SALT

Why is common salt so important?

In its mineral form sodium chloride, NaCl, is known as common salt. It is important because it is essential to the health of human beings and of animals. For domestic use it is fined down to what is known as table-salt, and small quantities of other chemicals are added to it to keep it free-flowing when in contact with the atmosphere.

Salt and potassium are combined to produce iodised salt, used when iodine is lacking in diet. Its absence causes goitre, the swelling of the thyroid gland.

Livestock as well as humans need salt, and this provided in the form of solid blocks, known as 'salt-licks'. Salt is also crucial to the food industry. It is used in meat-packing sausage-making and fish-curing both for seasoning and as a preservative. It is also used in the curing and preserving of hides and in the form of brine for refrigeration purposes.

Salt is extensively used in the chemical industry; in the manufacture of baking soda, sodium bicorbonate; of caustic soda, sodium hydroxide; of hydrochloric acid, of chlorine etc. It is also used in soap-making, and in the manufacture of glaze and porcelain enamel. It also enters metallurgic processes as flux, a compound used to assist the fusing of metals.

Salt lowers the melting point of water, so in combination with grit, it is used for clearing roads of snow and ice. It is also used for water-softening by means of removing calcium and magnesium compounds from tap water.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF YOUTH

"The Golden Age of Youth"? Who coined up that expression?  Many of my friends' complaints seem to attest that their experiences of youth roughly match up with mine, that is, life as a youth is tough!

Firstly, being young automatically means that I have limited knowledge and no job skills, which means that no one will employ me for any worthwhile job. This means, clearly and simply, "No Independent Income". Obviously, this is a problem for me.

Unable to function without cash, I have to rely on my parents financially. Unable to buy a car, I have to rely on them for transport. Unable to buy a house, I have to rely on them for accommodation. This means, theoretically, that my parents are my Supreme Commanders. When they tell me to jump, I have to jump. In such a situation, I am deprived of the vital human right - Freedom.

Secondly, as long as you are not too old or too ill to walk, people will always be measuring you by your achievements. This is especially true for people in their youth. Parents, teachers, society and the government love to gauge us scholastically, physically, socially, morally and in whatever means they can think of. Thus, school examinations become so important that many of us will study hours on end to perform well in them.

Actually the pressure on us to perform well at all times is great. The pressure from our family gets stronger the older we grow. Since we started schooling, our parents have been comparing our test results with those of the children of their friends', who happen to be equally goal-orientated parents.

Then, there is the question of romance. Practically speaking, youth is the worst time to get romantically attached, because, as was earlier explained, we lack the time and money to maintain a special boy-girl relationship.

Yet, during our youth, we are at our peak; physically, we are at our most attractive. Furthermore, our hormones are swinging about wildly as we mature sexually. Unfortunately, this causes us to be more prone to getting involved in romantic relationships, which leads to heartache and causes us to perform badly in our examinations. I think that the government should have chosen a better time to set all the major examinations than at this time, don't you?

So, youth is a traumatic time. It is definitely not "golden". In my opinion, the idea of "The Golden Age of Youth" must have been an illusion dreamt up by someone foolhardy!                         

PASAR MALAM

One of the most interesting places in Malaysia is the night market. This is our very own ‘pasar malam’ in Malay. Both locals and foreigners agree that the night market is the most common feature in the local society.

The night market begins in the late afternoon. Vendors arrive in their vans and busily set up their stalls respectively in order to get ready for a brisk night of business. The sun gradually sets and the night market picks up momentum. More cars and vans are arriving. By now, the stalls are neatly and strategically arranged to entice their customers. There is an assortment of goods sold ranging from food, toys and clothes, to name a few. Most of the goods are sold at low and reasonable prices.

Large rainbow-coloured parasols are used to shade the people from rain and shine. A concoction of blaring music can be heard in the night market background amidst the constant shouting. It is an amazing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, smells and colours.

The night market is known as a haven by local ‘gourmets’ who can enjoy various kinds of mouth-watering local cuisine. Still more people arrive, they come from all walks of life, mingling freely and harmoniously. Crowds are walking up and down in an endless stream. Some of them are stopping by the stalls and haggling before making purchases. Little children tag along, amused and excited. Sprinklings of tourists join in to experience the lifestyle of typical Malaysian folks. The night wears on and the traffic of people recedes. Vendors get a chance to rest their weary legs besides bantering with each other.

By 10.00 pm, all the stalls call it a day. The vendors pack up and close the van doors. One by one, they leave, leaving behind pieces of papers, plastic bags and discarded boxes. It is an eyesore! Finally, the night market disappears. The place becomes quiet and still once more.

FLYING IN THE AIR

My first flight in the air was the most exciting experience in my life. I took a journey  by air when I was 12 years old. It was an eleventh hour decision to go for the holiday and I count myself very lucky.

I was travelling form Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne by air. I entered the aeroplane in the morning. At first it was no better than getting into a car or bus. The noise of the machine made me feel that it was different. Soon the plane took off and rose in the air higher and higher. The buzzing sound which had fascinated me from ground now belonged to me. The things below looked so tiny.

The plane flew very fast rushing through the air without a bump or a jolt when all of a sudden bad weather overtook us. The plane began to swing from side to side but I felt happy like a bird swigging in the air. Some of the passengers moved about and felt sick. Some slept in their seats but I sat still with grave attention. I took the greatest pleasure in looking at the scenery of the different places as we passed over. Even the fluffy clouds and blue sky was fascinating!

After an hour’s flight we were told that we were passing over Indian Ocean which looked like a meadow from high in the air. It was a lovely sight. The ships below looked like toys which float in a tub of water. The blue sea on the right and left was simply enchanting.

My mum showed me how to use the remote for movies and games. Wow free unlimited usage! I found is as easy as a pie and was hooked. We had our dinner at our seats and we were introduced to the members of the plane crew. I was all ears. There was the chief pilot who commanded the plane. Then there was a co-pilot, a navigator and three belonging to the plane. One of them was an engineer, another radio expert and the third radioman. There were also pursers and air hostesses to look after the passengers.

I do not know when I fell asleep. My father woke me up. It seemed to be a big dash through the air. I was very anxious to get a glimpse of main land. But when we were approaching the landing zone, strong winds overtook us. Fog blinded our view. I was disappointed. Our plane finally touched down at the airport from where we drove off to our hotel. The whole flight had taken us nearly eight hours. It was a very interesting and exciting one indeed.

IF I HAD A TREASURE

If I had a lot of money, I would buy a house for my parents, preferably a bungalow, in a quiet town. My mother would have a state-of-the-art kitchen as she loves cooking. I would also get a maid to help her with the household chores. My dad will have his very own T V room equipped with the latest technology. I will ensure that my family is comfortably settled in this house.

The second thing I would do is to go on a world tour with my parents. To date, my parents have taken me on holiday trips. It has always been my dream to take them around instead. First, I would like to visit Europe, especially Italy, the city of romance. I would visit all the museums and buildings I have heard so much about. My next stop would be Hong Kong or China. There is something mystical about China and her people.

Apart from that, I could finally go on a shopping spree, which is my favourite pastime. Just imagine that for once in my life, I do not need to look at the prices of the items that I like. I could just shop till I literally drop. The salesgirls would be hovering near me with their latest outfits and my wish would be their command. Ah, I would not be ignored anymore as I walk into their stores!

Besides shopping, I would also remember the poor and the less fortunate. First, I would certainly build a better home for the orphans in my town. In fact, I would like to  sponsor their education till they could stand on their own.

Finally, I would not forget to take the opportunity to further my education as far as I can go.

They say that a fool and his money are soon parted. Thus, I would be very careful with how I spend my money. I would invest my money with my parents’ advice and keep some for rainy days.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

This proverb advises that it is better to do a thing belatedly than regretting for having failed to do it in time, thinking that it can’t be done again. Many times in life we either don’t get the opportunity or we miss the opportunity. During such times we should not worry about the lost opportunities but instead we should try to continue doing the job. Thus this proverb tells that noone should feel failure in doing something in time. Though it is late when he acts with all the vigor he can reap the success, for time is not a barrier for a talented man.

We should not think that youth is the appropriate time to achieve anything. It is not correct. It is foolish to think that one will have no capability to do something extraordinary in grown up age. Life is ceaseless and lots of opportunities would come in the way of life. Many people take up jobs very early in life. Such people do not have much scope for promotion since they may not have the correct educational qualification. But nowadays there are many schemes for this like distance education and Open University system education where they can join and get their required qualification. The most important thing is the person should have willingness to do certain thing. If he has the willingness even time will not be a constraint for him.

READING IN SCHOOLS

Instilling the culture of Reading in schools

As a form five student studying at a local school, I have found that most students only focus on studying and preparing for important examinations. Their reading is limited to schools books and hence, they possess restricted knowledge.

Although the ministry of education had introduced the English literature component at the secondary level, the standard of English leaves much to be desired. I personally feel the prescribed novels and short stories are inadequate to increase the standard of English among students. Thus, I propose that schools allocate more time for reading English books, especially non-academic books such as novels and short stories which have literary values and merits. Books that can enhance one's general knowledge are plenty and should be suggested as part of a regular reading campaign.

The reading culture must be instilled at a young age. Admittedly some students speak and write well in English largely due to their parents encouragement who are either highly educated or encourage their children to read widely and extensively. A large number of students are not that lucky and those who come from poor background do not have the advantage of reading and improving their language skills. Thus, schools play a very important role in encouraging the reading habit among students. Merely emphasizing on reading is not enough. Schools must set the trend.

At least two free periods must be allocated for reading. Each classroom should be well stocked with books and students instructed to read at least three books in a week. An English language teacher or the existing English teacher should be appointed to discuss the books that students have read. The school library should also be well stocked. Currently, school libraries mostly stock academic books. Very few acclaimed works of fictions by great writers such as VS Naipaul, Salman Rushdie, Timothy Mo and even classical writers such as Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, RL Stevenson, John Steinback, Vladimir Nabakov and local writers are stocked.

Students should also be given assignments related to the books they have been assigned to read, and not merely confined to the prescribed novels in the examinations. In this way, they would strengthen their writing skills and would not feel intimidated when they enter university and having to research books mainly written and available in English.

It is my believe that if the above suggestions are taken seriously and incorporated by the schools as part of the curriculum or even extra curriculum, the low esteem that overwhelming number of students feel regarding their English language ability will be a thing of the past. in fact, students themselves would eventually develop an interest in the language and would try their best to improve themselves without the prompting of school authorities and their teachers.

                                 

HAZE AN ENVIRONMENT HAZARD

The haze has become a constant phenomenon faced by Malaysia and her neighboring countries. The haze is basically pollution of the atmosphere, which is clogged with pollutants and other substances from forest fires.

            The haze is a direct effect of forest fires  in Kalimantan and other parts of Indonesia. The Indonesian authorities appear to have no power to control farmers from practicing the slash and burn method of farming. The haze is further worsened by open burning practised by most Malaysians. Open-field burning of rice straw by the rice planters and open burning of dried leaves and garbage done by the public are a few examples that done by Malaysian.

           A direct result of the haze is the dramatic increase in respiratory problems, lung infections and asthma attack. The Air Pollution Index (API) usually indicates the hazardous and dangerous levels of pollution during this period. The haze has long-term side effects. Prolonged inhalation of polluted air will result in serious lung infection which particularly affects the elderly.

            The government must play its role to reduce the haze treat. It has to cooperate with the Indonesian authorities to stamp out forest fires. The culprits must be brought to justice, either through healthy fine or prison sentence. Constant vigilance would ensure the perpetrators do not repeat their offence. The government should also raise the public awareness of the dangers of forest fire. Continuous campaign of the cause, solutions and steps-need-to-be-taken to reduce the haze need to be promoted through all types of social media like television, radio, newspaper and even via internet. The authorities should also provide assistance to farmers and introduce more sophisticated forest clearing methods.

            In Malaysia, strict laws must be imposed to penalise those who practise open burning. On-going campaigns on the dangers of open burning should be intensified. Individuals too have a role to play. They must participate in every campaign and stop burning. Students can advise their parents not to practice open burning.

            Every individual has to remember that we do not own the world, but instead we lent it from our future generations. We must protect our world so that our grandchildren would have a healthy earth to live.

MALAYSIA OUR COUNTRY

Malaysia is a multiracial country with a population of 23.27 million consisting of 61 percent Malays, 30 percent Chinese, 8 percent Indians and 1 percent of other ethnic groups. Malaysia is unique because of its diversity of races, religions and cultures, the stability of the country and many places of interests. 

A significant characteristic of our nation is its diversity of races, religions and cultures. Unique to Malaysia is the 'Open House' concept where during festivals like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Gawai Day and others, friends and families and even strangers would visit the homes of those who are celebrating the festival, to wish them well and enjoy the feast prepared by the hosts.This practice ingrained into Malaysians from childhood has strengthened the ties of unity among themselves.

Furthermore, the stability and peacefulness of Malaysia is also a uniqueness of us. We live harmoniously in a country where there are no wars and conflicts among Malaysians.  Besides, our country is freed from natural disasters such as earthquakes. Earthquakes may bring death and destroy many buildings. 

On top of that, there are many places of interests in the country such as beaches, islands and rain forest. Malaysia's rain forest is considered as the oldest in the world. The diverse species of animals and plant life continue to excite a great deal of scientific research. Many believe that some undiscovered plant may hold cures to many currently incurable human diseases. There are many islands in our country such as Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Redang, Pulau Ketam and many others. Pulau Langkawi has a lot of historitical informations. Those who are in favour of history can go there to explore the history of that place. All the beaches in those islands are beautiful. The sand is soft and white. The accommodation is well-established and that makes those islands ideal places to visit.

Following this, our country has also achieved international recognition. Those achievements include the existence of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Formula One (F1) racing circuit and the Petronas Twin Towers. KLIA is unique because it has all that is needed for business, entertainment and relaxation within its boundaries. The airport is part and parcel of the Multimedia Super Corridor where high technology industries are being actively developed. Nevertheless, there is a Formula One Race Track near the airport, so foreign car racing enthusiasts from all over the world can come for a visit to gather here. Besides that, Petronas Twin Towers which is a building that soars 452 metres into the sky is once upon a time, the tallest building in the world and yet it is a national pride to the people of Malaysia.

In short, Malaysia is unique in that it has diversity of races, religions and cultures, a stable and peaceful environment, places of interest and some internal achievements. These are important characteristic of our nation which makes it a vibrant and interesting country to visitors from other countries. 

GANDHI - THE MOVIE

Gandhi is the eighth-highest Oscar winning film of all time – claiming eight awards from 11 nominations. It was produced and directed in 1982 by Richard Attenborough and starred Ben Kingsley, Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, and Roshan Seth. The movie brought about standing ovations in theatres all over the world.

The movie depicts one of the 20th-century's most remarkable stories, that of the Indian lawyer who returned from racially segregated South Africa to drive the British out of his home country through successive acts of non-violent protests, The film is in every sense of the word an epic and Ben Kingsley is superb as Mahatma Ghandi, ageing as he does 50 years during the three-hour film, and transforming from dapper young lawyer to loin-cloth wearing ascetic. It's recognised now, years after his brutal assassination on January 30 1948, that Gandhi’s amazing achievement as a political leader in India was to create a new form of peaceful protest that could change history.

The bloodshed between the Hindu and Muslim populations of liberated India is addressed, as is the partition of India and Pakistan. You can almost hear Gandhi's heart breaking.

As he says in the film: "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind."

RECYCLE  RECYCLE  RECYCLE

Malaysia has already started encouraging the people to recycle waste products. There is still some antipathy towards this especially from the older generation. However, we as a nation must still prevail and make an effort to ensure that recycling is carried out at home, in schools, at the workplace and in public areas.

The following list of recycling facts are among some of the most thought provoking ones that I have found and would like to share. The list is not exhaustive but the few here do relate to our everyday life.

Aluminum Recycling Facts

A used aluminum can is recycled and back on the grocery shelf as a new can, in as little as 60 days. That's closed loop recycling at its finest!

Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours -- or the equivalent of a half a gallon of gasoline.

 

More aluminum goes into beverage cans than any other product.

An aluminum can that is thrown away will still be a can 500 years from now!There is no limit to the amount of times an aluminum can be recycled. We use over 80,000,000,000 aluminum soda cans every year. Paper Recycling Facts To produce each week's Sunday newspapers, 500,000 trees must be cut down. If you had a 15-year-old tree and made it into paper grocery bags, you'd get about 700 of them. A busy supermarket could use all of them in under an hour! This means in one year, one supermarket can go through over 6 million paper bags! The average household throws away 13,000 separate pieces of paper each year. Most is packaging and junk mail. Plastic Recycling Facts Plastic bags and other plastic garbage thrown into the ocean kill as many as 1,000,000 sea creatures every year! Recycling plastic saves twice as much energy as burning it in an incinerator. Glass Recycling Facts A modern glass bottle would take 4000 years or more to decompose -- and even longer if it's in the landfill. Every month, we throw out enough glass bottles and jars to fill up a giant skyscraper. All of these jars are recyclable!