Teenage May issue 305 (Preview)

Page 1

THE OFFICIAL YOUTH MAGAZINE OF BUGIS JUNCTION AND BUGIS+

LAZY GUIDE TO GETTING MOTIVATED

Hot Pin-ups! •Kim Soo Hyun •G-Dragon, Taeyang and Seungri

WARNING! THE EXAM MISTAKES THAT COST YOU MARKS!

Expectations vs Reality – How the SNSD girls really live! ACE YOUR EXAMS SUPERCHARGE YOUR MEMORY STUDY TIPS NO ONE SHARES WITH YOU

YOUR LAST CHANCE TO WIN TIX TO TAYLOR SWIFT’S SOLD-OUT CONCERT!

$3

(inc GST)

WWW.TEENAGE.COM.SG

MAY 2014 ISSUE 305

MAY 2014


MAY 2014 SU

NN

Y

LIFE 70

Student Life - Sing your Stress Away - Fun for Everyone - Dreams made Here - Make the Smart Choice

78

Dynamic Duos Ultra-talented celebrity siblings

80

Made in a Mug Comfort food you can cook up in minutes

82

Work Your Way to An A! Take these steps for top grades!

84

Exam Tips from Teachers! Grab your essential exam pointers here

86

Memory Boosters Study smart and improve your memory

88

24

Pretty in a Jiffy

INSIDE SCOOP 10

99

Ed’s Note

Calendar

12

106

Your Say

Astroscoop

65

108

Radar

Out-takes

Fast and easy makeup looks from the stars

26

Beauty Time-Savers Shortcuts to get prepped and gorgeous quick

27

Fuss-Free Hairdos Hot hair looks that take under a minute

28

LIFESTYLE & BEAUTY

Gorgeous in Glasses Makeup tips for girls with specs

15

Lifestyle Hot Picks

18

School Bag Do-Over

Most Common Exam Mistakes Don’t lose points for nothing!

90

Watch TV… and Learn! Take a leaf out of your favourite TV shows

91

Surprising Reasons You’re Always Tired Get your energy back up again

92

Lazy Guide to Getting Things Done Stop making excuses and get to work!

94

Get Lucky How to create good fortune

95

FASHION 30

Quizzes: - Do you study better with friends? - Do you test badly?

98

Don’t kill your back with your bag

Style Closet: Ready for Work

20

Ideas for chic and professional outfits

Street Talk:

34

What was the last thing that made you happy?

Amp your style quotient with clashing patterns and flashy hues

Dear Kelly

Beauty Hot Picks

Power Prints

100


blackheads sebum gel

TIRED OF YOUR

‘STRAWBERRY’ NOSE?

CLEAR black & whiteheads

PAINLESSLY

in 14 days or Money-Back Guarantee Recommended products: Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

$36

special set - perfect complexion kit

Weekly Treatment

worth $54.70

!

NEW squeaky clean

got oil relief off with those heads

beads cleasing gel

oil control toner

blackheads sebum gel

*Exclusive at Sa Sa only

absolute matte

oil control charcoal mask

off with those heads | 15ml repair & rescue | 1 pc

• •

immerse me | 1 pc knock off age | 1 pc

• •

feel no sluggish | 1 pc bright is right | 1 pc

Available at:

www.bliv.com with FREE shipping


MAY 2014

42

p.

: UNIVERSAL MUSIC ON THE COVER: GIRLS’ GENERATION PHOTO

54

p.

50

p.

ENTERTAINMENT

54

B.A.P

42

Taylor Swift Keeping up with the singer

The boys had a strong start and now they’re ready to conquer!

56

45

4Minute

SNSD What really goes on in their public and private lives

Fun facts about their new single

50

CNBLUE

Taeyang, Seungri, G-Dragon Crazy good fun at their fan meet

57

Ditching pop rock for a mellower sound

58

James

52

Putting law on hold for music

FTISLAND Stronger and more entertaining than ever

59

Canace The friendly personality behind the cool and alluring voice

Gorgeous

you!

Registration

now open! (p

. 21)

52

p.

62

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 cast

60

Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx and Andrew Garfield swing by for Earth Hour and movie promos.

Combining Western music genres with Mandarin lyrics

Oon Shu An

Kiat Goh

63

61

Letting us in on her new show and top must-haves!

The Moonshine Jungle Tour was an absolute blast!

Oculus

Bruno Mars

64

Prepare for scares


G N T I R EE ow U l G O H T t& S h g T N ri B A s CO HEllection’ Cith Co w

1 PREPARE your skin first by using the Primed and Ready Primer, focusing on your T-zone and areas with larger pores. Tip: The silky formula of the primer will minimize pores and smooth out uneven skin, creating a smooth base for your makeup to adhere well to.

2 To EVEN OUT YOUR SKIN TONE, dab the Bright & Glow BB Cream on your forehead, cheeks and chin and blend in an outwards motion using your fingertips. To CONCEAL blemishes, use Lasting Perfection Concealer to cover the spots and blend out the edges. Tip: Remember to blend the BB cream down your neck too.

High lighti ng Con tourin g

3

To HIGHLIGHT, use the Illuminating Touch Concealer on points A on the diagram. Lightly blend with your fingertips.

4 For CONTOURING, choose a darker hue from Shimmer Shades Palette in Way-to-Glow, brush and blend out the darker powder on points B on the diagram.

5 Set your makeup with the Bright & Glow Compact Powder. COLLECTION Cosmetics is available at BHG Bugis (ALT Level 2) and Orchard Cineleisure (Level 2) , Watsons at Bugis Junction, Compass Point, Ngee Ann City, North Point, Star Vista, Tampines Mall, Tiong Bahru Plaza, Toa Payoh Hub, United Square, VivoCity, Westgate Mall, Marina Square and 100AM. www.collectioncosmetics.com.sg http://facebook.com/CollectionSG


class of Teenage publisher FOO MEI SIAH associate director (business development) KELEN KOH business development manager LAVONNE LAM associate strategic content manager MAGGIE MOK operations manager EMMELINE LEE

editorial New transfer into Teenage

deputy editor YUEN YI YING writer JOHANNA TEO contributing writers CHEW HUI LING, PRISCILLA WU contributors AIRIN LEE, ALISA CHOPARD, AMANDA TAN, AMIRRUL SUKIRMAN, ALVIN KEAN WONG, EDEL ANG, JUSTIN LOH, KELLY CHOPARD, KENNETH ONG, LISA TWANG, RACHEL YOHANNAN, ZEN TAN

art

creative director ARIS LAI associate art director ANGIE NG designer MICHELLE LIM

advertising & marketing business manager LAVONNE LAM associate managers (marketing & communications) MAGGIE MOK, DARRAN ONG executive (marketing & communications) LOKE PEI LING coordinator (sales & marketing) AUDRE TEO

enquiries

editorial matters email: t-ed@key-editions.com advertising & marketing enquiries email: enquiry@key-editions.com subscription enquiries email: subscription@key-editions.com job & internship enquiries email: hr@key-editions.com

Printer & Colour Separation: KHL Printing Co. Pte Ltd (Business Registration No. 197801823M) 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968. Tel: 6543 2222 Fax: 6545 3333 Published By: Key Editions Pte Ltd (Business Registration No. 200005022G) 20 Bedok South Road, Singapore 469277. Tel: 6445 3313 Fax: 6445 3373 Email: info@key-editions.com Distributor: MediaCorp Pte Ltd MICA (P) 030/05/2012. Published monthly by KEY EDITIONS Pte Ltd. Copyright Š is held by the publisher. All rights reserved. The publisher will not be held responsible for any infringements of copyright material in articles submitted by contributors. The views and opinions of the writers and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or publisher.



DON’T STRESS, DO YOUR BEST!

Hey readers, Exams are just round the corner! Are you biting your nails in fear? Hope our gift to you in this issue will brighten your mood. We’ve also filled the mag with plenty of fun, doable study tips so you can ace your tests without stress. On p. 90, we even tell you how watching TV can supercharge your learning! And definitely don’t miss out on tips from teachers (p. 84) on top mistakes students make, as well as exam pointers you might not have even thought about! All good stuff in there, so pay attention! If you’re the kind who lets your looks fall to the wayside once the busy period hits, flip to the Quick Fix Beauty section (p. 24) for plenty of tricks to look fab fast! After all, you’ll feel more confident if you look good, and every little boost helps, right?

Mixing work with fun... Rolling around the office!

Never Give Up! “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt, late American President

We’ve got the celebs to cheer you on during your study breaks too! Find out how to win tickets to Taylor Swift’s sold out show (p. 40), and get your fill on the latest SNSD news with our comprehensive guide! If you missed Bruno Mars, FTISLAND, B.A.P, Taeyang, Seungri and G-Dragon when they were in town, get highlights of all the action and more!

TOP PICKS!

Loving the Minkpink Reality Bites and

Dusk Till Dawn sunnies (both $65, Tangs Orchard). Buy both? Yes, please!

When I’m stressed, the calming scent of Shu

Uemura Depsea Water Facial Mist in Chamomile really helps. My few seconds of bliss.

Wishing you all the best for your exams. Good luck and work hard! Regards,

Psst... We decided to do something different and try a scrapbooking theme this month! Do you like it? :D

Ate this Cat & the Fiddle

Over the Moon cheesecake today, and it was gooooood… ($19.90, catandthefiddle.com)


Follow us on Instagram @TeenageMagazine and check out all our cool finds, fun moments and hilarious antics at Teenage! We all certainly put on a few pounds that day. #TotallyIrresistible

A cuddle a day keeps the blues away. #SoMuchLove

You can never have enough of Taylor Swift! We love this limited edition ice cream! #yummy

#TeenageMonthOfMarch Seungri was the absolute funniest BIGBANG member during the fanmeet! #idontcareyouGD

This is what happens in the office when you work with a bunch of crazy fun people #weloveourjob

We went gaga over the limited edition SingPost Hello Kitty stamps! #WeAreNotTooOldForIt

Marvel and Pixar characters having a hang-out sesh together! #HulkStopSulking

Hashtag Happy

Maggie trying the new BK Charcoal Black Chicken TenderCrisp burger! #omnomnom

We check out what our Teenage IG followers are up to!

In the next issue of Teenage‌ With the school holiday s coming up, show us where yo u’ve always wanted to go! Post it on your Instagram page, and hashtag #TeenageWanderlust

Post and share your photo with us on Instagram with the hashtag #TeenageMagazine! You might just see your photo here!

MAY 2014

11


SOO

YOU

NG

Dear Teenage,

Your say

Holler at us! We want to know what you think of Teenage, how our stories make a difference in your life, and where we can improve! Here’s how! Send your letters to TEENAGE Magazine, 20 Bedok South Road Singapore 469277 or email to marketing@key-editions.com Drop your post on the Teenage Facebook page, take a screenshot of it and email to marketing@key-editions.com Tweet us at @teenagemagazine, take a screenshot of it and email to marketing@key-editions.com

The prize this month :

eI It has honestly been some time sinc due e last bought Teenage magazin n to my busy schedule. However, whe e som I stepped into 7-Eleven to get r refreshments the other day, the cove Boys of Teenage caught my eye! Ah To Men is my favourite movie yet and I knew I had to get it. Teenage has been my favourite magazine since I first read it at age 11, and I’m so glad I bought it the other day. Coincidentally, I was looking at some private schools to further my studies and the advertisement on Kaplan has definitely made me want to know more. Guess what? I have decided to attend their open house!

eading , enjoy r of Hey Joyce es u ss i g in the upcom ’ve won a set You Teenage! Preppy d edition e it m i l of n Pens i a t n u o yF $58! Hello Kitt h t r ces) wo (five pie oon. s h uc to in We’ll be

that has never failed to I am so thankful to the Teenage team worth my time and money. keep the magazine interesting and so issue. Cheers! Looking forward to the next amazing With love, Joyce

nage,

so e passes ears. Tim y e g of two. a r n e e ce my te w a moth o in n s r m e a d I a , a re ing it t fashion I’ve been the lates ven realis e h t it u w o h te it a at w product p-to-d quickly th a skincare kept me u s to y a e m lw a d has duce now what Teenage elps me k nd it intro h a , it s , w w e my o n N rity kouts. closer to and celeb ts me be t my brea h le g fi d till n e a it m s s ed aday e her s that help agers now t will mak a n e th te e o h in w it z rw aga good rk is popula the only m ep up the e ’s K It . . s 12 n o is ti ho sec eldest, w r favourite xt issue. rough he th to the ne d a rd re a rw and fo g in k lways loo and I’m a

Dear Tee

Regards, Jen Hi Teenage!

Preppy Hello Kitty Fo untain Pens (five pieces) worth $58

12 MAY 2014

Even though I have be en reading Teenage for only two months, I have be en so absorbed by you r content that I can’t pu t it down! I love how Te enage balances the different types of music and giv es extra information on Korean dramas. Thanks to Teen ag e, I’ve gained more knowle dge about the celebrity world. Kudos to your tea m! :D Jayme


freebie can be fort exams r o f an ef g Studyin painful, and in as h ely eenage ery T extrem , u o y ivate u in ev to mot t for yo y issue. if g e is e Ma a surpr ow! Teenag e h t items n f e o m y o p s o c we these a touch in SOL BB Cream / Make-up Boomer / Collect Skinbase / Toning Capsule Base

B.liv absolute matte oil control charcoal mask

Laurier Super Slimguard Sanitary Pads

Essential Purely Smooth Shampoo / Conditioner / Rich Premier Shampoo / Conditioner

Etude House I Need You, Green Tea! Mask Sheet

ll ACNES Sealing Jepack sh Wa my ea and Cr

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Oculus Movie Pass

ADORE Comfort All Days Pads

VICTORINOX Victoria Perfume Mini Vial

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Sample

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

$15 ZALORA Voucher

Skinfood Watery Berry Gift Set

a $10 Colors of Californi DOT by r che Vou

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE LOVELY SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS GIFTS!

W W W . Z A L O R A . S G


BEAUTY

QUICK FIX

Come exam time, you don’t want to have to worry about your makeup. Seek inspiration from the stars and try these fast and fail-proof looks! By Yuen Yi Ying

STUNNING PEEPERS Keep it simple but impactful like CL, the charismatic 2NE1 leader, with hypnotic grey lenses, a swoosh of liner and dramatic lashes.

Get the look: Maybelline Lash Factory in Double

Eyelids (Intense) ($16.90, personal care and department stores), L’Oreal Paris Superliner Gelmatic Pen in Iconic Black ($18.90, major personal care and department stores), FreshKon Colors Fusion Sparklers in Shimmering Grey ($25, major optical shops)

RADIANT COMPLEXION PLAYFUL GAZERS Make others green with envy with Selena’s funky yet pretty emerald peepers. Just trace the shade along your top and bottom lashline and pair with apricot lips and blush for a modern and fresh look.

Get the look: Catrice

Liquid Metal Eyeshadow in 060 Petrol Pan ($7.90), Ettusais Essence Cheek in Apricot ($23), innisfree Creamy Tint Lip Mousse in Bashful Apricot Blossoms ($17)

24 MAY 2014

Fake a full night’s sleep by copping Leighton Meester’s luminous visage. Hide blemishes with concealer, then pick a foundation with light reflective powders to brighten skin. Top off the look by applying a touch of highlighter across your brow, above cheekbones, and the tip of your nose and chin for extra glow.

Get the look: Julie Hewett Face

and Body Shimmer Palettes in Goldie ($34), Collection Cosmetics Bright & Glow Brightening Compact Foundation ($18.90, selected Watsons and BHG stores)


COPPER SMOKY EYES

STATEMENT LIPS

Taylor’s coppery lids add subtle flair to your look yet aren’t too dramatic for daytime. Team with rosetinted lips for a sweet, girly look.

Get the look: LyncaCare Egyptian Copper Mineral Colour ($29.90, Zalora), The Body Shop Colour Crush Shine Lipstick in Sunset Romance ($22.90)

ROSY CHEEKS

Nothing perks up a tired complexion faster than blush. Look lively like Chloe Moretz with a few pats of peachy pink tint on cheeks and lips, then dust skin with loose powder to set the makeup.

Get the look: The Body Shop

Extra Virgin Minerals Loose Powder Foundation SPF25 ($36.90), Stila Convertible Color in Petunia ($35, Sephora)

“Makeup is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident.” - Bobbi Brown, makeup artist

When you’ve got a strong pout like Rihanna, you don’t need much else, but groomed brows and fluttery lashes add extra polish with very little effort.

Get the look: Sephora Rouge Lipstick in Super Hot! ($20), Bourjois 1 Seconde Mascara ($22, BHG, Metro and John Little), Kate Eyebrow Color N ($14.50, selected personal care stores)

MINIMALIST MAKEUP Edge up your look like Lee Hyeri of Girl’s Day with a thin feline flick and ombre lips in a vibrant hue.

Get the look: essence

Stays No Matter What 24h Waterproof Eyeliner ($4.50), Clio Virgin Kiss Lipnicure in #2 Nasty Pink ($19.90) MAY 2014

25


BEAUTY

QUICK FIX

HYO YEO N

Not sure how to look good with specs? Here are seven easy makeup tricks that will play up your features to best effect! By Johanna Teo and Yuen Yi Ying

CONSIDER YOUR BASE

Kristen Stewart lookin g as fresh as a daisy wit ha flawless matte complex ion

Go for longwearing, matte or powder foundation like essence stay all day 16h long-lasting makeup ($8.50, selected Watsons) and Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Powder. Dewy and creamy formulas tend to shift throughout the day, leaving streak marks on areas like your nosebridge and cheekbones. After your makeup is done, set everything with loose powder or a finishing spray for extra insurance.

REFRAME YOUR ARCHES Emma Watson framing it right with gorgeously groomed brows When you’re wearing glasses, you might have to tweak the shape of your brows to suit your frames. Bring along your glasses and get your arches groomed by a professional at least once, so they can advise you on what suits you best. After that, use tweezers like the Models Own Neon Slanted Tweezers ($14.52, Asos.com) to maintain your shape at home and fill in sparse areas with Clio Tinted Tattoo Kill Brow ($23.90, selected Watsons, in two shades).

28 MAY 2014

HIDE YOUR SHADOWS With your specs framing your undereye area, dark circles instantly become extra noticeable. A touch of concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin tone will instantly make you look more vibrant. Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream ($19.50, BHG, Metro and John Little, in three shades) has a natural and lightweight finish while Sleek Makeup Correct and Conceal can be blended to get the perfect hue ($20.33, Luxola.com, in four shades). YoonA waves goodbye to dark under eyes


LEARN TO CONTOUR Since almost a third of your face will be hidden by specs, make your features more prominent by subtly highlighting your T-zone and above your cheekbones with RMK Glow Stick ($33), which blends nicely with any skin tone. Afterwards, use a bronzer to lightly shade the hollows of your cheeks and along your jaw line. Cargo Water Resistant Bronzer ($44, Beautybay.com) doesn’t have too much shimmer in it for a natural glowing finish.

Watch these ds for more ideas toviro ck makeup with glasse s!

GURUS Makeup for Glasse s! by From Head to Toe Ulzzang Makeup for Glasses by Bubzbeauty

Korean Ulzzang Eyeglass Makeup Tutorial by Oiseau88

shows off Lea Michele res with atu her best fe ontouring c impeccable

SWEEP ON BLUSH The base of your frame rests on your cheeks, so you want to play up that area with a touch of colour. Peachy and rosy hues like Clinique Happy Cheeks in Peach Pop ($39) and Ettusais Rose Cheek Color in Red ($33) are good bets.

chtenberg Michelle Tra radiant with o looks oh-s heeks gc her blushin

Korean beauty trend that encourages puffy-looking undereyes for a sweet and youthful look. Strange but it works! Trace a shimmery champagne eyeshadow along your lower waterline, then add a light line of brown eyeshadow under that. Soften the look of the brown shadow by blending lightly with a brush.

BOOST YOUR LASHES RIM YOUR PEEPERS

Rita Ora draws a matching line

AEGYO SAL FOR ENCHANTING EYES

Make your eyes pop with a stroke of eyeliner. Use your glasses as a guide. The thicker the frames, the thicker your eyeliner should be. Maybelline New York Hyper Sharp Liner ($19.90, personal care stores, in three shades) and the limited edition Kate Super Sharp Liner S (S) 2 ($17) have ultra-fine tips that let you go as thick or thin as you want. Layer a similar-coloured eyeshadow on your eyeliner to keep it from smudging for the rest of the day.

Your probably can’t wear falsies because of the lenses, but you can fake the look by curling your lashes, then applying a volumising mascara like Etude House Lash Perm 3 Step Volumecara & Curling ($26.90).

her Krystal reveals es ey ng sparkli

MAY 2014

29


et clos style

Ready

for Work! Just graduated and looking for a job? These career-perfect outfits are

what your wardrobe needs!

Corporate Job

Yes, you have a pretty strict dress code, but you can st ill jazz up your outfit with fun co lours, prints and accessories. Pic k clothes that fit well, and you’ll still look polished and professional.

For Guys:

2

1

4

3

$59 1. Vest and shirt, an pm each, To s, 2. Grey skinny pant an pm To 9, $6 rrmuse 3. Blazer, $129, Fu an pm To 9, 4. Shoes, $8

On Cecilia: Top, $99, Blazer, $109, Pumps, $56, Topshop, Skirt, $39.90, Bag, $43.90, New Look


MODELS: CECILIA CHEW AND NORMAN LU

Active Career

PHOTOGRAPHY: JUSTIN LOH

TEXT: YUEN YI YING

If you have to run ar ound or work outdoors for your jo b, you can probably afford to be more casual, but don’t be sloppy. Think of what you would normally we ar out, then spruce it up a bit.

For Girls:

PRODUCT SOURCING AND STYLING: ANGIE NG

1

2

4

3 5

5

On Norman: Striped tee, $14.90, H&M, Shirt worn outside, $59.90, Bermudas , $59.90, Lowrys Farm, Necklace, $16, Grey shoes, $66, Topman, Watch & Be lt, model’s own

ook 0, New L t, $43.9 s e v s Farm m y i r n 1. De 90, Low . 9 2 $ , ar l tee ull & Be 2. Paste 69.60, P $ , s ew Look r N e k 49.90, $ 3. Snea , e s u o arm uered bl Lowrys F 4. Cheq $69.90, , s t r o h ms 5. Deni

MAY 2014

31


K

O O B K O LO

022 JAN 2014


Amp up your style quotient with clashing patterns and flashy hues.

ted ong assis in Kean W lv A r: he p Photogra d by an g assiste by Zen T Evon Chn t: lis ty S Fashion l Sukirman and Amirru dken Edel Ang g using Re n O enneth L Beaute S Y g in Hair by: K us Airin Lee Trotter Makeup by: Maddison & Lauren a n n A : Models nequin from Man

EX, $16 gercroxx Top, FEMM overalls, $89, Fin x x ro t i. rc $89, Finge rn inside), dress (wo 95.90, Converse ,$ Sneakers , $20, HURS s e s s la g list’s own un S socks, sty & e c ie p Head

MAY 2014

35


nt e m n i a t enter

Music’s Golden Girl Taylor Swift’s been a busy girl! With all her chart-topping tunes and endorsement deals, it seems you can’t go far without hearing or seeing something linked to the hitmaker these days. Catch up on everything she’s been up to before her show here! By Priscilla Wu

W

Despite her ultra-packed life, Taylor somehow managed to find time to slot in a South-East Asian leg for the Red Tour (yay for us!). Presented by Cornetto, the string of shows starting on 1 June will take her on a whirlwind trail through Tokyo, Jakarta, Manila, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur before finally ending in Singapore on 12 June at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Hope you’ve snapped up your tickets, because the show is already sold out!

42 MAY 2014

Photos: universal music

e’re gonna take a stab in the dark and guess the girl who first started out crying tears on her guitar never imagined the success she was about to have. Last month, Billboard listed country sweetheart Taylor Swift as the US music industry’s top earner – she pulled in nearly US$40 million (almost S$51 million), beating out big names like Beyonce, Bon Jovi and The Rolling Stones. Thanks to revenues from her official merchandise and endorsement deals with Diet Coke, Elizabeth Arden and Keds, she’s rumoured to have added an extra $11 million to her bank account too! Colour us really impressed!


What’s taylor been doing #1 HANGING OUT WITH HER BFFS

Have you seen her Instagram? One moment the 24-year-old is ringing in the New Year with Sarah Hyland and the next, she is out with Cara Delevingne. There isn’t a familiar name that’s not on her social network. Just recently she was spotted sight-seeing around the Big Apple with New Zealand singer-songwriter, Lorde.

#4 RESCUING HER BUDDIES

Remember the face she pulled when close pal Selena Gomez smooched Justin Bieber? Even though her disapproval has never stopped Selena from associating with the Biebs, Taylor reportedly gave her pal an ultimatum – choose between friendship or love. The BFF pair hasn’t been seen together for some time, and while we hope all is well between the girls, we can’t help but wonder about Taylor’s new friendship with Lorde – who once famously accused Selena for being “anti-feminist”.

#2 SHOWING HER FAMILY A GOOD TIME

Taylor’s younger brother, Austin, celebrated his 22nd birthday last month and the pretty crooner tweeted an adorable snap of her ‘confetti– bombing’ her poker-faced sibling. A childhood photo of the Vanderbilt University student was also shared with the caption ‘I dunno bout you but Austin is 22!’. It seems Taylor’s pretty proud of her brother who inspired her song ‘The Best Day’ and also appeared in several of her music videos.

#5 BUYING

REAL ESTAT Taylor Swif E t is no scro oge when estate. Aft it comes to er purchasi real ng a lovely property in four-bedro Beverly H o m il ls for US$ in 2011, sh 3.5 million e swiftly b b o a ck u g ht anothe Rhode Isla r beach ho nd (the on m e e w in here she a neighbours llegedly p off with he issed her r coastline that’s not constructi all. The so on). And ngbird is n New York o w looking at City and h pads in as set her on a US$12 eyes million tow nhouse! The Gra

EGAL MATTexERpeSrienced it L G IN L T ET S 3 # or crazy, and Tayl

al t, falsely Fans can get re r, Timothy Swee ke al st r kill he n ned he would first-hand whe to her and war d ly rie ar ng m si ea be got incr claimed to een them. He tw be ds , ia an st ed m al anyone who tters and soci ugh emails, le against him. r de or g aggressive thro in in file a restra to or d her yl Ta g he in ay from r an prompt ay 100 yards aw st ns. to ea d m re ic de on or He is rough electr th r he t ac nt co family and not

Eek!

is ory’ singer by The ‘Love St ed ss ra ha star not the only . Mega-celebs rs ke crazy stal er Aniston, y like Jennif ar ock and Hill Sandra Bull of s im ct ce vi Duff were on s fans! ou al ze er ov

Harry S pevine Sa y t Swift a yles and Tayl s… or re bec oming again! clo Wh in a hu ile she isn’ se t rry to re to Lond on for locate her 1DTaylor ex w for a h as seen looki , ome ne n g ar former ’s resi the dence.

#6 HER BRAVE CHOP

The unimaginable happened! Taylor recently jumped on the short-hair bandwagon and lopped off her signature golden waves to just below chin-length. Posting a pic of the new do with Ellie Goulding on she happily proclaimed “short ram, Instag she’s looking fresher and think We care.” hair, don’t

more breathtaking than ever!

MAY 2014

47


Her Obsession with Red

Taylor Swift Fun Facts!

Okay, so we know she’s famous for scarlet kissers. But did you know her love for the colour extends to her outfits too?

Dissecting Her Social Network BFFs She Hangs Out With All The Time

Selena Gomez

Sarah Hyland

Hailee Steinfeld

BFFs She Rebels With

Kristen Stewart

Demi Lovato

Cara Delevingne

BFFs She Takes Style Tips From

Emma Stone

Jessica Szohr

Jamie King

BFFs She Takes Life Lessons From Reese Witherspoon

44 MAY 2014

Julia Roberts

Gwyneth Paltrow


COVER

STORY

SE

OH

YU

N

i-album Mr.Mr., but their SNSD has returned with their min interested in! With non-stop music isn’t the only thing we’re g ly, Johanna Teo and Chew Hui Lin news surrounding the girls recent ir on- and off-stage lives! play mad scientists to dissect the

After tons of comeback rumours within a year-long hiatus, the queens we’ve missed so dearly are finally back with their sizzling hot Mr.Mr. album. Interestingly, this is one record that’s in favour of experimentation and charismatic lyrics. “We are trying a new concept, but with our colours still in place. We’ll meet you with a strong and feminine look!” Seohyun said in an interview prior to the comeback. Soshi in handsome suits and edgy dresses? We totally dig!

PHOTOS: UNIVERSAL MUSIC

While the six tracks have the familiar electropoppy hooks and sugary vocals, the music video goes in a completely new direction with its snazzy visuals and mysterious concept. Though their comeback was forcibly pushed back due to technical faults, the outcome is trippy yet pretty amazing. Just less than two weeks following its release, the music video shot up to 10 million views on YouTube, making it the first K-pop video to do so in 2014. And did we mention how cool that little ‘shirt-cuff’ dance move is? With ‘Mr.Mr.’ clinching awards in all music shows, we celebrate by ranking their top three comeback stages!

#1 9Inkigayo March

Their performance was flawless, and this comeback stage was 2NE1 and SNSD’s first appearance together on a music show. Thus, it was double the anticipation as we awaited the results of the Inkigayo contest which pitted the two bands together. When the latter was revealed as the winner, the girls couldn’t hide their tears while receiving the trophy! This eventful day also happened to be Taeyeon’s birthday.

#2

M! Countdown 6 March

cenes Check out the behind-the-s und aro led foo y the footage where d their nce nou pro mis lly nta and accide ’! Cheers for title track as ‘Mrs and Mr arming group hug. till the encore for a heart-w tch Wa ! win t firs y ver ’s SNSD

Music Core #3 8Show! March

Way to go SONEs, the fan chants during the dance break was so rad! You can also look forward to Tiffany, Yuri and Seohyun acting as special emcees on that day.

MAY 2014

45


nt e m n i a t enter

4Minute’s new vid for their single ‘Whatcha Doin’ Today’ is so cool we had to dig up on it! Johanna Teo fills you in on the trivia.

4Minute is Back! # Fun fact 3

Fun fact # 2

Spot their individual looks! Jiy styled as oon was a dominan t female ra to Rihann pper akin a, Jihyun w as feminin showed o e and ff her prett y legs, So lively with hyun was skirts and pink hair, went for a Gayoon glam yet ro mantic loo HyunA ha k, and d a sexy sp orty vibe.

56 MAY 2014

Fun fact #4

All the girls w ere hands on with the video and new mini albu m, 4Minute World . Sohyun took charge of the album jacket de sign, HyunA for the choreography , Jiyoon for the music and Gay oon for the outfits and style. # Fun fact 5

filled with ‘Whatcha Doin’ Today’ is dancers and an explosion of props doing nA – we nearly missed Hyu putting cer a tumble, and that dan id Avo d! bananas on her hea le. blinking where possib

Fun fact #7

Despite the comical angle of ‘Whatcha Doin’ Today’, Jiyoon’s toile t dance scene, HyunA’s twerking and overhead shots were still deemed too sexy by audiences. Ah, the woes of being effortlessly hot.

main Photo: Getty images

Fun fact #1

Previous MVs from the band portrayed a cool image . This time, 4Minute wanted someth ing more upbeat, so they used an adorable and quirky concept for the first time. We think that the synchronised shoulder twitching part is hilarious!

Jihyun mentioned their sest portrayal in the vid is clo ies, alit son to their real-life per ely “liv as es which she describ they r nde wo and pleasant”. No e. cut and felt extra likeable

Fun fact #6

Seems like ev eryone, even Rita Ora, is hooked on its catchy be ats! A vid of HyunA teac hing dance m oves to the Brit song stress was re leased, and Sohyun also uploaded an Insta-video of the band an d their staff da ncing to the song, ‘Har lem Shake’ st yle. These girls really kn ow how to ha ve fun!


Making It Big Ditching the electrifying pop-rock influences for a remarkably mellow Can’t Stop album, CNBLUE is back and ready to continue their reign! By Chew Hui Ling

Prior to the album release, CNBLUE let their celebrity friends listen to a sneak peak of s! 'Can’t Stop’ , and here are their cute reaction

T

he earlier months have been laden with awesome comebacks so far, but we’ll step up to say that CNBLUE’s Can’t Stop mini album has definitely upped expectations. And if the album title is any indication, we share the list of things we can’t stop lovin’ about the quartet!

... listening to their music The band is often compared with labelmate FTISLAND. Perhaps it’s due to Yonghwa’s smooth vocals in contrast to Hongki’s husky voice, but there’s a distinct difference between the two groups. CNBLUE has grown from sounding fresh and youthful (think ‘Love Girl’) to mature and emotional (think ‘I’m Sorry’). Best of all, we get talented members who write their own lyrics. ‘Can’t Stop’ was actually composed by Yonghwa himself!

IU: “I’ve heard this as a guide version before, and asked Yonghwa to give the song to me. But he didn’t and instead put it in his album!”

Park Shin Hye: “No way, I’m shocked! Why is the song so good? [It’s] making my heart flutter!”

PhotoS: fnc entertainment/one production

... watching their dramas Speaking of talent, these guys are also equally blessed in the acting department. While leader Yonghwa has gained immense popularity because of roles in You’re Beautiful and Heartstrings, the other members greatly impressed us too! Jungshin played a swordsman in The Blade and Petal while Jonghyun made his small-screen debut in A Gentleman’s Dignity. Don’t even get us started on Minhyuk’s adorable character in The Heirs.

... laughing at their antics Their TV appearances on Running Man (Yonghwa has guested on the show 10 times!) and Cheondamdong111 will have you giggling at their understated sense of humour. Fun fact: CNBLUE is an acronym for Code Name Blue, but they once playfully revealed that the band was originally called Pine Tree!

ZE:A’s Kwanghee: “It’s well written. Yonghwa, you gotta buy me a meal next time! And to the other singers, I advise you to avoid making your comebacks now.”

... raving about their live shows One thing we’ve noticed about CNBLUE concerts is that they behave like friends enjoying what they do best. Yonghwa said in a recent talk show, “We’ll continue making new music and having concerts until everyone accepts our songs!” The boys will soon be kicking off the 2014 CNBLUE Live Can’t Stop concert tour, and we’ll be eagerly awaiting their arrival on 10 May! MAY 2014

57


nt e m n i a t enter

Exploring New Territory Breaking new ground with his first concept album Pluto – a self-composed effort that combines western music genres with thoughtful Mandarin lyrics – Kiat Goh opens up about his creative process. By Priscilla Wu

'’I absolutely cannot live without music of all genres, my music player and my headphones. ’’

The idea to fuse different genres together came to me when I was in Berlin. I was singing in all these different languages – German, Italian, French, Russian and English. I missed singing in Mandarin and realised that combining aspects of classical and jazz with pop would be really interesting. My first music love as a child was pop music, so I think it was quite a natural process to want to mix these genres together.

You received classical vocal training for more than five years in Moscow and Berlin, how did the experience influence your music? I heard a ton of classical music when I was there. As a student, one can watch world-class performances at a fraction of the ticket price. In addition, I was writing pop concert reviews for a German newspaper and frequented jazz clubs in Berlin. All that definitely influenced my songwriting. And then, there was the other side of things – the people and their stories. I would say that both have really opened up my mind, and open-mindedness aids creativity.

Have you always wanted to be a musician? I have always loved singing and I have the utmost respect for songwriters and composers. It is just wonderful to create something from nothing. I would say I am pursuing music in general. To me, as long as it is music that evokes emotions and tells a story, the genre does not matter.

60 MAY 2014

Were you comfortable recording in Mandarin? It was a fun process writing the songs for the album. Recording the songs was great fun as well when I saw them come to life. There weren’t any hurdles singing in Mandarin as it has always been my second language.

Tell us about your creative process. Where do you draw your song-writing inspiration? I get inspired by different things. I can feel an emotion from a film I watched and sometimes in stark silence, I hear a melody in my head. The very last song I wrote for the album was ‘Snowglobe’ which sampled one melody line from a lovely violin piece, ‘Caprice Viennois’ by Fritz Kreisler. I heard the piece at Symphony 92.4 and wrote the new melody when I got home that night.

Which song on the album is the closest to your heart and which track was the hardest to put together? ‘Snowglobe’ is really special to me as it evokes a bittersweet emotion. In the song, I am singing about my experience in Moscow and about how we grapple with lost time. The toughest song to put together was ‘Belt of Venus’ as it does not follow the usual pop song structure. It was a leap of faith to produce this track, and I am really glad I did as it is my favourite track on the album.

What are your plans for 2014? To continue listening, learning and writing. I have written a bunch of songs that I have earmarked for the next album. It would be real fun to see the concept that develops as I continue writing.

Photo: Warner MUSIC

We read that PLUTO is inspired by your musical journey from your school days to your stint as a music director in Symphony 92.4.


Party Up! Bruno Mars proved he’s the real deal by channeling his inner king of pop for the Moonshine Jungle Tour! By Chew Hui Ling

D

espite having only being on the scen e since 2010, Bruno Mars has really made a name for himself as a burgeoning lege nd. After a slew of chart-topping hits that have sold millions and a crazy good Super Bowl performance, fans here were eage r to see the singer in person and snapped up all the tickets shortly after they went on sale. At his 26 March concert at the Singapor e Indoor Stadium, the crowd welcome d Bruno and his band with zeal as they took centre stage and sweated it through 90-minute s of spirited and emotion-filled music. Here’s whe re we thought he really shined.

FORMER singing TRUE PERkn own for his

e He might b , but this sing prowess ys o p m and co ces and pla uy also dan g d ing te n ch le n u ta multibefore la st minutes Ju ed . p ts p n o e h m instru ’, Bruno t of Heaven u O d m e ru ck d o r into ‘L led a kille m riser and onto the dru the guitar t cked ou on ro o ls a e H solo! renade’ and s such as ‘G ck a gh tr ky n to fu n’t get enou at we could h W ’. e ir ce a n n a ‘Billio ergetic d ooth and en e late of was his sm a little of th u minded s re h ic atch. h w w to s, n move s such fu a w d n a n so Michael Jack

Photos: Live Nation Lushington

FUN FACTOR

He has an infectious stage presence and billion-dollar smile. Even though he was the centre of attention, he made sure to share the spotlight with his brothers and keep the audience engaged. The set list cons isted of all our favourite sing-alongs and had ever yone hooked from start till finish. ‘Treasure ’ was a real standout, with the fans chorusin g along and waving their hands up in the air upon Bruno’s command. He was a total swee theart too, occasionally pointing out and mak ing eye contact with a few lucky peeps upfront.

EMOTIONAL RIDE

His rich vocals, backed by his eightpiece band The Hooligans , was truly mesmerising. In between his perfectly timed ad-libs and passio nate belts, we saw that he clearly enjoys singing the most. When the familiar tun e of ‘When I Was Your Man’ filled our ears, the audience sang along to each and eve ry word. Bruno poured out his soul for the emotional ballad and also admitted that it was the most difficult tune to wri te and perform.

DECOR THEME-TASt-uTpICwasn’t exactly game-

gical While the se s pretty ma e decor wa th , g Jungle in e g n in a ch e Moonsh th to e u tr rry lights and stayed attered sta sc ll a b co is oon theme. A d mbling a m adium, rese st e n to th io it ss d o d acr y. In a the night sk in tti, g n fe ri n e co tt li g nd gold ser lights a la ips l cl u rf m u o lo d co shed ran a fl o ls a p d no the backdro concert ha ildlife. The w le we g n ic ju h f o hes, w h unts or clic st te ra fo ra o e b p o la e we do h . However te tes a u ci in re m p 0 p a e future, 9 th in st li t longer se ugh! wasn’t eno

MAY 2014

61


FOCUS

Dynamic Duos Talent clearly runs in the family for these famous sibling pairs. By Lisa Twang

The two hottest brothers in Hollywood right now, Liam stars in The Hunger Games film series, while older brother Chris plays sexy Norse god Thor. Oh, and their eldest brother, Luke, is also an actor! While the Hemsworth brothers used to fight with fists and knives as kids, Chris says they’re super supportive of each other. “We help each other with auditions and always have, with whatever scripts we’re working on. You’re not in direct competition anyway, and it’s more of a team effort with this than with anything else.”

Fanning Dakota and Elle r 8) e movie (Supe

in the sam From starring , the Fanning Vogue together in g to appearin and fashion th Hollywood sisters are bo mistaken for Elle used to be royalty. While r career, both ota early in he e days. big sister Dak their own thes to in g in m co e girls ar big sister, so ys, “She’s my sa le El a, ot ak On D hip) is mostly (Our relations r. he to n up ok I lo t I think it’s fu movie thing, bu e th t ou ab do t th no we bo nnection that we have that co nd, its good.” bo ly er like a sist movies. That’s

Liam and Chris Hemswort h

Kim Hyung Jun and Kibum

son Alex Wat a Watson had an d n a a m m Em eous Em otter

the gorg e Harry P Who knew ther? Th ro b fame as t u o k noc o shot to ls a , x a equally k le A , got Emm unger bro Alex also . h ic 17 star’s yo h f o w , e paign at the ag erry cam the rb u a model t, B c a fa to do. In ith him in ” w d r e h ta c s y to s “ps jobs for id she wa ther get a o s h a c a m e m E ing otter e Harry P been help th in ? a tr x two have ne therness lex was a mily toge fa r fo t years – A a th e. How’s films twic

78 MAY 2014

While Hyung Jun shot to fame as the youngest member of boyband SS501, his little bro Kibum is a star in his own right, as a former member of U-KISS and Xing. Both brothers have also enjoyed successful solo careers, and have set up a thriving character goods company together. “Each and every time I see my brother, I feel so proud,” says Hyung Jun. “We’re doing the same job, so when either of us has difficulties, we become a great (source of) strength to each other.”

Lily and Alfie Allen

Brit pop star Lily Allen was famous for years before her little brothe r, Alfie, became known for his role as Theon Greyjoy in Game of Throne s. In fact, Lily is so close to Alfie that her single, ‘Alfie’, was written for him! While Alfie Allen was embarrassed by the son g at first (it describes him as a lazy bum when he was younger!), he admits it’s nice because “not many people can say they have a song written about them.” Aww, too cute!


Kim Tae Hee and Lee Wan

JES

S IC

Arguably South Korea’s most fam ous siblings, actors Kim Tae Hee and Lee Wan were named in a 2011 online poll as the celebrit y family members with the most “blessed genes.” The two are super tight in real life, too. As Tae Hee told her fans, “My brother and I just don’t communicate with each other very well. However you guys know, more than anyone , that we have a strong connection, right? When we were younger, we were both busy... so we barely had any conversations with each othe r. It seems we have started talking mor e, the older we get.”

A

Jessica and Krystal Jung

With her big sist er Jessica in K-pop superg roup SNSD, it wasn’t long be fore Krystal followed in her footsteps to join f(x). Now th e Jung sisters are taking the Kore an entertainmen t world by storm, starrin g in TV dramas and musicals in addi tion to belting out tunes. In fact, they may even ha ve their own reality show soon, the Jung Sisters Project. “Becau se we’re in the sa m e line of work, there are some things that I lean on my sister fo r, so I’m thankf ul,” says Jessica. “I can share things th at I can’t tell just anyone , and I think sh e’s my best friend right now.”

Junho Kim Junsu and

Jack and Finn Harries

Haylie and Hilary Duff

Duff sisters You’ve probably seen the ire and Gu star together in Lizzie Mc n sung a eve e y’v Material Girls, and the led’. “It’s Sea Are s Lip duet together, ‘Our ’re you es tim ny ma unfortunate that so the in ng bei , ling sib r pitted against you e to nic s “It’ . ary Hil s say ” same business, e e creativ outlet see siblings having the sam y. I’ve loved and doing it a different wa we’re there to be working with my sister... erleader when each other’s biggest che something.” somebody has success in

Identical twins Jack and Finn aren’t just super cute, but extremely enterprising, too. Just 20 years old, they own a hyper successful website and YouTube channel, JacksGap, which has over 3.3 million subscribers! Jack is the more outgoing twin and hopes to work as a TV host someday, while Finn is more shy and had to be persuaded to join his brother on camera. The twins are now taking time off uni to concentrate on their vlog, which attracts over a million hits per video.

These hunky fraternal twins captured our hearts when they burst onto the K-pop scene. Junho is best known by his stage names JUNO and ZUNO, while Junsu is part of K-pop group JYJ. They definitely know how to help each other out, as Junho wrote three songs for Junsu’s first solo album at his brother’s request. On his twin, Junho says: “He is really the best... he is so sexy that the female audiences can’t help falling for him completely.” We couldn’t agree more! MAY 2014

79


FOCUS

s p i T m a x E ! s r e h c a e From T ress-free lls confident and st Walk into the exam ha ed pointers we’ve gather with these essential you! By Chew Hui Ling from those who grade

Before an y else, prep thing aration is the key t o succes s. - Alexand er Graham B ell, cientist

MAIN Photo: Getty Images

late UK s


MASSAGE BENEFITS “An old lecturer of mine once explained that massaging the back of your hand (the area between the thumb and forefinger) helps you to become more focused and less drowsy.” – Mr Iain Choi, Lecturer, SP Design School

KEEP ACTIVE “Don’t skip exercise, even during the crucial revision period. Sitting in front of your notes for long periods of time can cause you to easily become fatigued, so a short jog in the morning or evening can do wonders in helping you to be more alert.” – Ms Liu Sin Yee, Lecturer, SP School of Communication, Arts and Social Sciences

REFRESH YOUR MEMORY “Study after each class conducted weekly to keep your mind fresh throughout the semester. Every lesson has a link to what you’ll study down the road. Recapping the main points makes it easier for you to remember what was taught in earlier weeks rather than mugging everything at the last minute.” – Mr Liew Hui Sing, Course Chair, SP School of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering

DON’T BE CARELESS “Remember to write your name at the front of the exam paper. You won’t believe how many people have forgotten to do it!” – Mr Lucas S Karatzas, Senior Lecturer, PSB School of Engineering & Technology

Maths Geography

Chemis

try

GET ORGANISED WRITE PROPERLY “In fast-paced lectures, take down the main pointers while paying full attention. Then, re-write the notes in a manner you’ll still understand after months. Writing legibly makes it easier to study for exams.” – Mr Rhys Johnson, Vice President for Teaching, Learning & Student Support, Kaplan

“Instead of planning only your studying hours, I suggest allocating time for everything from meal breaks to workout routines. [Otherwise] your social life might eat into your study time (say when a new post about Justin Bieber comes on the Internet), and your study time might eat into your rest time. Create a to-do-list to slot in study sessions, and keep to it. You can still have fun while excelling academically!” – Mr Christopher Harris, Head of School for Diploma Studies, Kaplan

EAT HEALTHILY START EASY “On the big day itself, go with the questions you feel most confident about first! There’s no need to answer them in order. If your brain freezes, just write anything that comes to mind and you’ll soon start remembering details.” – Mr Lucas S Karatzas

“Have a healthy breakfast before taking a morning paper. Without proper food, your brain can’t wake up properly. Plus concentrating on a task at your desk can be draining and makes one hungry! Eggs, fruits and granolas are good options. If you woke up too late to grab a brekkie, at least have some muesli bars while on the run.” – Ms Liu Sin Yee

KNOW YOUR DATES CHOOSE YOUR LIGHTING “Lights with warm (yellowish) and cool (whitish, bluish) hues have varying effects on people. Working in an environment with strong cold fluorescent lighting makes you feel more focused and less inclined to sleep. On the flip side, warm lights allow you to relax easily.” – Mr Iain Choi

“Always check the exact day, venue and timing of the exam beforehand. This is to make sure you have not confused the nitty-gritty details.” – Mr Lucas S Karatzas

STAY WARM “Most exam halls are pretty cold, so I think bringing a snuggly jacket, cardigan or pullover is essential for long papers.” – Ms Liu Sin Yee

MAY 2014

85


FOCUS

Memory Boosters Worried you won’t remember all the facts you’re cramming into your head? Study smart with these proven techniques for better memory. By Lisa Twang

Talk to yourself Studies show reading your material out loud helps you recall facts better afterwards. So settle in and make a speech out of your textbooks and pointers. Better yet, whip out your phone and record your speech, so you can play it back later on the bus or MRT. It’s a lot easier than trying to hold your book open while standing on public transport!

86 MAY 2014

Colour Coordinate Nope, we’re not talking about your wardrobe. Your brain groups similar facts according to colours, so use coloured highlighters and markers to make it easier to find related information. For example, when studying history, you can highlight facts related to the Allied Powers in green, and those related to the Axis Powers in yellow. Choose a colour scheme that makes sense to you, and it’ll be easier to reference your facts later.

Sometimes the best way to refresh what you’ve learnt is to teach it to others. Start a study group with some friends, and take turns teaching each other from memory. Teaching encourages you to understand and recall facts, and present them in a clear, straightforward manner exactly what you’ll be doing in a test or exam. If it’s difficult to get a study group together, find any willing audience for you to ‘teach’. Try your parents, younger sister, or even your dog!

Have a laugh Adding humour to your study sessions has been shown to improve memory significantly. Make studying more fun by coming up with funny rhymes and jokes related to your facts and formulas. For instance, if you wanted to remember the formula for the area of a circle, π r2, you could make a joke about someone insisting that “pies are square”. Let your imagination run wild, and you’ll remember more and find studying more enjoyable.

Change locations Studying in the same spot all the time can make you feel stuck after a while. Our brains use new things in our environment, like background noises and sights, to help improve recollection. When studying a particularly challenging subject or chapter, try going to a new location, like a friend’s house or quiet cafe. What you learn that day will stand out more in your mind.

MAIN Photo: Getty Images

Be a Teacher


Leave some time to forget It may sound strange, but giving yourself time to forget your study material is actually useful. If you try to recall what you’ve learnt too soon (like right after studying), it’s not a fair test of what you’ve actually remembered. Instead, wait a day or two, or even a week, to test yourself, so you’re aware of what you naturally forgot. Yet another reason to begin revising early, as you can’t use this technique right before an exam!

Get moving Research shows movement can help trigger your memory, too. Make hand gestures while you’re studying to act out what you’re reading. When studying about mountains, you could draw them in the air with your finger, or if reading about the movement of molecules, stand up and make patterns with your feet. If you repeat the actions later, you’re much more likely to remember what you’ve read.

Use scents to trigger memory According to research from the University of Northumbria in the UK, people were more likely to remember instructions if they were placed in a room scented with rosemary. That’s because rosemary contains eucalyptol, a compound which helps you form memories. So place memory-boosting scents like rosemary and rose oil in your room while studying, or wear a rose-scented lip balm during your study time, which you can also use during your exams.

What Kind of Learner Are You? Do you learn best by sight, sound, or a little of both? Take our quiz to discover your learning style, and how you should study! 1. My favourite way to pass the time on the bus is to... a. Read a book or magazine. b. Plug in my headphones and listen to music. c. Tap my feet or practise my dance moves. d. Play a video game.

2. In class, I’m most likely to get in trouble for... a. Doodling on my notebook... or the desk! b. Talking to my friends. c. Fidgeting, or fiddling with my pens and pencils. d. Secretly using my mobile phone.

3. During TV advertisement breaks, I will usually... a. Watch the ads. b. Sing along to the jingles. c. Get up and walk around. d. Use the time to check Facebook, Twitter or Whatsapp.

4. I’m most likely to remember the lesson if the teacher... a. Used diagrams or models. b. Spent a lot of time explaining the details. c. Got us to act out the key parts of the lesson. d. Had an interactive lesson using a tablet or computer.

Mostly As: Visual Learne r

You learn be st through lo oking and reading, so ch arts and info graphics are especially helpful for yo u. Make charts and fla shcards for yo ur study sessions , and make th em as colourful as po ssible. Comic s, maps and attractiv e posters will help you retain inform ation better, so look out for these kind s of study mat erials.

: Mostly Cs Learn’ter ic t e h t s e Kin ften complain you can

y People o u just enjo t fact is, yo d n u ro sit still, bu a rld out the wo ith w s e learning ab m a G . ng around vi o m es) y d b ra u yo (like cha nd actions ve lo u yo gestures a y, and p your alle . b la e are right u th in xperiments g practical e g by buildin in rn a le r u yo ing ce ct n a a h y, En e or cla h plasticin p u g models wit in sett u read, or out what yo . ts n e m ri e xp practical e

Mostly Bs: arner AuditomresytoLleearning, you’re

When it co lesson iobooks and all ears. Aud for you, l el w ry ork ve recordings w g. You’re joy storytellin since you en fan, so why ic so a big mus al ly ab b ro p ng lyrics notes into so not turn your Even to yourself? and sing them ill w help jog e tune later humming th y. your memor

Mostly Ds: Global Learner

Global learners like to know the ‘big picture’ before they can understand the de tails. They also enjoy interactive lea rning methods, which are usually co mputer-based. Playing educational computer games and writing stories will help you remember inform ation better. It’ll also be helpful to read chapter summaries and introd uctions before the main material, as you’ll have a broad overview of the lesson first.

MAY 2014

87


QUIZ

Do you

test badly?

If you score well all year round for projects and homework but just can’t seem to ace your exams, find out what the problem could be! By Johanna Teo 1. It’s the end of the school day, but your teacher is doing a last revision for the final exams. She asks if there are any questions. What is your response? a. Look out of the window and stare enviously at your schoolmates leaving. b. You try to think of questions but can’t as you’ve been daydreaming. c. Immediately clarify all the doubts you have.

3. Exam day! What did you have for breakfast? a. “Strength of mind is exercise, not rest.” Alexander Pope, Poet b. “Never memorise something that you can look up.” - Albert Einstein, Scientist c. “I’ve a grand memory for forgetting.” Robert Louis Stevenson, Novelist

2. It’s Sunday evening and you have a big exam the next day. What are you doing? a. What do you mean what am I doing? I’ve been studying for the test since last week! b. I’m doing some last-minute revision because I just realised the exam is tomorrow! c. It’s the weekend, so I just flipped through the text when I wasn’t watching TV or playing games!

96 MAY 2014

a. You only had time for a slice of bread because you woke up late. b. Bacon, eggs and toast. You’re feeling a little sleepy now from all the food. c. Nothing. You were too nervous to eat.

4. What do you have in your school bag?

7. The teacher announces that there are only five minutes left. How do you react? a. Only five more minutes? Why does time pass so quickly?!

a. A few pens, snacks and some TV series your friend passed you.

b. Ok, let’s check through the paper for the fifth time…

b. Your pencil case, textbooks, lecture notes, iPad and a water bottle.

c. Yay! I can go home and snooze soon.

c. Your pencil case and some notes.

6. Halfway through the exams, how much have you completed? a. I’m halfway through b. Three more questions left! c. Nowhere near done

8. Five minutes before entering the examination venue. You’re feeling: a. Nervous but prepared. b. A little bored. You’re looking forward to your after-school activities. c. A little panicky and wondering if you missed out on anything.

Photo: Getty Images

Choose the quote that fits you best:

y Worrying! Teens sa ve they skip meals, ha d turn trouble sleeping an harm to smoking or selft due to anxiety abou their exams.


igraines, Headaches, m irritability over-eating, problems and memory tip of the are just the o n it comes t iceberg whe ptoms. stress sym 9. Your classmate asks you which chapters you studied. You reply:

If you scor ed 1-12 poin ts: Yo

u’re not comm

Add up your score! 1. a = 1 2. a = 3 3. a = 3 4. a = 2 5. a = 1 6. a = 2 7. a = 2 8. a = 2 9. a = 3 10. a = 1 11. a = 3 12. a = 3

b=2 b=1 b=2 b=1 b=3 b=1 b=3 b=1 b=2 b=2 b=1 b=1

c=3 c=2 c=1 c=3 c=2 c=3 c=1 c=3 c=1 c=3 c=2 c=2

a. Everything of course! I can’t tell what’s coming out. b. The ones the teacher told us to study? It’s chapters three, five, eight and nine, right? c. Err… can’t really remember. I just flipped through.

10. You flip the examination paper open and the first question asks you to answer if it is true or false. What goes through your mind? a. Without a doubt, the answer is true! b. Was this in the textbook? c. Both seems correct. How now?!

11. What usually distracts you during the exam? a. People going to sleep. What? They’re finished already?! b. Noise, you absolutely need to see what’s going on. c. A million thoughts in your brain as everything you studied swirls around.

12. The examination is finally over! How do you think you fared? a. It was a good decision to study all the chapters just in case! b. I wasn’t sure about all my answers, but they seemed ok. c. I’m just glad it’s over. I hope I pass!

In a UK study, over 96% of 1,300 students surveyed said they feel anxiou s about exams.

itted

enough You live by the motto, ‘Don’t sweat the smal stuff’. You figur l e that if you do fine with dayto-day assignm ents, the exam s shouldn’t be problem, so yo a ur prep takes a backseat to having fun. Or you maybe you’ve given up on yo because no am urself ount of studyi ng seems to raise your grades. M aybe so, but as a student, your first duty is to put in your be st effort to lear Clarify your do n. ubts with a te acher, who wi doubt help if th ll no ey see that yo u’re really tryi So what if the ng. stuff you stud ied never com up? Better to es be safe than so rry. Prioritise yo results, and le ur ave hanging ou t with friends after the exam till s. They need to study too.

13-24 points: If you scored

what’s important You can’t focus on sure to study

igence and make You put in due dil erything ste to blurt out ev hard. But in your ha d, start se nfu times get co you know, you some ing go d an ers ur answ second-guessing yo w much ho t ou ab t no er, it’s off-topic. Rememb the er sw well you can an you know, but how pressed im be y ma ur teacher questions! While yo you ge, they can’t award with your knowled points or ct rre co e th s es addr marks if you don’t ur replies arn how to craft yo Le s. ke sta mi ke ma from past ns tio es , practise qu carefully on p. 88 cted, pe ex s at’ wh u know exam papers so yo h your ug ro th k ec ch u yo sure and always make d! answers at the en

If you scored 25-36 points:

You put too much pressure on yourself You pour your heart into prepping for each exam and neglect your health and rest. Studying till the brink of exhaustion will defeat your efforts as your mind won’t be at its best come crunch time. You need to allocate more time for relaxation. And if you plan carefully, you needn’t feel bad when the time comes to take a break. Just make sure you take it. Your brain will be able to absorb more information afterwards. Promise!

Hot Tips to Ace Your Next Test! Tip #1 Keep it simple Read each question carefully and figure out what you need to answer. Usually the first answer that pops into your head is pretty close. Go with your instincts and don’t overthink and over-write. That said, don’t be too vague and general with your replies, hoping you can get away with things you don’t know. You’re not fooling anyone!

eggs. Avoid carbohydrates (like pasta or bread) and sugary items and drinks which may cause you to feel sleepy.

Tip #4 Be prepared

Don’t waste time trying to remember facts, routines and formulas. Before the test, practise until you can quickly recall them without thinking too much.

Make sure you arrive on time and have all your proper ID and stationery so you’re not starting the test on a frazzled tone. Are you easily distracted in the exam hall? It may sound ridiculous, but if you need complete peace and quiet to focus, perhaps you might want to bring earplugs? And if you tend to feel cold easily, bring along a sweater if the test is in an air-conditioned room.

Tip #3 Settle Your Needs

Tip #5 Check yourself

Before the test, eat your breakfast, and go to the toilet. An hour and a half is a long time to suffer in silence and you don’t want to waste precious time thinking about your needs. For breakfast, pick proteins like chicken, fish or

If you feel like nothing you do helps and you still can’t concentrate or even read the questions correctly, seek an expert’s help to see if you might have dyslexia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Tip #2 Practise for speed

MAY 2014

97


ADVICE

Dear readers, This month, I want to share with you a very important new Bill that was introduced in Parliament in March 2014. Be warned – if you are a cyberbully, stalker or harasser. It is called a Protection from Harassment Bill. Action taken against adults differ from action taken against minors. Here are some of the effects of the new Bill.

Cyberbullying a. It’s an offence to post ‘false facts’ against someone online. The offender can be ordered to notify readers that the statements posted are “false”. b. If the conduct is deemed to be harassment, the court can issue a Protection Order requiring that the bully (harasser) or website owner remove the offending material (including websites hosted abroad). c. If the bully (harasser) doesn’t comply with the Protection Order, he or she may be fined and/or face a jail term.

and this: ply (obey) Understand ve to com a h s ce n te a si b we l in accord • Foreign ing materia d n ffe o . n rt ou take dow arges in c or face ch g material with the Bill in d n ing the offe st o -p re be e • Anyon ymity can ise of anon u g will have to e d th n r a e , und user name ir e th y b identified rder. otection O obey the Pr

School bullying a. Victims may apply to the court for a Protection Order requiring bullies to stop doing anything that may cause further harm. b. If the bully doesn’t comply with the Protection Order, legal action will be taken against the bully.

Understand th is: • An investiga tion could be conducted by police into sc the hool bullying cases if a repo has been mad rt e. • A child unde r 16 can be ch arged with harassment at the juvenile co urt. • The court ca n impose com munity orders, such as comm unity service orders, on the bully, in place of a jail term.

100 MAY 2014

Stalking a. Be aware of what has been identified as stalking and what actions are seen to cause harassment, alarm or distress to a victim. b. If a person considers they are being stalked, they can apply to the Court for a Protection Order that will inform stalkers to stop harassing their victim.

Sexual harassment in the workplace Some readers enter the workplace in their late teens. Teenage guys and girls must be aware of their rights. If you are harassed in the workplace by someone higher up the corporate ladder, someone who is at your level or even lower down the office hierarchy, you must know your rights. a. If you are a victim, you may apply to the court for Protection Orders requiring your harasser to cease doing anything that can be seen as sexual harassment. Young people should ask a more senior person for advice. b. If your harasser doesn’t follow the Protection Orders, he or she may face a fine/or a jail term. c. Be aware that a company/organisation is not legally bound to ensure that sexual harassment doesn’t occur in the workplace, but they are expected to have a ‘Code of Conduct’ for their employees.

Understand this: tially sue a • A victim could poten l harassment. ua sex for r rke fellow wo l advances • Inappropriate sexua touching, te ria rop pp ina such as close such too caressing, coming mfortable co un ls fee that the victim harassment. can be considered nsult a more co If you are unsure, . ate rkm wo ed establish

Note: I suggest you keep this for future reference. Always here for you.

Do you h problemave a you wish to share? Someth in get off g to you chest? r Kelly’s responses take into account age, experience and needs of writers. Those writing in know and seek her tough love, no-nonsense approach. Readers wanting a different type of response should seek advice elsewhere. Older and more experienced readers knowing the answers to questions need to exercise patience. Not everyone knows what you know. After qualifying as a teacher, Kelly Chopard went on to attend several counselling courses. Over the past 30 years, she has been invited to sit on panels and discussion groups, give talks and has taught modules dealing with youth issues. She counsels primary and secondary school pupils. She also engages in parent-pupil counselling sessions. In the 1970s, she was a member of a People’s Association Team counselling young adults in areas like drugs, smoking and other health and social issues. From 1979 to 1983 she had a counselling column in a local woman’s magazine. Since 1996 she has been responding to Teenage readers in her Dear Kelly column.

NT IMPORTA

Mail rough the ng to me th e, am N When writi ll Fu state your , Gender or Online, ephone No. el ,T o. N . length no Age, I.C is e onym. Ther ud se P d s an letter to: Send your restriction. Magazine, , Teenage e Dear Kelly d Singapor oa R uth 20 Bedok So r Kelly online via Dea 469277 or .com.sg. ge na ee www.t with the be treated d Letters will nnot respon ca nfidence. I s. se on sp strictest co l re for persona to requests


Problems to share I am such a fan of your column. I am a 13-year-old boy and admire your tough love and no-nonsense advice to readers. I have problems for you to solve. From: Spendthrift Kelly: Welcome fan. It is good you like my “tough love, no-nonsense advice”, because you are going to get some now. I know this is what you want, so here goes… 1. I am obese and my classmates make fun of me. They call me names like “fat ass” and “fatty”. After reading your column for one-and-a-half-years, I know you tell people like me to exercise. I tried, but sports like running and jogging are too strenuous for me. I tire easily and pant heavily. I have also tried eating only vegetables with my rice. It doesn’t work. Kelly: Now, now! I

would never advise an obese person to run or jog. It puts too much strain on the heart and breathing will become difficult. I would, however, encourage you to swim and/or walk to keep fit, as you proceed on your weight-loss journey.

No strenuous exercise until you drop the pounds. The first thing I want you to do is visit a doctor who will examine you. You will be told if you need to be put under the care of a nutritionist. Should you visit a nutritionist, you must commit to following the advice given. No backsliding. Generally, people are overweight because they make poor food choices. However, if your obesity is the result of a medical condition, the doctor will take charge. 2. I

like to sing and I

think I have a good voice, but when I sing, my

classmates tell me to stop. I don’t have the money to take singing lessons. I have dreams of becoming a Broadway star. I usually sing in my “fake voice” and mum says it isn’t nice. I hate my real voice. Kelly: From what you say, your dream doesn’t mesh with reality. Classmates are not enamoured of your singing. Mum doesn’t like your “fake” voice and you “hate” your real voice, yet you claim: “I think I have a good voice”. Forget the singing lessons. Be realistic and select a hobby or activity you have a chance of excelling at. To be a Broadway star remains a dream for most. Listen to the great singers. Honesty will point you in the right direction. Unrealistic dreams lead to frustration, a loss of self-confidence and sometimes depression. 3. I

admit to being a spendthrift. When I go shopping

with mum, she ends up spending a lot of money buying me clothes. I want to buy a lot of stuff. I notice mum is stressed when it comes to spending money as she is the sole breadwinner. Dad was retrenched three years ago. Kelly: You know what is the right thing to do. If you gave yourself some nononsense advice, you’d say: “Be realistic and compassionate. Mum cannot afford to indulge my desire for buying ‘a lot of stuff’”. Sometimes, our parents need our

SOS

support. Of course, mum wants to make you happy, but can you be really happy if you know mum cannot afford to indulge you? No, you are not happy! I know this because you are a good and honest boy and you admit you are a “spendthrift”. Hey, as you lose weight by eating right, you will need new clothes so splurging on clothes now may not be prudent.

Be realistic and compassionate. Mum cannot afford to indulge your desire for buying a lot of stuff

4. I

can’t wait to be able to get part-time work so I can

spend my own money instead of taking money from mum. It would be nice to spend my own money. The problem is mum keeps saying I should focus on my lessons. What should I do? Please help me. Thanks in advance and best wishes. God bless. Kelly: Mum is right. Doing well in school should be your objective. Having said this, I must add that having a part-time job during the holidays might be a good idea. It will allow you to learn to balance work and studies. Discuss this with mum and assure her that you will be responsible and not let your studies suffer if you get parttime employment. If you get a part-time job, I hope you will use the money you earn for pocket money so mum has less pressure providing you with cash. Imagine how relieved she’d be. Please help your parents lessen the pressure of daily living by not asking for expensive stuff. I am confident you will do the right thing because you are a good, honest and caring son. Bless you too young man.

MAY 2014

101


YO ON

A

Out-takes

Teenage’s office is always filled with fun activities! Check it out!

Happy birthday to our April babies Aris, Mei, Angie and Khaili! Is Aris conducting the birthday song?

“We do food styling even when we’re having our lunch. Holding the spoon in place while Michelle blocks the light casting shadows. Aris shoot on!” Hungry birthday girls waiting to eat their delicious cheesecakes from Cat & the Fiddle.

Our furry friends taking a nap while we work on the next issue of Teenage. Envious!

Angie is sweet like this cupcake, which is to say very sweet...

What’s so inte Pei Ling... resting? Share leh

“What a coincidence! This is the exact shade of my top!” “Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the most good-looking of all?” Erm, none of you.

Our new writer Johanna (far right), as well as Pei Ling and Michelle are huge 2NE1 fans! Stocking up on the Laurier Super Slimguard pads to win tickets to the 2014 2NE1 WORLD TOUR ‘ALL OR NOTHING’show in Singapore! Visit www.laurier.com.sg/2NE1 or the Laurier Facebook page to learn more details!

108 MAY 2014

2NE1 fans!


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.