'Surprised by Joy'

"Surprised by joy -impatient as the wind I turned to share the transport - Oh! with whom But Thee,..." by William Wordsworth

"What are you reading?"

This is a question that is asked of me from time to time. So, then, what I am I currently reading?

Well, I normally read a number of books at the same time. Also I have a number of papers and magazines which are a part of my daily, weekly or monthly staple diet of reading.

Curently, my reading looks something like this:

Daily: Financial papers 'Malaysian Reserve' and 'Financial Edge Daily'. Rarely read the local papers as they are mainly political rubbish!

Weekly: "Economist" magazine..packed full of international news, business information and other subjects such as science, technology, book reviews and so on. "Weekly Edge" most weeks.

Monthly: "National Geographic", "Digital Photography", "Off the Edge", and "Autocar"

Cuurent book reading can be divided into areas of interest:

Politics: Just finished reading "The End of the Party" by Andrew Rawnsley, a fascinating account of the Blair and Brown Labor Party in the UK.

Religion: "The Inquisition" by Toby Green, a reminder of the dogmatic and authorative nature of religion when it has the upper hand in any society!

Business: "The House of Morgan" by Ron Chernow, a page turner, detailing the history of the family, the personalities and bank of J.B. Morgan; a great insight into early American and international banking and the men involved. A great book! Chernow is a good author.

Philosophy: "An Inquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals" by my old friend David Hume, who helped free us from the idea that morals are only from God, and are really just standards that human beings develop in all societies to enable us to get along with each other...and oursleves!

"The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by another old mate, Adam Smith, which I read constantly as it is a part of my research, as well as enjoy, providing a fascinating insight onto human behaviour.

Biography: "The Life of David Hume" by E.C. Mossner, which is the best on Hume's life. Re-reading and enjoying again.

Self Help: "The Success Principles" by Jack Cranfield is always uplifting reading when I need a bit of encouragement or inspiration to keep going in life to achieve.

Love to hear what you are reading!

"It's About Discipline and Direction"

In his early acting days, Anthony Hopkins made a very important discovery: that the path to success in his career required the two key ingredients of discipline and direction.

Hopkins also made the interesting observation that: "What you choose at any hour or any day is what you are."

Be Sure You Can Deliver!

A little boy waiting for his mother to come out of the grocery store is approached by a man who asks, “Son, can you tell me where the post office is?”

The boy replies “Sure. Just go straight down the street a couple blocks and turn to your right.”

The man thanks the boy and says, “I’m the new pastor in town. I’d like for you to come to church on Sunday. I’ll show you how to go to heaven.”

The boy replies with a chuckle, “Oh, come on! You don’t even know the way to the post office.”

Be Careful How You Use the Bible!

In her radio show, Dr Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.

The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, penned by a US resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:

Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination ... End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of Menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14) I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan.

James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education University of Virginia


(It would be a damn shame if we couldn't own a Canadian :)

Watch Out, Roger Federer!

After many years, I took up the racket and enjoyed a game of tennis with my son's wife and the family whilst in Australia recently.


The crowd were on their feet. How could I ignore them!

The defensive backhand, then the crashing forehand!

Winding up for the big serve!

Getting by with a little help from my little friend!

..and back in the winner's circle again!

Sunset Over Coff's Harbour, New South Wales Australia

As the sun was setting over the harbour, the sky displayed its reddish hues to our delight!