unit-e: november/december 2010

NOV&DEC2010 [UNIT-E] | 1

Name of MagazineIssue

Founders

Communications DirectorEditors-In-Chief

Column Editors

Head of FormattingFormatting Team

Head of ServiceHead of Finance

Finance Team

Writers

Photographers

UNIT-ENovember & December Edition (Issue No.5)Amelia ZhangErnest LiHelen LeungEugene LingKatherine TsenUNIT-E: Katherine Tsen & Eugene LingAcademics: Nicole ZhuFashion: Amy WanStudent’s Opinion: Heather BudimuliaThe Arts: Dan ZhangChillax: Tessa BrownePictorial: Connie Kim & Jonathan ChangChloe ChiaChrystal LiJohn WongMatilda LeeMinJung KangNicole NgRita ZhangSeungYeon NamSteve ShengZainab SamadDan ZhangHenry LuHelen LeungJunting YeungKevin MaoMichelle LiuAmy WanCamila Ochoa MendozaDaniel PlafkerDorcas ChiuElizabeth WuGloria ZhangGemma DuffyHeather BudimuliaJonathan ChangJunting YeungKai WangKeith KwekMaura DentinoNicole LoNicole ZhuRebecca QianSophie LiSophie RutseinVasudha MukherjeeSophie RusteinSteve ShengBenjamin HoongCamila Ochoa MendozaJonathan Chang

UNIT-E magazine is a non-profit, non-commercial publication circulated for use by its staff, sponsors, affiliated schools and other related parties only.

Tel 136 8108 2142 136 4106 1338Email [email protected] www.unit-echina.co.cc

Complimentary copy, not for sale

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UNIT-EP.5 A Letter from the Editors-In-ChiefP.5 UpdatesP.6 In this Issue...P.6 UNIT-E ServiceP.7 50 Word Short Story Competition Results

ACADEMICSP.9 The Hunger GamesP.10 The TV Course CatalogP.13 The Maths IllusionP.14 Words of WisdomP.15 Un-SAT Words: Words we’ll Actually Use

STUDENT’S OPINIONP.17 Learning From the MastersP.20 Fat China: The Disease of Good FortuneP.22 The Great Debate: Mac vs. PCP.24 Rank is Just Another NumberP.26 Serving Up a Good Article: It’s Not that EasyP.29 Stay Out of My Wardrobe

FASHIONP.32 Interview with Cici LuP.34 Who Puts “Value” in Shock ValueP.36 Guy Style Gurus

THE ARTSP.39 Editor’s Music Picks: Electro ChillP.40 Interview: Mike DreamsP.42 Art SpotlightP.44 Cultural Translation: Chinese MusicalsP.46 Top Four Christmas SongsP.47 His Delayed Rise to Fame: Taio Cruz

CHILLAXP.49 Winter Fun in BeijingP.50 The Guide to Bargaining in BeijingP.52 Restaurant Review: Michael’s PlaceP.54 Silly for Silly BandzP.55 Recipe of the Month: Gingerbread with Icing

PICTORIALP.57 Spirit Week (WAB)P.58 Cross-Country Event (DCB)P.59 Spirit Day (YCIS)P.60 International Day (BSB)P.61 It’s All Art or No Art


TABLE OF CONTENTSTable of Contents

UNIT-E

In this Issue... P.6

UNIT-E Service P.6

Short Story Competition Results P.7

Updates P.5

Letter from the Editors-In-Chief P.5


[UNIT-E]

UPDATES• WOW! UNIT-E has now grown to over 75

members from 15 different international schools. Welcome to all new school representatives and members! :)

• UNIT-E is being featured in other magazines! UNIT-E is the cover story of LittleStar Magazine and core members Amelia Zhang, Dan Zhang and Katherine Tsen were interviewed by LittleStar Magazine’s editor-in-chief Xing Yangjian. Members who participated in the LittleStar Magazine cover photo shoot will be seen on the next LittleStar Magazine cover. Additionally, Cityweekend Parents&Kids will be featuring UNIT-E in its Club Profile section in an upcoming issue. Members also participated in a group photo shoot during the distribution meeting on the 14th of November.

• Our head of finance, Henry Lu, has decided to become one of our chief writers. Thank you

for all your work and we hope to see your writing published!

• We have a new Student Opinions column editor: Heather Budimulia from the International School of Beijing. Congratulations!

Do you know how UNIT-E is funded?UNIT-E has an amazing finance team (which is completely student run!) that negotiates advertisement deals with sponsors. The advertisements you see in UNIT-E are what provides the funds for us to pay to publish the magazine so that you get free copies! Any profit we make from the advertisements goes to the village library service project which empowers local migrant children to break through the poverty cycle.

UNIT-E Trivia

A LETTER FROM THE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Dear Readers,

If you’ve paid attention to what’s under the UNIT-E logo you will see that this issue is in fact the November and December issue combined! This issue will entertain you with a plentitude of November (college application and general stress season) related stories and December (gingerbread cookies!) themed articles.

UNIT-E has made tremendous progress since its first issue. Over thirty people have been involved with the publication process which means that this issue is our biggest issue so far! A lot of time and effort has been put into this issue and we truly hope that you will enjoy what we’ve put together.

We wish you a (very early) Merry Christmas (and a happy New Year) !

Katherine Tsen and Eugene LingEditors-In-Chief

P.S.- from Kat and UNIT-E core members: Eugene, please don’t break your other ankle. The UNIT-E team needs you! Get better soon! (So that I can make you do all the work)

P.S.S.- Were you tricked or treated by the October issue’s hidden unicorns? If you’ve been discombobulated by our cover artist’s camouflagetastic unicorn-hiding skills you can visit our website and find out where the 9 hidden unicorns were located.

UNIT-E

DAY ACTIVITYTuesdays English/ Story

TellingWednesdays TutoringSaturdays TutoringSundays Arts/ English

6 | [UNIT-E] NOV&DEC2010

UNIT-E ServiceThis is going to be our third month

running the community library at Bai Xin Zhuang. We would like to thank everyone who has donated books or supplies to the library, and we're proud to announce that everything has been going smoothly. At present our library is decently stocked, however we are in need of more volunteers. We’re trying to

run afterschool and weekend programs at the library for the local children, if you’re an individual or know a group that would like to help please email our service director at [email protected] he would love to help you set up regular volunteer visits. Our plan for this month’s activities is listed below; if you would like to volunteer to be in charge of the activities on a certain day please contact our service director. If you would like to initiate a different project on a day that is not included in the schedule, please do not hesitate to contact our service director. We are open to any and all ideas and suggestions!

In this Issue…•UNIT-E: Did you submit a 50 word short story? Find out who won that Ipod nano on the next page! •Academics: Choosing a TV show to watch is almost as hard as choosing your courses. Check out the TV course catalog on pg.10 to find out which TV shows can educate and entertain at the same time!•Fashion: Go to p.36 for an article on guy fashion!•Student Opinion: Read about college rankings on p.24 and reconsider the criteria with which you are choosing your colleges.•Arts: Looking for something more than those age old Christmas carols? Flip to page 46 for a list of festive songs that will make your Christmas cooler than ever.•Chillax: Are you silly enough to be in to Silly Bandz? Check out the Silly Bandz article on p.54 and find out what that rubbery bracelet he /she gave you really means ;)•Pictorial: I spy with my little eyes…. YCIS school spirit day photos on p.59!

UNIT-E

Katherine Krabek (WAB) The night sky glittered with stars as a phoenix fluttered past. Soaring above the clouds, and then skimming the limpid water, her wings sliced through the crisp air, while she savored her last few minutes of liberation. It was time. As she plummeted down, embers blew into the breeze.

Jonathan Chang (DCB)Dark’s gift is comforting illusion: gentle dreams in night’s embrace; the beauty of imagination deemed repulsive in harsh daylight. But the greatest of comforts is the illusion of temporary dark, that every night brings new dawn. Because it’s day that’s temporary. Day is the illusion. Eventually, even stars burn out.

Naomi Elegant (Harrow)“Johnny!” shrieked Mother. “Yes, Mother?” “Look out your window!” she yowled. “My latest trick!” I looked outside to the garden. Dad’s head was sticking out of the ground, between the petunias, looking sheepish.“Isn’t it nice, Johnny? He didn’t wash the dishes. Now, are you going to do your chores?”

Sally Kwon (BISS)He stared through the window.He’d just spotted the thirty-ninth girl wearing the conventional witch costume.Stupid. Utterly stupid. He turned his back and closed the curtains.But would he?If he knew that the thirty-ninth girl was actually a witch, would things be different?

Amanda Song (ISB)The wind howled and shook the old house. Within, floorboards creaked with each step of a dark shadow. Suddenly, an extremely larger shadow appeared and blocked the kitchen door, booming, “Stop! I am the ghost of your future! You are two Halloween cupcakes away from a heart attack!”

Katherine Tsen (ISB)He: Was an astronaut.She: kissed him goodbye.He: said he’d leave a trail of twinkling lights in the night sky so he could find his way home to her.Their children: star gazing, were startled by the beauty of shooting stars plummeting down.He: sparkled for them.She: cried.

Thomas Leung (Harrow)Shadow grips the universe choking light from the stars. Black dominates my heart. Fear grows in the surrounding wall of silence. Suddenly, a light penetrates the sky ripping the darkness away, exposing it as fraud, freeing the world from obscurity. I sing to the sun, my wings bathed in gold.

Hannah Smith (Harrow)She screamed. The flames blistered her skin, engulfing her face and still she screamed. They watched her burn, lank hair curling, wisps of foul smoke wafting upwards. Her mother watched the village burn her daughter, the witch. She didn’t cry as they dragged her limp body from the dying embers.

Vasudha Mukherjee (BISS)I met a girl, one day by the mulberryShe spoke of a witch wandering after dawnWho seized people coming by the fieldMortals who cared enough to stay for a talkI asked “how do you know that is true?”She laughed, “Wouldn’t I know myself?”

SPONSORED BY

50 WORDSHORT STORY COMPETITIONRESULTS

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!Pamela Yan (ISB)Here Lies…“Never leave. please…”“I’m here.”Giving in to licorice popsicle January night, she ran barefoot, pajama-clad, to sleep upon flower-strewn carved stone.He appeared. She: “You left.” “I’m Here.” “Lies, but I’ll find you.” His heart aching joy: “goodnight,” as she slept.“To____: love you. David Notte1979-2000”


OUTSTANDING SUBMISSIONS

UNIT-E

Academics

The Hunger Games P.9

Words of Wisdom P.14

The Maths Illusion P.13

The TV Course Catalog P.10

Un-SAT Words P.15


More likely than not, you’ve heard about Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, a popular book series now in the ranks of Harry Potter in terms of number of crazy fan girls (and boys). It may be a bit late to hop on the Hunger Games’ bandwagon, but it’s worth it because The Hunger Games series is absolutely mind blowing.

The books revolve around Katniss Everdeen, a poverty-stricken sixteen-year-old girl living in Panem, a land once known as North America. Katniss, and Peeta Mellark, a young, smoking-hot baker of the same age (who I lovingly call Peeta Bread), have been chosen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a competition in which one boy and one girl under the age of eighteen are taken from each of Panem’s twelve isolated districts to fight to the death, leaving their family and friends behind. Throughout the series, Katniss is infuriated by the poor state of her home district as well as by Panem in general. She becomes very much a part of the struggle against those in power, namely President Snow, Panem’s malicious leader.

On the surface, The Hunger Games may seem like just another easily overlooked teen book series. Sure, it had received praise from fantastic authors like Stephen King, but then again, Stephanie Meyer, writer of the ever-repulsive Twilight series, has also given it

acclaim making prospective readers quite ambivalent. However, an experimental read (conducted by yours truly) of all three hardback copies of the Hunger Games books – The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay has proved the series exceptionality.

The Hunger Games series can keep readers up all night making them laugh, cry, scream, shout, gasp, and contort their faces into wrinkled, disgusted messes. This series satisfies what a book series warrants: amazing adventure full of action, suspense, horror, drama, and romance that goes beyond the limits of the real of movies and television. With an incredibly interesting plot and relatable, fascinating (and totally hunky) characters, The Hunger Games series grabs readers by the throat and does not let go until the last pages of the last book, Mockingjay, are read.

Given its current popularity, it may be hard to obtain copies of all three Hunger Games books, but if you have not yet hopped onto the Hunger Games’ bandwagon, you had better sprint to catch up or you’ll miss out on the ride of your literary life.

Maura Dentino,International School of Beijing

The Hunger Games Leaves You Starving

for More

THE HUNGER

GAMESLEAVES YOU STARVING FOR MORE

Academics


Academics


How much time do you spend traveling? With Beijing's infamous traffic, a fifteen-minute journey can turn into an hour's wait. The average student spends approximately half an hour to get to school, and an hour to get back home. On weekends roughly an hour is spent traveling to and from malls, restaurants and other places. That comes to the grand total of over eleven hours a week spent in a car. That is more than an entire school day (yikes!). In forty weeks of school, we spend about 440 hours of traveling. In eighteen years, that is 7920 hours spent in a vehicle.

The idea from the television series (now cancelled) Numb3rs, that “we all use maths every day; to predict weather, to tell time, to handle money. Maths is more than formulas or equations; it's logic, it's rationality, it's using your mind to solve the biggest mysteries we know.”, stands true in this case. Maths is relevant to almost anything--from figuring out the area of a cube to knowing birthdays. Maths touches all topics that involve numbers or calculations. It provides theory and reasoning to problems. The best thing about this subject is that, unlike History, English or Theory of Knowledge, it does not (or will only extremely rarely) demand debate. You are either right or wrong. If you are right, you have nothing to worry about; if you are wrong, then you look up the formula and fix it.

You may sit in class wondering how calculus, trigonometric identities and other mathematical knowledge will help you in the future. For the purposes of school, a common position students or even teachers may have is that “you don't need to know what it's for; you just need to know how to do it!”. Indeed, we may not be using any of the skills we learn in maths in the future. In real life it is unlikely that a student aiming for a theatrical or cinematic career will need to use calculus. Despite this

fact, numerous students are still overly stressed about maths.

This stress that students feel maths induces is many times an illusion created by our peers. Perhaps it is time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture that mathematics presents: a logical approach to problems, a step-by-step process to finding answers and a simpler way to make discoveries. The stress maths causes is often a misconstruction of the mind, the wrong answer to a problem. What you need to do is look up the formula and fix it.

Vasudha Mukherjee,Beijing BISS International School

THE MATHSILLUSI0N

Academics

Dear [Insert Name of Object of Affection],

Since I’ve laid eyes on you, I’ve been brooding over

the sight of your becoming face. What words to express

the plethora of my love? Shall I describe your effervescent

nature? Your ebullience? I have been mulling over such

thoughts but have only recently had this epiphany: given

it is the holidays, we should engage in a dalliance in a

bucolic area, snuggling up in an inglenook while I whisper

mellifluous words in your ear.

Forgive my forwardness, but do not be demure. Our

time together will be ephemeral, but magical nonetheless.

I have previously thought these feelings to be ineffable,

but time is fugacious. We can enjoy a sumptuous meal as

we listen to the tintinnabulation of the bells. We can be

surreptitious, with only the vestigial remains of our time

together forever ingrained in our memories.

This may seem an unseemly imbroglio, but our

evanescent relationship will always hold a special place in

my heart. Do not leave me to woebegone days of SAT!

All my love, affection and adoration,

[Insert Your Name]

The holiday season is upon us and what would holidays be without someone to share them with? During the holiday season, we (or those of us who are lucky enough to have merciful teachers) suddenly find ourselves with time that is inconveniently occupied with a cornucopia of studying for standardized testing. How can you express your feelings to that

DEFINITIONSBrooding: Thinking aloneBecoming: AttractivePlethora: A large quantityEffervescent: BubblyEbullience: Bubbling enthusiasmEpiphany: A sudden revelationDalliance: A brief love affairBucolic: In a lovely rural settingInglenook: A cozy nook by the hearthMellifluous: Sweet soundingDemure: Shy and reservedEphemeral: Short-livedIneffable: Unutterable, inexpressibleFugacious: FleetingSumptuous: Lush, luxuriousTintinnabulation: TinklingSurreptitious: Secretive, sneakyVestigial: In trace amountsUnseemly: Untoward, inappropriateImbroglio: An altercation or complicated situationEvanescent: Vanishing quickly, lasting a very short timeWoebegone: Sorrowful, downcast

WORDS OF WISDOMThe Most Beautiful Words in the English Language

special someone when you’re stuck in your room studying? Don’t worry; UNIT-E is coming to your rescue. The following sample letter allows you to study pesky SAT vocabulary and find yourself some holiday company.

Nicole Zhu,International School of Beijing

Academics



SAT season is drawing near and the studying has begun. These words are not guaranteed to be on the test but they will make you laugh, giggle, smirk, or just smile. Enjoy!

F is for “Flurk”Source: “Flirt” + “Lurker” Used in Context: That girl who likes 小明 is a total flurk. I heard that she switched into Higher Level Biology just to tell him that she wants to stick to him like glue-cose.

G is for “Glomp”Definition: “The undefined area between a hug and a flying tackle” [mostly used online]Used in Context: 小明 says: *glomps you*

H is for “Hakuna Matata”Definition: “It means no worries, for the rest of your days” – Lion KingUsed in Context: 小明 needs some Hakuna Matata, the way he stresses about the 0.1% he needs to get an A+ will probably give him cancer by the time he turns 19.

I is for “Indessertive”Source: “Indecisive” + “Desserts” Used in Context: 小明 can never pick between apple pie, fudge sundaes or cupcakes- he’s so indessertive sometimes.

J is for “JGTI”Definition: “Just Google Translate It” Used in Context: Even thought he might have a (cliché) Chinese name, 小明 still abides by the golden rule: when in doubt, JGTI.

Have words to suggest? Want to tell me what quantum physics is? Drop me a note at [email protected] !

Heather Budimulia,International School of Beijing

UN-SAT WORDSWords we’ll Actually Use

A is for "A crappella"Source: “A cappella” + “Crap”Used in Context: If 小明 took off his headphones and listened to himself rap a crapella, he'd realize that his version of OMG was actually more like WTF.

B is for “Broment”Source: “Brother” + “Moment” Used in Context: When 小明 and 小明 single-handedly took down entire armies in Halo Reach it was a total broment.

C is for “Capccino”Source: “Chinese Starbucks Baristas shouting orders to one another, also see Fapccino” Used in Context: When 小明 is at his local Starbucks, he’ll always order a Capccino. He says that the name just makes it taste better.

D is for “Dazey chains”Source: “Daisy chains: + “Daze”Used in Context: Today in math 小明 thought about hotdogs, then mermaids, then Chace Crawford- what an insane dazey chain!

E is for “Excesstrogen”Source: “Excess” + “Estrogen” Used in Context: 小明 has been suffering a serious case of excesstrogen ever since his sisters came back from boarding school- I swear he fluttered his eyelashes at me!

Academics

STUDENT’SOPINION

Serving Up a Good Article: It’s Not That Easy P.26

Stay Out of My Wardrobe P.29

Rank is Just Another Number P.24

DISCLAIMER: Statements and opinions expressed in the Student Opinion Column are solely those of the author or authors and may or may not be shared by the staff of UNIT-E. At the end of each article, the author’s name and school are provided. UNIT-E publishes the articles in this column with no intention to offend or upset in any way.

The Great Debate: Mac vs. PC P.22

Fat China: The Disease of Good Fortune P.20

Learning From the Masters P.17

While I was in Shanghai last week, I had the privilege of watching the Semi-Finals and Finals of the 2010 Shanghai Rolex Masters tournament live with my family.

The Masters is a prestigious tennis tournament, attracting players of the highest caliber from all over the world. Watching the matches being played out at the Qi Zhong Tennis Centre is an experience I am unlikely to forget anytime soon. While most in the world were hoping for a clash in the finals between old rivals, World No.1 Rafael Nadal and World No. 3 Roger Federer, Nadal’s shocking defeat to Australia’s Jurgen Melzer in the Quarter Finals made that impossible . Instead, Federer advanced into the finals to play UK’s Andy Murray who was ranked World No. 4.

Despite the excitement of being able to watch these tennis stars play against each other in real life, what struck me most about the whole experience was the lesson that I learnt from it. Federer’s decisive win when he played in the Semi-Finals against Djokovic proved that he was indeed a great player. The former World No. 1 is also considered to be one

of the best tennis players of all time by many fans and critics alike. During the match against Djokovic, Federer was not only confident and calm but he stepped up to the challenge with his notoriously touted graceful and elegant playing skills. The fluidity in his movement and the technical brilliance he displayed with the tennis racquet in hand made him arguably one of the best players at the tournament.

Many thought that Federer would be the winner of the finals due to his skill and experience (he is 6 years older than 23-year old Murray). Likewise, I would have placed my money on Federer.

As many might already know, Federer was eventually crushed by Murray in the Finals where he lost (6-3 and 6-2) leaving him dejected and disappointed. The match came as quite a shock to me.- how could someone as good, as graceful and as strong as Federer fall so easily to a lankier and more [in terms of style] awkward player? Was this a case of David versus Goliath where the underdog won? Did Murray just get lucky? For those of us who were watching the match, the true answer to Murray’s success


Student’s Opinion


is obvious: hard work, determination and a ‘never say die’ attitude.

Compared to Federer, Murray was a lot sharper and always went for the ball. Once, Federer performed a drop-ball close to the net and walked off, assuming that Murray would never get to it on time. Yet he ran the length of the court for the ball and hit it over the net just in time to score a point even though it would have been easier to just let that one point go.

Murray’s excellent and disciplined mentality seemed consistent with his character when recalling his Semi-Final match against Argentina’s Juan Monaco. Despite a tough cross-court smash from Monaco, Murray dashed from one end of the court to the other, lashing out with a wild backhand while skidding across the floor before running back into position to wait for the next hit. Murray is the kind of player who although not as ‘technically gifted’ as the likes of Roger Federer, made up for it by sheer determination and focus.

This is not to say that Federer was not hard-working or focused at all. The Swede played well despite giving a performance that was below-par In sports we all understand that on some days we play well and on some others not as well. Although I feel that Murray won the 2010 Shanghai Rolex Masters championship because of his tenacity, others could argue that other factors contributed to his success as well. For example, the fact that he is several years younger than Federer and so has more stamina. Nevertheless, there is still much that we can learn from Murray and the attitude he had towards his game throughout the match.

What really struck me about Murray, as a role model whose character we should all try to emulate, is the humility with which he took the win against Roger Federer. When asked in his Post-Match interview why he thought he beat Federer , he simply answered:

“No. I mean, it’s difficult. I enjoyed playing him. I don’t find it easy at all. It’s incredibly difficult every time. But I love the challenge of playing against him. I don’t fear playing him ... I know that I could lose the match easily if I don’t play my best... every time I go on...I need to play great tennis to win against him.”

Student’s Opinion


This made me realize that although hard work is definitely an essential factor in achieving success, this alone will not do much good. If we become boastful or complacent, our standards would eventually slip and we will lose that which we have fought so hard to gain. Murray’s response also highlighted the fact that we should not fear taking on adversary and obstacles that comes in our path, but instead try our best to overcome them. When one looks at things like that, it is not difficult to see life as being similar to that of a hard-fought tennis match (or any other competitive sport for that matter).

Although we often have to deal with difficult choices on our side of the court in life, we should always be looking to play our best game. We should not let the fear of these challenges become an inhibition and distraction from our efforts as we work to face them. Most of all, we should not allow pride to get in the way of hard work and success. All these elements are what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.

Keith Kwek,Beijing World Youth Academy

Student’s Opinion


As the lines at McDonalds have gotten longer and the kids at McDonalds have gotten fatter, it has become apparent that China is becoming fatter too. The weight of this problem has increased significantly over the past few years and unique cases in China have been pinpointed. UNIT-E was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to interview Matthew Crabbe, co-author of Fat China who has observed and analyzed the growing (pun intended) population of overweight and obese people in China.

Matthew Crabbe first came to China in 1988 to as a student from the University of Leeds to work for a Chinese newspaper based in the United Kingdom. He then started a company with Paul French (co-author of Fat China) and conducted research on fast moving consumer goods and services and retailing in China. As Crabbe’s expertise on the many social issues and realities of life in China grew, he became increasingly interested in how the obesity problem changed consumer lifestyles. His book, Fat China, gives an account

of how China’s obesity problem emerged, how it is developing and how it is influencing the Chinese economy. In the book, the size of the issue “is analyzed and explained in both human terms and in terms of the impact the issue has and will have on social welfare spending”. Additionally, Crabbe compares China’s obesity trend to similar trends in other emerging

developing nations such as India, South Africa, Brazil and Mexico.

Like many readers, when Crabbe visits the fast food chain store around the corner, he often sees a handful of chubby Chinese children wolfing down grease-a-licious burgers. Crabbe said that what is most alarming to him about China’s obesity issue “is that these very large people tend

to be relatively well-off, urban children”. He explained that the massive lifestyle changes and increase in income caused by urbanization and China’s incredible economic growth have resulted in a downside—obesity, which he appropriately called the “disease of good

FAT CHINAThe Disease of good Fortune

“Like many readers, when Crabbe visits the fast food chain store around the corner, he often sees a handful of chubby Chinese children wolfing down grease-a-licious burgers.”

Student’s Opinion


fortune”. Additionally, the One Child Policy and the “six pocket syndrome” (where the typical Chinese family has one child, two parents and four grandparents) have perpetuated the obesity of children by spoiling them with fast foods and confectionaries. Crabbe added fast food outlets, television, computer games and homework have all resulted in a lack of exercise in the routine of the urban Chinese and have contributed to the obesity problem significantly. This may seem to be a good opportunity for readers to evade homework by telling teachers that school work makes students fat, however, Crabbe stated that in reality, it is the responsibility of individuals to change unhealthy lifestyles and prevent obesity.

Fortunately (or unfortunately) there is good news and bad news for China. When asked what the future holds for China, Crabbe said that he was “almost certain that things will get worse before they get better”. He explained that because it is difficult to determine the size of the problem due to the unreliable metrics for identifying the overweight and obese, it is difficult to direct resources to solve the issue due. Furthermore, he stated that it is challenging to identify those who need treatment because of the limited number of trained dieticians in China. Therefore, treatment may not be able to begin until the overweight and obese population’s ailments have become chronic and cause other diseases such as type-2 diabetes, liver disorders and heart problems. This means that action needs to be taken as soon as possible to prevent the possibility of spiraling obesity. Luckily, there is a means to solve this issue. Crabbe emphasized that “education will be key” because through it, the attitude that “being wealthy means eating wealthy” can be shifted to “being wealthy means eating healthy”. Another suggestion Crabbe made to solve this issue was to create a “fat-tax” on high-fat, high-sugar and high-salt foods to compensate for the cost of healthcare investment and to force companies to take responsibility for the food they are selling. He also added that food labeling needs

to be a more rigorous process so that people can become more aware of what they are eating. Although many will be disappointed to see their favorite chocolate bar become more expensive, it is important to realize that such a change could benefit society as a whole. Crabbe also commented that there are possible positive impacts such as an increased openness in discussing health issues such as obesity, anorexia and bulimia.

Crabbe concluded that “positive steps are being made, both at the central government level and at the grass roots level”. However, he also commented that people still need to rectify their habits in order to prevent the serious repercussions of obesity. With so many factors to consider and China’s unpredictable growth and change, it is only safe to say that only time will tell if China’s diet and exercise will prevent the proliferation of the disease of good fortune.

*Many thanks to Kadi Hughes from The Beijing Bookworm for providing UNIT-E with this interview opportunity. Additional thanks to Matthew Crabbe for such a wonderful interview on such short notice.

Katherine Tsen,International School of Beijing

Student’s Opinion


Student’s Opinion


Rank is Just Another

NUMBER

The Times Higher Education board just recently published the “2010-2011 World University Rankings” and for some, the world order might have changed completely. This “revelation” is not the first of its kind but is instead part of a larger phenomenon as similar lists such as “World’s Best Universities: Top 400” and “National Universities Rankings” also exist.

The percentages and overall totals flashing on the screen are playing an even more active role in helping students select colleges than ever before. Naturally, top ranked universities get a boost in enrollments while lower ranked universities might sense a drop in applicants. This leads to the question: what is it behind these rankings that would change the way we think?

While browsing websites such as topuniversities.com, it’s nice to know where the shiny number next to your dream school comes from so look around and find out! The usual culprits are ambiguously phrased terms such as “learning environment”, “industry income” and “research influence”. But with enough clicking and several Google searches, the number’s true meaning (or perhaps the absence of one) will unveil itself.

Another thing to keep in mind is the entirety of the information and the feasibility of ever finding the “Top (anything) in the World”. As one can guess, the chances of every university in the world having its data analyzed and then being ranked accordingly are extremely slim. True enough, a disclaimer under the Times Higher Education rankings states “it includes only institutions that have assented to join the profiling process…”

This does not say, however, that all the information on that site is rendered inconclusive. In fact, this website offers a rather unique feature which consists of six separate lists ranking the best universities in a particular field. The fields range from Engineering & Technology to Social Sciences making the lists more specialized and centered on the user’s preferences. Thankfully, lists like these are also going viral- but not at the rate of the general rankings.

Student’s Opinion


Remember that some important aspects of university life cannot be summed up in numbers. These include the way you feel when you wake up in your dorm room, how well you’ll adjust and if you’ll love the 2-4 years spent as a university student. Ultimately, life isn’t about what school you went to, it’s what you made of

STUDENTS’ TAKES ON... UNIVERSITY RANKINGS

“In my opinion, no. I used to think university ranks were really important, however it does not mean anything unless you succeed from that university. I would like to concentrate more on what kind of topics the university would teach, the teachers and my future prospects (career). The location and transport availability is also very important!”

Min Jung Kang, BSB

“The rankings are universally recognized which I believe will increase my chances of beating my competition during job interviews”

Alan Wu, ISB

“I think universities rankings are ranked for a reason, and they give you a guideline as to where they stand compared to other universities. However, it should not be overly obsessed about. Finding a course that fits your needs and interests are much more important. You also have to make sure you love the city, the campus and the student life there as well!”

Helen Leung, YCIS

“I think rankings are important, but they aren't everything. For example, take any Ivy League college and compare to another public college. They probably would be of complete different rankings, but what both colleges have to offer could be of equal standard.”

Melissa Chan, DCB

“University rankings should not matter. We have a tendency of restricting ourselves in believing that only top ranking universities are suitable and respectable. Unfortunately, society has a bad habit of giving a first-choose policy to students from higher ranking universities, blinded by the fact that it is possible for the worst ranking universities are able to produce the finest educated individuals.”

Brian Chin, WAB

“University rankings are important to an extent when considering the universities to choose from, but after they are chosen, other things such as location and campus become important as well.”

Benjamin Lau, YCIS

“

”

it. With that in mind, tread carefully on these websites and pick a school that will suit you and your needs well- it’s just a number!

Heather Budimulia,International School of Beijing

Student’s Opinion


“Nadal…Well, I’ve definitely heard that name somewhere before...”

And that was my first reaction to the number one tennis player in the world. At the time, my definition of tennis was hitting (or being hit by) small yellow balls. However I didn’t think twice before signing up to be a student reporter at the China Open. Never mind my lack of tennis knowledge, my confidence in Chinese led me to think this would be a few easy CAS credits.

I was wrong. I realized that when I received the 5 page list

of duties. The worst was having to spend at least 6 days of my October break at the tournament but other tasks included interviewing “at least” one player and coach, as well as submitting an

article every day. Suddenly, UNIT-E deadlines didn’t seem bad at all.

My first day of work started in the pristine media room with pro-looking photographers and volunteers working alongside us. Thankfully, we didn’t get a chance to get too comfortable since we were soon kicked out. Our venue passes had heavy restrictions which our editor credited to the poor performance of the last year’s group. Because of this, we were banned from many areas making our lives even more difficult. We were on a probation of sorts and couldn’t afford any mistakes.

My partners and I wandered in the vast stadium, lost. To make the best of a bad situation, we decided to interview whoever we

SERVING UP A GOOD ARTICLE:

IT’S NOT THAT EASY

Student’s Opinion


found interesting. As the youth tournament was still in session, we found many teen players hanging around with games to play. They were surprised when our graceless group of four halted them with DSLR cameras, well-worn pens and spontaneous questions. However they always complied with our requests and the interviews went unexpectedly smoothly.

The next morning, our editor checked on our progress. One girl in the team wrote six articles, another wrote four and we had written…one.

As we needed to step up our own game, we were glad to see a familiar name on the list of players with matches that day: Bojana Jovanovski. We had interviewed this relative “unknown” (ranking at 93rd in the world) the

day before and a follow-up would be great- especially after her intense singles game. We didn’t expect her to win against someone 40 ranks higher than her, but she proved us wrong. It was a triumphant success, and we were the only ones there to cover the story.

“I just played and relaxed.” She smiled while we interviewed her again. “Perhaps China is my lucky country.” She went on the beat Jankovic (7th in the world) solidifying her status as a rising star- that’s what you call exclusive news.

Unfortunately, not all articles are that easy. It was the start of the day, and we were scanning through the list of players, searching for a target. A doubles partnership of a young

Student’s Opinion


Chinese player with a Japanese tennis legend would make for a sizzling match and an even hotter interview. We were convinced that our language advantage (I speak Japanese) would give us a good shot.

Determined not to miss our targets again, we checked every possible exit and planned strategies to stop them at each one. When the victorious pair came off the court; we stepped forward and asked politely for a few minutes of their precious time. The pair glanced at us, then looked away and never looked back. Disheartened, we trudged back to the media centre, racking our brains to figure out how exactly to write this story.

This was only one of the countless discouraging incidents we came across in the little time we spent there. Through working behind the scenes, we saw through the public façade of many big names and felt sorry for the promising players who were much more worthy

of attention. As of now, I’m keeping an eye on Bojana and taking all the fancy speeches given by stars with a pinch of salt.

This experience was truly valuable; I now fully understand that being a reporter is not an easy job. It seems like such a long time ago when I thought asking a few questions was a piece of cake and that “anyone could do it”. Whenever I read a piece of news, I now see the amount of effort and dedication taken by reporters for just a few paragraphs.

Learn to appreciate what you read in the news and watch on TV because you might not want to be the one doing it.

Nicol Lo,Dulwich College Beijing

Student’s Opinion


The balmy and carefree days of summer are over and winter has begun to place limits on the attire that students across the city will trudge off to school in each morning. This writer cannot help but notice that the weather is not the only restricting factor in how we present ourselves. While temperature fluctuates, one thing remains constant: the dress-code.

Nearly every international school in Beijing has rules on how they want their students to dress. While these dress-codes can range from anywhere between limitations on normal dress to full-on uniforms, each is a method that serves to control one of the most definitive and powerful impulses of youth: self-expression.

The most common prohibition is against what is defined to be “immodest attire”. This

vague umbrella term is used to cover anything from short-shorts to skirts to tank tops.

These codes are justified by implying that provocatively dressed female students will serve as a distraction to their male peers. In my opinion, this view is not accurate and may be considered offensive to students.

An adult’s judgment on the appropriateness of a teenager’s outfit is going to result in disagreement because the two are coming from completely different places with regards to what is considered acceptable to wear and what is not. The norms for appropriate attire thirty years ago bear little to no resemblance to what is considered acceptable today. An exposed patch of thigh is not at all risqué to a 21st century teenager, especially when the ever-present

Stay Out of My Wardrobe!

Student’s Opinion


hyper-sexualized media of today is taken into consideration.

These dress-codes might all be in vain as history has shown time and time again that culture moves in a progressive arc and that the previous generation cannot force youth to conform to their “outdated” norms. The outcome will instead be students who are constantly distracted from their schoolwork by the task of avoiding these dress-code enforcers, rather than the “presentable” students administrators had aimed for.

When the frigid fist of winter melts away, perhaps the dress restrictions will follow suit. But until then, the cat-and-mouse game taking place in hallways and cafeterias will continue, luckily track-shoes are permitted.

Daniel Plafker,International School of Beijing

The outcome will instead be students who are constantly distracted from their schoolwork by the task of avoiding these dress-code enforcers, rather than the “presentable” students administrators had aimed for.

“”

Student’s Opinion

Fashion

Guy Style Gurus P.36

Interview with Cici Lu P.32

Who Puts “Value” in Shock Value? P.34


Fashion

Amy Wan,Beijing World Youth Academy


Fashion


Fashion

Andreas Wijk from Sweden is inspired by music and friends. His style choices carry not only his personality, but also his passion for music. Andreas’s influence has gotten him the title of the host of Swedish Revyn Blog Awards-Most Popular Blogs. Although he is only a teenager in high school, his style and life stretches beyond just books and studies. His blog is updated almost daily with photos and words that tell of his life, inspiring readers with the un-done vibe of his style. Combat boots and natural colors are a must have of the season for Andreas.

For More Andreas, Check out: http://kanal5.se/andreaswijk

Pascal Grob is not the usual trend orientated guy, but once one see more of his style one comes to discover that he is not short of taste and class. Oxford shoes, blazers, dress shirts are favorites of Pascal. He can dress up any outfit with a timeless black blazer, but still add a nonchalant touch by rolling up his trousers or by throwing on a pair of converse. On a normal day in Zurich, Pascal studies photography in university and chases down stylish people on the streets to snap photos of for his blog. Pascal’s eccentric style is displayed through his own fashion photography that lets readers probe into his slightly “avant-garde” flair.

For More Pascal, Check out: www.fashionbitsandbobs.com

Although not a fashion blogger like Pascal and Andreas, Jimmy Ray from Stockholm has an attitude that allows him to dress in a way that compliments, but not overpower, his personality. His grunge battered jackets, straight legged pants, and vintage Dior boots make him standout among any crowd. Also a student in university, Jimmy is currently studying social sciences. To keep fans updated with his style, Jimmy takes out time from hanging out with friends and school work to post his hype-guaranteed looks on Lookbook (www.lookbook.nu).

For More Jimmy, Checkout: http://lookbook.nu/user/173249-Jimmy-Ray-R

Many people are treading over the fashion blogger-sphere reading, writing, and creating. The guy bloggers, who seem to receive less attention than most girl bloggers, are definitely not exceptions. I was especially captivated by the styles of three guys from completely different parts of the world. They display their own unique styles and lend their knowledge to showcase the newest trends of the season. These guys hit the right note with their looks, and are definitely worth learning from.


Fashion

The Arts

Top Four Christmas Songs P.46

Taio Cruz: His Delayed Rise to Fame P.47

Cultural Translation: Chinese Musicals P.44

Art Spotlight P.42

Interview: Mike Dreams P.40

Editor’s Music Picks: Electro Chill P.39


The Arts


Hi all, it’s your friendly neighborhood eccentric daydreamer here, and joining me today is a lyricist fresh off his sophomore LP, "Just Waking Up", released only a few weeks ago. He "ate, slept, and breathed music,” because he knows the real heads out there need music and makes realities from his dreams and dreams from his realities. Please welcome a rapper and friend Michael Hannah, aka "Mike Dreams".

What motivated you to pursue a career in rap, especially in a city not thoroughly on the map in terms of mainstream rap?It's definitely just been something that's been a part of me my entire life; through poetry and the

admiration of the genre and music in general. It's just something I was destined to pursue...

Did it just click to you one day, or was contemplation a big part of your decision to start?It sort of was just a gradual thing. I've literally rapped since I was maybe about 8 or 9 years old. I began actually writing "raps" around the same time I started writing poetry in 7th Grade. I actually started being referred to as a rapper in 9th grade when I started battle rap, and then January of 2005 in my junior year when I actually started making songs. Then it was somewhere around the summer/fall of 2006 where I decided I really wanted to pursue a career for sure in it, and started moving in the direction I'm going now. So all those monumental moments led to what I'm doing currently...And evidently, your stellar lyricism is living proof of that. Ever since your decision to start a career professionally in rapping, what have you enjoyed the most about your work, and what has been your motivation(s) behind every single day amidst the cyclone of life?What I've enjoyed most is just received feedback from individuals who listen to my music, and give me critiques, whether positive or negative, I also am inspired when someone tells me something I said inspired them, or they listened to my songs to get them through something.

Interview: MIKE DREAMS Music-man of Minneapolis

The Arts

Mike was born on November 13th, 1988. Happy late 22nd birthday, Mike!

Did You Know?


There’s a saying that goes “dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” On a scale of one to ten with one being in complete discordance and ten being in full accord, how much do you agree with this statement, and why?I agree with that 100%. That's a wonderful quote that seems to describe my life plight to a T. I want to do everything (dream as if you'll live forever), and I wake up every day on full-speed mode, eager and antsy to advance, like I don't have any time to waste (live as if you'll die today).

Needless to say, your musicality is evidential exemplarity for any up-and-coming artists across the world. Is there anything you would like to say to these budding talents waiting to be unleashed upon the world?Just keep striving for what you believe in. You're going to run into a lot of people who just hate on you and your craft for no good reason, simply because their heartless, or just don't understand. Don't let any of them stop you. I'm putting this out into the atmosphere, because as I tell others this, I tell myself this as well. Lately, I've been letting nobodies get me down about the art I choose to make that's completely

sincere, and that should never happen. Do what's real to you and you'll be fine.

Any shout-outs, confessions, statements?Shouts out to you of course, for the great interview, as well as DJBOOTH.NET x Flud Watches (FludWatches.com) for presenting my latest album project "Just Waking Up", that is out now! Everyone should check it out.Live and love life everlastingly and just strive to carry out an exciting and progressive existence. http://www.MikeDreamsMusic.comTwitter.com/MikeDreamsMusicBooking: [email protected], Mike, for a phenomenal interview. Best of luck for an undoubtedly bright future!Check out Mike’s latest release here: http://www.djbooth.net/index/mixtapes/entry/mike-dreams-just-waking-up/

Jonathan Chang,Dulwich College Beijing

"I've ate, slept, and breathed music,Cause I know it's real heads out here that need music,Pumpin' through my veins, and if I cut 'em I would bleed music"

- Mike Dreams, “I Just Wanna Be”a freestyle, in fact, off Drake’s “Successful” beat

The Arts


This section of the Arts column is dedicated to featuring student art (which includes written works too!). The submissions, whose creators will remain anonymous until the submission has passed the selection process, will be judged and voted on by the UNIT-E staff. The selected art work will then be published in the magazine. Most selected works will be featured in the Arts column but outstanding artwork may be featured as the magazine cover or column cover pages! So start working with your Play-Doh, crayons, cameras and pencils and submit your creative works to: [email protected]

Amelia Zhang,Beijing World Youth Academy

ART SPOTLIGHT

“Existence”School: Dulwich College BeijingName: Beatrice TanMedium: Oil Painting

School: Beijing World Youth AcademyName: IB 1 Design and Technology classMedium: Fashion Design

The Arts


“Untitled”School: Beijing World Youth AcademyName: Amelia ZhangMedium: Print Making

“Untitled”School: Western Academy of BeijingName: Sophie RutseinMedium: Photography

“Dichotamy”School: Dulwich College BeijingName: Darren TangMedium: Oil Painting

The Arts

44 | [UNIT-E] NOV&DEC201044 | [UNIT-E] NOV&DEC2010

The Arts


The Arts


It happens every year - that moment when you first hear a Christmas song… When you realize that you’re going to be hearing these same songs over and over for the next three months. Now before you go rushing for the earplugs, there are some real gems among the Christmas songs that have been released over the years. Some artists obviously just release their holiday songs in order to sell records to the adoring public, but hey, we’ve all indulged in this guilty pleasure at one point or another. Even if you’re not fully into the Christmas spirit yet, here’s a list of the good, the bad and the ugly to help you decided what to stay away from and what to put on your new playlist.

1. All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah CareyAlthough this is a Mariah Carey original for her album “Merry Christmas”, I first heard this song performed in the movie “Love Actually” (worth watching if you haven’t seen it 10 times already). Mariah Carey will have you humming this tune all throughout the holiday season.

2. The Christmas Song – Nat King ColeNat King Cole’s music has been loved by many long after his death in 1965. This Christmas classic is sure to get you thinking about all the wonderful little things about this time of year. It is perfect song to listen to as you’re cuddled up in a blanket while it’s cold outside.

3. Let It Snow – Michael BubléMichael Bublé does an upbeat cover of this well-known Christmas song. Although we’re in Beijing and basically the only time we have snow is when we get a little help from our friends (*Cough* *Cough* cloud seeding), it’s always a cute song to listen to while we’re hoping for a white Christmas.

4. Christmas Tree – Lady GagaThis song, that I hesitate to even mention, wins the prize for the most inappropriate Christmas song out there. Lady Gaga’s “Christmas Tree”, apart from being just a really awful song, seems to be an attempt to create the opposite of the Christmas spirit with her audience.

Lots of love and Christmas spirit to you all, Sophie Rutstein,WAB

T O P 4 Christmas Songs

The Arts

Taio Cruz, the world’s current favorite heartbreaking “rokstarr” has struck platinum once again with his follow-up single, “Dynamite”, which is still on the Billboard 100s dance charts all around the world. The lush backdrops of his instrumental soundtrack, in conjunction with his synthesized vocals, make him a perfect candidate for the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ award, perhaps challenged only by Bruno Mars. However, behind those Rokstarr shades and party-themed love songs lies a man with almost immeasurable talent.

Yes, this man is responsible not only for singing (even occasionally rapping) his own work, he’s also the man behind the boards working his own vocal production, instrumentation, and harmonic arrangement, which can range from a moody strings-and-piano ballad that soars into a silky Seal-esque hook, to an absolute club electro-pop banger. He can also produce the glossy R&B that both radio and hyperventilating girls will gobble up, complete with electronic washes and fluttering synthesizers over a minimalist, light-bassline beat. From slick

electric guitar riffs, to disco strings, and even quasi-house production, the versatility of his musicality is almost unmatchable by his fellow peers. No, we don’t see Drake, Mariah Carey, or even Jay Sean doing this on any of their tracks.

I’ve been following this man since 2007, when his debut LP, Departure, gained massive acclaim in his native UK. Without a doubt, Cruz displays considerable talent in crafting infectious pop-radio dance appeal in every one of his tracks, but the true strength in his songs come from his switch from the womanizer to the hopelessly romantic balladeer, in which his flawless songwriting, and stunning falsetto vocals really get their chance to shine. Ever since I heard his debut single “I Just Wanna Know”, and its successful follow-ups “Moving On”, “I Can Be”, and “She’s like a Star”, I knew straightaway that this man of 27, sooner or later, was destined for massive success. Evidently, that “later” is now upon us.

Jonathan Chang,International School of Beijing

Taio Cruz: His Delayed Rise to Fame


The Arts

Silly for Silly Bandz P.54

The Guide to Bargaining in Beijing P.50

Restaurant Review P.52

Recipe of the Month P.55

Chillax

Winter Fun in Beijing P.49

Well, summer is definitely over and the chilly but pleasant autumn is through. That means (yes, you guessed it) winter is back! And if you are not planning to escape Beijing’s winter (or rather are not able to), there are many pretty awesome things to do in Beijing.

If you want to stay inside at home and keep warm but not die of boredom, then baking or cooking is something to do! Download a recipe off the internet if your culinary skills are up to scratch or, alternatively, if you do not consider yourself a Domestic Goddess in the kitchen, fear not, for there are ready made Betty Crocker Cookie and Cake Mixes at your nearest Jenny Lou’s (or any viable supermarket). Invite friends over so that you can all make food together and then slump on the couch and watch a good movie, all while keeping warm and occupied during Beijing’s long winter.

Beijing has an endless array of shopping malls, so if you are actually planning to leave the house but don’t want to freeze to death then go into any mall. There’s sure to be inside heating, loads of shops to browse in (possible Christmas presents, anyone?) and an endless amount of restaurants to get your warm grub at. Solana’s lights during the winter are very extravagant, and not to mention pretty awesome. If you’re ever at Solana, definitely go check out the ice rink or go to the cinema. The Village always has something going on during winter (and basically anytime of the year). Last winter there was a mini ice rink a little Winter Wonderland parade consisting of little snowflakes, ice-fairies on stilts and polar bears prancing around gaining an entourage of onlookers! So who knows what

in store this year at The Village?!If you are willing to brave the cold

temperature, then there is even more to do in Beijing during the winter season! Interested in photography? Go to any park, Hutong, attraction or random alley way and take pictures. On a clear day in Beijing, especially after being covered in snow, one is sure to get some amazing shots. HouHai Lake during the winter is beautiful. Walk around there, check out the frozen lake, maybe even ice skate on it, and go explore the numerous shops and restaurants in the area. Sit down at a Starbucks, have a hot coffee and muffin when the cold gets to be unbearable. Or even go to the Great Wall! You may freeze, but it’s worth seeing during the winter season.

Skiing and snow boarding are great activities to do during the winter and one of Beijing’s top ski resort is Beijing Nanshan Ski Resort. About 80km from downtown, the resort has accommodation available, numerous of trails for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers/ snowboarders, and about 150 snowboards and 3000 pairs of skiing equipment for rental. Skiing should without doubt be the highlight of your winter in Beijing, especially if you have never skied before.

So before you conclude that all you want to do this winter is study, eat and sleep, why not discover the little treasures Beijing has to offer during the winter? Keep warm, drink hot chocolate, munch on lots of gingerbread men and have fun while the winter lasts!

Gemma Duffy,Yew Chung International School


WINTER FUN IN BEIJING

Chillax

We all know that there is no such thing as a leisurely walk around Yashow. Buying something is a long, hard struggle where you normally don’t end up fully satisfied. For those of you who have never been good at bargaining, this is the article for you, in just two minutes, you’ll be pro.

Before you start, remember, the key is to be friendly and keep the shopkeeper happy. Disrespecting them, shouting and swearing isn’t going to get you anywhere. Now let’s begin. Once you’ve picked what you want, ask for the price. If it’s ridiculously high, laugh, tell the shopkeeper to keep dreaming and walk away. Don’t worry, they’ll definitely hold you back and ask you the price that you want. Start with an absurd price, lower than what you will be willing

to pay for it. It’s a two-way street. Just like the shopkeepers price will get lower, your price will get higher. For the next five to ten minutes, argue with the shopkeeper, tell him/her that it’s too expensive, that you don’t have enough money. Point out it’s flaws; lack in quality, if it’s dirty, loose threads here and there. Make sure to be kind to the shopkeeper, get her to like you. Tell her that you’ll come back, and recommend her stall to your friends. Also raise your price in small increments so that the shopkeeper feels like she too is accomplishing something. If by the end of the argument the shopkeeper still hasn’t agreed with your price, walk away. 9 out of 10 times this will work, and the shopkeeper will shout at you to come back, that she’ll give it to you for the price you want. If this doesn’t work. Shame. Time to keep walking.

The Guide to

Bargaining in Beijing


Chillax

If the shopkeeper doesn’t look so interested in selling a product to you, or you don’t want to risk having to walk away without being called back, try Plan B. Time to get annoying. Wave the money around, repeat your price over and over again. Every time the shopkeeper wants to say something, interrupt her, and keep saying your price. Stand in front of the store and tell anybody walking into the stall that everything in it is too expensive. Still not working? Time to get down to business. And I actually mean down. Get on your knees, and start to beg. This normally does the trick. The shopkeeper will get embarrassed and ask you to stand up. Don’t stand up until the shopkeeper has agreed on your price. When your mission has accomplished, thank the shopkeeper, ask for some namecards and tell her you’ll come back.

Camila Ochoa Mendoza,Western Academy of Beijing

English Chinese PronounciationHow much is this?

这个多少钱？ zhè gè duō shǎo qián?

Cheaper! 便宜一点！ piàn yí yī diǎn!Too expensive!

太贵了！ tài guì le!

Friend! 朋友！ péng yǒu!I will come back!

我会回来！ wǒ huì huí lái!

I beg you! 求求你！ qiú qiú nǐ!

IQAirWhile little can be done about outdoor air pollution, we can certainly have an impact on the air we breathe inside our homes and offices. IQAir has been providing air-cleaning solutions since 1963. Swiss precision and technology go into every unit, creating an excellent price-to-performance ratio. 1. Head OfficeRm 2201, Air China Plaza, 36 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District. (8447 5800, [email protected]); 2. Seasons Place Mall4th Floor #417 Seasons Place, No.2 Jin Cheng Fang Street, Xicheng District (6622 0179, [email protected]);3. Solana Mall2LY1-05 Solana, No.6 Chaoyang Park Road, Chao Yang District (5905 6768, [email protected]); 4. Euro Plaza Mall4/F, Euro Plaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu, Shunyi District. (8046 1260, [email protected]);5. Shingkong Place Mall 5th Floor, Household Appliance Area, Shin Kong Place, No 87, Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100025 (57382401,[email protected])6. 400 650 1266, www.iqair-china.com [email protected]

Private Classical Guitar LessonsProfessional classical guitar performer and teacherMore than 15 years teaching experienceGraduated from Central Conservatory of Music, BeijingContinued study in Mannes School of Music, New York, USA.Flexible teaching scheduleReference available upon requestIf you are interested in learning classical guitar playing, please contact Duke on 13801093779.

羽毛球教练林立健他一直致力于青少年羽毛球教学和训练为国家队. 福建省羽毛球队省, 市重点羽毛球学校, 输送多名专业人才为国家和福建省羽毛球事业做出很多贡献.2008年4月来北京发展, 在刚刚结束的2009年北京市中学声羽毛球比赛中他的学生(中关村一小五年级同学) 王虞童在97-98女子比赛中获得第二名的好成绩.

资深羽毛球教练羽毛球世界冠军的启蒙教练原董烔羽毛球俱乐部专业组教练

手机: 15010854917

LISTING

Here are some Chinese words that you’ll find very useful:


1. Don’t believe the shopkeeper when she calls you ‘friend’.2. According to the shopkeeper, the one you want is always the best in the store. Everything else is cheaper than what you want. Keep this in mind.3. Pretend you’re not that interested. If the shopkeeper knows you really want it, they think you’ll do anything to get it.4. If you’ve payed and left and the shopkeeper is really happy, you’ve been ripped off.

BARGAINING TIPS

Chillax


Situated in Shunyi’s Euro Plaza, Michael’s Place is the perfect place for all foods irresistibly Italian. The fresh food is coupled with quick, friendly service in a clean and open atmosphere, redefining Italian food from a phone-call to your local pizza joint to a true dining experience (although they do provide delivery).

The meal began with a complimentary basket of warm, lightly toasted bread served with a delectable olive dipping sauce. The sauce was exquisite, made with ground olives, vinegar and salt, giving it a grainy texture. The service was truly impeccable; I was especially pleased when the friendly wait-staff refilled our bread basket and sauce, while in most other restaurants it would be charged. The manager who took our orders spoke fluent English, and was readily offered more information about the wide variety of dishes that were available.

For appetizers we recommend Bruschette (¥20) and Mozzerella Fritta (¥40), also known as cheese fritters. The Bruschette is served beautifully garnished with fresh tomatoes on crisp bread and the fritters are a sinful indulgence that all cheese-lovers will

Restaurant Review:MICHAEL’S

PLACEappreciate. However tempting it might be to order one of everything on the appetizer menu, it is strongly discouraged because the food just keeps getting better and better.

Michael’s is known for its delicious pasta, thin crusted pizzas and fresh salads. For most, a hot plate of pasta is a must when dining at Italian restaurants, and we couldn’t agree more. Michael’s offers a great selection that allows you to choose your own pasta and sauce,

PROMOTION

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ranging from ¥40 to ¥65. Mathematically, that leaves you with over 160 options! We tried the Bolognese with Spaghetti (¥45) and were not disappointed. It was served with a flourish and a bowl of parmesan cheese- now that’s service.

Speaking of options, besides the 17 original pizza flavors ranging from the traditional Margherita (¥45) to the more exquisite Diavola (¥55) which has toppings like black olives and salami with Italian herbs like oregano. If you’re feeling creative or adventurous, or if your inner chef is bursting to speak, you can select your own combination of toppings from their extensive menu.

The salads at Michael’s are amazing as well. We tried the Caesar Salad (¥35) and were surprised with the generous portion we received for that low price. The chicken strips were plentiful, tasty, and grilled to perfection while the salad was crisp and fresh. When accompanied with the just-creamy-enough sauce, it was mouth-watering. Some might have found it too creamy, but that’s what Caesar salad is all about and there are plenty of other options to appease everyone. The Insalata Frutti de Mare (¥40), or seafood salad, sounded particularly delicious as did the Avocado Al Pesto (¥30). This was a case of too many salads and too little time.

We finally decided to listen to our stomachs and order a tiramisu (we actually had to toss a coin to decide between the desserts as the Panna Cotta and Cheese Cake sounded very tempting as well). The tiramisu was just the right size after a big meal. The layers were very

neat and the dish was pleasing to look at, but even better to eat. The coffee flavor stood out and wrapped up the flavors in one scrumptious dessert-fork-sized-bite.

We eventually washed down dinner with a Strawberry Lemonade (¥20) and our attention was drawn to another reason to come to Michael’s Place: their happy hour. From 2pm-7pm, all drinks (nonalcoholic and otherwise) are buy one get one free. The lemonade was like nothing we’d ever tasted and thankfully, we could order more without emptying our wallets. Afternoon Tea Time is from 1pm- 5pm and features a selection of snacks and desserts like the spicy Chicken Quesadillas (¥25) that will keep you coming back for more.

We walked away from Michael’s Place as happy customers who simply could not wait until they get a chance to try all the other foods on the extensive menu.

Rebecca Qian & Heather Budimulia, International School of Beijing

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Gingerbreadwith Icing

Recipe of the Month

1 Preheat the oven to 325°F.

2 Melt butter along with sugar, syrup, molasses, ginger, and cinnamon in saucepan.

3 Off the heat, add milk, eggs, and baking soda in its water.

4 Pour in the liquid ingredients, beat until well mixed (it will be a very liquid batter).

5 Pour into pan and bake for 3/4 - 1 hour until risen and firm. (Be careful not to overcook it, as it is nicer a little stickier, and anyway

it will carry on cooking as it cools)

6 When it cools, whisk lemon juice into confectioners’ sugar and gradually add water. (You want a good, thick icing, so go cautiously

and be prepared not to add all the water.)

7 Spread over cooled gingerbread with a palette knife, and leave to set before cutting.

1/2 cup 2 tbsp Unsalted butter1/2 cup 2 tbsp Brown sugar3/4 cups 1 tbsp Light corn syrup3/4 cup 1 tbsp Molasses2 tsp Finely grated fresh ginger1 tsp Ground cinnamon1 cup 2 tbsp Milk2 Eggs (beaten to mix)1 tsp Baking soda (dissolved in 2 tbsp water)2 cups All-pupose flour1 tbsp Lemon juice1/2 cup 2 tbsp Sifted confectioners’ sugar1 tbsp Warm water

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International Day (BSB) P.60

It’s All Art or No Art P.61

Pictorial

Spirit Week (YCIS) P.59

Cross-Country Event (DCB) P.58

Spirit Week (WAB) P.57

Spirit Week (WAB)

Pictorial


Cross-Country Event (DCB)

Photos By Jonathan Chang


Pictorial

Spirit Day (YCIS)

Photos By Steve Sheng & Benjamin Hoong


Pictorial

International Day (BSB)


Pictorial

It’s All Art or No Art (Teacher’s Art Exhibition)


Pictorial

Photos By Sophie Rutsein & Ernest Li


Pictorial

unit-e: november/december 2010

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