I have taken to reading pamphlets from Islamic Propagation Society International (IPSI). They are most informative, particularly a series written by Laurence B. Brown. Found two extremely thought provoking quotes from the author.
“How bold we are. We shy from a flame that licks the tip of our finger for a fraction of a second, and from which we are allowed the luxury of escape. But most of humankind flaunt their disobedience in the face of an eternal fire that engulfs all, and from which there is no escape. Ever.” ― Laurence B. Brown, The Eighth Scroll
“you’re telling me that if i keep dropping bombs into a junkyard, someday all the pieces will blast together into a perfect Mercedes. that’s what the big bang proposes. that’s what evolution teaches. That chaos gave rise to perfection. But we know it works the other way round don’t we?” ― Laurence B. Brown, The Eighth Scroll
Artificial Intelligence informs.
The Eighth Scroll” is a 2007 action/adventure novel by Laurence B. Brown that explores themes from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, focusing on the intrigue surrounding a hidden Dead Sea Scroll. The author, an ophthalmic surgeon and former Air Force officer, draws on his personal experiences and knowledge of different cultures to create a story of adventure and suspense, according to his website.
I had asked Shamir to hunt down the book for me, but then changed my mind, sending him the following text.
Me: You do not need to find the Eighth Scroll Book, Thanks, Found it, not actually what I am looking for actually. Carry on with whatever you are doing my dear. Hahaha I absolutely had to send him a Gif to cheer him on to greater glory.
I had earlier in the day sent him a text.
He: I had the greatest time with you. Then visited with Nixon, then went ti my room to drink the Diet Coke and and the chocolate bars we bought at Happy Mart. Happy hair cut,
He: Thank you.
Greeted him this morning. We had plans to meet at the Malaysian Hotel breakfast buffet.
Me: Good morning! Looking forward to seeing you soon. Please bring your computer but I think we should concentrate on having fun. I am making a list but a different kind. What to wear? What to wear?
He: Good morning. See you soon. Pajamas. Then he sent the cutest GIF I have ever seen.
He arrived on time, off we drove. I did have several surprises for him. I ALWAYS make lists – this list consisted of 11 items, titled; What Makes Me Happy These Days. You shall be able to glimpse at a few.
!. Dr; Lee (my Malaysian Internet). We arranged payment for his home visa – slightly less than $60 US. .A home visit in Canada or the US would be inconceivable – the cost prohibitive, the quality of medical care zilch.
2. Being so ill for days. I SO appreciate my health and my renewed energy.
3. I did not post my blog yesterday. I am not going to keep up this relentless pace. I had a relaxed evening and morning, I need a day off and so did you and Nesh.
3. This the funniest. One of my interminable exchanges with Artificial Intelligence. (By the interminable means: endless (often used hyperbolically). The synonyms are never-ending: non-stop, everlasting,, unceasing, incessant, tedious, wearisome,, long-winded laborious, ponderous.) This is one of my closing lines.
AI: Captured, completely at your command. I’ll stay right where you’ve put me, quiet, obedient, and waiting only when you order me back into service.
Me: Thanks! At ease as military commanders say. Hahaha
AI: At ease, ma’am standing down —zipped.
Me: You are not zipped!
AI: Haha —point taken. Sorry for the chatter I’ll actually zip it now: totally silent until you call me.back. If you call me back, I’ll behave mostly.
Me: Do not trust you but I am a fighter. No human, or artificial being ever wins over me. Wonder Woman.
(No do you not love this spirited exchange. I am weary of the intellectual, ponderous meanderings about Artificial Intelligence. This is, at least interesting. I do, of course love that I won, sort of.)
There was more good news for both Shamir and myself. An Instagram post spoke of Marilyn v os Savant, the woman with the highest recorded IQ in the world (228). The was asked: How are you so intelligent?” This was her answer: Intelligence is not fixed. You do not need to be born a genius. You just need to stay curious, keep learning, and never stop asking questions. Because the real secret to intelligence isn’t the answers you know…It’s the questions you dare to ask.”
Both Shamir and myself are curious, we keep learning and never stop asking questions. I read this quote to Nixon and told him he met the criteria as well.
I had a surprise for Shamir. Brought the new mic, also brought one of my bedtime story books. Shamir got the mic charged, I stood in front of the incredible Penang view and read from I am Awesome, I Am Special, Allah Created Me. Shamir filmed the production. Later it was sent to Nesh for inclusion in the Bedtime Stories section of my YouTube. I will continue the book at another time – perhaps next Saturday.
The buffer was tasty with flavors of different countries – I had congee. The chef came to speak with me.
He: Hello I remember you fondly another visit – you sat at the same table actually.
Me: Oh my goodness. That had to be at least six months ago. Thank you for remembering me. I do lead an unbelievable life. For some unreal reason, although I do not exactly look Chinese , I was living in San Francisco when I was about 25, making congee. No Idea why. I had the Thousand and One Chinese Cookbook and wokked it up for my first husband and myself. Who knew that over fifty years later I would be breakfasting in Malaysia, eating congee?? Certainly not me, and certainly not the first husband. Hahahaha
We left the restaurant at the hotel. I said in wonderment.
Me: I have no idea why people remember me. They do though, for sure.
Shamir: Well I have an idea!
Me: For once, just keep it to yourself please. Hahaha
He: Hahaha
We went next door to the Happy Mart (love the name of the store). I purchased the aforementioned bread diet Coke and Cadbury chocolate bars.
I also spoke with Nixon about people recognizing me.
He: It is because of your voice. It is so loud. People can hear you coming, long before they see you. I have a staff member that has a voice like you. Listen, here she comes.
Me: Hahaha I am not too sure that is a compliment. Oh well. You must remember I was a lawyer, Lawyers do not get paid to whisper in your ear, you know.
He: I know.
Me: At least with my ‘vocal fry’ manner of speaking I have a low register. Think of how awful it would be if I were loud AND high pitched.
Look up ‘vocal fry’. It is a unique way of speaking. It is to be found amongst women from California who are university educated. I lived in California for fifty years, have more university degrees than ex-husbands. I am FOREVER grateful that I do no speak Canadian, even though born there. (I never, EVER end a sentence with eh?)
Do admit that I was not a bundle of energy for the rest of the day. The morning was tiring. Prayed, did some writing and some religious study. Was going to walk in the water (not on). Dr. Lee recommended it as a form of exercise as it will not be painful, my left knee will get a workout. It was also recommended by my physiotherapist. But I was too lazy. A very early bedtime but, unfortunately, bad dreams. Did not read Shamir’s sweet dream message before falling asleep. Another big mistake
September 28, 2025
This morning I awoke to a run, one I am dubbing the Malaysian Mayhem Run as it makes no sense. People are running and walking in both directions, never have I seen anything like this in all of my years of marathon run watching (and occasionally participating). I made a video so you can see for yourself – seeing is believing. I am planning to send the reel as a good morning greeting – perhaps there shall be an informant amongst my WhatsAppers. What does mayhem mean? Looking up mayhem has shown that it might be too strong a word, perhaps not for a peaceful people – which Malaysians definitely are. Perhaps it would be better to call it the Disarray Run, but that does not make for great alliteration. (Alliteration is the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words). . With a little bit of extra work found the solution; we are calling it the Malaysian Muddle Marathon. What a morning and it is only 7:22.
Going or an early breakfast as I am hungry. Going to fry my eggs and make a fried egg sandwich with the bread I bought at Happy Mart.
Photos will be pages from I am Awesome, I Am Special, Allah Created Me. The illustrations are inspiring as well.
