Xiao Hua Issue 7

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XiaoHua TABLE OF CONTENTS

HV E happenings

16 20 Alumni Corner Teacher Interlife after cis with view behind the lucas tse '12

3 I

17 school fair, project week, & sports day

2 E

scenes with mr. quinn

i c

d p a

2

editorials

84 Physics of the Impossible

from the tardis to the cloak of invisibility

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國民教育

每一個國家都有她的歷史，無論是好 是壞，是貴是賤，是長是短，這歷史 都是那個國家獨有的資本

92 Abercrombie & Fitch

82 higgs boson “god” particle 86 controversy in africa 90 立法會選舉

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iphone 5 的誕生

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96 death to pennies

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a&f, hollister, forever 21, and h&m

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9 L

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10 EDITORIAL BOARD PROFILE 12 SECONDARY LEADERSHIP LETTER 13 EDITOR’S LETTER 14 XIAO HUA AWARDS ASSEMBLY CSPA AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT

the quinn

day

好 史

cool

what ’s

34 IB at CIS

is the ib the right choice for cis?

28 Empowerment discussing the power of youtube and viral videos 26

學生會選舉

32

回到菲林時代

照片數碼加工的效果始終 也遠遠不及菲林相機與底 片獨特而自然的色彩韻味 22 movember 23 the perception of beauty 24 world challenge 27 漢基氣氛，有別外校?

39 Sniff, Sniff

40 Diary of a Teacher

42 The Gangnam Style

43 hysan place 44 book review : 靈心 45 your japanese food fix

riding the horse

46 hidden hong kong

dr. lingers on the scent of love

the denmark and chocolate cake of mr. mumm

48 Backstage Spotlight

behind the scenes with the support staff of cis

64 Reinventing CAS

advocacy campaigns and c&s at cis

78 Challenged Books

english teachers on controversial works

106 behind the success of abercrombie and fitch

108 the disintegration of old hollywood movies

52 meme culture 56 漢基食堂 58 cis on hong kong politics 68 changing lives in fengkai 74 meet the enharmonics

114 夢想

spo r

creative

ts

ter-

s voice

H VW F ESC A features

97 Like Siblings

the big sib little sib sports mentoring program

110 The Community & Relations Office

100 The Balancing Act

pro teachers on cis and their sports

105 Team Feature

it's the girl's football team!

98 cis sports history timeline 104 fencing team

the c&r office consists a few of the most important hidden heroes of cis.

alumni

112 CIS Class Agents

xiao hua catches up with a few of the alumni leaders

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XiaoHua ISSUE 7 | MARCH 2013

指導教師 FACULTY ADVISOR

主編 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

副主編及設計總監 MANAGING EDITOR & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR KAITLIN CHAN & LOUISE WIHLBORN

CHINESE EDITOR MICHELLE LI

中文編輯

GEORGINA MARTIGNAGO JOHNSON PAK

BUSINESS & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

財務及傳訊總監

BEATRICE YOUNG

體育編輯 SPORTS EDITOR

新聞編輯 NEWS EDITOR

NICHOLAS SUNG

JACKIE WU

FEATURES EDITOR YI LING LIU & VERA LUMMIS

專題文章編輯

NEWS WRITERS

ARTISTS

MEGAN FOO & SUN WOO NAM ASSOCIATE EDITOR BORIS BUT, NATASHA CHAK, KAITLIN CHAN, MICHAEL REPORTERS

ASISTANT ARTISTIC DIR. CHLOE MOK & NICOLE WANG EMMA CHAN, KEVIN CHAN, ILLUSTRATORS & DESIGNERS

CHENG, ALLISON CHEUNG, VANESSA CHEUNG, NICOLE CHOI, CATHERINE DING, MEDHA GOYAL, YOONAH HAN, SHANNON HU, SOPHIE KANG, CONSTANCE LAM, CORDELIA LAM, CRYSTAL LAU, CONRAD LEE, CHRISTY LEUNG, BERNETTA LI, BRANDON LIN, ETHELIA LUNG, SUNWOO NAM, CHRIS NG, JUSTIN NG, BRYAN TAN, ERIC TSE, NICHOLAS TSE, MONA SHI, SAMANTHA SO, NICHOLAS SUNG, KATHERINE YANG, CAMERON ZELUCK.

CONTRIBUTORS AGNES CHAN, SAMANTHA CHEUNG, KENDRA CUI, MEGAN FOO, OLIVER HSU, MIYEON KIM, FRANCESCA LI, BRIAN LU, SUSAN MAGINN, CLARON NIU, ASPEN WANG, MARCUS WONG, ADRIEN YEUNG

BUSINESS ADVERTISING MANAGER PRODUCTION & ADMIN. MANGER

RACHEL CHAN CYNTHIA SO

CAROL CHAN, GILLIAN CHIU, MING CAI CHUNG, BONNIE LEE, CLAUDIA NG, ELIZABETH OH

TIEN CHONG, AUDREY HIOE, ASHLEY LAW, CANDICE LINCOLN, KELLY LUY, ZOE SUEN.

PHOTOGRAPHERS NATHANIEL CHAN HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTOPHER FONG DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS NATASHA CHAK & CLAUDIA NG PHOTOGRAPHERS

DANIEL CAROLAN, KEVIN CHAN, ALLISON CHEUNG, MATHEW CHOW, JESSICA EU, MIRIAM FINNEMORE, ELI KAN, BRITTA LAM, ALWIN LAU, RACHEL LAU, STEPHANIE WONG.

Xiao Hua magazine. The magazine is published termly. There is no subscription rate to Xiao Hua - the publication is provided free of charge to all members of the Chinese International School community. For enquiries, please contact the Xiao Hua Communications Department at cis.xiaohua@gmail. com. For information on advertising and promotion, please contact Rachel Chan at cis.xiaohua@gmail.com, or call at (852) 6024 8284, facsimile (852) 2786 9662

Xiao Hua is a registered student organization of the Chinese International School. The magazine is published independently by students of the Chinese International School, 1 Hau Yuen Path, Braemar Hill, North Point, Hong Kong. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is stricly prohibited.

Xiao Hua is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork (including but not limited to: drawings, photographs, or transparencies), or any other unsolicited materials. Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork, or other materials for consideration should not send originals, unless specifically requested to do so by Xiao Hua in writing. Manuscripts, photographs, and other materials submitted must be accompanied by a self addressed overnight delivery return envelope, postage prepaid.

The paper used for this publication is a recyclable and renewable product. It has been produced using wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and elemental or total chlorine-free bleached pulp. The producing mills have third party certified management systems in place. This magazine can be recycled either through your curbside collection, or at a local recycling point. Log on to www.recyclenow.com and enter your postcode to find your nearest sites.

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20 望 句 如 今 大 到

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ONE CYNTHIA SO

SIX RACHEL CHAN

2013年終於來臨了！為了迎賀蛇年，我希 望藉此這個機會向大家拜個早年，送上幾 句吉祥話來增添喜氣。在此我祝大家吉祥 如意、蛇序呈祥、銀蛇喜迎春！我很高興 今年有幾位新的成員加入了我們校話這個 大家庭，並且為最新一期的校話的誕生感 到自豪。大家辛苦了！

As the new head of business, it has been a delight leading the younger years, and the sense of responsibility just makes everything more gratifying when I witness the birth of a new Xiao Hua issue. All in all, it has been an exhilarating experience. Happy reading, CIS!

SECRETARY

TWO JACKIE WU NEWS EDITOR

As a new member of the Xiao Hua editorial board, I am immensely thankful for all the support and encouragement from my fellow teammates and peers. It has been an absolute honor to join in the creative process of putting this issue together, I have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with all the passionate and talented writers of CIS who all share a mutual passion for creating. I hope you enjoy reading the issue as much as we have enjoyed working on it.

THREE VERA LUMMIS DEP. FEATURES EDITOR

This is my first issue as a member of the Xiao Hua Ed Board, and I have to say I really enjoyed being part of such a unique creative process. The magazine really is a combined effort of many talented students. Thank you, Features writers, for producing such thoughtful articles! I only wish we had more space, so we could cover more.

FOUR YI LING LIU FEATURES EDITOR

Xiaohua has come a long way since it’s inception four years ago, and all I can say that I have been honored and humbled to be part of this process. Highschool magazines are typically thought to be kind of messily throwntogether collection of sophomoric writings.

Xiaohua has completely smashed this stereotype. In fact, when I’m sitting in my college dorm a few months of now with the campus journal in hand, I have a feeling it’ll nevertheless fail to trump the magazine I have grown to nurture and love in my high school years.

FIVE MICHELLE LI CHINESE NEWS EDITOR

每次翻開最新一期的 校話，都看到漢基同 學們各種不同的才華和創意。這期也能看 到更多7，8年級同學的作品，所以多多鼓 勵你們加入校話的大家庭。無論是中文， 英文，藝術，或早上幫忙‘送貨’的同學 們，都付出了相當的努力，我想用這次機 會來說：你們真的讓我感到非常驕傲！

MANAGING EDITOR

SEVEN LOUISE WIHL. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

As a soon to be XH alumnus, I want to say a hearty thanks to everyone who has contributed over the years! Xiao Hua is simply CIS. For me it captures the vibrant voice, identity and spirit of our community and its great knowing that no matter where I am in the future— whether its lounging by a lake or homesick for the 852, when I open up the latest issue of XiaoHua, I’ll be back at #1 Hau Yuen Path.

EIGHT CHLOE MOK DEP. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

These pages could not have been put together without the efforts of every single person in the Xiao Hua team, so thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue! It’s amazing that all of the hard work we did and the challenges we overcame in the past few months can be compiled into something tangible, something that we can keep and hold on to forever. Enjoy this issue, CIS!

NINE KAITLIN CHAN ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

In the same way that many actors do not watch their own films, I can’t really read Xiao Hua without feeling strange. It is a wonderful collaboration of lots of talent, but I always end up cringing at my own typos and spacing errors! I will nonetheless always be grateful to this magazine for showing me just how endlessly creative our student body is.

May CIS always be a place with many magazines and rock bands, artists and writers. I have no doubt these future, fresh-faced leaders of Xiao Hua have lots of good content in store for you.

TEN NICOLE WANG DEP. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Having been in the ever growing Xiao Hua community for almost 2+ years as an artistically passionate small potato, assuming Kaitlin and Louise’s previous mantle for the first time this year has definitely brought on a whole new medley of surprises, challenges, and electronic spamming techniques from various members of the editorial board. Regardless of the numerous, shared moments

in vexation, the euphoria and sentiment of success never parts this field of enthusiasm and talent.

ELEVEN NICHOLAS S. SPORTS EDITOR

Belonging to Xiao Hua means being together with peers who share the same immense passion and utmost dedication to the making of the school magazine. Undoubtedly a most valuable experience, working for the Sports Dept gives me the chance to explore and recognize various talents and qualities that the CIS sporting community possesses.

TWELVE NATHANIEL C. DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY The Xiao Hua team has always been a joy to work with, and many great ideas are put together collectively to make each new issue.

I encourage all of you to join the team and help us improve time by time, but for now, enjoy reading!

THIRTEEN CLAUDIA N. DEP. DIR. OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Being part of the Ed Board of XiaoHua has been such a privilege and has allowed me to learn so much from the team members who are all so passionate and dedicated to their respective departments. The making of the issue has been a bumpy ride, but I am so glad to have participated as a member of this supportive group that has encouraged and helped me in many occasions. A big thank you to those who contributed and have fun reading, CIS!

FOURTEEN NATASHA C. DEP. HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY A big thank you to my partner Claudia Ng for chasing down our photographers and the amazing Nat Chan and Chris Fong for guiding and passing down the torch to Claudia and I this issue. Despite the stress and occasional break-downs, the XH team has worked hard this issue and the experience has given me the opportunity the chance to improve on areas I’m bad at. We wish the year 13s all the best next year!

FIFTEEN CHRIS. FONG HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Whenever a new issue comes out, I love the moment when a teacher has to tell his/her students to put away their copies of Xiao Hua so that class can begin as it shows just how enticing and brilliant each issue is!

Hopefully, CIS will continue to be captivated with the various articles that the latest Xiao Hua has to offer.

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SLT LETTER in addition, should we be paying more attention to Hong Kong and its changing society? How much do we feel motivated to be active citizens, to be knowledgeable about Hong Kong’s place in the world and its social and political development?

The flipside of connectedness is explored in a poem by the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish (1941-2008), in which he compares the dispositions of two flowers: a narcissus and a sunflower. The poem is called Viewpoint and the opening lines go like this:

C

ongratulations to Johnson Pak and his team for their creative flair, dedication and hard work in producing the latest offering of Xiao Hua, an edition of the magazine which explores the theme of connectedness.

Connectedness is a thought-provoking concept, broadly understood as the web of human relationships and settings that shape our lives and values. We feel a sense of connection because of family, school, friends and place, and these days we extend this network, most gleefully, down the rabbit-hole of social media.

If we want to seek a really interesting notion of things connected, it is worth turning to quantum physics and the idea of entanglement. A theoretical area researched by former CIS student Jonathan Allcock in his PhD studies, it is well worth chatting to your science teachers about this phenomenon. Entanglement relates to particles and other elements which interact physically and then become separated. As a result of their ‘entanglement’, the two particles assume the same definite values; thus, even when separated, on opposing sides of the universe, say, when one particle spins counterclockwise, the other spins simultaneously in the same direction. Or, for example, imagine two twins who have been separated: one is in Hong Kong, the other is in London. When one twin puts on a shirt of a particular colour, the other puts on the same shirt of the same colour at the same time!

Back to our local sense of connectedness, one of many excellent and interesting articles in this issue is on Hong Kong politics. As a school community what is the nature of our relationship to Hong Kong? How engaged are we as a school in local issues? Does it matter? If so, why?

Quite rightly, we focus on a number of global issues, but,

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The difference between narcissus and sunflower is a point of view: the first stares at his image in water and says, there is no I but I and the second looks at the sun and says I am what I worship.

The poem is a commentary on political relationships, particularly the way in which a disconnect between two parties can cause the differences between them to grow ever greater, even though there are times when they share more in common than they realise. The poem ends, brilliantly I think, on an ironic note: … at night, difference shrinks And interpretation widens.

Darwish was interested in Israeli-Palestinian tensions, but the poem has universal appeal. When we feel at odds with others, or when we do not recognise others sufficiently, we allow distance to grow and the differences we feel can become exaggerated. Lots of national flag waving can do this!

Once established, what is the social connectedness that binds us all together. Place? Creed? Politics? Facebook?

What then? By the time this magazine is published Satish Kumar, the activist and philosopher, will have visited CIS. Satish argues that our relationship with the natural world is essential in any meaningful social discussion and that true connectedness emerges from a reverential awareness of ecology. As we learn each day about a thawing permafrost and the impact of global warming, Satish’s message reminds us of our ‘entanglement’ with Earth and urges us to consider all of our actions and choices in terms of their environmental consequences.

I hope you feel connected as you travel through these pages.

Brian Mulcahy

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EDITOR’S LETTER

X

iao Hua has once again been awarded the Columbian Scholastic Press Association’s Gold Medalist Award. Our whole publication team is ecstatic to receive this award as recognition of our hard work over the past three years and I must thank all parents, students, teachers and alumni for your long-lasting support for our student magazine. We kindly ask all our readers to continue supporting this student magazine and we promise to aim higher and produce an even better news magazine.

Managing a completely student-led team is no easy task, just like any other organization or company. It requires dedication, cooperation and motivation. This brilliant magazine you see before you has been the combined efforts of 120 hardworking and talented students. Without all of you, we wouldn’t be able to produce another amazing magazine issue. We also want to thank our outgoing Editorial Board members, Kaitlin Chan, Louise Wihlborn, Yi-Ling Liu, Beatrice Young, Nathaniel Chan and Christopher Fong.

Thank you so much for your hard work and it has been my honor to work with such talented people. We will miss you a lot and wish you the best as you move into the next stage of your lives.

We would also like to welcome a few new faces onto the team. For the art department, Chloe Mok (Y12) and Nicole Wang (Y11) will assume

the positions of Artistic Directors while Claudia Ng (Y12) and Natasha Chak (Y12) will take on the roles as Directors of Photography.

Vera Lummis (Y12) and Jackie Wu (Y11) will take on the roles of Features Editor and News Editor. It has been great working with all of you this past term and I am confident that together we will do a fantastic job.

What connects us together? Aren’t we simply human beings who go to the top of Braemar Hill every morning, five days a week? What makes CIS a family? Many people may say that we stay connected with the outside world through our electronics, those small devices called mobile phones and laptops. However, I am more inclined to believe it is the spirit of CIS. Not only does it bring us together into the gym for house assemblies, it also calls us to take the initiative and contribute back to CIS, creating something new that reinforces the aura. In this issue, we explore how CIS students stay connected within and outside the school community. Marcus Wong (Y11) and Oliver Hsu (Y11) interviews the mysterious creators of the CIS Memes Facebook page, a popular page that has created much laughter amongst CIS students and even some teachers. Cordelia Lam (Y10) and Bernetta Li (Y10) investigate how Youtube has influenced this generation of teenagers and has become a method of sharing videos with people all around the world. I hope you will enjoy reading these interesting and inspiring articles and agree that CIS is truly a unique, diverse and great community.

Johnson Pak Editor-in-Chief

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XiaoHua AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT

Last year, Xiao Hua held its very first Awards Ceremony. This ceremony celebrated the efforts and hard work of the Xiao Hua team. Staff memebers with outstanding contributions and performances were also awarded.

Congratulations to our 120 student team for being awarded the Gold Medalist Award by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

The Gold Medalist Award is CSPA’s highest award for overall excellence. This includes print and online student magazines, newspapers, and yearbooks.

Xiao Hua’s success was celebrated in the previous school assembly and we pledge to try our very best and continue to serve our many readers!

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) was founded in 1925. The Crown Awards is an international competition that aims to recognize exceptional work by student journalists in print and online media. The CSPA is overseen by the Columbia University School of Journalism.

To view the announcement online, please visit the CSPA’s website at: http://cspa.columbia.edu/docs/contests-and-critiques/crown-awards/recipients/2012-scholastic-crown.html 14

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Let’s Hear From You! Comments (students, teachers, parents, alums): Tell us what you think of Xiao Hua or any of our articles. We’d love your feedback. Please send comments to: comments.cisxiaohua@gmail.com Contribute: Please submit articles, artwork, short stories, photos or anything that fits our content profiles to cis.xiaohua@gmail. com Subject: ‘Attention: Administrator.’ Make sure you put your name and class.

Advertising Inquiry Xiao Hua is a unique high school publication in Hong Kong, being bilingual in Chinese and English. Featuring four color graphics, it is also the only regular publication covering all aspects of CIS community life. Published twice a year, the magazine provides detailed coverage of school news, sports and arts. Features on student accomplishments, community news and cultural interests round out the editorial package.

With an readership of over 3,000 including students, parents, teachers and alumni, Xiao Hua is distributed to a finely targeted audience. Xiao Hua is not just another school publication. It embodies Hong Kong’s unique blend of Chinese and Western culture, as well as the best Chinese and English student work the school has to offer. It offers advertisers access to an affluent community with a wide range of interests.

For more information on advertising and pricing, please contact:

Business & Communications Department Room 1904, Chinese International School, 1 Hau Yuen Path,

Braemar Hill, North Point, Hong Kong.

Tel: 6478 0234 Fax: 2838 9596 Email: cis.xiaohua@gmail.com ISSUE 7

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HAPPENINGS

LUCAS TSE

I never have encountered a learning culture like this. It first felt paradoxical: there’s no hesitation for uncompromising questioning, but in times of gratuitous aggression people go out of their way to apologize and talk things out. I’m forced to defend my positions, and to think about why I do what I do in the first place.

It sometimes still surprises me how earnestly people talk about ideas; also, that I call my professors by their first names, and that their homes, a couple dozen steps away, are always available.

Learning begins to make sense. It matters. In a searingly genuine way. Immense freedom – to hire faculty, design curricula and enroll in courses – makes possible academic experience that’s consuming, fulfilling and, heavens forbid, fun.

ALUMNI CORNER

To come full circle as it began, another quote comes to mind.

Two years ago a teacher snarled: “What’s more important, your IB higher level subject or Student Council?” I had no words that day to counter those. I might have a few today. We should all consider how we’d respond to that inhospitable question – in our minds and in the speech we permit ourselves.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT DEEP SPRINGS? I was aked during my interview, in late January: “What is your communal experience of loneliness?” My mind clogged – I’d never considered this quality of experience possible. I grew up in a culture obsessed with individual competition, one in which the discreteness and autonomy of human beings went unquestioned. That’s been gladly disputed. That each member contributes to the means of production, that seminars collapse without robust preparation, that we legislate upon collective judgment – these facts have made me confront and consider the possibilities of community.

The stakes of any action ensure that responsibility is not optional. There only is doing better or worse. I can’t begin to approximate the number of occasions on which I’ve failed: people have had to wait around for belated cooking, neglected crops have withered, and just yesterday, a moment unguarded got me thrown off Norman the horse.

The imminence of destruction, which feels like an unmoving palm in the face, demands an urgent and immediate way of seeing things.

The hard, cold, visceral facts also are stark reminders of human weakness, say: last week, fed from the wrong stack of hay, a few calves bloated before a rather gruesome death.

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All this is the long way of saying: I love the desert. Its empty space, its subtle voice, its pungent honesty, its star-studded dome. The air is cleaner, and things are clearer. When on hikes I turn and peer at the fields below, or when we look into the constellations above, a poignant humility surges through my limbs. Yet in the midst of austerity, much less lives between the sky and I.

WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST ABOUT CIS? “Miss” is a weighty word.

I can’t tell how far CIS is conflated with my images of adolescence – the latter seems to bring an inevitable nostalgia. But I do think of rugby on Monday afternoons. It makes me smile to revisit bodysurfing across the courtyard on rainy summer days. I miss strolling out for the bus at dusk: especially the streetlights that

cast shadows in strange angles. I miss getting to know my friends’ families.

I miss plastering the obstinate walls with HRG posters, though I mostly don’t miss the need to do so.

And it’s hard to forget the bright lights of Lan Kwai Fong.

LAYOUT : NW

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HAPPENINGS

schoolyard 校園

CIS Fair 漢基嘉年華: The Annual CIS Fair was another great success.

Parents, teachers and students all enjoyed the lively atmosphere that day. This is the first school fair to celebrate the CIS spirit and the debut of our new mascot, the Phoenix! Thank you to the PTA for organizing such a memorable event!

謝謝家長會為我們再次舉 辦一次成功的嘉年華會。 家長們，老師們，同學們 都十分享受當天的歡樂氣 氛。

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HAPPENINGS

PROJECT WEEK

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HAPPENINGS

SPORTS DAY

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HAPPENINGS

teacher interview MR. QUINN

written by // sophie kang

layout // chloe mok

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2 W M I t a w s f s m t t r t a s i t w t a a

3 L S I s l w t t i e h H i

Mr. quinn

behind the scenes.

1 T Th e c p s c

Teachers. Teachers are most commonly perceived as educators, people students meet everyday so that they learn and obtain useful skills and expertise from them. Do we know teachers as who they truly are, not just people who we acquire knowledge from? Although everyone has different perspectives and standards, students do respect teachers in different ways for a wide variety of reasons.

Do we think of teachers simply as teachers, or do we perceive them as themselves, and as people who are passionate and ardent about what they teach?

4 S Y E h i c Y

Aiming to find out the about his personality, memories and passions, I interviewed Mr. Quinn, an English teacher who joined CIS in 2010. >>

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HAPPENINGS

1. WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE OF SPECIAL TEACHING EXPERIENCE YOU HAD AT CIS? The most memorable or special teaching experience...... hmm.... It would be a part of the discussions I had with my Year 9s this year from our poetry unit. During our discussions, there are always simultaneous moments of realization on what a certain poem is really about.

2. WHAT IS YOUR GOAL AS A TEACHER, AND WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO BECOME ONE? My goal, and if I can sort of sum up why I teach, beyond objectives that are practical, like making students better readers and better writers, is modeling for them what passion looks like. My passion for this subject, my passion for any text, my passion for any poem or anything that I am teaching should be translatable. And should, I hope, make students think about their own lives so that when they become adults, they devote their energy to things that allow them to derive a sense of passion from. What I mean by that really is, I love literature so much, I love to talk about it with students, and I want them to feel the same kind of thing about what they do. That is loving their ideas, loving what it is that they do when they go to university, and also loving what they do when they leave the university. So it is a combination of inspiring passion, modeling that kind of love affair with what you do, and teaching them how to apply the sets of skill that I teach in my classes.

“my goal, and if I can sort

passionate, knowledgeable and qualified. Qualified means that you know as much about what you are doing as possible. However, beyond those practical things, you create an environment in your classroom in which students feel absolutely comfortable and capable. They should be charged that there is something that you want them to do, and should feel very much that they can do it even though it is not very easy. In English class, in particular, I hope that I am teaching my students to love their own ideas.

of sum up why I teach, beyond objectives that are practical, like making students better readers and better writers, is modeling for them

what PASSION looks like.”

3. AS AN ENGLISH TEACHER, WHAT KIND OF LITERATURE DO YOU ENJOY TEACHING OR STUDYING? I prefer texts that are challenging in multiple ways, so that they are challenging from a sophistication level. The texts should challenge the perceptions that we have, but also display an artistic accomplishment that is beautiful. In other words, they would be texts that are aesthetically accomplished, as well as intellectually provocative. The great thing about literature is that it does change the way we think, and has a tremendous power to alter our perceptions.

However, it isn’t always apparent that changing our ideas is what it is doing.

4. IS THERE A PARTICULAR TEACHER THAT YOU STILL REMEMBER FROM YOUR STUDENT YEARS? Yes, indeed. This would be my 8th grade (Year 9) English teacher, who is the best teacher that I’ve ever had, from any school that I’ve ever gone to including college. Mrs. Gibson. She was a fantastically eccentric, brilliant, demanding and inspiring woman.

Yes. Most memorable, absolutely.

Issue 7 Compilation.indd 21

5. SO, IS MRS. GIBSON THE ONE WHO INFLUENCED YOU TO BECOME AN ENGLISH TEACHER LIKE HER? I don’t know. I don’t really want to model her because I can’t, and I don’t think that that is what really good role models are for. What I would really want to be is as much of myself as a teacher as I can. Because Mrs.Gibson was herself. She didn’t conform to any kind of preconceived notion of what a teacher should be. But in that sense, she has absolutely inspired the way that I teach because I teach as an extension of my personality. That kind of authenticity is what she models, and what I definitely model myself after.

6. WHAT WOULD YOU WANT YOUR STUDENTS TO THINK OF YOU AS A TEACHER? I hope my students feel that I am authentic, that I treat them as intellectual peers, even though I may know more about my discipline than they do, simply because they haven’t been in it for as long as I have. I hope that that is what they feel.

7. WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF A GOOD TEACHER? A good teacher is a person who realizes that the passion for the subject comes first, but it’s not just passion, it is also knowledgeable experience. You have to know what you’re doing, should be

8. YOU GIVE AN ASSIGNMENT AND A STUDENT RIDICULES IT SAYING IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE. WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Well, I don’t have any problems with a student saying to me that they don’t understand the point of something. Depending on what it was I would try my best to explain it, but that doesn’t mean justify it, it means explaining my reasoning.

On another note, sometimes I will ask my students if they think what I’m asking them to do is reasonable, and that is different, because if people are saying to me “This is not reasonable.”, and I think there is a legitimate rationale behind that, I will agree with them.

However if a student just asks me, “I don’t know why you want us to do this”, I should be able to explain myself, which only means that I should have a rationale for why I’m asking my students to do something.

5/3/13 5:10 PM

VOICES

Want to help a cause this month?

Grow a mustache! Ever since 2003, the month of November has been known as Movember to those who grow a mustache to raise aw a re n e s s and

money for men’s prostate cancer. First started in Australia, the cause quickly spread worldwide, most recently with twenty one countries officially registering their participation, including Hong Kong. By registering on the first of November with clean shaven upper lips, Mo Bros (as the men participants are known) grow their mustache all month, while being helped by their Mo Sistas (as the women are known) to raise funds. A fun and easy way to help the community, Movember is a great chance for everyone to pitch in to raise awareness about the potentially fatal illness of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is currently the leading cause of death (from cancer) for men older than seventy five. Mostly found in older men, it is caused by cells in the prostate gland growing out of control. Early symptoms are difficult to judge, and only regular screenings can effectively detect the cancer is not occurring before it becomes severe. Methods of prevention are few, and mostly involve in keeping your fat intake level low. For instance having a low-fat diet rich in omega-three fatty acids or being vegetarian. Movember hopes to educate men about the increasing risk of prostate cancer, by having them become “walking, talking billboards”, and raising funds to help further prostate cancer research. Last year, an amazing amount of $1,639,880 dollars raised internationally for these purposes, of which just under $10,000 was raised by Hong Kong, ranking it as the fifth biggest fundraiser worldwide. Hopefully Issue 7 Compilation.indd 22

this year they will do just as well, as statistics for Hong Kong say that nearly 1500 people are diagnosed with prostate cancer yearly, and that the total number of cases has tripled over the past ten years. If you wish to specifically help with Hong Kong’s situation, donations can be made to the Hong Kong Cancer Fund through the Movember website. The Hong Kong Cancer Fund helps support families with cancer patients, improve hospital locations and increase public awareness about cancer.

Participants in the Movember event all enjoy having a great time helping out a serious cause. In Hong Kong, many teachers and parents alike have been known to pitch in for a month and grow their mustaches to raise money for the charity. When interviewed, one teacher said that the reason behind him joining the cause was because : “Movember is all about raising awareness of men’s health issues as well as raising funds. Males are notoriously resistant to going to the doctor or dealing with health issues...”. It seems clear that this idea of promoting the seriousness of prostate cancer is a significant reason that makes Movember special. When asked what stands out about Movember, this idea came up again : “There is a great need for a program like Movember. There is so much media attention on female health issues and very little on men’s health issues... the stereotype that men should not seek care or advice when sick. They should ‘harden up’ and ‘get on with it’ and not whine about being

sick.” Later he went on to talk about how raising awareness is personal to him, as his father had from bowel cancer, beating it only because one of his friends prompted him to go see the doctor instead of ignoring his pains. It is evident that while raising funds is a good thing, the more important point of Movember is educating the public about prostate cancer. This way, instead of embracing the negative stereotype of being “macho” and ignoring serious symptoms, men will hopefully go to the doctor, and avoid the pains of suffering from cancer.

So how can you sign up? Complete an online registration. The easiest way is to find the Movember website (links are provided below), select Hong Kong, and then click on the register button. It will link you to a short form, where you can register either with Facebook, or fill in the details directly. You can also learn more about the cause, check out the latest news, donate to the charity, and even contact them for more details. Once you have finished registering, get ready to grow your ‘stache! On the first of November, Mo Bros shave their upper lips clean, and then grow their mustache for the rest of the month, while getting people to sponsor their cause. Mo Sistas can also register on the website, and help their Mo Bros with their fundraising efforts. So what are you waiting for? Go sign up today! Make a connection to your community, society, and the world.

Nicole Choi 5/3/13 5:10 PM

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VOICES

The Perception of beauty Admit it.

Everyone can name at least one thing they want to change about their appearance. Whether it is worrying about a zit on your forehead or not having anything to wear to the dance, we all wish we could have wide-set eyes, smoother skin or a wardrobe of pretty clothes. But why? Why do we always feel like we need to live up to this standard in life? What does society classify as ‘perfect’?

We care about how we look because we don’t want to be teased, and it increases our self confidence. This is natural; everyone wants to look good. But let’s dig a bit deeper...

written by: shannon hu layout and artwork by: Chloe mok

being beautiful. These are only examples, but many of us don’t know how much we look up to media and underestimate what it can do to us.

Companies are aware that many people are unsure and worried about the way they look. They take it as a chance to earn money by producing beauty products such as makeup, lotion, hair straighteners and curlers, and advertising the fact that it can help you achieve their ideal ‘perfection’.

Many times, these companies hire celebrities to do advertising, to make the product more appealing now it has a celebrity’s seal of approval.

The celebrities and models online The porthole of informa- are usually what people look to as ‘perfect’ tion and communication that manipulates and they try to look like them, so they can how we think, act, feel and talk. Media be ‘perfect’ as well. If they can’t achieve these completely controls society - it determines looks in their photos they use Photoshop to whether or not leather handbags are the fake what they don’t have. The misconcepnew fashion trend, or if being skinny means tion that beauty has defined boundaries is a

media.

Issue 7 Compilation.indd 23

What does

society classify as ‘perfect’? tragedy in our society.

What I’m saying is... we should learn to accept ourselves instead of change to something we’re not. Our lives are heavily influenced by the media and it’s not always a bad thing. However, we must not become obsessed with wanting what we don’t have while losing our own identity. We are all special, and we must learn to embrace ourXIAO HUA 23 selves in every way. ISSUE 7 5/3/13 5:10 PM

VOICES

WORLD CH CHALLENGE INTERVIEW INTERVIEWBY BY CHRIS CHRISNG NG LAYOUT LAYOUTBY BY CHLOE CHLOEMOK MOK ARTWORKBY BY ARTWORK KELLYLUY LUY KELLY

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ecuador ecuador Issue 7 Compilation.indd 24

5/3/13 5:10 PM

To on on imm im wen we Em Em ann an tha th XH XH Em Em Fra Fr

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VOICES

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO WHY DID ECUADOR YOU DECIDEWORLD TO GO CHALLENGE TO THE TO THE ECUADOR WORLD CHALLENGE TRIP? Frankie: TRIP? I chose it not only for the hours, but also for the experience.

Frankie: I chose it not only for the hours, but also Emma: I thought I might be bored in the summer, for the experience. so it would be a Igreat opportunity to have Emma: I thought might be bored infor theme summer, sofun. it would be a great opportunity for me to have fun.

How would you like to go to an exotic place for a month in the Howsummer? would you like to go to an exotic for a13s month in theto do just This year, a group of yearplace 12s and decided summer?

This year, a group and 13s decided to Ecuador do just World Challenge that, and had a lot of funofatyear the 12s that, and had a lot of fun at the World Challenge Ecuador Trip.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORLD The Ecuador Experience is a chance for students to organize DIFFERENCE WORLDWEEK OR Trip.

CHALLENGEBETWEEN AND PROJECT Thetheir Ecuador Experience is a cleaning, chance forand students to organize own cooking, transport, they need to go through CHALLENGE AND PROJECT WEEK OR CHINA EXPERIENCE PROGRAM? their own cooking, transport, cleaning, and they need to go all sorts of challenges and experiences including hiking,through bonding with CHINA Frankie:EXPERIENCE It is a lot longer!!PROGRAM? It’s better in some ways all sorts of challenges and experiences including hiking, bonding with

others and helping the orphanage. They also went on the Galapagos Frankie: is aget lotto longer!! in somethan waysgoing because Ityou build It’s up better more rather others and helping the orphanage. They also went on the Galapagos because to build morevery rather than going Islands for recreation near the end of the trip. Here, I present you, the in thereyou forget a week andup taking little time to settle Islands for recreation near the end of the trip. Here, I present you, the inin. there for a week and taking very little time to settle voices of two fine Ecuador Challenge participants, Emma Chan in. voices of two fine Ecuador Challenge participants, Emma Chan Emma: There are a lot more responsibility, because and Francesca Dundon.

Emma: There are a lot more responsibility, because project weeks are normally organized for you. In and Francesca Dundon. project weeks are normally organized for you. In world challenge you need to figure out where you world challenge you need to figure out where you XH:Was it more mental or physical? cold, raining, and the wind was blowing need to stay at, and you need to communicate with XH:Was it more mental or physical? cold, raining, and the wind was blowing need to stay at, and you need to communicate with Together: Definitely more mental than in our faces. It was horrible, and we called people.

Together: Definitely more mental than in our faces. It was horrible, and we called people. physical!

We needed to stay with the same it “Death Frankie:You Youneed need know how organize budget,physical! We needed to stay with the same it “Death day”. day”.

Frankie: toto know how to to organize budget, people for a month, 24/7!

Frankie: For my weakness, never took people for a month, 24/7!

Frankie: For my weakness, I neverItook termsofofmonetary monetary aspects. ininterms aspects.

Frankie: One week we got so sick of each the initiative to lead, so perhaps the initiative to lead, so perhaps I can I can Emma:Also Alsoyou you would learn how to cook clean.Frankie: One week we got so sick of each Emma: would learn how to cook andand clean. other, we needed to sit together to tell improve that aspect. other, we needed to sit together to tell improve in thatinaspect.

XIAOHUA: HUA:Was Was difficult?

XIAO it it difficult? everybody else about our feelings.

Frankie:It Itwas wasdifficult difficult first. after when Frankie: at at first.

ButBut after when we we everybody else about our feelings.

Emma: got angry at everything OneOne day Iday gotI angry at everything got into the swing of things, well, it didn’t get easier,Emma: got into the swing of things, well, it didn’t get easier, even for very little things.

I wouldn’t even for very little things.

I wouldn’t even even butititjust justbecame became part routine. but part of of ourour routine. talk to others! talk to others!

Emma:Transport Transport back airport disastrous!

Emma: back to to airport waswas disastrous!

TheThe So was honesty important?

So was honesty important? driverspoke spokeininfast fast Spanish nobody understood XH:XH: driver Spanish so so nobody understood Emma: Yes, honesty is definitely importEmma: Yes, honesty is definitely importhim.One Oneofofour our members were fluent in Spanish him. members were fluent in Spanish butbut Emma: we definitely Emma: Yes, weYes, definitely becamebecame close close ant, but you can’t be blunt. ant, but you can’t be blunt. still what hehe waswas talking about.

WeWe waitstillhad hadnonoidea idea what talking about. waitto everybody, and weand were toable know to everybody, weable were to know ededfor to to figure outout what waswas happening. forhalf halfananhour hour figure what happening. everything about about each other everything each other Frankie: We also jokes, which Frankie: Wehad alsoinside had inside jokes, which further bonded us together. further bonded us together.

Emma: We were admire and and Emma: Wealso wereable alsotoable to admire respect people with strong personalities respect people with strong personalities Frankie: forfor yourself, working with same Frankie:ToTofend fend yourself, working with same we may like. like. wenot maynecessarily not necessarily people, and skills in cooking and cleaning. people, and skills in cooking and cleaning.

In terms of connections, I thinkIthe In terms of connections, think the Emma: needed to to learn a bit of Spanish.

Emma:We Wedefinitely definitely needed learn a bit of Spanish. main main problem was trouble in commuproblem was trouble in communication.

The driver didn’t know nication.

The driver didn’t any know any Frankie: Well I realized I relatively respected English. We called him Carlos, and we Frankie: Well I realized I relatively respected English. We called him Carlos, and we others. After hiking I became stronger were like “Hola Carlos!”, and he would others. After hiking I became stronger were like “Hola Carlos!”, and he would physically. Also, for my mental awareness, I scream “Ya me carlos!! And yell in SpanTogether: White water rafting was really fun. Everyone physically. Also, for my mental awareness, I scream “Ya me carlos!! And yell in SpanTogether: White water rafting was really fun. Everyone was able to work with kids, and be able to ish for 3 minutes. But nobody would on the boat fell off into the water. We all experienced was able to work with kids, and be able to ish for 3 minutes. But nobody would help bolster them in their life. There was a on the boat fell off into the water.

We all experienced talk about them. immense joy. It was not solitary at all. Every time we help bolster them in their life.

There was a talkItabout them.a really good trip, Frankie: was overall immense joy.rapid It was solitary at all. Every time wefoster manager who also lead us along the went through wenot recited poems. foster manager who also lead us along the Frankie: It was overall a really good trip, way, and it became really nice to help. I hurt and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND peowent through rapid like we recited poems.

Emma: What I didn’t so much is when people way, and it became really nice to help.

I hurt and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND myself at the end, everyone was coming out ple in year 11 going to year 12 or year peoEmma: me, What likehave so much is when people annoyed butI Ididn’t did not the power to tell them at help, the end, everyone was coming out ple intoyear yearthink 12 or year withmyself ways to transport me around.

12s going year11 13 going to go. to If we annoyed didthey not are have the power to tell them that I don’tme, likebut the Iway behaving with ways to help, transport me around.

12s going to year 13 to go.

If XH: So one of your strengths is being about the technical aspect, it is goodwe think thatSo I don’t like was the way they are behaving XH: tolerance an important aspect of the trip?

XH: So one of your strengths is being for our about thecard technical caring? report becauseaspect, it givesitusis good XH: SoYes, tolerance was an important aspect of the trip?

Emma: it was important. caring? for our report card because it gives us Frankie: Yes. significant number of Creative Action Emma:Yes, Yes,we it was important.

Frankie: definitely needed more tolerance.

Frankie: Yes. significant number of Creative Action Emma: You’re also good at cleaning!

Every Service (CAS) hours.

But what is really Frankie: Yes, we definitely needed more tolerance.

You’re good at cleaning!

Every Service (CAS) what is really timeEmma: you were like,also “Bryce!

Let’s go wash the important is to learn hours. how toBut motivate time you were like, “Bryce! Let’s go wash ourselves the important dishes!” is to learn how motivate and truly connect with to people (Laughs) dishes!” of different personalities back-with people ourselves and trulyand connect Emma: For me, I guess I worked pretty grounds.

(Laughs) of different personalities and backwellEmma: with others.

For Imy weaknesses, don’t For me, guess I workedI pretty grounds. consider myself to be For a very person. We I don’t well with others. myfitweaknesses, hadconsider to walk for 5 to to 6 hours, it was Frankie: I was inspired. I was a lot more motivated myself be a very fit really person. We toFrankie: move around be active had to walk for 5 to 6 hours, it was really I was and inspired.

I was a lot more motivated ISSUE 7 XIAO HUA 25 to move around and be active

LEARNT HOWHOW HAVEHAVE YOU YOU LEARNT ABOUT SPIRIT ABOUT TEAMTEAM SPIRIT OVEROVER PERIOD OF TIME? THETHE PERIOD OF TIME?

WHAT HAVE YOUYOU NOTICED WHAT HAVE NOTICED WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT THROUGH WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT THROUGH ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS ANDAND ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS YOUR EXPERIENCE? WEAKNESSES? HOW CANCAN YOUYOU YOUR EXPERIENCE? WEAKNESSES? HOW BOLSTER YOUR STRENGTHS BOLSTER YOUR STRENGTHS AND IMPROVE ON YOUR AND IMPROVE ON YOUR WEAKNESSES? WEAKNESSES? WHAT ARE YOUR LIKES AND DISLIKES WHAT ARE YOUR LIKES AND DISLIKES ABOUT ABOUTTHIS THISTRIP? TRIP?

HOW DID WORLD CHALLENGE CHANGE HOWASDID WORLD CHALLENGE YOU A PERSON AND YOUR CHANGE YOU AS A PERSON YOURWERE PERSPECTIVE OF THEAND WORLD? PERSPECTIVE YOU INSPIRED? OF THE WORLD? WERE YOU INSPIRED?

Issue 7 Compilation.indd 25

5/3/13 5:10 PM

VOICES

學 生 會 選 舉 26

XIAO HUA

Issue 7 Compilation.indd 26

票 ， 想當選的候 選人都會明白到市 民支持的重要性。也明 白到要得到他們的支持，因 此，想得到同學的支持，我校的學 生會候選人也努力地解同學們的各種 需要。因此，小休和午飯時，候選內閣也 到操場擺放攤位，好讓學生跟各內閣的成員 2012， 彷彿全球各地都在舉行選舉；香 有更多的動。 港有立法會選舉，美國和俄羅斯有總統大 選。八月份回到校園，當然也不少得我們 學生會在學校裡的主要作用便是為學生們提 的學生會選舉。記得九月的時候，街上的 供一個代表學生聲音民選的學生團體。它除 人都在仔細地把每個立法會候選人的海報 了維護學生的利益，也能讓學生們發表自己 看清，回家後又會打開電視，觀看候選人 的意見，令校園生活更豐富多彩。學校的學 之間的辯論時，漢基的學生也不例外，我 生會選舉也從中訓練我們要建平偏見，中立 們會把握課與課之間的時間在每層的樓梯 地選出最能夠代表我們的內閣，讓我們踏進 間細閱每個候選內閣準備的海報。透過海 社會時，也會懂得如何投票給最適合的候選 報的宣傳,候選內閣主動跟學生傾談，和大 人。 選那天各閣的演講和影片，學生在第二天 投下神性的一票，選出最能代表自己的學 學 生 會 最 重 要 的 是 要 為 學 生 爭 取 最 大 的 利 益，所以每年的候選內閣都會絞盡腦汁去想 生會。 一些吸引的政綱。但是又有幾多學生會真的 每逢選舉時份接近，街上的欄杆總掛著各 能夠推行他們的政綱呢？記得十年級初進漢 種候選人的海報。而漢基學生會的宣傳手 基的我，投了票給政綱寫得最”漂亮”的一 法十分類似。學校樓梯間的海報往往印有 隊，可是又有幾多政綱真的能夠實行呢？安 候選內閣的合照，加上一兩句標語，簡單 慰的是，每年的學生會都在進步，都在努力 介紹他們的政綱。當議員忙著“落區”為 地為學生爭取各種福利。政綱一年比一年清 選民表現自己最好的形象和了解他們的訴 晰，落實的政綱也一年地比一年多。 求，我校的候選內閣也一樣會在午飯的時 候到飯堂忙著介紹自己，向同學們展現自 我 知 道 今 年 的 學 生 會 其 實 都 要 很 努 力 地 在 推行他們地政綱，可是很多時候學校的“高 己最好的一面。 層”都會提出種種的問題，使他們的政綱不 今年的學生會選舉也有難得一見的改變 - 能推行。我們只能盼望未來的學生會延續學 今年的學生會的宣傳海報數目被規限了， 生會的宗旨，為學生服務，同時希望今年的 節省被浪費的紙張，讓選舉和學校總體更 學生會能比上一年的做得更好。 加環保。在一個民主社會裡，每當有投

翟心慈

Natasha Chak

ISSUE 7

5/3/13 5:10 PM

VOICES

基 漢 氣氛 有別外校

?

WRITTEN BY: SAMANTHA SO

開

員

學的第一天，陽光悠悠地射在地上，風微微地吹著。我懷 著矛盾的心情，以沈重的腳步踏入漢基的校舍。當時我既緊張又興奮，畢竟我從沒 上過國際學校，我根本不知道我應該期待些什麼。步進飯堂，看著學生們興奮地互 相擁抱，慰問，周遭瀰漫著歡笑，我已經知道這地方跟傳統學校差天共地。

提 除 己 學 立 進 選

記

得在舊校，每逢暑假，同學們都會密鑼緊鼓地為新學年準 備。一開學便會進入「作戰狀態」，坐在隔壁的亦敵亦友，來年的「明爭暗鬥」正 式開始。同學之間會給著大家無形的壓力，給大家動力去更上一層樓。說到底，傳 統學校的學習環境都有著不同程度的壓力，並以分數作主導。說回正題，漢基給我 的第一印象就是那融和的學習環境。

在

利 想 的 漢 一 安 力 清

課堂上，同學們都非常踴躍地發和回應老師，習慣了靜靜 地聽課的我起初真的有點不習慣。在旁看著師生的互動，老師與同學之間沒有高低 之分，對話時兩方都坦誠相對 ，毫無顧忌。往日，我們上課前後都要起立跟老師 問安。上課要安靜，當老師請你說話的時候，你必須站著恭敬地回應。相比之下， 老師仿佛不再是高高在上的人而是陪同我們作戰的老伴。

至

於同學之間，漢基同學們互補不足，互相幫助。他們一起 抄筆記，不時閒聊幾句，一小時二十分鐘的課眨眼而過。老師都容許同學們討論堂 課，互相解答不明白的地方。我還清晰的記得我在舊校的時候，上課時課室只有老 師說課的聲音。而同學們就埋頭抄筆記，把老師說的話都一一記錄在筆記本上。有 些比較叛逆的同學會悄悄的聊天，不過老師不久就會察覺聲音的來源並提醒同學保 持安靜。

在 高 不 學 的

說

真的，我不認為國際學校和傳統學校有一方比較優勝，因 為它們各有特色。國際學校給學生在比較輕鬆的環境中通過自我探索而學習；傳統 學校就讓學生在有競爭的環境下發掘自己的潛能，推動學生加倍努力。 ISSUE 7

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D YOUR SELF THE POWER OF YOUTUBE AND VIRAL VIDEOS

The world of online video is vastly different than it was a few years ago.

WRITTEN BY Cordelia Lam and Bernetta Li

LAYOUT: NW

In today’s technologically advanced society, online video means so much more than just cute cats and people falling over- the variety and quality of the internet video we have today has expanded more than anyone could possibly have expected. When we think of Internet video, we almost ISSUE 7

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always think of Youtube, the immensely popular video sharing website founded by three former PayPal employees in 2005, purchased by Google in 2006. Starting off as simply a place for grainy home videos and funny animal clips, YouTube is now more than just a video-sharing website- it has become a place of infinite possibilities, and is now home to a limitless variety of videos. In a world where information and media are incredibly important to our daily lives, YouTube has become a vital part of the Internet experience.

MUSIC Although Youtube provides excellent educational sources, it is most widely used for entertainment purposes. Music is the dominant entertainment source, accounting for a very large portion of videos on the site. Youtube is music’s tool to reach, connect and influence people around the world. Many commercial artists use Youtube to publicize their music videos through personal VEVO channels. Lady Gaga, for example, one of the world’s biggest fashion and pop icons, perhaps even one of the world’s most influential people, uses VEVO on Youtube to publicize her famous ‘Poker Face’ and her desires to

get caught in a ‘Bad Romance’, inspiring all her little monsters, no matter where they are. Justin Bieber, another pop icon, uses VEVO on Youtube to advertise his songs like ‘Baby’ and ‘Boyfriend’, giving faith to all his Beliebers, no matter who they are. All these music videos have reached a staggering number of views, reaching out to millions of fans from different parts of the world.

What is the underlying reason for this success? Youtube is universal.Music on Youtube is powerful, changing the lives of many ordinary people, transforming a simple videosharing website into a place of countless opportunities. Before 2008, no one would have thought that a 14 year-old, prepubescent boy from a small-town in Canada would have become one of music’s biggest pop sensations. No one would have believed that the same boy could have a 3-minute long music video that has the word ‘Baby’ in it 54 times, surpassing 700 million views. No one would have imagined that hundreds and thousands of girls around the globe would

V

worship this 5 ft 6 boy, who used to busk to make extra money. But Youtube changed this. Youtube made all of this possible. Youtube has become a place where talents can be showcased and discovered- which is why it is such a great platform for musicians starting out to share their music. Previously unknown cover artists such as Kina Grannis, Christina Grimmie, Sam Tsui, Karmin, etc. all rose to stardom through Youtube, enabling them to tour around the world, record their own albums and live out their dreams, only by sharing their love for music with the rest of the world. Little 10 year old Sungha Jung posted his first guitar cover back in 2006, and now he has nearly 1 million subscribers, with his videos getting over 500 million views in total, and he has performed with countless famous performers. Youtube is so great because there is always a surprise waiting to be discovered; from a boy busking on the streets to a 10 year old guitar prodigy; and the element of surprise of discovering someone’s talent is what makes Youtube so entertaining.

In recent years, educational videos on YouTube have been on the rise. A lot of information that cannot be found on other video sharing websites can be found on Youtube. Youtube educational videos are useful resources for people who prefer learning with both a visual and aural aid to learn and understand concepts on a deeper level. Youtube educational videos are extremely diverse, serving future musicians, athletes, scientists, mathematicians, chefs and so on. YouTube instructional videos are becoming increasingly high-quality, and the subject matter covers an entire spectrum of concepts, making it extremely easy for audiences to learn new things on their own. In a survey that was conducted amongst the student body, CIS students explained that they often look to Youtube for subject-related videos, the likes of Khan Academy which provides explanations for math; DT processes and CT software tutorials; PE technique demonstrations; historical documentaries and so on.

Youtube has proven to be extremely helpful for students in terms of understanding the school’s curriculum, and is also a great source for knowledge and information on various research assignments. YouTube is also home to various tutorials outside of academic territory. Many CIS students enjoy watching tutorials that help them with activities such as applying makeup, drawing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. Michelle Phan, a popular YouTube makeup guru, is known for her imaginative and innovative tutorials that guide viewers on the road to creating unique looks with simple makeup tools. Now virtually anything can be learned or taught through YouTube videos, making the site an extremely versatile place for learning.

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VIRAL VIDEOS Upon hearing mention of popular videos like “Gangnam Style” and “Charlie Bit My Finger”, most of us cannot help but let a little smile creep onto our faces. Internet video phenomenons such as the infamous “Friday” and the never-ending “Nyan Cat” now have more impact on our generation than ever before.

Viral videos, videos that receive large amounts of attention in a short span of time, are now capable of connecting and uniting members of the Internet community through

VLOGS

Believe it or not, YouTube has even evolved to allow users to make a profit. Popular YouTube personalities, known as “YouTubers” to members of the community, are now given the opportunity to profit from their large viewer-

ship. Regular uploaders who have more than a certain amount of subscribers and video views become eligible for a YouTube Partnership, where Google gives them a portion of the profits made from advertisements featured beside their videos. YouTube viewership is now so powerful that users are adopting internet filmmaking as a full-time profession. Well-known YouTubers such as Ryan Higa (NigaHiga) and Kevin Wu (KevJumba) make their living through uploading comedic videos to their channels, and due to their massive viewership (Higa has over 5.7 million subscribers; Wu has over 2.4 million) they can afford to call YouTube their job.

So what is it about YouTubers that keeps their viewers coming back for more? Is there a sure-fire formula to ensure constant high viewership for every video? Every YouTuber has a unique characteristic that makes them stand out. People like Kingsley Russell (ItsKingsleyB*tch) and Jenna Mourey (JennaMarbles) use signature blends of profanity, vulgarity and humor in their rant-style videos where they lament pop culture controversies and everyday incidents that irritate them. Users like Ian Hecox, Anthony Padilla (Smosh) and Ryan Higa (NigaHiga) use easily relatable humor and slapstick skits to attract attention from the YouTube community, inducing giggles with fun, lighthearted comedy and generally happy video themes. Higa even visited Hong Kong in early September, his enormous YouTube following allowing him to tour the world meeting fans. Other users such as Kevin Wu (KevJumba) use slightly unconventional gimmicks to create a following, in this case, Wu’s father, the legendary and adorable PapaJumba. YouTube has given a full spectrum of different people around the world the chance to profit from their personalities and creativity, and has even opened doors to other opportunities, such as bigger movie projects andcollaborations with big names in the entertainment industry. What makes YouTube videos unique is that they have charming homemade qualities distinguishing them from real life short films and blockbusters.

One thing most YouTubers have in common is that they all come

shared interest in the same video. Uponthe release of Rebecca Black’s controversial single “Friday” in 2011, millions of viewers united in joint hatred of the song and video, scrutinizing the lyric “which seat can I take?” and pointing out the awkwardness of Black’s “friends” in the car. When “Nyan Cat”, the addictive 8-bit flying pop-tart cat, was featured in a YouTube video, over 85 million people were seduced by the cats perpetual journey through space and the songs lyrics that consisted of the single word “nyan”. Most recently, Korean pop artist PSY’s “Gangnam Style” sensation has taken the Internet by storm, amassing over 300 million views from the quirky and chaotic video, prompting thousands to emulate the song’s iconic horse-riding dance. For our Internet generation, viral videos have become more than just sources of entertainment- they have become topics for discussion or laughter, much like an inside joke, or a sitcom that everyone has watched. Their influence over our generation is unprecedented, and often, important messages can be spread through the circulation of viral videos, such as the questionable “Kony 2012” social networking campaign by Invisible Children. Viral videos have changed the way we relate to each other, and now connect us with content that everybody has seen.

from humble beginnings- even some of the biggest YouTubers began in their bedrooms or backyards, armed with nothing but low-tech camcorders and a lot of creativity. Aside from helping young dreamers kickstart their careers, YouTube has also given its users a new kind of confidence, giving them the chance to express themselves with something that they have the full power to create. Giving ordinary people the chance to become independent filmmakers has created unprecedented change in the world of film, to the point that even online video creators without the backing of production companies can make a living off their passion for filmmaking.

Ultimately, YouTube is all about connections. Starting with the simple goal of connecting users with viewers, the site has grown into a massive hub of communication, connecting content creators with subscribers, YouTubers with business opportunities, audiences with audiences, and really, just connecting people with ideas. As previously stated, YouTube is now so much more than just a site for video sharing- it is now a world where connectivity is introduced and relationships are established through the creation of original video content.

Ideas can be shared, opinions can be voiced, phenomenons can be created; YouTube really is just one big place of possibilities.

The Power of YouTube is unlike anything we©ve ever seen before, and its power is just going to keep getting bigger. Whether this is a good thing or a bad one, the answer is still uncertain.

We now have at our fingertips the opportunity to convey and receive important messages via online video, and we are the ones who determine what we do with the power that comes with this privilege.

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Christy Leung 梁穎彤

經營了131年的 ‘昔日菲林膠片 業霸王’、‘攝影業先鋒’伊士曼 柯達公司(Eastman Kodak Company)因未能與數碼時代同時並 進， 終於在2012年1月19日正 式宣佈破產。

gram 還具備能模仿不同菲 林相機和膠片效果的濾鏡。 那 為 甚 麼 還 有 人 喜 歡用菲林相機拍照呢？ 當然，不論這些應用程 式的模仿度再高，照片數碼 加工的效果始終也遠遠不及 菲林相機與底片獨特而自然 的色彩韻味。除此之外，無 論你是在用同一部菲林相 機、同一卷底片、相同的攝 影設定等，如果你一連拍兩 張取景相同的照片，它們都 會各有獨特的風格與色彩韻 味，讓你無法猜測照片出來 時的效果。有些菲林相機的 快門也可以在同一格菲林上 按無數次，造成‘多重曝 光’的超現實藝術效果；這 功能除了能讓我們發揮無限 的創意與想像力、訓練我們 的攝影技巧之外，還能使照 片富有層次，令畫面更為豐 富，更是我個人最喜歡探索 的‘玩法’。最後，你要拍 完整卷菲林（通常約36張 照片）還要等待底片給沖洗 完，才能看到連自己也不 記得拍過的相片，反而令 照片充滿驚喜與神秘感。 我當然也是菲林攝影的愛 好者。我每一部相機都是在 用不同的菲林（一部用來拍 黑白照、 一部用來拍一般

Layout Nicole Wang

有些人認為數碼科技的普及與方便使菲林 攝影被遺棄，從而導致柯達根本性的垮台。 可是，菲林攝影原來自90年代就已經開始‘ 逆科技發展’而逐漸興起。現今，菲林攝影 已成了被視為富有藝術感的復古潮流文化。 疑惑的你或許會覺得奇怪 － 現今的數碼 攝影工具及技術又先進、又方便，為甚麼 還有些人總是喜歡甚麼‘復古藝術’，喜歡 浪費時間與精力在這些‘又麻煩、又無聊的 玩意’呢？對，現在的數碼攝影工具非常方 便。 而拿著手掌般大、 能‘單手操控’、具 備甚麼‘8 百萬像素鏡 HDR 性能’的智能電 話， 我們連攝影技術或快門也不需要，只需 要按觸一下屏幕， 就能輕而易舉地捕捉‘細 緻動人’、能夠‘震撼眼球’的照片。許多 深受歡迎的手機攝影應用程式，例如 Insta-

的彩色照、一部用來拍 ‘XPro’照等）；因此，當我 要旅行或‘遊香港’拍風景 照時，都會帶最少兩部（拍 彩色與黑白照）；背著笨重 的相機，加上拍不同的景色 時要換用不同的相機，在不 明白菲林攝影、已經完全活 在數碼時代的眾人面前我常 常會顯得十分狼狽可笑， 連 我的家人也會偶然因此而譏 笑 我 ； 雖 然 菲 林

攝影在香港已經興起，但 當我在街上用貌似‘塑膠玩 具’的 Holga 拍照時，還有 些人會用奇怪的目光看我， 好像在問 － ‘欸？哪還有 人在用菲林？！甚麼時代啊 ⋯⋯’；也有些人看到這些 模樣新奇的相機時會贊歎 － ‘看起來真酷喔！’；也有 些‘知音人’看到我在用菲 林拍照時會喊道 － ‘菲林萬 歲！’儘管別人怎麼看待菲 林攝影這個興趣，我都不介 懷，因為我喜歡就是喜歡。

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菲林攝影經驗：3年 菲林相機收藏系列：Holga 135BC (第一部), Lomography Actionsampler, Pentax Espio 110 (爸爸的舊相機), Yashica Electro 35 (外公的) 最喜愛用的菲林：Kodak Professional BW400CN （黑白)

ang

林 。 ‘ 影 。 碼 麼 歡 的 方 具 電 需 細 多 -

那為甚麼我喜歡菲林攝影呢？ － 我相信無限的可能性 － ‘Don’t Think, Just Shoot!’ 除了前述的原因之外，Lomography ‘Don’t Think, Just Shoot’的格言也是我喜歡菲林攝影 的主要原因。每當我拍一張菲林照片時，我立刻 就會想像照片出來的效果會怎樣，而因此充滿期 待感；而這些積極的想法使我不會多想，不會多 憂慮，看到甚麼就拍下甚麼；我不用完全知道我

正在拍甚麼，我不用記得我曾拍過甚麼，正因為 結果是驚喜、是未知；抱著‘Don’t Think, Just Shoot’的心態，在加上菲林攝影無限的可能性， 鏡頭下如何瑣碎的生活畫面都可能會變成一件意想 不到的而富有獨特韻味的‘柯達時刻’。 為甚麼我 喜歡菲林攝影？我想你現在都該明白了。 其實有不少漢基的學生也對菲林攝影很感興趣， 所以我訪問了兩位來自十二年級的菲林攝影愛好者 來分享一下。

Emily Sun 12YC 常用的菲林： 非常喜歡 Lomography XPro Chrome (ISO 100)，但是因為這底片 頗昂貴，所以我也喜歡用柯達的彩色菲林 負片。

菲林攝影經驗：1年 菲林相機收藏系列：一開始是用 Superheadz super flat lens，然後很快就換了 用爸爸的舊Rollei 35 S

1 你是為甚麼對 菲林相機產生 興趣的呢？ 我想在攝影方面作出 新嘗試，而且我覺 得菲林攝影是一個 很酷的另類選擇。

但 玩 有 ， 有 啊 些 － 有 菲 萬 菲 介 。

2

你對新入門 的菲林攝影 師 有 沒 有 甚 麼 好 的 建 議 （ 例 如技巧上的 建 議 ） ？

4

兩樣都喜歡，各有不同理由。 我比較喜歡菲林相機，因為它比 較‘playful’與先前提過的原因。 當我覺得我有一個‘任務’的時 候，用DSLR拍照 會蠻好玩的。而且 你為甚麼喜歡 如果要夜拍的話就 一定要用DSLR。

用菲林相機？

這是因為我的DSLR也頗笨重的， 而且我愛等待沖洗出來的照片；因 為用菲林相機是看不到自己拍到了 甚麼，所以我覺得沖洗出來的照片 是一個驚喜。我也認為用菲林相機 的人必須對攝影有更深切的瞭解， 因為菲林相機沒有顯示屏，拍照時 是看不到自己會拍到甚麼，因此在 調整適合的相機設置時也會有一定 的困難，所以拍照時我要清楚知道 自己在拍甚麼因為只有一次機會。

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1. 玩得開心 2. 如果照片出來的效 果不太好，不要失望 3. 要記住在 鏡頭與在取景器中所看到的景象不 一定是一致的 4. 拍照時要確保自 己的手指不要太靠近鏡頭（不要不 小心蓋到鏡頭） 5. 不要忘記設定對焦範圍 6. 不 要浪費金錢在昂貴的lomo effect底片上，柯達等 的底片也是很好的 7. 沖洗底片時，把照片錄在數 碼光碟（沖洗店提供此服務），然後才選擇沖印 哪些，這樣做比較省錢

你 歡 機 林 為

比 數 還 相 甚

3

較 碼 是 機 麼

5

你還有甚麼關 於菲林攝影的 喜 想分享一下？ 相 菲林攝影是很好玩的。它可以讓你 菲 好好探索和學習基本攝影技巧。 ？ 看完這篇文章與範例照片後，你 ？ 或許會對此‘又麻煩、又無聊的 玩意’改觀而產生興趣。其實無 論物件新或舊、‘潮’或 ‘土’ ，它們都各有價值與特色 。生活 於繁忙與科技急速發展的世界裡， 我們這些‘現代人’不妨停留腳 步，回顧過去，‘回到菲林時代 ’，欣賞與享受簡單中的藝術美。

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Is the IB the right choice for CIS? As Year 12 students who have just started the International Baccalaureate program at CIS, Aspen Wang and Susan Maginn examine the importance of the IB to ourselves, our school, and our society. Photographs taken by Natasha Chak.

It seems that every circular, newsletter, announcement, or email we receive these days contains some discussion on the precarious topic of academic excellence in CIS. Why precarious? Because of the very nature of academic excellence. A stellar performance this year does not guarantee a similar level of success in university admissions, and furthermore, students are expected to reach a higher level of success each year--and yet, they do! The ever increasing trend of academic excellence at CIS proves that it has slowly but surely crept its way to the top. Now the questions are: have we hit the glass ceiling? Has CIS reached its

zenith; now doomed to spiral into mediocrity? Surely not!

Teachers, policies, reputation, prestige, a thriving community, and a renowned education system...don’t all of these aspects ensure that CIS will forever remain ahead of the curve? And yet it is precisely our education system that worries us; it is the International Baccalaureate that has perhaps more shortcomings than we realise. >>

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It is all too easy to see the increasing prevalence of the IB in today’s society. More and more educational institutions seem to favour the IB over the traditional A-Levels and the IB has garnered a reputation for being strenuous and challenging. It also has a reputation for churning out better-prepared students, who are more capable of critical thinking and putting experiences into an international perspective. In short, advocates claim that a student who goes through the International Baccalaureate has received a holistic, all-encompassing education and is better prepared for university. Is this all true? If so, why doesn’t every school adopt the IB? Is the IB only suitable for some students, and not for others? And is it true that universities now prefer the IB? It almost reads like an advertisement, an idealised version of the education system that parents all around the world wish for their children. Quite frankly, it seems too good to be true, and that’s because it is. Whilst there are undoubtedly numerous benefits to be gained from taking the IB, the facade of perfection is beginning to slip, and the system’s flaws are starting to leak through the growing hype.

In addition to the notion of internationalism that the IB engenders, it is indeed true that the IB is bilingual, or aims to be such. Group Two, among Issue 7 Compilation.indd 36

the six groups or subject areas in the IB curriculum, is referred to as “language acquisition”, meaning learning a second language. No other education system has two languages so fundamentally and fully integrated into its core curriculum. In bilingualism, the IB is indeed far superior; studies have shown that bilingual individuals consistently outperform their monolingual counterparts. Aside from cognitive advantages, there are also practical benefits in being bilingual in an increasingly interconnected and globalised world. However, to reap the full benefits of bilingualism, early immersion is key, and this is where the IB shines. Far from demanding the sudden integration of a second language at the age of sixteen, the IB instead chooses a gradual build up from the age of eleven with tiered learning starting with ab-initio, thus nurturing language potential and catering to the different needs of different children early on.

The second undeniable advantage to IB is the Extended Essay, a four thousand word research paper that is a mandatory core component of the IB, and not only so, it is also a prerequisite for the award of the Diploma. Hence, there is certainly significance placed on the Extended Essay. Indeed, the Extended Essay is, at the root of it, an opportunity for students to engage in the kinds of undergraduate research required at a university level. The Extended Essay thus is a

prime example of the higher level of analysis and critical thinking skills required in the IB Diploma Programme, as compared to other educational systems.

Nonetheless, although the PP and EE are both great endeavors in their own way, the Personal Project is a poor lead up to the EE. The two differ in flexibility in content, in the focus of the project, and the importance attached, the latter of which is something that could potentially be included in the Personal Statement and University Applications.

To claim that the Personal Project is an adequate precursor, or a precursor at all, is indeed laughable.

This is one of the many examples of the gap between MYP and IB; it is this gap that highlights the shortcomings of the IB system. The IB, whilst a laudable standalone programme, is often deemed too difficult to jump into directly from GCSE’s, and thus, the MYP is called in. However, it is uncertain how useful the MYP is in bridging the gap. Some teachers may find it disconcerting when new students end up scoring higher in exams than those that have been in the system since year seven; this is nothing but a clear sign of the lack of integration or smooth transition between MYP and IB. The most blatant discrepancy can be seen from the final IB exam and the continuous style of assessing in MYP. The freedom resulting from the semi-university style of teaching IB and assessing can sometimes be too much for those fresh 5/3/13 5:10 PM

from MYP’s coddling system reasons for this phenomenon. The first is their discussion may very well reach the of frequent knowledge checks, theirsame every generation isThe smarter conclusions, divisions andthemeth-reasonsthat from MYP’s coddling system for this phenomenon. first isthan the discussion may very well reach that students have a high previous one. This may seem obvious, of learningdivisions that theand book proposes, ofmeaning frequent knowledge checks, that every generation is smarter than the sameods conclusions, methtendency cram forhave IB awithout a of butone. with themay advent the technological learning is that morethe worthwhile when done meaning thattostudents high ods previous This seemofobvious, learning book proposes, self motivational develrevolution, age and the through theworthwhile own volition of students; a with tendency to cram forinstinct IB without a learning the adventthe of computer the technological is more when done but selfoped motivational instinct develrevolution, the computer and the volition students; a in the earlier years of their through internet, the pace age at which students are kindthe of own learning thatofcomes organically oped in the earlier years ofdepartment their internet, the pacelearning at whichhas students are kindrather of learning that comes organically education.

The maths currently outstripped that than constructively.

Rather than education.

Thefound mathsone department currently learning has outstripped that of the constructively.

Rather than has already way to rather of previous generations because thethan current TOK course, a Philosophy hasmake already one way to by the current of previous generations of the Not TOK course, Philosophy thisfound transition easier unlimited accessbecause to information. or Psychology coursea could prove more make this transition easier by unlimited access to information.

Not to be or Psychology course could prove more implementing bi-annual semester helpful in these aims. only that, students are expected implementing bi-annual semester only that, students are expected to be parents helpful in these aims. exams in which students have a more worldly. As much as our Aside from EE and TOK, there is also exams in which students have a more worldly.

As much as our parents Aside from EE and TOK, there is also guideline to study and summarize CAS. Proponents against the CAS would like to boast about the impossible guideline to study and summarize CAS. Proponents against the CAS like to boast about the impossible their semester’s worth of learning. system in IB often say it devalues the would exams in the sciences or humanities they their semester’s worth of learning. system in IB often say it devalues the exams in the sciences or humanities they had to pass fifty years ago, it is often principle behind giving back to charity But what are the other subjects doing? How principle behind giving back to charity had to pass fifty years ago, it is often But what are the other subjects doing? How hardly comparable to the requirements through creativity, action or service by can they better prepare or guide their students hardly comparable to the requirements creativity, action or service by can they better prepare or guide their students through to be proficient in at two languages, setting a minimum requirement that throughthis thisrigorous rigorous course? to be proficient in at least twoleast languages, setting a minimum requirement that through course? a science, a humanity, and up to two makes the whole experience so quan- a science, Theother othermajor major difference between IB andmakes a humanity, and up to two the whole experience so quanThe difference between the the IB and different musical instruments, tifiable through the number of hours different MYP comes in terms of depth and breadth; the musical instruments, as in the as in the tifiable through the number of hours MYP comes in terms of depth and breadth; the case ofKong.

HongThus, Kong.while Thus, while inputted.

Instead of having students purcase of Hong the IB the IB inputted.

Instead of having students purmost glaring example is the sudden transition most glaring example is the sudden transition adapts, a more substantial reformation sue activities for the activities’ sake, one adapts, a more substantial reformation sue activities for the activities’ sake, one from nine subjects to just six.

For MYP stufrom nine subjects to just six. For MYP stuof the system will be in needed has students pursuing the activity thethe system will be needed a few in a few pursuing the activity for thefor of dents,sixsixsubjects subjects a lot than what we arehas students dents, is aislot lessless than what we are years to effectively keep up sole purpose of fulfilling the minimum years to effectively keep up with thewith pace the pace sole purpose of fulfilling the minimum usedto;to;forforthose those taking A-levels, is douused taking thethe A-levels, it isitdouof students who are getting better and of students who are getting better and requirement of CAS in order to not fail requirement of CAS in order to not fail ble that they areare required to take. blethe thesubjects subjects that they required to take. better at working the system.

Secondly, IB. However, through making such a better at working the system.

Secondly, IB. However, through making such a IsIsthis a pro or con of the IB? Are six subjects this a pro or con of the IB? Are six subjects of new education systems systems manymany students discover the majority of new education requirement, students discover the majority really and if so, why notnot six all reallynecessary, necessary, and if so, why six the all the requirement, start offstart small and are and onlyare implemented passions and interests they would have off small only implemented passions and interests they would have way through?

These are important questions, way through? These are important questions, in a fewinschools.

The successful ones nevernever discovered beforebefore had they not had particularly in the science department, where a few schools.

The successful ones discovered had they not had particularly in the science department, where go on to be implemented by moreby andmore and this this jumpjump start start platform requirement to ititmay be useful to begin studying your chosen go on to be implemented platform requirement to may be useful to begin studying your chosen more schools.

However it is precisely fulfill, and aand student wouldwould rarely rarely com- comscience, chemistry, or physics, more schools.

However it is precisely a student science,bebeit itbiology, biology, chemistry, or physics, mit fulfill, the proliferation of the new system that to an activity just for the purpose earlier on, so that a more in depth knowledge the proliferation of the new system that mit to an activity just for the purpose earlier on, so that a more in depth knowledge leads to an erosion of its prestige, and hours if the student did not and understanding would occur. On the other of filling leads to an erosion of its prestige, and of filling hours if the student did not and understanding would occur. On the other increases occurrences of grade inflation. have some vested interest in it. hand, it is understandable that the goal of MYP already increases occurrences of grade inflation. have some vested interest in it. hand, it is understandable that the goal of MYP already CAS system’s fundamental problem Yes, the A-levels was once considered not is to give students exposure to as many subjects The The A-levels wasuncommon once considered not CAS system’s fundamental problem is to give students exposure to as many subjects easy toYes, pass.the Now, it is not as possible so that they are not only well-round- is the reflection it requires for single aceasy to pass.

Now, it is not uncommon is the reflection it requires for single acas possible so that they are not only well-rounded individuals but can also make more educated tivity. These constant reflections needed for various headmasters to denounce for various headmasters to three denounce tivity.

These constant reflections needed ed individuals but can also make more educated to prove the existence of the activity and the A-levels, claiming that gaining choices when choosing their finals subjects thehas A-levels, claiming that gaining three to prove the existence of the activity and A grades become “embarrassingly choices when choosing their finals subjects promote personal growth ultimately as they have sampled almost everything. It is A grades has system becomeis“embarrassingly promote personal growth the whole “in deep and diminish the joyultimately of CAS easy” and they have everything. allasabout givingsampled studentsalmost and parents a largerIt is undermine easy” and the whole system is “in deep undermine and diminish the joy of CAS trouble”.

The latest is Anthony Seldon, activities with their tediousness.

The all about students a larger freedom to giving tailor the child’s and ownparents educational trouble”.

The latest is Anthony Seldon, activities with their tediousness.

The the master of Wellington College, who guiding questions for such reflections freedom to the child’s own educational experience andtailor future. has jumped on the bandwagon in his the master of Wellington College, who also provide the material for formulaic guiding questions for such reflections Another unique, potentially redundant, experience and but future. vocal support of IB, concluding, “I plead reflections that re-chant mantras of good has jumped on the bandwagon in his also provide the material for formulaic aspect of the IB system TOK. Some consider Another unique, but ispotentially redundant, with you to become of “I plead we supposedly relearned every of good vocal supportactive of IB,supporters concluding, reflections that re-chant mantras TOK to of bethe the IB most flexible subjectSome in IB,consider with morals aspect system is TOK. the IB.” time we had a meeting or did an activity. with you to become active supporters of morals we supposedly relearned every highly student-tailored classes depending on inTOK to be the most flexible subject in IB, with CIS is the amongst the supporters of the Theytime don’twe necessarily allow for the few dividual teachers.

Theory of Knowledge itself is IB.” had a meeting or did an activity. highly student-tailored classes depending on inIBDP, CIS alongiswith numerous educationalof the but true inspirational epiphanies we get the foundation of allTheory learning, being pretty amongst the supporters dividual teachers. ofand Knowledge itself is They don’t necessarily allow for the few institutions and leading figures around from these activities.

Some schools do much akin to philosophy, it can relate to any-pretty but true inspirational epiphanies we get IBDP, along with numerous educational the foundation of all learning, and being the world.

Despite its many flaws, it around away with the managebac system and thing, as evidenced by the wide array of TOK institutions and leading figures from these activities.

Some schools do much akin to philosophy, it can relate to anydoes appear to be the most appealing one concluding personal interview presentations based on anything from the sub- haveaway the world. Despite its many flaws, it the managebac system and thing, as evidenced by the wide array of TOK at the endwith educational system currently available of the year on a student’s CAS jectivity of wine tasting to the essence of beauty. does appear to be the most appealing have one concluding personal interview presentations based on anything from the sub-involvement. to us. For all of it’s shortcomings, let’s Perhaps such a solution is However, despite it’s all encompassing title, it educational system currently available at the end of the year on a student’s CAS jectivity of wine tasting to the essence of beauty. not forget the innumerable advantages not for us as it offers a weaker form of doesn’t go nearly far enough. IB students are to us. For all of it’s shortcomings, let’s involvement.

Perhaps such a solution is However, despite it’s all encompassing title, it capable of critical thinking and deep analysis, so accountability, but please, let’s stop with that first attracted CIS to the IBDP. forget to theattract innumerable advantages not for us as it offers a weaker form of doesn’t go nearly far enough.

IB students are The IBnot continues and spread why use these arbitrary and mundane guidelines the twenty four pieces of reflections in that first attracted CIS to the accountability, but please, let’s stop with of criticalways thinking and deep analysis, so month, because they are not useful. its influence globally. It is therefore in IBDP. ofcapable what constitutes of knowing or areas of one The IBtocontinues to attract and spread the four pieces of reflections inour interests pursue more transparThey dotwenty not encourage sensitive and why use these andtaught mundane knowledge?

The arbitrary students are these guidelines disits influence globally.

It is therefore in one month, because they are not useful. ent communications with the IB and respectful students, but instead those of what of knowing or forareas of tinct waysconstitutes of knowingways or areas, and do not our interests to pursue more transparThey do not encourage sensitive and thus determine if modifications may that can churn out the most words in knowledge?

Thethinking. studentsThe are taught these dismulate their own course doesn’t ent communications the IB and within our schoolwith to make respectful students, instead those be possible amount of time,but whether those encourage rather, encourages tinct waysthinking; of knowing or itareas, and domindnot for-the least the best of the IB and consider its more words are genuine or not. thus determine if modifications may that can churn out the most words in less memorisation concepts that to mulate their ownofthinking.

The don’t courseneed doesn’t positive aspects that is, until the next To be fair, not all that is negative about be possible within our school to make the least amount of time, whether those beencourage understood to get a good TOK is one thinking; rather,grade. it encourages mindnew hyped up educational system promIB is specific to the IB system.

Education the best of the IB and consider its more words are genuine or not. ofless thememorisation few subjects about breaking new ground, of concepts that don’t need to ises us positive a far more advanced and holistic systems in fair, general have a tendency to deaspects that is, until the next revolutionising a way of approaching a problem, To be not all that is negative about be understood to get a good grade. TOK is one educational approach. overtotime.

There are two causing paradigm Sure, the students in gradeIBinisvalue new hyped up educational system promspecific the IB system.

Education of the afew subjectsshift. about breaking new ground, ISSUE 7 advanced XIAO HUAand 37 holistic revolutionising a way of approaching a problem, systems in general have a tendency to de- ises us a far more educational approach. causing a paradigm shift. Sure, the students in grade in value over time. There are two Issue 7 Compilation.indd 37

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WHAT’S COOL

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THE LOWDOWN ON THE LATEST MOVIES, BOOKS, FOOD, MUSIC AND MUCH MORE

Ne Ne Ne

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{ } dear doctor ling-ers

I have a huge crush on this guy in my year but I just can’t seem to get him to notice me.

I mean, I talk to him and all, but I feel like I am invisible to him.

What should I do?

Ok allow me to first give you some perspective. This is a remarkably pervasive problem

you have here, echoed by females across the globe: how to get the guy to notice you. Have you ever read Rebecca? Little Women? Pride and Prejudice? The poor gals had to flirt, to scheme, to strategize to snag the perfect Colin Firth. Empress Dowager Cixi had to compete with three thousand other smoldering concubines to snatch her place up there with Xianfeng. Three thousand, larger than your average class size.

But tear-you-hair-out-of-its-sockets not! Dr. Lingers does have a secret piece of advice and that is, do not neglect the importance of scent. In a world that has so glorified the visual, we have overlooked man’s most primitive attribute – his sense of smell.

Whereas dating today is so complicated one can write enough rules to fill the annual fund about the rules and regulations of courtship, Neanderthal flirting was simple and straightforward and went a little something like this: Neanderthal 1: Hullo Neanderthal 2: Yuh Neanderthal 1: Sniff

Neanderthal 2: Sniff, sniff (The two then proceed to elope to a secluded cave somewhere to complete the cycle of life.)

Alas, we are not in the stone age, but bear this in mind: A boy is like an albatross – although his eyes are glazed with an opaque later of fat, but his sense of smell is startlingly sensitive. All you need to do is subtlety spritz on a well-made parfum and voila – I promise this boy will not leave you alone. To help, for your reference, I’ve attached an abridged guide on scents that my provide guidance.

DIYSFIG – Do-it-yourself-scents-for-invisible-gals Vanilla – It’s a classic. You smell like a milkshake.

Chanel No. 5 – It’s a classic. You smell like Nicole Kidman.

Old Spice – The funny thing is, guys like the smell of themselves.

Jean Baptiste Grenouille’s Special Concoction – Ok, maybe Grenouille took the wooing to a slight extreme in Suskind’s perfume.

(Under Year 10’s and fans of Ben Whishaw do not watch the movie unless you wish to be scarred for the rest of your life) Mint and Nutmeg – Richard Ying Qiao’s Duan’s favorite.

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Diary of a Teacher Mr.Mumm With assessments season beginning, students are buzzing around, panicking and working frantically to type up their best-polished essays for possibly every single subject they take. It’s a busy, distressing life and for this reason, students often complain or merely get frustrated with the amount of workload. Naturally, all their blaming head towards those who assigned such burden to them, the teachers.

Though it is unbelievably easy to have such thought process take up students’ minds, they never actually take time to appreciate what teachers have done to work actively and enlighten them with new knowledge. As Paulo Coelho, the author of the book “The Alchemist” remarks, a teacher “isn’t someone who teaches something, but someone who inspires the student to give of her best in order to discover what she already knows.” With such quote in mind, an interview with Andrew Mumm, a Maths and Science teacher at CIS provided further insight into what teaching means and what a teacher truly strives to be at school.

Hello Mr Mumm. Thank you so much for meeting with me.

To begin, which classes to do you teach?

I teach Year 8 and Year 10 Science, Year 12 Physics higher level and Year 13 Maths standard level.

How long have you been teaching at CIS? Have you taught other schools before?

This is my fourth year at CIS and previously I taught at another CIS called Copenhagen International School in Denmark. Before that I also worked at a couple of Danish high schools and universities.

Writer: SUNWOO NAM Photography: NAME HERE I would prefer to teach both like I did back in Denmark. I think each have their advantages and disadvantages. As a teacher, it’s perhaps slightly easier to make students more excited about science, as maybe they see it as being it more relevant and deep down, I do actually think science education is a little more important than just a lot of Maths. I think there’s too much emphasis on Maths in education worldwide, though of course, advanced mathematics is undeniably most important tool in modern society. So it’s very hard for me to choose and I really enjoy teaching both subjects very much.

Can you describe a typical day at CIS? I arrive around 7am and get my coffee. Then teaching starts and usually, it’s very busy. On average I teach three lessons a day with breaks and lunches filled with constant meetings. But at the end, I always try to find time to actually prepare lessons and mark work, but I have to say it happens more often at home in the evenings.

What were your memorable experiences during your time at CIS? Do you have any funny anecdotes you could share with us?

I could think of one very recent memorable experience.

It was on my birthday when my Year 13 Maths class surprised me in the office, singing happy birthday with a chocolate cake. I think that was a very nice, memorable moment.

You just started teaching science this year; what would you say is more interesting to teach, Maths or Science?

That’s very tough to choose because I really love both subjects and

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What were you like as a student?

Doyou ever find any similarities between you and CIS students?

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Well, I can’t really do this because I’ll let others judge me. But I can say that one word I strive to be as a person is sincere. I try to be authentic and everything has to be rational and makes sense to me, as I’m not a big fan of artificial I think overall, in all rules. modesty, I was a decent student.

What do you like to do over the weekend or When I think back, what strikes me the during the summer when you’re not at CIS? most about my student life is that I was a very independent learner. For some rea- I like to eat, travel, watch movies, read books son, I really liked going to the library and and that’s basically it. reading a lot of books without anyone telling me I had to do it. For example, I Finally, tell us what teaching or being a taught myself chess by reading books and teacher means to you.

I learned a lot more different things from reading. I think perhaps that’s something I At university, I was very lucky because I met feel that a lot of CIS students don’t really these two amazing professors that changed have – this independent drive and desire everything for me. Because of them, I think to actually learn things on their own. It’s I see teaching as a continuation of what they probably because there’s always a purpose showed me such as their amazing personality to their learning with people telling them and attitude towards learning. I just wanted to to do so. Of course it may also be because be like them, as they inspired me so much and of the assessments and pressure they get put something in me to become a teacher. So and I do feel that they are getting quite every single day I’m teaching, I always, in the large number of assessments, as when I back of my head, think about them and try to look back at my school time, we only had a figure out what they would do when they’re in fraction of assessments that CIS students the same situation. Teaching to me means that go through now. One thing I do have in I’m on this path that these two professors put common with a CIS student is that when I me on and I’m simply following it. This is the was a student, I was very ambitious and I main reason why I don’t see being a teacher as a wanted to do well, which is what I see in a job, though of course, there are ups and downs in teaching, but most of the time I enjoy it that it’s almost like my hobby. It’s similar to going to a place to discuss Maths and Science and I have so much fun! Honestly, I never thought about being a teacher before I met these two professors but they inspired me so much that I wanted to do the same and that’s what I’m trying to do when I’m teaching at CIS.

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Words: Yoonah Han Illustrations: Tien Chong Type/Layout: Kaitlin Chan

Psy’s 강남스타일 has 531 MILLION views on Youtube- How? The catchy tune, the infectious horse dance and its’ eccentric music video have all worked in unison to catapult the song “Gangnam Style” into one of the most viewed viral videos on Youtube. It has garnered attention from all over the globe, inspired a myriad of parodies and made South Korean singer, Psy, into a household name. Like the 1994 global hit Macarena, it has defied the boundaries of language barriers by being a universal phenomenon despite the fact that listeners cannot decipher the lyrics.

So what exactly does “Gangnam Style” even mean? “Gangnam” is an affluent neighborhood in Seoul, which the music video satirizes as being full of self-important youth. He paints a caricature of the ostentatious culture of the people who go to Gangnam, mocking their actions through the lyrics and the paradoxical dance. The music video features middle-aged women walking backwards, fully clad in gaudy exercise clothes and wide-brimmed hatsan image that ironizes the term “Gangnam Style”.

The video is teemed with ironic images- from the disco-lighted tour bus, to the public sauna. But behind the flashy white suit and the dancing ladies comes a light social commentary on social class in Korea. Gangnam is a district which attracts distaste from the majority of the envious South Korean population. Although Gangnam is where South Korea’s most elite reside, the rest of the South Korean population view them as noblesse and self-righteous. Many may wonder: Why the horse riding? “Riding the horse” is a Korean slang for “Living the high life”. Therefore, the superficially comical dance itself is meant to provoke additional sarcasm.

With a spate of appearances on international television shows, and over 390 million views on his video as of October 7th, he has signed a record deal with world-renowned

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singer, Justin Bieber’s management company. Psy has been entered in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most-liked Youtube Video, taught Britney Spears the “horse-dance” on the Ellen Show, and performed at MTV’s Video Music Awards. The worldwide popularity took Psy by surprise.

In a society which values young, cookie-cutter boy-band figures, being the first one to truly break out into the American market was something Psy did not expect. “Gangnam style changed my whole life and my whole plan. Most of the K-pop artists are boy groups, girl groups -- I didn’t think it could be me,” he said.

The song’s popularity has also permeated this school.

Whether it be having the Secondary school student body dancing along to the catchy tune at the start-ofyear school dance, or having to choreograph an original dance to the song in PE class, the viral song has embedded itself in CIS culture. When asked why they thought Gangnam Style has managed to go viral, student Marshall Tsang stated “For people like me who aren’t familiar with k-pop Gangnam Style is a entirely different approach due to its’ comical dance.” Similarly, Bryan Tan said that Gangnam Style “is a new style of musicthe tune is catchy, and the music video is hilarious.” Some Year 13 students, such as Jackie Shin and Kaitlin Chan, no longer greet each other with “hello”, but a quick Gangnam Gallop.

The chain reaction in which Gangnam Style was shared via social media allowed the song to be heard by the majority of the student body. “My friend linked me the video, and ever since then I’ve been listening to it nonstop!” Year 11 student Betty Wan says. Whether you love or don’t love Gangnam Style, Psy is clearly here to stay. Don’t just Gangnam there, check out the seven other albums he has under his belt!

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A Student’s Guide to Hysan Place

WORDS CATHERINE DING PHOTOS MATTHEW CHOW Nestled in the heart of Causeway Bay, Hysan Place is an airy and large nw shopping centre.

It’s interior is not unlike a shiny modern spaceship or the insides of a triple decker cruise ship.

People bustle past, heels click on the polished floor and bags swing against their legs.

Lounge music plays comfortingly in the background. On a huge LCD display outside flashes the word FASHION. Fantastic, I think. Here I come....

Inside the Hysan Place, there’s a fair range of fashion outlets.

On the ground floor is GAP, which is reasonably priced and secondary school students could easily wear the clothes from the adult section. On higher floors there’s DKNY, Max Mara and other high-end stores aimed at a wealthy clientele. Year 8 student Sabrina Ma is not blown away by the shopping choices. “The clothes are for people a bit older than I am. Personally I’d go to Cotton On or H&M first.”

Hysan Place has over 120 retail stores spread over fourteen floors. “Hysan Place’s target customers are fun-loving and trendy shoppers,”says Kitty Cheung, from Corporate Communications at Hysan Development Company. “There are Concept floors that are tailored for the special needs of savvy shoppers,” she adds.

The best place for boys is the fifth floor where you can get cool T-shirts and jeans at Levi’s and Chocoolate. Hollister’s worth a look if you don’t mind loud music and low lighting. It’s generally quite different from the other shops in Hysan. I wanted to get out but couldn’t find the exit and walked straight into a mirror! However, they do have a stylish selection of jeggings. If all this is still out of your budget, thank goodness for Accessorize! Excellent for gifts and all you need for a sun-filled summer by the beach.

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bookshop from Taiwan- Eslite. It opened as a 24 hour bookshop, which pleased many of Causeway Bay’s night owls and midnight shoppers. However, it has since reduced its opening hours.

Many CIS students have been praised the variety of books at this new store. Adrienne Chen, a Year 7 student, likes the shop itself, but has concerns about the air-con temperature. “I was wearing a jacket, and I was still really cold,” she says. Seeing as 99 malls in Hong Kong pledged to raise their air-conditioning temperature from 24C to 26C in July 2012, Hysan Place should follow suit.

Eslite spreads over several floors but I think the books are a little muddled together.There are English books with Chinese covers, chinese covers with english words - altogether it was a little confusing and not aimed at English readers. Even a Year 13 student, who considers herself quite a professional at navigating stores, found difficulty with Eslite. “The Art&Design section sort of blends in with other shelves, and it is not always very clear which books are located where.” She did however, praise the variety of novels at the store.

Once you’ve had your fill of shopping it’s time to think about food.

Food is quite an important aspect of a mall to students, who might not be looking to buy a product but just an after-school snack with their friends.

The top four floors are all devoted to food. There’s a food court on the 11th floor and restaurants from the 12-14th.

Whether you’re eating with your family on the weekends or just hanging out with a couple of friends, there’s quite a wide selection of food choices and enough to make everyone happy. “Yay, there’s a Triple O and a great croissant place,” enthuses Bertha Ho. I appreciated the amount of cake shops with fancy fruit tarts and a Japanese chocolate shop -Royce -for people with a sweet tooth.

Trendy, stylish, refreshingly chic -Hysan Place is like a lady’s purse; an alluring and glittering exterior conceals a materialistic interior.

It’s a convenient place to spend time, as it is only a 26 Minibus away from CIS, but many of the goods inside are beyond a student’s budget.

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靈 心

VANESSA CHEUNG

周豆苗在六歲的時候發現了自己竟然能夠看到別 人內心所想的一切，更能預知未來。在她年幼 時，『有什麼東西不見了，隨口說出，一絲不 差，常常嚇大人一跳。』豆苗長大後，漸漸知 道原來這個特能並不是完美的。別人常常表示羨 慕，可是豆苗並不開心 - 她已經知道自己的生活 會怎樣，生活變得沒有意義。她並不需要經歷不 同的事，便能知道後果。 『每次認識一個有可 能性的男子，她便有第六感：『這人太孝順母 親，不是好伴』，或是『這人嗜賭，輸了喝酒， 贏了上夜總會，品格很差』，『這人會胖到三百 磅，五十二歲心臟病發』，獨具慧眼的周豆苗似 看到未來，不願投資感情。』 不能投資任何感 情的生活，令豆苗感到十分寂寞，無助。雖然， 在某些情況下，擁有第六感對豆苗有利，但很多 時候，知道未來反而令她感到痛苦，對自己知道 但不 能控制的事情感到愧疚。作者亦舒邀請讀 者來隨著豆苗成長，慢慢明白她的生活和經歷。 《靈 心》不單是一本好書，還在我讀完有很大 的思想空間。其實，有時候，能夠預知未來不一 定是一件好事，無知可能是最幸福的。想想看， 我們是否真的想知道別人對我們的真實想法? 而 且如果知道了一件不可改變，不可控制的事，不 是反而會令我們更傷心嗎？我寧願永遠不知道將 來會發生什麼，珍惜在世上的每一刻，就已經足 夠了。生活在世上而不知道未來令生活有意義， 每一天都不知道會有什麼事發生，才能產生對未 來的夢想及期待。 對我而言，跟豆苗一起經歷她的一生是一件奇妙 的事。我們可能沒法想像，擁有第六感會是怎 樣，可是通過亦舒的描寫，我漸漸明白到能夠預 知未來是件怎樣的事。亦舒所凝造的豆苗十分真 實，通過她的思想及行動描寫，令我明白她是個 聰明，善良的女孩。我強烈推介此小說給喜歡閱 讀奇幻小說的同學。

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Your Japanese Fo d Fix YOSHINOYA text JUSTIN NG and BRYAN TAN

Fast food restaurants. McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King...etc.

People love going to fast food restaurants because not only are they fast to make and adequately presentable, they taste absolutely delicious as well. However, fast food does not simply mean burgers, or fries, or fried chicken. The concept of fast food is that it is made quickly, served quickly, and most importantly, ravenously gobbled quickly. Thus, Yoshinoya has taken fast food to an entirely new level, serving a unique and delicious type of fast food that is catching on worldwide.

Yoshinoya is currently the largest chain of beef bowl restaurants and one of the most popular Japanese chains of fast food, when it was established in Japan in 1899. Yoshinoya promises its customers that the food is “Tasty, low-priced, and quick.” The fact that it can be found in 10 countries, including the United States and the Philippines, is testament to its far reaching popularity.

Ippudo has Tonkotsu down to an art

This chain restaurant features a wide variety of food. Their meals include a combination of rice and protein. It ranges from rice and beef to udon and chicken. Not only are these combinations quite tasty, they also provide for a well balanced meal, and fill you up at the same time. This is one of the many reasons

Yoshinoya’s famous beef bowl meal

why numerous people can be found lining up for Yoshinoya during lunch hour.

Yoshinoya can be found in many different convenient locations. These strategic placements of stores are placed so that people who need to find a quick bite for lunch can go to the Yoshinoya stores close to the MTR and near malls. However, one should be warned that Yoshinoya is not where you look for gourmet udon. Some of the food tastes a little salty and processed, but it is always satisfying, and you pay for what you get: inexpensive meals ranging from 30 HKD to 40 HKD. There are also many combination set meals available, such as breakfast meals or lunch sets, to get the most from your dollar.

To find a Yoshinoya in Hong Kong, check out: www.yoshinoya-hk.com

IPPUDO text/art KAITLIN CHAN

Ippudo is much harder to find than Yoshinoya, because unlike Yoshinoya which has 58 HK branches, Ippudo has two (one in Causeway Bay and the other in Tsim Tsa Tsui!)

However, if your obsession on ramen verges on mania (like me), then it is well worth the crammed wait in the tiny distance between the elevator and the Causeway Bay branch on Russell Street. You’ll notice that the menu has only a few, (perhaps just ten) items, all of which are ramen except for one gyoza dish. But this ramen will make you want to kneel on the floor and praise the Ramen Gods that be.

Customers are offered options on the hardness of their noodles, as well as the thickness, so your dish is customized to suit your exact needs. I am personally a soft, thick ramen consumer because then it reminds me of ho-fun, and you cannot go wrong with Ho-fun (otherwise known as 河粉). The most one bowl will set you back is $100, and the least is around $50. As these “winter” months (and by winter I mean a Hong Kong air-conditioning induced chill) come upon us, the time for ramen is now. The place?

Ippudo.

Yoshinoya Image source: http://www.inuyaki.com/images/beefbowl.jpg ISSUE 7 XIAO HUA 45 Background image & Ippudo image by Kaitlin Chan

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WHAT’S COOL

The 852 is so much more than skyscrapers and malls.

Explore new angles of the city through these photos by CIS students...

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“You can leave Hong Kong, but it will never leave you.” -Nury Vittachi

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Photos 1-2 by Nicole Wong Photo 3 by Melody Liu, Photo 4 by Logan Justice

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This weekend, visit the cliffs and dunes of one of many outlying islands. If you already live on one of them, head to the alleyways of Sheung Wan. Bring your camera, and capture a piece of Hong Kong. It is yours to keep.

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THE

The school always emphasizes the notion of the ‘CIS Community’, but it doesn’t seem obvious that the real CIS Community includes everyone, security guards and technicians alike. While there isn’t enough time or space for a ‘whole staff luncheon’ every month, this does not mean that there aren’t other ways in which we can express our appreciation for the administrative and support staff who work at school.

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Yes! Yes!

May I ask where you worked before coming to CIS? Yes, I was a marketing designer at Sing Tao Daily.

So So how how did did you you end end up up here? here?

Jenny Lee PUBLICATIONS TECHNICIAN

How long have you been working at CIS for?

Almost seven years.

So what does your job involve on a day to day basis?

Well…I think while other staff members at CIS know what they have to do each upcoming week, my job is different because it changes all the time. I always have to change my schedule. Teachers will often call me and say, ‘Oh! I need you to do this ASAP’, and then I have to change my schedule around.

What kinds of tasks does your job involve?

We have to use school logos for different processes that involve parents…or students or teachers. I take school logos, like the Phoenix logo, and modify them so that they look more smooth, and apply it to different items, like email banners, or like the big banners hanging outside of school.

I had friend who works here, Gale Lok, my classmate at the APA. She suggested that I take a job here in publications.

How is the working environment here compared to the one at Sing Tao? Totally different! At Sing Tao, sometimes if I start work at 10am, we will work overtime to 4. But not 4pm, 4am. Even though they paid us overtime, the energy and the effort required and my own health is more important than the money. So I much prefer a stable schedule, like I have here, and a place where I can do what I like.

So did you study graphic design in university?

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We have to do more than recognize a few individuals’ efforts at the annual year-end assemblies; the school could organize an annual ‘Support at CIS’ event to express thanks to the whole staff, which would be open to staff beyond the faculty.

More simply, however, we can change the way we interact with the support staff at school students should be more mindful of simply cleaning up after themselves in the cafeteria and in classrooms. No matter what one’s job is at CIS, it should be a positive working environment for all its workers.

Are Are all all these these publications publications printed printed here? here?

Do you design the banners?

I can’t say I design the concepts, but I modify the designs and apply them for different purposes, like brochures and reports. So we have the CIS Annual Giving Report (2011-12). We spent half a year on this. But we spent two years developing the first report.

E

It was a pleasure to meet and interview three of CIS’ many ‘behind the scenes’ staff.

Xiao Hua met up with Jenny Lee, our Publications Technician, Johnny Fong, our Senior CDT Technician, and 美 姐, our head ama; three employees with longterm commitments to the school.

Actually, I majored in set and costume design. I never expected that I would be a graphic designer. A friend suggested that I enter a media-training course, and it turned out to be a good experience for me. So then I started graphic design.

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What program do you usually use?

Definitely Adobe InDesign. Actually as a graphic designer I also have to use Photoshop and Illustrator. But we definitely all like Mac…[laughs] there is no doubt.

So what other things have you created?

We have the tickets for concerts and plays, info brochures, CDs, the photo collages like in the foyer of the auditorium, photo albums, the CIS Hangzhou brochures, etc. Sometimes we employ outside designers, but often we have to apply their designs to different templates.

Right now I’m trying to make all the school logos more consistent and easy to use. You can’t just give teachers a JPEG and expect it to look good. Every time you have to think about how you can create effective templates so the resolution and design looks professional.

Do you have any advice for students here looking to enter the art world/graphic design

Well, I would say that it is important not to spend too much time studying the technical aspects of graphic design, or even artistic techniques. It is better to focus on developing your creativity. Spend time reading books and looking at other people’s art…avoid looking online or copying off other images. Try to let your designs and concepts develop from your own imagination. The technical skills will come through later.

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JOHNNY LEE

HEAD OF AMAHS

SENIOR CDT TECHNICIAN

Where do you come from?

I’m from mainland China.

Where are you come from?

I was born in Hong Kong.

How did you come to HK?

Do you enjoy working at CIS?

My husband works here, and my child studies here, so that’s why I moved here to Hong Kong, and now I’m taking care of the CIS students!

Yes, I do. The overall community is very nice. The bosses treat the employees fairly, which leads to the two having a special bond that you do not see elsewhere.

Do you enjoy working at CIS? Yes, I do. It is a nice community, with plenty of friendly co-workers.

How long have you worked at CIS? I have been working here for quite some time, around seventeen years.

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How do you think that CIS could improve?

I feel that CIS is near-perfection, everything is great about the school, so I don’t really have any suggestions for it to improve.

How did you come to work at CIS? A foreigner told me that there were jobs available here and that they were recruiting, and so I applied for a position.

Have you worked at any other schools in the past?

I used to work at Yew Chung International School. Unlike CIS, where the boss is close with the employee, there the two are very disconnected, and they don’t work together as a community so well.

What are the most common things you have to do around here?

As the head of the Amas, I am responsible for many things, but one of the major tasks that I have to take on is being in charge of all of the Amas and how well they do their jobs. Also, I have to attend meetings sometimes, and be a representative for the other Amas, and we organize our opinions. Although all of the Amas are responsible for their own jobs, I am in charge of how well they do their jobs, and basically, I have to supervise their concentration and their effort put into doing their jobs. So generally, I have to look into every department of their jobs, with the wide variety of tasks they have to do.

What do you think about the CIS students? What is your general opinion of them?

Do you have any past job experiences? How does it differ to the work at CIS?

They are quite obedient, and polite young people. They are friendly, and kind, and so my general opinion of them is that they are going to grow up to be successful men and women.

I have worked at different areas, but I feel that CIS is quite different to them. However, I do feel that CIS is superior in most ways than the other companies that I have worked at.

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Confession Bear, can be taken from a variety the potential to move beyond its current of sources. The fairly recent image circulating function and has already begun to do so, the internet of a smiling young male runexpanding into other forms of culture inConfession be taken fromRidiculously a variety the potential to move beyond its current ner, or asBear, he iscan better known, cluding, but not limited to, art, music, and ofPhotogenic sources. The Guy, fairly attracted recent image circulating function and leaving has already begun impact to do so,on modern day a huge amount of film, a lasting the internet of a smiling young male runexpanding into other forms of culture inattention across various parts of the world and society and culture. ner, or as he is better known, Ridiculously cluding, but not limited to, art, music, and even bestowed upon the subject of the photo With so many memes available on the Photogenic Guy, attracted a huge amount of film, leaving a lasting impact on modern day temporary celebrity status.

The image itself, it seems inevitable that people have attention across various parts of the world and society internet, and culture. however, came from humble origins.

Zeddie begun grouping them on into even bestowed upon the subject of the photo With so many memes available thecategories. Be Little, a celebrity 25 year old resident of New it itmemes about a particular temporary status.

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Be Little, a 25 year old aresident it memes about particular country, sport has resulted Carolina, when photo of of New him York was taken by thirst ofaquick, sarcastic humor did see your text message,” pro- City, was running a race in Charleston, South or the IB menace, society’s unquenchable computer programmer Will King. The image in these pages, often on popular social netclaims a puppy-eyed Malayan sun bear, Carolina, when a photo of him was taken by thirst ofworking quick, sarcastic humor has resulted was uploaded to a social media site, where a sites such as Facebook and Tumblr. your text message,” pro“I was just did toosee lazy to text you back”. computer programmer Will King.

The image in these pages, often on popular social netviewer dubbed Little as “Ridiculously PhotoIndeed, it was only a matter of time before claims a puppy-eyed Malayan sun bear, working sites such as Facebook and Tumblr.

This ursine character is, of course, Con- was uploaded to a social media site, where a genic Guy”, and from there gained widespread a page dedicated to memes relating to CIS “I was just too lazy to text you back”. viewer dubbed Little as “Ridiculously PhotoIndeed, it was only a matter of time before fession Bear, a popular internet meme This ursine character is, of course, Confame across imageboards such widespread as 9gag. When issues popped up. relating to CIS genic Guy”, and from there gained a page dedicated to memes through express confessions fession which Bear, a users popular internet meme the identify of the photographed man was disCIS Memes, founded in September 2012, fame across imageboards such as 9gag. When issues popped up. of through a common or users humorous which express nature. confessions covered, he too gained small media attention, presents itself as the “the the identify of the photographed man was dis- CIS Memes, founded in Septemberinternet 2012, hub for Originating as or a meme on imageboard of a common humorous nature. perhaps helping to media furtherattention, popularize presents the allitself CISasfunny things, thehub oneforstop place covered, he even too gained small the “the internet and social news Reddit in 2012, Originating as awebsite meme on imageboard perhaps funny things, the one place of bored meme.even helping to further popularize the all CIS for school gossip, thestop product and social news Reddit in 2012, Confession Bear website has gained popularity meme. for school gossip, the product oftime boredof this artiThe story behind Ridiculously CIS students.”

At the Confession Bearuse hasacross gainedsocial popularity and widespread media The story Ridiculously At theittime this arti-662 likes, an Photogenic Guybehind demonstrates that it is notCIS students.” cle’s writing, has of amassed and widespread use across social media platforms, as well as meme culture hubs Photogenic Guy demonstrates that it is not cle’s writing, it has amassed 662 likes, an their origins that make successful memes astounding achievement, considering that platforms, well4chan. as meme culture hubs such as 9gagasand Growing in their origins that make successful memes astounding achievement, considering that what they are, but a combination of timing, there are just an estimated 840 students such as 9gag and 4chan. Growing in there are just an estimated 840 students popularity to the point when it can be what they are, but a combination of timing, luck, general promotion, and a number of in secondary school. The memes page has popularity to the point when it can be luck, general promotion, and a number of in secondary school. The memes page has referenced in everyday conversation, the referenced in everyday conversation, the other factors, mainly social, that defines their united students ages in voicing their other factors, mainly social, that defines their united students of all agesofinall voicing their meme forsharing sharing memeis ishumorous humorous outlet outlet for success; however, unlike a pop song, block-opinions opinions matters to the towards towards matters related to related the relatable asproviding providing success; however, unlike a pop song, blockrelatableconfessions confessions as as well well as buster movie, or even a viral a meme’s andDiscussions the IB. Discussions on buster movie, or even a viral video,video, a meme’s school, school, teachers teachers and the IB. on entertainment users. entertainmentfor for internet internet users. popularity be almost impossible toa wide range a wideofrange CCCinopening in popularity cancan be almost near near impossible to issues of (theissues CCC(the opening Confession Bear has Confession hasbecome become force or or generate unnaturally.

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Ultimately, the majority of these ingenuity a student/ a group of students. campaigns. Ultimately, the majority of these ingenuity a student/ a group of students. place in meme culture; however, it is Yet despite the widespread popularity of this itsits place in meme culture; however, it is attempts are unsuccessful. These failures attempts are unsuccessful. These failures Yet despite the widespread popularity of this only one of many memes that have rose page, its creators have remained anonymous. only one of many memes that have rose reflect upon the anti-commercialization and to fame on the internet this year, sharing reflect upon the anti-commercialization and itsabout creators have remained independent nature of memes, and the pride Little ispage, known the origin of the page,anonymous. to the fame ontothe internetwith thisthe year, sharing path popularity likes of independent nature of memes, and the pride Little is known about the origin of the page, or the agenda for the creators devoting theBad path to Brian popularity with Attached the likes of in this independence that is an undertone Luck and Overly in this independence that is an undertone or the agenda for the creators devoting in meme culture; however, memes certainly their spare time to create and judge memes.

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Overly Attached Girlfriend, among The crookmeme culture; however, memes certainlyFortunately, their Xiao spareHua time toable create and judge memes. doinhave the power to influence, popularize, was to contact Girlfriend, among others. ed smile and checkered redThe vest crookof the and into cultural to find more about this. an to contact dotransform have theordinary power tomedia influence, popularize,this group Fortunately, Xiao Hua wasInable hauntingred wide eyes edformer smile and the checkered vest of of thethe phenomenon. Take, for example, a line from exclusive interview with onemore of theabout group’s and transform ordinary media into cultural this group to find this. In an latter and are just few of the wide manyeyes recurring former thea haunting of the Christopher Nolan’s 2008 superhero film The founders (yes, they currently have multiple phenomenon.

Take, for example, a line from exclusive interview with one of the group’s images media.recurring latter are that just populate a few of social the many Dark Knight: “Some men2008 just want to watch members, one of them could be in yourhave multiple Christopher Nolan’s superhero film The founders (yes, they currently havesocial indisputably images thatMemes populate media.had the world burn”. The line has since become class!), we discovered the ever changing art Dark Knight: “Some men just want to watch members, one of them could be in your a significant impact on popular culture of turning those cynical one liners into a Memes have indisputably had an popular meme and internet phenomenon, the world burn”. The line has since become class!), we discovered the ever changing art and, to some extent, the everyday lives of somewhat amusing meme. Their story, is a significant impact on popular culture being applied as a caption to pictures where a internet users.

We hear them referenced an popular meme and internet phenomenon, of turning those cynicaland one liners into a small detail is out of place. one of mischief, slight rebellion plenty and, to some extent, theevery everyday around us, see them on cornerlives of being applied as a caption to pictures where a somewhat amusing meme. Their story, is Memes, populating enough of the of meme-rable moments, of course. internet users. We hear referenced of the internet, and feel them their cultural small detail is outpart of place. one of rebellion internet, an essential of the daily lives of Quite aptly, themischief, interviewslight is conducted overand plenty around us, see them on every corner influence spreading like wildfire.

Taking Memes, populating enough of thethe internet, of meme-rable moments, course. many, to have a specific culture surrounding on facebook, the place of where of humorous viral of the theform internet, and feelimages, their cultural them, are bound to have apart certain amount everything started. time afteris the internet, an essential of the daily lives of Quite aptly,It’s thethat interview conducted over videos, and even catchy tunes, memes are influence spreading like wildfire. Taking ofmany, impactto onhave society and social interactions. sun hasthe gone down, dinner has just been a specific culture surrounding internet, on facebook, the place where of humorous entertainment for many. thea source form of images, viralThe Taglines and images associated with popular eaten, and procrastination time has begun. them, are bound to have a certain amount everything started.

It’s that time after the impactand andeven potential of memes and theirare videos, catchy tunes, memes memes have become so firmly rootedinteractions. into The green lights signalling friends comof impact on society and social sun has gone down, dinner has just been surround culture poses the question, a source of entertainment for many. The modern day pop culture that they are often ing online are popping up on the sidebar Taglines and images associated with popular eaten, and procrastination time has begun. from where do memes originate? like mold in places that it really shouldn’t impact and potential of memes and their referenced in everyday conversation and colThe question is not so much memes have become so firmly rooted into be. All The green lights signalling friends comloquial prose.

A source of entertainment that the while, I’m sitting at my desk, surround poses the question, about theculture creation of memes as it is modern day pop culture that they are often ing online area popping on the sidebar is an intrical part of internet culture, itself a homework shoved in pile to oneup side, from where memes originate? about theirdo popularization.

The actual referenced in everyday conversation and collike mold in places that it really shouldn’t rapidly growing object of societal impact and attempting to surf music videos on Youtube, notmeme, so much content The that question constitutesisthe such loquial prose.

A source of entertainment that be.

All the while, I’m sitting at my desk, cultural significance, is expected to possess yet compulsively flicking back to open the about creation of memes as it is of as thethe photo visualizing the character is an intrical part of internet culture, itself a homework shoved in a pile to one side, about their popularization. The actual rapidly growing object of societal impact and attempting to surf music videos on Youtube, content that constitutes the meme, such cultural significance, is expected to possess yet compulsively flicking back open the ISSUE 7 XIAO HUA to53 as the photo visualizing the character of

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photo courtesy of http://memepics.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/obama-not-badcampaign-poster.jpg photo courtesy of http://memepics.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/obama-not-bad-

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facebook window every few seconds.

Rapidly approaching Xiao facebook window every few seconds.deadline Rapidlyaside approaching Xiao Hua (the emphasis Hua isdeadline aside (the emphasis here on the word “dead”), I’m here is on curious the wordto“dead”), I’m genuinely get to the genuinely to get group. to the bottom of curious this reclusive bottom of this reclusive group.

“Spontaneous” and “controversial” “Spontaneous” andleap “controversial” are two words that to mind are two thatrecent leap to mind over CISwords Meme’s trend setoverposts, CIS Meme’s trend setting and I’mrecent slightly worried ting this posts, and is I’mgoing slightly worried that group to set off that this group is going set off explosions, albeit ones oftolaughter, explosions, albeitthe oneswrong of laughter, until they annoy people untilget they annoy the After wrongall, people and shut down.

I and get shutthe down.

After all, I don’t mind odd meme break don’t mind odd meme break between mythe frenetic schedule of between my frenetic schedule of schoolwork and swimming. schoolwork andinswimming.

As my interest 80’s music videos As my interest in 80’s music videos wane and I begin to debate the powane and I begin to debate the potential psychological damage from tential psychological damage from viewing a video made by those 5 viewing a video made by those 5 pedo bear lookalikes grinning at pedo bear lookalikes grinning at me from behind the screen, the me from behind the screen, the green light I’m waiting for flashes green light I’m waiting for flashes on.

The interview it seems, is on. The interview it seems, is on.

We eagerly type type on. We greet greet and and II eagerly in my first question.

The reply in my first question. The reply isis worrying, student, worrying, but but as as aa fellow fellow student, II can’t help grinning.

A realistic, can’t help grinning. A realistic, honest have the the honest reply reply seems seems to to have same humor value in real life as itit same humor value in real life as does from the pages of a meme. does from the pages of a meme.

“It one particuparticu“It all all began began during during one larly boring homeroom, and being being larly boring homeroom, and the law-abiding teenagers that the law-abiding teenagers that we facebook”, we were, were, we we were on facebook”, reveals the CIS Memes founding reveals the founding member, henceforth referred to member, henceforth to as as CM. CM. Perhaps Perhaps unpopularly, laptops homeroom laptops are are banned in homeroom (no thinking (no doubt doubt CIS memes is thinking up of of aa suitable suitable meme this very up very minute), yet yet this did not stop CM minute), CM and co. co. from from poking around on and on the IB IB memes memes page. Similar to the to the the current CIS CIS memes, but containcurrent containing memes memes on the IB in general, ing general, this page isis already already popular, popular, parthis page particularly amongst amongst the the higher ticularly higher years, years, as evidenced evidenced from from my my newsfeed. as newsfeed.

“As we we were were browsing browsing this “As this page, page, aa light bulb moment occurred”, light bulb moment occurred”, and and simply like like this, this, the the idea simply idea for for CIS CIS memes was was spawned. spawned. memes “Did you have anything par“Did you have anything particular in mind when you ticular in mind when you made made it?” II pursue, pursue, skeptical skeptical the it?” the such such aa popular page could “just” appear. popular page could “just” appear.

Pausing to think for a minute Pausing to think for a minute or two (an eternity it seems, in or two (an eternity it seems, in today’s yo-yo online conversatoday’s yo-yo online conversa-

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Memes have indisputably had a Memes have indisputably had a significant impact on popular significant impact on popular culture and, to some extent, the culture and, to some extent, the everyday lives of internet users. everyday lives of internet users.

We hear hearthem themreferenced referencedaround around We us, see seethem themon onevery everycorner cornerofof us, theinternet, internet,and andfeel feeltheir their the culturalinfluence influencespreading spreadinglike like cultural wildfire. wildfire. tions), CM replies, “All we wanted really was to have tions), CM replies, “All we wanted really was to have funnyrelevant relevanthumor humoron onthe thepage, page,and andititwas wasreally really funny fun making it, on our first day we hit 200 likes and fun making it, on our first day we hit 200 likes and it just escalated from there.”

In CIS’s small comit just escalated from there.” In CIS’s small community,compared comparedwith, with,say saythe theestimated estimated5 5and anda a munity, half million internet users in Hong Kong, racking half million internet users in Hong Kong, racking up 200 200likes likesininaaday dayisisan anastounding astoundingachievement, achievement, up akin to almost two whole year groups.

Thiswas wastoto akin to almost two whole year groups. This balloonto toover over600 600likes likesininthe thecoming comingtwo twoweeks, weeks, balloon cementingthe thepopularity popularityofofthe theCIS CISmeme meme“brand” “brand” cementing all around aroundthe theschool. school. all Whenasked askedtotoelaborate elaborateon ontheir theirresponse responsetotothis this When suddenschool schoolwide wideacceptance acceptanceofofsuch sucha apage, page,CM CM sudden writes,“i“iguess guesswe wekind kindofofsaw sawititwould wouldeither eithergogo writes, two ways, ways,corrupt corruptand andburn burnwithin withina afew fewdays, days,oror two boomatatan anexponential exponentialrate... rate...and andititdid didthe thesecond second boom option,which whichwas waskind kindofofawesome.” awesome.”SoSowhat whatwas was option, their response responsetotothis thisboom? boom? “We “Weinvited invitedsome someclose close their friends friendswho whowe weknew knewhad hadaagood goodsense senseofofhumor, humor, to to get getthe theball ballrolling,” rolling,”admits admitsCM. CM.InInfact, fact,since since its its creation, creation,CIS CISMemes Memeshas hasbeen beena apage pagewhere whereCIS CIS students studentsfrom fromall allyear yeargroups groupsare arefree freetotoexpress express themselves. themselves. Every Everyweek weekusers usersofofthe thepage pagepost posta a steady steadyflow flowofofpopular popularororself selfmade madememes, memes,where where the the best bestare areapproved approvedand andposted posted“officially”. “officially”.ItItis is not not uncommon uncommontotosee seeaapopular popularmeme memegathering gathering over over 100 100likes, likes,indicating indicatingstudent studentapproval approvalatatCIS CIS meme’s meme’sridicule ridiculeofofthe thenightmares nightmaresofofassessment assessment overload/ overload/cross crosscountry/ country/the thegrading gradingsystem. system.

One One of ofthe thesecrets secretsbehind behindCIS CISmeme’s meme’spopularity popularityis is its huge range of laughable foil, providing its huge range of laughable foil, providingyear year7’s7’s and up with relevant, relatable jokes.

Credit and up with relevant, relatable jokes. Creditmust must be be given givento tothe theCIS CISmeme memeorganization organizationfor fortheir their creativity creativityand andcheek cheekininfinding findingthe theabsurdity absurdityininour our structured, mundane school lives. Right now, CM structured, mundane school lives. Right now, CM says that there are “three to four content creators, says that there are “three to four content creators, and two managers” within the organization, all and two managers” within the organization, all of them experienced veterans of the online meme of them experienced veterans of the online meme

circuit. Against the IB fashion, there is no fixed criterion deciding what circuit.

Against the IBfor fashion, there is gets no fixed criterion deciding CM what posted or not.forHowever, gets posted not.each However, CM assures meorthat member of the assures me that each member of theand a crew has a good sense of humor, crew hasear a good sense all of humor, and a close to matters over Secondary, close ear so to far, matters all over which has acted as Secondary, a pretty good which so far, has acted as aIfpretty good quality control system. in doubt, quality control system. in doubt,thread memes get posted on If a separate memes get posted on a no separate for review, and well, one’s thread ever hated foronreview, andforwell, no one’s everthat hated a group posting memes onaren’t a group for posting memes that funny. aren’t funny.Offensive memes however, Offensive memesFinally, however, are a different matter. we get aretoathe different we get forpoint matter. that I’veFinally, been waiting towhat the point that masked I’ve beenmeme waiting forare these makers what are these masked meme makers meaning to meander off to next? I’m meaning meander off to taken next? all I’mthose hoping to that they haven’t hoping that they haven’t taken all those #YOLO posts on 9gag to heart. Sen#YOLO posts on 9gag to heart. Sensibly, CM had this to say, “we certainly sibly, CM had this to say, “we certainly hope to continue running long into the hope to continue running long into the future, right now we plan on running future, right now we plan on running the page exactly the same way as we the page exactly the same way as we have been, and perhaps when we are have been, and perhaps when we are year 12 we will pass on the baton to year 12 we will pass on the baton to years below.”This This means avoiding thethe years below.” means avoiding posting anything overtly controversial, posting anything overtly controversial, andremoving removing anything offensive about and anything offensive about students or teachers (yellow house students or teachers (yellow house however, spared).Despite Despite their however, is is notnot spared). their efforts at maintaining a sense of politefforts at maintaining a sense of politicalcorrectness, correctness, CM fears ical CM stillstill fears forfor thethe future of CIS memes.

“This has been future of CIS memes. “This has been one of the main reasons why we’ve one of the main reasons why we’ve chosen remain anonymous” CM chosen toto remain anonymous” CM says, “however this won’t stop teachers says, “however this won’t stop teachers from shutting page down if they from shutting thethe page down if they put their mind to it.” put their mind to it.”

Indeed, remaining anonymous, Indeed, inin remaining anonymous, thethe creators CIS memes miss creators of of CIS memes miss outout on on thethe accolades and praise they would defiaccolades and praise they would definitely receive from thethe CIS community. nitely receive from CIS community.

Modestly, CM writes that they would Modestly, CM writes that they would rather not letlet their “fame” getget around rather not their “fame” around school because it would affect thethe school because it would affect running of of their page. dodo they feelfeel running their page.ButBut they pride with regards to their creations? pride with regards to their creations?

Sure. thethe toiling mememakers, to to Sure.ToTo toiling mememakers, hear people talking and laughing about hear people talking and laughing about “that awesome meme onon CIS memes” “that awesome meme CIS memes” is isthethe only encouragement they need to to only encouragement they need carry on their work.

After all, making carry on their work. After all, making people laugh is what a memes page is is people laugh is what a memes page for.

The fame, the influence and the for. The fame, the influence and the fear reparations from yellow house fearofof reparations from yellow house (considering their sporting record, a a (considering their sporting record, minor threat), are all secondary. minor threat), are all secondary.

Interview over, I revert back to procrasInterview over, I revert back to procrastinating, surfing CIS memes, of course. tinating, surfing CIS memes, of course.

Brace yourselves, the one liners are Brace yourselves, the one liners are coming. coming.

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漢基食堂 初次踏入漢基煥然一新的食堂時， 我不禁困惑地向身邊的朋友疑問道：“到底是還沒裝修好，還 是……？”左顧右看， 吸收著食堂的大量改變， 我眼神只專注在那看似未完成的灰色牆壁上。而日復 一日， 無可否認， 我對食堂的印象並沒有好轉。 排隊時被一群飢餓的學生圍擠， 每天因食物太貴而聽 見八達通沒錢的聲音， 日常因吃太少而餓著肚子回家…… 都是我這學期所經歷的痛苦。 我相信大家對新食 堂的最初印象也如 此，但在開學後的 這幾個月，學生 對食堂的印象是 否持續惡化？我 最近進行了一個 調查，訪問漢基 學生關於他們對 新食堂的看法。 果然，大部份的 學生都和我統一， 大量批評新食堂的裝 修及漢基的新餐飲服 務Chartwells。根據這調查， 我能夠總結出新食堂最令人煩 惱，厭惡的三大要素。

可是，這調查也大量改 變了我對漢基食堂的 觀點。出乎我意料的 是，竟然有百分之二十 的回應者 表示他們喜歡食堂的改善，而我必 須承認，他們對食堂的態度及觀點實在令我耳目一新。原 來，我確實因為太專注於負面思想，完全忽略了回應者所 提出的優點。我們說食堂的外表灰暗，單調，醜惡，但從 另一個角度想想，這種簡約式的裝飾難道看起來不更現代 化嗎？而且，食堂的外表確實有所進步：它最有效的改善 之一就是更換所有的桌子凳子及地磚，使食堂的外表看似 乾淨得多。此外，Chartwells實施的付錢方式 － 八達通－ 其實比去年更有效；服務員不需花時間找錢給學生們，更 不必浪費時間服侍那些因沒有零錢而付一張＄500來買一包 ＄4的檸檬茶的學生。學生又或許意識到，食堂今年提供的 飲料和食物比去年健康得多，而薯片及炸雞的高價錢也令 很多學生不再選擇這種沒營養的食品。最後，休息時間的 小吃不但在選擇方面顯然地增加，而且，不可否認，比以 前美味得多。從另一個角度想想，食堂的改善確實有很多 方面值得我們欣賞和表揚。 首先，超過一半的回應者對 食堂單調，灰暗，看似未完 成的裝飾風格表達反感，甚 下次踏入漢基 至有學回應者誇張描寫自己在 煥然一新的食 食堂裡”仿佛被困在監獄中”。 堂時，不妨仔 其中一位回應者還激情評論道，“有些 人覺得這種牆壁裝飾很獨特，很時尚，但對我而言， 細觀察他的 它只能被形容為醜惡！” 其次，居多回應者認為食 優點，好好 物的價錢太高，而午餐時不允許添飯的規矩簡直太離 欣賞他給學 譜。的確，去年在食堂里買一包維他麥精只需花＄4, 生們所帶來 今年這價錢卻升至＄8。此外，去年在午飯時只需花 ＄33就能夠再三添飯，而今年學生缺不能夠享受這福 的好處。而在 利。最後，我發現很多學生都抱怨Chartwells提供的 欣賞食堂的改善 食品選擇不符合他們的喜好。其中凸顯的例子包括飲 時，抱著一種正 料的選擇：去年在學校里無論走到哪裡都可見學生捧 著一包維他檸檬茶，但今年Chartwells竟然把學生最 面的態度，不要讓眼光被 喜愛的檸檬茶代替為…… 菊花茶？！因為如此，我 已有的負面思想掩蓋著， 能總結，“Bring Sodexho Back!” 這句話已逐漸成 模糊了。 為了我們漢基學生的口頭禪。

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cis on hong kong politics

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Why is this so? This can be explained in some of it is news on TV actors or What is politics? It is certainly a general Why is this so? This can be explained some of it is news on TV actors or What is politics? It is certainly a general terms of our outlook on the universities celebrities, or the Oscars or stuff like academic term that describes governterms of our outlook on the universi celebrities, or the Oscars or stuff like academic termItthat describes governwe aim to attend. Many students in CIS that.” Students in CIS also tended to ment, law and legislation. is also abwe aim toand attend. that.”

Students in CIS also tended to hail from foreign countries, manyMany students in ment,heard law of andinlegislation. ab-politics low on their interests. The stract. It is even the spheres It is alsorate hail from foreign countries, and man rate politics low on their interests.

The also look towards the UK or the US for survey found that people are ‘mildly stract. It and is even of in the spheres of history, literature art. heard As citizens also look towards survey found that people are ‘mildly future career prospects. Therefore, it isthe UK or the US disinterested’ in politics. Our average of history, and art. As citizens of Hong Kong, and as literature human beings, future prospects. Therefore, it disinterested’ inofpolitics. average natural that students pay career more attention number for “caring”, on a scale 1-5, Our of Hong Kong, and and as human beings, we have connections to politics, natural that students pay more atten number for “caring”, on a scale of 1-5, to what is happening abroad politically. was 2.9.

Despite these results, there are we have connections and politics connects to us, even if it istoinpolitics, an Yet, the desire to study abroad does not a number of students who are pasto what is happening abroad politica was 2.9.

Despite these results, there are abstract manner. politics connects to us, even if it is in an wholly explain the dearth of interest in sionate and knowledgeable about local Yet, the desire to study abroad does n a number of students who are pasHong Kongmanner. is a politicised abstract Hong Kong politics at such a saturated wholly explain the dearth of interest sionate and knowledgeable about local society. On weekends,Hong streetKong protests is aarepoliticised level.

Another reason could be that CIS Hong Kong politics at such a saturat Do you a common society. phenomenon, and our media On weekends, street protests are think the average CIS is quite isolated from local Hong Kong student cares about politics? level.

Another reason could be that C is left free ina common its criticismphenomenon, and satire of and our Do you think the average CIS is an unfortunate media society--this characis quite isolated from local Hong Ko political figures. Recent events, like the student cares about politics? is left free in its criticism and satire of teristic of the CIS education. We are, Diaoyu (or Senkaku) Islands dispute and society--this is an unfortunate charac political figures. Recent events, like the after all, an English language school the previously proposed implementation No teristic of the CIS education. We are Diaoyu (or Senkaku) Islands dispute and in Chinese speaking Hong Kong. A of the National Education curriculum after all, an English [103] student population that is not proficientlanguage school the sections previously proposed No Yes have inflamed of Hong Kongimplementation in have Chinese speaking Hong Kong. A in Chinese does not the ability the National Education [28] society andof caused widespread protest curriculum [103] student population Yes nor the luxury to easily peruse newspa- that is not profic have of Hong Kong and political ire. inflamed There havesections been record in Chinese does for not have the ability websites [28] pers and chinese language caused protest numbers ofsociety people and in protest onwidespread the nor the luxury to easily peruse newsp information.

As a school, however, we andmany political ire. There streets because in Hong Kong have been record pers and chinese language websites fo pride ourselves on our ability in Chirail at the thought of of Beijing meddling numbers people in protest on the nese.

Our name, Chinese International information. As a school, however, w in Hong Kong affairs.

Politics isn'tin Hong Kong streets because many Hong Kong politics. They produced well School, implies thepride richness of Chi-on our ability in Chi ourselves just pertinent Kong's fervent railtoatHong the thought of Beijing meddling thought-out answers to the hard quesnese education in our school.

Chinese nese. Our name, Chinese Internation activists though; it has just as muchPolitics to in Hong Kong affairs. isn'ttions: “How do functional constituenis also a mandatory subject.

Because Hong Kong politics. They produced well School, implies the richness of Chido with us just students as it does anyone pertinent to Hong Kong's fervent cies work?” andthought-out “Will universal suffrage is so ingrained our school, answers to the chinese hard quesnese in education in our school. Chines else. However, there seems to itbehas a lack activists though; just as much to in 2017?” happen neither language, nor culture, nor future of interest in politics at CIS. Why? tions: “How do functional constituenis also a mandatory subject. Because do with us students as it does anyone Some of our favourite answers were “I aspirations can properly and adequately A survey that was sent out cies work?” and “Will universal suffrage chinese is so ingrained in our school, else. However, there seems to be ahave lackno idea what you mean. Are you elucidate the apathy towards politics in found that an overwhelming majority of happen in 2017?” our school. So, weneither decidedlanguage, to ask twonor culture, nor fu interest inother politics at CIS. Why?talking about departments students in of CIS feel like students Some of our favourite answers were “I aspirations (constituents)? Is this actual political people for more information. can properly and adequat A survey was sent out do not care about politics.

Out that of the have no idea what you mean.

Are you elucidate the apathy towards politics jargonofor are you just trying to confuse that28anreplied overwhelming majority 131 peoplefound surveyed, to the talking about departments our school. So, we decided to ask tw us?” In all seriousness though, there does students in CIS feel likeCIS other students question “Do you think the average (constituents)? this actual political people for more information. seem to be genuine passion andIspolitical doabout not care aboutwith politics. student cares politics?”

Yes, Out of the jargon or areat you confuse awareness brewing in CIS, leastjust trying to On a scale of 1-5, how much do and 103 replied with “No.” Roughly 131 people surveyed, 28 replied to the among a selectus?” few. In Theallmain problemthough, there seriousness does you care about politics?

80% of thequestion respondents thethe average CIS “Dothink you that think presented by the survey results is this: seem to be genuine passion and political average CISstudent studentcares doesn’t care politics?” about about withalthough Yes, many students read the news awareness brewing in CIS, at least On a scale of 1-5, how mu politics. and 103 replied with “No.” Roughly every week andamong some claim thatfew. politics a select The main problem you care about politics?

Why is this so?

The rest of our 80% of the respondents think thatis the a passion, there is a consensus the results is this: presented by the that survey survey certainly seems to indicate otheraverage CIS student doesn’t care about average CIS student doesn’t care about although many students read the news wise. On average, the survey respondent politics. politics at all. replied that he or she reads the news or every week and some claim that politics Why is this so? The rest of our Such results could be explained keeps in touch with current events 3.89 is a passion, there is a consensus that the a blip in our survey respondents. survey to indicate by othertimes a week.

Suchcertainly a figure isseems definitely average CIS student Perhaps only people who think that doesn’t care about wise. sufficient for one On to beaverage, updatedthe onsurvey the respondent politics at about all. politics CISor students do not care replied that heinorHong she reads the news state of affairs and politics Such results replied.

However, this in turn does notcould be explained keeps that in touch withpolitics current Kong. It appears although is events 3.89 by awas blip in our survey explain why there a wide range of respondents. times a week.

Such minds, a figure is definitely not at the top of most student’s Perhaps only This people who think that answers to earlier questions. atmosoneintotobe updated on the students aresufficient regularly for tuned curphere of disinterest can also be felt incare about politics CIS students do not rent affairs state and issues. of affairs and politics in Hong the hallways, where Hong Kong politics replied.

However, this in turn does not Some respondents admit Kong.

It appearsdid that although politics is is not discussedexplain at all. But if such apathy why there was a wide range of that they donot notatpay to thestudent’s minds, theattention top of most towards politicsanswers exists intoCIS, howquestions. do earlier This atmosnews conscientiously.

“I clicked 4 times students are regularly tuned in to we cur-explain the prominence of clubs such phere of disinterest can also be felt in a week, butrent it's just in the background. affairs and issues. as MUN, Debate the Global Issues theand hallways, where Hong Kong politics My mum turns on the news every night, Some respondents did admit Group(s)? There also seems to be a so I get a bit of it. And I get some news is not discussed at all. But if such apathy that they do not pay attention to the dichotomy in terms of political interoff Yahoo Canada when I sign in to my towards politics exists in CIS, how do at CIS. Most people look at world news conscientiously. “I clicked 4 ests times emails. Some of that is actual news, and weHong explain thepolitics. prominence of clubs such politics, but not Kong a week, but it's just in the background.

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2 103 1 as MUN, Debate and the Global Issues Group(s)? There also seems to be a dichotomy in terms of political interests at CIS. Most people look at world politics, but not Hong Kong politics.

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BRYCE LIM, STUDENT dr. amthor, teacher

Do students in CIS care about Hong Kong politics?

I believe that for the most part, especially in the higher grades, CIS students do care about politics. We may not read deeply on the topic or discuss it with passion every lunchtime, but politics is a subject that most of us read about or see on the news often. This kind of exposure to politics will make an indelible mark on most students who do recognize its importance and its impact on their lives.

Why do you think CIS students are apathetic to Hong Kong politics?

Hong Kong's politics largely do not affect the section of the populace that CIS students are part of - namely, the more affluent part of society. The large majority of politics in Hong Kong that I have been exposed to generally serves the less well off in this city, such as Filipino helpers and those who earn minimum wage. I also feel like the non-democratic political system detracts from the ability of the public to have as great an influence on it, and hence our apathy towards it is increased. Furthermore, the political stage in Hong Kong is less influential on global politics, and hence is less interesting to us.

Why are CIS students more interested in American politics rather than Hong Kong politics?

As I explained before, the Hong Kong political stage is less interesting because it does not have as great an impact on global politics as those of other countries.

We are more interested in the politics of the United States since it obviously is the most powerful economy and political power today, and hence has a massive influence on global politics. I feel like China's politics are far more interesting considering its status as a rising economic and political superpower, and Hong Kong's city-state-esque status does not lend well to its political might and hence the global-minded students of CIS, with our high ambitions that will likely take us abroad, do not find Hong Kong's politics as important.

Why do you think it’s important for students to know about politics?

Politics shapes policies worldwide that have a direct effect on our livelihoods.

The decisions made by China could trigger consequences that would directly affect us here in Hong Kong, and for those of us who wish to work and study overseas the political ideologies of other countries will clearly be a deciding factor on whether or not we choose to move there. Its effect on the economy will also influence choices we make about possible career paths. Politics affects everything from general life to the global economy. After all, at least in a democracy, republic or other similar political system, most political systems nowadays are run "by the people, for the people." We, future adults and important members of society, have a responsibility to understand politics so that we make good decisions for us and others. We are the people for whom politics works, and we are the people who will inevitably shape politics.

What do clubs like GIG, Debate, and MUN say about the seeming student apathy to Hong Kong politics?

GIG, debate and MUN are all clubs that expose students to politics, but inevitably they reach farther and wider than simply Hong Kong's political scene. These activities shape students who focus on global politics and on global super powers more than on local politics, which is important, but also says much about our apathy towards Hong Kong's politics. When I was a part of the debate team, many of the topics debated were based upon American, Chinese or European politics and economics. To the credit of the leaders of debate, we were often given open-ended topics which we could and sometimes restrict to Hong Kong only, but for the most part the greater examples and exposure we have to global politics overrides the interest we have in the politics of a city with merely 7 million people, a drop in the ocean of 7 billion who all live elsewhere and are affected more by the larger powers in our world.

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As a long-term member of CIS faculty, you have seen Hong Kong change its politics as well as the response of CIS students to the change in politics. Do you think CIS students really care about politics overall?

Well I do not like to make general statements because student’s responsiveness to politics is tremendously varied. There are some students who care and some not so much. However the majority probably needs to be a bit prodded.

Overall, students don’t care about politics as much as I, as a history teacher, would like.

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Why do you think CIS students tend to be apathetic towards politics?

One reason students tend to be apathetic towards politics is because within the dual system, students feel that they do not have much input in Hong Kong politics. Parents and students alike do not see the point of getting too aggravated or too involved with politics. The second reason is that there is a lack of culture. Hong Kong was a British colony and Hong Kong never fostered political involvement. Thirdly although democratic systems underline political engagement and expression of engagement, as long as you have no way of being involved with election, what is the point?

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You’ve mentioned Hong Kong and the context of Hong Kong politics but you haven’t mentioned international politics.

Well, international politics for a lot of our CIS students is Chinese politics. That’s how far they think in terms of international politics. Although they keep tabs with general news they do not really read about or watch politics closer to home. Although some people know a lot of information about politics worldwide, some know very little. However, most students tend to watch what’s happening in America because American politics have a direct impact on how China reacts or doesn’t react. Students also watch about Japanese politics, such as the Diao Yu Island situation because it relates to Chinese politics. However, will they watch Switzerland politics? German politics? Probably not.

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So you’re saying that you think students in CIS care more about American politics than Hong Kong politics?

They care about American politics as far as it influences China and how it affects Hong Kong.

They don’t strictly care about American politics per se, but enough to know how it affects China.

Although most students can’t vote with respect to the countries they belong to, do you think it is still important to learn about politics?

Yes it is important. Learning about politics starts in a student’s surroundings - it starts with politics in school. The act of thinking and acting upon what students can do to change things or make things better is already learning about politics. Although some think running for leadership positions is useless, it’s fundamentally where politics starts. With regards to your later life, you’ll realize politics is within the interests of what you want for your family and your children. So yes, it is important regardless of whether you can vote or not.

Also with the clubs like GIG and Debate and MUN, do you think these clubs further the interest of students in this type of global and local engagement?

I definitely think the clubs are very effective.

For example, with MUN, students debate countries’ stances they would have never known about. So it’s great in the way that they’re exposed to international issues. It will definitely broaden their horizons.

Do you think our political system insofar of Hong Kong politics is effective for the well being of Hong Kong people?

If you see 5000 people protesting and marching on the streets, does that look like effective politics to you? The other thing to look at is how independent the Hong Kong government actually is from China’s government. In 30 something years China may have control over Hong Kong and Hong Kong will be caught between two terrible dilemmas. Decide between listening to what the people of Hong Kong want or what China wants.

000 people protesting and marching on the streets, does that look like effective politics to you?”

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“An interest in politics entails an interest in society, a scientific interest in what (functionally) constitutes our society and our law.”

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There were two salient points raised in the interviews. Firstly, CIS students are affected by the surrounding political paralysis that Hong Kong has. Secondly, that because CIS is mostly made up of an affluent student body, politics do not affect us, which contributes to the atmosphere of apathy at CIS. However, the two interviewees both emphasized the importance of politics to students, both for academic and personal reasons. Insofar as we are surrounded by political paralysis, fine. However, that does not mean that we have to respond by being apathetic towards politics.

In an ideal world, students would be galvanized by dysfunctional politics. In addition, the affluence of the student body could even further motivate us to get involved with politics, since resources are more accessible. Both interviewees also highlighted the importance and usefulness of clubs such as the Debate Club and MUN, that spread awareness and political knowledge.

With reference to what Dr. Amthor said, a brief rundown of Hong Kong politics may be useful.

The legislative council, abbreviated as LegCo, is the lawmaking body of Hong Kong. Unlike the United States, Hong Kong only has one house of lawmakers. LegCo has the power to review laws, taxa-

tion and government expenditure and also monitor government and the chief executive of Hong Kong. There are 60 elected seats in the Legislative council. However, half of the seats in the Legislative council are not elected by universal suffrage, but instead by functional constituencies.

One of the remains of British Colonial rule, functional constituencies are part of Hong Kong’s complex electoral process. Functional constituencies are comprised of professionals from various sectors of Hong Kong society. Some examples are “Transport”, “Healthcare” and “Textiles & Manufacturing”. The people in functional constituencies are at the heads of their respective industries, and sometimes, voting bodies in functional constituencies are corporations, not people (although the two are the same thing in some areas of the world). Functional constituencies elect representatives from their own ranks to serve in the Legislative council. However, out of a population of 7 million, functional constituencies, which elect half of the Legislative council, have approximately 230,000 votes. As a result, 3% of Hong Kong’s population elects half of the lawmaker’s seats.The other 30 seats are elected by Geographical constituencies. Geographic constituencies allow every permanent

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FEATURES Hong Kong resident to cast one vote for a lawmaking representative. However, votes are grouped into blocks based on residency and location - hence the name Geographic Constituencies. Members of functional constituencies can also vote in Geographic constituencies - and as a result, functional constituency members have 2 votes, and sometimes even more (if they belong to more than on functional constituency).

How our lawmakers are elected might seem like something that is distant to CIS students. However, Hong Kong, notorious for its love of protest and ‘taking to the streets’, is said to have fostered such an obsession because of our lack of representative, liberal, democracy. Our basic law, Hong Kong’s constitution, guarantees the freedom of speech and universal suffrage.

Are those things that CIS people can relate to and become passionate about? Probably.

Human Rights protests and political debates are all events that have happened in CIS. The apathy that some students feel may not be as thick as it seems.

Furthermore, views of students towards politics are often very America-centric. For example, many students are keen on the US Presidential Elections.

Comments on US politics, such as “Romney is a joke” or “I hope Obama will win” are often heard in the corridors. Further-

more, many students choose to actively avoid Hong Kong politics. Many know about Romney and Obama but Legco, the Basic Law, the Chief Executive are seldom heard words. The controversy of National Education, which drove thousands of Hong Kong students our age onto the streets to rally was echoed in the Human Rights Group, but beyond the walls of the HRG, the topic was seldom discussed. However, such groups are striving to encourage and foster political interest at CIS. The recent Human Rights Group discussion forum and CHOICES session managed to bring to the surface much political discourse.

It seems that CIS students do indeed have an innate interest in politics, but may not have the opportunity to express such interest.

There is profound value in having knowledge about politics. An interest in politics entails an interest in society, a scientific interest in what (functionally) constitutes our society and our law. In an intensely academic school, like CIS, it is important to realise that learning extends outside of the classroom. Granted, we can take our academics outside of CIS with the use of tutors, kumon, and the like. But we have much to learn from our society and our surroundings. Politics is one of those

surrounding elements. It can not only enrich our academic experience, but also help us make the most out of our time in Hong Kong. Many of us are looking to forge a successful career. However, this is not possible if we are merely confined to the education received in school. Although the rigor of the CIS experience could make it difficult for students to stay connected to international news, the immediate outside world is not far from us.

With the help of co-curricular activities such as MUN, Debate, and Human Rights, students can extend their political knowledge by learning about the nature of politics and the significant impact it has on our lives. Learning about our unique and often frustrating governmental system may seem daunting, but there is a myriad of organisations in Hong Kong, such as Scholarism (website: scholarism. com) that can help students get involved in local politics.

Though the gap between politically impassioned students and dispassionate students may be large, it is a gap that CIS can close. If we truly wish to fulfill the CIS mission statement, to “encourage intellectual curiosity and independent, critical and creative thinking”, interest in politics is something we must embrace.

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WRITTEN WRITTENBY BY////FRANCESCA FRANCESCALILI&&MEGAN MEGANFOO FOO PHOTOGRAPHS PHOTOGRAPHSBY BY////JESSICA JESSICAEU EU LAYOUT LAYOUTBY BY////CHLOE CHLOEMOK MOK

S A C

Community and service activities constiCommunity activities constitute a vital partand of service our high school years. tute a vital of as ourselfless high school years.

Perceived bypart many acts toward Perceived many as selfless acts toward building anby ideal society, community serbuilding an ideal community service activities seek society, to help the underprivivice activities seek to help thethe underprivileged, the impoverished, and underleged, the impoverished, underrepresented.

However, withand thethe increased represented.for However, with the increased competition university placements, competitionservice for university placements, community has in some cases community service has for in some cases become an opportunity ambitious become to anburnish opportunity ambitious students their for résumés, so students to burnish their résumés, so much so that their participation in these much so that their participation in service-based projects does not stem these from projects does not in stem from aservice-based genuine longing to help those need, a genuine longing to help those in need, but from a heightened desire for recorded but from a heightened for recorded achievement.

To many, desire community serachievement.

To precipice many, community service teeters on the of mandatory vice teeters precipice mandatory drudgery, andonisthe only done tooffulfill a drudgery, and isofonly done fulfill a certain amount hours or totodistincertain amount ofan hours or to distinguish oneself from increasing pool of guish oneself from an increasing pool of high-achieving students. high-achieving students.

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In addition to being driven by questionaIn incentives, addition tomany beingstudents driven by questionable participate incentives,and many students participate inble community service activities that in not community and service activitiesAthat do adopt a hands-on approach. do not adopt a hands-on approach.

A “hands-on” community service activity “hands-on” community servicewith activity involves an active participation those active and participation with those ininvolves need inan a direct practical manner. need in aofdirect and practical manner.

Ainvast array activities that are deemed A vast array and of activities areincludes deemed “community service” that at CIS “community andasservice” at CIS fundraisers, such bake sales andincludes dress fundraisers, suchnon-charitable as bake sales and dress casual days, and service casualsuch days,asand non-charitable work, volunteering to sellservice tickets work, such production. as volunteering sell tickets for a school Thistomélange of for a school production.

Thistomélange activities, however beneficial the CIS of activities, however to the CIS community, does notbeneficial cater to the needs not of cater to theinneeds ofcommunity, those on thedoes fringes society a way of those on the fringes of society in a way that is substantial. that is substantial.

Nevertheless, CIS is reforming the ways CIS is reforming the ways inNevertheless, which community service activities in conducted. which community service activities are This year, Ms. Safaya, are conducted.

Thisand year,Global Ms. Safaya, CIS’s Head of Local EngageCIS’s introduced Head of Local and Global Engagement, advocacy campaigns, ment,are introduced which organizedadvocacy efforts tocampaigns, inform which are organized efforts toprojects inform the student body of charitable the pertinent student body charitable projects and socialofissues.

In order to be and pertinent social issues. In order to be

granted permission to set up a fundraising granted permission tocharity set up amust fundraising event, members of the first event, members of form the charity must first complete an online that specifies complete that specifies the aims ofan theonline event,form an environmental the aims of the event, environmental impact assessment, andan other criteria for impact assessment, and other criteria for fundraising success. Additionally, as one fundraising success.

Additionally, objective of the advocacy campaignasisone to objective advocacy is to espouse to of thethe student bodycampaign the values espouse to the student body the values and importance of a particular charity, and importance of a particular members of the community andcharity, service members of host the community andpresentaservice project must an “awareness project must host anadvocacy “awareness presentation”.

Initiating such campaigns tion”.myriad Initiating such advocacy campaigns poses benefits, for students can poses myriad benefits, foron students can not only educate students a certain not only educate students a certain global or local issue, but alsoonhelp foster a global or also help foster a concern forlocal theissue, needsbut of others. concern for the needs of others.

CIS has bred several groups that specialCIS bred several groups that specialize in has “hands-on” charity work.

These ize in “hands-on” charity work.aim These community and service groups to community and serviceofgroups aim and to cultivate an atmosphere tolerance cultivate an atmosphere toleranceofand responsibility through theofplatform responsibility through theXiao platform their advocacy campaigns.

Hua’sof their advocacy Megan Foo and campaigns.

Francesca LiXiao haveHua’s canMegan Foo and Francesca Li have canvassed two extra-curricular groups, each extra-curricular groups, each ofvassed whichtwo focuses on a different area of of which focuses on a different area of community and service, be it education, community education, the preventionand of service, the reliefbeofitpoverty or theadvancement prevention ofofthe relief rights. of poverty or the human the advancement of human rights.

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Human Human rights rights group group ““

The human rights group seeks to empowerThe individuals, groups, and communities human rights group seeks to empowby culture and of tolerance and er engendering individuals, agroups, communities supporting inter- and by responsibility engendering abyculture of tolerance religious, inter-cultural movements. responsibility by supporting inter- By hosting forums on myriadmovements. topics ranging religious, inter-cultural By from the forums encroachment of women’s rights hosting on myriad topics ranging tofrom the the attack of censorship artisticrights enencroachment of on women’s deavors, the human rights group aims ento to the attack of censorship on artistic raise awareness of human rights issues andto deavors, the human rights group aims suggest solutions to global conflicts. raise awareness of human rights issues and suggest solutions to global conflicts.

””

REPRESENTATIVE: VERA LUMMIS REPRESENTATIVE: VERA LUMMIS Xiao Hua: What does the CIS Human Rights Group aim

Hua: What does the CIS Human Rights Group aim toXiao achieve?

Vera: We hope to raise CIS students’ awareness of human to achieve?

Vera:issues We hope raise CISactivism students’amongst awareness humanbody. rights and to encourage theof student rights issues and encourage activism amongst the student body.

In order to promote human rights education at CIS, we have In order to promote humantorights education at CIS, organized and will continue organize a diverse rangewe ofhave camorganized will continue to organize diversehuman range of campaigns that and highlight and debate local anda global rights paignsand thathopefully highlightcause and debate local and global issues, students to think abouthuman currentrights issues,from and hopefully cause students to thinkWe about events a moral and ethical perspective. also current hope that events from a moral andtoethical perspective.

Werights also hope that students will take action improve the human situation take action improve the human(for rights situation atstudents CIS andwill in Hong Kong.toLocal organizations example at CIS and in Hong Kong.

Local organizations the Hong Kong Alliance) host all kinds of events(for thatexample address the Hong Kong Alliance) host all kinds of events thatwe’ll address local political issues, social policies, etc., and this year try political issues,tosocial policies,inetc., andWe’ll this also yearcontinue we’ll try tolocal get more students participate them. get more to leadership participatetoinimprove them. We’ll also continue totowork with students the school the human rights to work at with the school leadership to improve the human rights situation CIS. situation at CIS. XH: What, in your opinion, is the importance of hands-on XH: What, and in your opinion, community service work?is the importance of hands-on V: I think that participating in hands-on community and community and service work?

V: I think that participating in hands-on community service is crucial to understanding what service means. and Service is crucial toinvolves understanding whatwith service means. toservice the community connecting someone onService a more to the community involves connecting with someone on a more personal level. Fundraising is quite easy—especially through personal level. Fundraising is quite easy—especially through means of baked sales and casual days—and can feel formulaic means of baked sales and casual days—and can feel formulaic and meaningless.

While fundraising is important, I would argue andthere’s meaningless.

While is important, would that more value in fundraising hands-on service because Ionly thenargue thatyou there’s more service because only the then can realize thevalue valueinofhands-on the money you raised.

When can you give realize the value of the money you araised. the help is real and tangible, you leave lastingWhen impression help givemeaningful is real and tangible, youwith leaveothers; a lasting impression on andyou create connections you leave on and create meaningful others; you leave knowing that you’ve helpedconnections someone onwith a completely human knowing that you’ve helped someone on a completely human level.

level.

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XH: What are some examples of hands-on work that the XH: What are Group some examples hands-on work that the Human Rights will be a of part of?

V:Human Most ofRights our campaigns are hands-on, in the sense that they Group will be a part of?

V: Most our campaigns hands-on, in senserights that they involve usofhosting activities are or discussions onthe human involve hosting activities or discussions on human rights issues.

Weusoften present in CHOICES sessions, or during our issues. Weevents. often present sessions, or during our lunchtime We try in to CHOICES organize creative events that don’t lunchtime events. ‘PowerPoint We try to organize creative events that don’t involve the typical presentation followed by discusinvolve typical ‘PowerPoint presentation by discussion’.

Thistheyear we hosted a banned books talk,followed conducted a Nasion’. Education This year we hosted a during bannedabooks talk, conductedand a National simulation Year 10 CHOICES, tional Educationon simulation during a Year 10 held a discussion two pioneers in activist art,CHOICES, the Russianand held a discussion onband two pioneers in activist art, the Russian Feminist Punk Rock Pussy Riot and controversial Chinese Feminist Punk Rock band Pussy Riot andtocontroversial artist Ai Weiwei.

As a group, we continue write UrgentChinese Acartist Ai Weiwei.

As a group, we the continue write tion Letters to politicians around worldto that callUrgent for theAcfair tion Letters to politicians worldWe’re that call the fair treatment of various humanaround rights the activists. alsofor looking treatment of various human rights activists. also looking forward to the Hong Kong Gay Pride Parade,We’re International forwardRights to the Day, Hongthe Kong Gay Pride Parade, International Human events next June commemorating the Human Rights Day, the Tienanmen Massacre, andevents others!next June commemorating the Tienanmen Massacre, and others!

XH: Are there upcoming opportunities and events that we XH: Are there opportunities and events that we should look outupcoming for? should look out for?

V: Yes! We’ll keep our plans for the short term a surprise but Yes! We’ll our plans our for the shortWomen’s term a surprise inV:March we’llkeep be organizing annual Week tobut in Marchwomen’s we’ll berights organizing our annual Women’s to celebrate and feminism.

We want toWeek educate celebrateonwomen’s rights and feminism.

We in want to educate students the inequalities women still face today’s society. students the excited inequalities women face one in today’s We’re alsoon really for our LGBTstill week, of our society. favorite We’re also really fortoour LGBT week, of we ourwill favorite campaigns, whichexcited we hope hold in April.

Inone May campaigns, which the we hope in April.

In in May wewe’ll will host events around themetoofhold Labor Day, and June host events around the theme of the Labor Day, in June we’ll organize events to commemorate June 4thand tragedy.

If you, organize have events to commemorate Juneissues 4th tragedy.

If you, students, ideas on any humanthe rights you would like haveon ideas on any human rights issues you would like tostudents, see us focus at our events, please tell us at cishumanrightsto see us focus on at our events, please tell us at cishumanrightsgroup@googlegroups.com.

group@googlegroups.com.

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“

spastics

Spastics is a CIS organisation that aims to enrich the leisure time of residents at the Chai Wan Spastics Hostel. These residents suffer from moderate to severe cerebral palsy, making them either motor or cognitively impaired. At CIS, Spastics is comprised of Year 12 students who organise and interact with the residents at the hostel. The primary focus of the help they offer is that all activities are designed ‘hands-on’, ensuring that there is a real chance of interaction for the volunteer and the client making it meaningful for both parties.

”

REPRESENTATIVEs: alex cheng, sabrina yam & christina lee Xiao Hua: What does spastics aim to achieve?

Spastics: Spastics aims to enrich the leisure time of the residents of the Chai Wan Spastics Hostel, who suffer from moderate to severe cerberal palsy; these may be motor- or cognitively- impaired, and find living in a busy society difficult. We organize weekly activities suited for their situations every Friday after school, the aim of these activities are to try and make the interaction with the clients as enjoyable and 'fun' for them as possible. From a student's point of view, we aim to formulate creative and suitable activities for them, as well as try and practice our people skills so that we can interact with them easily.

XH: What do you think are the main incentives for participating in the community and service activities offered at CIS? S: I actually don't believe there are many incentives for participating in community and service activities, save for the looming shadow of the threat of flunking the IB Diploma from an acute case of Hours Deficiency, or that it just looks good on that university application that's going to determine your future. However, I believe that there are still people out in the community that will extend a helping hand to what their community and service activities entail, and (to use a clichè) go above and beyond the call of service. I know this sounds Ms. Irvinesque, but helping people really can be a very rewarding experience, both psychologically and when it comes to ManageBac.

XH: What are some examples of hands-on work that Spastics has been involved in?

S: Through our weekly activities, we actively interact with the clients.

Since they are impaired in various aspects both mentally and physiCommunity service is conceived as a selfless contribution cally, being able to properly guide them in doing tasks is central to our towards the building of a civil society. Community service activiactivities. The personal aspect is important to our visits, and therefore ties seek to assist the underprivileged, the impoverished and the the concept of 'hands-on' work is vital. underrepresented. However, as a requirement of the MYP and IB. Oftentimes for many students CAS appears to be a chore, on XH: What, in your opinion, is the importance of hands-on comthe verge of being compulsory drudgery. Often used to embellish munity and service work? and polish the resumes of many high school students.

S: I believe that hands-on community and service work benefits both the student and the client: the client because active participation Though many believe that there are questionable intentions fosters good relationships with the student and the organizers, and the surrounding community and service activities. The sense of student because it allows them to experience fully how working for fulfillment, and of having gained something invaluable from the your Community and Service activity actively benefits its clients rather experience, was common among the students who were active than, say, holding a fundraiser which is more impersonally benefiting participators in ‘hands-on’ activities. your cause rather than being there, in person, to help your client.

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Operation

Smile

A PROJECT WEEK

R E P O R T E R : K E N D R A C U I / / L AY O U T: E M M A C H A N

A

smile is a universal form of expression, it expresses happiness, warmth and friendship, and helps you connect with others in a way language cannot. However, a few unfortunate children are born with facial deformities called cleft lips and cleft palates, and are left without a smile from birth. →

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FEATURES Cleft lips or cleft palates are facial deformities in which there is a fissure in the lip or upper jaw. Individuals who have this deformity often face a lifetime of discrimination due to their appearances and lose the ability to communicate properly. Operation Smile is a charity that aims to provide free corrective surgeries to impoverished children who are born with this deformity. During this year’s Project Week from the 12th to 18th of October, a group of ten Year 10 to 12 (all new) CIS students were fortunate to join a group of Operation Smile surgeons during one of their visits to Fengkai, China, and experience first-hand the work Operation Smile performs.

“

In order to prepare for this trip, the participating students’ had to amass enough donations to bring to the Fengkai clinic. Items included toys, ranging from cuddly teddy bears to small indoor para-

The prospect of being with them throughout the one operation that could possibly change their entire future is an extremely exhilarating one indeed!

chutes, art supplies, and small musical trinkets—all designed to keep the children receiving surgery relaxed, and reduce their anxiety and stress levels.

With the donations of the CIS community, the students collected enough resources, though not without embarking on some frantic shopping sprees. The students also planned and organized art and music activities to entertain the children at the clinic, preparing Chinese nursery rhymes and songs such as “两只老虎” which can be taught to the children easily.

However, the students had to undergo an even more difficult emotional preparation. Many students were nervous about various aspects of the trip. For example, Charmaine Lai, stated, “I’m actually nervous about [helping with the] translations [for the foreign medical team]... there are different people from all over China with different accents. I hope it won’t be so difficult to understand [what they say]...

I’m also nervous about watching the surgeries; to be honest, I’m not a big fan of hospitals and blood.

They scare me, but I’ll try to conquer my fears.”

In additions to watching the operations, other students also expressed nervousness about seeing so many impoverished and deformed children. Yet to many, the experience and invaluable lessons that this experience offered far outweighed any emotional stress.

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“Personally, I am most excited about meeting the children - the prospect of being with them throughout the one operation that could possibly change their entire future is an extremely exhilarating one indeed! I also cannot wait to see the smiles—both of joy and relief—on their families’ faces as they emerge looking happier than ever!” gushed Jimin Kang.

Some students who are considering a medical career also expressed interest at being able to converse and work with the medical team—they saw this experience as a useful opportunity to gauge whether they really wanted a future profession in the medical industry. Thus, it was with some trepidation and much excitement that a group of ten CIS students and two teachers departed for Fengkai on the 12th of October.

The city of Fengkai is quite remote and relatively undeveloped compared to other major cities in China; the students reached it only after a four hour train ride and a three hour bus ride. The students and medical personnel were then greeted with a relatively understaffed and simple hospital as their workplace for the next five days. That night, a team meeting was held, with the forty medical personnel and ten CIS students briefed on the procedures for the upcoming screening day. The meeting was somewhat hectic, but only a precursor of what was to come the next day.

On the first day of the mission, the whole team was charged with screening 230 potential patients, and dismissing those who were too young or sick for surgery. The CIS team was in charge of translating for the foreign surgeons, anesthesiologists and pediatricians, and their patience and endurance tested as they worked for nine continuous hours. Some students encountered difficulty understanding the locals, as some locals spoke different dialects, while many students found it emotionally taxing to turn patients down from surgery. In addition, students encountered the problem of communicating to those turned down the reason for their rejection; many of the patients turned down, due to poverty and lack of higher education, could not comprehend the various medical reasons for their child’s rejection. One parent whose child was too young for surgery complained, “We travelled for two days on bus and foot to reach this hospital, and you’re telling us you can’t perform the surgery? I thought the mission of your charity was to help all poor people! The surgery is so simple; all you have to do is to use two stitches to patch my son’s lips together.” It was a challenge for the students to empathize with these patients’ situations, and explain from a perspective the patients could understand the potential risks of anesthesia and surgery, and thus, their reasons for rejection.

At the end of the screening day, after much chaos and banter, the 230 potential patients were whittled

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FEATURES ManyMany students stressed that this downdown to 134.There were were mixedmixed reactions in theinhospital: ingsurgery. for surgery. students stressed thatparticular this particular to 134.There reactions the hospital:ing for was extremely crucial, as it as wasit important somesome parents were were overjoyed at receiving surgery, whilewhileresponsibility responsibility was extremely crucial, was important parents overjoyed at receiving surgery, theofchildren’s emotional well-being as well othersothers still could not comprehend the reactions for their to care take of care the children’s emotional well-being as well still could not comprehend the reactions for theirto take physical well-being.

ManyMany children went went into the reaction.

One One mother in particular held held her infant son sonas their as their physical well-being. children into the reaction. mother in particular her infant from from distress and hunger (the children in herinarms, and took him to saying, “Take“Take a play play crying area crying distress and hunger (the children her arms, and took hima mirror, to a mirror, saying, a area good good look look at yourself; this isthistheis last look lookwere were not allowed to eattooreat drink beforebefore surgery), but were not allowed or drink surgery), but were at yourself; the day last you’ll day you’ll like this; tomorrow you’llyou’ll have have a newa new and pretty face.”face.”soon soon smiling and laughing as ouras CIS played smiling and laughing our students CIS students played like this; tomorrow and pretty with with them,them, takingtaking their their mindsminds off the surgery. offupcoming the upcoming surgery. themselves were were smiling alongside these these Surgery took took place place over over the next for days from from 9:00 9:00 in inThe CIS Thestudents CIS students themselves smiling alongside Surgery the next for days manymany students relived their their childhood by blowthe morning to 6:00 in thein evening, with with an average children; students relived childhood by blowthe morning to 6:00 the evening, an averagechildren; or creating paintworks with the and and of 35ofpatients operated on each day. The ing bubbles or creating paintworks withchildren, the children, 35 patients operated on each day. CIS The students CIS studentsing bubbles believed that it wasit incredibly precious were were once once againagain occupied with with translations dutiesduties in ad-in ad-all the allstudents the students believed that was incredibly precious occupied translations to seetoa see crying baby baby be comforted and smile. ditiondition to assisting the nurses and helping with with medical and cute a crying be comforted and smile. to assisting the nurses and helping medicaland cute records.

All the had the to witrecords.

All students the students had opportunity the opportunity to witthe CIS also had ness the as well, and the unanimously the area, play area, thestudents CIS students alsothe hadopportunithe opportuninesssurgery the surgery as well, andstudents the students unanimouslyIn theInplay chat the parents of these children, and inquire agreedagreed that itthat wasit an experience to watch the thety to ty to with chat with the parents of these children, and inquire wasincredible an incredible experience to watch the background of theof children’s families.

ManyMany surgeons improve the lives these children permanently. the background the children’s families. surgeons improve the of lives of these children permanently.aboutabout were were shocked to find as sucMostMost importantly, however, the students took took over over a students shocked to that find in thata country in a country as sucimportantly, however, the students a students as China, families such such as these were were still living roomroom in theinhospital, decorated it, and it into cessful as China, families as these still living the hospital, decorated it, turned and turned it ainto cessful a poverty.

Here Here are some of these families’ stories: play area and their families who who were were wait- wait-in abject in abject poverty. are some of these families’ stories: play for areachildren for children and their families

STORY STORY 1 1

NameName and age: andPeng age: Peng Haidi;Haidi; 7 months 7 months old. old.

Xiao Xiao Hua: Hua: How How long did longitdid takeit you taketoyou travel to travel here? here?

Mother: Mother: We’reWe’re from from a small a small villagevillage calledcalled Sha- Shanyi, nyi, whichwhich is a isfewa hundred few hundred kilometers kilometers away.away.

It It took took us a us fewa hours’ few hours’ bus ride bus to ridearrive to arrive at this at hosthis hospital,pital, with with lots lots of changing of changing busesbuses in between. in between.

XH: How XH: How did you didfind you out findabout out about Operation Operation Smile?Smile?

Mother: Mother: A local A local medical medical officerofficer helped helped us sign us up sign up with with this charity this charity after we afterinformed we informed him of him ourofson’s our son’s situation. situation.

XH: XH: WhatWhat do you dohope you hope to gettofrom get from this surgery? this surgery?

XH: What XH: What are your are your plansplans after the aftersurgery? the surgery?

WhatWhat is is the first thething first thing you will youdo? will do?

Mother: Mother: I hope I hope that that eatingeating milk milk and other and other foodsfoodsMother: Mother: The first The thing first thing I willI do willafter do after surgery surgery is to is to the medical the medical team team for allfortheir all their help. help.

Operation Operation will be willmuch be much easiereasier for my for son. my son.

It’s especially It’s especially diffi- diffi-thankthank has helped has helped so many so many poor poor families, families, and I’m andrealI’m realcult coming cult coming from from the countryside the countryside wherewhere I live,I as live, weas weSmileSmile ly grateful for the fordoctors’ the doctors’ help help in restoring in restoring the faces the faces have have to work to work on the onfarm the farm the whole the whole day, and day, Iand don’t I don’tly grateful our children.

I want I want my son mytoson repay to repay these these people people have have muchmuch time time to care to for caremy forchild. my child.

If thisIfsurgery this surgery is isof ourofchildren. by studying hard hard whenwhen he grows he grows up, and up,repaying and repaying successful, successful, it could it could then then save us savea lot us aoflot trouble of trouble with withby studying life inlife general. in general.

We’llWe’ll also be alsoable be to able avoid to avoid any expenany expen-society. society. sive medical sive medical treatment treatment and financial and financial problems. problems.

In theIn the countryside, countryside, money money is an isextremely an extremely pressing pressing issue— issue—As the As the interview interview drew drew to atoclose, a close, the the moth-mothsometimes, sometimes, we don’t we don’t even even have have enough enough food food for ourfor our-er oferthis of dear this dear child child also had also ahad message a message for allforofall of selves,selves, and the andprice the price of milk of milk powder powder has gone has gone up asup asus inusHong in Hong Kong,Kong, and indeed and indeed to alltothose all those fortu-fortuwell. well.

I’m also I’m afraid also afraid that my thatson my may son may get bullied get bullied or ornate nate enough enough to live to alivestable a stable life: life: “Be grateful “Be grateful of of teasedteased whenwhen he grows he grows up, and up,Iand hope I hope this surgery this surgery will willyour your education, education, makemake the most the most of what of what you have, you have, help help us avoid us avoid that problem. that problem.

I really I really do feel do sorry feel sorry for forand and use your use your education education to contribute to contribute to society.” to society.” him as him heasis he so is young, so young, and he andhashetohas suffer to suffer so much. so much.

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FEATURES STORY 2

Name and age: Su Xue; 8 years old Xiao Hua: How is your child doing?

Mother: The doctors told us that we can’t eat anything for 12 hours before the surgery, so she’s been complaining a lot about being hungry. Other than that, she’s absolutely fine. She’s not nervous about going into surgery, which is a good sign, and she’s even excited about seeing all the medical equipment. I guess there really is no use being nervous about all this.

XH: How did you arrive at this hospital?

Operation Smile, so the representative collected my phone number, and later called to inform me of this Fengkai event.

XH: What are some of the difficulties you’ve face in the past, regarding your child’s condition?

Mother: Actually, there have been a number of difficulties. We have three children, and we all live in a rural area farming vegetables, so it’s a very hard life in general. At school, she’s sometimes teased, and always covers her mouth with her hand. She’s not willing to speak much at all.

XH: What else do you hope this operation will bring to your lives?

Mother: We really don’t have any large hopes. What can you hope for in a village like mine? We just want our daughter to live a normal life, just like everybody else.

Mother: We actually arrived in Fengkai on the 11th of October, one day before the screening day, as I wasn’t sure of how to get here. We rode public buses for about 5 hours, and it was quite confusing changing routes all the time.

XH: Have you thought about the first thing you will do after this surgery?

XH: How did you find out about this charity?

Of course, many of these children would not be receiving the high standards of surgery and medical care given to them for free without the help of the various medical personnel working on the mission. Two of the people who have dedicated so much time into improving the lives of these children share their experiences here:

Mother: At a local medical event in my village, a Red Cross representative saw my daughter’s condition and referred me to Operation Smile. I didn’t have the resources to find out more about

MEDICAL 1

Jennifer Burton-Liang, child life specialist from Canada Xiao Hua: Is this your first mission with Operation Smile?

Jennifer: This is my second mission actually, and my first ever visit to the Asia-Pacific region. My first mission was last year in Marrakesh, Morocco.

XH: How did you come to find out about Operation Smile?

Mother: To be honest, we’re not quite sure. We haven’t really thought that far yet.

Jennifer: A co-worker told me about Operation Smile in 2005. At that time, however, my children were too young to be left without their mother. Now that they’re older, I can do more trips.

XH: Tell us briefly about your role as a child life specialist.

Jennifer: In a nutshell, child life specialists work with the goal of bringing stress levels of children in hospital down, and maximizing the children’s ability to cope with a hospital environment.

XH: What made you join Operation Smile in the first place?

Jennifer: I chose to join this charity as not many charities require a child life specialist. This charity works in a hospital setting, and is a place where I can actually contribute and utilize my skills.

XH: What do you like most about working with Operation Smile?

Jennifer: It’s incredibly exciting, and I get to meet

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ntative n-

e in

ber of we all it’s a somewith at all.

nice people andwith bondthem withover themthis over this common on missions helps me develop as nice people and bond common Jennifer:Jennifer: Going Going on missions helps me develop as really like friends with my colother cola person so people many people cause. Icause. reallyI feel likefeelfriends with my other a person becausebecause seeing seeing so many in pov-in povand have Facebook from last mission. erty makes me appreciate I become leagues,leagues, and have Facebook friends friends from last mission. erty makes me appreciate what I what have.I Ihave. become They give reallymegive me a ofsense of global connection. that ofnone mychildren own children had such They really a sense global connection. gratefulgrateful that none my ofown had such conditions a young serious serious medicalmedical conditions at suchata such young age. age.

XH: Through youryou work, are helping these chilXH: Through your work, are you helping these childrenHow a lot.doHow these children, turn, help you dren a lot. thesedochildren, in turn,inhelp you personally? developdevelop personally?

MEDICAL MEDICAL 2 2

Nikki Lavin, Nikki nurse Lavin,from nurseUSA from USA

bring

I realized I realized that nursing that nursing is, in some is, inaspects, some aspects, more immore importantportant than medicine. than medicine.

NursingNursing takes over takeswhen over itwhen it comes comes to supporting to supporting patientspatients psychologically, psychologically, un- understanding derstanding them and theminteracting and interacting with them. with them.

BeBecause ofcause the social of theinteraction, social interaction, I also find I also it more find itfun. more fun.

XH: Why XH:did Why youdid choose you choose to join Operation to join Operation Smile? Smile?

large village o live

Nikki: INikki: chose Itochose join Operation to join Operation Smile first Smile because first because I I would get would to travel get tototravel manytocountries many countries and expose and myexpose myself to different self to different cultures.cultures.

JoiningJoining these trips these also trips gives also gives me an incredible me an incredible satisfaction—the satisfaction—the satisfaction satisfaction that I that I made a made permanent a permanent change change in someone’s in someone’s life. life.

will

hav-

eceivgiven medie peoroving s here:

Smile e that

work chilchilment.

he first

many charwhere skills.

h meet

There really Thereisreally no way is no to describe way to describe that feeling that in feeling words. in words.

More importantly, More importantly, however, however, I feel that I feel as someone that as someone from from a well-off a well-off country,country, I have Ia have morala obligation moral obligation to helpto help those inthose poverty. in poverty.

If you are If you more arefortunate more fortunate than others, than others, Xiao Hua: XiaoHave Hua:you Have done youany done previous any previous missionsmissions with with it’s just it’s notjust morally not morally acceptable acceptable to sit around to sit around taking up taking up Operation Operation Smile before?

Smile before? fat and space—you fat and space—you have to have help those to helpwho those really whoneed really it.need it.

Nikki: Nikki: Yes, I Yes, have.I In have. fact,Inthis fact,is this my is11th my time 11th time XH: How XH:does How Operation does Operation Smile help Smile you help develop you develop as as joining joining Operation Operation Smile. Smile.

Some Some of myof previmy previa person? a person? ous trips ous have trips included have included India, India, Haiti, Haiti, Honduras, Honduras, Bolivia,Bolivia, Ecuador, Ecuador, Peru, Peru, MexicoMexico and Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Nikki: Nikki: The kids The that kids I treat that really I treatmake reallyme make feelme as if feel as if my work myiswork appreciated; is appreciated; you can’t youfind can’t thisfind sortthis of sort ap- of apXH: How XH:did How youdid firstyou come firstacross comethis across charity? this charity? preciation preciation anywhere anywhere else, and else,it’sand incredibly it’s incredibly special. special.

Nikki: Nikki: This charity This charity is quiteis well-advertised quite well-advertised in the in the XH: What XH: do What youdofind youdifficult find difficult about your aboutwork? your work?

USA, as USA, it isasanit American is an American foundedfounded charity,charity, and it and it does some doesexcellent some excellent public relations public relations work inwork the USA. in the USA. Nikki: Nikki: Sometimes, Sometimes, the cultural the cultural environment environment makes makes it difficult it difficult for meforto me carryto out carrymyoutwork, my work, XH: What XH:made Whatyou made decide you to decide become to become a nurse?a nurse? becausebecause differentdifferent culturescultures may not may always not always un- understandderstand what iswhat best is forbesttheforchildren the children medically medically Nikki: Nikki: Originally, Originally, I had Ithehad intention the intention of going of to going to speaking; speaking; therefore, therefore, I have Itohave adapt to to adapt different to different cul- culmedicalmedical school, school, but during but during my undergraduate my undergraduate years years tures and turesdifficult and difficult people, people, and that andcan thatbe can tough. be tough.

At the endfive of the in the hospital, allstuof the stuthe hardships these families are experiencing.

At the end of the daysfive in days the hospital, all of the imagineimagine the hardships these families are experiencing. dents were incredibly worn out sheer by theamount sheer amount of students The students also become withofa the few of the The had alsohad become friends friends with a few dents were incredibly worn out by the of work had pastHowever, week. However, the students and parents, and although the students childrenchildren and parents, and although the students and and work they hadthey done thedone pastthe week. the students theworth work the worth the and effort, the experiences interacted onlydays, a fewthe days, the friendship childrenchildren interacted for onlyfora few friendship deemeddeemed the work effort, theand experiences and lessons they gained from tripinvaluable. were invaluable. that transcended boundaries as distance was onewas thatone transcended boundaries such assuch distance and lessons they gained from this tripthis were What wasfor novel CIS students the insights and language, and stemmed from and language, and stemmed from the factthe thatfact all that chil-all chilWhat was novel our for CISour students were thewere insights they had received regarding the poverty thatfamthese famdrenhappiness need happiness and laughter. of the studren need and laughter.

As one As of one the stuthey had received regarding the poverty that these in. Although the students had read and studdents “I stated, shall feel always an eternal connection dents stated, shall“Ialways an feel eternal connection ilies liveilies in. live Although the students had read and studiedpoverty about poverty in in China in the classroom, many to didthe medical to the medical personnel and children I worked personnel and children I worked with with ied about in China the classroom, many did notany have any personal experience it. By listening to during Operation Smile; thanks this charity, during Operation Smile; thanks to this to charity, I can I can not have personal experience of it. Byoflistening to the accounts of the children’s regarding that helped I have helped a permanent now saynow thatsay I have make a make permanent change change the accounts of the children’s parents parents regarding their their of the living, the students were to connect in the these children.

Notpeople many can people in athe lives of lives theseofchildren.

Not many say can say way of way living, students were able to able connect on a on personal, levelthese withfamilies, these families, to they’ve had a permanent on someone had a permanent impact impact on someone else.” .else.” . personal, human human level with and tryand to trythey’ve ISSUE 7

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enha

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meet the harmonics FEATURES

words // adrien yeung photo // claudia ng layout // chloe mok

“Now, please welcome Enharmonics!� We crane our necks and peer at the familiar group of students walking towards the front of the lower secondary gym. They arrange themselves in a semi-circle and our anticipation builds. The loud humming of a hundred conversations slowly fades into a few discreet coughs. Some of us hastily squirm about on the hard wooden floor, eager to find a comfortable sitting position before the singing starts. We watch and wait. >> ISSUE 7

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As

a Year 13 student, I find that sitting on the top of the “student hierarchy” doesn’t involve the unscrupulous wielding of authority and power that I had imagined. Instead, it often involves fondly reminiscing about my experiences as a younger student (most often with a neglected set of math equations by my side).

When I travel far back into the dustiest crevices of my memory, I find that one of my very first memories at CIS was in 2006, which was the very first

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time I watched the Enharmonics perform. As a rather hostile eleven year old, I was having trouble making new friends and the unexpected performance of The Scientist by Coldplay was both reassuring and uplifting. Ever since, I’ve always felt a thrill of anticipation whenever the Enharmonics are due to perform.

I’ve always marveled at the depth and richness of a capella singing, as the collective harmony of different voices can recreate a familiar song

in unimaginable ways. I enjoy the creative mixes of beat boxing, humming and piercing solos, as they add a distinctive twist to each performance. As a curious outsider with singing abilities worse than Rebecca Black’s, I was interested to learn more about Enharmonics and how each individual singer contributed to the final performance as a whole group.

How do you choose a song to perform? Is it hard to balance different

musical tastes?

Everyone suggests different songs and then we all decide on one that we like. We mostly enjoy the same kind of music, so we don’t really bicker at all when selecting songs to perform. The songs that we choose mainstream songs that are very recent, so they should be ones that most people are familiar with. Other than that, we just sing what we like!

new song?

How do you go about arranging a Do you create your own arrangements?

95% of the time Russell and Angie make the arrangements for us. But during crunch time, we have used online arrangements. Even then, we have to adjust the arrangement to suit the group.

Is there another a-capella group that you look to for

inspiration?

Yes! There is an amazing a-capella group called Pentatonics from a TV show called Sing Off. They have 5 people and they sing the most amazing songs. Sometimes at the end of practice we put on some of their songs and pretend that we are Pentatonics!

How do you strike a balance between the unique singer and the styles of each voice of Enharmonics as a

individual whole?

That’s actually our biggest problem, and we do have difficulties in achieving good blending.

There are quite a few dominant voices and we need to try hard to strike a balance.

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FEATURES

performance secrets

Any on performance days? Do you guys have a special group chant or diva-like habits?

Not really! We normally have a supportive huddle before shows where we encourage each other. During Virtuosity, we did make an agreement not to eat chocolate before the show but some of us ate some anyway….

Is there a

favourite performance?

Definitely Skinny Love at Virtuosity. Everyone was really happy and we felt that we did a good job after the performance. It was also really fun to learn too!

What was it like working with Mr. Quinn? Any plans to collaborate with more

teachers?

It was really great! He gave us lots of tips and helpful advice, and we had a good time. The first time we heard him sing, we were so amazed that we were all in shock and everyone forgot his or her part. He even stopped singing and looked at us like, “What’s happening…….?”

We’d like to collaborate again with Mr. Quinn this Christmas!

changed

How has Enharmonics over the years?

We’re trying to focus on things other than just performing. For example, we want a chance to work with the Student Council during Valentines’ Day! We’re hoping that people can pay to have us serenade their loved ones. A few weeks ago, we decided to do some spontaneous singing around school and that was really good! In the end, Enhar’s overall goal is to “be fresh” and we try to think of new ways to keep it fun. The group has actually been around for 22 years now, so we’ve actually been here for ages. We get keep in touch with the Enharmonics alumni on a Facebook page, and many of the recent graduates are involved in singing organisations and clubs at their colleges as well!

Anything you guys want to say to

CIS?

During audition periods, please don't be shy and come try out! We're always in need of more boys in the group so CIS gentlemen should definitely come and sing.

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challenged challenged

books books

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT Society is inordinately paranoid about the types of texts that children and young adults are Societyto.is Books inordinately about the types exposed that areparanoid banned for the youth are of texts thataschildren and young are labelled “inappropriate” dueadults to exposed to.

Books that are banned for the youth sensitive materials, such as controversial religious or are labelled dueadults, to sexual content.

We,asas“inappropriate” children and young sensitive materials, such as controversial religious or are eclipsed by society’s “right and wrong” sexual choices. content.What We, as children young adults, reading attitudes do and teachers adopt towards this issue?

Teachers from the English are eclipsed by society’s “right and wrong” Department reveal What their thoughts reading choices. attitudesondo“challenged” teachers adopt books. towards this issue? Teachers from the English

Department reveal their thoughts on “challenged” books.

written by | SAMANTHA CHEUNG Layout by| CHLOE MOK

written by | SAMANTHA CHEUNG Layout by| CHLOE MOK

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FEATURES

Some Students come conservative from rather backgrounds, conservative backgrounds, Some Students come from rather and others fromand veryothers from very liberal families.

How does thisconsideration affect your consideration selecting liberal families.

How does this affect your when selectingwhen teaching ma- teaching ma terials,when especially trying balanceviews the different might have wh terials, especially tryingwhen to balance thetodifferent students views mightstudents have when studying delicate or sensitive topics? studying delicate or sensitive topics?

MR.QUINN: I think thing I would be concerned about the ability of the studen MR.QUINN: I think the only thingthe thatonly I would bethat concerned about is the ability of theis student to deal with whatever thetheissues in the text,have so that might to have something to do with maturity to deal with whatever the issues are in text, are so that might something do with maturity, you know, analytical ability. Icare don’t actually care aboutofthe of the studen intelligence, intelligence, you know, analytical ability.

I don’t actually about the background thebackground student in terms of something that’s important to consider with regard to whether they’ll feel uncomfortin terms of something that’s important to consider with regard to whether they’ll feel uncomfortable by the text whether they’ll feel likethey’ll it’s notfeel a biglike deal; I think the function ableorby the text or whether it’sbecause, not a big deal; that because, I think of that the function of literature is toliterature expose usisto worlds, it is to educate may also affirm corroborate todifferent expose us to different worlds, us, it isitto educate us, itormay also affirm or corroborate our own existence.

Butexistence. we’re onlyBut talking deal with certain scenarios our own we’reabout onlyhaving talkingtoabout having to deal with which certainoffer scenarios which offer us potential; us observations about lives as we may or may not know them.

So I don’t think it matters potential; observations about lives as we may or may not know them. So I don’t think it matte to me if theyto have of experiences the charactersofinthe thecharacters novels or short meshared if theyexperiences have shared in thestories novelsthat or they're short stories that they're reading. I do like it when they can identify, but I don’t think that’s something that I would necessarreading. I do like it when they can identify, but I don’t think that’s something that I would necess ily care about to the extent that I would say, oh, well, they’ve been sheltered so if I teach something ily care about to the extent that I would say, oh, well, they’ve been sheltered so if I teach somethin in which a person has not been sheltered, that may not be particularly comfortable for them. I don’t in which a person has not been sheltered, that may not be particularly comfortable for them. I do think that’s the world of literature. think that’s the world of literature.

Quoted from Heinrich Heine [a well-known and respected German poet from the Quoted Heinrich Heine [a well-known German early 1800’s], ‘Dortfrom wo man Bücher verbrennt, verbrennt and man respected auch am Ende Men-poet from the early 1800’s], ‘Dort wo man Bücher verbrennt, verbrennt man auch schen’ means ‘Where they burn books, they also burn people at the end.’ In many am Ende Menmeans burn books, alsoand burn people atinstituthe end.’ In many countries,schen’ librarians and‘Where parentsthey of numerous high they schools educational tions havecountries, removed books off theand shelves without an inquiryhigh process due to clashing librarians parents of numerous schools and educational institu political, historical, religious views. such extreme measures takenprocess to shield tions haveand removed books offWith the shelves without an inquiry due to clashin the youngpolitical, generation from reality, do youviews. think With this affects people’s un- taken to shiel historical, andhow religious such young extreme measures derstanding perception of society? theand young generation from reality, how do you think this affects young people’s un-

derstanding perception of society?

MR.QUINN: It affects themand resoundingly, inevitably, detrimentally, any number of those adverbs which suggest whatMR.QUINN: I just said. I doItnot think there are any circumstances, anddetrimentally, I mean this very under affects them resoundingly, inevitably, anyplainly, number of those adverbs which which it is appropriate to remove books from the shelves of anything, whether it’s a library, or a bookstore, suggest what I just said. I do not think there are any circumstances, and I mean this very plainly, under or even at home under the guise of shielding somebody from something that is potentially offensive or so which it is appropriate to remove books from the shelves of anything, whether it’s a library, or a bookstor controversial that they would rather not deal with it. I don’t think there are any circumstances under which or evenBecause at homeinunder the guise from thatposition is potentially offensive or so that is appropriate. effect when you of do shielding that what somebody you’re saying is, I something am in a better to controversial that they would rather not deal with it.

I don’t think there are any circumstances under whi educate, I am the only person who can educate--and you take it for granted that the person whom you are that is appropriate.

Because in effect when you do that what you’re saying is, I am in a better position to trying to shield these potentially offensive viewpoints from could never potentially develop analytical ability educate, amwho the only canAnd educate--and take itfundamentally for granted that thethis person whom you ar on their own.

I’m the Ione has toperson decide who for you. this is just you obviously askew; trying to shield viewpoints from or could never potentially is not true. And actually thesethese kindspotentially of actions, offensive or the parents, the teachers the government officialsdevelop analytical abi on their I’m the one don’t who has to decide for you. well Andthemselves. this is just When obviously askew; thi portray the sense thatown. that those people actually think critically you fundamentally do things like this it only engenders in aactually student these the appetite foractions, more; on hand it that, on is not true. And kinds of orthe theone parents, thedoes teachers or the theother government officials hand, moreportray unfortunately, it makes you those ignorant, and don’t even worse, makes comfortable being an ignothe sense that that people actually thinkyou critically well themselves.

When you do thin rant person.like this it only engenders in a student the appetite for more; on the one hand it does that, on the other

hand, more unfortunately, it makes you ignorant, and even worse, makes you comfortable being an igno

Contemporary rant person. Classics such as To Kill A Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye have topped the list of banned and challenged books that the American Library Association (ALA)Classics has compiled all over theand world.

Contemporary such from as To books Kill Afrom Mockingbird TheDo Catcher in th you feel that it is a teacher’s responsibility to expose students to controversial Rye have topped the list of banned and challenged books that the American topics that are presented in such literature?

Library Association (ALA) has compiled from books from all over the world.

MS.KANG: I think a teacher’s to make sure students engagestudents critically with you feelit’sthat it is aresponsibility teacher’s responsibility to can expose to controversial controversial topics; I don’t agree with the sake of the idea of exposing kids to controversy for the topics that are presented in such literature? sake of it, like ‘this is something that is scandalous, let’s look at it.’ I think that the ability to not I think it’s apurely teacher’s responsibility to make sure can engage critically with sensationalizeMS.KANG: controversy and to react emotionally to a piece of work is students a really imporI don’tatagree with sake of the idea exposing tant skill. So,controversial I mean, I wastopics; just looking why To Killthe A Mockingbird, for of instance, hadkids beento controversy for th sake of it, like ‘this is something that is scandalous, let’s look at it.’

I think that the ability to not banned, and it is partly because of the use of the word ‘negro’; its portrayal of black people can sensationalize controversy andtotocritically react purely emotionally to abooks piecemight of work seem a bit one-sided.

But I think the ability understand why such haveis a really imporbeen banned,tant what issues being dealt to not goAtoMockingbird, the other extreme and skill.

So,areI mean, I waswith, just and looking at completely why To Kill for instance, had been embrace the banned, book by saying this is because a really wonderful people whoitshad banned of it black people can and it ‘oh is partly of the usebook, of thethose word ‘negro’; portrayal are completely ridiculous’, but to instead able the to appreciate kind of endearing nature thatbooks might have seem a bit one-sided.

But Ibe think ability to this critically understand why such certain wordsbeen can have, I think is an important lesson. banned, what issues are being dealt with, and to not completely go to the other extreme an

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4 5 FEATURES

There are books on the [ALA challenged and banned books] list that appear to have gone through quite coloured assessment that lacked a balanced judgment process. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie is an example; this piece of rising literature has caught the attention of many for its bleakness in exposing ethnic and social issues, as well as its “explicit sexual and religious content”. As such, do you believe that the ALA can be viewed as inordinately paranoid? With hindsight, could they be severely undermining a book’s value by simply diving straight into the “offensive language, explicit content” labels?

MS.KANG: I haven't read this book so I can’t really speak for that book. What I would say is that there are extremes between just jumping at any mention of offensive language or explicit content and the other extreme is saying, you know, we need to expose students to this content so let them have access to everything there is--and I don’t think I quite fall into that category either. I feel like if I just look at my own reading experience and maturity, I was able to appreciate the value of a work depending on what stage of my life I was in. Also, what’s conceived as offensive language or explicit material has been different in different stages of my life. And so if I had been given a certain book that I would have been able to enjoy in my twenties, when I was a teenager, I don’t think I would have had the maturity to appreciate it. So I think there is a place for teachers in schools to use their judgement and say, ‘is this book and the students?’ . It’s important to consider their age, their maturity; which might differ from school to school.

I think students at CIS might be slightly more, maybe conservative or sheltered than their counterparts in the U.S. or other Western countries. But I think we have a responsibility as adults to balance wanting to expose students to issues but respecting their rate of development. And I think teachers within the department, we’ve had discussions about this; even just on what to include in the short stories anthology.

We actually tend to disagree on what to include in the short stories anthology; we disagree on what we think students are able to appreciate and what we think actually might not be good for them right now and would be better for college and afterwards. It’s like alcohol, you know, the wine is to be enjoyed with age!

The ALA also flags children’s books for “inappropriate content”, mainly for controversies surrounding same-sex marriage households functioning as normal family units, as depicted in the aforementioned books. What are your views on what is described as massive parental hypersensitivity concerning the publication of such children’s books? After all, it is the right of parents to shield their children from what they consider to be harmful; how should the balance between exposure to sensitive issues and age come about?

DR.KERN: I have a very small child, so it’s difficult to answer this question from the point of view of a parent because I haven’t had to face any dilemmas on the matter as of yet. Generally, though, I hope that as a parent, I err on the side of openness and exposure.

In my three-plus years at CIS, I have been struck by the number of expressions of concern and complaints from parents about materials their children are exposed to in class. These include swear words and allusions to same-sex sex in stories and a scene of graphic violence in a film. I do think parents should be aware of what their children are exposed to, and they certainly have a right to express concern about it. My rule of thumb is, take the work as a whole into account: Does that work have redeeming value? Generally, I think there’s little to fear in individual works (with some obvious exceptions such as pornography or works that gratuitously glory in violence—such as video games perhaps?!), and sometimes I think parents are somewhat naïve if they believe their children (at least at secondary level) haven’t already been exposed to vulgar language, talk of sex, including homosexuality, or graphic violence. They should be reassured that, at least in the CIS English Department, these issues are dealt with in ways that encourage students to think about them and decide for themselves their opinions.

Much parental concern is barking up the wrong tree. Their focus should be on the advertising with which children and young people are inundated, as well as the general media environment. Children and young people constantly receive messages to the effect that consuming things will make them happy. Advertising promotes acquisitiveness if not greed and self-centeredness. Just as important is what advertising leaves out, what it does not focus on, for example, values of compassion, a sense of justice and fairness, critical inquiry, independence of thought and spirit, the effects of our patterns of consumption on the environment and on others.

In comparison to that, what the children and young people are exposed to in the classroom and library pales in influence. So when a parent expresses concern to me about a swear word in a short story, I hope that parent is equally if not more concerned by the messages her child is getting from the media environment that permeates much of that child’s life, by, for example, the skimpily clad women in MTR station ads for weight loss programs and beauty treatments.

On the issue of same-sex marriage in particular, children and young people should learn that there are many ways that people express their love for one another, that love takes many forms, and that people interact with each other in many different ways. Whether or not one approves of certain forms and ways of love and interaction is another matter, but it is important to be exposed to them and to attempt to understand them.

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the CIS Human Rights Group compiled a list of booksFEATURES that were displayed in the library during the Freedom of the CIS Human Rights Group compiled a list Governments and organizations alike generally Expression Week in October this year:

give quite tainted reasons for the banning of of books that were displayed in the library Expression Week in certain books. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn during 1. Howthe doFreedom you spellofgod? : answers to the and To Kill A Mockingbird have been banned October this year: big questions from around the world // by certain states due to use of ‘racial slangs’ Gellman, Rabbi Marc. such as ‘nigger’. Ironically, both books are 1. do you spell god? : answers the Ancient wisdom, modern world :toethics against white supremacy and advocate equality 2.How from around the Lama worldXIV. // for blacks, contrary to the reason for the ban- big forquestions a new millennium // Dalai ning of the books. What are your views on this Gellman, Marc.

3. DragonRabbi Fighter : one woman's epic irony?

2.struggle Ancient wisdom, world// :Kadeer, ethics for peacemodern with China DR. KERN: I think students at CIS are amazingfor a new millennium // Dalai Lama XIV. Rebiya ly America-centric. The U.S. is generally where 3.4.Dragon Fighter : one:woman's The corpse walker real-lifeepic stories, freedom of expression flourishes. That is not to struggle forthe peace with up China // Kadeer, China from bottom // Liao, Yiwu say it does not have problems of censorship. CIS Rebiya 5.

Old snow // Bei Dao. students who attend private U.S. universities will encounter one of these first-hand in the form of 4.6.The stories, Thecorpse Vintagewalker book of: real-life Indian writing, restrictive on-campus speech codes which, if in the China from the bottom up // Liao, 1947-1997// Rushdie, Salman Yiwu public sphere, would be against the first amendment 5. Old snow // Bei Dao. 7. The other shore: plays by Gao Xingjian// guaranteeing freedom of expression. But really, you TheXingJian.

Vintage book of Indian writing, lack a sense of proportion if you think a local ban on Huck Finn is up there amongst 6.Gao, 1947-1997// Rushdie, Salman 8.

Soul mountain // Gao, XingJian. the most significant censorship issues today.

We live in one of the countries in the world (China, in case you’ve forgotten) with the 7.9.The other shore:

by Gao Confessions : anplays innocent lifeXingjian// in Commuvery tightest controls on the media, the most restrictive forms of censorship, and a Gao, XingJian. nist China// Kang, Zhengguo. government propaganda apparatus without parallel. I would like to see greater focus 8.10.

Soul // Gao, XingJian.

Redmountain dust : a path through China // Ma, on such issues much closer to home. I would like to see students learning more about 9.Jian.

Confessions : an innocent life in CommuChina and not obsess so much about the U.S. nist China// Kang,three Zhengguo.

11.

Wild swans daughters of China The thing to understand about censorship in the United States is that it’s largely local. That is to say, educational policy is to a great extent shaped by individual 10.

Red dust : a path through China // Ma, // Chang, Jung. school districts, and so parents and local communities have greater power in determin- Jian.

12. Mein Kampf // Hitler, Adolf. ing what is banned.

11. three of China 13.Wild Theswans discourse ofdaughters race in modern China In general, if you look at the history of censorship, you will see it has quite ////Chang, Jung.Frank.

Dikotter, a poor record. We are often struck by the stupidity of the censor in an earlier time.

12.

Mein Kampf // Hitler, Adolf.

14. hungry ghosts China's secret famine What then appeared unacceptable now seems unobjectionable. This alone should give pause to anyone with a propensity to censor, or to support censorship. I would also 13.

The discourse // Becker, Jasper.of race in modern China like more emphasis to be placed on the great value of freedom of expression. It allows //15.

Dikotter, Frank.

Mao : the unknown story// Chang, culture to flourish culture, minds to flourish. It helps people to protect and promote 14. hungry ghosts China's secret famine Jung. their rights. It is indispensable to a healthy, well-functioning, just and fair society. But Becker, Jasper.three daughters of China Wild swans freedom of expression means nothing if it doesn’t mean tolerance of views with which //16.

15.

Mao : the unknown story// Chang, //Chang, Jung, one disagrees, tolerance of forms of expression that might be regarded as offensive, insulting, inappropriate.

Jung.

17. Soul Mountain // Gao, XingJian.

Long after the Communist dictatorship has met its demise, Chinese soci16. daughters 18.Wild East,swans west three // Rushdie, Salmanof China ety will be recovering from the pernicious effects of decades of strict censorship and //Chang, Jung, 19. The enchantress of Florence : a novel. massive propaganda. During the Solidarity movement in Communist Poland of 1980, 17.

Soul Mountain // Gao, XingJian. // Rushdie, Salman.

Solidarity declared, “The very language of propaganda, which damages the way we 18.

East, west // Rushdie, Salman 20.

Midnight's children. // Rushdie, want to express thought and feelings, is a dangerous tool of lies. [Solidarity] will seek to give back to the people the Polish language, which allows people to truly understand 19.

The enchantress of Florence : a novel.

Salman each other.” Chinese public discourse is poor. Chinese society and culture, Chinese //21.

Rushdie, ShameSalman. // Rushdie, Salman minds currently suffer from a combination of constant lies told in public and the cen- 20. Midnight's children. // Rushdie, Sal22. One day in the life of Ivan Denisovich // sorship of a great deal of truth-telling, not least of all about its own history and current man Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr. political circumstances.

21.

Rushdie, 23.Shame Uncle//Tom's cabinSalman : or, Life among the Recently, The New York Times published an excellent article about the vast wealth accumulated by the family of Wen Jiabao during his time as premier. Unsur22.

One day in theHarriet life of Ivan Denisovich // lowly // Stowe, Beecher. prisingly, the government blocked The New York Times’ English- and Chinese-lanSolzhenitsyn, Aleksandr.

24 .達賴喇嘛自傳 // Dalai Lama XIV. guage websites and deleted all references to the article and the topic on the Chinese 23. cabin : or, 25.Uncle 北島Tom's // 潘耀明 編Life among the intranet. It’s such issues of censorship with which I think CIS students should be con// Stowe, Harriet Beecher.

26. 絕對信號.// 高行健. versant, of which they should be aware, which they should be debating and discussing. lowly 24 .達賴喇嘛自傳 // Dalai Lama XIV. In comparison, banning Huck Finn in Podunk, Alabama, however despicable, pales in relevance.

25. 北島 // 潘耀明 編 26. 絕對信號.// 高行健.

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EDITORIALS

“Whave e have a discovery. We have observed a “W enew a discovery. We have observed a particle consistent with a Higgs boson.”

up with a theory, crunched the numbers, then up with a theory, crunched the numbers, then built a massive,wondrous machine and finally built a massive,wondrous machine and finally new particle consistent with a Higgs boson.” discovered the proposed Higgs boson theory In early July, news headlines all screamed of discovered the proposed Higgs boson theory In early July, news headlines all screamed of was correct. Such process of success is a the key discovery made in the field of physics was correct. Such process of success is a the key discovery made in the field of physics reason to be proud to be a human being and - the exciting news that the long strived hunt reason to be proud to be a human being and - the exciting news that the long strived hunt scientists should bask in that glow for a while. of the elusive “God particle” or the Higgs scientists should bask in that glow for a while. of the elusive “God particle” or the Higgs Yet all this joy the scientist are experiencing boson was finally complete and successful.

Yet all this joy the scientist are experiencing boson was finally complete and successful. all mount up to one big question for the To the physicist, it was a huge discovery, all mount up to one big question for the To the physicist, it was a huge discovery, general public – “so what?”. almost analogous to walking on the moon. general public – “so what?”. almost analogous to walking on the moon.

The scientific circles went crazy, losing their The scientific circles went crazy, losing their From this discovery, it was clearly evident minds, not taking any calls, getting buzzed From this discovery, it was clearly evident that that minds, not taking any calls, getting buzzed there should be more effort from scientists to in the middle of the day, crying and hugging there should be more effort from scientists to in the middle of the day, crying and hugging spend a bit more time sharing the enthusiasm each other. However, the revelation of God spend a bit more time sharing the enthusiasm each other. However, the revelation of God communicating such discoveries with particle, of what could be the biggest discov- andand communicating such discoveries particle, of what could be the biggest discovwith rest of the population. Though CERN ery of the 21st century, was barely a whimper the the rest of the population. Though CERN ery of the 21st century, was barely a whimper may made some valiant efforts to teach to over 99 percent of the population. may havehave made some valiant efforts to teach to over 99 percent of the population. the general public about such amusing facts the general public about such amusing facts on science, is not enough Higgs Boson, described as the missing piece on science, to enlighten it is itnot enough Higgs Boson, described as the missing piece to enlighten people and get them as exhilarated in the universal “jigsaw puzzle” was first about people and get them as exhilarated about in the universal “jigsaw puzzle” was first it it as scientists are.

CERN could publicized to the world by British physicist have possibly as scientists are. CERN could have possibly publicized to the world by British physicist developed a website for general the general Peter Higgs in 1964.

To quote definipublic developed a website for the Peter Higgs in 1964.

To quote the the definipublic on on the Higgs Boson or hired tion of this particle, “the Higgs particle is a a TV personality the Higgs Boson or hired a TV personality to to tion of this particle, “the Higgs particle is a a spokesperson.

It could proposed elementary particle in the Standard further be abe spokesperson.

It could proposed elementary particle in the Standard havehave beenbeen further publicized by making educational Model (one of the most successful theories to video publicized by making educational video Model (one of the most successful theories to games where the player makes explain elementary particles interact hisher or own her own where the player makes explain howhow elementary particles interact withwithgames his or Higgs boson, building an amusement fundamental forces) of particle physics, Higgs boson, building an amusement the the fundamental forces) of particle physics, parkpark called the Supercollider describing other massive elementary rideride or even having called the Supercollider describing whywhy the the other massive elementary or even having Peter Higgs do a cameo particles in the standard model have their on The Big Bang Peter Higgs do a cameo on The Big Bang particles in the standard model have their Theory.

Whatever if scientists mass”.

Thus, Higgs Boson particle is the Theory. the scientists made Whatever it is,itifis, mass”.

Thus, the the Higgs Boson particle is the the made it a priority to communicate physical proof of an invisible, universe-wide the meaning it a priority to communicate physical proof of an invisible, universe-wide the meaning of of this discovery all along, there field that provided mass to all matter right afwouldn’t be rethis discovery all along, there wouldn’t field that provided mass to all matter right afbe reporters scrambling to use ter the Big Bang, causing particles to coalesce the same sounding porters scrambling to use the same sounding ter the Big Bang, causing particles to coalesce information all week, stars, planets, everything If the information readers puzzled all week, withwith intointo stars, planets, andand everything else.else.

If the readers puzzled over the biggest and most Higgs theory and Higgs boson didn’t exist, important discovover the biggest and most important discovHiggs theory and Higgs boson didn’t exist, ery of the 21st century. the dominant Standard Model of particle ery of the 21st century. the dominant Standard Model of particle physics would be incorrect. physics would be incorrect.

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aspect is crucially important to those ThisThis aspect is crucially important to those proof of an nvisible, universe-wide field that who pursue the field of physics as who pursue the field of physics as wellwell as toas to proof of an invisible, universe-wide field that world, is key to the eternal quest ed mass to matter all matter ght after the the world, as itasisitkey to the eternal quest proviprovi ded dmass to all rightriafter the the of understanding where the universe came of understanding where the universe came Big Bang, causing particles to coalesce into from, it evolved humans from, howhow it evolved andand howhow humans got got to toBig Bang, causing particles to coalesce into Earth.

However most of the popula- stars, stars, planets, everythi ng else. the the Earth.

However for for most of the populaplanets, and and everythi ng else. ” ” tion, there is still much confusion on Higgs tion, there is still much confusion on Higgs Humans are now living the of boson its discovery is such a coup Humans erarapid of rapid scienare now living the era boson andand whywhy its discovery is such a coup scientific and technological inventions. in modern-physics or to the humanity.

The However, tific and technological inventions. However, in modern-physics or to the humanity. The moments as finding discovery, which so important the experimoments suchsuch as finding discovery, which is soisimportant andand big big thatthat greatgreat the experimental proof of the Higgs it is compared as having as much significance Boson are still mental proof of the Higgs Boson are still it is compared as having as much significance rare.rare.

Now that the researchers as Isaac Newton’s publication of his theories in Geneva believe Now that the researchers in Geneva believe as Isaac Newton’s publication of his theories finally achieved gravity in 1687, disseminated to the thatthat adarshan theythey havehave finally achieved on on gravity in 1687, isn’tisn’t disseminated to the adarshan [“divine sighting”] of “the world clearly, hence people don’t enough[“divine particle”, sighting”] Above: Different the Higgs of “the world clearly, hence people don’t havehave enough god god particle”, sci- sciAbove: Different viewsviews of theofHiggs BosonBoson “God“God Particle” - images courtesy of Google entists should the moment knowledge or information to appreciate - images courtesy of Google to commu-Particle” seizeseize the moment knowledge or information to appreciate suchsuch entists should to communicate to rest the rest of world the world historic milestone in science possiblynicate a fully to the of the historic milestone in science thatthat can can possibly a fully com-comprehensive account on those change world.

Numerous prehensive of science’s account on those change howhow we we viewview the the world.

Numerous of science’s mostmost important discoveries. headlines stated informed public discoveries. headlines stated andand informed the the public thatthatimportant ISSUE 7 XIAO HUA 83 scientists finally it right, came scientists havehave finally got got it right, theythey came Issue 7 Compilation.indd 83

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EDITORIALS

Physics of the

Impossible WRITER MEDHA

F

“It is time to look beyond yesterday’s wildest dream and make it tomorrow’s reality.”

or hundreds of years, science has sparked many imaginations. Think Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and Isaac Asimov, with their fantastical tales of journeys through earth, space, and even time. When they were published, most readers dismissed their stories as absurd, believing that activities such as space travel would forever remain impossible. Yet today we find that scientific progress has made much of what they wrote into reality. If there was some truth to the science that inspired science fiction many years ago, why shouldn’t there be any in science fiction today? I believe that sci-fi scenarios such as time travel and invisibility may also one day become reality.

Now, wait a minute! Don’t scoff. I have more to my argument than sheer assertion and a snippet of history. The laws of physics back me up. And so does Michio Kaku, a famous theoretical physicist and futurist, who offers a glimpse into the future in his book Physics of the Impossible.

In his book, Kaku predicts that we may one day have the power of invisibility. Far fetched though this sounds, scientists are have found results. To take a look at how it works, let me take you past Bilbo Baggin’s ring and Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak, down to the world of molecules. The theory behind visibility is simple. Light bounces off molecules of visible objects and passes between molecules of the transparent. Less visible objects let through more light because their molecules are further apart. If all light passes completely through then the object becomes invisible. Scientists have created implants that manipulate the path of light through whatever they are embedded in, rendering that object invisible.

So why haven’t invisibility cloaks hit the market? Because scientists have yet to overcome the limits of nanotechnology. The implants must be smaller than the wavelength of light, that is, 500nm or 2500 atoms wide. Unfortunately we can’t build an implant quite that we small. But we are close: researchers have created objects invisible to blue and green light, which have bigger wavelengths.

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GOYAL

In a few more decades, Kaku predicts, they could achieve invisibility for all light. Kaku also discusses the possibility of teleportation, with a solution that sounds just as bizarre as science fiction.

He uses quantum theory, a crazy branch of physics that describes the behavior of atoms. The theory states that atoms move without being subjected to any force – they quantum leap, continually disappearing and immediately reappearing someplace else. Even queerer is that atoms are not actually discrete particles of matter, but waves, smeared across space. In fact, no one can be sure of where an atom is located; one can only calculate the probability of it being located somewhere, using Schrödinger’s Wave Equation. But if atoms are constantly on the move, why don’t people teleport in real life? Schrödinger’s Wave Equation shows that the probability of all the atoms in your body disappearing and collectively reforming elsewhere is so low that you’d have to wait out the lifetime of the universe before it happens.

So how do we use this to teleport? There must be a better way than waiting it out. Don’t worry; there is a concept called ‘quantum entanglement’, which describes a deep bond between two particles.

So let’s take two such particles. Say we know their total spin is zero – one spins up, the other down.Now fling the upward spinning particle to the other side of the universe. The connection between the particles is so deep that if we made the downward spinning particle spin up, the other particle, still at the other side of the universe, would immediately spin down so that their total spin remains zero. Now to apply this to teleportation, take two atoms, A and C. We want to transfer information from atom A to C. To do this we entangle a third atom, B, with C. Then we entangle A and with B. A mirror of information in A has now been transferred to B, and since B and C were entangled in the first place, a mirror of the mirrored information in B is transferred to C. A and C now have identical information. However, atom A’s information is destroyed in the process.

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EDITORIALS

Michio Kaku, a famous theoretical physicist and futurist, who offers a glimpse into the future in his book Physics of the Impossible.

Image Source: http://myriadmagputer.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/michio-kaku-01.jpg

Harry Potter’s Cloak of Invisibility was the one Christmas gift we all had on our lists. Whether invisible cloaks actually exist in the future is a matter on many of us introverts’ minds!

Image Source: http://www.geekanthem.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/InvisibilityCloak_preview.jpg British television show “Doctor Who” has enthralled many of us with the Doctor’s adventures through time and space via his teleportiation machine The Tardis.

Image Source: http://bulk.destructoid.com/ul/user/2/26157-153772-realtardis-

So the ‘teleportee’ is essentially destroyed; another version of himself is simply recreated elsewhere. On a brighter note, this clears any risk of accidentally cloning someone during teleportation.

However it might be some time before we are actually able to teleport. So far scientists have only succeeded in teleporting about a trillion individual atoms about 800 feet, but they can’t yet do it on the macroscopic scale.

Finally, we come to arguably the most popular science fiction scenario: time travel. Surprisingly, writers aren’t the only people who think about it; scientists do too. And they have come up with solutions. One possible method of time travel, they have found, is through a wormhole. A wormhole is a rip in the fabric of the universe that can connect two distant points in both space and time.

Currently scientists only know one place to find wormholes – the center of a black hole. Unfortunately this poses some problems.

First, popping through ablack hole is a one-way trip; its gravity is so strong that nothing can escape it. More important is that, as you approach the black hole, you will get spaghettified: you are destroyed in every way conceivable.

Luckily there is an alternative: travelling near the speed of light.

According to Newtonian physics, you can outrace anything, even a light beam. Ifyou imagined yourself racing with a light beam, however, could you imagine overtaking it? Could you even imagine it by Issue 7 Compilation.indd 85

your side? It would look stationary next to you, but Einstein found that light beams are never stationary; they always travel at exactly the same velocity away from you. In fact he found, as part of his theory of relativity, that as you approach the speed of light, space and time distort just to preserve this rule. Your mass increases, and time slows down only for you. You age slowly while the world whizzes by, and when you stop moving, the world will have moved far ahead of you. You’ll have travelled into the future.

Sadly we don’t have enough fuel to travel near such speeds yet.

The fastest speed a human has ever travelled only brought him a fraction of a second into the future. The best candidate for fuel is antimatter, but it is so hard to find and extremely costly to produce that it will take several years before we can use it. Kaku predicts we may have to wait between a thousand and a million years before humankind achieves time travel. But never mind, knowing how it may be done is a big leap from believing it to be impossible. Until the day it comes true, we can only wait, hope, and maybe keep an eye out for antimatter.

Antimatter aside, there will be much to keep an eye out for over the next few decades. This century, the 21st century, is the beginning of a new era. It is time to look beyond yesterday’s wildest dream and make it tomorrow’s reality. It is time for the fantasies of science fiction to spark actual science.

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EDITORIALS words words // constance // constance lam lam layout layout // chloe // chloe mok mok

controversy controversy ininafrica africa When When you think you about think Africa, about Africa, which which image image comes comes to mind? to mind?

Is it Is the it the one ofone giraffes of giraffes and other and other savannah savannah animals, animals, happilyhappily playingplaying together together and living and living in harmony? in harmony?

Or is it Orthe is it the one ofone starving of starving children children with bones with bones protruding protruding out of out theirofbodies, their bodies, with with their pregnant their pregnant mothers mothers lookinglooking on in on in despair,despair, wondering wondering how her howfamily her family can survive? can survive?

Most ofMost the time, of thethe time, sec-the second image ond image is the one is the that onefirst thatcomes first comes to mind. to It mind. is notItunknown is not unknown that Africa that Africa is extremely is extremely impoverished. impoverished.

But why?

But why?

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EDITORIALS

Africa isAfrica a beautiful is a beautiful continent continent with a lot with of natural a lot of resourcnatural resourc-money to money fund to Africa, fund kindly Africa,volunteers kindly volunteers from Unicef from have Unicef have es. We take es. We some take ofsome these of resources these resources for granted, for granted, such as cofsuch as cofbuilt schools built schools and helped and African helped African families,families, and we have and we been have been fee and fee cocoa andbeans cocoaand beans tropical and tropical fruits. There fruits.are There also are other also other urged tourged help Africa. to help The Africa. question The question is, what is, happens what happens after after resourcesresources that are that cherished are cherished by many(think by many(think oil, diamonds, oil, diamonds,the money the ismoney donated is donated and afterand theafter volunteers the volunteers leave? Africa leave? Africa mineralsminerals and copper). and copper).

Lions, giraffes Lions, and giraffes elephants(aniand elephants(ani- is still asispoor still as poor it wasasbefore it wasthe before volunteers the volunteers came. Govcame. Govmals that mals I have thatonly I have seen only in the seenmovie in theLion movie King) Lionroam King) roam ernmenternment officials officials and politicians and politicians have so have muchsopower muchover power over the savannahs, the savannahs, desert fringes desert and fringes jungles, and jungles, and oneand canone can their people, their people, it is almost it is unlimited, almost unlimited, and the and lawsthe thatlaws theythat they only marvel only at marvel their at diversity their diversity and ‘unique’ and ‘unique’ habits. Africa’s habits. Africa’s created just created so happened just so happened to benefit to themselves. benefit themselves.

In short,In short, culture is culture also amazing, is also amazing, with different with different tribes speaking tribes speaking a a the money the from money Unicef from goes Unicef to the goesofficials, to the officials, and there and is there is variety of variety languages of languages and believing and believing in different in different religions. religions. nothingnothing the people the can people do about can doit.about Or isit. there?

Or is there?

Most importantly, Most importantly, we all belong we all to belong Africa, to the Africa, birthplace the birthplace of of humanity. humanity.

Our ancestors Our ancestors are all African. are all African.

In fact, we In fact, would we wouldWhile charities While charities and organizations and organizations are headed are in headed the right in the right be livingbeinliving AfricainifAfrica the continents if the continents did not did driftnot offdrift to other off to other direction, direction, they arethey also are short also term short solutions. term solutions.

However, However, if if positions(where positions(where we are now). we areHong now).Kong Honghas Kong all ofhas these all of these we help we Africans help Africans start businesses,they start businesses,they will havewill a long haveterm a long term advantages advantages and yet and it is yet prosperous. it is prosperous. solutionsolution that willthat endwill poverty, end poverty, otherwise otherwise known as known trade.as trade.

And thatAnd is one thatofisthe onemain of the reasons main reasons why Africa whyisAfrica so poor. is so poor. However, However, for trading for trading to occur,tocommunication occur, communication is neces-is necessary. So sary. far, one So far, in three one in roads threeinroads Africainare Africa run down are runand/ down and/ In 1884-1885, In 1884-1885, the Berlin theConference Berlin Conference took place. tookLeaders place. Leaders or cannot or be cannot used be in used all seasons. in all seasons.

Africa isAfrica being isurbanized being urbanized from allfrom over all Europe over Europe attended, attended, and the and purpose the purpose of the conof the con-and technology, and technology, water supplies water supplies and electricity and electricity are taking areataking a ference was ference to divide was toAfrica dividefor Africa colonization. for colonization.

Europeans Europeans had had turn forturn the better. for theOne better.

Laptop One Laptop per Child, peror Child, OLPC, or OLPC, is an is an marvelled marvelled over Africa’s over resources, Africa’s resources, and theyand wanted they wanted to shareto shareorganization organization where donors where pay donors for apay laptop, for a which laptop,iswhich then is then in their in profits. their Therefore, profits. Therefore, they started they businesses started businesses in Africa, in Africa,sold to African sold to African childrenchildren at an inexpensive at an inexpensive price. The price. laptops The laptops and hired and Africans hired Africans as laborers. as laborers.

However, However, one major oneproblem major problem are dirt,are drop dirt, and drop waterproof, and waterproof, and are and learning are learning tools that tools that arose from arose colonization: from colonization: did theydid colonize they colonize or exploit or Africa? exploit Africa? can improve can improve nationalnational education education in Africa. in Africa.

The answer The isanswer obvious. is obvious.

The exploitation The exploitation of Africaofhad Africa left had it left it in the state in the it isstate in now. it is in Laborers now. Laborers were forced weretoforced workto more work more for less pay(in for lesscase pay(in their case employers their employers with lighter withskin lighter became skin became bankrupt). bankrupt).

Africa is not poor, Africa is not poor, it isit is

AnotherAnother of the driving of the driving forces behind forces Africa’s behind poverty Africa’s poverty is is apartheid. apartheid.

When Europeans When Europeans colonized colonized Africa, they Africa, believed they believed that natives that and natives ‘whites’ and ‘whites’ should be should kept be apart kept from apart each from each other. Native other. Africans Native Africans were being werediscriminated being discriminated against. against.

Hey, theHey, Europeans the Europeans who colonized who colonized Africa thought Africa thought their their sabotagesabotage clearly. Not clearly. onlyNot didonly racial didsegregation racial segregation occur, segoccur, segregationregation was common was common among natives. among natives.

In Rwanda, In Rwanda, a south a southMicrofinance Microfinance is the most is the crucial most step crucial of the stepsolution. of the solution.

African African country,country, native Africans native Africans were divided were divided into twointo two InvestorsInvestors lend money lend to money African to African entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs, who willwho will classes_ classes_ Hutus, who Hutus, were who farmers were farmers and labourers, and labourers, and Tutsis, and Tutsis, then start then their start own their businesses. own businesses.

Every year, Every they year, need they to need to who were who thewere middle the class. middle class. give a certain give a percentage certain percentage of their of proceeds their proceeds to the investors. to the investors.

As theirAs businesses their businesses flourish,flourish, the percentage the percentage becomesbecomes higher, higher, During During 1990, when 1990,Nelson when Mandela Nelson Mandela took uptook presidency, up presidency, but the but entrepreneurs the entrepreneurs still earnstill more, earnenough more, enough to support to support south Africa southwas Africa freewas from free colonization. from colonization.

On the On surface, the surface, their families. their families. this is anthis immense is an immense leap in African leap in African history. history.

However, However, the the Hutus and Hutus Tutsis andwere Tutsis pitted wereagainst pitted each against other. eachWhen other.the When theThere isThere alwaysislight always at the lightend at the of the endtunnel. of the tunnel.

In this case, In this case, Europeans Europeans left, warleft, (no,war genocide) (no, genocide) broke out. broke Hutus out.killed Hutus killedtrade is trade the light is the at the lightend at the of Africa’s end of tunnel Africa’sof tunnel poverty. of poverty.

Tutsis, and Tutsis, Tutsis andalso Tutsis killed alsoHutus. killed Millions Hutus. Millions had died, had and died, andHalf of Half the world’s of the poor world’s arepoor Africans, are Africans, but this but willthis soonwill soon people flocked people flocked to refugetocamps. refuge In camps. the end, In the Africa end,was Africa stillwas stillchange. change.

However, However, trade will trade notwill solvenot solve impoverished, impoverished, if not even if not more even so.more so. all of Africa’s all of problems.

Africa’s problems.

If you can, If you donate can, money donate to money Unicef to Unicef that willthat aid will Africa. aid Wear Africa.

Toms, Wearand Toms, every and pair every youpair buyyou buy “Africa is“Africa not poor, is not it poor, is poorly it ismanaged.” poorly managed.”

This is aThis quote is a quote will be given will betogiven a child to in a child need.inSponsor need. Sponsor a child and a child aid and aid from Liberian from Liberian president, president, Ellen Johnson Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. This Sirleaf. quote This quotehis or her hisfamily or herfinancially family financially for onlyfor 20 only HKD 20a HKD month. a month. summarizes summarizes this entire thisparagraph. entire paragraph.

Ever since Ever thesince 1970s, the 1970s, One thing Oneyou thing needyou to need keep to in keep mindinis mind to think is tobefore thinkyou before you celebrities celebrities have performed have performed to raise awareness to raise awareness and donate and donate attemptattempt to maketoa difference. make a difference.

poorly managed. poorly managed.

ISSUE 7

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EDITORIALS

國民教育 Written by Eric Tse

Photographs taken by Eli Kan

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每一個國家

都有她的

都有她的 歷史，無論是好是壞，是貴是賤， 歷史，無論是好是壞，是貴是賤， 是長是短，這歷史都是那個國家獨 是長是短，這歷史都是那個國家獨 有的資本，她人民不可忘懷的過 有的資本，她人民不可忘懷的過 去。中國擁有5000年的悠久歷史， 去。中國擁有5000年的悠久歷史， 這一切都不是人民可以在一朝一夕 這一切都不是人民可以在一朝一夕 中學會的。因此港民才有了歷史科 中學會的。因此港民才有了歷史科 目，也就是香港自己的 "國民教 目，也就是香港自己的 "國民教 育"，讓我們不要不要忘本。 育"，讓我們不要不要忘本。 在國內，國民教育是理所當然的， 在國內，國民教育是理所當然的， 因為我們對國家的歷史認知讓我們 因為我們對國家的歷史認知讓我們 擁有了文化身份，讓我們作為一名 擁有了文化身份，讓我們作為一名 中國人而驕傲。但是在香港，文化 中國人而驕傲。但是在香港，文化 的自由被歌頌，因此讓我們更加知 的自由被歌頌，因此讓我們更加知 曉祖國歷史的科目就被當做是在“ 曉祖國歷史的科目就被當做是在“ 洗腦”。而科目中因為包含了幾 洗腦”。而科目中因為包含了幾 個"過分讚美"祖國的字眼，就令許 個"過分讚美"祖國的字眼，就令許 多家長和學生認為政府是在強迫學 多家長和學生認為政府是在強迫學 生支持和嚮往共產黨，讓下一代的 生支持和嚮往共產黨，讓下一代的 港民無條件被政府支配。其實國民 港民無條件被政府支配。其實國民 教育的中心思想是想讓市民了解國 教育的中心思想是想讓市民了解國 家的歷史，沒有任何不對，港民也 家的歷史，沒有任何不對，港民也 不應因為一兩個字眼就認為國民教 不應因為一兩個字眼就認為國民教 育是一種洗腦。但是港人反對國民 育是一種洗腦。但是港人反對國民 教育的理由也是情有可原的，只有 教育的理由也是情有可原的，只有 在兩者間取得一個平衡，問題才有 在兩者間取得一個平衡，問題才有 可能和平解決。 可能和平解決。 每一個國家的歷史多有她的輝煌和 每一個國家的歷史多有她的輝煌和 黑暗，哪些人願意忘記輝煌而永遠 黑暗，哪些人願意忘記輝煌而永遠 記住黑暗呢？但如果只歌頌輝煌而 記住黑暗呢？但如果只歌頌輝煌而 忘記黑暗是不可以分出對錯的。現 忘記黑暗是不可以分出對錯的。現 在政府與家長還有學生間的問題其 在政府與家長還有學生間的問題其 實只在於撤銷國民教育科。這可以 實只在於撤銷國民教育科。這可以 說已經非常大的改進了，已經足夠 說已經非常大的改進了，已經足夠 可以服眾，在兩者取出一個平衡。 可以服眾，在兩者取出一個平衡。 但是如果還有家長或學生們一定要 但是如果還有家長或學生們一定要 求撤科，否則罷休的話，那麼其實 求撤科，否則罷休的話，那麼其實 已經偏離了原本投訴的原因，更因 已經偏離了原本投訴的原因，更因 此而遊行。他們到底是想為學識的 此而遊行。他們到底是想為學識的 自由而拼搏，還是現在只是一味追 自由而拼搏，還是現在只是一味追 求著“勝利”，讓香港政府難看， 求著“勝利”，讓香港政府難看， 向民眾炫耀自己的力量? 其實最簡 向民眾炫耀自己的力量? 其實最簡 單的處理方法，就是政府去改正一 單的處理方法，就是政府去改正一 些人民對書籍的不滿，重新印刷， 些人民對書籍的不滿，重新印刷， 加入對中國政府在過去所做的錯誤 加入對中國政府在過去所做的錯誤 行為的批判，"國民教育"便能變 行為的批判，"國民教育"便能變 得中立。 得中立。 家長的態度其實也不等於學生們自 家長的態度其實也不等於學生們自 己的態度。家長時時因為自己所經 己的態度。家長時時因為自己所經 歷過的歷史，或者從他們父母身上 歷過的歷史，或者從他們父母身上 得到的知識，認為共產黨的教育一 得到的知識，認為共產黨的教育一 定是"洗腦"。所有往事議論應該留 定是"洗腦"。所有往事議論應該留 在上一代，而不應傳播到下一代， 在上一代，而不應傳播到下一代， 讓他們記住這仇恨。愛國與洗腦教 讓他們記住這仇恨。愛國與洗腦教 育是完全不一樣的，學生們也已經 育是完全不一樣的，學生們也已經 到達了可以自己判斷是非對錯的年 到達了可以自己判斷是非對錯的年 齡，有些學生在最開始反對遊行就 齡，有些學生在最開始反對遊行就 已經證明了這一點，就是因為他們 已經證明了這一點，就是因為他們

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EDITORIALS 認為不對，所以才會遊行。而也有 認為不對，所以才會遊行。而也有 許多學生認為國民教育並不是一種 許多學生認為國民教育並不是一種 洗腦，所以他們沒有去參與遊行反 洗腦，所以他們沒有去參與遊行反 對。在這之中可貴的是不反對的學 對。在這之中可貴的是不反對的學 生沒有強加自己的觀點到反對的學 生沒有強加自己的觀點到反對的學 生身上，而由對的學生卻要求撤 生身上，而由對的學生卻要求撤 科，把自己的想法強加到了不反對 科，把自己的想法強加到了不反對 的學生身上。人與人之間應當互相 的學生身上。人與人之間應當互相 尊重對方：反對的人可以要求修改 尊重對方：反對的人可以要求修改 教科書，甚至自己罷課，但如果香 教科書，甚至自己罷課，但如果香 港歌頌的是教育自由，強逼支持國 港歌頌的是教育自由，強逼支持國 民教育的學生撤科，便是十分自私 民教育的學生撤科，便是十分自私 的行為。兩者都應尊重他人的決 的行為。兩者都應尊重他人的決 定，社會才能保持公平，公正。 定，社會才能保持公平，公正。 如果有些學生是真正認為國民教育 如果有些學生是真正認為國民教育 是在洗腦，那麼他們去遊行，他們 是在洗腦，那麼他們去遊行，他們 去投訴，則意味著他們在追求自己 去投訴，則意味著他們在追求自己 所相信的真理。這是十分值得敬佩 所相信的真理。這是十分值得敬佩 的。然而那些只是為了上報紙，出 的。然而那些只是為了上報紙，出 名的人，也就是那些用過於極端方 名的人，也就是那些用過於極端方 法遊行的人， 根本不應該參與國 法遊行的人， 根本不應該參與國 民教育的反對遊行。他們只是抱著 民教育的反對遊行。他們只是抱著 湊熱鬧的心態，回家暗喜自己出名 湊熱鬧的心態，回家暗喜自己出名 了。還有一些人是人云亦云，就是 了。還有一些人是人云亦云，就是 因為朋友在遊行，他們就跟著一起 因為朋友在遊行，他們就跟著一起 去。他們有貫徹到底的決心和想法 去。他們有貫徹到底的決心和想法 嗎？只有那些真正認為國民教育是 嗎？只有那些真正認為國民教育是 洗腦的人才有資格去遊行，去訴說 洗腦的人才有資格去遊行，去訴說 自己的想法。但是他們也不應該把 自己的想法。但是他們也不應該把 自己的想法強加在他人的身上。 自己的想法強加在他人的身上。 在遊行的人群裡，有各種各樣的抗 在遊行的人群裡，有各種各樣的抗 議方法，其中絕食的人不在少數。 議方法，其中絕食的人不在少數。 所有人都知道他們這麼做是為了證 所有人都知道他們這麼做是為了證 明自己的決心，但是這真是最好的 明自己的決心，但是這真是最好的 方法嗎? 兩者間的不和或不同意應 方法嗎? 兩者間的不和或不同意應 該用談話來解決，何必去傷了自己 該用談話來解決，何必去傷了自己 的身體，最後被抬下台呢？其中唱 的身體，最後被抬下台呢？其中唱 歌，宣傳等方法也更加有效。絕食 歌，宣傳等方法也更加有效。絕食 不僅傷害了自己的身體，又讓另一 不僅傷害了自己的身體，又讓另一 方很難看，那最後有誰得益呢？遊 方很難看，那最後有誰得益呢？遊 行完完全全可以是和平的，完全沒 行完完全全可以是和平的，完全沒 有必要傷害自己，讓別人難看，和 有必要傷害自己，讓別人難看，和 平的抗議才能解決問題。 平的抗議才能解決問題。 我國內和香港的教育都接受過，在 我國內和香港的教育都接受過，在 體驗過兩種教育之後，我認為國內 體驗過兩種教育之後，我認為國內 的教育是社會主義，而香港則是資 的教育是社會主義，而香港則是資 本主義。在兩邊的國民教育沒有任 本主義。在兩邊的國民教育沒有任 何不對，它只是在宣傳我們祖國的 何不對，它只是在宣傳我們祖國的 偉大，我們祖國的5000年曆史。教 偉大，我們祖國的5000年曆史。教 科書的確可以在老王買瓜自賣自誇 科書的確可以在老王買瓜自賣自誇 一點上改進，但完全沒有要鬧到撤 一點上改進，但完全沒有要鬧到撤 科的地步。反對國民教育的人也不 科的地步。反對國民教育的人也不 應當影響那些想上國民教育課的 應當影響那些想上國民教育課的 人，但應該說出他們認為可以在教 人，但應該說出他們認為可以在教 科書上改進之處。政府與遊行反對 科書上改進之處。政府與遊行反對 的人們也應該有更好的橋樑，在兩 的人們也應該有更好的橋樑，在兩 者見取一平衡，和平地解決問題。 者見取一平衡，和平地解決問題。

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EDITORIALS

混亂，分歧，鬥爭

2012立法會選舉 作者: 林耀庭 EATON LAM 不知您有沒有留意香港過去幾個月的時事新聞，如果有 的話，那多少有聽過有關往年關於立法會選舉的消息。 如果沒有，或沒留意，甚至不知道社麼是立法會也沒關 係，此文章便當您對認識立法會的入門解釋吧！這屆選 舉比往屆更加激烈，原因是各黨各派之間的分裂越加嚴 重，黨派互雙攻擊，批評，以往團結的『民主派』由於 各種恩怨而四分五裂，『建制派』則從中得利，大獲勝 利。面對著施法機關的分裂，立法會在未來四年應面對 更多困難和阻滯。 立法會是香港的主要司法機關，負責討論，表決和通過 或否決議案。立法會的前身早在英國統領時設立，正式 以『立法會』名名是在回歸後；並在1998年舉行首次選 舉。那市民怎樣投票呢？投票人士必須年滿18歲，並是 香港永久居民，而且要登記做選民。香港目前有大約三 百多萬登記選民。立法會以往總共有60席，一半是『地 區直選』， 另一半是『功能界別』。 『地區直選』的 35職是由全港的登記選民，分五區（新界西、新界東、 香港島、九龍西、九龍東）進行，每區有特定的上限（ 例：港島區可產生7個議職）。另外，『功能界別』是 代表指定行業的人士能在選舉中得到特別投票權（例： 一位醫生可在選舉中投票給醫學界的候選人）。這卻產 生了問題：這些人不就能投兩張票嗎？那可不是影響 了選舉的公正嗎？ 2012的選舉是由以往的60席加到70 席，有五席加在『地區直選』，另外五席加在『功能界 90

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別』，名叫『區議會』，這五席和其他功能界別不同， 它是由全港登記市民，但不包括已可在特定功能界別投 票的人選出，令投票理念上比較公平，但實質是作為壓 制反對功能界別的聲音。 那為什麼會有反對聲音呢？以便尋找答案，必須理解香 港的各種不同的意見。香港從政的人士大可分為『泛 民』和『建制』兩種；『建制』可說是較傾向支持港府 和支持北京為主的政黨聯盟，包括民建聯、工聯會、自 由黨等。『泛民』可說是比較上與政府（以致中國共產 黨）打對頭，而且比較著重香港的民主發展以及民生訴 求，視「人權」、「平等」、「公義」、「言論自由」 等為社會的重要價值政黨包括民主黨、民協、公民黨， 人民力量等。最近，『泛民』更分為兩派，分別是溫和 民主派和激進民主派。從名字推斷，激進民主派是以較 激進的手法爭取民主（泛民為何分裂可參考有關2010政 改方案的新聞），而溫和民主派就以以往理性，談判的 方式爭取民主。因為『功能組別』選出的候選人較多是 『建制派』的人士，而『功能組別』在議會裡佔了一半 職位，『建制派』就能取得一定優勢。在議會，重要的 議案需要超過三分二（即四十六位議員）的支持；在劣 勢的『泛民』需要保持二十四席才能行使否決權，而泛 民否決的議案通常是政府提取的不合理或有害對泛民所 爭取的意念。

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EDITORIALS

再說說2012年的選舉結果。該屆是最多候選人參加的一次，有287 位。『建制派』一如以往得到過半數議席，得到了四十三席，而民建 聯成為議會的第一大黨，狼闊十三席。 『泛民』成功保住三分一議 席，得到了二十七席，卻比往屆成績差；學者指是由於民主派的分化 而造成。以往被喻為泛民第一大黨的『民主黨』大敗，大失支持，而 『激進民主派』的支持似乎上升兩倍。在之前提過的『區議會（第 二）』（也可叫做超級區議會）內，分別由七位候選人從中選出五 人，有三位『泛民』三位『建制』一位獨立候選人，所以被視為是兩 大勢力之爭。結果，『泛民』取得3席，暗中表示在有投票的市民當 中，有較多的選民與『泛民』所提倡的意念一致。 最近幾年，您或者也留意過立法會所發生的跌事，如在會議時『丟 蕉』，大叫口號，甚至『政治拉布』。 『拉布』（filibuster)是一種 政治策略，是以某位議員不斷發言或提出對政策的修改而拖延該政策 的表決時間，令議會不能對此議案投票。『拉布』在2012年5月發生， 由人民力量的在任議員發起。發起原因主要是因為當時政府推出的某 一個議案有違該黨的政治理念，而條例在推出前沒有正式吸納市民意 見，所以『拉布』並是唯一的抗爭手法。 『拉布』最後得以成功，同 時沒有阻撓其他民生議題的通過。成功也好，不成功也好，『拉布』 應適可而止，不阻擾議會的正常運作。

該屆立法會選舉過程呈現了很大的變化， 以及透露了各種分歧。政府未來提取的議 案會否被通過？『拉布』會否還會發生？ 激進民主派的支持大增會有社麼後果？各 位只可猜測，結果還是未知之數。無論是 『泛民』或『建制』，最重要的是，被選 進立法會的人是真正有能力做事，和真正 關心大眾市民的利益和權利，政黨的糾紛 應，其次。當然，這是一個非常理想主義 的 想法，在現今的情況很難發生，我們只 能拭目以待。此外，筆者亦希望讀者閱後 對香港立法會運作以及此屆選舉的認識加 深一層，也鼓勵對此有興趣的人自己在發 掘發掘！

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abercrombi and fitch WORDS WORDS| |CRYSTAL CRYSTALLAU LAU Abercrombie Abercrombieand andFitch, Fitch,opened openedinin1892, 1892,is is

ananupscale upscaleclothing clothingstore storetargeted targetedtowards towardsyoung youngpeople peopleaged aged 1818toto22.

22.It Itwas wasfounded foundedbybyDavid DavidAbercrombie Abercrombieand andlater, later,Ezra Ezra Fitch, Fitch,ininNew NewYork YorkCity.

City.It Itwas wasoriginally originallya store a storeselling sellingsportsporting ingand andexcursion excursiongoods, goods,with withtheir theircustomers customersbeing beingprofesprofessional sionaloutdoorsmen. outdoorsmen.However, However,it itwent wentbankrupt bankruptinin1976, 1976,and and later laterwas wasrevived revivedbybyanother anothercompany companyinin1978.

1978.Ten Tenyears yearslater, later, Abercrombie Abercrombiewas wassold soldtotoThe TheLimited, Limited,changing changingthe theversion version ofofthe theoriginal originalsporting sportinggoods goodsstore storetoto"casual "casualluxury" luxury"clothes. clothes.

Abercrombie Abercrombieand andFitch Fitchproducts productshave havea a

wide widerange: range:tops, tops,hoodies, hoodies,sweaters, sweaters,blazers, blazers,jeans, jeans,sweatpants, sweatpants, shorts, shorts,skirts, skirts,dresses, dresses,footwear, footwear,accessories accessoriesand andfragrance. fragrance.A&F A&F clothes clothesarearethe themost mostexpensive expensiveout outofofallallthree threeofofitsitsoffshoot offshoot brands: brands:abercrombie abercrombiekids, kids,Hollister Hollisterand andGilly GillyHicks.

Hicks.A&F A&Fhas has had hadprotests protestsand andcriticism criticismforfornot notlowering loweringtheir theirprices pricesduring during recession recessionand andbad badeconomy. economy.Michael MichaelJeffries, Jeffries,the thechairman chairman and andCEO CEOofofA&F, A&F,stated statedthat thatthe thereason reasonbehind behindthis thiswas wasthat that if ifthey theylowered loweredtheir theirprices, prices,their theirnearnear-luxury luxuryimage imagewould would beberuined ruinedand anddegraded. degraded.However, However,the thequality qualityofofthe theclothclothing ingsomewhat somewhatjustifies justifiesitsitshigh highpricing. pricing.Although AlthoughA&F’s A&F’sprices prices arearethe thehighest highestininthe theyouth youthclothing clothingindustry, industry,the thequality qualityofof their theirclothing clothingdoes doesindeed indeedlive liveupuptotothe thepublic’s public’sexpectations. expectations.

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Although Although A&F's A&F's pricpricesesare arethe thehighest highestininthe the youth youthclothing clothingindustry, industry, the thequality qualityofoftheir theirclothclothing ingdoes doesindeed indeedlive liveup uptoto the thepublic's public'sexpectations. expectations.

”

A&F A&Fis isinternationally internationallyknown, known,with withstores storesininUS, US, Canada, Canada,UK, UK,Italy, Italy,Hong HongKong, Kong,etc. etc.Their Theirstores storesareareknown known forfora acouple coupleofofkey keythings. things.The Theexterior exteriorofofthe thestore storehas haswhite white molding moldingand andblack blacklouvers, louvers,while whilethe theinside insideofofthe thestore storeis isvery very dim, dim,which whichhighlight highlightthe theproducts productsononshelves shelvesand andtables. tables.MuMusicsicis isplayed playedininthe thestores storesatata avery veryhigh highlevel, level,it itis issaid saidthat that some somestores storeshave havemusic musicplaying playingatat9090decibels, decibels,which whichhave haveofof course courseresulted resultedininpeople peoplecomplaining complainingabout aboutthe themusic. music.A&F A&F employs employsa alotlotofofmodels modelsforfortheir theircustomers customerstototake takePolaroids Polaroids with; with;this thisis ishuge hugepublicity publicitystunt, stunt,which whichhas hasgarnered garneredpositive positive results. results.The Thecologne, cologne,Fierce, Fierce,is issprayed sprayedonto ontothe theclothes clothesatatin-intervals tervalsofof4040minutes minutessosothat thatthe thesmell smellremains remainsininthe thestore. store.

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h fi ca th yo ar h d to th

E sp H o H es al is st ex as 1 o te

”

S, n e y t f F s e e.

The The Hong Hong Kong Kong store, store,located locatedononthe the historic historicPedder PedderStreet, Street,has hasthree threestories. stories.The Themen’s men’sis isononthe the first firstfloor, floor,the thewomen’s women’sis isononthe thesecond secondand andthe thecheckout checkout cashiers cashiersareareononthe thethird thirdfloor. floor.AsAsyou youwalk walkinto intothe thestore, store, there therearearetwo twomodels modelsononeach eachside sideofofthe theentrance entrancetotogreet greet you. you.It Itis isvery, very,very verybusy busyinside, inside,with witha alotlotofofpeople peoplerushing rushing around aroundand andpicking pickingclothes. clothes.The Thestaff staffarearealways alwaystrailing trailingbebehind hindyou, you,fixing fixingand andfolding foldingthe theclothes clothesthat thatarearesure suretotobebe destroyed destroyedthe thesecond secondafter afterthey theyfinish finishfolding foldingthem. them.The Thelines lines tototrytryononclothes clothesarearesuper superlong, long,but butthis thisonly onlyshows showsthe theenenthusiasm thusiasmthat thatHong HongKong Kongpeople peoplehave haveforforA&F A&Fclothes. clothes.

Hollister Hollisteris ischeaper cheaperthan thanA&F, A&F,bybyatatleast least20%.

20%.

Even Eventhough thoughA&F A&Fhas hasrecently recentlyopened, opened,and andthe thestore storehas has sparked sparkeda alotlotofofinterest, interest,people peoplearearestill stillmore moreinterested interestedinin Hollister.

Hollister.There Therearearea acouple coupleofofgood goodreasons reasonsasastotowhy. why.For For one, one,Hollister Hollisteris ischeaper; cheaper;it itis ismore moreaffordable. affordable.This Thisis isbecause because Hollister Hollisteris istargeted targetedtowards towardsteenagers; teenagers;therefore thereforethe thepricpricesesarearesetsetsosothat thatteenagers teenagerscan canbuy buythe theproducts productsusing usingtheir their allowance. allowance.Hollister Hollisterand andA&F A&Farearevery verysimilar, similar,asasHollister Hollister is isananoffshoot offshootbranch branchfrom fromA&F, A&F,but butHollister Hollisteris ismore moresurf surf style stylewhile whileA&F A&Ftends tendstotogogowith withthe themore moresophisticated sophisticatedand and expensive expensivelook. look.Hollister’s Hollister’sclothes clotheshave havegood goodquality, quality,but butnot not asasgood goodasasA&F. A&F.For Forexample, example,A&F A&Ft-shirts t-shirtsarearemade madewith with 100% 100%cotton, cotton,while whileHollister’s Hollister’st-shirts t-shirtsarearemade madewith witha arange range ofof100% 100%toto60% 60%cotton cottonand and40% 40%polyester. polyester.A&F A&Fand andHollisHollisterhoodies terhoodiesareareboth bothmade madewith with60% 60%cotton cottonand and40% 40%polyester. polyester.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE WONG PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE WONG

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EDITORIALS

One Oneofofthethemain mainbad badsides sidesofofA&F A&Fis isthat thatthey they areareover-priced. over-priced.It Itis istrue truethat thatthe theclothes clothesarearemade madeofofgreat great quality, quality,but butsome someofoftheir theircustomers customersbuy buytheir theirclothes clothesbecause because ofofitsitsmainstream mainstreampopularity. popularity.A&F A&Fand andHollister Hollisterclothes clothesuse use their theirproducts productsasasa away wayofofadvertising advertisingthe thestore. store.It Itis iseasy easytoto spot spotlarge largeseagulls seagullsand andbig, big,capital capitalwords wordslike like‘ABERCROM‘ABERCROMBIE BIE&&FITCH FITCH1892” 1892”ononHong HongKong Kongpeople’s people’sshirts. shirts.Some Some people peoplehave haveexpressed expressedtheir theirdistaste distasteofofAbercrombie Abercrombieand and Fitch, Fitch,listing listingreasons reasonsthat thatthey theydodonot notwear wearA&F A&Fclothing clothing because becausethey theydodonot notwant wanttotobebea awalking walkingadvertisement. advertisement.

Ever Eversince sinceForever Forever2121opened openedupupininHong Hong Kong KongininJanuary, January,competition competitionerupted eruptedbetween betweenH&M H&Mand and the theKorean-owned Korean-ownedAmerican Americanstore. store.One Oneofofthe thegood goodthings things about aboutForever Forever2121is isthat thatitsitsstylishness stylishnessand andaffordability. affordability.It It does doesdepend dependononwhat whatyou youget, get,but butoverall, overall,the theprices pricesareare more morereasonable reasonablethan thanAbercrombie Abercrombie&&Fitch Fitchclothes. clothes.Hong Hong Kong’s Kong’sreaction reactiontotoForever Forever2121was wassimilar similartotoA&F’s; A&F’s;the the queues queuesforforchanging changingrooms roomsand andcashiers cashierswere weremiles mileslong. long.

Hong HongKong Konghas hastruly trulyexpanded expandedininthe thefashion fashionindustry industryinin recent recentyears. years.With Withtwo twoHollister Hollisterstores, stores,Forever Forever21, 21,twelve twelve H&M’s H&M’sand anda anew newAbercrombie Abercrombie&&Fitch Fitchstore, store,Hong HongKong Kong people’s people’sclosets closetsshould shouldbebeasasfull fullasastheir theirwallets walletsareareempty. empty.

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iPhone 5的誕生 : 富士 words / brandon lin 二零一二年的九月，美國舊金山Yerba Buena藝 術中心都擠滿了科技界的朋友們。而在場的電腦開發 人員手裡，大多數都捧著一部外殼有”發亮蘋果”的 手提電腦。這些人一起聚在Yerba Buena藝術中心就是 要經驗科技跨出一大步，感受手機市場的新開發。這 就是美國蘋果公司九月十二日在美國三藩市新推出的 手機產品，Iphone 5。在現代的社會中，人們僅僅看 著推銷產品的一面，卻忽略了產品背後的出處和生產 商。你有沒有想過，原來生產Iphone 5的工人是在多 麼殘酷的工作環境之下工作? 我就帶著你一起挖掘生 產蘋果電話製作商富士康的真面目吧！ 富士康科技集團是一個專門從事電器類型產品的 研發製作商，研發的產品包括了計算機、通訊、消費 電子等3C產品等等。富士康創辦於1974在台灣，1988 投資的焦點轉向中國大陸。公司的發展迅速，現今他 們在中國已經設置了超過三十個工廠，分別在國內的 各個角落，是全球最多頂尖客戶群和最大的電子產業

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layout / chloe mok 科技製造服務商。可是，從2010年開始，深圳富士康員 工連續墜樓等不幸的事件逐漸增加，引起了全世界的矚 目。此外，令世人遲疑是不是惡劣的工作環境或延長的 工作時段等問題導致工人無法控制自己的情緒。 世人可能不知道在趕工製作全新一代的iPhone時， 富士康園內發生的暴力及殘忍的事件，令富士康被很多 媒體稱為「血汗工廠」。為了趕在九月iPhone 5上市之

在現代的社會中，人們僅僅看 著推銷產品的一面，卻忽略了 產品背後的出處和生產商。你 有沒有想過，原來生產Iphone 5 的工人是在多麼殘酷的工作環 境之下工作?

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富士康工廠的真面目 前製作足夠的手機，富士康要求員工加班，還採用了一套 更嚴格的產品質量檢驗制度。其次，廠長要求每一位員工 需一晚完成高達3000個iPhone 5配件，這些包括了後蓋、 按鈕等等，限制工人不可以回家，而必須留在富士康的宿 舍過夜。這樣，第二天才可以繼續趕工，不必浪費搭交通 工具的時間。富士康集團以嚴格的方法管制員工，完全沒 有為工人們的身心健康著想。以這種自私的形態管理工 廠，富士康將面臨工人強烈的反應。 到了九月底，富士康各個工廠的員工也自然受不了這 般辛苦的工作。九月二十三日的傍晚，富士康的太原廠爆 發了流騷亂，山西太原工業園區內也發生了打砸搶。在太 原超過2000個員工罷工，並且開始焚燒車輛和騷亂，有40 人受傷，但無人死亡。而西太原工業園區卻最少有10人死 亡。這些事件爆發的原因都是因為富士康的工廠沒有同情 心，並且不知道如何以正確的態度對待員工。富士康不但 工作條件惡劣，設備也不安全，更超過了法定限額的加 班。為了幫蘋果公司代工，富士康失去了人性，連員工都 不當人對待了。

為了幫蘋果公司代工，富士 康失去了人性，連員工都不 當人對待了。 有時候，我們必須放下手邊的電腦、手機等高科技 的產品想一想，這一部機器是誰幫我辛苦打造出來的？ 他們的生活環境是怎樣呢？富士康一直都在全球媒體聚 光燈下，可是他們都沒有動靜，也沒有改變的打算。我 們應該為了幫客戶趕工而犧牲人的自由嗎？不是人人都 可有資格過輕鬆而自在的生活，所以世人必須要學會如 何珍惜活著的每一分每一秒。

從富士康的一舉一動，我認為大家都應該已經了解到 做為富士康工廠 的員工有多麼辛苦及殘酷。可是蘋果公 司的行動不在此止，除了工廠的不佳行為，在2012年的年 底，蘋果還控訴韓國三星電子侵權。並且提出三星的工 廠“沒有我們酷”。蘋果公司沒有徹底地了解富士康的現 況就批評其他公司。其實，在蘋果公司華麗的產品背後， 其實隱藏了很多我們看不到的手續。

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Death to Pennies

Is there a word for something that is worth so little that its value is actually less than nothing? Because if there was, that would be the word I would use to describe the penny (or one cent coin, if you prefer).

The US penny was introduced when the first US Mint was founded in 1792. It produced dollars (100 cent coins), quarters (25 cent coins), dimes (10 cent coins), nickels (5 cent coins), pennies (1 cent coins), and half-pennies (0.5 cent coins). (“Half penny?” I hear you say. “I haven’t heard of a half penny before.” That’s because in 1857,x this half-cent coin was discontinued because it was worth too little.) At first, the penny was 100% copper, but because of inflation and the increase of the value of copper, the buying power of the penny went down and it became only 2.5% copper and 97.5% zinc. In 1909, Abraham Lincoln’s face was printed on the face of the penny in honour of the 100th anniversary of his birth. In the past years, as the value of copper rises higher and higher, the value of the penny gets lower and lower.

Pennies have now become much too expensive to produce. In February 2011, it cost the US Mint 2.4 cents to produce a 1-cent coin, more than double of what it should cost. We could solve this by making pennies out of a cheaper material (like steel), but it still wouldn’t work because due to inflation, every year the value of a penny decreases even more. In economics, there's an idea called opportunity cost, which basically means whenever you're doing something, you could be doing something else that pays money.

Studies have shown that Americans spend as much as a billion US dollars (about 7.7 billion HK dollars) fiddling with pennies every single year. This means that in 2011, the US threw away 60 million US dollars (about 465 million HK dollars) to have the opportunity to lose another billion dollars on coins that don’t even work as money!

Written by Katherine Yang

The basic idea of money is that when other people have goods or services that we want to buy, instead of trading objects and approximating the worth of those objects like people did in the Stone Age, we have bills or coins that have a set value and that we can use to buy the things we want. To make sure we don’t pay too much or too little, the money is split up into smaller pieces so that the price will be exactly right. Unfortunately, the money eventually gets divided into something worth too little to even bother with (i.e. the penny). Back in the 20th century, pennies were worth what a nickel is worth today, and they were actually rather useful and could buy a surprising amount of things. Sadly, that’s not the case today. All of the places that coins are now usually used in (like vending machines, parking meters, laundry machines, toll booths, or payphones) accept every other coin except for the penny because it’s just too much trouble to count, store, and transport them. The only machine that pennies are useful for are Coinstar machines, which eat your pennies and give you back only 90% of the money that was already yours in the first place. More often than not, pennies end up sitting in a heavy jar at home after a short life of failing at the only thing that it was made to do.

You can use your pennies to pay people at cashiers and registers instead of using them to pay machines, but almost no one ever does. If you've ever bought anything in America, then you know how infuriating it is to have your money ready as you wait in line at the counter, only to find that the sales tax isn't calculated into the price and the total is different from what the price says, so there isn’t any point in getting your money ready beforehand anyway (unless you can multiply by 8.875% in your head). You don't want to be like that old lady who spends forever counting

out pennies while everyone else waits behind her, and so you just ignore the change and round the money up.

Pennies are just too inefficient to use when buying anything.

There are so many reasons against the penny—in fact, two bills were introduced in the past to get rid of the penny but unfortunately neither was approved—however nothing much has been done about this issue. One reason is because we’re a sentimental bunch of people. The penny was redesigned with Abraham Lincoln’s face on this famous president’s 100th birthday, and changed again with a new Abraham Lincoln design on his 150th birthday. Some Americans want to keep the penny simply because they like Abraham Lincoln, and they’re patriotic and they want to honour this president.

Other reasons are more practical. Some people are hesitant about this idea and they wonder whether or not businesses will raise their prices and whether or not charities will lose money if the penny disappears. The answer is no. Hong Kong has gotten rid of its penny (thank goodness), and so have places like Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Finland, and the Netherlands; and all of these places have gotten rid of this annoying coin without any noticeable change in their economy. All they had to do was round prices to the nearest 5 cents, which sometimes even worked out to the customer’s advantage.

If the United States got rid of this expensive, useless, inefficient coin, they could save billions of dollars every year and use that money for more worthwhile causes instead that could improve their economy further and generally just make the world a better place to live in.

Then again, that’s just my two cents.

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junior athlete needs. As a “mentor athlete”, Year 12 and 13 students will typically be experienced athletes who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in a particular sport for a long duration. Mentor athletes also show willingness and eagerness to help the younger athletes improve through guidance and advice. The mentorship program includes a lot of interaction between the ‘big sib’ and ‘little sib’, so aspiring athletes in lower years can rest assured that after the program ends, they will have gained an improvement of individual and (for team sports) collective skills, a thorough understanding of the sport and everything to expect playing on that particular CIS Sports Team.

The “mentor” will be able to offer experienced skills training: teaching his/her skills to the junior athlete, helping the junior athlete learn more about the sport, and giving the junior athlete tips on how to improve his/her skills through weekly/bi-weekly training sessions (scheduled by the pair based on their availability times). The ‘big sib’ will also always be available, whether in person or through Email/Facebook, to answer any quesWhile CIS has, since its establishment, been renowned for its tions the ‘little sib’ might have about participation in academic excellence and outstanding university matriculations, the sport, provide support and encouragement, and the variety of sports programs offered as co-curricular activianswer any lingering doubts the ‘little sib’ might have. ties (CCAs) has also been a significant part of student life at this school. Being part of a sports team helps foster teamwork, The mentorship program present a wonderful CAS opleadership, and unity among others - skills that are very much portunity for senior athletes because it allows them to relevant in today’s society. However, perhaps most importantly, expand their athletic experience at CIS through seeing being part of a CIS Sports Team builds a sense of drive and comsports at a different perspective, and will be able to give petitiveness that goes along with the team (and school) pride, back to the CIS community through increasing parthe competitiveness which motivates one to strive for athletic ticipation in sports. For the younger athletes, the sports excellence. For those who observe from the outside - athletic mentorship program is a fantastic way to further your incompetitiveness might seem somewhat perplexing at first. “Isn’t terest in a sport. For the inexperienced athletes who feelthe main point of coming to CIS to get good grades?” you might ing uncertain, the program will help you gain the neceswonder. Perhaps even more mystifying to you would be why stusary insight and skills of the sport in order to excel. And dent athletes sacrifice so much time and effort to dedicate themeven for someone who just wants to try out a new sport, selves to a sports team. What is the motivation behind all this? having an experienced mentor will give you all the necessary tips and advice, everything you’ll need to know Truth is, while we all go to the same school and live largely about what to expect from playing that particular sport. similar lives as international school students in Hong Kong, everyone has different interests - and a certain amount of Ultimately, the Sports Mentorship program is aimed tostudents are interested in being “student-athletes”. Howwards the two fundamental goals of improving the sports ever, since the introduction of the Phoenix as CIS’ mascot, programs at CIS and providing guidance towards the along with various other initiations designed to develop the personal development of young aspiring athletes. This sports programs at this school, school sports are not only atprogram is not designed for athletes, it’s designed to tracting a lot more interest amongst students, but has also dihelp anyone who, even slightly, wants to give CIS Sports rectly led to an escalation in standards for the sports teams. a try. Joining a sports team lets you take the occasional To increase the prominence of CIS Sports around school, the break from your school work, and while maintaining a initiation of a sports mentorship program is in place this year. healthy lifestyle lets you relax a bit. Joining a CIS sports team is so beneficial as it connects people of diverse backNamed “Big Sib Little Sib”, the program allows any aspiring grounds whilst discovering another side of yourself. And athlete in Years 7-9, regardless of ability, to sign up to be paired if you’re still not sure about it now - the “Big Sib, Little with a Year 12-13 “mentor athlete” for a certain duration of Sib” Sports Mentorship program will help you find out. time (which can last anywhere between a few weeks and a few months), which is determined by the amount of help which the

author: Michael Cheng/ layout: louise wihlborn

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Throughout CIS’ nearly 30 year history, Academics has been the core focus that the school advocates. But as the school has slowly developed into a top-tier school not just locally in HK, but internationally; it has developed in a multitude of aspects, particular with regards to athletics and sports teams. Xiaohua Reporters Cameron Zeluck and Ethelia Lung (Y12) investigated the development of sports over these past 29 years.

The very first sports teams in CIS, founded in the school year 1990-1991, were basketball and swimming; these teams are still around even at present. Subsequently, the following introduced sports were the relatively popular competitive ones at the time: athletics, football, tennis, and swimming. Possibly the most interesting part of seeing the school’s sports teams on a timeline is the addition of the more interesting sports, which began trickling in during the 1992-1993 school year as so-called clubs – the scuba diving and rowing club. Later, club sports became official school teams, as the softball, hockey, Frisbee competed locally. An interesting mention is that CIS even hosted a one-year alumni-staff dragon boat team that raced at Stanley in 2006. Sports such as gymnastics, for one, initiated early on but stayed only with the primary school, whereas a couple of others died out but were reinstated later on, such as the 2008-2009 school year water polo team which was very recently revived in the 2011-20212 school year.

The first major breakthroughs in the achievements of any CIS sports team was the boys’ and girls’ swimming squads of ’94-’95 making it into Division II of HKSSF after being crowned Division III champions, and the girls’ basketball team being promoted to Division I following their crowning of Division II champions. The promotions and awards did not end there, as the following year the girls’ swimming and basketball teams were once again champions in both Hong Kong- and international school-wide competitions, and the boys’ basketball team gained a promotion to Division II. In the school year 1996-1997, CIS sports garnered recognition through the HKSSF “Omega Rose Award” for the most improved co-educational school, thanks to division champions in athletics, netball, girls’ cross country and boys’ and girls’ basketball teams.

Following these strong performances, CIS has hosted some successful teams including the rugby, squash, hockey and volleyball, performing well on a consistent basis. Although the hockey team has been discontinued, both the girls and boys rugby teams have been doing extremely well and the squash and volleyball teams are ever-growing. There are certain teams that are currently not competitive yet, such as the lacrosse and canoe polo teams; however their potential will lead them far in all the possible competitions held in Hong Kong. The recent competitive teams such as the equestrian, archery, fencing and golf teams, they have all attained great results and are surely on the path to success!

The boys’ and girls’ rugby teams achieved immense success throughout the years; the boys’ B-Grade team “The Demons” retained their title of champion for several consecutive years and the girls’ team “The Devils” remaining undefeated from between 1995 and 1998.

The same year inter-house cross country was introduced to Year 7-9 students in 2001, the CIS cross country team took home its champion title in the Hong Kong 25km Green Power race for the second year in a row. There seemed to be no stopping the sports teams’ impressive streak throughout all the school years, and in the school year 2006-2007, CIS moved up to 5th place in HKSSF’s league tables, a truly impressive feat. Every year, records are broken by our students, not only for themselves but also region-wise. Just recently, the Boys Basketball Team and the Girls Swimming Team rose in division, from D2 to D1 and from D3 to D2 respectively.

There are many upcoming athletes in the community who have great potential – watch out for and support them these coming years!

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We interviewed CIS alumni Rachel Lee, a student in the graduating class of 2012, who recalls the development of sports teams and activities at CIS during her time at school.

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1. How long were you at CIS for?

I joined CIS at the end of Year 6, in April, so I was there for 7 years and a few months.

2. What sports team were you a member of ?

I was a member of the swim team and the athletics team for 7 years, and the cross country team for 4 years.

3. How did you see sports in general develop in CIS over the years?

The focus on sports definitely strengthened during my time at CIS. More teams, such as the volleyball teams and canoe polo teams, were created. Knowledge about how the different teams were doing also increased, through announcements on Moongate and on the TV screens around school.

During my last year at CIS, I also saw school spirit begin to develop, with more people starting to support their peers at competitions.

4. How did you see your particular sports teams develop over the years?

In my opinion, the sports teams I was in became more professional; they hired sport-specific coaches and required members to attend more trainings. However, as the teams I participated in were more individual-based rather than team-based, I don’t think there was as big a development in my teams as in other teams.

5. Now in university, having had the chance to meet people from all over, how would you compare your CIS sporting experience to that of theirs?

I think that the CIS sporting atmosphere has been improving but still has a lot of room to grow. Coming to university, I’ve been surprised by the overwhelming school spirit, and I feel a much greater sense of pride and belonging to my school because of it. I’ve had great experiences watching football games with the majority of the undergraduate student population and cheering my friends on at other sporting events. I also find that a lot more emphasis is placed on excelling at sports here, and sports are played at a much more competitive level; teams regularly train for more than 20 hours a week. Although I know that such a large number of trainings is unrealistic at CIS, I hope that the awareness about sports will continue to grow and that more people will support their friends at competitions.

CIS life is a balance of work and play; and that is indicative in its athletic program. While there’s a stark contrast between the CIS sporting experience 20 years ago and that of the one now. A wider range of sports have been introduced, as well as a storied history unfolding after every competition. The presence of sports has already shown positive effects with students receiving an exposure to a healthier and a better balanced school life to accompany CIS’ already enrooted academic success. We are definitely proud to have been able to witness the athletic program improve and grow both in popularity and excellence. CIS athletes have shown the passion they have for their respective sports, catalyzing the ignition of the Phoenix flame, a rare and unique characteristic of school pride and identity that will be inextinguishable.

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SPORTS AND CIS: AN INTRICATE BALANCE Writer: Nicholas Tse Photo: Jessica Eu

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around CIS. We all may be very mindful of our grades and such, but no matter what happens, physical exercise is always there.

Besides the students involved in everyday sports activities, we often, as part of the student body, forget the presence of the Sport has always been a part of CIS. teachers. They too engage in sport and From our wonderful PE curriculum activity, despite the frequent misconcepto the most unique of activities, sport tions that they’re people who grade the is always ever present. From seeing work that the students do. Every now and the Reception kids running around then, walk by the fitness room and you’ll the playground playing Basketball or see that a few teachers are in there. And watching teachers play football after don’t forget the many teachers who are in school, the fact is that CIS doesn’t charge of the sports teams! These teachers revolve around sport; sport revolves are the teachers who guide us through our lessons every day. And yet they’re involved in sport. What for though? We will find out more through the interviews!

MS. SAFAYa

E

Tse

SPORTS “How important do you think that sport is in relation to your life as a teacher?

Ample research has shown that physical activity is a stress-reliever, and working as a teacher at CIS is most certainly stressful. I’m very privileged to be able to coach tennis as part of my responsibilities as a CIS staff member, and though it’s not training for me, I still get to be involved in the sports development of my students and team, which brings great balance in my understanding of my students (outside the classroom).

What sports do you do?

Tennis, badminton, basketball, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking/dragon boating, boxing, yoga.

What’s the joy you find in playing tennis and other sports?

The joy is knowing that every result is a series of actions and reactions, all of which depend on me. Some team sports have the element of symbiosis from team mates, however, there is still such an individualistic side to the game. Playing sports is quite a spiritual experience, because if one is doing it whole-heartedly, then the mind, the spirit and the body are connected to realize such energy, and there is no way one can feel negatively about their actions. Sure, we all have ‘bad days’ when we playing poorly or below standard, but if I remind myself why I am out there on the court, sweating, hurting from my injuries, tired, frustrated, etc., (for the love of the physical/mental challenge), then I will always walk away positive about my experience. And it’s hard to explain, but there is such a sublime feeling after you’ve hit the shots you’ve planned in your head, precisely the way you want, and winning the point in your fashion, that you believe that anything is possible. I’ve had times before in matches, where I was facing impossible odds, and yet, I found a way to come out the victor, and I learned a lot of truth about myself in the process. In a way, that is the best kind of ‘experiential learning’ one could ever do.

What do sports bring to you as a person?

Sports has been a great tool and gauge for my maturity development. I am competitive by nature, always trying to push to do better, and a great paradigm shift occurred that changed the way I approached my development. As a primary and high-school student, I always wanted to ‘beat’ everyone else, and be the best girl, the first one up, etc., but once I achieved those things, I realized that there is a finish line if you set your goals to be about others. However, it is even better if one can set their goals internally, and focus on development and the process, rather than the end result. And with this approach, I can keep challenging myself till the day I die. If sports was taken away from me, I literally would go stir-crazy! My biggest fear is that I’ll become a paraplegic and won’t be able to engage in sports the way my heart wants to.”

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#2

MR. tSANG “How important do you think that sport is in relation to your life as a teacher?

I think sport is a very important part of CIS life. During the Sports Awards assemblies, when students are asked to stand up if they’ve been involved in sport, at least 85% of the student body stands up! Some students are extremely passionate about sport, with football, rugby and basketball being among the more popular sports for the boys, and netball and rugby for the girls.

You only need to check out the jam-packed sports field and Secondary gym at lunchtimes to see how sports mad we are. And whenever there’s been a big game on the night before, I never tire of the buzz, chatter and complimentary comments I hear about the Mighty Reds the following day... For others, for whom sport is not such an obsession, I think they just

enjoy a change of scenery and getting out of the classroom.

How often do you do sport?

I would list football and tennis as the two sports I play most often. I play footy about once a week, either with other staff members and some students on Wednesday afternoons or at the weekend with CIS alumni. Tennis is about once a month. I also enjoy Ultimate and badminton.

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When did you start sporting?

I started playing football and tennis in Year 7 when I joined a new secondary school - Birkdale High School. The school had half a dozen tennis courts and a massive school field (at least eight times the size of CIS’ school field), so it was easy to just go out and play. I didn’t start playing badminton until Year 12 when I went to King George V Sixth Form College. And Ultimate was around Year 30 when Mr P joined CIS! Any interesting inspirations when you were younger? (e.g. becoming captain of Liverpool).

Sporting-wise, no. Besides, as I was growing up, Liverpool were the dominant team in England and Europe, so they didn’t need me!”

Do com Iw spo spo

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“How important do you think that sport is in relation to the CIS community and the students?

I believe involvement in sports and activities is one of the most important parts of adolescence. Being part of a team, whether it is cross country, basketball or debate, is so vital in development of a student. It teaches team work, leadership, and social skills that are not always necessary in the classroom environment.

Sport at CIS has grown a lot from my first year at the school. The creation of the Phoenix branding and things like the Spirit Squad have made the sporting profile of the school more visible and there are a number of initiatives, like House-led assemblies for the entire school, that are being put in place to celebrate the extra-curricular in a more timely and meaningful fashion.

Every culture, whether it is the ancient Greeks with “anima sena in corpore sano” or the Maori with their concept of Hauora, has a version of a healthy mind and a healthy body being both complimentary and essential, so it is hard to argue that some sort of activity outside of the classroom, whether it is being part of the MUN team or playing tennis, is not important.

With organizing Project Week, how important do you think it is to get exposure to different types of sports?

Project Week has no explicit links to sport. CIS offers an excellent range of sports and would probably compare pretty well with most schools, especially in the areas we typically travel to for Project Week. The sports in which CIS competes are pretty diverse. The school has teams in everything from fencing to canoe polo. The only real boundaries we have when it comes to what sports we can offer is the number of facilities we have compared to the number of teams we have and whether we can find a coach for that sport.

Do you particularly like sports that come from your country and culture?

I will quite happily watch any sort of sporting competition, whether it is a sport traditionally followed in New

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Zealand or not. When we finally got satellite TV in my home town my friends and I started following everything on ESPN. We would make an entire day out of certain events like the NRL Grand Final, the Bathurst V8 race, and my personal favourite, the Scripps Spelling Bee. Having said that, we would much rather be playing the sports rather than watching them.

MR. watts

#3

What sports do you do?

Since I have lived in Hong Kong my participation in organised sports has dipped a bit.

I played rugby for Valley for the first couple of years but some head injuries have made it a bit risky to continue with that sort of contact sport. Going away for holidays all the time also makes it a bit difficult to commit to a serious team (not a bad problem to have).

These days I play football (I’m terrible), run, rock climb and go to the gym. I would like to do more surfing but it is a bit of a mission.”

Through sport, the CIS community has become increasingly active as the years have gone by. Teachers and students, and even parents have all gotten involved in the types of sport that they are interested in, and they all have created a generally happier environment.

This is morale boosting. Everyone feels good when they go to school every morning, and for those who don’t fancy the studying, there is always something to look forward to during the break and lunch times when they get with their friends to play sport. And even after a cross country race, students are amazed at their own abilities to excel in fields that they never knew they were good at. Sport in CIS is important. Extremely important. With a digital world around us, many people in this world have forgotten about the existence of sport, and prefer to stay at home gaming, or watching TV, or listening to music. However, we are one of those bright shining lights in Hong Kong, and the world that emphasize the need for continuous physical activity during daily school lives. With sport being with us all, teachers, students and parents have been able to successfully harmonize and find an equilibrium between their intensive lives and the intricate balance of health, which will propel CIS students to greater heights in the future.

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SPORTS Hearing from our Fencing Team Captain Natasha Chak from 12FZ, who was more than enthusiastic to share her experiences on the sport.

1

“Through fencing you learn perseverance determination, motivation and concentration. It [fencing] was difficult at first and is still difficult because the skill needed must be very precise you need to be aware of what’s going on due to the fast-paced action”.

Fencing is not only a sport; it is also art and finesse. Fencing at CIS has grown in popularity and has resulted in a larger

2

Novices are first taught the engarde position, the starting position of any move; then the advance and the retreat, and the quintessential lunge. Fencing bladework is highly intricate and complex: Fencers practise parries, disengages and thrusts. At the end of each session, there is a practice bout. One of the first things that hit me when I first came to a fencing practice session at CIS was that everything was made fun and enjoyable. The training was physically challenging without being too taxing, whilst also allowing novices to acquire fencing skills, and for veterans to hone their abilities.

3

Fencing is not only a sport; it is also art and finesse. Fencing at CIS has grown in popularity and has resulted in a larger amount of students trying out for the sport, allowing more to be exposed to the quickness and intensity of the game.

4

All members of the team put such efforts into improving and it has been great to celebrate one another’s successes – and there are still many chances to come.

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When most people think about fencing usually a movie scene from Zorro or a light saber battle is conjured into their minds.

Writer: Boris But

F P Feature: Phoenix Fencing

When most people think about fencing, a movie scene from Zorro or a light saber battle is usually conjured into their minds.

What many people don’t realize is that fencing has a history dating back to Medieval times, perhaps even further back. In 1896, Pierre de Coubertin brought back the Olympics, and fencing was one of the first events. Fencing is in essence, a combat sport, not to mention a gentleman’s sport - each fencer is entitled to follow fencing etiquette, rules have been there since antiquity. Swordplay was all the craze in the 16th Century when most fighting was done through hand-to-hand combat; but with the advent of the musket, swords were put aside for their longer-range counterparts. Swords were then only used as a dueling weapon, something to settle arguments with. The clumsy broad-handed swords made way for the elegant fleur (in English, the foil). Hence, swordsmanship began to concentrate less on a battle environment, but more on a dueling situation. As historians contend that most duels took place in narrow corridors in castles, modern fencing now takes place on a 14 x 2 meter metal strip called the piste.

I started fencing as I wasn’t good at any other sport. I was uncoordinated: horrendous at football, and could barely pick a pass in basketball. I thought that poking people with swords might be interesting; if you’re not good at sports, why not at least make it entertaining? To me, fencing has been seven pain-wrecking, bone-wrenching years; but it had been worth it - I immersed myself into the sport, training almost thirty hours a week - I had poured my heart and soul into it, and was thrilled when I took home the gold at an Interschools competition.

Three years ago, nobody in CIS knew that fencing was a sport. Today, CIS fencing consists of around 25 fencers who participate in interschool and age-group competitions. CIS fencing has been vastly improving with each year with more and more bright athletes joining the fencing team. Fencing consists of just two things: footwork and bladework. Footwork is the groundwork of fencing - everything starts off with mobility. If you can’t move, you can’t play.

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pitch that has worked towards boosting their playing chemistry as a unit. Sofia Chon of the U14 squad told us about the fun of being a part of the team:

Girls Football Team

Feature: Phoenix Football

It has since been an integral and quite unique part of the CIS sporting community as they embodied the characteristics of a passionate, dedicated sports squad.

Writer - Konrad Lee and Nicholas Sung

When the Girls Football Team was established at CIS under Mr. May’s leadership, the mission of the team was to promote the sport of football to the girls as they were encouraged to join to improve their soccer skills and knowledge of the game in a supportive, interactive and well-spirited environment. Comprising of an astounding 28 players and open to a wide age range of Year 5 to 13, the Girls Football Team has since been an integral and quite unique part of the CIS sporting community as they embodied the characteristics of a passionate, dedicated sports squad.

Mr. May told us that the girls consistently displayed 100% commitment to attending trainings and give their full efforts and participation during the training sessions. This on itself is already a top quality that a successful sports team should possess. Ingrid Tsang, a member of the U14 team, told us how a regular training session is carried out: “We start with some warm ups and then go into some drills to improve our passing, shooting, dribbling, or heading. Sometimes, especially before games, we run through patterns of play to help us know what to do when we get the ball in a game and what to do as a team. Lastly, we play a game to reinforce what we have learnt.”

Team Coach Mr. May stressed upon the importance of knowing the plays, concentrating on awareness, positioning and patterns of movement; making sure that the girls knew all the plays inside out. Often the general perception is that football is designed exclusively for boys, but the CIS girls are always highly promising as they demonstrate their athletic abilities and football intelligence that has been taught to them on the pitch - which are the signs of the beautiful art of football.

“I enjoy playing the sport and being in the team itself as our team has so many inside jokes and we like to have as much fun as possible when we play.”

Such a simple and direct statement evidently displays the high spirits within the Girls Squad, and hence the team bonding and camaraderie that is a staple and distinctive quality of all CIS Sports Teams: the squad’s cohesion has allowed the girls to move the ball upfield collaboratively, and thus assist them in embarking on their road to obtaining success through enjoyment of the game.

Football is undeniably a beautiful game - we hope to see more of the Girls Football Team this school year and we wish them all the best.

Go

Phoenix!

Pele, regarded by the global football community as the best player of all time, once said that “success is no accident -It is hard work, perseverance, studying, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”

In Term 1 of the school year 2012-2013, the Under 14 category of the Girls Football Team participated in Division 2 of the International Schools Sports Federation (ISSFHK) competition. Most games were hosted at CIS, and often attracted a strong group of supporters - consisting of both parents and students - who cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines. On 20th September CIS took on AISHK on home ground; and against a strong opposition, the CIS girls let their immense efforts in training for the past few years pay off effectively to create a splendid 2-0 victory performance. Opportunities on goal were efficiently created and the girls were able to incorporate their knowledge of specific movement and patterns of play to the game for their well-deserved win. It was an absolute joy to witness, and was clear proof that all their hard work and commitment paid off.

The nice thing about teamwork is that you always have others on your side. “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success”; the girls have been playing with one another for the past few years and hence have established a strong sense of pride, unity and teamwork both on and off the

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Have you noticed the rapid emergence of pedestrians wearing splashes of green, red, pink and blue, imprinted with the words ‘A&F’ or ‘Hollister’ on the center of their chests? Have you wondered why? Might it be due to the shiny, magnificent edifices that stands in Central and Causeway Bay? Or is it in debt to extravaganza of half naked models prancing around the streets? Or – might it be caused by some deeper, underlying issues, such as the subconscious desire to pursue western culture?

It has been said that A&F logged over $1 million sales in the first 5 days after opening.

Why? In the recent years, an increasing number of western brands such as American Eagle Outfitters, Hollister, Forever 21 and the newly opened Abercrombie & Fitch have been planting their international branches here in Hong Kong. In which, Abercrombie & Fitch, just made their grand entrance in August 2012 and had quickly escalated to becoming the new hot topic. Their triumph is certainly not to be overlooked. As soon as the doors opened, unleashing hot, muscular (and not to mention half naked) parade of models, not only hundreds but thousands of people fled to Central and surrendered themselves under their store. It has been said that A&F logged over $1 million sales in the first 5 days after opening. However, their

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success is so unbelievably great, it begs the chest, the reason for its huge success should question – why? be rather obvious.

Fashion trends in Hong Kong have always been derivative of other cultures, the Japanese, the Koreans, and now the Americans, or so-called ‘the western rave’, expanding it at an international scale.

According to observations, the popularity of western brands in Hong Kong at their premieres ranks in the following order:

Abercrombie & Fitch Hollister American Eagle Outfitters Forever 21 Judging by their marketing schemes, it has been suggested that the list descends in their focus on advertising western trends. To illustrate the point, Abercrombie & Fitch, who’s doubtlessly the most successful of all the candidates, breaks into the Hong Kong market with their excessive use of young, western models, live and on posters.

Following A&F are Hollister and AEO, which approached a similar tactic but in a less extravagant amount. On the other hand, Forever 21 attempted to adjust their style to fit the Hong Kong teenage market, in return receiving a weaker response, now resulting in a gradual decline.

However, to be fair, admiration for the west is not at all a bad thing, despite how superficial it may seem. If you consider this from another perspective, it is in trivial difference with the desire to travel or to experience different cultures, or maybe wanting to study in an international school – it is expanding knowledge, or like the IB puts it ‘being a part of the global community’.

Mainlanders spending their holidays on shopping sprees here in Hong Kong and raiding the stores, this is not news to the local Hong Kongers. However, despite having the same ethnicity, a lot of people seem to be unsettled by their intrusion. It has been suggested that Western brands in Hong Kong owes part of their success to the people’s despise toward the mainlanders.

In attempt differentiate themselves, Hong Kongers chose to turn to western fashion, hoping to rise from the crowd.

Nevertheless, it is always better to think positive. The arrival of Abercrombie & Fitch has indeed brought joy to their customers, and not to forget the teenage girls passing by their store in Central, just as the green, red, pink and blue represent the transition into a new fashion era in Hong Kong.

Reasons have been suggested for this unorthodoxy, in which raises suspicion of people’s desire to expand their circles; the pursuit of an international identity.

New York, Paris, Milan, the top fashion cities of the world. Girls being constantly in the know of Marc Jacobs fashion shows and the new trends in Vogue. Disney princesses, Barbie – have you even seen an Asian Barbie? The guess is no. Caucasian beauties have always been said to be the ‘ideal’ aesthetic criteria. Big eyes, long elegant eyelashes, and pale skin, Hong Kong girls have been trying to achieve these things with coloured contact lenses, mascara and excessive amounts of sunscreen. Tall and muscular, is that not every Hong Kong guy’s dream body? When Abercrombie & Fitch marches into Hong Kong with brand new wrapping, designed to stamp the words ‘WESTERN’ right in the center of your

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CREATIVE

“the paparazzi of today have completely wiped away the illusion of the star.”

The disintegration of old hollywood movies When you step into a cinema, do you sometimes feel that your choice of movies has been purposely limited to the same clichéd storylines? Or that you’re being fed the same types of film over and over again?

In today’s world of cinema, franchising and spinoffs have become indispensable. When Ice Age first met its success in 2002, three sequels followed in its wake. The book series “Twilight”, “Harry Potter” and “The Hunger Games” were all picked up by studio executives and turned into huge franchises—all for the sake of generating income. Contrast this with the films of yesteryear, where the stars had more influence than movie franchises, and each film was seen as an independent effort without any sequels. For example, the major hits “Gone with the Wind”and “Casablanca” both had potential for sequels, but filmmaking in the 20th century was so different that the ver y concept of franchising was inconceivable. One might then ask, why have films and the filmmaking 108

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process changed so much in the past fifty years? What exactly caused the Golden Age of Hollywood to decline?

The Golden Age of filmmaking began roughly in the 1930s, just after the collapse of silent filmmaking, and 20 years before Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn became famous. During this period, major movie stars included Joan Crawford, Greta Gar bo and M ar lene Dietr ich. T he filmmaking studios also ran on an incredibly different system than they do today, controlling every aspect of filmmaking from script writing to post- production. In fact, the name of the studio producing the film was just as important as the stars in the film.

Although this control may seem somewhat a u t o c r a t i c, i t c r e a t e d a n i n t e n s e l y competitive environment amongst the different studios, encouraging them to make the best films they could in order to outdo rival studios.

By Kendra Cui

Nowadays, the studio system, and the competitive environment associated with it, no longer exists. Different companies often work together on various aspects of film production, from CGI to music recording.

Although films are still produced by different studios, the cooperation between the studios means they collectively extend a huge blanket monopoly over all movies produced today, and are able to limit the choices of movies available to an audience, forcing the audience to buy tickets to franchise-driven films. Some studios may even collude—one studio will agree to make a romantic comedy movie, while another studio makes an action movie—in order to avoid fighting for the same group of audience, guaranteeing income. The collapse of the studio system’s competitive spirit is a main culprit in changing moviemaking.

Ho syst just lifes pre the littl Am onc pict the hou as p as o peo just one and bein pro mo Am stud allo the Add own scre fina film

No actu stud lon one tele inco the pro mo film vari clot lim aud com

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he

However, the breakdown of the studio system affected moviemaking in more than just one way -along with television and lifestyle changes, it also changed the financial predicament of filmmaking studios. During the 1930s, in an era with no television and little home entertainment, the majority of American families visited the theatre at least once a week. The theatres in which motion pictures were shown—unlike the small theatres of today—were often big opera houses designed to hold as many people as possible, making tickets much cheaper as one show could be played for many people. Movie screenings were more than just a simple movie screening—a typical one usually included a live performance and music, followed by the feature film being promoted, then a smaller, less promoted “B-movie”. In this sense, movies formed the backbone of American entertainment, providing studios with a definite income that allowed them to create films that suited the changing tastes of audiences well.

Add the fact that the movie studios also owned the theaters in which movies were screened, and you have studios that were financially sound and unafraid to take filmmaking risks.

fade away. In the old studio system, talent scouts would scour many locations, seeking out only the best actors to join their studios.

Casting agents would rigorously audition thousands of aspiring actors and select only the best few, offering them training in elocution, dance and even horse riding in order to groom them for the camera. What made this competition even more vigorous was that stars were considered the prized

Nowadays, however, many studios are actually losing money. During the 1950s, studios were broken down so that they no longer owned the movie theatres, destroying one source of their income. The advent of television also contributed to this loss in income, as people started going to the theatre less and less, reducing box-office profits. In order to stay financially afloat, modern studios will often choose franchise films in order to guarantee income from a variety of different sources such as DVDs, clothing lines and toy sales. Ultimately, this limits the pool of movies released to an audience, increasing the number of commercialized films.

“property” of each studio, again forcing studios to outdo each other in terms of “star power”, allowing the Golden Age studios to create some of the most memorable actors.

A change in the nature of acting has also caused the Golden style of moviemaking to

“The collapse

of the studio system’s competitive spirit is a main culprit in changing moviemaking.

Yet perhaps the biggest factor which led to the decline of the Golden Age of Hollywood was the shattering of the “star” illusion. Apart from their moviemaking, actors in the past were often not as visible to the public in their everyday lives due to either deliberate seclusion, or the fact that journalism and the media did not have as widespread an influence as the electronic media of today. This meant that the public could not see their stars all the time, leading the public to idealize and romanticize about movie actors, contributing to the illusion of the “star” as a supernatural human being.

CREATIVE

This mysterious aura only added to the glamorous image of stars when they were shown onscreen.

Even cinematography techniques were designed to contribute to this illusion. Closeup shots often involved the use of gauze lenses—lenses which could create a blurry glow on the stars’ faces, wiping out any flaws and giving the actors and almost ethereal quality. Lighting and makeup would also be used to special effect; the actors’ faces would either be half-obscured or extremely sculpted depending on the lighting, creating a mysterious aura and presence which audiences could admire easily.

Meanwhile, the paparazzi of today have completely wiped away the illusion of the star. Media exposure of scandals, mistakes and lawsuits have destroyed the idealization of a star as a perfect human being. Stars are often portrayed as ordinary people, doing their shopping and going to the gym, and audiences can no longer romanticize about them. This has perhaps been the biggest factor in dissolving the Golden Age of Hollywood.

The moviemaking world has undergone tremendous changes in its first century, all of which have impacted moviemaking for better or for worse. These changes may never be reversed, and as moviegoers, we may never have the old movie system back again. We can only look back on it in mystery, and it may be this mystery precisely that piques our interest in Hollywood’s Golden Age.

e

e

Above: George Chamoun creates collages depicting the resemblance between old and new Hollywood actors and actresses.

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community andand community relations office relations office

layout by layout by chloe mok chloe mok interviewed by interviewed by JohnsonJohnson Pak Pak

meet the meet the

The Community and Relations consists a few of the mostofimportant hidden heroes of CIS. They are inThey charge the communicaThe Community and Office Relations Office consists a few the most important hidden heroes of CIS. areof inall charge of all the communications worktions with work parents, andalumni even the Xiao Hua was interview aboutthem theirabout experiences withteachers, parents,students, teachers,alumni students, andmedia! even the media!

Xiaofortunate Hua was to fortunate to them interview their experiences working behind thebehind scenes the in CIS. working scenes in CIS.

ms. dede ms. huang [11th year in cis] dede huang [11th year in cis]

ms. catherine han [10th year in cis] ms. catherine han [10th year in cis]

directordirector of development and community relationsrelations of development and community

directordirector of community relationsrelations of community

Currently, Currently, my work ismy more focused onfocused the Annual Fund, which has which Community Relations are a big part mypart work, means work is more on the Annual Fund, has Community Relations are of a big of which my work, which means been an amazing way of getting parents and alumni involved as volunanyone who comes into contact with CIS leaves with accurate been an amazing way of getting parents and alumni involved as volunanyone who comes into contact with CIS leaves with accurate teers and donors.

There are now andparents 20 alumni in alumni our information about the school andschool a positive of CIS. of CIS. teers and donors.

Thereover are 150 nowparents over 150 and 20 in our information about the and impression a positive impression volunteer team, while there are a greater number of parents involved in Admissions are also a big part of my role, so I work with Mr with Mr volunteer team, while there are a greater number of parents involved in Admissions are also a big part of my role, so I work the organizing of the CIS Fair.

I have been involved in many of CIS’s Alexander, Ms Porter and the Admissions team and represent the organizing of the CIS Fair. I have been involved in many of CIS’s Alexander, Ms Porter and the Admissions team and represent publications, like the Annual Fund report.

Recently, have re-designed CIS to prospective families throughout the admissions process. process. publications, like the Annual Fund report.we Recently, we have re-designed CIS to prospective families throughout the admissions the CIS website (Itwebsite looks awesome, check itgoout now!)

A lot of students parentsand know that know CIS isthat a popular the CIS (It looks go awesome, check it out now!)

A lot ofand students parents CIS is a popular school. In school. the pastInyear, had we've more than 700 students the we've past year, had more than 700apstudents applying for plying 88 spots Reception, so we wantsotowe make we sure we forin88 spots in Reception, wantsure to make treat everyone respect andrespect that even theyeven don't get into treatwith everyone with andifthat if they don't get into CIS, they understand the school the andschool can determine whether it whether it CIS, they understand and can determine is in fact the right for school them. for I also help Iwith is in factschool the right them. also CIS helpHang with CIS Hang Zhou and Zhou mediaand relations. we also dowe communicamediaInternally, relations. Internally, also do communication with CIS our prospective families and tionfamilies, with CISalumni, families, alumni, our prospective families and with greater Hong Kong through media.the media. with greater Hong Kongthe through

ms. fiorella fong [2nd year[2nd in cis] ms. fiorella fong year in cis] alumni relations coordinator alumni relations coordinator I was in CIS in the 80's,inwhen CIS when just opened and the campus I was in CIS the 80's, CIS just opened and the campus was still inwas Causeway Bay. I belong classtoofthe 1994 still in Causeway Bay.toI the belong classalthough of 1994Ialthough I didn't graduate CIS. from This is my This second yearsecond working Alumni as Alumni didn'tfrom graduate CIS. is my yearasworking Relations Coordinator.

My main work involves do withto do with Relations Coordinator.

My main workanything involvestoanything alumni. Anyone who has been CIS, be in it they here,from here, alumni.

Anyone whoinhas been CIS, graduate be it theyfrom graduate or they've or been here for a term, areaconsidered alumni. We try to We try to they've been here for term, are considered alumni. ms. mandy [1st year in cis] ms.ngmandy ng [1st year in cis] engage them through means: by means: email, Facebook, Xiao Hua,Xiao Hua, engage themvarious through various by email, Facebook, inviting them to reunions, events at school also internainviting them to hosting reunions, hosting eventsand at school and also internacommunity relationsrelations managermanager community tionally when teachers the Headmaster are overseas. also bring tionally whenorteachers or the Headmaster areWe overseas.

We also bring Ms Ng just is a native Putonghua speaker and she just joined our alumni back for career to speak believe CIS alumni alumni back days, for career days,totostudents. speak toIstudents.

I believe CIS alumni Ms Ng just is a native Putonghua speaker and she just joined our team recently. the school has school increasing needs to communicate teamAsrecently.

As the has increasing needs to communicate is about 3500 now,3500 and growing. alumni come backcome to CIS as to CIS is about now, andMany growing.

Many alumni back as well in Chinese, Ms Ng helps us communicate with the mandarin well in Chinese, Ms Ng helps us communicate with the mandarin parents andparents supporters of the Annual Fund, so overall CIS alumni and supporters of the Annual Fund, the so overall the CIS alumni speaking part of our community. speaking part of our community. is a close-knit and group we tryand to build andonorganize is a group close-knit we tryontothat build that andspecial organize special things for them. things for them.

ms. wendy [1st year[1st in cis] ms.poon wendy poon year in cis] administrative assistantassistant administrative

Ms Poon isMs thePoon oil that oilsoilthe machinery and the one who is the that oils the machinery and themakes one who makes everythingeverything tick in the tick office.

She office. joinedShe recently this school year.school year. in the joinedinrecently in this 110

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Photographs courtesy courtesy of Claudia Ng Photographs of Claudia Ng

ALUMNI

an y interesting stories you’d likeyou’d to share? an y interesting stories like to share?

In the 25thInAnniversary, students who were here the 25th Anniversary, students who would were here would remember remember that we had a great party over party the weekend. that we had a great over the weekend.

You may remember that we had all we students teach-and teachYou may remember that had alland students ers on the ers fieldontothe take a photo ofa"CIS 25".

You may field to take photo of "CIS 25". You may remember remember that you were theout fieldona the longfield time. thatout youon were a long time.

It might have been have hot for you, people whopeople who It might been hotbut forthe you, but the were losingwere control were Ms Huang andHuang I (Ms and Han). losing control were Ms I (Ms Han).

We also thought helicopters left on schedule.

We alsothat thought that helicopters left on So schedule. So when theywhen said the helicopter was going was to leave at to 10,leave at 10, they said the helicopter going we assumed would leave at 10.leave But at no...By theno...By time the time weitassumed it would 10. But all studentsallare on the are field, still had not students onthe thehelicopter field, the helicopter still had not left! So that's all of why you had stayhad on to thestay fieldonfor left!why So that's all oftoyou the field for such a longsuch time!

But finally, thefinally, helicopter did come did come a long time! But the helicopter in the end in and have amazing because theweend andsome we have somephotos amazing photos because of that helicopter.

Actually, we didn't pay a cent pay for the of that helicopter.

Actually, we didn't a cent for the helicopter.helicopter.

It was a CIS alumni who managed help to help It was a CIS alumni whoto managed us get the helicopter.

So that wasSodefinitely memora-a memoraus get the helicopter. that was adefinitely ble experience.

So event organization is also a bigis part ble experience.

So event organization also a big part of our work. of our work.

When Ms When Han and (Ms and Huang) were both were new here, MsIHan I (Ms Huang) both new here, we got a request a movie production company company we gotfrom a request from a movie production to film a TV commercial in our school.

Weschool. asked the to film a TV commercial in our We asked the school administration about the policies and we gotand a we got a school administration about the policies horrified no.

It turned out that in the 90s when everyhorrified no. It turned out that in the 90s when everyone just moved to this campus, school the for school some for some one just moved to thisthe campus, crazy reason agreed to shoot a 周星驰 movie.

Maybe crazy reason agreed to shoot a 周星驰 movie. Maybe we thoughtweit thought would beit good publicity?

(Laughs) would be good publicity?That (Laughs) That was a very was interesting and great trying experience for a very interesting and great trying experience for CIS. CIS.

what alumni does cis organize? whatactivities alumni activities does cis organize?

One of ourOne most alumni activities the ofpopular our most popular alumniisactivities is the Dragon Boat team.Boat We have CIShave dragon boat team boat team Dragon team.a We a CIS dragon consisting consisting of CIS staffofand It started ago5 years ago CISalums. staff and alums.5Ityears started as a not-very-strong team, but in the but last in 2 years, the2 years, the as a not-very-strong team, the last team has phenomenally strong andstrong has built name team has phenomenally andahas built a name for themselves.

Last year and be fielding for themselves.

Lastthis yearyear, andwe'll this year, we'll be fielding 2 teams and even Dr paddles forpaddles the team!

2 teams andFaunce even Dr Faunce for Our the team! Our teams actually compete professional teams and teams we and we teams actuallywith compete with professional practice aspractice much asasthey do, so our team is qualified much as they do, so our team is qualified for the international races. Go Phoenix! for the international races. Go Phoenix!

At the fair At thisthe year, alumni doge ball team. fairwe thishave year,anwe have an alumni doge ball team.

One of theOne newofinitiative we're trying to do with thedo with the the new initiative we're trying to alumni is rather just do alumnievents, alumnithan is rather than just dospecific alumnispecific events, we're trying to integrate them into school life by invitwe're trying to integrate them into school life by inviting them to speak attoTed-Ex, GINingschool themmusicals, to schoolto musicals, speak at Ted-Ex, GIN852, so that they get into school life.school life.

852, socan thatorganically they can organically get into We do regular Christmas and Summer reunions on We do regular Christmas and Summer reunions on campus. Apart fromApart these,from we do reunions the caseas the case campus. these, we doasreunions calls for them.

For example, if we have staff or teachers calls for them. For example, if we have staff or teachers traveling, or when the Headmaster travels, we try to we try to traveling, or when the Headmaster travels, organize reunions to fit their schedules.

We also assist organize reunions to fit their schedules. We also assist individual individual alumni to alumni coordinate reunions. For example, to coordinate reunions.

For example, the class ofthe '99class wanted to wanted have a reunion Christ-this Christof '99 to have this a reunion mas, so they asked us toasked help us spread the spread word, and we and we mas, so they to help the word, give them give souvenirs provide them whatever them and souvenirs and provide themhelp whatever help they need.they We also doWe 10 also yeardo reunions, our alumni need.

10 year so reunions, so our alumni will come back on campus tocampus enjoy the the from the will come back on to food enjoyfrom the food cafeteria and meet with teachers. cafeteria and meet with teachers.

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ALUMNI

it to alum ni@ cis. edu .hk Got more alum ni new s? Sen d alum ni@ cis. edu .hk to it d Sen s?

Got more alum ni new

CIS Class Agents Christine Chan

Class of 1994

Q1: How long ago did you leave CIS? I left CIS almost 18 years ago.

Q2: What do you miss most about CIS? All the wonderful memories I share with my childhood CIS friends with whom I am still very good friends.

Q

Ig in Sl Q

Sc th da Q

Class of 1997

G pe Cl

Raymond Kwok

John Lui Q1: How long ago did you leave CIS? Too long! 17 years.

Q2: As class agent for your class, what do you see as most important in fulfilling your role?

A passion to help and the will to keep the communication channels between school and class constantly open.

Q3: Do you have any tips for future class agents?

Be patient but persistent.

Q1: What have you been up to since leaving CIS? Quite a bit has happened in 15 years - architecture school and a MBA, a stint in Real Estate Private Equity and now managing the investment portfolio of a Hong Kong company.

Along the way, I met my wonderful wife and we have a 1.5year-old son together.

D

Q2: What do you most miss about CIS?

Q1

The people! Teachers and classmates. I miss the dynamics inside a CIS classroom, especially the common room – does that still exist?

Le is

Q2

Q3: As class agent for your class, what do you see as most important in fulfilling your role?

Being the bridge to connect alumni and school, keeping them informed and engaged in new initiatives. I love to still be part of the CIS community despite leaving such a long time ago.

Ih Ul sle of als Ch

Q4: What difficulties have you faced in performing your role?

Q3

Getting busy alumni involved and giving back to CIS.

Im sh sc

Q5: Do you have any tips for future class agents?

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It’s helpful to have a core group of alumni to help promote events and activities together. Critical mass is required to build momentum. A lot of alumni mix up alumni activities with fundraising efforts so it is important to prioritize communitybuilding first.

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ALUMNI Class of 2002

Q2: What do you most miss about CIS?

Priscilla Lee

8 flights of stairs to homeroom, hot chocolate milk at break, green plants in the corridor, throwing people into the pool on the last day, being part of the Enharmonics, applying for universities together in the study room, school dances, dripping wet lockers in spring time.

Q1: What have you been up to?

Since leaving exactly 10 years ago, university, grad school and work.

Our class gets together every year.

In fact, I just realized I have been in contact with at least one classmate every single day since graduation!

Q3: Do you have any tips for future class agents?

Persistence.

Class of 2007

Hyoung Sung Kim

Candace Au Yeung

Q1: What do you miss most about CIS?

Q1: What have you been up to?

I graduated from UC Berkeley and HKU (Juris Doctor). I am currently in the PCLL program at HKU and will start work at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in August!

Sodexho food, taking the school bus, c o m m o n ro o m n a p s a n d m u s i n g s , d o d g e ball in PE class.

Q2: What do you miss most about CIS?

Q2: As class agent for your class, what do you see as most important in fulfilling your role?

School uniform. Just kidding! Chicken wings and spring rolls from the cafeteria. Looking back, I think my years at CIS were the best days of my life.

Q3: Do you have any tips for future class agents?

Get a hold of everyone’s email address before graduation and tell people to notify you when they change their emails. Create a “CIS Class of 201x” group on Facebook so people can stay in touch.

Class of 2012

Daniel Zhao

Q1: How long ago did you leave CIS? Less than a year! But it feels like forever. College is a world where independence is thrust upon you.

Q2: What have you been up to?

I have been involved in a dance workshop, an Ultimate Frisbee team, lots of camping, hiking and sleeping under the full moon and shade of trees of the majestic mountains of Colorado. I have also been cooking due to a dire desire for familiar Chinese food.

Q3: What do you miss most?

I miss the close community and the tight friendships developed over the entirety of my secondary school life.

Keeping tabs on how people are doing via social media. A wonderful thing about CIS is that you never really leave it - people still hang out with the same friends long after graduation!

Denise Chan

Q1: What have you been up to?

I am currently a freshman at Middlebury College, trying a lot of different classes to find out what I am most passionate about (I am taking an African American religious history class next semester!). I am also involved with a hip-hop dance group and a student-led organization to raise awareness for human trafficking on campus.

Q2: What do you miss most about CIS? Homeroom. I miss being able to go into a room full of familiar faces at 7:50 am and not care about what I look like or how dark my eye bags are from the night before.

Homeroom is like your second family. You’ve been together since the very first day of Year 7 - it’s a great way to start the day and you don’t realize how much you take it for granted until you leave!

Q4: What advice do you have for future class agents?

Q3: As class agent for your class, what do you see as most important in fulfilling your role?

Stay close to your CIS friends! They may be the best you have – as one ages, friends seem to diminish in both quality and quantity. This may be due to the loss of innocence, but I’m not too sure.

I want to make sure the Class of 2012 stays connected even after 30 years.

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