A Sustainable Future

 

National Geographic Magazine is one of my must read reading material of all time. Not only I improved my use of vocabulary and diversify my writing techniques when I indulge myself in the articles, I get myself abreast of all the latest news and updates, especially on environmental discussions.

Recently, I found myself watching the National Geographic Live! Explorers Symposium featured in the Apple iTunes Podcasts. I couldn’t help but agree more with one of the discussions in the episodes – Seafood and Survival by Barton Seaver. He is not a scientist, but merely an observer. As a chef, he realized the importance of a meal to humans – it is where humans get together as a family. As he got older, he came to realize that the seafood he used for cooking has become exorbitantly expensive, and some of his favourite catches were no longer there for harvesting. It was then he said this, “As chefs, we are responsible for creating a demand of exotic food. We are the one who popularized shark fin soup and we are now in control of the natural selection of seafood species.” He believed that it is our duty as the harvester of our natural resources should use our natural resources wisely.

“Sustainability is not about the environment, it’s about sustaining people. We may have used an eco-friendly method to cultivate shrimps in farms, but having a shrimp buffet as a business is not a sustainable method. Sustainability failed on the human part.” He’s right! At the end of the day, we’ll be affected when the ecosystem collapsed. I can firmly say that ecosystem is there to support our living!

In short, we should really take a step forward and look at our dinner plates. You are indeed what you eat, but at the same time, the Earth’s wellbeing is what you eat too! So be responsible for what you consume.

I hate competitions

Sorry to say this, but I hate competitions very much.

Ever since I was small, I was put into competitions with my cousin sister and brother.

Then I was put into competitions again, from singing to story telling to whatever Chinese Know-it-all competitions, in which the Chinese class made me absolutely miserable.

Then in Secondary School, I was put into competitions again, this and that and everything else.

It was in UTAR in which I found no competition at all, I competed with myself.

Then I realized this, it wasn’t that I don’t like competitions, I just don’t like to compete with other people. It makes me miserable when I lose, and it makes the other party miserable when I win. Plus, I hated the idea of being put into comparison with others.

Now, I love the idea of competing with myself. Absolutely love the idea of self-competition.

Then here I am again, being put into a situation where I was being compared at what I’m not good at. I’m sorry to say that I’m not good at sports, so stop comparing! I tried my best every time and I compete with myself to do better each time.

So I guess I’ll have to say this, I’ll never join another competition that is all about winning. It’s not the winning that matters, it hurts me when people started comparing me with the others. I loath that idea. Hated it so much right now.

And don’t get me started on respect. How am I to respect another person if he doesn’t prove to be worthy of my respect? Respect is EARNED, not because you’re merely more senior than I am. Please, for heaven sake, stop all these childish games. Grow up!

Cold Autumn is Officially Here

With the chilling air brushing by every moment now, with some of the trees withering as day passes, I can firmly say that the cold autumn days are here

May he rest in peace…

On the 5th of October 2011, we shall remember the departure of this man who made so much impact in our lives. To Steve Jobs, who devoted his life to making us crazy about Apple, thank you for bringing design and innovation to the next level.

We shall miss you dearly.

Interesting Exams

Here are some examples of interesting exams I had to take in this semester:

Classical Music Appreciation:

Name the classical piano when it's being played during the exam.

 

Introduction to World Religion:

Write a book review out of the 5 books recommended, and I picked the book about Australian Aborigines.

 

Jing-Si Aphorisms:

Write a personal view of Jing-Si Aphorisms. Anything will do, from the origin to how it has changed people.

 

World Culture Studies:

No right or wrong. They’re just personal opinions. The lecturer told us some of the most interesting stories of all time, from Greek mythologies to ancient Egypt.

 

Chinese Language:

Present each chapter of the text book. During Mid-term and Finals, the whole class is required to present 2 books together. That’s all.

 

Genes and Diseases:

We’re allowed to prepare an answer beforehand and just copy it into our exam answer sheet during the exam…

And basically for now, I have to write an average of three self-reflect or sharing notes each week, never less than that. Plus, I get to read all the books and novels I can read. How cool is that?!

 

Anyway, some weather updates: It’s raining heavily out there due to typhoon, and classes for today has been cancelled. And I believe that the sales for instant noodles went up just because of this weather… haha

Till then, do take care everyone! More to come…

Weekend in Taipei

I spent my weekend in Taipei when my course mates were out on a camp. Don’t worry about them, I’m sure they’re doing just fine with the typhoon passing by Taiwan bringing torrents of rain and some occasional strong wind.

My train trip there was basically sponsored for, to attend the 2011 Taiwan Scholarship Orientation, and since it was the weekends, I asked for an extended stay in Taipei. So on Saturday, I met up with some friends, dropped by one of the most beautiful places in Taiwan. It was YehLiu Geopark (野柳地質公園), located on the North-East side of Taipei, about 45 minutes bus ride away from Taipei Main Station.

Before entering the geopark, we passed by a little town. It’s basically a harbour for deep sea fishermen to dock their boats and sell their harvests to the middle person.

An easy going town indeed!

This dish below was a surprise! It’s known as the ‘sea vegetable’ (海菜) and it’s crunchy…

It’s a geopark because of the stone formations. It’s interesting… but still far away from the Grand Canyon though.

As aforementioned, typhoon was passing by Taiwan, bringing lots of rain and wind. Still, that did not deter anyone of us from going forward. Many put on their rain coats and brave through the strong wind.

Then in the evening, I met up with my UTAR friend who’s doing her masters in Taiwan.

On Sunday morning, I had a short walk to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂).

At 10am, I witness some interesting ceremony where the guardians of the door change shifts. They had to perform some gun-throwing-flipping-stabbing, salutations etc. before the official change of shift actually took place.

By the time the ceremony has ended, some ladies, such as the one pictured below, had fallen in love with the men in uniform… haha

Basically, it was a nice stay, cooling weather but a bit too much of rain due to the typhoon. Still the night stay at Taipei Hostel was quite comfy and it’s very much affordable too! Comes highly recommended the next time you intend to stay in Taipei.