My favorite modern inventions Cheung Chiu Shan

All it takes is a touch of the keyboard and a flicker on the computer monitor....

When I think about my favorite modern inventions, the first thing that comes to mind is a Segway that I saw last summer.               It was a sunny morning. I sat on a bench at Kuhio Beach, Waikiki, watching people swim, surf, boogie board , and frolic in the sea. An elderly man sitting nearby was playing a violin. He tried to bring forth a melody but the violin was out of tune. A few passersby wrinkled their faces as they heard the discordant sounds coming from the instrument.

In the distance a security officer on a Segway came into view. He was cruising effortlessly on the paved walkway toward me. Wearing a helmet and vest, he looked so comfortable standing on the two-wheeled machine. I thought learning to ride the Segway was like learning to ride a bicycle. Once I got the hang of it , I would enjoy immensely the pleasure and excitement of being on such a cool device. Sitting in warm sunshine with the gentle sea breeze blowing softly against my face, I pictured myself having fun on the Segway until the security officer was out of sight.

The iRobot Roomba, a robot that cleans the floor and carpet, is another wonderful invention that I like. A friend of mine, who dislikes household chores, recently bought such an innovative robot. All she has to do is push a button and the little automated vacuum does the cleaning for her. While the robot picks up hair, dirt, and small debris, my friend would watch TV, talk on the phone or do anything that her heart desires. Her Roomba also takes care of itself. After the cleaning is complete or when the battery is low, the robot finds its way back to its docking station to recharge.

If I have to pick what I like the most among modern inventions, it would be the computer and the Internet. From my computer, I can type messages and send them to friends who have e-mail addresses. In the old days, writing and mailing a letter took days and many steps. Nowadays keeping in touch with friends who share my interests and passions about things is easy. All it takes is a touch of the keyboard and a flicker on the computer monitor.

Through email attachments, I received many PowerPoint slide shows that Winch sent to all classmates. The beautiful scenery and soft, melodious music relaxed my mind, giving me a sense of comfort and serenity.               I also think without the Internet that facilitates communication, Clementi alumni would not have been able to quickly and effectively raise the large sum of money needed for building a school in honor of our teacher Ms. Poon Hoi Hung.

A great place to learn, do research and exchange ideas, the Internet offers endless possibilities such as traveling through cyberspace to any imaginable kind of destination, seeing museum exhibits, listening to favorite music, sharing photos with friends and family in a whole new way, and finding interesting solutions to problems.               The more informed I am about something, the better choices I will make in life. The Internet is dynamic. Every day from the vast resources of information I learn something new which is either entertaining or thought provoking. I fully appreciate the Internet's excitement and beauty and only wish that Internet access had been available in my youth.

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