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.