keep balance, wobbling about and quickly dropping to the
floor.  I shouted with joy and clapped my hands and she just smiled.  Obviously to be able to take
the first step is a big effort and to me, a magnificent achievement.  It's a miracle.  What a sight to
behold.  I am sure all parents will be excited at the sight of their baby tentatively taking the first
step.  We are all waiting anxiously for the next two to three weeks when she'll be able to take
more and more steps - that would be the most exciting development in a child's life.

The book "Stress Free for Good" by Dr. Fred Luskin and Dr. Kenneth R Pelletier describes
Serenity Prayer:

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

This is a simple but profoundly wise prayer.
I like that very much.

Many LifeSkills tips are given to help the reader to reduce stress and hence improve
your health.  I am continually learning and benefitting from my reading.

There is a Chinese saying:  "Live till old,
                                          Learn till old."

How true!

A recent article in the newspaper stated: "posting views on Facebook and other social media sites
delivers a powerful reward to the brain similar to the pleasure from food and sex, a Harvard study
concludes.
The study, led by two neuroscientists and published this week, concluded that "self disclosure"
produces a response in the region of the brain associated with dopamine, a chemical associated
with pleasure or the anticipation of a reward.
Although Facebook was not specifically cited in the study, it focused on the brain response of
people's "opportunities to communicate their thoughts and feelings to others."
"To the extent that humans are motivated to propagate the products of their minds, opportunities
to disclose one's thoughts should be experienced as a powerful form of subjective reward," wrote
Diana Tamir and Jason Mitchell of Harvard's Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab.
I agree with their findings because whatever views, opinions that I have posted in my blogspot, I
felt immense satisfaction.  It's a good feeling.  It does not matter whether people agree or disagree
with my views but I feel immense pleasure with my exposition.  A grateful thanks to the internet
for giving us space to air our views.

I am inspired when I read about one man, a Malaysian, is going around the world on one bicycle.
There was the news of one girl, just 16 years old, Dutch girl Laura Dekker who did a solo
circumnavigation of the world in her sailing boat.
And one reads about one woman, a nonagenarian, who completed the full marathon.  These are
extraordinary feats by ordinary people and I am full of admiration at their achievements.
When I related my frequent participation in 10 km road runs to my relatives who came to visit
us for the Hari Raya, they looked at me in amazement.  And when I told them what I am doing
is nothing compared to what others around the world accomplished, they were amazed.
Yes, life is a journey.  Its a challenge, it's fun and I love every minute of it.

I am sad to read the tragedy that is going on in Syria - a lot of blood and unnecessary killing
of innocent citizens - gosh, it's sad.  There appears to be a lot of turmoil in the Muslim world -
Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Egypt, Libya etc.  Why can't these people learn to live in peace
with one another.  Muslims are supposed to be religious people and yet, what are they doing
to each other!
"There is much tomfoolery going on in the practice of religion", lamented Nehru.  I agree.

Several years ago, when I was in Japan, the girls manning the lifts greeted visitors with smiles,
wishing us good morning before ushering us into the lifts.  I was touched by this show of courtesy.
Obviously, the Japanese people are highly cultured people.
Here in Malaysia, when car drivers jumped queue and drive in an arrogant manner, I am of the
opinion that they are sadly lacking in culture.
In most road runs that I've participated, the start time is not according to schedule, because the
invited VIP, to officiate the start, came late.  Thousands of us runners suffer in silence, and we
were definitely feeling angry, cheated by this lack of courtesy and inconsideration.  Obviously
the VIP is lacking in culture.

I recall an interesting read recently, a short article written by Bridget Menezes:  "Be a person of culture" ....
inter-alia "Culture relates to the practical side of a man's personality - something that provides significance.
It should show itself in the smallest detail of our conduct and personal behaviour .....be reflected in our
speech, the way we behave towards one another".

I consider these to be words of wisdom and I derive much benefit from her weekly series of articles.

Oops!  It's Sunday August 19, not Friday as I wrongly stated in my last post - that's the Hari Raya.  I took my 5 year-old grandson to the mosque at 8.30 a.m. for the Hari Raya prayers.  There were about 200 people in attendance.  The 5 yr old was fascinated by the ambience and the Hari Raya chants!

Naturopaths believe that fasting is a safe, economical and effective form of therapy.  It cleanses the system,
improves the regulation of hormone production and rests the digestive system.  For my part, after a few
days of fasting, I find that my sense of smell is considerably enhanced - i.e. I can smell the cooking of food
from far away and salivates.  Hunger pangs make you feel lethargic and hence a lot of these fasting people
neglect their usual morning exercises.  I think that's bad - as I keep on with my regular jog - but less intense.

Friday August 19 will be Hari Raya - a festive occasion to end the fasting month of Ramadan.
This is a joyous occasion for all Muslims: we'll go for the morning prayers at the mosque, and wish
each other with good wishes and ask for forgiveness for any inadvertent faults that may have been
committed unintentionally.  There'll be cakes and food served aplenty.  Its a real joyous occasion
and I enjoyed it very much - as all my sons and their wives and children will be gathering together
in my house - that's happiness!
The children will be extra happy as they will receive small envelopes with money inside as Hari
Raya gifts - there'll be shouts of joy as they will buy sweets or crackers and play with their friends!

During this fasting month of Ramadan, I continue indulging in my walk/jog around the jogging
path at the lake side.  I noticed a considerable reduction in the number of people doing their
morning exercises - about 90% less.  This cessation of physical activity (because of fasting)
is indeed sad - as I believe indulgence in physical exercise should be a regular affair, it can be
less intensive.
Muslim athletes in the London Olympics 2012 faced the dilemma of "fasting" as this will affect
their performance.  One religious cleric (ulama) made the pronouncement that Muslims athletes
can postpone their fast (and pay back later when the marathon is over).  Ah, well!

I have just read an interesting book "A World Without Islam" by Graham E. Fuller on the tragedy of 9/11.
Inter-alia he stated: ...... "the attack was indeed shocking, outrageous, and a tragedy for the innocent
civilians that died.  But it should not have been a surprise.  Given US policies in the Middle East and
the rising Muslim anger over such a long period of time over so many issues, it was inevitable that sooner
or later some Muslims would strike back.  The US courts further such attacks as long as it maintains
the same policies of global dominance and political and military intervention. As terrible as the events
were, hopefully they may serve as a wake-up call to Washington to the seriousness of the situation
and the need for reconsideration.
Most Muslims painfully acknowledge that their own societies are riddled with deep problems.
My own view is that to right a wrong one should not commit another wrong. Might is not always Right.
This is a common, almost universal, human predicament.

A feature article in the vernacular newspaper related  the story of a housewife who felt sad that her
husband does not pray and fast during this month of Ramadan. She bitterly lamented the fact
that as the husband is the leader of the house, he should show a good example to the children.
"When I chided him, he scolded me and there was a big quarrel!"
I felt very sad on reading this article.  To make a public revelation of your husband's lack of piety
is itself a very reprehensible thing to do - even though pseudonyms are used.
(Reprehend not the imperfection of others - George Washington).

"We have been married for more than 20 years and we have 3 children aged 13, 15, 18 and my
husband provides well for us in all aspects.  He is loving, caring and the children are doing well
in their studies",  revealed the wife.

Again, this revelation amazed me.  Why is she making a big do on his short-coming.  His religious
obligation is between him and his God and shouldn't be a big issue.  In my opinion, she is an ingrate,
lacking in wisdom and maturity.  I am sad.

"Don't politicise Islam" says Najib (Malaysian Prime Minister).  Right, I agree.

Political ulama (expert in Islam) claims that Islam and politics cannot be separated.

"Wrong!" says Muhammad Said al-Ashmawy, former Chief Justice of the High Court
of Egypt.  This Egyptian jurist was also legal consultant in the UN on Syariah Law.

Al-Ashmawy says his research in the "basic" texts (Quran and Sunnah) and of early Islamic
history clearly states that politics cannot be fused with religion.

The form Islam has subsequently taken - as "religion and state" foir him is a deviation from
and a perversion of that true conception.  The political ulama's statements will be seen as
expressions of absolute truth and their political goals shrouded with religious sanctity.
When  this happens, he says, political issues cannot be commented upon, criticised, or
even discussed.

"If you open your mouth, you will be accused of questioning God", he says.
Because of his controversial views on political Islam, the Egyptian jurist has been
on the hit-list of militants in his country.

PM Najib rightly cautions Malaysians on the deleterious effects of political Islam.
I believe all Malaysians should have a deep-think on this controversial issue -
for our future is at stake.

The above was my emel to the local press.  It didn't get printed: Ah, well!

The glory, the agony: all very  spectacular at the London Olympics 2012. Its inspiring to watch
the athletes from all over the world doing their best to achieve a win in their particular event.

A stimulating reading on the internet: "5 feats previously thought as humanly impossible."

Austrian free-diver: Herbert Nitsch broke the world record for the deepest dive on a single breath.
Michael Phelps: world records in swimming.
Usain Bolt: fastest man on earth.
Alain "Spiderman" Robert climbing the tallest buildings around the world.
Felix Baumgartner: executed a 3 minute 48 sec free-fall jump that reached speeds of up
to 868 kmh.

When one reads these spectacular feats one is filled with admiration for their achievements.
One thing is certain:  these superhuman feats could only be achieved through hard work,
perseverance and an indomitable spirit.

On my own part, I have great admiration to one guy, 80 years old, who took part
in the Penang Bridge International Marathon.  He completed the 10 km event in which
I also took part.  I was just 73, and I tell myself, I would love to be able to do the same
when I am 80.  Yes, something to look forward to and work hard for.

Most of the news now is on the London Olympics 2012.  To watch world class athletes
going for excellence in their particular event is indeed inspiring.  Their intensity, their focus
and their determination to win is simply marvelous.  I have great admiration for the way
they go about their sport: it's beauty in motion!  One particular female athlete, participating
in the game of table-tennis is without one hand - only a short stump near the elbow.  And
yet she can play the game marvelously - how wonderful, really inspiring.

Studying a new language is fascinating, challenging and can also be very frustrating.
The Chinese language, Mandarin, is even more more challenging as it is a tonal language,
the same sounding word, pronounced with different emphasis will give a different meaning.
You really have to listen very carefully, and to really use your tongue to produce the correct
sound. I think it'll take me several years before I could be well versed in this fascinating language.
I am wondering now what have I got myself into - when I decided to go for this language.
I will need to muster all my faculties to the full to enable me to acquire sufficient skill to
understand and speak it. It is an adventure worth taking and I am excited.
There is a Chinese saying: "bu pa man, zhi pa chan" :  do not be afraid of being slow,
only afraid if you stop trying.  Yes, I must keep on plodding if I am to make progress
in this language.

The news in the newspapers about churches in Nigeria being attacked by gunmen, bombers, saddens me.
Militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility.  These dastardly acts, carried out by militant Muslims
should be vigorously condemned by all right-thinking Muslims all over the world.
Edmund Burke wrote:  "All that is required for the triumph of evil is that good men remain silent and do
nothing".  The rise of militant Muslims are ominous signs that all sane people should take note of.  I feel
sad at this human predicament.  Why can't we all live in peace with one another?

I am trying something new - learning Mandarin.  I have been interested in learning this Chinese language
several years ago but never really serious and systematic in studying it.  Hence I'm not making any progress.
Now I have signed up on a Mandarin course which is being conducted once a week.  There are about 20 attendees - doctors, lawyers, company managers and one or two pensioners, myself being one of them.
I am excited about learning this language - it's a real challenge.  As one gets old, one needs to exercise the
brain.  It's a case of  "use it or lose it"!
I believe that mastery of this language will broaden my horizon - and that's exciting enough. And the famous
Chinese saying: A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step".  So now I have taken my first
step. It should be an interesting journey.

We had a table-tennis competition last week.  This is an annual affair in our Veterans Club of which I am
a regular player.  We have around 8 to 10 senior players with whom I regularly play in the evenings
I won the Singles category, beating about 12 competitors, all about 60 years old.  To be a champion
at 74, makes me feel good.
How I wish more people take up sports as a hobby.  It is enjoyable, healthy and gives you tremendous
satisfaction.  If all the world leaders are sportsmen, the world will be at peace, as all feelings of agression,
anger will be dissipated in the playing field.  That is the serendipity.

I'm filled with disgust when a political "ulama" (muslim spiritual leader) declared that he gave money
to his supporters who wanted to go for a public demonstration against the government.
Former Egyptian Chief Justice Muhammad Said al-Ashmawy claimed that politics cannot be fused
with religion.  He stated that Islam was, from the beginning an apolitical religion, concerned solely
with spiritual and ethical guidance.  He further declared that the most natural consequence of bringing
politics into religion is that the former debases the latter. Political statements, shrouded with religious
sanctity, will be seen as expressions of absolute truth.
When this happens, he says, their political statements cannot be criticised.  "If you open your mouth,
you will be accused of questioning God."
We are seeing this happening in Malaysia today.  The political ulama are causing polarization among
Malays who belong to a different political party.  The political ulama knows this - but he is interested
in political power and blatantly uses religion to fulfill his ambition. I am saddened by this state of affairs.
 

Recently, I visited my brother-in-law whom I was told is not well.  He's married to my older sister.
When my wife and I arrived at his house, he cheerfully greeted us - obviously happy that they have
visitors.  When I asked him on his health, he complained that both his knees are very weak, he can
hardly walk, stopping and taking a rest after walking a few steps.  "Old age" says he.  I disagree.
I told him that I regularly participate in 10 km runs and in one particular run, there was an 80 year-old
man who regularly participate in 10 km races.  He just kept quiet.
I frankly told him that we have to work hard for our health. And this means doing physical exercises
and sweat it out.  The muscles need to be exercised - "use it or lose it" is the maxim.
I feel sad for him - for the word exercise is not in his vocabulary, completely alien to him.
At 74, I walk/jog for 4 to 5 km every morning and followed by light barbells and dumbells when
I reached home.  I'll continue my exercise routine with floor press, sit-ups and shadow-boxing
and shadow-fencing.  After working out a good sweat, I'll have my bath.  I feel invigorated
and loved every moment of it.

s

A recent read, in the internet, reveals these benefits of running: "If you lead a hectic and stressful life,
take heart - running can be your friend. Psychologically running gives you a set amount of time to be
alone with your thoughts. If you're able to use this to your advantage, you can use that time to get
your brain around an issue at the office or the problem with your spouse. In studies, regular runners
generally say they live a happier, more stress-free life than their housebound counterparts.  Aside
from being happier because you're in better shape and feeling good, endorphins play a big role in
these results. Endorphins are the "feel good" hormones that the body uses to help quell pain.  They
also help slow the ageing process, relieves stress and anxiety, and enhance the immune system."
As an avid runner, I can testify to the truth of the above statement.

Another happy recollection during schooldays - we boys in the fifth form, were introduced to the
Convent fifth form girls for the purpose of learning folk dancing and rudimentary ballroom dance.
Our teachers brought us boys to the Convent school hall where the girls were assembled. We were
formally introduced, the boys bowing and the girls courtesying: what a thrill.  Some of us, and the
girls visibly blushed and even trembled.
We were introduced to the basics of folk dance steps, holding both the girls hands and moving
in circles.  What a thrill.  As a young 18 year-old boy, I was thrilled, excited and had the most
beautiful moments in my life, to have the opportunity to hold a girl in my arms!  What makes
the event more memorable is the fact that all these activities were done under strict supervision.
We liked it that way - very honourable.

 I am feeling quite nostalgic today - I'm recalling my last year in secondary school, in fifth form ,
in year 1956.  The school: St. Paul's Institution, Seremban.  A few of my schoolmates that I
could still recall were: Eric Fonseka, Wong Ah Kow, Tham Chee Keong, Chan Foo Yee,
Goh Siew Soo, Muthu, James Kingham (our Head Prefect).
We all sat for our Senior Cambridge School Certificate Exam - there were no SPM then,
as we were still under colonial rule.  I have not met any of them ever since we left school
and went our own way in life. I am sure they are all septuagenarians as I am.  The girls
from nearby - the Convent - were: Elsie Gan Yip Peng and Margaret Soh.  I am sure all of
them are grandfathers and grandmothers by now.  School going time were the happiest
moments in our life.

Reading books on health can be very helpful.  One can get lots of pointers on how to be healthy.
In one book, the author mentioned that one needs to work hard on one's education; one needs
to work hard on one's career; and one needs to work hard to maintain good health.  I really liked
the last point - that one must work hard for one's health.  Your health won't take care of itself,
nor can one maintain good health by just taking pills.
One must really work those muscles by exercising; pump the heart hard by jogging. running or
the treadmill in the gym.  Yes, one must literally "sweat it out" - and it feels great, with the sweat
oozing from your brows.  One feels invigorated, on top of the world.  It's a good feeling - so to all
those couch potatoes, go out and work those muscles - use it, or lose it.

A few mornings ago, whilst jogging, I came across quite a big group of people listening to a lecture
on Health and Physical exercise.  The speaker advises the listeners to do 10,000 steps of walking
a day as a healthy lifestyle.  I liked that.
They also set-up several booths displaying proper food intake, additional exercises, stress tests etc.
There is a booth for prospective donors for their organs upon their death.  They'll accept only from
those who are healthy, no high blood pressure and non-diabetic.  I qualify on health issues and signed
up as a donor.  I feel happy that I'm contributing something back to society.  This is all the more reason
why I must keep myself healthy - no matter what it takes.

A newspaper article wrote: "Live to a healthy 90, but how".  One of the suggestions given:
KNOW YOUR PURPOSE:  By articulating your values, passions, gifts and talents, you'll
be able to find a reason for living a longer and more fulfilling life".

I agree.  This is one of the reasons in indulging in this blogspot.  You are being given a space
to give expression to your feelings and views.  That's the serendipity. It's a privelege and I
feel great and grateful.

I have been indulging in the hobby of carpentry for several years already.  This is a very creative
hobby, very challenging; one needs lots of patience as one invariably makes mistakes and needs
to redo the project.  And its most satisfying and one feels proud with the result; one feels triumphant!
The constructed piece could be a small table for the kitchen or a bookshelf - it's your own make!
Great! There are many magazines for wookworkers and you can really be busy and absorbed
with the projects.  I'm passionate about this hobby - more on this later.

 On 15th of February 2012, just a few days away, I'll be 74 years old.  Just to recap,
on my life's journey:  from age 20 to 55, working in the government service; from age
57 to 64 working in the private sector; from 65 till now as a pensioner.
Now with my wife, helping to take care of our grandchildren; from ages 12 to 1 year old.
This keeps us busy and we dote on the children.  We are happy to be useful and its
important that we keep ourselves healthy.
As George Bernard Shaw stated:  "I want to be thoroughly used up when I die .....
Service is the rent we pay for the privelege of living on this earth."

Here are a few words of wisdom which give me a deep impression:

"Man does not cease to play because he gets too old,
Man grows old because he ceases to play."  George Bernard Shaw

"We have enough religion to make us hate,
but not enough to make us love one another."  Jonathan Swift (1667 - 1745)

"I do feel that all experiences, even if they are painful and unwanted,
can be enriching.  I think unless you have known profound sadness,
you don't really know what profound happiness is. Perhaps you can't
have real joy and contentment unless you've known deep sadness too."
Princess Diana's mother, Francesi

"There is much tomfoolery in the practice of religion"   Jawaharlal Nehru

When one reads the newspapers, the front pages are usually filled with grim news of political
intrigues, conflicts and confrontation.  It makes for dismal reading.  I'm filled with nausea.
Turning to the back pages, on the sports news, one reads on the triumphs of the athletes.
We read and rave on the achievements of our world number one badminton player,
Lee Chong Wei and our Nicol David, the world number one squash champion. Their
achievements make for inspiring reading.  The superb performance of Rafael Nadal,
Roger Federer in the sports of tennis, too, are a pleasure to read.  These athletes are
passionate about their chosen sport and enjoyed every minute of it -  and reaped the
rewards.  Great!

Am having some problems with my internet connection - my router is giving some problems -
I can't log in - and am now using the local library wifi connection - not the cosiest of place
to do this posting.  Hope to overcome this interconnection problem asap.

I am stupefied and saddened by the carnage at the Catholic churches in Nigeria on Xmas day.
Islamist militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility.  As a Muslim,  I feel terribly saddened
by these dastardly acts perpetrated by Muslims.  All Muslims everywhere should categorically condemn
this heinous crime and hope that the perpetrators be hauled up, tried and hanged, just like what
the Indonesian government did to the Bali bombers.
The Nigerian authorities should do the same. Justice must be seen to be done.  In one English
newspaper in Malaysia, condemning the bombings, the Foreign Ministry made this statement:
The taking of innocent lives and infliction of serious injuries constitute an unforgiveable and
inhuman act. The commission of such an act against a place of worship and during a mass
congregation to mark a day of religious significance is even more deplorable.
I agree.  One is reminded of the words of Edmund Burke:  "All that is required for the triumph of
evil is that good men remain silent and do nothing".