Sample Essay: Scientific and Technological Advances

Everybody agrees that developments in science and technology are changing the world very rapidly. Consider how your own day-to-day life is changing or has changed because of scientific and technological advances.

Ee Lin is given an essay assignment as a homework for her one-week holiday. I wrote my last essay months ago. So, I decided to give it a try since I'm currently in a light mood - though not particularly free. The title is as above. Credits go to Ee Lin for offering some of the points.

Unless you've been living under a coconut shell for all these years, you must have noticed how much science and technology have advanced. And unless you're living in a cave by the Amazonian river beyond the bounds of civilisation, these advances have changed our daily life in significant ways.

First of all, the television is the most important invention of last century as it provides countless hours of numb entertainment and updates on the latest information. Hollywood movies starring semi-nude hot babes, dumb commercials that turn us into mindless consumers, 8 o'clock news reports that offer partial views on contemporary issues... Man, I can just sit there in front of the tube for hours till my rear grows roots! And with this innovative invention called the "remote control", channel surfing has never been more fun! I don't even have to twitch a muscle (okay, just the fingers) or so much as budge from the couch to switch the channels. Compared to our grandpas who use long poles to surf the channels - probably only three back then - we're on a faster track to becoming couch potatoes! Now, isn't that great?

Secondly, the invention of mobile phone has brought many benefits to me as well. Nowadays, public phones are obsolete. They serve no other purpose than as outlets for creative people to express themselves with vulgar graffitis. Instead of hunting for public phones - and small change - to make a phone call, I use a mobile phone instead, duh! With modern handphones that support 3G technology, now I don't have to miss all those serial dramas! Of course, some naughty people use mobile phones, too, to trigger bombs but I do none of such nasty things. I use my mobile phone to send unsolicited messages using the short message service. Sometimes, I pass around blessings from the Dalai Lama!

One scientific advance which I feel obliged to mention is the breakthrough in DNA sequencing. Of course it's of utmost consequences! DNA sequencing leads to a better understanding of our origin. As a fervent atheist who advocates the theory of evolution, it'll certainly be my pleasure to see scientists prove once and for all that Darwin was right and turn the tables on creationism! We're not moulded from dirt, but rather, we share the same ancestral roots as our cousin, apes. But, let's not get carried away, shall we? Besides, with a better understanding of life, humans can now play god. Cloning, that's what I mean. This subject is undeniable of great concern to me. Great lord! I've met so many people who commented that they're acquainted to someone else who look like me! With ubiquitous look-alikes running wild in the streets, I can't help but suspect that someone out there is mustering a troop of cloned army with the most perfect genes you can find, namely mine.

So, you see, scientific and technological advances have indeed changed my daily life in various positive ways. It's time to consider moving away from your prehistoric cave, dude! And start chewing on the latest issue of New Scientist!

This essay is not a copyrighted material. So, you lazy boys and girls who haven't done your homework, copy and paste this sample essay into your favourite word processor, type in your name, print it out and hand it in to your lecturer. Good luck!

The Cranky Mouse Deer

Oh my God! I've been driving around with faulty brakes for days!

"So?" you ask.

My, don't you watch Hong Kong dramas? It sounds just too familiar, doesn't it? The psychotic antagonist gets jealous of the protagonist who happens to be a lot more handsome than him... He hatches devious plans to kill the guy... Perhaps, tricking him out for a blind date at Penang Hill just to shove him down the cliff; or crashing a 16-wheeler into his car on the winding road up Genting Highland; or better still, jam his car's brakes and ram a 16-wheeler into the rear of his car while he's driving up the winding road to Genting Highland to meet his blind date, causing him to crash down the cliff like an accident...

Don't you get it? Someone is trying to kill me! Help!

Well, I've been aware of the faulty brakes since Monday. But, it went okay after that so I didn't give any further thoughts to it. For all I know, I'm a good guy and no one will probably try to kill me just because I'm a lot more handsome...

Until yesterday afternoon when mom asked her mechanic to check the car.

"Holy cow! Someone was trying to kill me! The brakes are faulty!" Mr Mechanic called mom on the phone as soon as he got back to the workshop.

Hey, hey. Mr Mechanic, it's not you the murderer is after, okay? It's me.

Or, maybe not.

You see, the cranky Kancil (Mouse Deer) has served us for longer than I can remember, 10 years, maybe. By the standard of local cars, that's probably equivalent to 100 human years. And just like their human counterparts who grow senile due to old age, old cars grow cranky too, particularly this one.

The Cranky Mouse Deer is one of those earliest generation of Kancil and the cheapest model at that. Manual, no automatic windows, having only four gears, and doesn't even have a casette player or a radio. Hey, afterall, it was back in the olden days when Kancil was one of the few toy cars Malaysia owned!

But, never make fun of the Cranky Mouse Deer, for it comes with a turbo jet engine - or maybe just an engine that hums so loud that it misleads the driver into believing that he's driving a fighter jet. Unfortunately, even at the top gear (the fourth gear), it moves at the speed of a mouse deer, instantly shattering the illusion of flying a jet plane.

Of course, sometimes I get so impatient that I just step on the gas even though I'm very well aware that the Cranky Mouse Deer is at the brink of breaking down. It retorts by making weird squeaky noises here and there, while the various body parts resonates in protest. Should hould there be a loose nut or bolt somewhere, the Cranky Mouse Deer would have sent me to Batu Gantung long ago.

Golly! You don't even need an abacus to tell you that it's more worth it to get a new car; the maintenance definitely burned a hole through the pocket! This year alone - and it's been only two months, mind you - about 800 bucks have been spent just to repair the cranky car. Last time, it was a faulty drive shaft; now, it's faulty brakes. Oh, like old people getting bad knees, old cars get faulty brakes too. Dang! I knew I wasn't handsome enough to make another guy jealous!

"I'm warning you, the clutch will expire soon." Mr Mechanic announced solemnly, exactly the way doctors deliver the sad news to the family members of a dying patient. "Four months tops, maybe," was his prognosis. And oh yeah, he did mentioned that repairing the clutch will cost a bundle.

"For Pete's sake, go get a new car. I'm not going to help you to repair this car the next time!" he added before leaving.

Gosh. Get a new car? If only we happen to strike a lottery...

Death Note

If you will come forth, then so shall I; if that's how you want it, then that's how I want it, too. Soon our battle will be concluded and I will begin my reign from the summit of victory! ~Yagami Light, Death Note

Even though manga and anime have become a pop culture a few years back, I have not read the first manga until late last year. Out of curiosity, I chose to start with Naruto, which everybody was (and is still) talking about. Believe it or not, I finished 280+ chapters in a mere two or three weeks' time! Heck, that's 6 years of hard work for Kishimoto!



Of course, like everybody else, I thought Naruto was a great manga - until Koja introduced me to Death Note.

To compare Naruto with Death Note is like comparing JK Rowling with Dan Brown or William Hung with virtually anyone else. The former only caters to the hoi polloi while failing to stimulate the enlightened minority. I happen to fall into the second category, just in case you're still not aware. And, us enlightened people who are endowed with the highest degree of minds cannot possibly be satiated with such a mediocre entertainment, for we require a greater form of stimulation. (Hah! Do I sound priggish! I'm holier than thou!)

Death Note narrates the story of a bright young man, Yagami Light who came into possession of a Death Note - a notebook used by shinigami (death gods) to kill their victims by writing down their names on the pages. With the help of the Death Note, Light assumed the name "Kira" and began to cleanse the world from evil by killing criminals in order to realise his utopian dream of an ideal society. Then, came L - the best detective in the world - who attempted to reveal Kira's secret identity and bring him to justice. So, the story basically revolves around the battle of wit between these two great minds.

As a protagonist, Light is evidently not a role model. Though he sanctions a good cause, Light is actually quite a grey character, considering his skills in manipulating people around him to attain his goal. The end justifies the means? No way! He's way too evil!

But, I like him that way! Because intelligence turns me on. And because I am evil! Muahahaha! (Remind me to get a psychological evaluation, will you?) Creepily, Koja thinks I'm quite like Yagami Light to some extent...

What can I say? Death Note is definitely a brilliant story. Check it out for yourself.

Ditch Naruto. It satisfies simple minds no more than a dripping faucet that attracts the attention of a cat. Death Note, however, is for big boys.

Long live Yagami Light!

Double-crosser

One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives. ~Mark Twain

...while a lie can live on forever - provided that you can live a life which is full of lies, because it only takes one lie to beget more lies.

Unfortunately, I couldn't. Because I have to stand up for what I believe; I have my principles to adhere to. Because, I'm the kind of person who does not wish to be lied to, "unless you're absolutely sure I'll never find out the truth".

So, I did what I believed was right. And here I am, ended up as a pathetically untrustworthy double-crosser. For all I know, I could have been sentenced to the gallows. Or stoned to death by sunrise. Or burned at the stake. Or drowned in sewer. Or thrown into the Amazonian river to feed the piranhas.

To begin with, it was none of my business. I could have stayed mum and pretended as if nothing happened. If only I could keep it for one more day, things wouldn't have to end up this way.

Sorry, I couldn't. Because I had a part to do with the lie. It has been tugging at my conscience ever since, for I knew there was no way for me to live with it.

Now, it has become my business. Just because I couldn't keep on lying, I betrayed someone else's trust, even possibly losing a friend that I've just acquainted.

I didn't know who was right. Or wrong. Till now, I still don't know. I thought I'm going to feel better by telling the truth. But, no, I'm not.

Perhaps, it is right after all to say that "he who cannot lie does not know what the truth is". Sometimes, the truth can be so hurtful that it is better to masquearade it so as to avoid unpleasant conflicts.

The world is full of lies. For heaven's sake, try to live with them! Stop trying to become George Washington the goody-two-shoes. Sometimes, honesty just doesn't apply and not everyone can take it the way dear George's father did. Wake up, you idiot! You're not a hero for breaking the truth on behalf of someone else!

What is done is done. Yet, I'm still doubting my actions.

Even though I'm being repeatedly told that I'm not being blamed, I just can't help taking it as a sarcastic remark. It supposedly didn't ruin any friendship, but at the very least, I've done a convincing job proving myself to be a faithless person.

Should I have kept the lie or should I have let it out... I don't know. But one thing for sure is, what you think is the right thing to do is often not the best course of action.

Sorry.

What a "Friend"

"Hey, can you come out now to accompany me at Gurney Plaza?"
"Huh? In such a short notice?"
"Please... I'm really bored!"
"Oh, uh, okay, okay. But not so early."
"Heheh, I'll introduce you to my friend."
"Huh?"

Fishy, no? Of course it was! He didn't tell me the whole story on the phone! But, I, being such a kind friend, didn't not have the heart to say no to him. This guy came all the way from Butterworth to Penang island and there must be a reason why he got "really bored".

"What are you doing here by the way? It's Valentine's day!" I asked.

The explanation given was that he asked his friend out, but his friend brought another friend along, and now they were sticking with each other, neglecting him, the poor guy.

Okay, reasonable enough.

That wasn't the exact story...

When I went to the bookstore to meet him, the look of relief on his beaming visage was evident. "How glad am I to see you!" Phew! For the moment, I thought he was going to give me a bear hug!

"So, you're here alone? Where are your friends?"
"Oh, they're in the washroom. You don't suppose me to follow them to the ladies room, do you?"
"You'd better tell me the whole story now."

And here's everything.

He asked a girl out for a date - it was Valentine's Day, remember? - but that girl being/pretended to be unaware, brought along her friend. My friend, of course, was upset about it. So, he decided to get someone out to accompany the other girl while he spent some private moment with his dream girl. He probably called up a dozen of other guys who already had appointments (ie, dates) on this big day, before asking me, one of those few poor, forlorn singles.

"So, that's it, huh?" I remarked.
"Hey, I'm giving you a chance! And she's good-looking!"
"Oh, you're such a "friend"!" I couldn't help being sarcarstic.
"I've even bought movie tickets for you!"

Jeez, a movie? How nice and how thoughtful!

In fact, He-Is-Such-A-"Friend" bought tickets for two movies - only that he didn't count the two of us in for the second one. So, I was supposed to "take her somewhere" while they watched the show.

Gah! That certainly got too far! I felt awkward as having a blind date! I didn't really mind since I didn't have a girlfriend to explain to. But, this girl was a quiet person and it can be rather frustrating when you're the only one trying to keep the conversation going. Besides, it was Valentine's Day. I'd have to give lots of explanations if I were to bump into my friends.

And, you bet, we did.

There was a change of plans. He-Is-Such-A-"Friend" ditched the tickets for the second movie and decided to take his date for dinner. But before that, he wanted to take her for a stroll at Gurney Drive and buy some flowers for her. I, on the other hand, had to bring my "blind date" for a walk around the complex while waiting for them.

At the ground floor, we met a couple, who both, were my schoolmate - Greetings. Teasings. Explanations. More teasings.

At a coffee house, we met my ex-colleague and his wife - Greetings. Teasings. Explanations. More teasings.

There were a few more couples whom I knew, but I didn't greet them. Phew! That really saved me lots of trouble.

And so, the whole awkward episode ended with the three of them going off for dinner - I'm sure my friend wasn't pleased with the odd number - while I rushed off for a barbeque an hour late, thanks to my "friend"!

Alright, I'm done clarifying. Sigh.

Detachment

Originally written in Chinese:
“老板，我要洗照片。”
“有底片吗？”
“有，在我脑海里。”
“怎么洗啊！”
“我怕某天我会忘记…”

"I'd like to print some photos."
"Do you have the negatives?"
"Yeah. They're in my memory."
"How can I print them for you, then?"
"But, I'm afraid I might forget..."
~ Chung Ling Sixth-Form Graduation Magazine, The Waves 2005

Seldom do I take photos. I guess this is partly because I'm camera-shy, and partly because I'm sentimental. Even mere memories are enough to overwhelm me with nostalgia; let alone photos that serve as reminiscences of the past.

Of course, there're always memories worth reminiscing. Unfortunately, through the passage of time, even the sweetest fruit will turn sour; even the dearest memory will turn bitter, for time is the greatest theif of all. It reminds us of the heartless truth that we do not even own the present. All things go with time's relentless flow while we can only hold on to their phantoms; the memories they leave behind.

Being somewhat aloof by nature, making the decision to leave the country is no big deal at all. Afterall, without attachments, there's not much that I'm leaving behind. I can always make a fresh start elsewhere. But, that's what I thought.

These few weeks have been totally enjoyable compared to my usually nondescript, routine life. Quite contrary to my more-introvert-than-extrovert nature, I've been hanging out past midnight three days a week, having fun and meeting fantastic new friends of sorts. Now only I realise how much I've missed... and how much I'm going to miss.

Unfortunately, everyone's leaving Penang. It's only a matter of who's going first. When will we have the chance to gather and have fun like we had, only heaven knows. Even by then, things would have changde; the future is full of uncertainties. And for one thing, we can no longer be able to enjoy ourselves as carefree teenagers.

Despite being initially thrilled, suddenly, what is in store for me makes me feel utterly feeble. The scariest part is I do not know what's ahead!

For now, I can only hope I'll derive enough mental strength from somewhere, somehow, to cope with the detachment which I'll have to face.

Revelation

Speechless...

The question led to a state of confusion. "Don't tell me it's true," I thought to myself. I was curious to find out, but was too confused to pursue the matter any further. Surely, I wouldn't be let off so easily, would I? Furthermore, the twinkle in the eyes suggested there was something more to it.

Little did I know it would lead to the revelation. How everything seemed as if it was premeditated. The truth is, the whole episode sounded rather bizarre. Though I was given the warning, still, I found myself caught unprepared.

Of course, I suspected something for quite some time. Been there, know what it is like. I'm not a wooden stump, for goodness sake. Even a narcissist isn't oblivion to the people around him. But, I brushed aside my silly inference, dismissing it as a product of my overactive imagination. You know your instinct can't be trusted if you're the kind of person who constantly fantasises.

Alas, I've never thought my unreliable instinct could've been proven to be true. And what's more, to find it out in such an unexpected way added to the shock.

How did I feel? Confused. Doubtful. No overeaction. On the contrary, I didn't know how to react.

Imagine you're an agnostic who has been doubtful of God's existence all this while. To you, you don't care to find out whether there is a higher power because whichever way it turns out, it doesn't matter much to you. Then, one day, you meet God in person. You're baffled. Now, you know He's for real; yet, you dare not believe it is true.

Well, I guess that's the best I can describe how I feel.

What am I supposed to do? Brush it aside once again and pretend as if nothing happened? That's the only way I could think of. I admit my impotence in handling such situations. I'm sorry.

Would things be better if I were not told of this? But, nevermind, no one's at fault here, I guess.