September 2012 issue

September 2012

WINE COUNTRY A TASTE OF

BEYOND THE

STEREOTYPE WHAT MIDLIFE CRISIS MEANS FOR

NEW ZEALAND’S

MEN

FINEST CROP

Get

“Rugby is a hooligans’ game played by gentlemen.”

WINSTON CHURCHILL

sporty!

Charting the DB Pirates’ success

Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com

Publishers in DB since 2002

SepteMBer 2012

朝暉路 Headland 2099

4 3

Stylish renovated garden house, with amazing sea views, pool & golf cart.

海澄湖畔 Siena 1235

3 2

2

$32K

Renovated throughout, quiet location, close to school and Club Siena.

朝暉路 Headland 1904

3

$138K

$33M

Beautiful and fully renovated. Spacious living and dining area plus separate family room.

蘅欣徑 Caperidge 1600 $45K/12.5M

3 2

Great renovation throughout, private roof terrace, sea views.

海藍居 la Serene 1395

3 2

Family home with beautiful garden. Lovely quiet location with sea views.

頤峰 greenvale 856

2 1

3

2

$45K/14M

Nice decoration duplex, open sea views, quiet surroundings.

海馬徑 SeaHorSe 1037

3

$17K

Spacious apartment with good layout, open kitchen. Clean and tidy.

時峰 neo Horizon 1451

3

$65K

$8.8M

Beautifully renovated. Spacious open plan living area with terrace. Convenient location.

尚堤 CHianti 2132

4 3

Renovated stylish duplex, private terrace with stunning sea views.

曦欣閣 twiligHt 859

3 2

2

2

$46K/13M

Fully renovated, modern kitchen and bathroom, balcony with great sea views.

寶琳閣 woodland 895

3

$17K/4.5M

Great space and very practical layout with sea views, very bright.

碧濤軒 CoaStline 1500

3

$50K

$4.95M

Renovated, balcony with sea views.

Bright and airy.

FO

RS AL E/ TO

2914 2987

E-mail: services@casa-db.com

SINGLE / COUPLE’S CHOICE

SINGLE / COUPLE’S CHOICE

JOVIAL COURT 723’ 15.5K / 4M

TWILIGHT COURT 665’

Top picks.

Fully furnished, 2 bedrooms

Impeccable condition.

Fully fitted kitchen, 2 bedrooms

Low-rise duplex.

Practical layout, 5 bedrooms

GRACEFUL MANSION 816’ 4.28M

SIENA TWO 1168’

Captivating terrace view, Few minutes’ walk to Plaza, 1 bedroom

Panoramic view.

South facing, 2 bedrooms

Move-in condition. First stop after DB tunnel, 3 bedrooms

GREENS 856’

LA COSTA 527’

LA COSTA 553’

15K

19.5K

FAMILY SELECTION

3.7M

3.6M

SEABIRD LANE 1442’

ISLAND VIEW 1486’

Sole agent. Sea view. Contemporary renovated with storage, 2 bedrooms

Airy, bright flat Move-in condition, one bedroom

Stunning sea view, renovated Spacious 3 bedrooms

SIENA TWO LOW-RISE 12K/ 3.68M

CHIANTI 1000’

LA SERENE 1099’

Tranquil surroundings, Easy access, 1 bedroom

Selling with tenancy lease.

New building, 2 bedrooms with storage

License No. C-051906

LET

5.85M

62K

28K

10M

7.5M

Peaceful, sea view High-floor, 3 bedrooms

Welcome to list your property with us!

Supporting media

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Buds Organic Bottle & Vegetable Cleanser $149

Shampoo & Conditioner from $129

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Avent 3-in-1 Steriliser

Marmite Mini Rice Cakes $7.90

Marmite Large Rice Cakes $25

$835 Foogo Thermos Food Jar

Frootz High Fruit Buttons

Lascal KiddyGuard Avant

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Maclaren 2012 Quest from birth

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Pedder Building Store 5/F Pedder Building,12 Pedder Street, Central T: 2522 7112 Horizon Plaza Store 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau T: 2552 5000 www.bumpstobabes.com

CONTENTS FEATURES 24

32

DEAR READER

46

24 28 32 38 42 46 52 58

PROFILE Meet Queen of the Hills, Nora Senn IN FOCUS Understanding the male menopause FAMILY MATTERS What it takes to be an elite junior athlete MONEY MATTERS Alternative investments for challenging times TALKING POINTS DB environmentalists discuss the plastic disaster ESCAPES Touring New Zealand’s wine country ACTION Rugby season kick off with the DB Pirates STYLE Avoiding overdesign at home

REGULARS 11 22 44 62 64 68 72 74 76

IN & AROUND DB Catch up with the latest community news SOUTH LANTAU What’s happening island wide TECH TREND Managing online distractions HOT STUFF Hip happenings around Hong Kong LOCAL FACES Community snaps in DB and Lantau CLASSIFIEDS Great deals PROPERTY Hot local listings DB NUMBERS Your ultimate guide in DB HEALTH Q&A Overcoming depression

I’m delighted to tell you that www.arounddb.com has just gone live!

Of course you’ll be able to read current (and back) issues online but we’re offering so much more than that. The Around DB website is there to provide you with everything you need to know about DB – and greater Lantau.

We hope you’ll look to arounddb.com for event listings, activities for kids and adults, clubs, stores, classifieds… You name it, we’ve got it! You can upload your own classifieds and we already have over 1,000 property listings from DB agents. What’s more, arounddb.com provides a fully interactive forum for residents to share information, ideas and advice. And it’s 100 percent free.

But back to the September issue – it’s a bumper one. You’ll notice a definite (post-Olympics) sports focus with articles on DB’s top rugby players (aka the DB Pirates), and DB’s leading lady trail runner, Nora Senn. We also talk to four of the resort’s finest junior athletes

to find out what drives them. You’ll be inspired by their passion and commitment – not least little Jessica Garment who is already headed to the UK to begin training for the Olympic Games in 2020.

This month too we hope to inspire you to take a wine tour of New Zealand, invest your money in wine (or something equally alternative), and cut down on your plastics consumption once and for all. (If you haven’t been cleaning up our beaches post Typhoon Vicente, it really is time to get on board!)

I look forward to meeting up with you at the Everything in DB Fair on September 5, and online at arounddb.com.

SEPTEM BER 2012

STEREOTYPE

WINE COUNTRY A TASTE OF

MEN

FINEST CROP

BEYOND THE

WHAT MIDLIFE CRISIS MEANS FOR

NEW ZEALAND’S

Get

“Rugby is a hooligans’ game played by gentlemen.”

WINSTON CHURCHILL

sporty!

Charting the DB Pirates’ success

Join your community online @ www.arounddb.com

Publishers in DB since 2002

Join your community online

On the cover: Ferocious young DB Pirates

Publisher

Corinne Jedwood corinne@arounddb.com Editor

Rachel Ainsley editor@arounddb.com Editorial Coordinator

Dana Winograd dana@arounddb.com Advertising

Lissa Morris lissa@arounddb.com Art direction

Terry Chow cckterrychow@gmail.com Photography

Tracey van Geest tracey@inspiredimages.co Baljit Gidwani baljitgidwani@gmail.com Illustration

Richard Leschinsky Accounts

Lise Dooling accountant@arounddb.com Contributors this month

Andrew Dembina Gordon Franks Megaen Kelly Elizabeth Kerr May Liu Dr James Oliver Mark Roper Karmel Schreyer Mary Singer

General enquiries

info@arounddb.com Published by

Bay Media Limited Flat 230, Block D, DB Plaza Discovery Bay, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2987 0577 Fax: (852) 2987 0533 Online @ www.arounddb.com Disclaimer The views expressed in Around DB

are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

• forum • classifieds • property • social groups • schooling • businesses • events • photo galleries

SEPTEMBER 2012 SEPTEMBER AT A GLANCE

IN & AROUND DB

WHEN

WHAT

WHERE

September 1

Plant and Organic Vegetable Market

Across from Haven Court

September 2, 12pm-7pm

DB Backyard Bazaar

DB Plaza

September 5, 5pm-8pm

Everything in DB Fair

Discovery College

September 9, 10am-4pm

DB Farmers’ Market

DB North Plaza

September 13, 5pm

Trashed – eco-documentary

Discovery College

September 14, 6pm-9pm

Rock Da Boat

Discovery College

September 15, 1pm-5pm

International Coastal Beach Clean Up

Nim Shue Wan

September 15

Fun Run – Children’s Hope Charity

Sai Kung

September 15, 7.30pm

Murder in Havana

Club Siena

September 16, 9am

Sports World Swim Challenge

North Plaza

September 16, 3pm-5.30pm

DB Swimming Gala

Discovery Bay Recreation Club

September 18

ESF Orchestra and Choir Concert

HK Baptist Church, Kowloon Tong

September 18-30

Potted Potter

HKAPA, Wanchai

September 22, 11am-5pm

DB Food Waste Recycling Carnival

DB Plaza

September 22, 6pm-9pm

YRock audition

DDeck

September 22-23

Raidlight Hong Kong Trail-Running Festival

South Lantau

For more information on the events above, check our event calendar on arounddb.com. If you organise an event, club or charity that you would like to see featured in this section or on our website, please contact dana@arounddb.com Please visit www.arounddb.com to participate in our competitions (from the homepage, you can go directly to the competitions page).

You have until September 10 to submit your answers.

Take home a

cool fan

COMPETITION

Whether you are looking for a fan as a decorative accessory and possibly a light fixture, or purely to help cool your room in an energy-efficient way, you will find something at Life’s A Breeze in Horizon Plaza, Aberdeen.

View the website at www.lifesabreezehk.com.

Life’s A Breeze is offering one reader a 52-inch sweep ec02 fan, valued at HK$2,840. It has been especially designed with a custom-wound, high-efficiency motor which uses less power to provide better airflow than conventional fans. To win simply tell us the name of the Life’s A Breeze pedestal fan, which is coming soon (hint: check their website). Email info@arounddb.com (subject line: Life’s A Breeze), or contact us online at www.arounddb.com

Must-see

eco-documentary

www.trashedfilm.com

DG Green is screening Trashed, an environmental documentary featuring Jeremy Irons on September 13 at 5pm in Discovery College. The guest speaker, on his Asia Pacific Plastic Pollution Conversation Tour, is Captain Charles Moore, the man who discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and wrote the book Plastic Ocean. Space is limited so book early!

Tickets are HK$30 each, and you can find out more at www.dbgreen.org.

Congratulations to last month’s winners

David Mather and Cathy Blanc for the Pantry Magic glassware; Fiona Wightman, Véronique Clarambaux and Eliza Mok for tickets to see The Amazing Bubble Man; Bryan Richard for Murder in Havana tickets; Lecia Pringle and Niroshi Lokuge for the Tickitey Boo gift certificate; Jane Bradshaw, Tony Yung, Mary Clarke, Sunny Ng and Les Staple for copies of the novel Benjamin Bunce. Please call our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.

September 2012

11

SEPTEMBER 2012 New pet shop IN & AROUND DB

Girls' rugby on the beach

opening in North Plaza

Photo by Jennifer Ryan

On October 7, the DB Pirates Rugby Football Club (DBPRFC) will host the second annual All-Girls Beach Rugby Festival for Under 10s, 12s, 14s, 16s and 19s. Up to eight teams per age group will play full-contact six-a-side beach rugby. The teams will be ceded into two pools of four to play for the Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield. There will be a Bouncy Castle and other activities organised for junior spectators, and an after-party held at Hemingway’s. You can find out more about the club, created by DBers for DBers, at www.dbpirates.com. Or turn to page 52 to read all about it.

My Pet Shop, DB’s newest full-service pet shop, providing food and accessories for dogs, cats and fish, plus grooming services for pets has already opened in the North Plaza. It will have its grand opening on September 8. The qualified staff are on hand to advise you as you relax (and snack) in the comfortable waiting area.

And exciting news for dog owners – you can even have your canine pal machinewashed in a Lavakan Pet Washing Machine which uses hydro-massage jets to gently massage your pet during the washing process. (This machine is being operated in North and South America, Europe and throughout Asia, so your dog won’t be used as a guinea pig!) My Pet Shop is located at G09 North Plaza, behind Little Whales, and it’s open 8am to 8pm. Call 2987 8873, or email mypetshop@live.hk.

Solve a

Delightful cake-decorating murder mystery

giveaway

COMPETITION

Complete Deelite is best described as a onestop celebration shop. Stocking every tool you could ever want to bake and decorate cakes, it also makes customised cakes and cupcakes, and offers a variety of classes and workshops. This month, Complete Deelite is hosting David MacCarfrae (pictured) of David Cakes in the UK for a number of special cake-decorating courses. Visit www.completedeelite.com to find out more.

12

Complete Deelite is offering two tickets (valued at HK$800 each) to the Royal Diamond Jubilee Tea Party at the Aberdeen Marina Club, September 24, 3pm-6pm, where David will be demonstrating The Art of Royal Cake Decorating. For a chance to win simply tell us where David is from. Email info@arounddb.com (subject line: Complete Deelite), or contact us online at www.arounddb.com.

September 2012

Don’t miss Chunky Onion Productions’ performance of Murder in Havana, an interactive murder mystery dinner extravaganza on September 15 at Club Siena. Get your tickets now for what is certain to be a fabulous performance.

Guests are encouraged to get involved in dancing and games, and in solving the mystery! Call 2987 7381 to make your booking – HK$550 for members and HK$650 for guests.

Hairdresser at Home!

Coiffeuse à domicile

German Hairdresser with international work experience , fluent in french and english, offers private home visits for your convenience!

• Haircut & Style for women, men and children • Colour service & Highlights • Styles and Up styles • Full Make Up and / or basic lessons and consultations

KATHLEEN KIPPER www.kathleenkipper.weebly.com | kath_kipper79@hotmail.com

+852 9708 6959

SEPTEMBER 2012 IN & AROUND DB

DB Sponsored

Win your kid some Pink Walk RugBees fun

Many of us look forward to Movement Improvement’s annual DB Pink Fizz party (save the date, October 17) and this year the DB fitness studio is also holding a DB Pink Sponsored Walk to boost its contribution during Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Being held on October 7 from 10am to 12pm, this 4.6-kilometre road walk, starting in the North Plaza, is family and stroller friendly. All money raised, including walk registration, will go to the HK Breast Cancer Fund. You can get your registration form on the Movement Improvement facebook page or at Dymocks, DB.

COMPETITION

RugBees offers a structured play programme inspired by the great sport of rugby. Walking-age kids to fiveyear olds are introduced to key motor and social skills in a non-competitive environment, using age-appropriate activities. Skills such as footwork, catching, balance, co-ordination, spatial awareness, colour recognition, teamwork and sharing are encouraged through the use of stories, music, play and creative equipment. The first term kicks off mid-September, with DB sessions located at Discovery College. Visit www.rugbees.com.

RugBees is offering one lucky reader a chance to win three sessions and a complimentary registration which includes a training top, shorts, bag and activity book, totalling HK$1,000. Simply tell us where RugBees classes are held in DB to win. Email us at info@arounddb.com (subject line: RugBees), or contact us online at www.arounddb.com

Impact on Do your bit on and off court! fitness The highlight of many DBers’ social calendars, it’s the Annual Discovery Bay Recreation Club Charity Tennis Tournament on October 6 (now in its ninth year). As well as enjoying the matches, you’ll want to be at the poolside barbecue after-party (6.30pm till 11pm) for the awards’ presentation, charity auction and dancing. Contact the Discovery Bay Recreation Club for more details at 2987 7381.

Lantau resident and personal trainer/ owner at Impact Fitness in Central, Abby de Beer is getting ready for her second IMPACT 90-Day Body Transformation Challenge which starts on September 22.

This is a 12-week, easy-to-follow core strengthening, toning and fat-loss plan, which includes a suspension training system, nutrition coaching, monthly weight and measurement tracking, and a 30 percent discount on all group classes during that period. Register online at www.impactfitness.com.hk. Or call Abby on 6902 2250.

14

September 2012

Photo courtesy of HKRI

Ready to YRock

Photo courtesy of YRock

Teen musicians from all over Hong Kong are invited to audition for The YRock International Music Challenge – Hong Kong’s hottest music competition. There will be three heats in different locations: at DDeck, DB on September 22 (Lantau area); South Island School, Aberdeen on September 29 (Hong Kong Island area); and the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, Wanchai on October 6 (Kowloon area). The finale is at DDeck on October 20, and the winner will perform live at DB’s very own Picnic in the Park on November 3. Don't miss your chance to perform! Visit www.yrock.com.hk for more information.

NEW TO DISCOVERY BAY? DO YOUR KIDS WANNA DANCE?

We are offering FREE TRIAL classes In September at all our DB venues.

• Disco Freestyle • Coolbeatz Jazz Tap • Creative Dance (3 – 4 years) • Baby Ballet (18 – 30 months) • Graded RAD Ballet Call our office for more details Tel : 29871571 Email: dance@islanddance.com.hk www.islanddance.com.hk

50% OFF Tel: 6626 5470

END OF SEASON Resort Wear here in DB! Where: DB Plaza, 2nd September, Sunday www. sunwood-by-design.com

The low-cost solution to high-cost crime Your house is worth millions. Your family is priceless.

Install an unobtrusive AFSCO electric fence – the ultimate in perimeter protection.

Defend… Deter… Deny… Detect Phone: 2880 0512

Email: afscohk@sprintlocks.com

www.sprintlocks.com

SEPTEMBER 2012 IN & AROUND DB

Get on the trail with

Action Asia

Potted Potter ticket giveaway The West End and New York smash hit, Potted Potter takes on the ultimate hilarious challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes! Potted Potter is showing September 18 to 30 for 20 performances only at the Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Tickets are on sale via HK Ticketing outlets and www.hkticketing.com, or you can call 3128 8288.

Action Asia's next series - the MSIG HK50 - starts on Hong Kong Island on October 27 with a 23-kilometre or 50-kilometre race. Next in the series will be three races in and around DB on December 8: a 14-kilometre race good for hikers and short-distance trail runners; a 27-kilometre race which is tough and requires training; and a totally hard core 50-kilometre race.

The series finishes in March with two races in Sai Kung. For more information, check out www.actionasiaevents.com or www.facebook.com/actionasiaevents.

New DB youth group

COMPETITION

Stone Tsang – Suunto Lantau 2 Peaks

Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is giving away a pair of tickets each to three Around DB readers who can tell us who wrote the Harry Potter books – and her nationality. For your chance to win, email info@arounddb.com (subject line: Potted Potter), or contact us online at www.arounddb.com

New airport

rock facility for da boat DB passengers

DB resident

invents swinging new golf app

If you are looking for a bus to DB from the airport after midnight on September 9, go to Terminal 2. While the alighting point remains the same, passengers will enjoy an indoor waiting hall with comfortable facilities. To see the new location, go to www.dbay.com.

Rock Da Boat (RDB) is a new Friday night youth group (Secondary and up) run by the Discovery Bay International Community Church. At the launch party on September 14 (from 6pm to 9pm) in the Discovery College Primary Sports Hall, there’ll be games, live music and snacks. Admission is free. For more information, contact Andrew at Andrew@dbicc.org.

16

September 2012

John (right) with head coach Stevo

DB resident and tennis coach John Weston has created a cool golf app for Android and Apple called The Little Black Book of Golf Formats, Games & Sidebets. It’s a useful players’ reference guide explaining the rules and much more. See for yourself at www. plannetworkshop.com/golf_formats/.

Dumper Trucks & Daisies Playgroup Our Playgroup program is as follows: Crawlers & Explorers (accompanied) 10 months +

New Online Art Gallery in Discovery Bay

We promote modern and contemporary Asian art of selected established and emerging artists.

We invite you to visit our new website:

www.almaartgaller y.com Please contact us for details at:

alma.gallery@yahoo.com Tel.: (+852) 91223147

Tots & Toddlers (accompanied) 16 months + Preparation Class (unaccompanied) 2 years + Dumper Trucks & Daisies Playgroup offers young children a loving and learning environment based on attitudes of respect and understanding. Using Montessori Methods our focus is on growth and development of the whole child, creating an environment that nurtures their physical, emotional, social and cognitive growth. We strive to complement parents’ efforts to provide experiences that help the child feel worthy, competent and unique, establishing a positive foundation for their growing relationships.

Our Playgroup program is for children from 10 months up to 48 months of age and designed to give them an opportunity to be with other children of similar ages in a loving, supportive play situation.

Class sessions are lead by a qualified teacher and assistant teacher, and split in to three categories; ‘Crawlers & Explorers’ from 10 Months, ‘Tots & Toddlers’ from 16 Months and ‘Preparation Class’ from 24 Months.

For more information & enrollment please contact Miss Mandy Tel: 9667 6921 Email: mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com

SEP2012 IN & AROUND DB

Around DB goes live

PLAYGROUPS IN DISCOVERY BAY BAYVIEW HOUSE OF CHILDREN, DB North Plaza 6114 2436; 8 months to 6 yrs; ramesha@bayview.hk; www.bayview.hk Bilingual English-Mandarin environment following AMI Montessori curriculum.

Unique in DB with an outdoor play area, gardening activities, pet caring, daily art education, themed-based circle times, science activites and more.

DUMPER TRUCKS AND DAISIES, DB Plaza 9667 6921; 6 months to 3 yrs; mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com A modern approach to both traditional and Montessori methods, all geared towards the needs of your children and their preparation for further education.

EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP, The Greens 9511 2107; 2987 9644; 20 months to 4 yrs; info@earlyadventures.net; www.earlyadventures.net Warm and caring environment where children are offered exciting and interesting activities so they can achieve their full potential. A well-established playgroup with bright and spacious facilities. Morning and afternoon sessions available.

FIRST FRIENDS, SECOND FRIENDS, Club Siena 9151 5545; 8 months to 3+ yrs; firstsecondfriends@yahoo.com; www.firstfriendshk.com DB’s longest running playgroup. Parents and children’s groups. Small classes. Thousands of toys and lots of fun!

Join your community online now at www.arounddb.com! Our new fully interactive website not only complements the monthly magazine, it is a one-stop shop for everything to do with Discovery Bay and Lantau Island. Whether you are looking for a playgroup, an activity to join or somewhere to get a bouquet of flowers, you will find it here. You can look to it if you want to get involved with a local social group, club or charity, and if you are hunting for a flat to rent or have a second-hand bicycle to sell, post it in our classified section. You can upload your own classifieds (and community messages) free of charge – we already have over 1,000 property listings from DB agents.

What’s more, arounddb.com provides a fully interactive forum for residents to share information, ideas and advice. We look forward to meeting up with you online.

FUNFIT, Club Siena 9380 5771; 6 months to 6 yrs; info@funfit.hk; www.funfit.hk Active learning programme which helps to develop your child’s balance, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, hand eye coordination and much more! Caring for our children’s future health and fitness!

LITTLE EXPLORERS, Phase 1 2987 2897; 9327 0507; 2 yrs up; littleexplorers@team-fear.com A well-established playgroup in DB. Caring and stimulating learning environment with an emphasis on learning through play and having loads of fun!

MIDGET GEMS KID’S CLUB, DB Plaza 2987 0272; 2 to 4 yrs; info@midgetgemskidsclub.com; www.midgetgemskidsclub.com Established and dedicated DB Plaza playgroups in English, German, Mandarin and Spanish. It’s a great environment with the emphasis on the fun factor.

MOUNTAINVIEW MONTESSORI, Phase 1 33 months to 6 yrs; mountainview_montessori@hotmail.com Run by Montessori-trained teacher. The Montessori method nurtures every child’s natural curiosity for learning. It ignites creativity and self-worth.

Everything

you need to know about DB The second annual Everything in DB Fair will help you find out what’s going on in DB, from after-school activities to charities and entertainment. Head to Discovery College on September 5 from 5pm to 8pm. To get involved, contact Christine Skeels at christine@connectingdb.com.

18

September 2012

MYKIDZPLACE, Siena 2 6496 8662; 18 months to 6 yrs; my_kidz_place@yahoo.com.hk Mandarin playgroup sessions for children. Native teacher speaking only Mandarin throughout the class to create an environment where children can pick up the target language effortlessly with various interactive activities.

PLAYTIME, Cherish 2623 4099; 9054 0565; 18 months to 4 yrs; playtimekidsdb@yahoo.com Playgroup run by a Montessori-trained teacher with lots of experience. A great place to learn in a caring environment. The playgroup is open five days a week.

SEPTEMBER 2012 IN & AROUND DB

compete Enrol by September 9 for the DB Swimming Gala on September 16, from 3pm to 5.30pm, at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club.

Races cater to kids of all ages from five-year olds and below (swimming Photos courtesy one width of the of HKRI pool) to 15-year olds and above. The cost is HK$50 per race. You can pick up an application form at the Discovery Bay Recreation Club or Club Siena.

Win your seats to see

The Mousetrap

Legendary murder-mystery drama The Mousetrap is the longest-running show of any kind, in the world. Written by the best-selling novelist of all time and the so-called Queen of Crime, Dame Agatha Christie, The Mousetrap has kept audiences guessing for six decades. Book your seats now as Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is bringing a special 60th anniversary production of this whodunit masterpiece to Hong Kong for the first time, October 9 to 14. Tickets for shows at the Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts are on sale via HK Ticketing outlets and www.hkticketing.com, or you can call 3128 8288.

COMPETITION

DB swimmers

For your chance to win two tickets to see The Mousetrap, simply tell us in which year the play was first performed – and where. Email info@arounddb.com (subject line: The Mousetrap), or contact us online at www.arounddb.com

Aid for the children of Japan

Photos courtesy of Madoka Kutsunai

In response to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, DB residents Sudi Davis, Miyako Kai and Madoka Kutsunai set about raising money to support the relief efforts in Ishinomaki City, Japan.

Sudi and Madoka recently visited the area to hand over Yen 500,000 to Hashiura Primary School (pictured). The team would like to thank everyone who has supported this initiative over the past year.

For more information, visit the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake Relief Trust facebook page, or email madoka1@netvigator.com.

Get down in South Lantau Get your dancing shoes on and head to the Mui Wo Sports Centre this month for the first South Lantau Disco after the summer holidays. Find your inner groove, while your kids play games and dance their little hearts out. For full details, email Liz at bizzielizzie.hk@gmail.com or Katie at katiebray@live.com.au.

Photo by Eric Niemy

Are you a buffalo soldier?

The Lantau Buffalo Association (LBA) is working hard to protect the 70-or-so water buffalo still living in South Lantau, while accommodating some of the villagers who tend to dislike these gentle giants. The LBA is focusing its efforts on outdoor castration to limit reproduction, herd management, safe relocation practice and opening up unused government land for cattle use. To get involved go to the LBA’s facebook page.

Photo by Cecilie Gamst Berg

Now you can shop online at Bizzie Lizzie Visit http://www.bizzielizzie.wazala.com

THE RED LANTERN Genuine antiques, small pieces of delightful furniture from the late Ching Dynasty.

4 minutes' walk from the ferry in Mui Wo in the direction of the Silvermine Beach Hotel.

Free Delivery to DB Tel: 2987 0099 Fax: 2980 4833 glandam@netvigator.com

22

September 2012

www.bizzielizziehongkong.com Email: Bizzielizzie.hk@gmail.com Tel: 2984 2227 Tuesday to Saturday 10.30 to 6.30, Sunday 10.30 - 6.00, Monday closed.

Trail-running festival Following the success of the first Lantau50 Trail Marathon last March, September 22-23 will see the first Raidlight Hong Kong Trail-Running Festival.

Over two days, there will be three races, all in South Lantau. “The objective of this two-day event is to push yourself at a fast pace over relatively short distances and diverse terrain,” co-founder Clement Dumont says. A lot of volunteers are needed to run a race like this. If you would like to help or to enter, go to www.hktrailfest.com – you’ll get a free coupon for the Saturday night barbeque at Palm Beach and a free entry into next year’s Photo courtesy of Lantau50 Explorer15 race for helping.

FERRY SCHEDULES Mon-Sat (except PH) Sun and PH only Sat, Sun and PH Mon-Fri (except PH) Sun and PH only

Sat, Sun and PH Daily except Sat Daily Daily Sat, Sun and PH

From DB

From Mui Wo

7:15am 8:45am 10:45am 11:00am 11:45am

7:45am 9:15am 11:15am 11:30am 12:15pm

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1:15pm 3:00pm 4:15pm 6:15pm 8:05pm

1:45pm 3:30pm 4:45pm 6:45pm 8:30pm

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23

PROFILE

trailblazer Long-distance DB trail racer and triathlete Nora Senn shares her enthusiasm for the long run with Megaen Kelly

R

unning has been a valuable part of human existence since we could stand upright. People do it to keep fit, to forget about their troubles, and for myriad other reasons. But not everyone enjoys regularly running 20 kilometres or racing up and down hills and mountains. That’s where dedicated distance people like DB local Nora Senn come in.

100-kilometre category, and I figured I could do 60 kilometres in three days,” she says. “Worst case I would just walk. With this upcoming adventure I started training more. And from that autumn on, I really started running and competing.”

The view from the top

Originally from Switzerland, Nora has always enjoyed being outdoors. In her home country she had horses, often riding out for hours accompanied by her dogs. Of course, in space-limited Hong Kong it is not so easy to own and ride horses. But was running an obvious substitute?

“I had never been a good runner nor liked running,” Nora says. “However on moving to DB in 2008, I started going to the gym. There somebody mentioned the Great Wall Marathon which is held annually in China’s Tianjin Province.

I thought I could do a half marathon and signed up for it.

With this [goal] I started running in the gym. I had walked on the trails before with the dogs and I started running them a bit.”

Success in Tianjin led Nora to sign up for the three-day stage race organised by Action Asia Events in Vietnam in September 2009. “There was a 60-kilometre and a

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September 2012

Nora doesn’t enjoy road running, as she finds it physically less comfortable than racing the trails.

“The views are more rewarding on the trails and you have to focus on where you place your feet,” she adds. “It needs a lot of concentration and is a good core workout. You almost forget that you are running.”

As a triathlete, Nora also bikes and swims (Photo by Lorainne Limchesing)

But just how good a competitive racer is Nora? Well, if her nickname Queen of the Hills is anything to go by, she’s pretty good.

As fellow racer and training buddy Erin Bowland puts it, “Nora the athlete is very unassuming. She has never presumed she will win a place or even finish a race. She is humble on the outside, but very driven on the inside.

Perhaps now that she is accumulating so many titles she is finally realising her ability! When you ask her how a race went, she never comes right out and says ‘I won’. She gives you other details about the course and the terrain and the



Photos courtesy of Nora Senn

PROFILE

Nora was the first woman finisher in this year’s Vibram HK100 trail run (Photo by Paper)

September 2012

25

PROFILE

challenges, but only after she is questioned directly will she reveal her success.”

Since 2009, Nora has added other distance sports to her fitness regime, meaning she can compete in major international triathlon tournaments. She explains, “My heart beats for trail running, no question. But I like other sports as well – I regularly cycle, swim and do [the combat sport] Muay Thai.”

Erin comments, “Nora is a workhorse and trains every day, not out of competitiveness but because she loves to be outdoors, in nature and active. It's just a part of who she is. I think she is successful at ultra-running because she is determined – perhaps it’s her stubbornness that gets her through. And she's successful also because she enjoys it so much. She just laps it up, kilometre after kilometre!”

one should train for certain races. I know it would make me faster but I prefer to train how I want on any particular day.

I make sure I never lose my motivation. I like training with friends but I also enjoy going out on a trail run for hours alone with my dogs.”

And how about some advice for readers considering taking up trail running? Nora has this to say, “The beginning is hard but after a few times it becomes easier. Grab some friends, water, some sun protection, and start hiking. Be grateful that you can be outside and that you can run.”

Maybe one day you will find yourself wanting to run 100 kilometres like Nora Senn, DB’s reigning queen of distance running.

Going the distance But how to stay motivated over a 100-kilometre race?

Recalling one particularly gruelling marathon, Nora says simply that she thought a lot about her friends. “I decided that I would dedicate one kilometre to each of my friends who have shared my life with me. So for the time of a kilometre I thought about a specific friend, what we experienced together, what makes this friend so special to me, what I would want to tell him or her the next time we meet.”

Meeting people who share a similar passion is also a driving force in Nora’s life as a competitive distance runner. DB local Vic So, who often trains with Nora, shares some insights into her mindset. “Nora loves running races but never pushes herself or her teammates. I remember in a race she was leading the group but she stopped her run to help her friend when she saw him get injured.” Clearly, there’s more than podium gold on Nora’s mind when she competes.

“My goal is always to enjoy what I do. This is also my training method,” she says. “I have no real training plan, I don’t follow the well-known patterns and methods of how

Nora celebrating with her team at the UTMF in May (Photo by Paper)

Nora’s team right before the Aboitiz Power Tour of Subic (Photo by Lorainne Limchesing) Read more about local heroes under magazine articles/profile at www.arounddb.com

Nora’s recent racing highlights

26

Race

Date

King of the Hills Mountain Marathon Series, Hong Kong (Trail running series)

December 2010 – March 2011 Overall series winner (Queen of the Hills)

Ironman, Zurich, Switzerland (Triathlon)

July 10, 2011

Finisher, 11 hours, 41 minutes

Action Asia Challenge, Hong Kong (1-day adventure race)

December 11, 2011

1st mixed team

Vibram HK100, Hong Kong (100-kilometre trail run)

February 18, 2012

1st woman, 12 hours, 34 minutes

UTMF, Japan (156-kilometre trail run)

May 18, 2012

3rd woman, 28 hours, 31 minutes

Aboitiz Power Tour of Subic, Philippines (3-stage road-cycling race)

July 7-8, 2012

3rd in team time trial 1st in criterium 1st in road race

September 2012

Result

IN FOCUS

the menopausal

Illustration by Richard Leschinsky

Mandated by the publisher to explore the issue of male midlife crisis, Mary Singer does her best. Anxious, and out of her zone of familiarity, she is pleasantly surprised by the wholehearted support she receives from DB’s menfolk

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September 2012

IN FOCUS

male

A

t our kids’ rugby practice a while back, I approached my friend and fellow-writer, Al (not his real name), like I was told to approach a water buffalo in Africa – very slowly and with averted gaze. “I need your help, Al. Do you know anything about male midlife crisis? I have been told it normally starts with a red Porsche!”

“Sure,” he replied with a grin. “But in DB there’s no Porsche, obviously, so here’s what you’re gonna do. Go to the marina and check out the shiny new speedboats. Also, see who’s zipping down the main road on those racing bicycles. You may also want to talk to some old musicians!” I then asked Al how he was enjoying his new, second-hand junk.

It normally starts with a red Porsche All this was, of course, part of a light-hearted conversation about what has for a long time been a difficult issue to talk about. The male in midlife crisis has long been parodied, but the issue is a serious concern. It is gratifying to see that nowadays, with the baby-boomer generation – and now some post-boomers, too – firmly ensconced in middle age, the subject is no longer the butt of jokes and no longer taboo. Midlife crisis is, rather, something that can be talked about and addressed like any other healthand-wellness issue; with care and concern – and maybe even a touch of kind-hearted humour. After all, laughter is the best medicine.

And who better to talk about this issue than the leader of the band. Says Greg Judd, “Actually the name Midlife Crisis was just a joke (as are many band names), perhaps to mask our insecurities as novice mid-30's DB musicians.

The name certainly resonated with people.” More so, perhaps, than the music, he adds. “For what it's worth, I think that the concept of a midlife crisis is a fiction of modern times, much like the terrible two’s or even teenagers as a definitive group. Sadly, these fictions take on a life of their own and mask real problems, as well becoming justifications for bad behaviour. Stepping off my soapbox, Midlife Crisis the band wouldn't have happened without our partners, so it’s definitely not the equivalent of a Porsche and a young girlfriend!”

Of course, there’s nothing inherently bad in owning a shiny red Porsche, or training diligently, or drinking alcohol – or even in having a girlfriend who has only recently cleared the age of consent. But when these behaviours are leading in the direction of bankruptcy, neglect of work or loved ones, addiction, or broken families for instance, therein lie the real crises.

Whatever the stress triggers are, honest self-assessment is an important factor in recognising the need to seek support and/ or professional help. Often, that honest assessment first comes from friends or family and is ignored or denied. No one is saying that taking a look at oneself and acting on what you

September 2012

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29

IN FOCUS

see, is easy – but it is achievable, especially if one is not afraid to ask for help.

a plan is formulated and integrated, review is also necessary. “Without review, the cycle may repeat itself, because men don’t talk.”

Honest self-assessment is achievable Healthcare providers are all in agreement that the best approach to dealing with the physical/ emotional aspects associated with midlife (although it can occur at other times) is always a multi-faceted approach. It is about nurturing the mind, body and spirit. Everyone’s journey will be different in this regard, and some solutions may be simple, some not: meditate, do a detox, learn to ‘let go’, take up running, make new friends, quit your job (find another), recommit to your marriage (or get an amicable divorce).

Baby steps are a good start. There are plenty of trained professionals who can provide coaching and advice, whether the concerns are physical, nutritional, marital, sexual, financial, occupational, spiritual, or psychological.

What every man in midlife crisis wants (www.picasweb.google.com)

The perfect (older) boy’s toy (www.commons.wikimedia.org)

The aging rocker is the stereotype (www.greatguitarsound.blogspot.com)

A cognitive, mindful approach – understanding what is happening, and why, when one’s behaviours are changing or becoming erratic is also a very good idea. Says Dr Richard Gee, from ReSource The Counselling Centre in Central, “The way I see it, [midlife crisis] is an interruption of the presumed pattern: being married, career, kids… then suddenly things become different. There can be doubts, crazy ideas, peculiar behaviours. This is the archetype midlife crisis. It may be mild or acute. It may be sparked by dissatisfaction with a relationship or a career.”

Dr Gee says also that the crisis may be gradual or sudden, triggered by the death of a loved one that results in the questioning of one’s own purpose or existence, or perhaps by an affair that presents a contrast to the norm.

When should one seek help? “The sooner the better, especially for guys,” says Dr Gee. “They have friends to joke and sound off with, but generally not to communicate deeply with. Ideally, there is an existing relationship [to a therapist], then they can come back to this trusted, safe place.” Therapists all have their own approaches, and Dr Gee describes his as ‘exploratory and creative’. “My own past has mistakes, so I am unflappable. I invite expression – whatever comes out is fine,” he says.

“The first step is to focus on emotions and feelings, then comes the plan – being aware of context, responsibilities and experiences, and not just changing things.” Skillsbuilding is a major part of the therapy; relationship skills, decision-making skills and communication skills are all examined. “This can be seen as a new chapter in the exploration of one’s life,” explains Dr Gee, adding that once

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September 2012

While studies have shown that the cognitive approach is an effective therapy, there is also the issue of clinical depression, which can be part of a person’s midlife crisis. In this case, medical intervention may also be an effective and necessary part of a multipronged approach.

Male or female, when the attendant issues and anxieties of the busy, productive lives of Lantau Island’s ‘boomers’ start to pile up, it can be daunting if one is not prepared with a practical plan to deal with them.

Fortunately, as I found out myself through writing this article, there are plenty of caring individuals in our midst who will offer help and support.

All we need do is ask. We don’t have to muddle through on our own.

Characteristics of midlife crisis Individuals experience some of these feelings: • • • • •

A sense of searching for an undefined dream or goal A deep sense of remorse for goals not accomplished A fear of humiliation among more successful friends and colleagues A desire to achieve a feeling of youthfulness A need to spend more time alone or with peers

Men exhibit some of these behaviours: • • • • •

• •

Abuse of alcohol Acquisition of unusual or expensive items, such as boats, sports cars, jewellery Depression Blaming themselves for their failures Paying special attention to physical appearance, such as covering baldness, wearing youthful designer clothes Entering relationships with younger people (sexual, professional, parental, etc.)

Placing over importance on their children’s ability to excel in school

You can contact Dr Richard Gee at ReSource The Counselling Centre via www.resourcecounselling.org To see more of Richard’s amazing illustrations, go to magazine articles at www.arounddb.com

FAMILY MATTERS

they are sporting

excellence

Karmel Schreyer catches up with a few of DB’s young sports talents and their folks, to get the inside scoop on achieving excellence, finding balance, and focusing on what’s important Shinichi and Shinya perfecting their swings (Photo by Baljit Gidwani)

C

harles Chan, gymnastics coach at Sportsmanship in DB, has strong opinions on the notion of creating elite athletes. “How do you define elite?” he asks, for openers. “For me, everyone can become elite. It’s about intention, that’s something from within. The atmosphere, the outside factors, that’s where coaches and parents can offer support.

“Becoming elite is about standing out in a crowd,” Charles says, adding that this ‘setting apart’ actually presents itself in a physical, observable way. “It’s about showing confidence and a desire to win – you can see it in a three-year old.”

Excellence, of course, will always result in a measure of scrutiny by others, not always positive. “Being an elite athlete means accepting the fact that you are going to be noticeable,”

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September 2012

says Charles, adding that confident athletes won’t let the negative attitudes or actions of others throw them off their stride. Achieving this level of confidence is not easy for grown-ups, let alone children, he admits. But it is something that will prove beneficial in all aspects of life. “To learn about intention, focus and drive; to visualise – these are good skills at any age, and with any endeavour,” adds Charles. So now let’s hear what four of DB’s elite young athletes have to say.

Talented to a tee Discovery Bay brothers Shinichi, age 18, a student at West Island School, Pokfulam, and Shinya Mizuno, aged 15 at Discovery College (DC), are making a name for themselves among the ranks of the world’s top golfers. Last December, Shinichi participated in the UBS Hong Kong Open — along

FAMILY MATTERS

Long Tim playing for the DB Pirates (Photo by Marie Marchand)

with the likes of Miguel Jimenez, Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy. He didn’t make the cut after Round 2, unfortunately, but that just put the student in the company of Justin Rose — now standing at Number 7 in world golf rankings. And not only that, Shinichi is the current Hong Kong Amateur Junior Close champion with a long and growing list of tournament wins to his credit.

Younger brother Shinya, who is on the DC golf team, is poised to follow Shinichi into the world of competitive tournaments. There are plenty held in the territory throughout the year, and he recommends the Albert K W Lai Junior Championship as a good place to start.

“I bought Shinichi and Shinya a Discovery Bay Golf Club (DBGC) membership six years ago, and they have been

Jessica – Olympian in training (Photo by Andrew Garment)

enjoying playing golf for all that time,” proud dad Toshizo Mizuno explains. How do Shinichi’s parents encourage him and his brother to excel at golf, while helping them to achieve a balance with schoolwork and other activities?

Dad replies, modestly, that here they cannot take credit, instead commending the DBGC staff and coaches for their support. “The Hong Kong Golf Association also supports junior golfers,” he adds. “That is why my children can play golf as representatives of Hong Kong.”

All Toshizo wants is to see his boys enjoying golf, and making good friends through golf. This may seem like an easy answer, but dad recognises how much the sport has to offer his sons. “They love golf because it is easy to see their skills improve, through their golf scores. If they practise harder, their score and handicap will be better than before,

September 2012

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33

FAMILY MATTERS

Award-winning Jessica in Zhuhai (Photo by Andrew Garment)

Long Tim is a real all-rounder (Photo by Marie Marchand)

so the effort is visible and that is good motivation for them,” he continues. “I think that sports are a good education for children, helping them grow stronger, not only physically but mentally, too.”

Shinichi is steadily accumulating trophies (Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Golfer)

One of Long Tim’s most memorable moments was playing in an exhibition match at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens three years ago, and winning. But he also cites the fun and the social aspect as reasons for his fondness for the sport.

“It’s about meeting new people,” he explains.

Giving rugby his best try Why does Long Tim Nixon do it? Why does he risk getting bashed up in the rough-and-tumble of competitive rugby?

“For the love of the sport,” he replies. “I like playing it.” He makes it sound so simple – and maybe it is.

Eighteen-year-old Long Tim started out with the DB Pirates Rugby Football Club (DBPRFC) age seven. Having played for his school, Discovery Bay International School, he moved on to play at West Island School, while still with the DBPRFC. This year, Long Tim aged out of the DBPRFC’s youth squad and moved to the Sandy Bay Rugby Club in Pokfulam. He is also playing for the Barbarians, an elite Hong Kong-based club which brings together players from different clubs for a few matches each year. Here he rubs shoulders with the likes of Matt Giteau, Richie McCaw and Bryan Habana. “It is about giving 110 percent to our training, and trying to improve ourselves,” Long Tim says.

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September 2012

If you’re thinking Long Tim’s life revolves around rugby, however, you’d be mistaken. He plays football, too, for West Island School, the DB Dragons’ senior team and the Hong Kong Football Club Under 18s. But his search for a university placement is being influenced by the presence of a strong rugby club. “Somewhere in British Columbia,” he thinks. Long Tim is currently studying a combination of engineering, sports science and environmental systems and hopes to merge his sporting interests with his future career.

Head over heels for gymnastics “Happy and proud.” That’s how gymnastics makes sevenyear-old Jessica Garment feel. And so she should be.

Although she has been training at Sportsmanship with Charles Chan, and taking English Schools Foundation (ESF) gym courses for only two years, the little dynamo won gold medals in all three of her events (floor, vault and

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This month’s FREE parent workshop: Learn how neuro-developmental functions can affect learning.

By: Rachel Schumacher, a qualified ILT Practitioner (Integrated Learning Therapy) and HANDLE® Screener (Holistic and Neurodevelopmental Learning Effectiveness)

Wednesday 12/9/2012, 7:30 PM

(Free Admission- registration is required due to limited space) GROUPS OPENING IN SEPTEMBER: THINK GOOD FEEL GOOD! (7Y-9Y & 10Y-13Y) Designed to teach helpful strategies for coping with new/challenging situations, problem solving skills and strategies for controlling worries and thoughts.

GIRLS (Girls In Real Life Situations) (7Y-9Y & 10Y-13Y) during sessions, girls will develop coping strategies and improve problem-solving skills.

SUPERFLEX program – (4Y-6Y & 7Y-9Y) Focuses on skills like: flexible thinking, different perspectives, social expectations and problem solving skills.

All programs are suitable for children of all abilities.

Tel: 2914 2223

info@childdevelopment.com.hk

Pink Fizz 2012 Wednesday October 17 ZAKS DiscoveryBay 8pm – late

Sponsored Pink Walk Sunday October 7 DB North Plaza 10am – 12 noon This 4.6 km road walk is stroller friendly.

All money raised will go to the HK Breast Cancer Fund.

Get your registration form on the Movement Improvement facebook page or at Dymocks, DB.

FAMILY MATTERS

beam) at a regional gymnastics event in Zhuhai, China, in April this year. She also got the gold for overall standing, the only competitor out of over 250 to make such a sweep.

And this was in addition to overwhelming wins at previous local meets.

It is easy to imagine that this is just the beginning of a promising career for Jessica. When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, she replies, “I want to be an Olympian.”

This possibility presents a challenge to the whole family.

“She’s pushing us,” says mother Kathryn. “We watch YouTube videos of gymnastics events at the breakfast table.

She is always on the move, in the flat, practising. We’ve put tape on the floor as a balance beam. Our furniture is used as a vault.” Kathryn observes her daughter’s seemingly endless passion for the sport as remarkable, too. “Even after the three-day training and competition in Zhuhai, she was still doing cartwheels on the way home. I thought she might be tired!”

Getting Jessica where she needs to be, which now includes taking her out of school once a week to get to a 4pm gymnastics lesson in town, may be tiring for Kathryn, but

the payoff is worth it. She explains that her daughter is somewhat shy but when she stands on the line, she seems to turn into a different person.

To a mum, this is a meaningful observation, and Kathryn is going to do her best to ‘connect the dots forward’ as Steve Jobs would say. At the time of writing, the Garment family is preparing to leave Hong Kong and relocate to the United Kingdom. They will be living not far from Nottingham, where Kathryn says, they train for the Olympics. Jessica will be 15 for the 2020 Olympics Games. Minimum age requirements for Olympic gymnasts appear fluid; between 14 and 16 years in recent games, so let’s keep our fingers crossed for Jessica in 2020. She and her family will do the rest.

You can contact Charles Chan of Sportsmanship at www.facebook.com/charleschans; Sportsmanship at www.sportsmanship-gymnastic.webs.com; the DBPRFC at www.dbpirates.com; and the DBGC at www.dbgc.com

Find more about Sportsmanship and the DB Pirates under life in DB/after-school activities at www.arounddb.com

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MONEY MATTERS

weigh the

alternatives With the stock market bland and the bond market bubbling, investors may have to search elsewhere for the best returns.

Gordon Franks reports

I

n today’s ever-changing world, global financial conditions remain extremely uneasy. This has caused volatility – the most popular measure of risk – to ride at historically high levels. The near downgrade of US credit and the Eurozone collapse have resulted in reduced consumer confidence and poor returns for most asset classes over the past six months. It’s been incredibly difficult to gain a stable return throughout the period.

Although one can argue that now is a good time to pick up good-value stocks, this approach is not for the fainthearted as increased volatility has meant that investments can

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September 2012

drop further before they bounce back. That rollercoaster ride is only for those who can stomach it. Instead, some analysts suggest the average person should consider buying alternative investments that were once the preserve of only the most sophisticated investors. The reason is that these alternative investments, which are often nonequity linked, can help boost the risk-adjusted return of a portfolio in ways that a traditional stock, bond and cash portfolio can no longer do. The idea is that adding such investments will provide average investors with predictable and uncorrelated returns, upping the potential for increased profit across their entire portfolios.

MONEY MATTERS

metals, so in this article I will take a few of the more topical alternatives and examine them in detail.

Fine wine Experts within the wine industry say that the best investors can see returns of up to 30 percent a year from some bottles.

Between 2000 and 2010, some of the famous Bordeaux vintages even quadrupled in value. Of course, like shares, wines can fall in value too but at least you can drink the negative equity which is a definite positive compared to most types of investment!

Investors in wine can see returns of up to 30 percent a year from the best bottles

Volatility in global markets is making alternative investments look very attractive

But these recommendations raise plenty of questions. Is this really a good thing for the average investor to do and what exactly is an alternative investment?

By definition an alternative investment is quite simply any investment product other than traditional stocks, bonds, cash or physical property. By often having no direct link to equity markets they can become insular to other types of investments, which is definitely an advantage, and they can often remain robust, or perform well throughout periods of volatility. The term alternative investment is relatively loose, covering everything from vintage cars to precious

Less is more when you're buying to invest, so get hold of the top wines from the top vintages. A typical investment unit is one case of 12 bottles, and the more expensive wines – worth several thousands of pounds per case – can sometimes have the greatest potential for growth.

Just as your first stock-market investments are likely to be large cap companies (companies with a market capitalisation value of more than US$10 billion), your first wine investments are often Bordeaux. This is the home of the finest red wines and has a track record for bottling the most outstanding produce. Since 1855, Bordeaux wines have been classified into five ranks. The crème de la crème are the first growths, closely followed by the super seconds; further down come the third, fourth and fifth growths. The better the wine, the longer it takes to mature: first growths will take at least 15 to 20 years. However, the wine will start to be consumed from the moment it's bottled. And because only a finite number of bottles are produced in each vintage, prices generally rise as supply falls.

September 2012

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39

MONEY MATTERS

Investing in student accommodation offers the potential for both capital growth and the surety of high rentals

There is a limited supply and high worldwide demand for the really high quality wines, particularly from here in Hong Kong, from the wider China region and other parts of Asia.

The supply and demand mismatch is what makes these expensive vintages a good investment. If you're a keen investor, fine wine can be seen as an addendum to your portfolio, an asset that provides something tangible and different, and an interesting topic at the dinner table.

Student accommodation Although this is real estate, it is an alternative investment due to the fact that properties are often purpose-built for the student market, and as such they afford fundamentally different reasons for investment than traditional property.

There is a widespread difference of opinion regarding what will happen in the international residential and commercial property market going forward. But one thing that few experts disagree on is the potential for both capital growth and the surety of high rentals that comes with well-located student accommodation in key cities with prestigious universities.

The rationale is quite simple: student accommodation provides a low-risk, high-yielding and totally handsoff investment if managed in the correct way. There are currently two main ways of entering this asset class, one of which is to purchase the physical property, the other is through investment funds. There are arguments for both but regardless you should expect returns of approximately 9 percent per annum. Some of the fund structures, in particular, have long-term track records with these types of returns and, as such, they are proving a stable place to hold funds for long-term, uncorrelated gains.

Litigation funding Third-Party Litigation Funding is based on an individual (or commercial entity) entering into an agreement to fund a lawsuit or legal claim, in which they have no prior interest. In

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September 2012

return they get an agreed share of any proceeds that result from the successful outcome of that case.

This agreement may take the form of a fixed percentage of any amount awarded; a multiple of the actual funding provided; or a combination of the two.

As an asset class, Third-Party Litigation Funding has been around for over 30 years but until recently it was only available to hedge funds, insurance companies and large financial institutions. It is now offered to investors through Principal Protected Notes (an investment contract with a guaranteed rate of return of at least the amount invested, and a possible gain). Fixed returns of sometimes as high as 12.5 percent per annum are achievable over two to three years. By having four layers of principal protection in place and a high yield, clients gain comfort and returns at the same time – something which can be otherwise difficult in the current climate.

Ultimately when looking at alternative investments it is important to look not only at returns but also to consider factors such as liquidity. Alternative investments may not always be as liquid as vanilla investments – your basic bonds, options, futures or swaps. With this in mind, you must be especially careful in terms of asset allocation to meet your overall investment plan. As always a complete understanding of the investment, the returns and the risks must be in place both at the outset, and during, the investment cycle.

Gordon Franks is managing director of Platinum Financial Services Ltd (PFS), an independent Hong Kong-based investment and financial advisory firm catering to professional expatriates across Asia. PFS advises on all aspects of personal financial planning.

Email Gordon at gordonfranks@fsplatinum.com For more information about Platinum Financial Services, visit business directory/financial services at www.arounddb.com

More than 50 years international experience supporting businesses.

• Accounting & Taxation • Business & Operation Consulting • China Trade Advisory • Information Technology Implementation • Company Formation & Secretarial • Pre-Initial Public Offering Advisory & Corporate Finance • Financial Planning • Immigration (Visas & Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Application) For a free consultation, please contact Martha Tang or Alice Chung Suite 1801, 18th Floor New Victory House 93-103 Wing Lok Street Hong Kong

Tel: Fax: Email: Website:

(852) 2851 8081 (852) 3590 9901 info@alcamat.com www.alcamat.com

Photos by Gary Stokes

TALKING POINTS

plastic

A government worker shovelling what looks like snow

revolution

Sometimes it takes something shocking to happen for us to sit up and take notice of an on-going or escalating problem.

Certainly, we have all been given a major environmental wake-up call by the plastic disaster of July 23. May Liu reports

F

or anyone who has had their head in the sand in recent weeks, and missed all the environmental activity and media coverage, here’s what happened. On July 23 during Typhoon Vicente, the worst tropical storm to reach Hong Kong in 13 years, a ship lost six containers at sea, each one loaded with 1,000, 25-kilogramme bags of preproduction plastic pellets. These tiny plastic beads or nurdles (along with full and empty bags) immediately started showing up en masse on Hong Kong’s southern coast, mainly along the beaches from Lamma to the eastern side of Lantau.

DB environmentalist Tracey Read, who is no stranger to plastic pollution, having been part of a recent research

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expedition across the plastic soup that stretches from Tokyo to Hawaii, was the first person to find and identify the pellets. “The morning after the storm, Sam Pak Wan at DB North Plaza was covered with nurdles – it looked as if it was blanketed in snow – and there were knee-deep piles some 0.5 metres deep,” she says. After hooking up with Gary Stokes [of Hemingway’s DB, who moonlights as the Hong Kong coordinator of Sea Shepherd] and fellow DB environmentalist Kevin Laurie, Tracey immediately contacted the government.

In dealing with this disaster, the Hong Kong Government’s reaction has been swift and decisive – teams came out to DB the very next day to begin the clean-up process. Within

TALKING POINTS

days Gary began operating joint search missions in a Government Flying Services (GFS) helicopter, with the Hong Kong Marine Department (MD), and the full scale of the problem was realised. “Either by helicopter or small boats, we have been working to create an up-to-date picture of the entire south coast of Hong Kong, identifying hotspots so that we can relay to other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the MD where to assign resources of manpower and equipment,” he says. “Now we know where the nurdles are, and just as importantly where they are not.”

Nurdlers in action

Leading local NGOs, notably DB Green, Ocean Park Conservation Fund, Ecovision China, Sea Shepherd (HK) and World Wildlife Fund (HK), assisted by the Chinese petrochemical company Sinopec Group, are now monitoring the situation. Beach clean-ups have been successfully organised all over the southern part of Hong Kong, and will continue for the forseeable future.

“Some days I go to the beach and there are very few pellets washed up, other days many more are washed up,” says Dana Winograd, Around DB’s Editorial Coordinator and one of the beach clean-up organisers for DB Green. “We have a one- to two-day window of opportunity immediately after a storm to collect a lot of pellets as many are washed in with the tide (and the rubbish) at that time. We need a regular flow of volunteers, which we have been getting from all over Hong Kong, but we need more support from DBers – it’s so much easier for DB people to get to the beaches first thing after a storm."

Beach clean-ups (on Nim Shue Wan, Sam Pak Wan and Cheung Sha Lan) are still being organised by DB Green.

“The CEO of Sinopec from Beijing was in DB on August 23, with 70 others, including 30 First Division Hong Kong Kitchee footballers, cleaning the beaches,” says Dana.

“Volunteers from all over are totally committed to getting the job done. We counted 300 a day by the end of the August 10 weekend, and DB Green has reached over 52,000 people on its facebook page."

Moving forward, Gary and Tracey are about to set up a new NGO, Plastic Free Seas. “It is dedicated to advocating change in the way we all view and use plastics in society today, through education and action campaigns,” Tracey explains.

“It started because of nurdles, however it’s grown much bigger than that now,” Gary concludes. “People are coming to remote beaches they’d never have been to; they have seen the beauty of our wild Hong Kong and seen the trash.

People are now starting to question why and how. Why are we trashing our natural world, and how did our trash end up here? The Plastic Revolution has begun, and I am so happy it has started here, in our beloved Hong Kong. The world is watching, and we will set an example for others to follow!”

Eco-warrior of the day

Gary Stokes and Tracey Read

Get involved DB Green facebook page, www.dbgreen.org, or www.facebook.com/DBGreenHK Gary Stokes' website blog, www.garystokesphotography.com/blog Plastic Disaster Hong Kong facebook page, www.facebook.com/PlasticDisasterHongKong Plastic Free Seas, www.PlasticFreeSeas.org Tracey Read’s website blog, www.journeytotheplasticocean.wordpress.com

For more topical DB topics, go to magazine articles/talking points at www.arounddb.com

September 2012

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TECH TREND

online overload More! More! More! 24/7 connectivity is one of the defining features of modern life but what if you need a break? Download some distraction management software, says Mark Roper

T

he smart phones, laptops and plethora of other mobile devices that surround us have obvious attractions and benefits. But do you ever find yourself or people you know having to constantly respond to the interruptions they generate? The alarms, alerts and constant stream of new information that these devices put in front of us demands time and attention which can sometimes work against our productivity, and make us begin to question whether the device is our servant or our master. If this is you then you are not alone, and recently a new breed of programmes has been developed to help you manage online distractions. Let’s take a look.

Just how wired-in are you? (ideasmithy.wordpress.com)

Free yourself

Be anti social

Show self restraint

Write on

Freedom (www. macfreedom.com) for Mac OS and Windows is one of the more extreme versions of anti-distraction software you’ll find. It works by blocking all internet connections for a specified time, essentially returning you to the days before the internet. The only way to get back online is to hit restart which the manufacturers believe is the deterrent necessary to keep you focused – will you really stop what you are doing and reboot simply to check facebook?

The perfect option for some, including top authors Dave Eggers and Zadie Smith, Freedom may be a little too radical for others, so read on. One-off cost: US$10 (HK$77) with five free trials.

Anti-Social (www.antisocial.cc), which is currently available only for Mac, describes itself as a utility that ‘turns off the social parts of the internet’. Once installed, Anti-Social allows you to list the sites you want to block. This means that you can still use the net for research but can render yourself ‘Twitterless’ for a while. You’ll be amazed how much you get done if you turn off your friends!

When you have kicked the programme into action, the sites you have chosen will be blocked for as long as you want. The only way to unblock them is to reboot your computer. No permanent changes are made to the computer you are using, so it is completely safe. One-off cost: US$15 with a free trial.

SelfRestraint (www. parker.kuivi.la/projects/ selfrestraint.html) is simplicity itself and best of all free! There is a straightforward two-step process where the main input from you is to list the sites you want blocked, and for how long. After all, you may need to access some sites to get the job done.

Note that once SelfRestraint is running there’s no turning back until the time expires.

It is an open-source project, in the Beta trials, so still in development for Mac. If you are keen to try out this sort of software for nothing then this could be a good option.

The developer (a student) is enthusiastic about feedback and even more enthusiastic for donations should you like the product! No cost but donations are welcome.

Sometimes all you want to do is turn your computer back into a typewriter. If so, then there are a variety of alternatives for both Mac and Windows. WriteRoom (www.hogbaysoftware. com), Dark Room (www. they.misled.us/dark-room) and Writespace (www. writespace.codeplex. com) are word-processing packages that give you a default full-screen mode, thus hiding menus and shielding you from temptation. These minimalist text editors hide further functionality, although basic editing operations are of course retained (think copy, paste, etc.). Get back to the simple beauty of you, the page and what you want to say. One-off cost: varies, free to US$10.

For more about computing go to magazine articles/tech at www.arounddb.com

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September 2012

CR_Ad_190x132mm_Hong Kong.indd 1

24-Aug-12 11:05:17 AM

ESCAPES

drinking Photos by Elizabeth Kerr

it in

N

ew Zealand is a funny old country. That’s not meant to be disparaging, so perhaps cheeky is a better word. Auckland Airport’s departure gate gives voice to what many of us often think: ‘This is it folks’. Sheep roam freely across golf courses (brilliant when you think about it). A few minutes in Aotearoa – the Maori name that explains that Split Enz song – and it becomes clear that this nation takes itself just seriously enough to function, but not at the expense of a good laugh or levity when it’s needed.

One thing New Zealand does indeed take seriously is its wine. In a few decades, New Zealand has become the go-to choice for a Sauvignon Blanc for unsure shoppers.

Consumption and production are relatively low when compared to the larger industry in Australia or the world’s

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major grape supplier, Chile. That makes almost every winery in New Zealand a boutique winery, particularly outside the best-known wine regions at Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough.

The best way to find these alternatives, and the best way to experience New Zealand, is by hiring a car and hitting the road – the winding, steep road. New Zealand is small, and driving is easy, but it will take a few days to realise that distances on your map are farther then they appear because of their twisting nature. Still, it’s worth the effort and the country’s size makes it uniquely equipped to provide what could be the world’s finest tourist agency.

Look for the big green i on your way into town – big cities like Wellington and tiny towns like Pukehamoamoa alike – and roll into its i-SITE. These are tourist information centres

ESCAPES

Elizabeth Kerr takes a tour of New Zealand’s wine country and discovers why the Kiwi grape has become a major international player

Lake Wanaka viewed from leading Central Otago winery, Rippon

staffed with friendly locals who can find you hotels, motels, event tickets, special tours… you name it. Also available at the i-SITEs are free Jasons accommodation directories, a must-have for road-trippers travelling on the fly.

First stop: Waiheke Island Because most international visitors (Australians excepted) arrive in Auckland, your first winery visit should be on Waiheke Island. Approximately 40 minutes on the ferry from the city’s main pier, Waiheke is home to 20+ independent wineries. Small as the island may be (it’s home to 8,000 residents) this is a day trip, if not an overnighter. The buses that serve the island run in 30-minute intervals and with all those wineries to try, many with restaurants, it can take a fair chunk of time.

Waiheke jumped to relative prominence because of its maritime climate and compatibility with Bordeaux varieties, best demonstrated by Stonyridge’s rich and complex Larose and Pilgrim. Stonyridge sits just off the main road in the island’s Onetangi region and has a casual, dog-friendly, familiar vibe that’s palpable the minute you cross the threshold. The café is boisterous and the staff easy-going and quick to share a snarky joke – which doesn’t mean they don’t know what they’re talking about.

Matakana musts Nestled off State Highway 1 just up the road from Auckland, is the Matakana region. This is a hidden gem around Warkworth, and if you get bored of wine tasting, there’s a handful of dramatic beaches to lounge on. Matakana 

September 2012

47

ESCAPES

is defined by its hilly position, low rainfall, clay soil and moderate climate that lends itself to Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The jewel in Matakana’s crown could be family-owned Ransom Wines’ Carmenère.

For those in the know, Carmenère is a Bordeaux grape that was blighted back in the 19th century and is effectively extinct in France. It is grown in Chile, but Ransom was the first to grow the grape in this tiny corner of New Zealand to terrific effect. Carmenère cellars well but the ruby-coloured young vintage is a perfect fit for Grapes on meats if you don’t have the patience the vine at to wait a few years.

Stonyridge,

South Island specials

Waiheke Island

After you drag yourself away from the relative urbanity of the North Island and across Cook Strait, the South Island offers a markedly different experience. This is New Zealand at its most aggressively natural, and so it shouldn’t be surprising to find more stellar wine-growing regions. And about midway

between whale-watching at Kaikoura and Christchurch is the Waipara Valley, home to another two dozen wineries.

Waipara is home to New Zealand’s most diverse wines, as the land swings between valleys and river terraces, between clay and loam. A real grasp on Waipara could take weeks, but a good start is Mud House, one of the region’s largest vintners. Mud House’s tasting room boasts multiple Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay – as a start – some estate bottled, some designer blended from other parts of the country.

Around the corner is the 20-year-old Pegasus Bay, whose cellar door leads to a café facing a sprawling stretch of vines. Pegasus does strong whites, like its unconventional un-woody Chardonnay and a lemony, late-picked Riesling.

As you near the bottom of the world you’ll roll into the Central Otago region, known for its cold winters and hot, dry summers. Pinot Noir and Riesling are the signature

Stellar wine-growing region, the Waipara Valley

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September 2012

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AroundDB_Sept.indd 1

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ESCAPES grapes down here, and the queen of Otago wineries is arguably Rippon. Founded by Lois and (the late) Rolfe Mills in the 1970s (against most people’s advice), Rippon is the region’s trailblazer. Still family-run, the vineyard is just outside Wanaka, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful towns. Standouts are its rich, spicy Mature-Vine Pinot Noirs: Tinker’s Field and Emma’s Block. Rippon doesn’t have a café, but Wanaka is loaded with places to sip.

When you eventually get to the end of the line at Queenstown, if you missed anything en route, drop into Wine Tastes, a sampling bar (like Central’s California Vintage) that’s all Kiwi, all the time. Drink up.

Getting there Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand fly direct to Auckland multiple times daily

Staying there New Zealand has a good range of quality accommodation, from major hotels to roadside motels and cosy bed-and-breakfast joints. Various Jasons accommodation directories are available at car-rental agencies and at tourist-information i-SITEs that cover every corner of the country

Getting around

Online information • New Zealand: www.newzealand.com • Auckland: www.aucklandnz.com • Wine regions: www.matakanawine.com; www.otagowine.com; www.waihekewine.co.nz; www.waiparawine.co.nz

Read more about accessible and exciting holiday destinations under magazine articles/escapes at www.arounddb.com

There are plenty of car-hire agencies, and if you’re doing a road trip shop around to find one that includes a ferry ticket in its rental price. New Zealand’s roads are generally well maintained a n d e a sy to navig ate, a n d of f- road ve hi c le requirements are clearly marked on maps and highways. Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown have good local bus services. Taxis can be pricey

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C-031541

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ACTION

on the

ball

As the rugby season kicks off, Megaen Kelly finds out why one of the leading clubs in Hong Kong, the Discovery Bay Pirates, knows challenges can be overcome with perseverance – and a little sweat

R

ah! Rah! Rugby! Clubs across the SAR (and indeed the Northern Hemisphere) are now celebrating the 2012/ 2013 season kick off. The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens may be the highlight of enthusiasts’ social calendars but it is in September that players start slugging it out to put their teams on the map.

One of the newest clubs in the territory is the Discovery Bay Pirates Rugby Football Club (DBPRFC), formed in 2003. Comprised initially of a minis section (Under 6 to Under 12), with parents moonlighting as coaches, the club has grown to include teen and senior teams. On their first official outing, the seniors won the bowl of the Hong Kong Scottish Rugby Football Club’s 10's tournament at Kings Park, Ho Man Tin.

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September 2012

No surprise then that the (older) DBPRFC members are gaining a reputation for playing as hard off pitch as they do on. Anyone in DB Plaza at around 3am as the club’s summer ball drew to a close on May 19 will vouch for this.

We hear it was a night of rum, port, pillage and plundering – apt when you consider that the club is named after the ferocious and tactically talented pirate Kuo Hung Yeh who made DB his base in the 1600s.

Once a pirate, always a pirate Steve Tait, the club secretary, notes that the adult members of the club, whether coaches or players, “Are in general a bunch of like-minded guys who don't take themselves too seriously, who live in DB, who have professional jobs and

Photos courtesy of the Discovery Bay Pirates Rugby Football Club (DBPRFC)

ACTION

Young players are trained to explore their full rugby potential

who still enjoy playing rugby (at whatever standard). And we in general all believe in the importance of youth sport.”

In fact, it is the children of many adult players who got their parents involved with the club in the first place.

Randal Leonard, head of seniors, says that when he first moved to Discovery Bay with his family four-and-a-half years ago, he immediately started looking for a rugby club for his son Zach to join. And he was helping to coach the DBPRFC Under 6s within a week! Steve Kean, the club’s deputy chairman, tells a similar tale. “I joined the Pirates in 2004, when the club was starting its second season, and my son started playing in the Under 8s. Last season I was coaching the Under-12 girls, where my daughter plays.”

Clearly, the children are a bonding mechanism for the club’s success. Additionally, the club management has a major goal in helping to develop players who possess the potential to go on and play professionally. However, as Steve (Kean) puts it, “It remains a challenge for the Pirates to be competitive while also delivering on our ethos of enabling every player (no matter their age, ability or experience) to explore their full rugby potential and play to the best of their ability.”

Founding member of the club, Colin Stagg, has this to say about the young players’ track record. “Our first silverware was won in 2004 when the Under-14 girls combined with Hong Kong University Sandy Bay Rugby Football Club to win the sevens’ plate. The boys’ teams were also soon challenging the more established (and bigger) clubs for

September 2012



53

ACTION

The DBPRFC seniors all set to practice in DB (Photo by Steve Theikle)

honours with the Under 14s winning Division 3 in their first year of Colts rugby with the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union in 2007-08, and subsequently being promoted directly to Division 1 where they finished as runners up in both the league and cup competitions. The 2009-10 season saw the club obtain unprecedented success as our Under-12 boys’ team won the Richard Hawkes Trophy, whilst the Under-11 and Under-12 boys (again) won the Asian Five Nations showcase. Not to be outdone, the Under-14 and Under-16 boys’ teams both finished as runners up in the first division of each age group. Provisional and national caps for players (girls and boys) soon followed.”

Pitchless in DB While being a community-focused club has helped the DBPRFC in strengthening team spirit, the lack of a formal pitch poses problems. Currently the DBPRFC shares the North Plaza Community Centre pitch with numerous other DB sports teams. Not only that, the pitch is, according to

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September 2012

Randal, only about 40 percent the size of a full-sized pitch.

But that’s not the end of the challenge.

“The North Plaza Community Centre pitch used for practice only lasts for about half a season before it falls apart,” adds Peter Porter, the head of the minis. “We then need to ferry teams around to other pitches, plus we use the beach.”

This, combined with the fact that many adult players are pilots (and away a lot), means that regular, quality practice time is difficult to come by for the Pirates.

However, Steve (Tait) contends that, “The Pirate spirit will not be dampened and we will train where we can, when we can!”

A pirates’ life for me Where there’s a will there’s a way in other words. It also helps that the DBPRFC is well funded with a slew of sponsors who help provide financial support. In fact, according to 

ATS

specialist mortgage

specialist mortgage

ATS

ACTION

Steve (Tait), the DBPRFC is the only (sports) club worldwide to be sponsored by Virgin. “This support,” he adds, “proves that we are not only valued in the community but by a far greater audience overall. We are delighted by the support of all our sponsors, including of course Around DB.” Steve (Kean) adds, “It has always been the intention of the club to develop some form of rugby academy and bring a more structured approach to our players’ coaching and development. For us to invest in developing our coaches and referees, and to be able to support club tours (which we want to increase in future years) requires significant investment. We are hugely grateful for the support of our sponsors in helping us towards achieving this vision.”

So with a can-do attitude and a belief in each other, as well as the support of non-players, the DBPRFC is looking forward to another hugely successful season of rugby.

Read more about the DB Pirates under life in DB and charities and volunteering at www.arounddb.com

The all-new seniors’ team is taking on other more established local clubs

All-Girls Beach Rugby Festival On October 7, the DBPRFC will be hosting the second annual All-Girls Beach Rugby Festival. Last year's event saw some 40 teams competing across age groups, from Under 10s through to Under 19s.

Find out more about the club at www.dbpirates.com

Who am I? KayeKaye Khemlani (PIBA No. 0032-009006), a native English-speaking insurance advisor, with a strong presence in Discovery Bay and Hong Kong.

My thoughts I understand we all go through different stages of life and so do our insurance needs.

But the mandatory insurances required by the HK Government (including domestichelper insurance, house insurance, automobile coverage and life insurance), are always worth due diligence. This month, I want to wake you up to some things you may not have considered about your home insurance policies.

Home insurance Homeowners insurance is a security blanket. It is designed to protect you in the event of a catastrophe. Therefore, when you are choosing a policy, don’t always look to save money – the best deal may cost you more in the long run. Here are five things you will want to consider and know about: 1. Shop around: When you receive your annual renewal statement, check to see if you can snag a better deal elsewhere. Consider moving your auto policy too; bundling home and auto coverage with the same insurer can cut your total premiums.

2. You may have too much coverage. It’s common for policies to contain inflationprotection provisions that automatically increase your coverage amount. You may want to adjust your coverage amount to a more realistic figure..

3. Small claims can cost you, too. Go with the highest deductible you can afford and bank the savings to cover the cost of minor repairs. Filing a claim for every broken window or leaky pipe makes for excessively high premiums. Better to save your home cover for the really big things like fire and theft and typhoons 4. Your home policy is the correct way to protect all your valuables like jewellry, watches, laptops, tablets, mobiles etc all over the world, most people wrongly assume that your travel policy protects these items… it doesn’t, its your home policy that gets to have the expensive stuff tacked on it

My offer: I can do a comparison shop for you free of charge, to ensure that you have made the right choice and check that you have the right product at the right price.

SPORTS WORLD SWIM CHALLENGE 1.1km swim @ DB North

16 September

Entry cost HK$150 open to anyone over the age of 16 (under 18 participants will require signed consent from parents as well as swim coach/instructor).

Sports World Swim Challenge proudly supporting the Ocean Recovery Alliance

Take part in this 1.1km swim in the North Plaza

Register now

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STYLE

less is

more

Elizabeth Kerr looks into some common design mistakes and discovers why a super-simple interior beats the alternatives

M

y friend Dianna Davis (not her real name) ventured out to the wilds of Discovery Bay one day, like many a Hongkonger has been wont to do, looking for a new flat. She had been living in an old Wanchai tenement and decided the classy and spacious and relatively superior apartments she’d heard spoken of in DB – legends all – beckoned.

“I walked into a flat on a high floor in a fairly modern tower and I got all excited initially because all this light was streaming in,” Dianna recalls. “It had a lot of huge windows. I was on a low floor in Wanchai and naturally was surrounded by other buildings, so light was always an issue. I looked down and noticed the tile floor. I don’t like tile floors personally, but I thought, ‘Oh well, it’s only the floor’. But then I got further into the apartment…”

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September 2012

That’s when Dianna’s flat hunt went straight down the rabbit hole. “First, there was this wall in the middle of the living room,” she says. “I’m still not sure why. That room had built-in sunken shelves with vaguely Roman columns on the sides and then cornices or something on the top. The kitchen had at least four types of tile that didn’t match and more of these cornices – but no real storage. The bedroom was tiny and it had airport carpeting in it, and an overhead lighting fixture that looked straight out of Versailles. Oh, and there were gold-plated taps in the bathroom. Gold.”

Defining style Dianna eventually moved into another building in DB that was dominated by stainless steel fittings and white walls.

A bit bland possibly, but after her trip to Dali’s world she

STYLE

space. That leads to things being overdone.” Clearly overdesign is connected to the decoration, as some people tend to go crazy by adding in far too much. “After decorating a room you need to step back, take a look and then start to edit,” adds Kinney.

So whose fault is that Greco-Roman entry to a modern kitchen bedecked with Bedouin throw rugs? After all most of us start off with the best intentions. You can see it in the way we judge each other in public (“Who told him he should walk out on the street in that outfit?”) and regale friends with stories of hideous living rooms we’ve encountered (“Plastic on the couch? Anyone? Anyone?”). Taste is personal, and to say John Doe doesn’t have any is a subjective determination. Well, most of the time. It’s also intrinsically allied with time and place. Would Elvis do up Graceland the same way now?

Design choices to avoid How is it any of us winds up with a décor nightmare?

According to designer Monique McLintock one-stop shopping doesn’t help. “Getting everything at once and just throwing it together is a bad idea,” she notes. “Take your time in layering and finding the right pieces.”

An over-the-top design style will seldom work at home (www.designmanifest.com)

was happy to see them. And of course, she’s not the only house hunter who’s walked on the wild side. Hong Kong apartments are notable for their lack of creativity but the more upmarket you go, the greater the tendency for socalled luxurious touches that are simply baffling. As Dianna said, some of this stuff would fit right in at the Palace of Versailles. But that 18th-century monstrosity, it should be noted, has become a symbol of all that was garish about France at the time.

Is there such a thing as over-designing a space? Do problems arise because of the room’s dimensions or is it simply in the décor? “Definitely, both,” says local designer Kinney Chan of Kinney Chan and Associates. “Usually it’s because of disproportion and a sense of scale that’s all wrong; using too many patterns or materials in a small

Yet finding those right pieces can be tricky. Although Hong Kong is a free port, availability and prohibitive costs can be an issue. “Prices are sky high. Products, fabrics, furniture… anything that’s sourced from Europe or the States is [priced] astronomically,” laments designer Roderick Murray of RJ Murray Design Ltd. It’s an inherently undemocratic process that Murray believes leads to – wait for it – counterfeiting. “If people can’t get [the real thing], they get copies. And copies don’t tend to move the creative process.” Or they move it right into Bizarroland.

So are the most common lapses in design judgment rooted in the wrong furniture, outdated concepts (hello glass bricks!), shoddy knock-off materials or maybe the oh-socommon fear of colour? “The most common mistakes are making every wall a feature wall, using too many colours in the same visual line of sight, having too many different styles in the same space and using too many different types of materials in the same space,” says Kinney. “For example one tile for the floor, another tile for the wall, another tile as  a feature wall then a mosaic border going around.” Gah!

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STYLE

Clean lines expand the space; a feature alcove adds interest (www.modernarchitectureconcept.com)

Simple wood veneer combines tastefully with tile (www.bjoku.com)

In a classic open-plan living room, every item is contemporary (www.ikrunk.com)

Limiting a space to just three materials is a stylish option (www.ikrunk.com)

Taking responsibility Kinney, for one, isn’t afraid to lay some hot (style) messes at the feet of local designers. To him, things go wrong quickest when, “[Designers] do not believe in themselves and lack confidence in their work.”

If you’re a waiter with a wilfully difficult customer, revenge can always be exacted by, shall we say, food additives (not that that happens). The media can make you look like a buffoon (read Hollywood wonder boy Aaron Sorkin’s recent profile in the Globe and Mail). But how does a designer wrangle with a client who’s gone way off the reservation?

Simple. He can’t.

“No matter what type of client they are, it is always their home, so at the end of the day the client gets the final say,” Monique concedes. “As a designer you need to respect that. I try to provide guidance to my clients and inform

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them of the choices, along with the pros and cons of each choice. How they choose to use that information is up to them.” And if they want gold-plated toilet seats, they’ll have them. Chan agrees, particularly on the home front. “For residential projects the client is king,” he says. “They can have a subjective view and I won’t really bother changing it or fighting it much.” Those boring white walls suddenly look really, really good.

Find it Kinney Chan and Associates, www.kca.com.hk Monique McLintock Interiors, www.moniqueinterior.com R J Murray Design Ltd, www.rjmd.com.hk

Discover more about DB-friendly interior design under magazine articles/style at www.arounddb.com

HOT STUFF

What's

new

around

Hong

Kong

c o m p i l e d b y A n d re w D e m b i n a

Rambert's

modern dance revival The UK's Rambert Dance Company stages its Hong Kong debut from September 14 to 16. Established in 1926, Britain’s oldest dance company celebrates its 85th anniversary this year and presents a varied programme of contemporary classics and new works by a range of international choreographers. Four diverse dance pieces will unfold: the athletic Monolith by Tim Rushton; Christopher Bruce’s uplifting Hush; the Rambert version of Valslav Nijinsky’s iconic L’Après-Midi d’un Faune; and the energetic and colourful modern work What Wild Ecstasy from Rambert’s artistic director, Mark Baldwin.

For show information and bookings, call Urbtix on 2111 5999 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk.

Hip pizzeria –

the main attraction Just off the Mid-levels Escalator in SoHo, New York-style Italian casual diner Pizzeria Pubblico has arrived. The open-fronted eatery-cum-bar displays freshly made 18inch pizzas at its steel and glass counter. Five regular pizza toppings plus one or two blackboard specials feature daily; all have crunchy crusts that are chewier than most. Salads, subs (garlic-bread sandwiches with hot fillings) and a single dessert of pistachio-cream cannelloni complete the menu; beer and sodas accompany the food. Call 2530 2779, or visit www.pizzeriapubblico.com.

New York-style pizza at Pubblico

A classical

celebration

L’Après-Midi d’un Faune

What Wild Ecstasy

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September 2012

You’ll want to book ahead for the Joy of Music Festival being held October 8 to 14. Now in its sixth year, this prestigious event brings internationally acclaimed musicians together to deliver breathtaking shows and recitals, plus hours of master classes and lectures. Hong Kong’s own talented twins, Lok Ping and Lok Ting Lok Ping and Chau will kick off the event with a Lok Ting Chau piano recital, and on October 9 an evening of nostalgia showcases five decades of previous performers. For a full programme, and ticketing details, call 2868 3387, or visit The Chopin Society’s website at www.chopinsocietyhk.org. You can also find out more at www.facebook.com/ChopinSocietyHK.

HOT STUFF

Simply wild about

the West

Grizzly Gulch, the largest themed area in Hong Kong Disneyland’s expansion, opened recently. At its heart is a runaway adventure ride on a multi-directional coaster train that features unexpected forward launches, backward dashes and rapid turns. Other new attractions include water jets at Geyser Gulch, and the Grizzly Gulch Welcome Wagon Show. Visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com, or call 1830 830 for more details or tickets.

Countdown to affordable

art show

The Grizzly Mountain Runaway Beautiful our Scenery by Lee Han-woo

Hit the slopes in

Tin Hau

Image 67 by Li, Sin Ae

Seven Happiness by Joe Joe Ngai

Simulated snowboarding at Slope Infinity

Snowboarding in Hong Kong, anyone? Well there is now an indoor version – Slope Infinity, situated in an office building in Tin Hau – where instructors teach kids, teens and adults on simulated downhill runs. It offers 30- or 60-minute sessions for individuals or groups of up to three people.

Boots, boards, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards are all provided. Old hands can book sessions without an instructor. So if you fancy strapping a deck to some boots and riding the moving carpet hills of Slope Infinity, visit www.slope8.com, or call 2107 4567.

The Asia Contemporary Art Show, the only Hong Kong art fair that is uniquely dedicated to accessible art (HK$30,000 up), will showcase young and emerging talent alongside recognised mid-career artists from across Asia. You don’t have long to wait as it is showing, for the first time, from October 4 to 7 at the Grand Hyatt in Admiralty. Over 60 guest rooms will be transformed into the city’s most vibrant contemporary art exhibition space.

Feel the buzz at www.facebook.com/Asia.Contemporary.

Art.Show, or visit www.asiacontemporaryart.com.

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DB FACES

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If you'd like us to consider your photos for DB Faces, email them to info@arounddb.com (subject line: DB Faces).

Around DB accepts no liability relating to the photos sent

S

COMPETITION

Photos by Terry Chow

C

NAME THIS MOVIE TO WIN GREAT PRIZES FROM UNCLE RUSS! 1. Quentin Tarantino wrote the script 2. Dennis Hopper plays Christian Slater’s dad 3. Patricia Arquette’s character is called Alabama 4. The big shootout is at the Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles 5. The lovers end up in Cancun, Mexico

Hot flick (www.dvdbeaver.com)

Y

Congratulations to last month’s winner Natalya Spendelow.

Please contact our office on 2987 0577 to collect your prize.

our challenge this month is to name the movie pictured in the still above. We’ve provided a couple of clues to help you. Send us the correct answer, and you have the chance to win a complimentary drink at Uncle Russ in DB Plaza every day for a week.

Email your answer to info@arounddb.com (subject line: Uncle Russ competition), or contact us online at www.arounddb.com. Good luck!

The Acupuncture Expert – Quality TCM TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE CLINIC CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN CENTRAL • Boosting your immune system • Cure Joint /Neck / Back Pain • Detoxification • Weight Loss • Fertility • Cure Depression / Insomnia • And other customized health matters

The treatments include: Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Cupping, Moxibustion, Bone-setting (healing technique through friction) and many more…

Free Consultation Available.

5/F, Jade Centre, 98 Wellington Street, Central, H.K. 2881 8267 cs@qualitytcm.com www.qualitytcm.com/eng/index.html

Dental Health Educator

Stella Phillips When you bring your child aged 2 – 15 years for a dental check up, make a 15 minute appointment with Stella Phillips, our Dental Health Educator from the UK. Stella will demonstrate brushing technique and offer advice on how to maintain a healthy mouth for life!

THIS IS A COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE Call Bayside Dental Practice on 2987 0855 or email: info@baysidedentalhk.com Unit 1, G/G Office Block 1 (just past Wellcome) 92 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay North Plaza www.baysidedentalhk.com

SCHOOLS I N

S O U T H

L A N T A U

LITTLE LANTAU MONTESSORI KINDERGARTEN 3689 6709; alex.meikle@powerland.org Location: Mui Wo (opposite the fire station) Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten offers a playgroup for children age 18 months to 30 months. There are also toddler classes for kids age 30 months to 3 years, plus a kindergarten for 3 to 6 year olds

MUI WO OWLS SCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN 2984 0006; owls@netvigator.com; www.otherworlds.com.hk/owls Location: Mui Wo Ferry Pier Rd Owls School and Kindergarten offers two bilingual programmes: English/ Mandarin and Cantonese/ English for students from K1 to P3. The low student-teacher ratio allows for individualised attention. Classrooms are well equipped, and the environment is bright and spacious – appropriate for the style of learning which is enquiry based, with plenty of directed play and handson experience

SOUTH LANTAU HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Impact Fitness Jill Marshall Pilates South Lantau Paddle Club Tony’s Salon

9473 3976 9708 0187 6770 1462 2984 0990

HOME & REPAIRS Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering Mantech Electrical Strong Engineering Wah Sing AV Company

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 2819 6823 9373 0792 2984 0587

HOTELS Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383

LEARNING CENTRES

LANTAU INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN (LIK) 2984 0302; lisadmin@lis.edu.hk; https://sites.google.com/site/likmuiwo Location: Pui O Operated by Lantau International School (LIS), students who attend LIK will have priority entering Primary at LIS. LIK offers Nursery for 3 to 4 year olds and Reception for 4 to 5 year olds.

LIK provides one of the lowest teacher/ child ratios in Hong Kong with no more than 15 kids per class

LANTAU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (LIS) (PRIMARY) 2980 3676 (Lower Primary); 2984 0302 (Upper Primary); lisadmin@lis.edu.hk; www.lis.edu.hk Location: Tong Fuk (Lower Primary) and Pui O (Upper Primary) At South Lantau’s original international school kids follow the British Curriculum. There are MacBook laptops in every classroom, and a variety of after-school activities are offered, including Mandarin lessons. No debenture is required

BUDDHIST FAT HO MEMORIAL COLLEGE (SECONDARY) 2985 5365; www.bfhmc.edu.hk Location: Tai O Parents and students can choose between two streams: full English or full Chinese. For a few years now, the full English stream has attracted students from all over Lantau thanks to small classes, low tuition fees, culturally diverse student population, and local curriculum (HKDSE) with GCSE Chinese.

There are school buses from Tung Chung and Mui Wo. Boarding houses are also available

Buddhist Fat Ho College Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Mui Wo Owls School & Kindergarten

2985 5150 2984 0069 2984 0302 3689 6709 2984 0006

PROPERTY AGENCIES Easy Reach Real Estate Home Solutions Proper Trip Real Estate

2984 0618 3483 5003 2984 1666

RESTAURANTS & BARS Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bombay Café Casa Brasil Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) China Bear

2984 0222 2984 1847 2984 7471 2984 0498 2984 9720

U NUMBERS RESTAURANTS & BARS

Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar High Tide Restaurant La Pizzeria Pui O Delicious Rome Restaurant Sun Fat Restaurant Tak Chai Kee Seafood The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Stoep

3484 3095 2980 3002 2984 8933 2984 2298 2984 7982 2984 0418 2984 1265 2983 8931 2980 2582 9160 5986 2980 2699

Feijoada, Seafood Muqueca, Cheese Bread and many more..

Private Bookings - Kit for parties - Takeaway - Catering Shop A, G / F, Silver Centre Building, Mui Wo - Lantau Island Open: Monday to Friday 2 pm to 10:30 pm Saturday and Sunday 12 pm to 10:30 pm

RETAIL Bikes Mui Wo BMX Shop Bizzie Lizzie (childrens clothes and toys) Friendly Bike Shop Park ‘N’ Shop Red Hall Chinese Antiques Renge House (clothes & accessories) The Red Lantern Wellcome

2134 1234 2984 2227 2984 2278 2984 0249 2988 1368 2406 8122 2987 0099 2984 7884

SERVICES & OTHERS Hop Sing Automobile Jumping Castles SPCA Suzanne Goodwin Photography Thai Palin Massage Twig (Design Studio) Zoe Lyle Photography

2984 1410 9662 1747 2984 0060 9025 3949 9062 0148 6351 8923 9834 5498

TRANSPORTATION Lee Hing Loong Hon Kee Transportation Company Lantau Tours New Lantau Bus Company Sun Rising Moving Company

2984 2268 2984 8494 2984 8255 2984 9848 9036 3132

Join your community online!

Photo by Terry Chow

Tel: 2984 7471

casabrasil.hk @ gmail.com

EMPLOYMENT

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

ACTING ANTICS Children’s Theatre Company is looking for a dynamic person to work at Discovery College on Tuesdays from 3.30-5.30pm. Must have experience working with children, love musical theatre, be able to sing, & have a current HKID. For more information contact Deborah on 6842 8092, admin@actingantics.com, or visit www.actingantics.com

LA PETITE ENFANCE is looking for a qualified French teacher holding a Professeur des Ecoles certificate or equivalent to work at its North Plaza kindergarten starting January 2013. For more information, contact 6710 0391, drh@la-petite-enfance.com

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY AUSKICK, DISCOVERY COLLEGE is based on the Auskick programme and caters for children of all skill levels & from any football code.

Email secretary@auskick-hk.com, or visit www.auskick-hk.com DB ANGELS FOOTBALL CLUB The first girls-only football club in DB. For more information, visit www.dbangelsfc.hk DBEES ICE HOCKEY We are committed to the development of youth ice hockey in Hong Kong. For children age 5 & up. Visit www.dbeeshockey.com

DB PIRATES RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB We offer Under 6 through to senior team rugby, and netball.

To join, visit www.dbpirates.com DB TIGERS BASEBALL CLUB For children age 5 to 13. To find out more, visit www.dbtigers.com

EMPLOYMENT L’ECOLE FRANCAISE DE DISCOVERY LTD is looking for tutors & teachers. For more information, contact 6538 1578, info@ecole-discovery.com

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

HYPNOSIS &/ OR SHORT-TERM THERAPY

Quit smoking quickly.

Divorce/ Post-divorce coaching.

Resolve: • Fear of flying/ public speaking • Overeating • Couples’ conflicts • Career & command-training stress • Anger management • Phobias • Nail biting • Insomnia Call Dr Melanie Bryan, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist on 2575 7707, or visit www.mindmatters.hk

THE SKIN THERAPY CENTRE Fully qualified, UK-trained beauty therapist with over 16-years’ experience • C.A.C.I. – the new CACI ultimate, incorp MICRO-DERMABRASION, L.E.D LIGHT THERAPY, to treat lines & wrinkles plus facial toning using micro-current exclusive to C.A.C.I • FACIALS – Nobel-prize winning SKEYNDOR plant stem cell facials & homecare, DERMATOLOGICA products & Dr Murad VIT C, Glycolic peels & anti-aging treats GUINOT - HYDRADERMIE with Lifting Plus treatment • AROMATHERAPY – using 100%-certified organic oils • BODY MASSAGE / BODY SCRUBS/ WRAPS for slimming & detoxifying • REFLEXOLOGY • WAXING & EYELASH TINTING • COLOUR ME BEAUTIFUL make-over & colour analysis • GIFT VOUCHERS Call Gillian on 9604 6920, 2987 0764

Advertise your business and get great results with Around DB

2987 0577

www.arounddb.com

WORSHIP SERVICE Discovery College Sundays @ 10 am

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP PRACTICAL BIBLE TEACHING KIDS CHURCH XTREME TEENS FOR CHRIST

Piano Tuning & Repair - Japan qualified – skilled piano tuner in DB We can offer professional advice and services on all piano matters;

One of the keys to piano maintenance is - How to keep your piano in good condition with a subtropical climate www.88keys.com.hk E-mail: info@88keys.com.hk Tel : 9687 0726

NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO?  Counselling for individuals, couples, families & adolescents  Sliding fee scale; affordable options for all clients  English, Putonghua, Cantonese, Hindi, Marathi and Marwadi speaking counselors Call 2523 8979 Now for Appointment http://www.resourcecounselling.org Serving the community over 35 years A Member Agency of the Community Chest

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September 2012

Pastor James Buckner Tel: 2987 7061 wwww.dbicc.org

HOME & REPAIRS EXPERT TRANSPORT & RELOCATIONS MOVER

For local & international moves.

Collection, storage & disposal.

All sorts of handyman work: painting & tiling, installation of TVs, pictures, fans etc. All-in-one professional service at attractive rates. Call 2566 4799, or visit www.expertmover.hk

KIDS

RETAIL

RETAIL

GEMS OCCASIONS

AVOID ITCHY BITES ON SUMMER NIGHTS

WAREHOUSE STOCK SALE

Looking for that perfect party venue for your little gem? A colourful, safe & fun environment with toys & dress-up clothes. We can provide an entertainer. We also tidy up!

Please contact 9176 2990, info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, or visit www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

Head down to Love That Lifestyle Ltd to pick up specialist outdoor products at giveaway prices.

Assorted garden tools, umbrella bases, clothes lines, and Décor plastic storage boxes (Australia’s Tupperware) plus swimming-pool equipment. At Flat B, 7/F Sing Teck Factory Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang; Monday to Friday, 9.30am–6.00pm

Check out the amazing selection of citronella candles, coils, table torches, mozzie sticks & diffusers, at www.jervisbaybarbecues.com.

Trade enquiries welcome.

Email Love That Lifestyle Ltd at info@ltljb.com

KIDS MIDGET GEMS KIDS’ CLUB

Established playgroup for children from 2 to 4 years.

Morning sessions with afternoons coming soon.

A wonderful environment where children learn through play with our qualified & experienced teachers.

Also offering Bilingual Gems, afternoon sessions in German & Mandarin.

Please contact 2987 0272, info@midgetgemskidsclub.com, or visit www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

EARLY ADVENTURES PARTY TIME!

Need a venue for a party? Ideal playgroup environment with toys & activities. For further information, please call 9511 2107

EARLY ADVENTURES PLAYGROUP

A dedicated playgroup with the emphasis on learning through play.

Activities to stimulate all areas of development.

Come & look at our facilities.

Classes for kids from 20 months to 4 years.

Morning & afternoon sessions.

Call 9511 2107, or visit www.earlyadventures.net

LIBERATE THE CHEF IN YOU The amazing Cobb portable outdoor cooker barbeques, roasts & bakes for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Buy now to get a free multi-tool & a Cobb utensil set at half price. While stocks last! Available at Jervisbay Barbecues, Meat Market (HK) & Porterhouse. Trade enquiries welcome. Email Love That Lifestyle Ltd at info@ltljb.com

SERVICES & OTHERS AUSTRALIAN TAX RETURNS

KEEP YOUR COOL

MIDGET GEMS RENTAL

Have an idea for a children’s business? We have a clubroom available for rent, afternoon time slots. Please call Koren on 9176 2990

LIGHT UP OUTDOORS

For a great al fresco ambiance, take a look at the flares & torches at www.jervisbaybarbecues.com.

Trade enquiries welcome.

Email Love That Lifestyle Ltd at info@ltljb.com

The Esky (Australia’s original brand) is ideal for parties, boat trips & picnics. Take your pick too of jugs & ice bricks at www.jervisbaybarbecues.com.

Trade enquiries welcome.

Email Love That Lifestyle Ltd at info@ltljb.com

Need to lodge your Australian tax return? If you are an expat or collect rental from Australian property, you must lodge an annual return.

Let us do it for you here in Hong Kong. Contact Dwight Stuchbery, Australasian Taxation Services on 3571 8700, dwight@smats.net, or visit www.smats.net

2012 Sep 3rd – Oct 31st

More New programs!

Extended Mandarin Nursery New Mandarin Focus Little Mandarin All in Mandarin!

ellen@englishforasia.com

Limited spaces, enroll now!

Tel : 2480 3909 Venue: LG 01, Office Block One, North Plaza Email: db@mandarinformunchkins.com

SINCE 1997

Full-time French Primary One class (Cours Preparatoire CP) open for registration for school year 2012-13.

French curriculum.

Mandarin and English classes included in the programme.

For more information, please call 6071 3136 or e-mail us at info@pmcuriehk.com

OUR SERVICES DOG & CAT GROOMING ( BY APPOINTMENT ) PET FOOD & ACCESSORIES SUPPLIES CAT SITTING SERVICE FREE DAILY DELIVERY Ground floor 11B, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay (next to Island Vet) Tel: 2987 0428 / Fax : 2914 1313 / E-mail : petsgallerydb@yahoo.com.hk Open from 9:00 am till 7:30 pm (Mon - Sun)

September 2012

69

TRAVEL

TUITION & COURSES

TUITION & COURSES

CONCORDE TRAVEL CONSULTANTS

MANDARIN CHINESE LESSONS

MATHEMATICS (GCSE, AS, SAT, IB, GMAT, ETC.) & ENGLISH TUITION

Leisure travel specialists since 1978.

Licence No. 350343.Call 2526 3391, or visit www.concorde-travel.com

TUITION & COURSES

• For children & adults; small groups or individuals • Any level / place / purpose Call DB Mandarin Room on 6071 9643, or visit http://tclearning.sinacool.com

CHINESE (MANDARIN & CANTONESE), MATHEMATICS & ENGLISH Personal Professional Tutoring Service.

• Curriculum: HSK, IB, GCSE, SAT • ESF & all international schools welcome • For students Year 1 to 13 (Children to adults; homework/ exam to business) • Chinese: Mother-tongue tutors from the PRC, www.chinesemandarinsite.com (Levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) • Mathematics: Tutors (UK B. Sc. Mathematics) • English: Native tutors (MA in Education, specialising in Early Childhood Stage) Contact 9107 5655, gracias8@hotmail.com

Offered by a London University graduate (First-Class Honours).

Experienced in teaching adults, ESF & international school students.

Call 9121 0389

French Kindergarten and Education Centre open for registration for school year 2012-13.

Afternoon classes available for K2 & K3 children.

Special: ‘Le Club des Artistes’ for 2-3 years old is back and open for registration.

For more information, please call 6710 0391 or email us at info@la-petite-enfance.com

PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL LIFE COACHING SERVICES FOR CHILDREN

Programme designed by our Specialist (Early Childhood Stage, MA in Education) • 12-lesson programme • Children age group: 6 to 16 • Solve problems • Increase awareness • Improve self control • Express anger & anxiety • Handle stress • Build up their self esteem Please contact 9107 5655, gracias8@hotmail.com

First Class Artificial Grass

Tel: +852 2393 3350 info@moderato.hk www.moderato.hk

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MODERATO Flooring Systems

Group Training Sessions: • Mondays Cathay City Dance Studio, 7am-8am Mui Wo Basketball Court, 9.30am-10.30am • Wednesdays Mui Wo Basketball Court (TRX class) 8.30am-9.30am • Thursdays Cathay City Dance Studio, 7am-8am Mui Wo Basketball Court, 9.30am-10.30am • Fridays Mui Wo Basketball Court (TRX class), 9am-10am DB Classes starting soon!

Last chance to join the IMPACT 90 Day Body Transformation Challenge, starting September 22! Limited spots left.

Tel: (852) 6902 2250 Email: fitness@impactfitness.com.hk www.impactfitness.com.hk

September 2012

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PROPERTY DB

PROPERTY DB

SHORT-TERM LET

DELUXE SERVICED APARMENTS

MODERN FLAT FOR SHORT- OR MEDIUM-TERM RENTAL

NEW SHORT- OR LONG-TERM RENTAL

Newly renovated, 2-bed flat with balcony.

Luxuriously furnished, with TV, cable & broadband. Panoramic harbour views & short walk to pier. Contact Brian on 9098 6951, brian@headlandhomes.com

Fully furnished, 1 bed plus study with extra beds & fully equipped kitchen. Ideal for family of four. Broadband, wifi, DVD, LCD TV & split A/C. Linen & towels provided.

Serviced twice a week. 6475 2035, sharmilaproperty@ gmail.com or visit www.dbayhillsuites.com

GREENDALE COURT RENTAL

Brand-new, fully furnished, 533’ 1-bed apartment. Deluxe renovation, on a high floor, with mountain view. Call 9108 5525

LUXURY MODERN FLATS TO LET

Short- or medium-term rental at Siena 2. 600’ 1-bed flats with sea views, near the North Plaza, Club Siena & tunnel. Serviced & fully furnished with washer/ dryer, bed linen & kitchenware. Plus wi-fi, broadband, blue-ray & home theatre.

Contact 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

LUXURIOUS 1-BED FOR LEASE

Newly renovated, 550’ flat on a high floor with split-type air conditioning. Fully equipped with DVD & free wi-fi. Bedding & towels provided. Weekly cleaning available. Email dbaygreenish@gmail.com

For lease. Fully furnished 1-2-bed apartments with beautiful decor, wi-fi & broadband. Well-equipped kitchen, luxurious bedding, weekly cleaning service. Contact Cherry on 2987 2626, cherry@appletravel.com

Greenery Court, 1-bedroom flat with deluxe renovation. Modern & fully furnished with internet, 37’’ LCD TV & DVD. Contact Sandy on 9654 8862, sandylamdb@yahoo.com.hk

NICE SHORT-TERM RENTAL

Newly renovated studio flat with open kitchen, 5 minutes to pier. Fully furnished, with cable TV & broadband. Contact 2987 2468, dbshortlet@yahoo.com.hk

PROPERTY DB STUDIO FOR SHORT-TERM LET Comfortable, nicely decorated studio, close to DB Plaza & pier, with fully equipped kitchen. 37” TV, DVD, wi-fi, linens & towels provided. Contact 9190 7348, niceroom_db@yahoo.com.hk 2-BED APARTMENT FOR RENT At Greenmont Court, nice & fully furnished. Contact 9108 5525 SHORT- OR MEDIUM-TERM RENTAL Peaceful Mansion, 1-bed flat on a high floor. Panoramic sea views & fully furnished with wi-fi & broadband.Weekly cleaning service. Good price. Contact 9451 9761, peaceful@senzanome.com

PROPERTY OVERSEAS FULLY FURNISHED 1-BED RENTAL

Smart apartment on a high floor with sea view.

Close to pier & DB Plaza.

Call Tiareti on 9732 8985

AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY

Everything you need to know about buying a property in Australia. Information on property markets, taxation, finance, migration & legal.

Free online at www.aussieproperty.com

CHERISH COURT TO LET

Fully furnished 2-bedroom, newly renovated flat. Tranquil with sea & Disneyland view, & wi-fi. Photos available. Contact Jacqueline at 9811 0718, jacquelinedb@gmail.com

FLAT FOR RENT

Bright, fully furnished flat, sleeps four.

Fully equipped kitchen, plus wi-fi & broadband, towels & linen. Minimum stay 1 month.

Email dbstay4@yahoo.com

RENOVATED MODERN EXECUTIVE FLAT FOR RENT

550’ 1-bed apartment. Quiet, on a high floor, with mountain view. Fully furnished with open-plan kitchen. Well-equipped with LCD TV, broadband, telephone & wi-fi. Contact 6680 2007, greenmountain123@gmail.com

You can now upload your own property on our NEW website!

Visit www.arounddb.com

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SPANISH VILLA FOR SALE

20 minutes from Valencia airport. Four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Large living room/ dining room & kitchen plus garage. Mature terraced gardens with Roman-style pool. Good holiday rental returns: 240,000 Euros. For more details & photos, email snr.cranmer@gmail.com

Looking for investment opportunity?

4/F., Lee Fund Centre, No. 31 Wong Chuk Hang Road, HK E-mail: grea@grea.com.hk C-049044

South lsland Industrial & Office Sales / Lease

Developers Designated Agencies Marinella South of Island Luxury by Nature

The Photographs, images, drawings or sketches of the property shown above only represent the artist’s imaginative impression of the development concerned. They are not drawn to scale and/or may have been edited and processed with computerised imaging techniques. Prospective purchasers should make reference to the sales brochure for details of the development. The developer also advises purchasers to conduct on-site visit for a better understanding of the development site, its surrounding environment and the public facilities nearby.

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Sun Hing Ind. Bldg 2,200’ 23,800 all in nt ge

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Tin Fung Mansion 1,610’ - 17,857’ @3xxx t en Ag

One Island South 5,334’/7,491’/12’825’

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• Newly renovated with furniture • Bathroom with toilet

• High efficiency • Potential Acquisition

• Ocean Park view • At a competitive price

Harbour Ind. Ctr. 1,050’ - 2,392’ 4M/17K

Kwai Bo Ind. Bldg.

1,820’ - 3,640’ 9.9M/15K nt ge A e

• Water Front view • Well management

• Dream of quiet and spacious loft idea

• Convenient Location • Seldom Available

Southmark 794’ - 13,066’ @4,950up nt ge eA

Wong Chuk Hang Ind. Bldg.

2,400’ - 8,000’ @4,300up

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Grand Marine Center 1,852’ ~ 3,815’ 14.8M up

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• Close to the coming MTR station • Potential property and investor’s choice

• A Grade commercial office • Swimming pool facility

9326 3293 / 6401 8889 2873 3600 Jeff

(S-130432)

Jacqueline (S-377021)

24 hours hotline

Your ultimate guide in DB

DB NUMBERS COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza Catholic Church (Trinity Chapel) DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Healthcare Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza

2987 0855 2259 3422 2988 1515 2987 8136 2987 7061 2987 5633 2666 6183 2834 7276 2987 7575 2987 9003 2259 3422

LEARNING CENTRES

LEARNING CENTRES

Musical Drama – Acting – Musical Theatre

L’ecole Pierre Et Marie Curie

Tues & Wed classes at Discovery College 4 to 12 yrs - 2 fully costumed performances a year Tel: 8122 9475 Email: admin@actingantics.com www.actingantics.com

L’Ecole Francaise de Discovery Limited French classes, specialised and tutorial services Block One, LG6, DB North Plaza Tel: 6538 1578 Email: info@pmcuriehk.com

Little Explorers

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

A fun place for little ones to play and have loads of fun, fun, fun!

Apron Strings

Hands-on classes specially tailored for children, teens & adults

Tel: 9327 0507 Email: littleexplorers@team-fear.com

Tel: 9735 5724 www.apronstrings.com.hk

Prince & Princess

Kids Wear & Accessories Shop G13B, G/F., North Plaza Tel: 2947 9228 Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm www.prince-princess.com.hk

Island Dance Freestyle, Jazz, Ballet & Tap

Bayview House of Children

rush yoga ∙ fitness ∙ swim G/F, G35, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay Tel: 2526 0720 Mon–Sun: 10:30am to 7:30pm

ColourStorm Art Centre

www.rush.com.hk

Playgroups, parties, art-jamming and art classes for all ages!

Sunwood by Design International Bodyfit Swimwear Exercise and Yoga Wear

Tel: 2987 1571

Early Childhood Educational Center Programmes from 18 months to 6 years old For details call Ramesha on 6114 2436 ramesha@bayview.hk

www.islanddance.com.hk

Mandarin for Munchkins® 2012 Sept 3rd–Oct 31st (1 year old and up) New classes, new structure!

Call 2480 3909 www. mandarinformunchkins.com

Tel: 2325 3999 Address: LG-10, Office Block One, DB North Plaza. www.colourstormartcentre.com

Tel: 6626 5470 www.sunwood-by-design.com

Midget Gems Kid’s Club Established playgroup for children 2-4 years

Crafty Babes

Treat Boutique "Treat yourself, Treat your wallet"

US depatment store handbags, jewelry, ladies wear, men's wear and more...

Tel: 6163 3421 In Style Little Whale, North Plaza Nomadic Start-rite shoes

2987 8226 3480 1348 2987 8460 2987 2098

Craftybabes is a fun, informal and creative playgroup for newborn to 24 months.

Tel: 9239 6447 Email: crafty.babes@hotmail.com, www.craftybabes.com

Tel: 2987 0272 info@ midgetgemskidsclub.com www.midgetgemskidsclub.com

Dumper Trucks & Daisies

Crawlers & Explorers - Wed afternoon Tots & Toddler’s - Tue & Thur morning, Mon & Thur afternoon Preparation Class - Mon, Wed & Fri morning Tel: 9667 6921 mandy@dumpertrucksanddaisies.com www.dumpertrucksanddaisies.com

Mountainview Montessori Run by Montessori-trained teacher Come and Join the Fun! mountainview_montessori@hotmail.com

DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven Convenience Store 7-Eleven Food Kiosk Fusion by PARKnSHOP GNC Mannings Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome

2987 4401 2914 1183 2987 7486 2987 9331 2987 1720 2987 4089 2947 9092

FINANCIAL SERVICES AlcaMat Financial & Accounting Services HSBC HSBC Expat Travelex Money Exchange, North Plaza Luen Fat Securities Co. Ltd

2851 8081 2233 3000 2822 3927 2682 1210 2987 1851

HOME Good Luck Engineering Hoi Yu Transportation Home Services Engineering Hung Kee Co Interior 18 Japan Home Centre Marc James Design, North Plaza Next Furniture Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Season Art Kitchen Perfection Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

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September 2012

First Friends & Second Friends DB’s largest & longest running playgroup Iin Porter 9151 5545 firstsecondfriends@yahoo.com www.firstfriendshk.com

HK School of Highland Dance Highland Dance classes now available in DB All ages welcome Teacher qualified by the SDTA Tel: 9123 0863 Email: highlanddancehk@gmail.com

ColourStorm Art Centre, North Plaza DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Montessori School DMR School of Ballet Early Adventures Learning Centre HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Les Petits Lascars de DB SKH Wei Lun Primary School Sunshine House Int’l Pre-School Sunshine House Kindergarten Treasure House

2325 3999 2914 2142 2987 7331 3969 1000 2987 8028 2987 8088 2987 1201 2987 4338 9511 2107 2416 3088 2526 8892 2987 8608 2987 0813 2987 8143 2987 4217

MULTIMEDIA 2987 1313 2987 4488 2987 0061 2987 5087 2987 7803 2987 1041 2765 5700 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2987 1990 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

Kindergarten, French classes and tutorial services.

French kindergarten open for registration for school year 2012-13 Accepting registration for 2011-12 LG-05, DB North Plaza Tel: 6710 0391 Email: info@la-petite-enfance.com

Bookazine, DB Ferry Dymocks & Gallery Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd Fun to Read, North Plaza Movieland Pen’n Paper P-Solution The Bookshop

Around DB's October 2012 issue coming out

September 28

2987 1373 2987 8494 2914 2378 3105 3588 2987 7111 2987 8898 2987 1777 2987 9372

DB NUMBERS SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

OTHER SERVICES

HK Dragons Football Club

Apple Travel The Best Travel Agency in DB Tel: 2987 2626 Email: cas@appletravel.com

Football for 2.5- to 14- year old girls and boys

TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES Bo Bo House Toysland

2987 4230 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

Tel: 2987 4274 www.dragons.hk

Limousine Rental

PetcoDB

Lantau Island Outrigging Canoe Club

Grooming & Pet Services Wth Trust, Love & Safe Care For the ones you love Tel: 2914 0382 Email: info@petcoDB.com www.petcoDB.com Amity Shoe Care My Pet Shop, North Plaza Pets Gallery The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

2987 4538 2987 8873 2987 0428 2987 1368 2987 5151

REAL-ESTATE AGENCIES

Training at Lantau Boat Club, Tai Pak beach www.liocc.com

Movement Improvement Pilates, yoga, posture & fitness 2987 5852 www.movementimprovement.com.hk

Sportsmanship Gymnastics Programs, Health Consultancy, Weight Management & Nutritional Supplements Tel: 2870 3524 www.sportsmanship.usana.com

Lifestyle Homes Tel: 2914 0888 info@lifestylehomes.com.hk www.lifestylehomes.com.hk Casa Real Estate Ltd Centaline Property Agency Ltd Century 21 Newcourt Realty EPS Property Consultants Ltd Headland Homes Kingsford DB Ltd Land Master Property Midland Realty

Sports World 2914 2987 2987 8484 2987 9729 2987 2023 2987 2088 2987 6888 2987 6238 2987 2888

Club Siena Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club

2987 7382 2987 9591 2987 7273 2987 7381

TOYS, ACCESSORIES & KIDS’ PARTIES

RESTAURANTS 22º North Berliner Café Duvet Caramba Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s First Korean Restaurant Fresh Fruit Juice Paradise Hemingway’s by the Bay il Bel Paese Ippu Japanese Restaurant Island Café Jaspa’s, North Plaza Koh Tomyums La Création Bakery McDonald’s & McCafé McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant Sopranos Subway Super Super Uncle Russ, DB Plaza Uncle Russ, North Plaza Wildfire Fresh Zak’s

All your sporting needs right here in DB Tel: 2914 1323 Email: bruce@sportsworld.hk

2987 2298 2987 8203 2987 0966 2987 2848 2987 0036 2987 9123 2987 4768 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 2886 2987 9311 2997 8688 2987 0767 2987 1829 2987 1033 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2987 2915 2914 0005 2914 1308 2682 0068 2682 8108 2987 8202 2987 6232

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT

Tel: 2987 0772 curvesdb@gmail.com www.curves.com

DB Golf Cart Services DB Transit Services DB Transportation Services Hire Car Bookings Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2727 2914 0186 2987 7351 2987 6348 2987 0208 2987 9368

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES 24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Management Discovery Bay Medical Services Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Police Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Report Room San Hing Gas Co Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department

3651 2345 2728 8333 2678 2678 2987 4242 2987 7502 2238 3601 2525 6798 2238 3388 2987 4052 2987 6046 2435 4511 2988 2369 2987 6738 2835 1473 2811 0788 2824 5000

WELL-BEING

Body Talk Holistic therapy for illness, stress, sports injury & learning disorders Tel: 6683 5755 angie@bodytalksystem.com.hk www.bodytalksystem.com.hk

Little Miss Green The Party Queen Eco Party Supplies, Toys, Games & Gifts www.missgreenpartyqueen.com

DB Party Lovers

Child & Family Development Practice Developing potential, exploring possibilities www.childdevelopment.com.hk info@childdevelopement.com.hk

For all your party needs in DB Tel: 9132 5249 Email: dbpartylovers@gmail.com www.dbpartylovers.com

Nailed It Professional artificial nail services in DB Tel: 2987 2266

Penny Scallan Design Unique and individual Tel: 6015 4050 hk@pennyscallan.biz www.pennyscallan.biz

Planting Ideas, Growing Minds.

Tel: 2987 2608 soyhongkong@gmail.com www.seedling.com.hk

Curves Women’s Fitness Centre Club Siena Discovery Bay

Limo service in HK & China  pick up from / to DB Tunnel  direct transfer to SZ / GZ Airport Tel: 5303 3489 / 9654 0899 limo9689@yahoo.com

Professional Beauty Treatments

Qualified RN & Medical Aesthetics Consultant kittytang@professionals-beauty.com Tel: 5116 1617 www.professionals-beauty.com

Sher Martelle-Climas, R.M.T. Canadian Trained Therapist offers clinical massage for stress, sports injuries, chronic back pain, pre- & post- natal.

EFT also available. My home or yours.

Call for rates: 9503 9117

Stuck on You Label It, Own It, Keep It! Tel: 2549 2245, 2987 2608 sales.hk@stuckonyou.biz www.stuckonyou.biz

Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza Maximum Care Salon De Coiffure Sense of Touch Spa Siena

September 2012

2987 0283 2987 2060 2987 4112 2987 9198 2987 7382

75

HEALTH Q&A

People who have become depressed and want to help themselves are best advised to take a multi-faceted approach to treatment, says Dr James Oliver of Island Health, DB

While overcoming depression isn’t quick or easy, it’s far from impossible (www.livingartscenter.org)

When depression hits what can I do to combat it?

Fresh air and good aerobic activity is one of the most important positive steps. One-hundred-and-fifty minutes of physical activity a week is sufficient. But choose an activity that will raise the heart rate and maybe break a mild sweat.

So a fit body equals a fit mind?

Physical exercise has a number of beneficial effects. Usually people will tone up and lose weight, thereby improving self-esteem. Lack of self-esteem is of course a significant symptom of depression. Exercising outdoors is probably better as there is evidence that exposure to sunlight also alleviates depression. What’s more communing with nature, a form of meditation, also has positive effects. The most likely route by which all of these methods work is by increasing the levels of serotonin in our brains. Serotonin is the chemical that is important in regulating our moods.

Are there any quick fixes?

No. People sometimes use alcohol, but alcohol abuse is unhelpful in depression, masking the symptoms temporarily but paving the way physically and mentally downwards.

Drug abuse does not come up on the radar very often in my practice but I wonder if that is sometimes naiveté on my part.

If substances are being abused then people should be aware of this and take steps to deal with the problem.

Who should I talk to about my feelings?

Choose someone you know to be receptive and, perhaps better, someone who has had depression themselves, for help and support. Psychotherapy, seeking help outside your circle of friends and family, is another important way in which you can combat depression.

wise and insightful people who can help us gain insight into the way we tick and maybe make changes for the better. It is generally money well spent helping us towards a happier and more fulfilled life.

Do you subscribe medication for depression?

There are several groups of pharmaceuticals that we use to help with depression. They are an easy option for doctors, as we can prescribe them in the confidence that up to 70 percent of people will do well. Incidentally, 30 percent of patients do well with a placebo – a simulated or otherwise medically ineffectual treatment for a medical condition intended to deceive the recipient. If someone who is given this type of treatment experiences a perceived or actual improvement in their medical condition, this is called the placebo effect.

Are antidepressants immediately effective?

Most people experience some improvement of mood in 10 to 14 days, and continue taking medication for two months or so. Antidepressants are not problem-free however. Some people find that their anxiety is worse for the first week and it can be difficult to support people throughout this time.

So there are multiple ways to beat the blues?

The best results come from taking something from each of these approaches, and working towards improvements in all aspects of life. Most of us come out of the journey better people, more insightful, sympathetic and mature. If we can then apply it to benefit our relationships then it has been a positive, though painful, lesson.

You can contact Dr James Oliver at Island Health on 2987 7575

How can I justify the price of therapy?

Should you pay for psychotherapy? What could be better than to pay someone to listen to you? But with the cost of psychotherapy as it is – talk fast! Psychotherapists are usually

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September 2012

For more from DB professionals on health-related issues go to magazine articles/health at www.arounddb.com