Volume No.

The Wah Yan Times

was not shy to speak in Daswani entered university, class. Although he was not he met his old friend from the first student to raise his the French class one day. hand when Mr. Daswani Whats more interesting, is asked the class a question, that Mr. Daswani discovhe still always tried and ered both of them had been he wouldnt say, I dont to the same university in know. When Mr. Daswani America. gave the whole class a radio After he graduated from drama project, Mr. Chan university, he took the step sang a song himself by Wong Fei, a very popular pop star at the time. Mr. Daswani still has the recording of Mr. Chans performance, because he thought it wasMr. Daswani is very humorous and we think he can make a lot of friends. - Ryan Pun, Ryan Yeung very unique Photo: Kevin Chan 1Y and creative. How did Mr. Daswani of contacting WYK. He got come to teach at WYK? a call to come for an interWhen Mr. Daswani was a view at WYK two days later. F.3 student, he took French During the interview, the lessons where he met a Wah former principal asked him Yan student. After learnwhether he wanted to start ing about WYK from his immediately, and Mr. Dasnew friend, he had a good wani promptly answered impression of the school. yes. After going through all Later in F.3, he particithese events, he felt that it pated in a speech festival was his destiny to teach at competition which was WYK. held at WYK. When Mr. Using that clue, they quickly narrowed down the possible answers to only 3 teachers, making the answer quite obvious. So who was the pair at the end? Mr. Daswani taught Mr. Lesley Chan, when Mr. Chan was in 4J in 1996, said Benson Leung. They have apparently learnt a lot from this investigation as first-time reporters. We learnt how to take notes very quickly as Mr. Daswani was speaking way faster than I could write a complete sentence, said Ryan Yeung. We also need to improvise as we might sometimes come across situations where we need to make up questions

Monday, October 17, 2011

What you always wanted to know about Mr Daswani

By Junior Reporters, Ryan Pun and Ryan Yeung 1W Mr Daswani was born in Hong Kong and has lived here all his life, except for his time at university when he studied overseas. He speaks Cantonese and knows a lot about Chinese culture. He loves Hong Kong, because there are great people here and great food and it is a clean city (compared to New York and other places). Mr Daswani also spends time in India where the cities have unique architecture and an old but nice environment. Why did he become a teacher? Mr Daswani became a teacher because he wanted to share what he had learnt and his experiences with his students. When we asked him which form was the easiest to teach, Mr. Daswani joked that F.8 was the one (which was really funny). He said that any student can be taught if he is willing to learn. Which F1 teacher did Mr. Daswani teach? Mr. Daswani taught Mr. Lesley Chan when Mr. Chan was in F4J. Mr. Daswani said that Mr. Chan was very talented and he

Investigative Challenge: which F1 teacher taught another F1 teacher AT Wah Yan ?

immediately to obtain more information, he added. I have some advice I would like to give to other reporters. First, be well-prepared. Think of a sufficient number of questions to obtain information for your story. Secondly, take quick notes. Taking quick notes allows you follow your interviewees reply much more easily. As for the final and the most important point: Never let your mind be filled with nervousness and fear, said Ryan Yeung. With such confidence in the way they speak English, we can see the startling potential of these young F.1 students, sparkling like stars in the dark sky.

Investigative Challenge For Next Issue:

When did Wah Yan first start to build the Big Hammer game for Caritas Bazaar?
Want to write for the school newspaper? The first group of students who find the answer and tell Ms. Zhang will get the opportunity to write like an investigative reporter.

Natural Phenomenon - Winner of the First Photo Competition among The Wah Yan Times photographers

Sparkling New Stars-Interview with Investigative Reporters

By Senior Editors-in-Chief, Alister Wong and Paul Tan 5S At the classroom door, find out which F.1 teacher three young men stood was taught by another F.1 smiling amiably at us. The teacher. interview almost started You dont actually need instantly as they enthusias- any specific skills to solve tically took seats around us. this task, all you have to do In September, young is to remain confident and men from 1W including dedicate a lot of effort to Benson Leung, Ryan Poon it. said Ryan Poon. When and Ryan Yeung undertook asked how they solved the the investigative challenge: task, they claimed to use a focusing method. By that, it means to eliminate the wrong options one by one in order to narrow down the investigation targets from the vast sea of options. They were given a hint by the teacher that the pair of teachers in this task are both male.

I took this photo inside a plane in August when I was flying back to Hong Kong from a trip to Okinawa. I took this photo because I saw the weather outside was beautiful and I wanted to take the last photo for that trip. - Joseph Wu 1Y Judges words: This photo is well-composed. I can easily tell where the photo was taken. Also, the colour of the sky is very beautiful and it totally matches the topic of our competition. - Jeremy Lam 5S

Layout: Kevin Chan 1Y

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OUTSIDE SCHOOL - TALKS, VISITS, AND EVENTS

By Junior Reporter, Kevin Chan 1Y On September 23, 2011, Born in 1951, Nick Ut world-famous war photogwas 21 when he took the rapher, Nick Ut came to the picture of Kim Phuc. Ut University of Hong Kong became a photographer for (HKU) to give a talk. Forty Associated Press (AP) at the years ago, a photo taken by age of 14 when his brother, Ut shocked the world. who also worked for AP as In the photo, a little girl a photographer, died in the was running and screaming battlefield. without clothes. Behind her Nick Ut was a soldier with there was an explosion.The a camera. During the war, I girl in the photo is called, traveled to lots of places in Kim Phuc. Vietnam with other soldiers to take photos, Ut said. When others were hiding in bushes and keeping their heads down, Nick stood up and took photos,said Peter Arnett, a famous war journalist who worked with Ut The photo of the naked girl was in Vietnam during the war shown on screen during the talk. and came to the talk at HKU Photo: Kevin Chan 1Y to support Ut. On June 8, 1972, at the After the Vietnam War, time the photo was taken, Ut went to Los Angeles and a napalm bomb had been became a Hollywood phodropped in a village called tographer. Trang Bang in South VietThe biggest difference is nam. That was where Kim that you work alone in the Phuc lived. battleground but in HollyWhen Ut saw her and wood, crowds of photogratook the photo, the skin on phers push each other to get her back and arms was all the best snap of celebrities, burnt black. Nick Ut drove said Ut. the burned girl to a hospital Ut said other photogralater, and she was transphers follow him to choose ferred to another hospital a good place to take good where she stayed for 14 photos, because they know months and had 17 operahe is experienced. tions. At the end of the talk, a The photo appeared in student asked Ut to use one newspapers all around the word to express his feelglobe the next day. People ings about his career as a were shocked because it photographer. Love, I love showed the cruelty of war. photography and thats what Kim Phuc now lives in kept me doing this a lifeCanada and works as a time. United Nations Ambassador. She went to the University of Cuba to study, and met her husband there. Kim Phuc and Nick Ut are still in contact till today. She calls him Uncle Nick. We call each other once a month, said Ut during the Ut took the photo for Phuc when talk.
she was 28. Photo: Kevin Chan 1Y

Story Behind a Photo

Secret to Writing

By Junior Reporter, Herman Lam 3W On September 24, 2011, two reporters from The Wah Yan Times visited the head office of The International Herald Tribune (IHT)s Asia-Pacific Region in North Point for the award ceremony for this yearsWord (World) of Yours Writing Competition. In a tour of the newsroom, Mr. Kevin Drew, a correspondent for IHT, showed us his desk. At that time, he was using twitter to follow the latest news about the opening of the New Apple Store in IFC. Drew explained how per will be updated. The Hong Kong headquarters is in charge of the newspaper distribution to 22 markets Students from seven different schools joined the writin the Asiaing competition. Pacific RePhoto: Ivy Zhang gion. International School. In his In the newsroom, there are several letter to Premier Wen Jiabao desks for photo editors, and of the Peoples Republic of China, he expressed conlayout designers who sit next to the reporters. Beside cern about Internet usage in China. Surprisingly, the the photo editors are the letter stressed the problems copy editors desks. Copy of corruption and nationaleditors look ism. He had a strong thesis for grammar mistakes at the start, and concluded in a strong way stressing and need to that combating such negaensure that the content is tive events would benefit the PRC government. He cited accurate. a lot of examples to support After the his thesis. newsroom In his acceptance speech, tour and a The IHT Newsroom Photo: Ivy Zhang Lee said that reading is the talk given most important part of the IHT operates its two by Kevin Drew, the Award writing informed letters. news bureaus. At 16:30 Ceremony started. There Hong Kong Time (10:30 were eighteeen entries from He advised students, So Paris Time), staff from both seven different schools. This read more, then write more. Through writing, you can offices have a meeting to dis- year, the IHT received encuss what news they should tries from both international practice your writing styles, accuracy and to try express they cover. The first edition schools and local schools, your thoughts clearly. It is of the paper must be drafted breaking the domination of essential for you to write before 19:00 (HKT), which international schools in the more. means theres only two and past. He said he was not good a half hours for editors to In the competition, particat English writing when he draft the first edition after ipants were asked to write a the meeting. letter to world leaders about entered secondary school. Eventually, he started readThe final edition is out critical issues. ing books and writing essays at 23:00, so in the 4 hours, This years champion when he had spare time. information in the newspawas Issac Lee from Chinese

Newspaper Vocabulary

1. editor: the person who decides what should be included in a newspaper, magazine, etc 2. edition: a particular form of a book, newspaper or magazine 3. correspondent: a person who reports news for a newspaper, television or radio station from a particular area or subject 4. news bureau: an office which gathers and distributes news 5. reporter: someone who writes about events for a newspaper, radio or television station 6. photo editor: the person who decides which news stories need photographs and he chooses photos afterwards 7. layout designer: the person who arranges pictures and articles on a page Compiled by Jonathan Wong 5K

West Kowloon Cultural District A place for everyone

By Junior Reporters, William Shu 3Y and Niko Tang 2W The West Kowloon Culis stuffing plenty of these tural District (WKCD) has cultural facilities together. rolled out its Stage 3 Public They should create more Engagement exercise with cultural districts in different an exhibition showcasing places around Hong Kong, the future development plan he added. in the Hong Kong HeritLast year, three conceptual age Discovery Centre from plans designed by differSeptember 30th to October ent groups were released 30th. for public voting. Foster + The WKCD has been Partners won and this year, plagued by controversy. The they presented their latest early proposal was delayed, plan, which has integrated due to increasing costs and the desired features from the Graham Sheffield, the Chief other two plans. Executive of the West KowThe new cultural district loon Cultural District Auwill have different facilities thority reseigned on January for cultural exhibitions, and 3, 2011. educational and recreational They introduced the activities. It will also include plans to us but neglected spaces for residential and the drawbacks, which wasnt commercial use. Every singood, Mr. Wong comgle corner in the WKCD will plained. The government be packed with arts. The biggest facility in WKCD is the Great Park. It is a park full of green plants. The public can relax in this quiet and grassy area. Another noticeable place is the Avenue. Trees are planted near the colonnades. There will also be lots of shops, cafs and restaurants. The WKCD will be located on the reclaimed waterfront west of Yau Ma Tei, where people will be able to enjoy the view of Victoria Harbour while walking on the streets in the district. There were quite a number of visitors at the exhibition. They all expected WKCD to be convenient and suitable for all age groups in order to create a peaceful community. The district should

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The one-month public consultation for Western Cultural District Design Plan started on September 30. Photo: Kings Cheung 2W

be convenient, of course. The content should also be suitable for everybody. If not, this will be a waste of the money spent, said Miss Sun. There should be more important details given in this exhibition, she added. The new plan will be sent to the Town Planning Board soon. The Stage 3 Public

Engagement exercise marks the crucial stage of the planning for the WKCD. The project is real and soon coming to life! said Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, the chairman of the Consultation Panel of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority.

Saving SharkS in a UniqUe Way

By Junior Reporters, Timothy Wat and James Lo 3W On September 25th, the Hong Kong Shark Foundation (HKSF) held a PlankMob event in which participants lay on the ground and froze in a plank position on Sai Yeung Choi Street. More than 80 people joined, and around 70 bystanders witnessed the event. Planking is popular nowadays in campaigns to spread messages by surprising people. On the day of the event, participants first gathered at Mongkok Street Playground where some of them were given a shark fin to tie onto their backs, others brought their own. For this activity, people lying on the ground indicates sharks lying on the bottom of the sea, Rachel Vickerstaff, founding member of HKSF said, and by creating a crime scene effect, theyre showing sharkfinning as a crime agaisnt the environment. Many teenagers also attended the event. Danny and Billy, both 16 years old, joined the event in shark costumes. Sharks are amazing creatures. They have been living in this world for around 400 million years. Danny said. However, we are killing sharks now and it is really pointless, Billy added. Over 120 shark species are threatened to extinction. However, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES ) only protects three species: Whale Sharks, Basking Sharks and Great White Sharks. One reason why CITES only protects a narrow variety of sharks is that it is a trade body but not a conservation body, Vickerstaff said. The U.S. state of California recently passed a bill to protect sharks by banning the trading of sharks and their fins. It was a success since prohibiting shark trading is actually a big step for saving sharks, Vickerstaff said. Bertha Lo, Programme Director of HKSF, said there are some common problems that we face in talking about the issue. First and foremost, there are only few events about shark protection. Second, when people are eating sharks fin soup, they do not think about how the fishermen get those fins. Again, this is the problem of education. Third, people, especially the older generation, think eating sharks fin indicates wealth. For the first two points, they are the reasons why we are doing this promotion. But for the last one, it is a bit hard to solve since it relates to tradition. The only thing shark lovers including me can do is to be a role-model. HKSF is a charity organization that raises awareness about shark protection. To fulfill this aim, the organization often holds talks in schools or companies. Besides, it also promotes shark-free weddings for new couples. HKSF has also launched a petition asking the HKSAR Government to make a public policy not to serve sharks fin at official functions. HKSF has already organized two other freeze mob campaigns in Hong Kong. The first one was held last October in Times Square Plaza, and the second one took place in May, at Hong Kongs Avenue of Stars.

Plank Mob in Mongkok on September 25, 2011. Photo: Felix Tsai 2C

The Wah Yan Times thanks the following students for their hard work: Alister Wong, Senior Editor-in-Chief, Paul Tan, Senior Editor-in-Chief, Jeremy Lam Chief Photo Editor, Kevin Chan Chief Designer, Timothy Wat, Junior Editor-in-Chief, Ronald Chiu, Junior Editor-in-Chief, Wilson Fung, Student Advisor, Isaac Tam, Senior Editor, Justin Tse, Junior Editor.

Layout: Matthew Lei, Jason Chung 2W

Playing With Fire

I look forward to the 29th, I wrote on Facebook the night before the event. July 29th was the final day of the English Language Leadership Program (ELLP). I was not keen to join the ELLP; I was, in fact, reluctant. I applied for the threeweek activity merely because I did not want to miss the chance. So there I was at the Admiralty MTR station early in the morning of July 11th, with a frown on my face and protests in my head, awaiting the shuttle bus to Hong Kong International School. It was a delight to see my friends there, as later on we would be assigned to different classes. I think the organisation intentionally did this to let us make some new friends. Fire, Water, Earth and Air the four medieval classical elements were the names of the classes. With a deep

Spirit Of Summer
I simply ignored the text and listened to the teachers short summary of the scene and then moved on. I was also bothered by the heavy workload. We had a presentation basically every day, in contrast to once every few months back at Wah Yan, and the commute back home left me with little free time, which added to my misery. Within the first week, however, I began to see the bright side of the ELLP. I came to realise how amiable my new classmates were and we got along well. We chatted about our schools, complained about Julius Caesar and Speaking class, and laughed together. Everything seemed to get so much better when shared. As I gradually loosened my Facebook privacy settings and my ELLP classmates increasingly gained access to my online activities, they became my unexpected new mates with whom I was to keep in touch. We then planned to spend the rest of the last day of the program together after school. In addition, I loved the resemblance between an international school and Hogwarts in JK Rowlings world of fantasy. We had different lessons in different classrooms where the corresponding teachers could always be found, just like Harry Potter going to the dungeon for Potions with Prof. Snape and to the greenhouses for Herbology with Prof. Sprout. I was pleased as well with my teachers and classmates appreciation of my ability. I was asked by the Speaking Teacher, Ms Bevear, to perform my soliloquy at the closing ceremony. I was once called a good reader by the Writing Teacher, Ms Astbury. My editorial was

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By Senior Reporter, Jeffery Fong 4K sense of unease, I stepped into the almost silent Fire classroom. Adjusting to an unfamiliar environment and socialising made me uneasy. I pondered where to sit, what to say practically anything that might constitute peoples first impression of me, and it did not matter whether my worry was illfounded. voted one of the best works in Fire by my classmates. It was my privilege to have the opportunity to experience the unusual sports of rock climbing and the ropes course. Not a particularly sporty person, I was astounded that I made it to the top of the rocky wall whilst many others failed to. In fact, life is full of dark caves unknown circumstances, people and places about which one may be apprehensive, but with these caves unexplored, one will never discover the treasure buried within. It was the final week of the ELLP, and I still looked forward to the 29th. But for a different reason. July 29th was the day of our Fire class private gathering.

Photo: Flickr/Hipnos

The adaptation problem was not the only nuisance. I had a rough time reading Shakespeare for the first time of my life. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, though annotated, was mostly beyond my comprehension, and

Camp In Cambridge
By Junior Reporter, Jacky Tung 3Y

In this season of sunshine, summer is definitely the best time to try things and make new friends. I have made new music and fulfilled my wish of studying at Cambridge. It was the best summer ever without a doubt. Towards the end of July, I travelled to the other side of the globe. After a 14-hour flight, I arrived at Londons Heathrow Airport. When I was small, I was always curious about what it would be like staying in the United Kingdom, the nation of great arts. On the telly, I saw the spectacular architecture in London like the

Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Big Ben. For the first time in my life, I could see everything on the television screen in real life. Upon arrival at the airport, I took a 2-hour coach ride to the town where I would be staying for fourteen days good, old Cambridge. Studying at this worldrenowned campus has always been my dream. And this time, I took a two-week course in English Literature in the college where A. A. Milne and Isaac Newton were educated. It was such a pleasure. In two weeks, I had les-

sons on Poetry, experienced college life and visited many famous scenic spots. But the most unforgettable experience of all was making friends from all around the world. While in Cambridge, I made friends from Australia, Scotland, Singapore and England. It was a really special occasion where elite students from all around the world gathered in Cambridge. This summer, I have accomplished many goals. And now, it is time for me get back to school and do my very best as a student.

An afternoon at the River Cam Photo: Jacky Tung 3Y

Fine Form For Forthcoming F.1

By Junior Reporter, Benson Leung 1W I think this years sumfor secondary school, and mer holiday is quite special the another one is leisure for F.1 students, especially activities. pupils who studied in a I am glad that I have an Chinese-medium primary opportunity to enroll in this school like me. great school. Actually, I used I divided this summer hol- to study in a Chinese iday, into two things. One primary school and I know of them is the preparation that there will definitely be some gaps in studying Maths in English, so I worked hard on improving the unique terms of Maths this holiday. Besides, I read more books to expand my vocabulary. Nowadays, English is important; it is an international language and you must use it to communicate with foreign people. Moreover, when I received all the textbooks, I started to preview them so it will be easier to study once school starts. Also, I tried to develop an application on a smart

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phone, and it was really fun and challenging! Now that I have become a secondary school student, I know I will face a lot of difficulties, but Ill also face them bravely!

Somewhere in Singapore ...

By Junior Reporter, Kelvin Wong 2W This summer was the most interesting summer vacation that I have ever had. I had the longest trip in my life. I went to Singapore for ten days! I really love Singapore. The city is crowded and full of joy. Singapore is a city that is developing quickly. In the past 3 years, lots of landmarks were built, like the Marina Bay Sands and Universal Studios Singapore. When I went up to the top floor of the Sands, I was surprised by the city panorama in front of me. I also swam in the swimming pool on the top floor. I was scared of falling down. If you ask me what the most interesting thing is during the whole trip, I will tell you that it is The Universal Studios Singapore tour. Although it is small, it still contains lots of games. The rollercoaster is much steeper than the rollercoaster in Ocean Park. When I got off the rollercoaster, I nearly fainted. It runs at a speed of 83 km/h and it felt like a car that races on the highway! Everyone screamed at the turns. After that, I went to find Shrek. The castle is called The Far Far Away. The 4D film was really funny and the people in the whole theatre laughed. Shrek is very cute. He always waves and smiles at me. The souvenirs were very nice. Although they were very expensive, I still bought a lot of cups, photo frames and T-shirts.
Kung Fu Panda and I in Singapore Photo: Kelvin Wong 2W

Highway 43
Ranging from the Rocky Mountains not far from the Pacific coast in British Columbia to the cold tundras of the numerous frozen islands near the North Pole, runs Highway 43. It was rumored that the highway was a highway of mysterious deaths and numerous spirits. Andrew was driving along Highway 43 until he turned into Exit 13. A group of solicitors informed him that his latest grandmothers will, kept in some vault in Wall Street in New York, stated that he was entitled to her house, somewhere near the exit. Moreover, there was one particular statement, which said that Andrew had a sister who died at an early age and was hidden somewhere in the house which

Fiction
By Matthew Ho 2W out of place. Driven by curiosity, he pressed it hard; the floorboard then gave way and Andrew saw a staircase leading to a dark room. Holding his torch, Andrew stepped into the darkness, and was surprised to find a switch on the wall. He switched the light on, and a wooden cradle with some ornaments materialised with the light. More curious though, was that a lovely song was played. Twinkle twinkle little star. How I wonder what you are Andrew peered with curiosity at the white sheet covering what appeared to be a human. Up above the world so high. Like a diamond in the sky

made Andrew drive 60 miles from his office in Surrey. Soon, he turned into a muddy road and once he passed the small wood, a cottage with a small, overgrown garden at the foot of a snow-capped mountain appeared in front of his eyes. The wooden door with its rusty hinges creaked as he opened the door. The whole cottage was dusty, and Andrew realised that there was plenty of work to do before the house could be lived in. By the time the sun set, Andrew was drinking a cup of hot chocolate, safe from the cold mountain breeze. The fire was crackling loudly in the fireplace. Andrew was about to close his eyes when he realised one of the floorboards was

Photo: Flickr/dougtone

Andrew lifted up the sheet. Twinkle twinkle little star A baby girl was lying in the cradle, with her eyes closed. She appeared to be dead. Andrew peered close to see if she was breathing. How I wonder what you are... Andrew screamed in

horror. The babyhis sister was a zombie. Then he realised: the door to the outside world was still open Zombies were still lurking somewhere near Exit 13.

Layout: Austin Ng 2W, James Wong, 1Y

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Feature

Mong Kok
By Senior Reporter, Jeff Chow 5S ficial plastic powder, which cannot be digested by the human body, to replace tapioca starch in making those chewy balls in the drink. Meanwhile, traditional milk tea is still rooted deep in peoples lives. Ms Hui, who runs a Cha Chaan Teng in Yau Ma Tai said that traditional milk tea is safer than bubble tea and their business has not been affected by the popularity of bubble tea or negative news reports about milk tea. Each cup of Hong Kongstyle milk tea is sold at a price $11 at Ms. Huis restaurant, the process of making traditional milk tea is much more complex than people usually think, said Hui, Our business has not been affected by either the trend of drinking bubble tea or the recent food safety crisis. I often drink bubble tea, By Ms. Siggins and evocative. We can easily imagine the scene; we can almost hear the sounds of the cue slamming against the snooker balls. After we have been drawn into the scene, then we come to the nut graph-- the paragraph (shown here in bold) that gets to the heart of the story and answers the question: why have I written this? In Kevins case, he wanted to examine the rising popularity of snooker in Hong Kong. Kevin then gives us some useful background information about the history of shopkeeper of Gong Cha. Our shop can earn $2000 to $ 3000 in a single day, Mr. Poon claimed, Most drinks are sold between $10 to $20 a bottle on average, and some teenagers would rather buy a cup of bubble tea instead of a $30 lunch. Recent studies have revealed that bubble tea contains harmful chemicals, thus its safety is questioned by the public. However, Mr. Poon said that ingredients his shop uses are imported from Taiwan and are 100% natural. The most important thing is that there are no artificial chemicals, said Poon. Due to the fierce competition and expensive rents, many bubble tea shops use cheaper chemical ingredients to make tea instead of the natural ones. Drinking bubble tea is like consuming plastic, said Ms. Chan, a biology tations of the people he interviewed. For a feature to be credible (believable), it must include statistics. Readers like to see numbers, because it helps them decide how grave a problem is and whether or not they should take action. Alex Lau and Charles Ip wrote about the flavourings shops and herbal tea stalls that are disappearing from the neighborhood. The strength of their feature lies in their use of quotations. While their reporting remains neutral, the people in teacher from a secondary school. Milk essence is used to lower the cost of making bubble tea, Chan said, The taste of ten cups of fresh milk cannot match that of one teaspoon of milk essence, which contains hydrogenated vegetable oil - a source of trans fat. Consumption of trans fat, or unsaturated fat, increases the risk of coronary heart disease by raising levels of bad cholesterol. According to Chan, milk essence contains lead, copper and arsenic. Long-term consumption will lead to cancer, asthma and blood vessel diseases. The Hong Kong Government Health Department warns that a 500mL glass of bubble tea exceeds the maximum amount of trans fat for any person each day. Some black-hearted businessmen even use artithe story share their ideas, opinions and feelings. We hear Mr Lees disappointment and Mr Chans frustration. Alex and Charles have captured something of the character of these men and their struggle to keep their family businesses alive. In Kevin Tsuis article, the words (highlighted in bold) are very powerful, precise verbs that illustrate or almost describe the action. He also uses many adverbs (in bold) to show how the action was performed. His work is highly descriptive

The Curse of the Black Pearl

Gong Cha, three workers are busy shaking and mixing liquids in bottles to make milk tea drinks. There are more than 20 different bubble tea shops like Gong Cha in this district, where many secondary schools are located. It is one of the most popular places among young people in Hong Kong. Drinking bubble tea has become a daily routine, said Mr. Wong, a customer standing in front of Gong Cha, waiting for his order. Bubble tea will soon become a musthave drink for everyone, said Mr. Poon, a
Bubble Tea Mania Photo: Ivy Zhang

In a tiny shop called

Bubble tea shops can be spotted on every street in Mongkok. Photo: Jeremy Lam 5S

How to write a good feature article

An excellent feature article should draw the reader in, enlighten him, and make him examine a subject from an entirely different angle. In the spring of 2011, budding journalists from class 5S explored the streets of Mongkok in search of compelling stories. They did research and conducted interviews. The articles featured on this page are fine examples of this genre. In Jeff Chows article, for example, we have many hard facts (in bold) that support the ideas or quo-

sometimes even 2 cups a day. It helps me lose weight, said Ms. Lee, an office lady. Ms. Chan, the biology teacher said, a cup of bubble tea contains more sugar than we think, approximately 4 big teaspoons of white sugar. The cost of one cup of bubble tea is only $1, while its sold for $10 to $20 thus it makes selling bubble tea a lucrative business. the game. To write an excellent feature article, you need to do careful research, listen closely to your sources, and use accurate and evocative language just as these reporters have done. I hope these features inspire you to investigate the people and places around you. Join us and write for The Wah Yan Times. Submit your story ideas to Ms. Zhang or Ms. Siggins.

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Bitter Tastes Better

By Senior Reporters, Alex Lau, Charles Ip, 5S two generations, he said. As the supermarkets are we can afBetween Reclamation Shing has stood at this becoming more and more ford. We are Street and Fai Fu Street in intersection for the past popular, the business of the a business in Mong Kok, a strong smell few decades. Despite the flavorings shops are declin- decline. of spicy flavorings rushes chipped red paint, the sign ing. There are hundreds of Flavorings into your nose. hanging above the shop flavorings shops in Hong are a Inside the shop, five worktells people the traditional Kong, but the number of miracle coners are busy at their business is still there. For supermarkets is much diment that work. One is an old lady, the past years, we are selling greater. originated who is weighing ginger Besides the location in China powder and packing it into the same things, nothings changed in our shop. But problem, as most flavoring ages ago sacks. Another worker is thats not what the surshops are in old districts and it has Chinese herbal tea shop Qing He Tang on Argyle Str. packing the coconuts. Photo: Ivy Zhang roundings did, sighed Mr. while supermarkets can be lasted for Mr. Lee, the owner of To reduce the cost, many Chan. For years we have spotted in modern shopthousands Shing Hing Coconut and other shops add flour and ping malls above the mass of years. Flavorings, was refilling the the old customers, there syrup into the turtle jelly, are no changes except they transportation rail, price is Just around the corner, chilli, aniseed and Chinese which fits the taste buds of another factor leading to there is Chinese herbal tea prickly ash, one of the most get older and pass away, he the decline of this business shop called Qing He Tan, Hong Kong people, Mr. common and most popular said. Chow said. We are working day and in Hong Kong. which is also a family flavorings in the shop. I come here whenever I night and there are just a The price of spices like business. Using the tradiThe shop does not have few customers. They are just pepper and herbs is around tional recipe, the herbal tea feel sick and every time I many customers. Most of come I must have some for people who used to buy from $15-30 in supermarkets, is good for peoples health. them are old people and take away, said one of the and it is about the same as A bowl of turtle jelly is staff from other food shops. us and some restaurants. the flavoring shops. sold at a price of thirty dol- customers, I have been The shop was established What they buy is usually drinking the herbal tea from pepper powder and curry The opening of supermar- lars while other teas cost forty years ago, and I have this shop for thirty years. powder. Sometimes aniseed kets is having a great effect around twenty. There are been working here since Chinese herbal tea is fewer customers who come then, said another Mr. Lee, and Chinese prickly ash too. on us, the owner said. No made of different kinds of matter how we change, we to this shop nowadays. Mr. staff of Shing Hing Coconut We are working since eight herbs and it has been used Chow, the shop owner said. and Flavorings. It is a fam- oclock and work ten hours a cannot make the shop as to cure sickness for thouday and we are not going for convenient as a supermarHe said he would not close ily business opened in the many holidays, but still we ket. Besides, renewing the it unless financial problems sands of years. sixties and it has lasted for cant make money. shop costs a lot more than appear.

Struck by Snooker
In the General Snooker Clubs dimly lit hall, several people were playing snooker. One of them was a black man, wearing a black shirt with its sleeves ripped off. The skeleton tattoo was moving vividly as he flexed the muscles on his arm. The cigarette in his mouth was giving out smoke constantly. He leaned forward, aimed carefully, and suddenly hit the white ball with the tip of the cue. Pop! The ball bumped into a red ball, and the red ball fell into a hole. A satisfied smile spread across the mans face, and a disappointed face appeared on the white guy across the table. The dark-skinned man continued to hit the balls into holes all around the green table, until every

By Senior Reporter, Kevin Tsui 5S single ball which was once as a result, professionals ed as having been invented on the table disappeared such as Marco Fu are proin India by British Army down into holes. A female duced. With an increasing officers, is popular in many employee who was watchpopularity in Hong Kong, of the English-speaking and ing the show all along stood snooker clubs have also commonwealth countries, there clapping her hands, tripled, from 10 clubs in with top professional playclearly amazed. The white the early 20th century to 46 ers attaining multi-million guy, having just lost the clubs now. According to the pound career earnings from match, silently went back to Hong Kong Snooker Society, the games. his seat. its membership has soared It is commonly accepted This is the reason why from around 1,500 members that snooker originated in I chose to work here, in a in the early 20th century, the later half of the 19th snooker club. Seeing peoto around 10,000 members century from a similar ple clear the table in one go now, which is an impressive game called billards. Billike that just makes my day. five fold increase. lards was a popular activI love to see the expressions Snooker, generally regard- ity among British Army on peoples faces when they officers are amazed. The customers stationed here are getting younger in India, and younger, and there are and as a more and more customresult, variers every day, said Leung ations on Wing, a staff member at the more the General Snooker Club. traditional Recently, snooker is parbillard ticularly and increasingly games were A Friday Night in a Snooker Club in Ngou Tou Kok. popular in Hong Kong, and devised. One Photo: Ivy Zhang

variation, devised in the officers mess in Jabalpur during 1875, was to add coloured balls in addition to only red and black. Gradually, it became the game known as snooker. The word, snooker, also has military origins as it is a slang term for first-year cadets. In my opinion, I dont see why it shouldnt become more and more popular, Wing said. It is an excellent sport to be interested in. You dont have to run, you just have to stand there and hold a cue. All you are required to do is aim carefully, then pot the ball into the hole. You dont have to be physically fit, and you dont have to sweat a bit. Its easy, she added. (Continue in the sports section.)

Layout: Jason Chung 2W

Rugby in Hong Kong schools

By Senior Reporter, Anson Cheung 5S a ball in his arm is attempting to get through the defensive line at lightning speed. His teammates are dashing forward to back him up. They are shouting loudly to tell him to pass the ball. With a loud shout, he passes the ball to his teammate and blocks the way of the defender to let his teammate get through. While his teammate is trying to pass through the defensive line, a defender rushes forward and pulls him down. The teammate smiles at the defender. This sport requires a lot of fitness, said Mr Tang, a Physical Education teacher at Wah Yan College, Kowloon.The school formed the rugby team in 2010 and its players are mainly from form 4.

Sports
In the field, a boy with
With full support from The Hong Kong Rugby Football Club (HKRFC), the school has successfully introduced the game to students, said Tang. HKRFC invited a few schools to join a scheme in 2009 to promote rugby. The scheme has helped Diocesan Boys School, La Salle College, Wah Yan College Kowloon and Tung Chung School to form their own rugby teams. Though rugby is a British sport, Sam, a coach from HKRFC, said that theres no difficulty for Chinese people to play rugby. Chinese people are much faster and smaller in size, which is an advantage in rugby Sam said. In New Zealand and Wales, people only need cleats and they can play Sam said. In Hong Kong, the HKRFC has provided many facilities and equipment to train young people. Students in schools run very fast. With continuous training, they will improve quickly and become great players, said Sam. Wah Yan College, Kowloon Rugby Team won two tournaments since it was established in 2010. Besides training organized by the HKRFC, the support from parents is also important. We have never received enquiries and objection from parents in letting their children play Tang said. Though it may be a bit dangerous, I would fully support my son to play rugby if he is interested in it. Its good for his health. Mrs. Lee, a parent of a school team player said. Moreover, players interest in rugby could also motivate them to play better and train harder. Rugby is a sport which requires speed and skills. It also increases team spirit and it is very exciting. Philip Lee, the Wah Yan College, Kowloon Rugby Team Captain said. He expects the number of rugby players will rise steadily. The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, held in March every year, is one of nine tournaments in the World Sevens Series. Teams compete for the World Sevens Series by accumulating points according to the position they gained in each tournament. The nine tournaments are held in different countries around the world through-

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A WYK player tries to get the ball after his teammate is tackled by the oppossing players. Photo: Jeremy Lam 5S out the year. Hong Kong Sevens started in 1976 and the 3-day tournament has become one of, if not, the biggest annual event in Hong Kong. In recent years, many experienced players from other countries have joined the Hong Kong Rugby Team, while local players have also gained more experience and training. Rugby has a history dating back to the 1870s and 1880s. Before World War I, rugby was mainly played by army, navy and police cadets.

Struck by Snooker

By Senior Reporter, Kevin Tsui 5S (Cntd. from Page 7) becoming more and more I started working in popular especially among snooker clubs 12 years ago. teenagers. When I first started, most For me, the most interof the customers were not esting thing about snooker, from the local area. Then, and the thing that makes about 4 or 5 years later, we me like it more than foothad more and more local ball, is that you can play customers. In the recent for a long time and never 2 to 3 years, not only are get tired. You dont have to most of our customers local have great stamina to play people, they are younger snooker. Im a little fat, and and younger. The change I know I wouldnt make a is very obvious and signifi- good football player. But cant. snooker is different. EveryIt is obvious, from the one is able to play it. And statistics, that snooker is the atmosphere is peace-

ful too. In football, the pitches are filled with fans that scream for the whole match. But in snooker, the audience is quiet and you can concentrate on your next move. People say football unites the world, but I think snooker does too, said Marco Chow, a teenage snooker player. Snooker is becoming more and more popular in Hong Kong, and the credit goes to snooker clubs which have made an effort to promote snooker

in Hong Kong by hosting tournaments and advertising. Some snooker clubs even let people try snooker for free, in order to get more people to play it. Some people, after trying snooker, may develop an interest in it and eventually it will become a hobby. I think that snooker can train students to be more calm and sensitive. They have to think about every move they make and the consequences of making

those moves; therefore by playing snooker, students can become smarter and actually think about each decision, said Mr. Gates, a former P.E teacher from Wah Yan College, Kowloon, now serving as a snooker coach at the General Snooker Club. Snooker still hasnt reached its full potential in Hong Kong.

Layout: Jordan Wong, Timothy Wat, 3W

An Ancient Asian ArtOnly for the Last Generation?

By Junior Reporter, Timothy Wat 3W If you hear about Cancalled, Feng Guo En Chou tonese Opera, what do you Wei Liao Qing. It is a story think? Boring? A leisure that takes place in the Song activity only for the older Dynasty. When the Song generation? Well, you may Dynasty was established, it find the answer to this was quite weak. Therefore, question at the Cantonese the Princess of Song was Opera Concert on Septem- given to the Kin tribe, as a ber 24, held in the School gift. At that time, a famous Hall of Wah Yan College, Kin general met the PrinKowloon (WYK). About cess and fell in love with four hundred people ather. They loved each other tended this event. very much, so they decided At seven fifteen, the hall to stay together till they was almost full. Inside the died. Their wonderful life auditorium, there were a continued, until lot of elderly peoplebut, After some time, the in factthere were many Song dynasty got stronger. young people too! The As a result, the Emperor backstage crew and the of Song paid the Kin to performers, were mostly get the Princess back. The students. With the aim of Kin accepted the offer and promoting Canton-operatic ordered the general to proculture among the young tect her. As a couple, they generation, this (show) missed each other a lot, but deserves success, Mickey both of them were powerMa, a form six student of less. WYK said. This song was performed There were five songs in by Ms. Mak Mei Yi, Ms. this concert. The first was Cheung Man Shan and the Chinese Orchestra as accompaniment. As you know, the (Chinese) Orchestra is an amateur group. But still, all the members play as well as professionals, said Ms. Lo, a member of the audience. After that traditional love story, three other pieces called, Ye Song Jing Niang, San Xi En Qing Er Zai Chou and Bi Xue Xie Chun Qiu, were performed. Most of the performers were current students in either secondary schools or universities. Before this show, I didnt notice that many teenagers were keen on this art; but after the first-half of the concert, I realized that I was wrong indeed, WYK student Jason Lam said. Lam also commented that he was not a Cantonese Opera fan. However, he could feel the enthusiasm of the performers for this traditional art.

MUSIC & THEATRE

It was successful, anyway. The show ended at around ten at night. All the actors stayed behind and chanted: Give me a WahWah! Give me a YanYan...! They cheered again and again. Nowadays, not many people care about or appreciate this art. Although there are more and more youngsters learning Cantonese Opera, the number is still not enough. Besides, there are still many teens

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who think that this kind of opera is specifically for old peoplebut this is not the fact! Howard Chu, one of the actors, said. He hopes to change teens attitudes. Actually, there are a few lessons about Cantonese Opera within the OLE (Other Learning Experience) Curriculum. I hope this can help, Chu said.

Student performers Photo: Timothy Ting

Metal Mania
By Senior Reporter, Billy Wong 5S It smells of sweat and cigarettes. Guitars hang on the walls, different kinds of drum sets and enormous amplifiers rest on the floor, Camel Studio and Music Storm is the headquarters for rock and metal fans in Hong Kong. Located on the busy Tung Choi Street, which is known as Ladies Market in Mong Kok, it provides various services from band room rental, guitar repair, music instrument sales to guitar lessons. Every day, thousands and thousands of people walk around Ladies' Market but how many of them know about this rock paradise? Zakk Wyldes signature Gibson Les Paul guitar, Slashs signature Epiphone Les Paul guitar, Steve Vais signature Ibanez guitar and Schecter Synyster Gates Custom guitar are all hanging on the wall. All of them are famous guitars from the great guitarists from around the world. Owner Matt Wong welcomed me into the 400 square foot store. I enjoy playing bass guitar and I feel excited when I play it. Thats why I have been playing it for a long time. Wong has been playing bass guitar since he was studying in secondary school. Wong likes metal music though its not popular in Hong Kong. He likes the old generation of metal most such as Slayer, a famous metal band. And Wongs favourite bassist is the American jazz player, Jaco Pastorius. (Continued on Page 11)

Camel Studio and Music Storm on Tung Choi St. Photo: Ivy Zhang

Layout: David Pui, Kings Cheung, 2W

Opinion Page
Learning Tech-speak is not E123 (Easy as 1, 2, 3)
or IDK for I dont know. In school, acronyms like ADIH (another day in hell) or ADIP (another day in paradise) are popular. If you can read this passage without reading the meaning of the acronyms, you are excellent at techspeak. If not, DWBH (dont worry be happy) because learning tech-speak is not E123 (easy as 1, 2, 3). However, if you take note of how many acronyms I have used in this article, you will understand how much you need to learn. Acronyms are dominating our world. It is inevitable. Just accept the truth and keep learning new acronyms while you are social networking. worse. People keep creating new acronyms and while using such acronyms, people tend to forget what the real word is. Nevertheless, many people think this culture is NBD (no big deal). This is simply because using such acronyms makes their lives easier. They can type and communicate faster. TM (trust me), your English will get worse if you keep using acronyms, your English teacher may say. Pamela Munro, an editor of a slang dictionary was quoted in a New York Times article on September 23 that she had heard students pronouncing tech-acronym such as JK for just kidding

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By Junior Reporter, Herman Lam 3W The world is changing 24/7 (Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week). In the world nowadays, we enjoy technology that brings everyone together. We text, we FB (Facebook), we Skype, and we tweet. While we enjoy such a convenient way to communicate, it seems that our oral English is decaying through the development of acronyms. The most popular acronym is the word LOL, standing for laugh out loud (or lots of love). BOC (but of course), some would rather it stop, and they may say NAA (not another acronym)! But Facebook makes the situation

Acronyms of laugh out loud, Photo: Flickr/ josie lynn richards

G2G (got to go), GL (good luck) with tech-speak!

By Senior Reporter, Marco Mak 6S Three, three, four, delay no more! One of the many slogans posted outside a tutorial centre grabbed my attention. Our students are facing unprecedented education reforms, as the old HKCEE and HKALE exams will be replaced by the HKDSE. Undoubtedly, many people hope to turn this into a profit-making opportunity, and tutorial centers are no exception. With anxiety about the upcoming exams, the majority of students will enrol in tutorial classes. Is it really helpful to students? Recently, there are several TV advertisements for excellent tutors which appear to be quite farcical and innocent. The first advertisement is about a teacher claiming that she has received 334 education in Canada, so she

The Frenzy of Tutorial Centers in Hong Kong

understands what students will be experiencing in the future. It is quite interesting to analyse her dialogue. It is utterly impossible to compare the two countries, because there are numerous dissimilarities. It is hard to figure out why she would use this dialogue to recruit new students. The second advertisement appears to be more convincing and looks like a Star Wars movie. The tutorial teachers are shown one by one. Dont worry, we will help you. How sincere the words seem! These two advertisements mentioned above are not very persuasive, as fallacies are incorporated to mislead customers. Besides, Modern Education, the star tutorial center started issuing shares on the HKEX, but such actions are extremely harmful to education in Hong Kong. Moreover, the Hong Kong government also needs to take action as it is partly responsible. It produces an examination-oriented education system, which indirectly turns education into tutorial centres and commercial enterprises. What are the differences between education and tutorial schools? Education aims at improving virtues, helping students to learn how to get along with people, be self- disciplined. We should remind ourselves not to use our own power selfishly or to hurt others. We should make an effort to improve the environment and lend a hand to others. If students are only trained to do exams, their values and judgments will be distorted. It is common that many students are being brainwashed by the ubiquitous advertisements of tutorial classes, even though it erodes the nature of education and our value judgments. It is impossible to stop the prevailing situation. The key point is how the government strikes a balance between the assessing the abilities of students and maintaining the essence of education. We shall wait and see.

Your Opinion
Dear Readers, The Wah Yan Times is inviting you to write a letter to the editor. Send us your letter at: wytimes2011@gmail.com We welcome you to send letters commenting on local events, global news and school events. Letters may be published on the Opinion Page in the next issue. Yours faithfully, Opinion Page

The Wah Yan Times thanks Dr. John Tan, Principal, Eva Chau, Vice-Principal, and Mr. Ashok Daswani, Panel Head of English.

By Junior Reporter, Timothy Tung 3W Since the Song dynasty, eating sharks fin has been a Chinese tradition among members of the royal family. Nowadays, serving sharks fin soup at special occasions like wedding banquets, has become a common practice. In addition to that, sharks fin is a symbol of luxury and extravagance for many people. Despite the expensive price, many engaged couples include this delicacy on their wedding menu. Recently, a plank-mob' event was held by the Hong Kong Shark Foundation, in order to encourage more people to say no to sharks fin soup.

Dont Delay: Save Our Sharks

tradition of consuming sharks fin will increase unemployment in the shark finning industry. As a matter of fact, not many people do sharks finning for a living and the impact on the workers is much less than we think. However, the damage caused by human beings is far more serious. According to a peer-reviewed journal Ecology Letters in 2006, the total estimated number of sharks traded annually worldwide was 38 million. Furthermore, in 2010 the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)

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I strongly agree with the foundation's aim but doubt whether the campaign can succeed in discouraging people from consuming sharks fin. The habit of eating sharks fin has been sustained for more than 700 years in China. It is rooted in the minds of most Chinese people, especially the elderly. It is hard for them to disregard this deeply rooted tradition. Hence, they are not willing to hold a banquet without sharks fin soup, despite the many voices calling for an end to this practice. On the other hand, some say that getting rid of the

indicated that no less than 143 shark species are listed as globally threatened. All these figures signify the severe harm we have been causing sharks. All in all, the event Shark saving leaflet designed by HKSF. that was organPhoto: Timothy Tung 3W ized to encourage stopped. It is inevitable that people to give up some people will continue the tradition is extremely meaningful, but the obstacle eating sharks fin. Still, this is now our time is whether people who are to do all we can to stop greatly influenced by this consuming sharks fin. By culture will take action to doing this, we can make a protect sharks. Instead of looking for replacements for committment to saving our precious marinelife. sharks fin soup, this tradition should be completely

Sports
By Junior Reporter, Ryan Pun 1W The school campus is usually quiet and peaceful on Saturdays, but on September 24th, there was a battle between our Grade C football team and St. Stephens College. The St. Stephens team arrived very early that morning. They had already started their warm-up exercises when our team arrived. We then noticed something disastrous members from the opposing team were on average one-head taller than

Great Lesson Learned in Defeat

In the second period, our team grew a bit tired and we suffered another wave of great attacks and they scored one more. Some complained that there was one Grade B player on their team. It made the forward players desperate and helpless. However, we were surely on a level playing field. Luckily, twilight came in the third period when our team managed to gain more possession. The opposing team made a mistake and we scored a goal. It was made possible because of our strong and fast attack which created a loophole in their defense. When our attacker shot the ball, a defender tried to prevent it from going into the goal. However, we still managed to score. Although we did not win the match, it gave us a very good chance to try, because it was only the very beginning of the academic year. Most of the team members are new. The match gave us the chance to analyse our strengths and weaknesses as well as the improvements that we need to make. Also, the defeat boosted our morale and we are all committed to improving next time.

(continued from Music section) Im not successful in my career as a guitarist at all. But I think to be successful in music, you need to listen to all styles and types of music. No matter jazz, blues, rock metal or classical music, you can get inspiration, new ideas from all of them, said Wong. Wong is proud of setting up his own business and opening this store. The thing I am most proud of

MUSIC

our members. Are they Grade B players? We all wondered. After the warmup, both teams got ready for the match. The match was in three periods of 20 to 25 minutes. All our members prepared very well. In the first period, both teams attacked, had possession, and played equally well. Unfortunately, owing to the continuous powerful attacks of the opposing team, they scored one goal.

By Senior Reporter, Billy Wong 5S is introducing metal music to the new generation by setting up this store. I like to attract more teenagers to listen to metal music. I am also happy to have this store. Nowadays, Hong Kong people have a narrow vision of listening to music or playing music. They only like love songs. 'Pop music' in Hong Kong equals 'Love songs'. Artists only play these love songs to earn money. They dont care about any music arrangement, lyrics, or the quality of singing and skills of playing music, said Wong. There is no way to deal with the problem of Hong Kong music. Metal is not a popular music style in the whole world at all. I can only keep doing my job, managing this store and try my best to introduce rock music to the new generation now, continued Wong. A customer, Alexi Ho said, This is a great and precious shop! I can find what I am looking for and what I need. Its hard to find a store like this in Hong Kong, because its difficult to keep this business. Too few people are interested in rock music now! And this store provides a nice place to let me play music with friends and have guitar lessons! Wong has no time to play with his own band now, as he needs to manage his store. Every day, people come here to play guitars, rent band rooms and play with their own bands. Wong has never felt fed up with this business. And he is working hard in his store. His biggest wish is that everyone would know about metal music and it would be popular in Hong Kong.

Layout: Kevin Chan 1Y

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As smartphone users cried out loud complaining about the slow processing speed and poor multitasking performance of their phones, LG and NVIDIA answered their call by unveiling the worlds first dual-core smartphone ---the LG Optimus 2X. The LG Optimus 2Xs dual-core processor (CPU) is speedy enough to deal with the phones 1080p video recording on the eightmegapixel camera, full HD playback on its wide 4.3 inch LCD screen, and also to mention that the Yahoo! Browser can pop up in just 4.9 seconds ---- quick enough to beat the everpopular iPhone. Its advan-

A new generation of smartphones - Dual-core

tage is that its the worlds first phone equipped with a dual core processor, not to mention its impressive 8 megapixel full HD camera and the amazing Internet connection speed. But alas, the Optimus 2X also has a downside. Its software has got a lot of flaws in it; the biggest of all--the unresponsive platform and software crashing problems. When the Optimus 2X was unveiled, other smartphone producers rushed to create their own dual-core phones. Next to join in the new trend was the Samsung Galaxy S II. It is an upgraded version of its singlecore predecessor: Samsung Galaxy S. The phone is impossibly slim at 8.5 mm. Also, its 4.3 inch Super AMOLED Plus Screen was far more crisp and vibrant compared to the LG Optimus 2X. Most of the users agreed that the Galaxy S IIs processing speed is very fast, thanks to its dual-core processor, and multitasking wasnt a problem for the phone. Its camera isnt very different from the Optimus 2Xs, its also a great one. The reason for the phones popularity (10 million phones were sold), besides its processing speed, is its brilliant software, providing countless apps for users. The dual-core processor has given users a seamless gaming experience, speedy

IT & Gadgets
By Junior Reporter, Enoch Poon 2W online surfing and smooth data and operations. The multitasking ability, which newest member of the HTC is why dual-core smartdual-core smartphones, the phones seem so attractive HTC Evo 3D, has offered to users. more: as explained by its Very quickly, HTC dename, the phone lets users cided to get a share of the capture and view 3D clips dual-core smartphone without using 3D glasses. market too. The impressive technolThe HTC Sensation also ogy is made possible with has a standard 4.3 inch a dual-core CPU, as capscreen, 8 megapixel camera turing 3D clips require a and full HD video recordlarge amount of processing. Unlike its rivals, it has ing power. The drawback a thicker, sturdier and styl- in HTC phones is that its ish shell. memory is very limited, so It also appears to have fast saving HD movie clips is a and fluid operations, better big problem. than its brothers, the Desire As Apple has already series and the Wildfire selaunched its dual-core ries. This shows that phones iPhone 4S, the new era of with dual-core CPUs have a superphones has begun. definite gain in processing ists work, but it is also an e-reader. Browsing through comics panel by panel presents a new way of reading such books. You can find many more free apps on iTunes top100 chart (http://www. apple.com/itunes/charts/ free-apps/), but remember to dig deep for the good ones. New apps are popping up all the time. Its hard to keep up -- but its fun trying.
(Eldes Tran is a copy editor at the South China Morning Post.)

Weve all heard of Angry Birds, featuring those maddening creatures that just wont do what you tell them to. But there are plenty of other addictive (and free!) games that are available for iPhones, iPads and Android smartphones. The best games are deceptively simple in concept, but hard to conquer. Take the Escape 3D series, which traps you in a bathroom, jail, pyramid, factory or even a castle and forces you to think your way out. In Cut the Rope, you just have to, well, cut the rope to feed candy to a little green monster. Easy right? Wrong. The real problem isnt If youre now in the MTR, look around you, you can see a lot of people using smartphones. If youre now at home, Im sure you will automatically turn on your computer and log on to Facebook or play video games immediately.

beating these games; its preventing yourself from getting too addicted -- to games and to apps in general. Apple says it has more than 425,000 apps in its App Store, and the Android Market carries more than 150,000. There are just too many apps and too little time. But going app crazy has its benefits. As a self-diagnosed app addict, I know of a few that can make the life of a Hongkonger easier -all for the price of nothing. The Transport Department has an application that suggests how you can get from Point A to Point B. The best thing is that it inBut, why? Thats because we are bored and want to keep in touch with our friends. Instead of doing everything online, how about sparing some time to escape the virtual world? I suggest playing board games sometimes. Firstly, it

Smart phones apps

By Guest Writer, Eldes Tran me@1823, where you can make enquiries and file complaints directly to government departments. In this trilingual city, I find its good to have a language helper in your pocket. There are many ChineseEnglish dictionaries, but I use Pleco. It has the advantage of being able to run offline. To brush up on local slang, there is HK Trendy Cantonese, which defines in Chinese and English the meaning of chok, seed and many more. For fun, there is HK Comics, an app developed by the Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation. It is a catalogue of local artand Scrabble. Also, it is very hard to get physical problems (eg. short sighted, backbone problems, etc.) or to become addicted while youre playing board games. Last but not least, you can get loads of joy when you play board games as you

Still Playing Video Games? By Junior Reporter, Karson Yu 2W

helps you to develop communication skills. When you talk with your opponents, you can increase your skills while talking with them. Secondly, it improves your IQ because you need to think fast in most of the games like Monopoly

tegrates all modes of transportation in Hong Kong: ferry, bus, green minibus, red minibus, tram, taxi and train. Speaking of trams, The University of Hong Kong released a historical look at one of the citys oldest rail lines. HK Tram Trail points out significant landmarks to riders. Its like having a history professor at your fingertips. Other must-haves for city residents on the go include: OpenRice, which lets users search restaurants by cuisine, district, dish or price (much like its website) MyObservatory, the official weather guide, Tell

wont come across violent and pornographic content which you may come across while playing video games. So why are you sill waiting? Come on, lets get started with board games.