The Remains of the Day

Yes, I've read a novel despite the big As looming ahead. But i do not bear any slightest bit of regret. It has been a long time since i've last read a novel and to read one again is indeed refreshing. While non fiction can amaze you with plain facts and truths, fiction grounds you by sharing of the ordeals each character had to go through. In other words, fiction, with its personal touch, ironically brings one back to reality. Every trait each character displays reminds me of the behaviour of the people in my life. Their dilemmas are surprisingly familiar in spite of the varied contexts. And so the characters' reactions, though not real, provoke thought and scrutiny. How would i have behaved in that instance? Therein lies the beauty of novels, it draws out time for personal introspection on matters we would scarcely reflect on if not for experiences undergone or shared. 

Of course, fiction isn't the only source for contemplation. Yet somehow, I find that these stories evoke a stronger emotion in me than in real life examples for reflection. Perhaps biographies or autobiographies don't paint a picture that permits readers to truly read into the person. And thus, maybe that lacks a degree of depth in the heart of matters. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains the Day. The novel was paced comfortably, had its scenic landscapes well described, the characters were developed clearly and the story is tragic. Tragic may be a little harsh to some but to me, it is a tragic tale. In living a life of dignity and servitude, the main character of the story, Mr Stevens, sacrificed love and emotion. The action of denying your life of emotion for work, is something i cannot understand. It seems so heartless and inhumane to always deal with other in such a manner. Yet many struggle to find the need to fulfill the emotional aspect of their lives. Is it the rat race we always mention? Maybe it is but i gather that the problem is the common misconception that the work we do will eventually stop on its own. And that is supposed to signal the need to move on to other areas in life. The problem is, time waits for no one. By the time we realise we can't segment life in time frames, we are left to feel saddened by the fact that we can't reverse time. And in that sense, we'll be left to feel as Mr Stevens did. Though he didn't exactly express regret, it was apparent that he was bothered by those major turning points in his life. Those seemingly insignificant moments which led to unexpected consequences. 

Thus, as church leaders invariably counsel, live your life to the fullest, Be grateful and  find joy in the journey. I find this Harold Hill quote mentioned by President Thomas S Monson rather apt "You pile up enough tomorrows and you'll find out you've collected a lot of empty yesterdays." Yes, now this all means that i need to accelerate for the As!

University application essays

I was surfing around the internet on US university application processes. When i looked at the essay questions, i was stumped. I have absolutely no clue on how to write a really good essay that will stand out from millions and millions of applications. Thank goodness i have about 1 to 2 years to think through these questions. This calls for much introspection and reflection on my life and past experiences.  

Just for show: 

Stanford's essay questions
The Common Application’s Essays
Candidates must choose one topic and respond. Responses must be at least 250 words but should not exceed the space provided (approximately one page).

1)Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

2)Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.

3)Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.

4)Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.

5)A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
Topic of your choice.

The Stanford Supplement Short Essays
Candidates must respond to all three questions/topics. Responses must be at least 250 words but should not exceed the space provided in the Supplement.

1)Stanford students are widely known to possess a sense of intellectual vitality. Tell us about an idea or an experience you have had that you find intellectually engaging.

2)Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. What would you want your freshman year roommate to know about you? Tell us something about you that will help your roommate—and us—know you better.

3)Tell us what makes Stanford a good place for you

I browsed through the list of stanford, harvard and university of chicago essay questions. The University of Chicago is one of the most creative univesities when it comes to the essay questions! Every year, they ask their students to come up with essay questions for applicants and that's what makes the questions so wacky and probably more interesting than other schools'. Take a look at this! 
"At present you need to live the question."—Rainer Maria Rilke, translated from the German by Joan M. Burnham.Inspired by Sarah Marikar, a third-year in the College

How do you think you'd attempt this philosophical one? And after looking through all these questions i've come to the conclusion- that what all these schools want are just people who know themselves well. I believe that's a crucial step in making people great. Because it is only when you truly know yourself then you'd know what's best for yourself and society. The problem is, self discovery doesn't come to people that easily and not especially when you're 18 or even 20. And like what i said earlier, that really calls for much reflection and introspection. 

The VP debate

The presidential candidate debate between Mccain and Obama was bland and it lacked some degree of intensity. But the vice presidential debate today was something. To me, Biden won it hands down. Immediately after the live telecast of the debate, journalists and commentators gave their opinion on the debate and some lauded Palin for her ability to stand up against Biden. I don't believe that was the case. She may have raised a level by another notch but it's simply not good enough as a vice president. Her inexperience with US foreign policy issues, the current financial turmoil happening right now in her country makes her inadequate as a vice-president. Everytime she attempted to put a point across, she got shot down. And when the topic shifted to issues she was unfamiliar with, she'd try to revert the debate back to topics within her comfort zone. How can she be a vice president when she's unaware of these issues that will continue to plague her country?

Subsequently, CNN journalists queried people in a focus group discussion. An overwhelming number of people believed that Obama will win this coming election. I was disappointed when i saw that Palin's supporters couldn't come up with valid reasons to why she was the better debater. Some responses came as "she's a momma" or "i just think she was better". Ok, perhaps i'm being mean by openly criticising Palin but I find Mccain's tactic is wrong and not emblematic of a deserving President-to-be. So in the process, i have to critique his strategy(Palin). It's appalling that he chose Palin in hope of winning clinton's supporters but it's failing. A governor who's only aware of her state but oblivious to the world affairs definitely does not have the capabilities to be a Vice President. Especially at this period of time .

I am amused to find i'm more familiar with US political figures than the Singapore political scene.