On Sunday Nov 17th, I took part in the Penang International Bridge Marathon.  There were more than 47,000 runners from all over the world who took part in this historic bridge marathon.  I loved every moment of it, sweating it out from 6:30 a.m - when the sun is just about coming out of the bridge - a splendid scenery.
I completed the 10 km category in about 75 minutes - not too bad, I think, considering the fact that I am now 75 years old. I felt great.

I sent an email to the local paper, making comments on a controversy that is going on and which saddens me.  Here it is:

We often hear of religious sensitivity and we are often reminded to be sensitive to this sensitivity (sic).
Here is what Professor AC Grayling, University of London, has to say:  "People should be left to believe what they like, so long as they harm no one else.  Apart from normal expectations of politeness, it is not however clear why people should require their personal beliefs to be treated with special sensitivity by others, to the point that if others fail to tip-toe respectfully around them they will start throwing bombs."

Now, its "bombs away" on both sides of the religious divide.

As former prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru lamented:  "There is much tomfoolery in the practice of religion."

I agree.  Religion should make us better human beings, full of love and compassion.  Apparently this is a paradox.

The above letter was printed in full.  I am happy.

I like this very interesting article - it's from The Independent, written by Natalie Haynes entitled: "Why aren't more people walking?" inter-alia:
There's nothing I like more than a report which reaffirms exactly what I already believe, but with numbers.  And this week, Macmilan Cancer Support and the Ramblers have provided exactly that.  "Walking Works" is the title of their study, which is probably what you can expect when you get ramblers to pay for a research project.  But never mind the potential bias: of course walking works.  Walking is the most fun you can have in sensible shoes, and those are the only kind I like.
According their report, it's also a life-saver, helping us fight off heart disease, various cancers, strokes and type 2 diabetes.  All that from something which also gets you to and from work, or the shops, or the park.  That's another reason to love a walk: unlike most exercise it has a secondary purpose.  It gets you somewhere you need to be anyway, and it saves you from getting travel sick on the bus.
Walking is the best way to learn a city (ideally by day).  It takes very little time to find the back streets which have less traffic and pollution, and if it means you turn up everywhere with slightly mussed hair and pink cheeks: so be it.

I really like the above article.  It reaffirms my believe in indulging in walking, jogging and sometimes in 10 km mass runs which I occasionally participate.  It's my adrenalin rush - to be drenched with sweat after the run.  I do hope more people take to walking or jogging - it's the most fun way of getting healthy.

In the news: "Muslim girls cannot skip swim classes".  A court in Berlin ruled that Muslim girls must take part in  school swimming lessons with boys, in a landmark decision that touches on the sensitive relationship between religion and the state.

I believe this Muslim dress predicament will emerge more and more world-wide, in schools, work-places etc. where Muslims will be disbarred because of their dress.  It is up to Muslims now to come to grips with the reality of living in the 21st century or find themselves more and more isolated.

I feel sad over this development.  I believe one must be in tune with the dynamics of living in this modern world, and not cling to 14th century style of dress where the person will stand out like a square peg in a round hole.

Mike Perham - Sailing the Dream - The amazing true story of the schoolboy who sailed single-handed around the world.  This is a good, inspiring book, which I am reading.  At the age of seventeen, Mike Perham joined the select band of sailors to achieve that feat.

Despite the boat's being knocked over and battered by the oceans and having to put in for damage repairs that turned the trip into a nine-month odyssey, Mike battled on, surfing down fifty-foot waves at speeds of up to 28 knots to realize his goal.

Yet through all the difficulties, Mike's positive attitude shines through.  Sailing the Dream is an inspirational and thrilling tale of adventure on the high seas, and of how you can be as big as the dreams you dare to live.

I read the above book from the local library.  What a good read.

Professor AC Grayling (University of London) was asked this question: What would you say to someone who argues that we need religion, whether or not any religious doctrine is true, because religion gives us spirituality, rituals, etc?

"I say that such pleasures and relaxations as a country walk, dinner with friends, an afternoon in an art gallery, attending a concert or the theatre, intimacy with a loved one, lying on a beach in the sun, reading and learning, making things, are all "spiritual exercises" in their refreshment, strengthening, and promotion of connections with others and the world - these are the only "rituals" and observances required for an intelligent appreciation of what is good and possible in human life."

I like that very much.

This 31st August, 2013 will be Malaysia's 56th Independence Day.  All Malaysians will be celebrating this day of independence - and it's a Public Holiday.  I am sure all Malaysians aspire to live in peace and harmony with each other. There will always be some pinpricks here and there, between the various races and religions that make the nation of Malaysia - but if we are all mindful of each other's sensitivities and show tolerance, we will be able to bear these pinpricks as being part of the reality of a multi-racial and multi-religious nation.
I am of the opinion that we are that much more richer for the variety of cultures and religions.  We all must enjoy each other.  Life is to be savoured in all its variety.

Family group -photo on Hari Raya Day, August 8th, 2013.  Happiness - with all my nine grandchildren and their mothers!  Only once a year - when all will gather together - these are my moments of happiness.  Now they all have gone back to their respective houses.

Tomorrow will be the end the month of Ramadan - one month of fasting - in which I am indulging.  It's an enriching experience - to voluntarily go without food and drink from dawn till dusk - and to feel the hunger pangs.  One really has to experience this.  It can be quite uncomfortable.  One feels tired, listless and sleepy.
One also develops an extraordinary feel to the sense of smell as one salivates at the smell of food.  But miraculously, after a few days of fasting, one gets used to it - the body has accepted the new situation.
And then comes the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a joyous occasion.  It's a family affair.  All my four sons, with their wives and children will come and visit us for a family do.  These are moments of happiness for me and my wife.

I am now reading the autobiography of Nelson Mandela: "Long Walk to Freedom".   On page 77, he said: ....Part of my salary was spent on even more vital item - candles - for without them I could not study.  I could not afford a kerosene lamp; candles allowed me to read late into the night.  I was inevitably short more than a few pence each month.  Many days I walked the six miles to town in the morning and the six back in the evening in order to save bus fare.  I often went days without more than a few mouthful of food, and without a change of clothing. A friend, who was my height, once gave me an old suit of his and, assisted by considerable stitching and patching, I wore that suit every day for almost five years.  In the end, there were more patches that suit.

One marvels at this fantastic, incredible suffering that he has gone through.  I feel humbled and considerable admiration at how he is able to go through life with all the suffering, cruelty and injustice meted out to him.
Reading him is an inspiration.

I posted another letter (email) to the local press yesterday. I hope it gets printed, if not, I'm now publishing it here.

"I am in a state of puzzlement. There is a tendency for some Muslims to over-react, display temper tantrums over acts they consider as insulting their religion and eroding their faith.

I may be opinionated here, but I believe the religion of Islam cannot be insulted by non-Muslims. Neither would Islam be elevated if it is praised sky-high. Islam will remain as is. Only Muslims, by their acts of commission or omission determine the status of Islam and how it is regard by others.

My faith in my religion depends on me alone. It cannot be eroded by anyone else. It does not need protection.
My question is: why are some Muslims spitting out venom at others? Emotional maturity is at stake here - simply because you cannot control others, and acts "insulting Islam" will continue to provoke Muslims ad-infinitum. How long will Muslims continue to dance to the tune of others? Let them be."

I was prompted to write these comments when I read of lot of noises made by some Muslims that there are people who wrote or make comments derogatory to Muslims and the religion of Islam. My take on this predicament is simply to ignore them.

Happiness - is to see your letter (email) is printed in the mass circulation newspaper - theSundaily.
I commented on an article in which the writer asked several questions.  My comment entitled:
No man is an island
To the question: What can we do to reduce, if not eradicate, the feeling of exclusiveness? in "The dangers of exclusiveness?"
I would like to quote these words of wisdom, written more than 500 years ago:
"No man is an island, entire of itself ...... any man's death diminishes me, because I'm involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee."  - John Donne (1572 - 1631).

I am happy to see my letter in print.

On July 7, Sunday, my friend and I went to Ipoh for the Ipoh International Marathon.  My friend, one year younger than I, he's 74, went for the half-marathon (21 km) whereas I opted for the 10 km (quarter-marathon).  The run started at 7.00 a.m. and I completed mine in 70 minutes and my friend completed his 21 km run in 2 hours and 40 minutes.  We were both happy with our achievements.  I believe more than 5000 people took part in all categories - also the 7 km and 5 km for the school-children.
There is something to be said about taking part in competitive running.  You tend to put more effort and you feel energised as you are running with thousands of other runners.  My usual morning jog is more a casual affair and one tends to take it easy.  Yes, I love running.  It's my adrenalin, and I keep myself healthy.

On Saturday, June 22nd, my wife and I attended a wedding invite of a close relative.  Among the guests was one close relative whom we have not met for several years.  She asked for my age.  I told her I am now 75. She is 65 and her husband 70.  She mentioned that now her husband is suffering from amnesia - unable to remember and always forgetting.  Gosh, I sympathise with her plight.

I believe that brain atrophy can be avoided if we do constant exercise, to keep body and mind fit and strong.  
This means not only indulging in cardiovascular exercises and sweating it out, but also exercising the mental muscles by regular reading, writing and indulging in creative activities: in my case constructing wooden toys for my grandchildren.  They enjoyed the toys I constructed for them and I enjoyed seeing happily playing with something I have built.  Yes, use it or lose it - with reference to your body muscles and mental muscles.

I am now reading a book "You are brilliant" by Mike Francis.  He says: What if you could wake up in the morning thinking and feeling absolutely brilliant?

What if you could think and feel that way ALL day, EVERY day?

Do you think it is possible?  IT IS!

Discover the secret that YOU ARE BRILLIANT!  Let Mike Francis lead you into knowledge that, no matter what your circumstances are, past or present, you are always and always have been, brilliant.

Yes, I like this book, it's an exciting read - and I am learning all the time.

From 21st May to 25th, I was in Alor Star, an old friend who invited me to his house.  He also called two other friends, one from Muar and the other from Johor Bahru.  Interestingly, all of us are septuagenarians: I am 75, Kamal of Muar is 76 and Nara of Johor Bahru is 70.  This Alor Star friend, who invited us, Hanafi is 52.  We all share something in common.  We are all radio hams - radio amateurs, who like to contact each other via radio. This is an international hobby and radio hams regularly contact each other using the airwaves.
Our host, Hanafi, brought us around to visit other hams in Alor Star.  What an interesting time we all have.
Seldom do old people meet each other.  We are all mostly confined to our house, and the urge to go around visiting is no longer an urgent need.  So this meeting is somewhat special and memorable.

I am now reading two books:  "To Be A European Muslim" by Tariq Ramadan and "The People of China" by Shu Shin Luh.  These are books I borrowed from the public library.

A good read, books from the library, makes for an interesting and absorbing past-time.  I liked it.  I have been a regular borrower of books from the library for more than 40 years.  I find reading to be a revelation, helps to widen my mind, filled me with humility at the fact that I know so little.  And reading makes the world so interesting.  "Reading makes a full man" - how very true.

I had a good jog this morning.  I always feel invigorated after a good jog and sweating, and breathing hard.  Its a good feeling.  But this particular morning was special.  Out of the blue, a sweet young thing passed me by.  She was also jogging.  And something spectacular happened.  She gave me a sweet smile as she passed me by.  What a pleasant surprise.  I felt elated.  Happiness.  What a bonus.  I am a lucky guy.  It's a miracle.  Life is good.

 Yesterday, I sent this to "Letters to the Editor":

"PAS leaders (Islamic Political Party) insistence on the imposition of their brand of "hudud" law if they are elected into power, despite the many concerns shown by various people attest to their arrogance.

In our more than fifty years of independence, we have sailed through unscathed, although we have encountered some rough weather along the way.

Now our tolerance will be severely tested.  This symbiotic relationship between the various races would go asunder if the Islamic party continue to disregard the sensitivities of concerned Malaysians.

A universal problem with a religious based political party is that they have the mindset of being divinely right, and to question them is akin to questioning God.  All concerned Malaysians need to do now is to show our stance at the ballot box - no polemics required."

So far it is not printed.  Anyway, it is being published here in this blogspot.  I have had my say.

"Forbidden Lessons in a Kabul Guesthouse" by Suraya Sadeed with Damien Lewis is a terrific, very moving book.

Suraya Sadeed founded Help the Afghan Children in 1993 as a response to the humanitarian crisis she witnessed on a trip to her home country during the height of the Afghan civil war.  Since then, her work has been recognized and honoured at the highest levels of government in both Afghanistan and the United States.
In March 2006, she was recognized by President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush at the White House for her work in Afghanistan.

This the true story of one woman who risked everything to bring hope to Afghanistan.  Yes, she took a lot of risks, the trauma and the happiness of helping those Afghan children towards their education to enable them to rebuild their life and to a better future.  I feel humbled at the courage shown by Suraya and have great admiration at her contribution towards humanity.  She's an inspiration.

I am feeling triumphant.  My electronic project, using opto-sensors, relays connected to a car window motor is working fine.  My former working experience with electronics is still intact.  I could still wire up electronic components and make it to work.  That's happiness.  Earlier, I had constructed an electronic circuit, from the DIY Electronics section in the internet, Pump Control Circuit, and it worked.  Simply exciting.

I was apprehensive at first.  Trying to solder small components, resistors and capacitors and IC components - can be a formidable task.  I am now 75 years old, and my hands might not be steady enough to do soldering of these tiny components.  But I seem to manage OK.  Hence, I am feeling triumphant.  It is great.

Trying to master the Mandarin (Chinese Language) is much harder than I thought.  The same sounding word, with different emphasis (tones) can mean different thing.  And this the tough part.  You really have to use your tongue (roll it) to get the correct emphasis or else it's a disaster.  And you really have to listen carefully.  One really needs all one's faculty to enable one to understand this language.  I find this to be very challenging,
frustrating and fascinating.  I will continue to struggle and persevere.  Its a challenge - and its tough.  But I believe I will overcome.

In the book "Fit For Life" by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond, stated inter-alia:

The consumption of exclusively fruit and fruit juice in the morning is at the very heart of Fit For Life.
The second consideration pertain to the amount of time that should elapse between eating foods other than fruit and then eating fruit.  As long as your stomach is empty, you can eat all the fruit you wish over as long a period as you wish, so long as twenty to thirty minutes elapse before eating anything else. This will allow the time necessary for the fruit or juice to leave your stomach.  Juice and some fruits take less time, but twenty to thirty minutes is a good standard to use.  Bananas, dates and dried fruit need about forty-five minutes to one hour.

I am following the above good advice and I find it helps me.  Yes, I will do anything to improve my health.
Happiness is to be healthy.  Health is wealth is certainly something to hold up to.

Happiness!  My letter to the press got printed.  I feel happy.  This means my opinion is of public interest.  Considering the fact that only 2 or 3 letters were printed each day out of several hundred, I believe, being received, my opinion is relevant to the current political scenario.  And this paper, theSundaily, has a circulation of a quarter million - that's quite a number of readers.

I also believe that the opinions of readers are a good feedback on the current socio-political scenario.  The cumulative effect of all these ideas help to form that society, and we are all the richer for it.

Yesterday I sent off this letter to the press.  I hope it gets printed.  Anyway, here it is:  "Political Islam"

I believe a lot of people do not know this: Political Islam is a deviation!  According to former Egyptian Chief Justice Muhammad Said al-Ashmawy, the most natural consequence of bringing politics into religion is that the former debases the latter.

Because of his controversial views on political Islam, the Egyptian jurist has been on the hit-list of militants in his country.  He is surrounded by bodyguards most of the time.

In 1987, in "Political Islam", a book still being read by many, al-Ashmawy said that Islam was, from the beginning, an apolitical religion, concerned solely with spiritual and ethical guidance.  The form Islam has subsequently taken - as "religion and state" - for him is a deviation from and a perversion of that true conception.

Another consequence is that rulers who operate under the guise of political Islam acquire a certain degree of infallibility.  Their political statements will be seen as expressions of absolute truth and their political goals shrouded with religious sanctity.  When this happens, political issues cannot be commented upon, or even criticized.  "If you open your mouth, you will be accused of questioning God".

This is what is happening now in our country.  The political "ulama" (religious scholar) blatantly make pronouncements that question the religious faith of other Muslims who do not subscribe to their views.  This caused much dismay, confusion and antagonism between Muslims of different political belief.

Yes, people, these political "ulama" can fool some gullible people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but they cannot fool all of the people all of the time.  I do hope this revelation is a wake-up call to all thinking Muslims!

I am now reading this book: "The Human Body" by Derek Hall.

The introduction states: The human body can be thought of as a complicated living machine.  It needs energy in the form of food to make it work, it has its own in-built monitoring systems, and it can usually be repaired when it fails.  The result of millions of years of gradual modification and improvement, the human body is versatile and adaptable and is capable of performing remarkable physical and mental feats.

I am now 75 years old and I find that I have a lot to learn - and there are many gaps in my knowledge.  To know how my body works should be very interesting.  What a revelation.  Its fascinating, fantastic even.  I am excited when reading this book.  Yes, life is an adventure!

I like some of these quotations -  they are worth repeating:

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

William Henry Davies,  1871 - 1940

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)

No man is an island, entire of itself .......
Any man's death diminishes me, because I'm involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.  

John Donne (1572 - 1631)


We have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.

Jonathan Swift, English writer (1667 - 1745)

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

I am now reading "At a Journal Workshop - Writing to Access the Power of the Unconscious and Evoke Creative Ability" by Ira Progoff, Ph.D

This is about cultivating the habit of writing all your thoughts, feelings, dreams into an Intensive Journal - I would like to do this in a small way.  When I read the Diary of a young girl, by Anne Frank - I am also inspired to keep a detailed dairy describing every day events.  One keeps on learning all the time.  Life can be exciting - and I look forward to each new day with enthusiasm.  I must keep on being active in all fields of human activity, with all its ups and downs. Life is an adventure - a journey without end - full of travails. That is the serendipity.

I am feeling great - my letter printed in the local newspaper.  Only 3 or 4 letters are printed out of several hundreds sent.  This shows my opinion is very relevant to the current social scenario.  And with this paper having a readership of approximately 300,000 - one can rightly feel proud that one's opinion is selected for printing.

All comments, opinions printed in the mass media have a definite impact on, and shape that society.  We all benefit by the various viewpoints.  There is richness in diversity.  We all can learn from each other.  That is the serendipity.  Live and let live is, I think, a good motto.

In response to an article which appeared in today's paper, I wrote the following comments:

"The concept of modern Islamic society and governance as envisioned by Pas Kuala Selangor MP, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is a political rhetoric that has been going on for decades and will continue to be so ad-infinitum.

As a septuagenarian and a non-member of any political party, I am not convinced that a 14th century Islamic governance - however modern - can be imposed on a 21st century multi-ethnic society without causing severe cultural shock, upheavel, if not utter chaos.

I would like to cite one small example of the strait-jacket mentality of Islamic governance in this country: women barbers are not allowed to cut men's hair.

All thinking Malaysians need to have a deep think on the article: "Banking on intellectual renewal" as described in the paper.  There is no such thing as renewal in Islamic governance.  I rest my case."

I don't know whether my comments will be printed or not - but at least it is now being published in this blog. Amen!

My wife and I are now regularly attending a Korean massage therapy.  This is a 40 minute therapy session, on a no-obligation free trial basis.  Those attending these massage therapy will lie on a bed on which jade rollers, heated by infra-red heat will roll beneath you, from the head down to the buttocks.  One can feel the hot rollers rubbing behind your spinal cord.  It is quite invigorating, and many of the attendees reported good health benefits after several sessions of the massage therapy.  I don't know yet how its effect is on me.  So far, my wife also has not revealed any physical effects as yet - maybe as we keep on trying it we may be able to derive some health benefits.

My eldest son, Mohd Shahfrin with his wife, Siti, and 3 children.  The girls are twins.  Simply lovely.

These are my four sons - I have no daughters - all of them are married, and togther they have nine children.
On the left is Reza, 3 children; Azhar, one daughter; Shahfrin: 3 children and Faizal: two children.

Anne Frank - The Diary of a young girl - I borrowed this book from the library.  I have read this book 50 years ago and I am now re-reading it.  The book still moved me - very touching and one could almost see her: she's alive again when you read her anecdotes, her feelings and her observations.
Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank's remarkable diary has since become world classic - a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit.  A truly remarkable book.  Reading it is a rich and rewarding experience.

This family photograph was taken two years ago.  It was taken during the family gathering to celebrate the Muslim festival - Hari Raya.  All my four sons, with their wives and children.  I love all of them, very much.
Looking at this family photo warms my heart.  I am the proud grandfather to all these lovely, adorable children.  My wife and I are very lucky and fortunate to have them.  As a septuagenarian, I ask for nothing more.

In the news: "Drunken row sparked Pakistan riot".  A drunken row between two friends was the trigger for blasphemy allegations that prompted a mob of angry Pakistani Muslim protesters to burn more than 100 Christian homes, police and witnesses said.  More than 3,000 Muslims rampaged through Joseph Colony, a Christian area of the eastern city of Lahore, on Sunday after allegations that a Christian had made derogatory remarks about the Prophet Mohammed three days earlier.

I feel very sad on reading the above news.  How stupid can people be.  Religious sentiments have caused havoc among religious followers.  Prof AC Grayling, University of London recently wrote:  "It (religion) 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.  It is far too often oppressive and distorting as regards human nature, and divisive as regards human communities."

How very true.  I am in full agreement with the Professor's views.

From the book: A World Without Islam - by Graham E. Fuller:
"Religion is an exceptionally powerful human force.  It deals with gut issues such as the 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 entire 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.

Given the extraordinary power of this force, can we be surprised that seats of worldly power should seek to harness the force of religion to their own ends?"

I like the author's views. We have political ulamas (religious scholars) who exploit the gullibility of his followers to gain power by getting themselves elected by quoting verses from the Quran. To me, they are hypocrites and they caused polarisation among Muslims of different political beliefs.  I feel dismayed at such happenings.

The youngest daughter of Reza/Aida:  Atifah - one and a half years old - pretty as can be.
A pretty picture is worth a thousand words.  What more can one say.  I am the proud grandfather!

                                                               A picture of happiness!                          

My youngest son, Reza and his wife, Aida with their two of three children.  They are staying with us - and we, my wife and I are happy to have them with us.

If the above is not a picture of happiness, what is?

These are two of my lovely, adorable grandchildren.  The smaller one is Aqif, 3 years old, and his elder brother, Araei, 6 years old.

Our refrigerator goes kaput - the compressor is not running - so it's not getting cold.  Called the repairman, and he serviced it - a few parts were replaced.  Last week, the family car gets overheated - and was repaired.  Both repair jobs tore a big hole in my pocket.  Gosh, we are really in financial straits - and we must really tighten our belts.  But I take comfort from the following words:

"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).

What a consolation - and I believe these words of wisdom can only come from people who has suffered a lot of deprivation and had to endure a lot of pain and misery.  I will endure.

"Keep moving for brain health" is a short article in the newspaper which inspires and interests me.  Inter-alia:
As we get older, one of the best ways to keep our brains sharp is by moving our bodies, researches claim in a new study.
University of Edinburgh researchers found that for people over 70 years old, regular exercise slowed down brain shrinkage - which is associated with memory and cognitive problems - over a period of three years, compared to people who did little exercise.

Plus the exercisers had fewer "damaged" areas in their brain's white matter and more grey matter - the parts of the brain with nerve cell bodies - than those subjects who weren't as active.

I like the above news.  Its enlightening and it motivates me further to go on with my physical activity - jogging, walking and playing table-tennis with my senior citizen friends. Yes, vigorous exercise, and a lot of physical activity really invigorates - one feels good.  Its good to be healthy and one must work hard to be in good health.

Writer Alina Tugard said she was particularly struck by Japanese attitudes towards mistakes, especially in schools, where students at the end of the day are encouraged to look at what work and didn't work, and then see how that could be corrected - thinking of things as a process rather than seeing results alone.

Gradually, her thinking changed until she now sees mistakes as part of the risks that can lead to discovery - although it's not the mistakes that are good, but what you learn from them.

"If we're being innovative, if we're trying different things, if we're experimenting and trying to be creative, we're more likely to make mistakes," she said.

She is making these observations in her book: Better by Mistake: The Unexpected Benefits of Being Wrong.
I think we all have a lot to learn from our mistakes.  We improve ourselves when we try to correct our mistakes.  Yes, we keep on learning - that's evolution.

When one of the political ulama (religious person) was asked on the recent governments aid to the people, the BR1M (RM500), he made disparaging remark on the gift. This angered a lot of people who felt very grateful for such a gift. Some retorted that he must be jealous.  To me, these political ulama are hypocrites, and I regard them with the greatest of repugnance.

An evocation of the superyoung view of aging (albeit in flowery, ecstatic terms):
"The years will  come and go, and you will pass from fleshy enjoyments into austerer but no less satisfying realms.  You may lose the keenness of muscle and appetite, but there will be gain to match your loss; you will achieve calmness and profundity, ripeness and wisdom, and the clear enchantment of memory."

From the book: "Secrets of the Superyoung".  What a good read.  I like it.  Once in a while, I read something which inspires and the above is one such instance.

I like this short article by one lady in the book "Life's Simple Pleasures" Edited by Red Guge - from The America Says Book Series:

What makes me happy?  I don't often think about happiness.  This is mainly because I was raised in the Catholic faith where happiness isn't allowed.  Filled with original sin, Catholic girls don't deserve happiness and, if by chance, happiness comes our way, we'd better feel guilty about it.  However, as I reach middle age, I've put enough distance between myself and the Church to enable me to feel, on occasion, a twinge of ----dare I say it ---  happiness.

This phenomena usually occurs in the morning with the dawn of a fresh new day, quiet and still.  This almost never fails to cause happiness to well in my heart -- a feeling, however fleeting, that, at least at this moment, all is right with the world.  An autumn morning in Connecticut makes me happiest.  I love the reds and yellows of the trees emerging through the mist, the cries of birds heeding South, a cup of strong coffee, a heavy sweater and a walk in the woods.  What more could the soul require?
--------Registered nurse (F) Age 39, Florida.

I like the above article.  I borrowed the book from the local library.  And now, what makes me happy?  Playing with my grandchildren - these are moments of happiness for me and my wife. Their laughter, their screams -  these are music to our ears.  Children are the most beautiful creatures on this earth.  I simply love and adore them.

"The benefits of regular exercise extend to the mind: the New England Research Institute's Strong-for-Life program found that older participants in this carefully controlled regimen of vigorous exercise not only experienced muscular improvements and greater endurance as expected, but also reaped a number of psychological effects: previously misdirected hostility was channeled into greater self-awareness, and futile forms of tension were converted into a quiet physical calm."

The above is from the book "Secrets of the Superyoung" by Dr David Weeks and Jamie James.
I can testify to the truth of their finding - as I have benefited a lot from my regular exercises. That is the serendipity.

 Nobel prize-winning American physicist Steven Weinberg said:  "Religion is an insult to human dignity.  With or without it, you'd have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things.  But for good people to do evil things, it takes religion."

Blaise Pascal said something similar:  "Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction."

Food for thought here.  I am getting more and more enlightened as I read more and more.

I have just received my BR1M (RM 500) along with a thousand or so recipients.

As a pensioner of some twenty years, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the government for this aid.  My wife and I are living at subsistence level with my small monthly pension, but we are able to make do as there is no car, house or school-going children to pay for.  Our needs are few and we are resigned to a frugal life, happily contributing towards the care of three of our grandchildren whose parents are out at work.

I am sure all the recipients of BR1M are filled with gratitude on receiving this gift as I do.

"All that is required for the triumph of evil is that good men remain silent and do nothing."  Edmund Burke.

I agree with what Edmund Burke said.  We all must voice our repugnance at any act of wrongdoing from anyone to anyone.  Any humanitarian act should be applauded.  Give love and you get love. I have my moments of happiness when I showered lots of love to my grandchildren.  I simply adored them and am at their beck and call.  Nothing makes me more happy than to make my grandchildren happy.

In the news:  "Age is no barrier"  -  Charles Eugster, 93, from London, now staying in Switzerland, said he became motivated to improve his body when he realized that he is getting fat and his health is deteriorating.  He began to train with weights three times a week at age 85.  Now he is actively in the sports of running, rowing and swimming. He wants to take part in the World Masters Rowing Regatta in Varese, Italy this September.

There is also a photo of him proudly smiling and flexing his muscles.  I like this piece of news.  Its inspiring, and further motivates me to work harder in my physical training to further improve my health.  I am just 75 years old and I feel great.

On this 15th of February, I will be 75 years old.  Gosh, how time flies and I am already three-quarters of a century on this earth.  I am still in good health - can still walk/jog about 5 km every morning and evenings play a game of ping-pong with my senior citizen friends in the club and enjoying myself tremendously.  Other times I will be playing happily with my grandchildren.  These are moments of happiness for me.  I am grateful that I have a good wife and adorable grandchildren.  What more do I want!

"Suicide bomber kills 21 at Pakistan mosque".  A suicide bomber detonated his explosives outside a Shiite mosque in northwestern Pakistan as worshippers were leaving Friday prayers, killing at least 21 people and wounding 36 in the latest apparent sectarian attack in the country.  Shiite Muslims in Pakistan have increasingly been targeted by radical Sunnis who consider them heretics, and 2012 was the bloodiest year for the minority sect in the country's history.

The above news saddened me.  I am simply puzzled why must people resort to killing others simply because the other party has different views or way of life.  I would like to believe this world is big enough to accommodate all of us human beings of whatever colour, belief, dressing or whatever.  We all must live and let live, the more varied the variety, the better.  We are all the richer by this diverse cultures.  Lets all enjoy life, each with their own lifestyles.

"Concern over imposition on non-Muslims" this was a piece of news printed in the papers recently.  This is the concern from some non-Muslims leaders over the ban on the use of the word "Allah" except by Muslims only.

There appears to be more and more unhappiness, bitter feelings verging towards animostiy between Muslims and non-Muslims in this country.  There was the demolition of a religious altar in the compound of a house by the town council officers and the big hue and cry over this action.

As a septuagenarian, I well remember the happy days of 1950s - 1960s, when during schooling, I was enjoying the friendship of fellow students of Chinese, Indian, Eurasians and other races - totally oblivious of our different religions.

With the advent of religious fervour from 1980 onwards, there is a visible increase in polarisation between the different races.  This is very sad.  I would like to believe that a religion is supposed to make a human being a better person, more loving, more caring and more human.  But in practice, this is not so.  We appear to be more estranged, more hostile to each other. No wonder, Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, former Prime Minister of India uttered this lament:  "There is much tomfoolery in the practice of religion".  I agree.

The internet has opened up new vistas for me - what a wonderful world this is - instant access to all
kinds of information - some good, some rubbish - its how you choose - its a jungle and very challenging.
I sometimes write letters to the press - a few gets printed.  Several years ago, the letters were printed out,
put into the envelope, duly stamped and posted in the post office.  Four to five days later, you would see
your letter or comments being printed in the newspaper.  Now, it's no longer so.  I just emailed my comments, and the next day I will see it in print.  It's really is wonderful.  I feel great. Its all instant now.
Unfortunately, most of my friends of my age, all septuagenarians, are not into computers.  Probably
they are intimidated by this new-fangled stuff, too alien to them.  More is the pity.

"The Really Useful Grandparents' Book" - by Eleo Gordon and Tony Lacey.  I am reading this fascinating
book, borrowed from the library.  It contains many useful articles which I can use when playing with
my grandchildren.  I have three grandchildren staying with me, aged 6, 3, and 1 1/2 years old.  They are
a delight to play with and this book has articles on cooking, camping, sewing, carpentry, making music
and so on.  The card games - it's a delight - and some simple toys to construct.  I look forward to have
more moments of happiness with my adorable grandchildren.
The authors themselves are parents and grandparents and they have done a wonderful job with this
very informative, and very interesting book.  Its great.

It's hilarious - when the leaders of a religious political party in Malaysia made big noises over the
Valentine's Day celebrations and issuing warnings to Malay youths not to indulge in such celebrations.
It will erode your religious faith, they claim.  To me, this is ridiculous. but to these religious people, it's
a very serious matter.  Gosh.
For several years, I regularly participated in the Terenggannu Sultan Mahmud International Bridge
Marathon, with runners from Japan, China, India and many other countries participating.  I was
surprised when, in one particular year, no run was held. When I enquired by phone, the answer
given was: Now we are under the Pas (Islamic Party) government, and the run is considered as "indecent"
(aurat).  I was stunned - it's beyond belief!

I am experiencing car problems - at first it was overheating, then the alternator went kaput, not
charging the car battery and had to be replaced.  These repairs tore a big hole in my pocket,
what with my meagre pension - it's really tough.  But lucky for me and wife, the son helped with
some of the expenditure incurred.  What a relief!
Another comfort - when faced with a lot of stress, as I am now experiencing, the morning jog/walk
ending in a lot of sweat gives me great relief and I feel quite invigorated after the run.  Another bonus,
sometimes a passing female jogger will give me a sweet smile - whew, I felt wonderful.  It's a good
feeling.  I feel I'm a lucky guy - and life is good.

There are many things that I should be grateful for.  I have a good wife, beautiful grandchildren and
live in a peaceful country with a good, caring government.  What more does one want?
Of course, in any society, we have problems - human problems.  We are experiencing snatch thefts,
youths on motorcycle grabbing women's handbags until the victim had a hard fall, suffering injuries
and some died.  Children being surreptitiously kidnapped and disappeared and the lack of maintenance
of public utillities.  We all need caring people to overcome or reduce these human predicaments.
We do have responsible people who are very much concerned over these problems and are
working hard to overcome them.  Alas, this is life - we go on living as best we could.

I am in a state of bewilderment - it appears that religious people are very emotional, given to
angry outbursts and agitate for drastic action to be taken against those whom they regard as trying
to blemish their religion.  I am talking about the big noises made by some Muslims here in Malaysia
over the use of the word 'Allah' in Christian bibles.  To me this is a non-issue but to some
Muslims they go berserk!  I am simply amazed - it's beyond belief.

I would like to think that religion is meant to uplift a person into a better human being.
In reality, this is not happening.  Religion appears to have polarised people, make them
to be suspicious of other people of other religion, and even become enemies.  How very sad.

It's been quite some time I update my blog:  I am feeling lethargic - and I don't know why.
Gosh, reading the news - all very dismal.  The girl who was raped, in India, and later died -
it's very sad.  How could such brutality be allowed to happen.
And in the Muslim world - there is a lot of turmoil - very tragic.
What cheers me up is reading the news in the Sports page.  Here athletes excel: whether
in badminton, tennis, football or whatever - the excitement of the game: it gives one the
adrenalin rush - moments of happiness!
That's why I'm continuing with my early morning jog and evening playing ping-pong with my
friends at the club.  It's invigorating, with all the sweat and your lungs filled with oxygen.
What more do you want.