7 June 2026

Is relearning Morse same as Remorse?

Nearly five years ago, I read this book, “Beginners,” by Tom Vanderbilt. In fact, I had written a review of it here. One of the many memorable learnings from there I had was that “The brain wants to be puzzled and learn something new. It likes learning for learning’s sake. Taking gaps in learning – and making mistakes again – solidifies learning.”

The point is that when you are learning something now, take a break after some time. And then come back to it again. The brain is rechallenged to learn, but already has a better basis. Making mistakes again and recognizing that the same mistakes were made before actually cements the learning in the brain for later recall.

I recently put that to the test.

About nine months back, I spent some time learning Morse code. As you can imagine, it was not easy for an old guy like me, and I would often confuse myself. After a few weeks, I stepped away from it.

And then picked it up again earlier last week. On the first day, I recognized some of my old mistakes (”F” and “L” – which one has the dash in second place and which one has it in third place? Or “G” and “W” – they are opposites of each other, but which one has the dot in the front and which one in the end?)

Funny thing… From day three onwards, it has been perfect recall. Every single time. I am reading sentences and writing them out in Morse code (by hand, not with a Morse machine) without making a single mistake.

Fascinating how the brain works.

Category: Musings | LEAVE A COMMENT
6 June 2026

From one nomad to another

I have this friend – Christine Santos – who is a crazy traveler. She and her husband own a coffee place – Boarding Pass Coffee – in downtown Alpharetta. This is where I end up with Jay Jay every Saturday morning and at times on weekdays too.

I was in there this morning when Josh called out, “Raj, Christine left something for you!”

“What does she have for me?” I asked, a bit curious.

-o-

Turns out Christine got me a gift from her country #74 (seventy four!!) – Georgia!

I have never been there. I will find out more from her and try to land up there some day myself!

Category: Downtown Activities | LEAVE A COMMENT
5 June 2026

My first senior citizen discount!!

Well, technically, the second time. Crossing 60 puts me in a different age group in the 5K races. While it has not gotten me any medals, it has at least moved me from the end of the group to the middle. My plan to eventually get a medal is deeply rooted in outliving all those other sexagenarians.

Back to my story.

I had this brilliant thought: I will try some floating exercises in the pool today so I do not forget what the coach told me. However, in my new house, I am fresh out of a pool. So, I decided to give it a try at the local community pool.

I explained to the lady in the front that I am a beginner and I just wanted to practice. What should I do? She told me that all the lanes were first-come, first-served and were now occupied.

“Lanes??” I asked her, thoroughly perplexed. “I want something that will stop me from getting into your lanes by mistake. I just want to be in the 4-5 feet area and try floating on my back.”

“Oh, you can come in then.”

“How much do I owe you?” said I.

“$7”.

Now, there was a young gentleman sitting next to her listening to our conversation. A bit bemused, no doubt.

He suddenly piped up.

“Are you from Alpharetta?”

“Yes,” I said. “Walking distance from here”.

“Then it is $5!” said the original lady. “Can I have your license?”

I was more than glad to hand it to her and save two dollars trying to keep my head above water.

“Are you over 60?” she asked.

In my mind, I was going, “YOU HAVE MY LICENSE IN YOUR HAND. DO THE MATH.”

In real life, I sheepishly nodded.

“Then it is $2 only.”

That sheepish nod became a bit more vigorous upon hearing about the windfall.

… …

That was pretty much the only victory I had this evening.

Once in the pool, there were only a few noticeable differences between the Titanic and me.

Ah, well!

Category: Swimming | LEAVE A COMMENT