Book on "beautiful" minds by Edward De Bono

Recently, I saw in a KL bookstore Edward De Bono' s attractively titled book How To Have a Beautiful Mind. Dr. De Bono' s previous books on Lateral Thinking and Positive Revolution are still available in town for those of us who are interested in enhancing both realms of the brains and contributing to a more creative and balanced environment for all.

More money needed to feed starving Africans

The World Food Programme (WFP) has revealed that $360 million are urgently needed to assist people in East Africa suffering from hunger. It is time for the world to solidarise as one race' for a common cause. (Of course, individual Good Samaritans in Malaysia and/or elsewhere must be advised to donate only to legally approved organisations and not any persons or groups appearing on the streets or in cyberspace').

UN begins food drop operations in East Africa

By now, the UN has probably begun its food supply operations to save lives in East Africa. Let us all wish the humanitarian effort a success. Let us also pray for the safety of all men and women doing the works.

Books for knowledgeable inter-idea dialogues

Whether we agree or disagree with Karen Armstrong, the many books as well as other writings of Britain''s acclaimed writer on comparative religion can provide very good food for thoughts for all to explore the similarities and differences among' various faiths and their practices. According to her studies, mercy and compassion is' a value central' to all the world religions, 'but it is also often overlooked by the faithfuls. To be sure, 'in real life on earth, 'there are also many theists without religion and also atheists who are better persons than some faithfuls. In the English-speaking world nowadays, the case for atheism is best presented by Sam Harris who also authored several books in America. Karen Armstrong''s and Sam Harris'' books are not banned in Malaysia.

Heartbreaking to see East African kids hungry

Watching straving kids in East Africa on world news is heartbreaking. Hope more governments, inter'-governmental agencies and also non'-governmental organisations' could help them' speedily and generously. Saving a life in a situation like this is, as an old Chinese saying goes, better than building a seven'-storey pagoda ('for glorifying deity/ies').

M'sia establishes diplomatic ties with Vatican

The establishment of' diplomatic relations between' Malaysia and' the Vatican is undoubtedly a fairly positive and historic decision made in Malaysia's diplomacy. However, there are still some really undeniable problems relating to inter-faith relations to be resolved domestically. Hopefully, the relations' would facilitate more civilisational dialogues within Malaysia on the twin principles of equality and mutual respect. Listening to one another (and reading each other''s books, articles or other publications)' with patience and equanimity' could help to bring about good results to dialogues and ideational exchanges of all kinds.

In memory of friend Dr. Lo' Lo' Mohd. Ghazali

It is sad to hear that my friend and PAS' MP for Titiwangsa Dr.' Lo' Lo' Mohd Ghazali has just passed away at 54' in KL. I still' remember very vividly' we exchanged many thoughts and ideas in mid'-2000's' on how to better understand' our multethnic and' multireligious nation as well as to make it an inclusive society for everybody. I also remember she called me the morning after she had won the Titiwangsa constituency and said': "James, saya sudah memang ! ". 'Rest in peace, 'my friend. I also wish to extend my deep condolences to the family of' Dr' Lo' Lo'.

Charlie Chaplin's unforgettable movies online

Some of Charlie Chaplin's unforgettable black-and-white movies, such as City Lights and The Gold Rush are' also available in the cyberspace now. Charlie Chaplin once entertained millions of people with a sense of decent humour at a time when the world was facing many troubles.

John Hemingway runs with bulls in Pamplona

John Hemingway, the grandson of the legendary American author and journalist Ernest Hemingway ( 1899-1961 ), was in Pamplona in Spain "to run with the bulls" at' the still very popular Festival of San Fermin. Ernest Hemingway was the author of, among other well'-known works of American literature, The Old Man And The Sea. 'He was presented the Nobel Prize for Literature for 1954, "for his mastery of the art of narrative, 'most recently demonstrated in 'The Old Man And The Sea" and also "for the influence he has exerted on the contemporary style'.

Farewell to learned friend Raja Aziz Addruse

Indeed, it is sad to hear that Malaysia''s leading constitutional lawyer and also a personal friend of mine Raja Aziz Addrus has passed away just now at 75. 'Raja Aziz Addrus was a knowledgeable, thinking and compassionate man, 'who was always ready and willing to hear, 'with patience, 'contrarian opinions as well as ideas from younger persons. I was indeed privileged and honoured to be his friend. Rest in peace.

Inter-generational talks as a two-way process

Inter-generational dialogues for the ICT century is certainly not a one-way transmission of time-tested wisdom from elderly generations to younger ones. It is a process of two-way communications for younger people to' share their ideas and'/or knowledge with their elderly ones. Inter'-generational mutual respect contributes to harmony in families.

More inter-generational dialogues for ICT age

To ensure that our' children and youths are not negatively influenced by certain extremely unhealthy and' "really wild" materials now easily available in the cyberspace, there is' a pressing need for more' inter-generational dialogues' and also collabrative efforts 'among teachers, parents and grandparents to promote healthy, cultured and educated programmes ( songs, music, books, writings and movies, etc ) to fill up younger minds' with critical thinking and ability for self'-discipline.

Elderly netizens' love & worry in ICT century

While elderly friends who have mastered the' skills of surfing the Net usually' feel happy to be able to find the 'old'' songs, pictures, movies or writings they like in the cyberspace, many of them also worry that some extremely unhealthy and' "really wild" elements may also affect negatively' the process of' character formation of their grandchildren. Responsible adults should always bersembang'-sembang with children and youths so that they understand the differences' not only between reality and fantasy, but also those of real situations which took place in dissimilar time (1169 CE & 1921 CE) and / or space (Baku & Lima) and under circumstances' and conditions which cannot be reproduced.

'Old' English songs still popular in cyberspace

It is pretty evident that some good 'old' English'-language songs, like Green Green Grass of Home are still fairly popular in the cyberspace. Many of these really memorable songs can also be found in karaokes.

Bullfighting season still stirs passions in Spain

Bullfighting will be proscribed next year in Catalonia, but the passions for the highly controversial tradition persist in other regions in Spain. Why do bulls instinctively turn aggressive when they see red objects ?

Lively development of music talents in China

Lu Si-qing's violin concerto of The Butterfly Lovers is as enjoyable (to me') as Lang Lang's piano concerto of The Yellow River. China seems to have invested considerably in the development of talents in music. China has already impressed the world with its athletes' performance.

Very happy party with truly memorable songs

All of us who attended Aunty Catherine' s dinner were very happy. We sang many ''old'' songs in Chinese and English with the aid of Karaoke. Nowadays, there is a wide selection range of songs for all age groups. Many of us enhanced English language procifiency by singing songs in the 1970's' where television programmes were still in black and white.

Thailand's military accepts opposition victory

Thailand's' military has reportedly indicated that it accepts the result of the general elections. Earlier, ex'-PM Abhisit had also gentlemanly conceded defeat and congratulated Ms.Yingluck's party that had won. Hopefully, political stability as well as social peace would return soon for the betterment of the Thai economy and Thai people' s livelihood.

Ms. Yingluck to become first female Thai PM

The 'red' Pheu Thai Party led by Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra has won the general elections in Thailand. The sister of Thaksin is set to become the first female prime minister of the Buddhist-predominant country. Womenfolks in Thailand can stand as candidates and also cast votes.

Happy red occasion with younger generation

Josephine Lee, a daughter of' Aunty Catherine as well as my younger friend, married yesterday. Besides the traditional Red Packet, 'I also gave her and her husband Patrick Choong a basket of red roses. The night before, I attended the family dinner hosted by Aunty Catherine and' met more younger friends and some older neighbours from Ipoh. Josephine and Patrick have gone for honeymoon with blessing in red.