27 October 2013
So I spent today doing whatever it was I felt like doing today, which basically consisted of a lot of sleep, a lot of lazing around, reading jokes online, reading about how we should be careful when microwaving water because there is a risk of superheating, watching videos about how time is an illusion, looking at paradoxes, thinking through the Monty Hall problem, listening to music, playing a bit of piano, exercising a little, and also finally identifying the title of a movie I forgot! I could only recall the plot, and have been searching around for the longest time. Turned out to be "He's just not that into you". I like the character Neil in the movie.
Apparently, the things I felt like doing today did not include academic work. This will probably come back and bite me in the ass soon enough though.
That aside, here is a little joke I read while I let time trickle away.
MONEY
What is money?!! It is a piece of paper that draws the illusion of all mankind. It can buy a House, but not a Home. It can buy a Bed, but not Sleep. It can buy a Clock, but not Time. It can buy you a Book, but not Knowledge. It can buy you a Position, but not Respect. It can buy you Medicine, but not Health. It can buy you Blood, but not Life. It can buy you Sex, but not Love.
So you see money isn’t everything, it doesn’t buy you happiness. And it often causes pain and suffering. I tell you all this because I am your Friend, and as your Friend I want to take away your pain and suffering... So send me all your money and I will suffer for you. CASH ONLY PLEASE!
14 October 2013
One of my modules required me to travel to an offshore island to conduct a field activity. A component of the review involves me writing a reflection of this trip to St John's Island. So here goes my personal essay, kept to within the limits of two pages:
Let us begin
with a definition. What is ecology? For one who is uninitiated in the life
sciences, my naïve understanding of the word is this: ecology is the study of
how organisms and the environment interact with each other.
As a
science, ecology helps us to classify the distinct species of flora and fauna,
and to understand the role they play in the ecosystem. This is no easy task, as
I found out first-hand when we travelled to St. John's Island to identify and
count the number of three specific types of snails. Ideally, a study of an
ecosystem would record all the data present. However, we do not live in an
ideal world, and giving the whole area a thorough sweep would, although
possible, would not be practical at all. Instead of perfect knowledge, we make
do by choosing the best sampling methods applicable and extrapolating the data
from there. Using this data, we gain an approximate idea of how the various
snails are distributed in this intertidal habitat.
Unfortunately,
what some may consider to be the best may not always be true for others. The
surveying technique we ended up using was that of random sampling. I do have an
issue with random sampling. This method lacks emphasis on the different
substrata present in the lagoon. With random sampling, the focus becomes more
on the spatial distribution of the species. I believe a better method would to
systematically mark areas of interest, such as changes in the height of the
landscape or rocky boundaries. We certainly observed a disproportionately
greater number of snails residing at the edge of a little plateau. These were
probably left behind by the outgoing tide and trapped by the incline of the
hill. A random sampling technique will tend to disregard such factors, and even
if special mention was made of this, it will only remain as a sub-note. By
doing a systematic – and possibly also stratified – sampling, one can obtain a
better representation of the situation here, with the many nuances along the
lagoon clearly stated.
Despite
sampling only a fraction of the total population, I must admit that ecology is
not for the faint of heart. This is a subject that requires an immense amount
of fieldwork. Out there at the lagoon, sifting through the sand and picking up
snails, we had to classify the numerous snails according to their intricate
shell patterns and operculum. Armed with a magnifying glass along with a
prodigious amount of patience, we separated those similar looking coin-sized
specimens one by one. It did not help that many of the shells we picked up were
actually now the homes of hermit crabs. This gives us the rough idea of the
kind of hell that ecologists brave in the name of science. Imagine having to
survey a habitat where mimicry occurs. Being able to identify the subtle
differences between the original and mimic must be an uphill task. This is a
field where only those with a die-hard passion for ecology survive.
After my
one-off stint as a temporary ecologist, I can safely say that the ecology of
Singapore is especially exciting, because we are right smack on the equator.
Our primary forests, wetlands and mangroves contain enough biodiversity to keep
ecologists (full-time or otherwise) busy for centuries to come, unless of
course, urbanisation results in the loss of these habitats. Even on the lagoon
in St John's Island, we observed at least 15 different species co-existing in
that little space. Without a doubt, the native biodiversity in Singapore is
rich, but it is also vulnerable. Unless we actively keep a low human impact on
our nature reserves, large numbers of species will lose their habitat and may
eventually become extinct.
I do find
it strange, though, why we consistently consider ourselves apart from the
ecosystem. Recalling the definition mentioned at the beginning, ecology is the study of how organisms and
the environment interact with each other. When we urbanise an area, could
we not assume ourselves to be an organism, Homo
sapiens, colonising the place? We interact with other species by competing
for resources in the environment, and eventually oust the native species.
Should we even consider ourselves to be an invasive, foreign species? Perhaps
we could go further and call ourselves a native species, with just as much
"right" to be here as the other "native" species, since we
are found all over Earth anyway. Instead, nature societies always advocate
leaving an ecosystem untouched as much as possible? Should we not factor into
the ecosystem as well?
I strongly
believe that we can live in harmony with nature, but not just yet. We can count
ourselves as part of the whole ecosystem, but we are not ready. Right now, most
of us are a disease to the world. Why? To put it starkly with this popular and
perhaps overused pro‑environment quote: When
the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, the last river poisoned,
only then will we realise that one cannot eat money. If only we can learn to
pick up snails, observe and return them afterwards, instead of turning them
into merchandise. We need to appreciate that the lagoon as a wonderful place to
explore with many niche microhabitats and specialised species waiting to be discovered.
Why should there be a need to redevelop the area into a getaway island (is it
not already one)?
Conducting
this field activity was enriching and eye-opening at best. While I do not have
a burning interest in mapping out the distribution of snails on a lonely
lagoon, it is of my opinion that such field work would probably be best suited
for those with unwavering dedication to this science. Still, I did what I had
to do, and had a wonderful excursion with my friends at the same time. The
classification was dreary work, for sure, and I was reminded of the man who
stayed beside his fireplace, writing of the wonders of nature, but yet could
not stand being out of his house because of the heat and insects bothering him.
However, I am not like that man. I appreciate and enjoy nature, but in all
honesty, my love for it does not extend to extensive counting of individual
specimens.
13 October 2013
Today while coaching, Kylie was saying how the stations were boring.
To be true, the repeated tip-toe half turns or multiple straight jumps
and tuck jumps on the beam can become very dry. Thinking about it now, I
could probably have given her a pep-talk there and then on the
importance of doing drills.It did not occur to me to do so, however.
Anyway, in gymnastics, in order to do a more advanced skill, you usually have to become proficient with the easier, more basic skills. If you want to do the advanced skill well, you have to perfect your foundation. Otherwise you will find that your moves are inconsistent. Doing advanced moves with unreliable basics are dangerous at best. Fatal at worst. The basis of all moves is practice, practice and more practice. Drills are there to make you able to continue even with your eyes closed, even with your mind blank - your practice will take over and keep you landing perfectly.
By rushing and jumping the gun, you actually do yourself more harm than good. There is no hurry. If you want to learn fast, the only short cut is hard work. Getting familiar with the basics is not enough. You must build the foundation brick by brick, by hand. It must be continually reinforced.
Rome wasn't built in a day.
09 October 2013
But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbour?"- Book of Luke, Chapter 10, Verse 29
Who is my neighbour? Are neighbours our family, close friends and friends in general? Is there a hierarchy of neighbours, going from the most important to the least important? Society would have us believe so. Our strong cultural roots would have us believe so. We are supposed to prioritize blood relatives over friends, and friends over acquaintances, acquaintances over strangers.
In my ideal world, we should all treat every one else as our brothers and sisters. There should not be a distinction between father, mother, friend, stranger.
Still, being brought up in a social context means that I inadvertently adopt some of the values from the people around me. I feel responsible for my family's well-being, and when my parents are older and retired, I will probably play a part in supporting them, together with my other siblings.
If a stranger came up to me for help, what would I do? After countless reminders of the dangers of the outside world and the importance of being street-smart, I would assess the person's threat level and judge for myself whether it would be safe to lend a hand. Would things be different if the person was a friend? Well, yes, I would probably skip over the whole threat assessment bit, since that was done in the process of befriending the person.
How would I describe the relationship between friends? Well, friends are there for each other in times of need. If times are good, do they need to be there for each other? Not necessarily. I think it is sufficient to know that they will be there for me when I need them, and vice-versa. That is a friend to me. What about laughing together and celebrating life when the good times roll? That kind of stuff, I will leave for other people to do. Why do I not bother keeping in contact with my old mates? I would say that I leave it up to destiny to dictate when our paths next cross, but perhaps others would describe me as being too lazy to make the effort to keep the friendship alive.
If there is one thing that defines all my "friendships", it is this: I will be there for them when they need me, if they need me. Anything else I do is simply a product of whatever is convenient for me at that particular point of time. Why do I hang out with the friends I hang out with, and not others? Because we click, and our schedules coincide nicely. Would we still hang out if our schedules clashed? Highly unlikely. The people who keep me company are merely circumstantial. My friends, on the other hand, are always considered as my friends whether we hang out or not.
Unfortunately, many of my friends do not buy into this concept of friendship. They feel I let our relationship stagnate and decay. However, though they may now no longer consider me to be a friend - maybe even a stranger - I still treat them as I treat any other friend. Of course, there are those few exceptional cases who, like me, believe that friendship is not a plant that needs to be watered regularly. They, like me, believe that relationships are built on mutual understanding and trust, and distance and time will not shake this rare connection.
Of course, it is perfectly normal to give and show appreciation to friends for their wonderful presence. It is perfectly normal to spend time with and enjoy each others' company. It is perfectly normal behave as "friends" do. These actions are a natural outcome of being friends, of loving each other. What these actions are not is, a prerequisite of friendship. A relationship should not be measured by these actions. These acts are a natural result, yes, but just because they are not present does not mean the relationship is void. Relationships are built on empathy and honesty.
There should be an important distinction made here, to drive home the point I want to make today.
Gifts and "quality" time does not make some one your neighbour.
Mutual understanding and trust does.
06 October 2013
Well, I intended to update during the week but got myself caught up with doing other things. So here goes, the update for the week, as far as I can recall. Last Sunday I started watching this anime called Samurai Champloo. I got interested in it because I'm into songs by Nujabes at the moment, and the soundtrack of Samurai Champloo is mainly by Nujabes.I finished all 26 episodes on Friday night, at about 6am.
Anyway I find that I can relate to both characters, Jin and Mugen. Jin's a really disciplined, prim and proper samurai, with strict codes which he lives by. Mugen, on the other hand, is best described as a free spirit with no care for rules and conventions. And just like all other cliche stories, they end up working together as a team. In a sense, I find myself attracted to both ways of life.
Or maybe what I am attracted to is their devotion and unwavering loyalty to their way of life.
The week went by mostly without incident.
I did think of something to blog about while bathing one day (I can't remember which day), but I can't recall what it was right now.
I did go to the central library on Thursday because there was a book fair going on though. I bought two books there for $5. Maybe I should get an e-book reader. Then I could download books for free. But the thought of being dependent on electricity is a little sad to me. Quaint, old fashioned, physical books can last forever if taken care of properly.
Anyway on Saturday, I went to St John's Island for a field trip, to count snails. I cannot say I was very interested. But I did my job and did the counting. I wonder why the biologists are so interested in classifying snails. Or ants. Or other little things that do not really matter (to me). I guess the world takes all types of people to work. And every one has their lot in life, their role to play.
After that we went to Seah Im food center to have dinner, and then to Vivo for dessert. There was some wine fair with pictures of some random-famous brewers.
Fame. Why do people want to be recognised? People in your little niche may know you and revere you, but outside that little micro-habitat, you are a nobody. Fame is so overrated.
My juggling has gotten better. I have been practicing with my friend's balls.
No, that is not an euphemism.
Yes. I borrowed actual juggling balls.
Oh and mid-terms have just passed, one on Tuesday and another on Wednesday. Unfortunately for me, I did not manage to study finish the syllabus, which meant that I had no idea how to do some questions. Well, no thanks to Samurai Champloo here. No sweat about it, though. I will just study up for the final examinations, I guess.
I guess.
I spent the morning and most of the afternoon sleeping. No regrets.
My friend borrowed a poncho from me last week a trek in Malaysia over the weekend. Today it was returned in a plastic bag with a box of tau sar piah (okay), and a Winnie the Pooh teddy bear (???). Times like these I find myself at a loss as to what people are thinking. What is a teddy bear supposed to mean? Is it even supposed to mean anything? Maybe I am thinking too much. When questioned, my friend said that there was no reason for the bear. Okay then.
This feels so trivial, so superficial. All these recounting of little incidents.
Let me see if I can think of something deep.
Nope.
Nothing.
Maybe tomorrow.