REGULAR COLUMN

Hong Kong Column Film, Music and Theatre

FEATURES
The New Chairman The Concession Speech Election Day Overhead Perspectives of Taiwan HK Pride Parade An honest look at the pornography of women and children

EDITORS CREATIVE DIRECTOR th 15 Trevor LamNovember 2012 | 12th Issue Fernanda Lai
Leila Denniston

HUMOUR SECTION
7 tips to get you through Third Term Maxims Memes The Guiding Matrix

ARTS SECTION
A Novel in Parts

15th November 2012 | 12TH Issue

FROM THE EDITORS

Three months into the term, first years have been caught up in the full wash of UWC life, and second years in the delights of third term IB. China Week has come and gone, be it with or without visas, and EEs are now way overdue. Believe it or not, the end of term looms - in a mere month we will be parting for our various holiday adventures or homely comforts. As the experience whisks away before our eyes, we try and grasp onto some of the grains of sand trickling through our fingers. Some of them are reported here in this issue of Bou Zi.

HONG KONG COLUMN

of the Cantonese slang used to refer to pseudo models: lang mo or . The word lang ( ) is often used when referring to someone young, or lacking in maturity. would literally be translated as model. Hence, the literal translation of the Cantonese slang would be along the lines of young, inexperienced model, a near- perfect description of reality. Relatively new to the Cantonese slang scene, the English newspaper The Standard found lang mo the most popular new term in Hong Kong in 2009.

All About Pseudo Models (Lang Mo)

by Anson Cheung

Lang mo or pseudo models are young models who rose to prominence n Hong Kong in the late 2000s. The pseudo models range from teenagers to adults in their twenties. Though they are signed to model agencies, they are given no training and often do not possess the physical qualities required for editorial, high fashion Pseudo models are different from the (for example: the minimum height of 5'9"). professional high fashion models, not only in terms of training, but also in terms of the Perhaps their relative inexperience in jobs they are given. Instead of performing modeling can be seen from the etymology
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catwalk shows for high fashion, they are instead hostesses or models at shows and exhibitions, particularly those promoting video games and electronic products. They also often publish their own albums of photographs, usually featuring skimpy outfits such as bikinis. Popular pseudo models, such as Angelababy, Chrissie Chau and Janice Man, were able to capitulate on their fame and break into the local film and music industry. Perhaps, they could be best termed as the Hong Kong-equivalent of glamour models. The famous Book Fair controversy Where pseudo models went, controversy followed. When the first English translation of lang mo appeared in South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong TV and radio host was interviewed, complaining that the typical pseudo model would show off her hot body at public functions in a way that, in previous years, could only be seen in adult magazines. What matters is the willingness to display her body - not limited to her cleavage. When a lang mo bends forward in her deep-V tops, she doesn't see the need to use her hands to cover her bosom. Things finally ignited at the 2009 annual Hong Kong Book Fair. Pseudo models at booths sold their books which were short on text, but heavy on pictures with physical charms bulging from skimpy outfits and gave kisses to the teenage lads that bought them. One prominent pseudo model, Chrissie Chau, even sold a man-sized bed bolster with a bikini shot patterned on it for 560 Hong Kong dollars. The memorable standout of a secondary student grabbing the aforementioned bed bolster was a
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favourite of the media and the catalyst for controversy. The next year, pseudo models were banned from all promotional slots in the Book Fair. According to the deputy executive director of the Trade Development Council, the promotional gimmicks the previous year were tasteless and did not consider the fact that the book fair was family-oriented. A later comment by a spokesman contended that there had been many complaints from teachers and parents. Not only that, the fair was supposed to be suitable for people of all ages and the promotional activities held by the pseudo models last year were at odds with that aim. The decision was met with approval by 22 parent-teacher groups. However, not everyone agreed with the ban. Models decried the assumption that their photos were unhealthy or unsuitable for the book fair and agents complained that as the books were not unsuitably erotic, they were perfectly acceptable commercial products. Fans especially, wrote on websites and forums, complaining of the conservative and stupid view of the Trade Development Council. In protest, some of the pseudo models attended the book fair in their capacity as a Hong Kong citizen. But whether or not you think pseudo models unhealthy, inexperienced or as described by a columnist bimbos, theyre definitely here to stay.

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HK Slums

by Leila Denniston With the word 'slum' come pictures of corrugated iron, blue and white striped plastic sheets and littered, dirt tracks in a low, dense ocean of bric-o-brac stretching as far as the eye can see. The shantytowns of Mumbai, favelas of Rio de Janeiro, ghettos of Cape Town: neither the term employed nor the location have much influence upon the image perceived of the concept. A concept never juxtaposed with the bright lights and towering heights of the cosmopolitan hub that is Hong Kong. But one should never judge a book by its cover... UN-Habitat qualifies a slum as a location lacking durable housing of permanent nature that protects against extreme climate conditions, sufficient living space, easy access to safe, affordable water and adequate sanitation or security of tenure preventing forced evictions. Only one of the above characteristics has to be absent for the location to be defined as a slum, although this has been subjected to much controversy and debate ('sufficient living space' is clarified as 'no more than three people living in the same room' - but what does that make LPC?). However, whether we consider them the lack of one or more of the above, 'slums' remain a relevant concept and reality in Hong Kong. They are simply invisible to the unconscious eye. Over 100 000 inhabitants across Hong Kong 'dwell in cages', living in wire-mesh cubicles, a mere 6 feet long by 2.5 wide, while they wait in line for public housing. Arising in the 1950's from the rapid

development of the city, the restricted space for construction, and the immigration inflow from the Mainland after the civil war, cage dwellers still present a pressing form of poverty behind the scenes in Hong Kong. With long, prioritised waiting lists for public housing, the cage homes offer a community and relative safety. However the living conditions can undeniably be put in parallel with the UN-Habitat's characteristics of a slum. The cages are simply sheets of iron mesh, welded roughly into place. Their nature is far from permanent, as they can be taken to pieces and stacked as easily as they were assembled. In addition to this, the rooftop cage homes are vulnerable to the local winds and rains, as plastic sheets attempt to keep out the water, looking flimsy enough to be whisked away in the slightest breeze. When it comes to sufficient living space, cage homes are far from the stated limit of three per room, usually refining 12 or more cages to the same four walls. Those twelve dwellers will usually share one rusty tap and something the landlord would call a toilet. But drinking water needs to be bought, or the tap water boiled- a tricky task when the electricity supply is cut frequently or absent in the first place. Uncovered wires are left dangling from the ceiling, impatient for attention and crying out as fire risks. Mold creeps up from the cracks, merging in with walls that were once creamy white, or perhaps not, it is hard to tell. A rat scuttles from one cage to another and cockroaches strive in abundance. The landlord rakes in money with little risk as dwellers pay more per square foot than for luxury apartments on the Peak, and have no security of tenure.
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Apartments transformed into cage dwellings remain inhabited simply by lack of alternative options. Despite government attempts to build public housing in more rural locations where construction is still feasible, the dwellers opt for proximity to urban areas where employment is more sure and does not require consideration of fees and travel time on public transport. Plus, if you have lived in a cage home for several decades, as is usually the case, you become attached to your community, and the concept of leaving it brings fear and insecurity. After the failed attempts to move the cage dwellers further from the city's core, the government seems to wear blinkers when it comes to the issue. Cage homes are legal with certain conditions, which the legislation turn a blind eye towards, showing little consideration of such. In all it's discretion, it provides a place 'to lock up' the poor, crippled, and old that would otherwise be taking up potentially valuable space, without the visually apparent, low-set square kilometres of what we define as slums. It allows for Hong Kong to maintain its glowing skyline and pristine hiking trails, but as the UN states, is an 'insult to human dignity'. Living like zoo animals in conditions that undeniably qualify cage homes as slums themselves, there is a fundamental issue hidden up dark stairways and locked behind apartment doors for a species striving to eradicate poverty. These doors must be unlocked, and the government's blinkers removed, if we are to decrease the inequality present in Hong Kong's bipolarity. And the first step is to acknowledge these cage homes, as nothing more than slums.
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2006 Pier Demolition

by John Chan Two quarters, three quarters four dollars. Having assembled the fee, I dropped the musty coins onto the counter and swiftly passed the gate. Several old ladies sat on the floor, iron bowls before them, waiting for change. I was out of coins so I smiled; they smiled back. They were there every day, like immobile stones in a flowing river: water passes by but they remain. The bell on the Clock Tower rang it was eight, and I knew I was ahead of time. At ease, I took out a book and carefully flicked to the page I left off, waiting for the Star ferry to arrive. It was my weekly routine to sports practice the Star Pier, the ferry and the Clock Tower but it was all going to change. The government had announced the demolition of the pier: a central feature of my childhood was going to be pulled down to make way for a six-lane highway. It was almost six years ago. The demolition began, as did the protests. People put up banners, shouted in loudspeakers and went on hunger strikes. After dinner each evening, I would join the crowd in the Pier with friends. I did not understand the meaning of protests or civil disobedience at the time. My logic was simple: if the Pier belonged to the city, the people should have a say. The issue was debated in the Legislative Council, the citys lawmaking body. Legislators tried to reach a compromise between the camp in favor of saving the pier and the governments harbor development plans. Those in defense of the demolition argued that the new roads would reduce the traffic congestion in Central and to satisfy the pressure of a growing number of cars. But is that the only way? How about doing a

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better job at urban planning and developing another district to share Centrals people and business? Or putting a tax on the purchase of luxury cars and improving the public transport system? The government stood strong. With the support of the conservative, pro-government parties, and most of the functional constituency members, the bill was passed with a majority of votes. Putting aside the merits of the opposing arguments, to preserve or to demolish the pier, there was simply insufficient time and effort made to consult the public. Little procedural justice was given to the pier before the verdict was returned. Huge iron spheres, machine arms and trucks soon seized the pier slowly and orderly, the Clock Tower was reduced to nothingness, with only remnants of the abortive protests remaining: tents, litter and people who did not wish to leave. The feeling of loss filled me so raw and so close to heart. As a thirteen year old, I was overwhelmed: What gave this non-elected assembly of politicians to act against the weight of public opinion? Must change and development mean the obliteration of the past? Above other things, I was struck by how powerless I was. How powerless we all were in the face of bureaucracy. On the television, government officials explained for the demolition. Progress, development and change were unsurprising the buzzwords used, as if they were guiltfree passes to turning a blind eye to public opinion. I understand change is a Darwinian concept and evolution is inevitable to any society or person, but I reject change for changes sake, especially when alternatives are possible and there is no real benefit to the action. Five years have expired between that day and this but the lesson continues to ring true: change needs to be based upon virtues of the past, not its annihilation. Enrolling now in a boarding school, the ferry faded out of my daily experience. Last week, I visited the pier built in replacement: The counter, the coins and the solemn resonances of the bell were replaced. By electronic vending machines, plastic tokens and falsetto tunes. I miss the feel of musty copper coins on my palms, the taste of spicy fish balls of which the hygienic condition was suspiciously dubious and the old ladies asking for change. Well, there was change, indeed.

Not every change is a step in the right direction

The 3rd Generation Pier at Edinburgh Place; demolished and relocated 5

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FILM, MUSIC AND THEATRE

Everybodys Talkin Bout A Film That for One Reason or Another is a Hot Topic on Campus

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Id never read the book when I saw this film, and knew close to nothing about it, but, looking back, I realise that I am its target audience; I do, after all, have a Morrissey poster on my wall. I was suitably prepped for some hardcore indie teen what is life shoegazing. The film is the story of freshman Charlie (Logan Lerman), quiet, troubled in an aesthetically pleasing way, and introverted, as he starts high school and becomes friends with Sam and Patrick (Hermione Granger and Ezra Miller), two seniors who open up the world for him. This is almost a film for people who have spent long periods of time starring at the wall and listening to Strangeways Here We Come on repeat, for people who have spent a long time trying to work out why they dont really like anyone all that much, for people who look around and see so much going on around them, in this mysterious world they cant quite reach, for people who have felt Happy and sad, at the same time. I say almost for a few reasons, but mainly because this is a teen movie, not real life, and no matter how much Perks tries to be authentic, to be real, to be raw, we all know that in the end there is no such thing as a realistic teen movie. Life may have a soundtrack, it may come close to feeling infinite and there will always be those
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by Morgan Jones

perfect moments, but at the end of the day there are no sunsets, no credit sequences, and no off beat older friends to make everything OK. Life isnt that dramatic, or pretty, or well composed. Perks is trying to have it both ways- if was honest, it would just be really boring, and in not being boring it betrays the people its aiming at. Or maybe its just a pretty good indie teen flick that you can see and enjoy without considering it that deeply- Hey, check it out, Hermione is troubled and now theres some Bowie and a tunnel. Sit back and stare at your shoes. A Picture Says a Thousand Wordsa Film That Describes your Culture.

Unless you are Irish (basically, if youre not me or Hannah Read) you will almost definitely never have heard of this film. That is kind of the point of this column, after all. The Guard is the story of country Garda (Irish for policeman) Sargent Gerry Boyle. (Brendon Gleeson, aka Madeye Moody from Harry Potter) Foulmouthed, unorthodox, and with a penchant for prostitutes, Boyle is far from the perfect law enforcement officer, and far from pleased when big shot FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) turns up on his patch to investigate a shipment of cocaine worth 500 million (thats half a billion) that intelligence says will be landing in the area soon. They must put aside their differences to work together and stop the drug smugglers, with much foul language (its Ireland, after all. Not all the stereotypes are true, but as Ive realized since coming here, a lot of them are also

The Guard by Morgan Jones

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not not true), obscene jokes (Im Irish sure. Being racist is part of my culture) and general malpractice. Its got laughs, its got shoot outs, its got moments of gravity, and all against the backdrop of the beautiful Galway countryside. So, we have the standard odd couple comedy crime caper set up. What makes it so quintessentially Irish? Besides the fact that the accents are so thick youll need subtitles, that is? The main answer, of course, is the humour. Jokes about Dublin people, the Ra killing little protestants, and how only black fellas can be drug dealers (all direct quotes, dont shoot me) are probably just a mix of incomprehensible and highly offensive to anyone else. The references and language- from the use of words like knacker and even a few lines in Irish. (get your shocked faces out lads, thats a real language), and even the general fuck off tone of the film are all distinctly Irish. No, Im not going to claim that this film captures the spirit of the zeitgeist of the soul of modern Ireland or some crap like that. Ill just let the box office do the talking and say that this is a film thats vastly enjoyed, and says a lot about the mindset, of Irish people. That is, they like to laugh at everyone. And swear. Not that Im perpetuating stereotypes here or anything. anything else, I ask you that you please treat them with care. Despite having toured with Paramore, Owl City, and Jacks Mannequin, American indie rock band Paper Route has managed to remain largely under the radar. It almost hurts me that no one I know has listened to Paper Routes debut album, Absence. Its ability to be both angsty and euphoric, its use of synthesised sound to enhance the bands strengths as opposed to cover up their weaknesses, and its beautiful lyrics all contribute to making it an amazing album. The Peace of Wild Things, their new sophomore album, has been an apt follow-up. The Peace of Wild Things is generally a more optimistic album than Absence, with a string of feel-good love songs like Love Letter, Two Hearts, and You and I. There are allusions to the anger and angst that Absence was made of, however, with dark songs Glass Heart Hymn and Rabbit Hole, along with delicate piano track Tamed which, like Absences Second Chances, greatly features female background vocals, adding a touch of depth and vulnerability that other tracks are lacking. Then there are tracks like Better Life, which is a smooth mix of sorrow and hope. The Peace of Wild Things is a solid album, and a perfect complement to Absence. The positive outlook of the former balances out with the pessimistic vibe of the the latter. Musically, theyre at the same level; which is reassures fans that theyre still going strong after the
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The Peace of Wild Things: Paper Route

As reviewed by Samantha Borje

Kindly note that by writing this article I am committing the cardinal sin of a closet hipster: I am openly talking about my favourite unknown band. Now, before

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departure of founding member Andy Smith left. So head out and buy the album, and Absence too. You wont regret it. Its time this band gets the recognition it deserves. spoke with her husband in English when both of them were portrayed as native Chinese. Even if the audience were to believe that he didnt understand Chinese, then when she spoke in Chinese to him when she appeared to be exasperated or frustrated, how did he reply with understanding? Though a very minor glitch, the small doubt makes a big difference to an audience who are trying to understand the undercurrents or the connotations in a play that largely uses utilizes them. The costumes, sets, lighting and sound were spot-on. The roof that was created in the set had a big effect on me even before the play started, because of how perfect, yet crooked it looked. It gave me the idea of juxtaposition between a perfect house below and crooked roof on top. Also, the sofas and chairs in the play played a major role as they were used for different things at different parts of the play. The part of the set with the most significance was the glass dolls house placed in the front. It is the first prop that is used and has a major importance throughout the play. On the whole, it was a pleasure to watch and a learning experience of what, as an audience, I would like to see and what I wouldnt.

A Theatrical Analysis
by Anamika Jain

A Doll's House
Written By Henrik Ibsen Performed by - Theatre du Pif

A Dolls House is an exploration of a ladys conflict between her duty towards her husband, her children and society, and her need for independence and selfdiscovery. In my opinion, it was a very well executed play with a wonderful and effective usage of visuals and monologues to deliver strong messages. I really enjoyed the clean transitions that were made smooth with lighting effects. I think that the most creative transition was definitely the transition that occurred with the dance of the protagonist as the lighting, the music and the method of portraying her conflicting emotions were expressed through the dance. The utilization of spatial relationships between the actors was fantastically thought through and executed with adroitness, although I think the usage of the stage space could have been better. Also, I think that the role of the children was not emphasized enough, and gave the audience a feeling of slight neglect towards the duties of her family. Adhering to the fact that the play was set in Hong Kong, I think that doing a bilingual play was great, although I couldnt understand why the protagonist
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Waiting for Godot

Written By - Samuel Beckett Performed by - ABA Productions Waiting for Godot is about two menwaiting for a man named Godot! And the most frustrating part is that after sitting in the theatre for what seems like ages, he never shows up!

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However, I think that it was totally worth it. The precision of the timing of the dialogue delivery seemed to be near perfect, and that added beautifully to the essence of the comedy that was portrayed. It really gave me an insight to the significance of timing and how essential that is in a comedy. I really loved how the set was minimalconsisting of only a bare tree and a rock, but how that portrayed so much and really left the audience to use their own creativity to fill up the empty space. The way that the rock and tree were incorporated into the script, and the fact that the audience was considered the bog where there wasnt a soul in sight made the play hilarious. It was most creative to make the audience feel included during the play, and that was definitely an attention grabber. That the storyline is so simple-two men passing away their time-but the theatrical complexity is so intense (especially in the second half-when repetition gives rise to rhythm and humour) is genius. It really provides a situational juxtaposition where something so simple can become so complex, filled with the occurrence of strange and funny events and people. I also like how Lucky, Pozzos slave, is the perfect show of how surreal the play is. The interplay between the two characters waiting for Godot was executed really well, although there were certain parts that felt like a drag, especially during some of the illogical statements. Interestingly enough, everytime the play felt like it was beginning to get too repetitive, there was a turn of events, an exceptionally hilarious monologue, or an exchange of dialogues that managed to have me willing to watch more. I think that keeping the audiences attention is a very important in a play, and that this particular play lacked it slightly. Something slightly queer that I noticed was how the actors were playing the role with a heavy Irish accent, which gave to me the impression of the play being set in Ireland, but the constant reference to France. I believe that if the play were meant to be set in France, the actors should have worked harder on making it seem like so, so that the audience is not left wondering about the setting. However, it is a surreal play, so maybe that was the point. If so, it should have been emphasized on more to give it some humour and actually make the audience understand completely. All in all, I think that this was a wonderful test on will power and ability to catch onto different types of humour of the audience, and performed very well.

A Dose of Delusion: A Civil Tale

by Azura Wicaksono To love, to do anything more than to escape, to survive, is futile. The Civil Tale diminishes any possible grasp of reality. Agata's tale is a predetermined collage of her innocence and her doom, from her parent's negligence to the wartime anguish. The Spanish Civil war resonates in the gravity of the stage, manifesting as the claustrophobia of the characters' hatred and hardships. This play is impressive and painful, to the most heightened sense of the word.
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Think Spain in the 1930s when the prodemocratic Republicans battled against the Nationalist who stood for a fascist oligarchy lead by General Francisco Franco. These dire circumstances have dire consequences, namely on our protagonist Agata. Directors Jose and Shari incorporate mythological characters drawn from the Northern Spanish Asturian culture. These creatures are said to manifest in ones fantasy as a result of sadness, like in Agata's case. The Faun and Demon feed of this anguish and "will not want to leave her/his mind, driving the victim towards madness or death, hence allowing them to 'exist' forever" . The play concludes with the Faun and Demon successfully seducing young Agata to take her own life. acting abilities are what come naturally. Both of her talents encapsulate the brevity of Agata's childish charm and torment and appeals to our human desire -instinct- to be wanted. Special recognition goes to Cengiz and Farai whose presence never failed to be devilishly enticing, in particular Cengiz whose slightly-too-loose faun trousers never deterred him. Una Regoje and Gabriel Otoya portrayed the perfect complements to the protagonist. Otoya (who plays Jose, Agata's father), through his explosive representation, becomes the conflicted soul of old Spain, unable to accept the revolution yet traumatized by the deaths of her people. The form of musical theatre is perfect in expressing the force of emotion in the plot. Jose and Shari delivered an interesting concoction of escapism and a deep human empathy amidst the fantasy. The stage setting coupled with the lighting particularly scenes utilizing the swingwere crafted with profession. Condensed to litany, the play can be summarized as enchanting, emotional and charming. A Civil Tale was a delightful start for future IPs to come over the year.

So, all this in a musical? A musical is a justifiable platform for the Civil Tale experience. The phrase "it comes naturally" may be heard from the mouths (and egos) of every lying male about his impressionable libido. In Winki Chan's case, however, her singing and
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Photos by Lara Schech

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FEATURES

gaps between the rich and the poor, territorial conflicts with neighbour states and corruption? The Chinese Communist Party is trying to show the world and its own people that the Chinese system of government is a good alternative to Western Democracy. Organizing a smooth transition of power is vital. Internet censorship has therefor been intensified in the months following up to the handover of power. The issuing of visas to the PRC has been tightened, something that hit students at LPC directly since many did not get visas. The Economist reports that the taxis of Beijing have been forced to lock their back windows so that passengers cant throw protest flyers out of the windows. When The New York Times on the 25th of October published an investigative story on the massive wealth of 2.7 billion USD acquired by the close family of prime minister Wen Jiabao during his term, both the Chinese and English version of the newspapers website was blocked in mainland China. Mr.Wens wife also owns substantial shares of property and jewellery firms. She has the reputation of making deals possible. The CCP acknowledges that the massive corruption within the party and the state is one of the greatest threats towards it legitimacy. The new leader Xi Jinping has a reputation of harshly cracking down on corruption. At the same time his sister together with her husband and daughter owns company shares with a value of 390 million USD. There are also reports that a construction company that Xi Jinpings brother-in-law represented was awarded with a government contract for building a bridge, the value of the contract is estimated to be 160 million dollars. A question that can be legitimately asked is if the Chinese Communist Party is able to address the
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The New Chairman

by Lucas Haugeberg

When Forbes Magazine in 2010 published its Worlds most influential people list it drew massive attention to the changes on the top. The magazine/newspaper for the first time deemed Chinas President Hu Jintao, who is more importantly the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, to be the most powerful person in the world. The justification given was that, in contrast to the leaders in democracies like the United States, Germany, France, Brazil and India, President Hus power is not restricted by elected parliaments and independent courts. He is governing autocratically of over almost a fifth of humanity. Thursday the 8th of November when the world is digesting the results of the presidential elections in the United States, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is kicking off its 18th national congress. The national congress is going to officially choose the 9 members of the CCP politburos standing committee who are going to rule China for the next decade and who is going to succeed Hu Jintao as CCP General Secretary. But unlike the American election we have known the outcome for many months. Xi Jinping is Chinas new supreme leader, taking over the leadership of the politburo as general secretary this month and as President of the Peoples Republic in the spring of 2013. Although the outcome has been very transparent and predictable we know very little about which direction Xi Jinping wants to take the Middle Kingdom. How is the new leadership going to cope with the enormous challenges like growing

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problem of corruption effectively when the corruption reaches to top of the party? It is highly possible that the Communist Party will use the territorial conflicts to divert attention and tension away from domestic issues. An example of this is the heating up of the conflict concerning the Diaoyu or Senkaku islands in the recent months. If this is an approach that is applied repeatedly in the other territorial disputes with for instance the Philippines and Vietnam we can anticipate to see a much more unstable and less peaceful pacific region in the coming decade. When Xi Jinping takes over power in the Peoples Republic of China, he also gets great responsibility. After all, the odds are not bad that he is going to become the most powerful man on earth. 7th of November 2012. The short, five minute speech is given when the defeated candidate concedes the position and admits his defeat thereby ending his or her bid for the candidacy. It gives the victorious candidate mandate to rule, and legitimizes the new government as the choice of the people. For me, the concession is the mark of a true democracy, where the defeated candidate and his party respects the institution enough to steps down and does not challenge the power of the winner, even if the margin of victory is very small (Romney ended up winning 48.3% of popular vote over Obamas 50.8%). Romneys speech was particularly evocative, his closing passage acknowledging his dream of presidency, a surprisingly sincere moment from a man often mocked for lack of connection, or even basic emotion. I so wish that I had been able to fulfill your hopes to lead the country in a different direction, but the nation chose another leader. And so Ann and I join with you to earnestly pray for him and for this great nation. What endeared him all the more was his refusal to contest Ohio (as some political aides advised), and the juxtaposition with Fox News now infamous Karl Rove Rant, where a top Republican donor refused to acknowledge the evident Obama Victory. The Concession speech is a symbol of reconciliation in a painful time for the defeated party. It represents the road to bipartisanship and compromise and progress. Now that election season comes to a close, the United States of

The Concession Speech

by Tiffany Chung
It has been an ugly election season. Smear political ads, questioning of President Obamas legitimacy to run for president (the so called Birther movement), personal attacks, and voter registration laws in Pennsylvania and Florida (among other states) have lead to questioning of the value of American democracy today. Yet much of the world still sees the United States of America as an example of democracy, and an icon of freedom. One of the most significant events of this election was Mitt Romneys concession speech, delivered on the morning of the
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America can come together again. The stark partisan bitterness that has been slowly, but surely growing is no doubt exacerbated by the bitter, personal and ugly fight between the two dominant parties dividing the country and the government. One wonders how a country reconciles after the deliberately divisive process. This is all the more worrisome in an era of divisive hyperpartisanship leading to a stagnated government and frustrated people. In the conclusion of President Obamas victory speech, he reminded the nation We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions, and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. The elections are over. Democrats, stop gloating about your victory. Republicans, stop sulking about your loss. Let us hope that over the next four years the senators, the representatives and the president can forget that they are Democrats or Republicans and remember first and foremost that they are representatives and upholders of the United States of America. Mexican second year:

"If Romney wins, we all have to go back home..."

About a local second year obsessed with US politics:

"She doesn't watch porn, she watches Obama make speeches. "
Supposedly republican US second year:

"Obama won? Damn it. Right, whatever, let's go."

Art teacher about Obama-related research in a student's workbook:

"5 bonus points! If that had been about Romney, minus 5 points!"

"If Romney wins, my country is over. "

Israeli second year:

Election Day Overheard

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Perspectives of Taiwan
by Madison Melton and Hannah Read If youre looking for a travel destination in the general locale of Hong Kong, Taiwan is less than two hours away and promises adventure. After spending China Week there, Hannah and I have decided to share with you the tale of our escapades in the Republic of China. Maddies Perspective: I think I fell in love with Taiwan the first afternoon we were there. Our first stop was Taipei, and the whole city at once seemed bursting with food, cosplay, and exuberance. Not an hour after we arrived while on a bus to a museum, we passed a Gay Pride Parade dancing through the center of the city, and that was just the beginning. After countless bubble teas, sausage and onion cake, we found a park on the first evening that was filled with break-dancing teenagers and a group of Jedis practicing their light-saber techniques as if it were the most natural thing in the world. They were nice enough to show us some beginner moves and include us in their group photo. As we returned to our hostel that night, we agreed that the spirit that consumed the city was undeniable. After several days in Taipei we took a train to a city on the eastern coast, Hualien. The main attraction of this region is the Taroko Gorge, a magnificent chasm filled with boulders the size of houses, waterfalls that seem to come from the clouds, and secluded temples perched high up on the rock walls of the gully. Without a doubt though, our best find of our day there was a natural hot spring right at the bottom of the gorge. It was a small, shallow pool just beside a rushing river with cliff faces rising abruptly on either side. Hannah and I spent all morning there, warming ourselves in the steaming water and protecting ourselves from the cool autumn mist floating around us. The Taroko Gorge was a small slice of paradise, and the dumplings and 14

fried rice waiting for us back in the city rounded out the perfection of our time in Hualien. Hannah's perspective: With so much work to do, I decided that Free Cell, Minesweeper and Facebook Tetris would not satisfy my procrastinational needs. So I ran away. Taiwan was the destination du jour for Madison and myself during China week, and though we may have missed the first-year free campus, I daresay it was worth it. Maddie got the window seat on the way over but that aside it was a wonderful day. Taipei greeted us with open arms, Jedi training and smelly tofu. Before arriving at our hostel, I was already peeling Maddie from the bus window as their thousands-strong pride parade danced by. After walking up and down our certain street numerous times we decided that yes, the black hole of dinge and mould was indeed the building that contained our hostel. So, intrepid adventurers that we were, we headed up to the 3rd floor and met Eddy. I think Eddy may have been remote controlled. He muttered We are in two location and proceeded to lead us about a kilometre through Ximen to the 7th floor of another grimehole and into a wall of smoke. Two pairs of eyes followed us to our bunkbed as Eddy left silently without a trace. The smoking Mongolians symbolised to Maddie the beginning of a journey, the excitement and surprise of adventure, the elation of freedom. It evoked something in me, too I started breathing through my mouth. As we wandered through the streets of Taipei, left, right, left, deep meaningful conversation, left, right, left, we came across many things, one of which was a group of really cool people doing really cool dancing. I watched, awestruck, becoming increasingly aware of how Maddielike I must appear, my mouth hanging open in wonder. Eventually I felt so derpy that I had to leave but it was wonderful. Like the first time you watched Step Up. Taipei had much to offer in the form of eggymeaty-sausagey-noodley things, though nothing was open on Mondays. Probably not even the toilet restaurant. Or the street tattoo places scarily named things like E-Z tattoo and Dezigns 4 Life. Maddie was distraught that

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she couldnt get her Chinese character tattoo GAY OK so in order to placate her we headed off to Hualien, east coast yo. Hualien was home to very little save a mini Ikea (our hostel) and cheap dumpling places. There was a nice enough gorge nearby so we did gorge-y stuff for a day. Unfortunately Maddies over-friendliness meant that we had a friend following us around. When the prepositions coming from his mouth became we, I had had enough. We drowned him in the natural hot springs and threw his body into the beautiful fast moving river. Okay thats a joke but the truth is hardly better. He looked at me as if I was saying nonsense and confidently uttered, Yes. Now, more than ever! He did a 5-secondpause, and continued You know Martin Its very easy for gays like me to say, We dont need Pride Parades anymore. But thats because I am not the one still trying to survive."

HK PRIDE PARADE
by Martin Nuanov
photos by Lizette Krist and Laerke Sorensen

Four thousand members of the LGBT community and allies paraded along the busy streets of Causeway Bay and Wanchai in order to raise awareness and promote equality. I was parading with a large group of students from Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong.

I was knocked out. I looked at the people in the parade and thought, They are all beautiful. They have lost that wounded look that gay people all had twenty years ago. For a moment, I thought that every LGBT person in the world was just as happy as my friend was. As all the people at the Pride Parade were. My friend tried killing himself after being consistently bullied and harassed by students at his school because of his perceived sexual orientation. But he has survived and since then became strong, always quoting Andrea Gibson, saying Pride thats my parade. But the fact is: for him, the personal struggle is now history; for many others, it is still reality.

People at the parade were laughing, singing, hugging, holding hands, kissing and dancing with each other. Everything seemed carefree and happy-go-lucky. No abusive comments, counter protests, racist rants or defamatory statements. This compelled me to stop and reflect. Is this something that we still need? I asked a very close gay friend of mine who was parading with me.

Unfortunately, not everyone understands Andrea Gibson when she says, my kindness knows mermaids never ever miss their legs in the water cause there are better ways to move through the ocean than kicking. So, yes! We need Pride Parades now more than ever. We have to come to the defense of LGBT kids we dont know, gay kids growing up in parts of the world, including Hong Kong, where demeaning, 15

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degrading nonsense is being screamed in their faces. As my banner at the Pride Parade read, we must take action as a society to stop straightening the rainbow.

AN HONEST LOOK AT THE PORNOGRAPHY OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

by David McCracken Pornography is all around us. To state that something is pornographic is a value judgement; it is difficult to pin a definition to it and extremely difficult to eliminate in today's society. It needs more attention. Everyone needs to understand what it is and what happens on the inside, hidden from public view, so that governments can be forced to take action to control this accepted form of exploitation. Magazines designated as 'soft porn' are on the top shelf for a reason, but what about
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topless girls in newspapers with no restrictions on purchase? What about the bikini or underwear clad models with legs spread, thrusting hips towards the camera? Can these be considered soft porn? The girls who pose for such photographs have been sexually objectified for profit. Critics say that pornography can be beautiful - that it's an art form and that women have the right to display their bodies. However this 'art form' reduces the value of women to their excretory and sexual organs for the sexual gratification of men. Many people believe that such women choose to engage in pornography and that they are well paid. Pornography emphasises sexual inequality. It has its roots in sexual discrimination and is the basis of sexual subordination of women. Most pornography of women comes from the US and Europe and has very strong links to human trafficking. It is a multi-billion dollar industry in which criminals profit and the women suffer. Pornography occurs when someone (usually male) has power over women. Pornography also emphasizes racial inequality. Magazines, books, film and sex shops generally portray Asian women as subservient to their sex partner and black women as animalistic with an insatiable appetite for any form of sexual activity. Some producers exacerbate this by introducing ethnic, cultural and religious hatred into the making of pornography. Technology has enabled pornography to be made anywhere, by anyone, involving anyone. Control of the illicit industry has now become impossible. This boom has

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made conditions unimaginably worse for women and children trafficked into the pornography industry and more profitable for organised crime. The use of children in pornography is endemic, especially in developed countries. There has been a massive increase in sex offenders producing pornography in developing countries, by simply video recording their sexual exploitation. These videos are widely available on the internet and are stockpiled in private collections. Hard-core Western-made pornography is now widely used in developing countries to train children to perform sex acts. This same video footage is often used by groups of predatory male youths to get 'into the mood', as they get high on alcohol or drugs before assaulting a pre-selected victim. Worldwide the viewing of pornography has been directly linked to instances of rape and gang rape, as men get stimulated and desire to enact what they have been watching. It is also linked to the increase in male hostility towards females, and the increase in sexual violence and rape of females all of which demonstrate an abuse of power. Imagine someone learning about human sexual relationships from the videos available in sex shops and on the internet? They would learn that sex acts are acceptable with everyone, including members of the same family. They would learn that sex has to happen within minutes of meeting someone for the first time, that sex can involve several people simultaneously, that violence administered to the genitals is mandatory and that ejaculations have to be carefully aimed and choreographed. They would learn that all openings in the body are involved in sex acts, that any object can be inserted into any opening and that everything has to be filmed so that it can be sold around the world. Arguably the most talked about pornographic film ever made was 'Deep Throat'. To quote Linda Boreman, known as Linda Lovelace in the film: "every time someone watches that film, they are watching me being raped". Viewers watched it for the pornography and were not interested in what it took to make the film. Linda was coerced into making the film and was frequently held at gun point. She cannot have the film removed from circulation because it's protected by law. Thanks to make-up the viewer can't see the bruises on her body that were used to control her behind the scenes. During filming she was held captive, like so many victims today. Women, like Linda, are in a vulnerable position and can easily be exploited, through pornography, for money. Too many women in pornography are trapped in poverty and easy to exploit. Socio-economic conditions compound their desperation and make them more likely to take risks. Many have been trafficked for the sole purpose of making pornographic films, and there is much evidence to show that many of them have been sexually abused as children. Many victims trafficked for pornography are indeed children. Should we believe that all women and children in pornographic films and images chose to be violated by strangers and have sex with animals? No! They are there because they are victims of a heinous crime. After such exploitation most victims are coerced into prostitution, with the images and films they were forced to
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make subsequently used to blackmail them. Pornography is available everywhere on earth. Although some societies prefer it to remain discrete, people can find it everywhere. If it can't be bought openly, there is a thriving black market controlled by criminal syndicates. Although the law acknowledges the damage done by pornography, it continues to fail to monitor it effectively. Pornography has destroyed lives for too long. Anything that condones the rape and abuse of women and children to cater to the fantasies and sexual gratification of viewers is evil. Pornography makes sex disgusting and women dirty. It removes dignity, enforces discrimination at many levels and forces women and children to be prostituted. Normally associated with total sexual subordination, pornography can also reflect a woman's subordinated position in the workplace, at home and throughout society. Violence has also become sexualized, leading to an increase in pornography involving children, extreme violence in perverted sex and snuff films. Proof of harm is required before restrictions can be considered, but isn't child pornography, bestiality, sexual violence and murder enough? Should every occurrence be treated on an individual basis when they are so frequent and difficult to trace? Extensive research has concluded that pornography is both physically and mentally damaging, with much evidence of coercion and exploitation. There is also evidence that pornography has a strong correlation with violent copy-cat sex crimes, substantiated by perpetrators confessions. To be free of all forms of discrimination, degrading treatment and violence is a fundamental
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human right. Pornography is totally incompatible with human rights, dignity and equality. We will never witness sexual equality as long as pornography exists, so it is vital that it is eliminated. It preys on the poor and the vulnerable and gives organised crime the opportunity to flourish and become financially powerful. People who oppose pornography need to fully understand that some of your predecessors have lost their jobs, have faced victimisation in the workplace to the point of having promotion blocked and some are literally too frightened to have their name linked with it, so they would rather remain anonymous. Opponents (especially women opponents) must appreciate that pornography is a very powerful part of patriarchal society; vilification will occur just as it did when women were fighting for their right to vote. To critics of this article, undoubtedly a small minority of 'performers' do make a substantial income from pornography and it is their choice to do so. However, this article is to inform people about the harsh reality of the vast majority of women and children engaged in pornography. It is about trying to convince people not to turn their backs on the women and children who are exploited on a daily basis and who have been victims of ruthless human traffickers. Public action and political will must be stronger if these routinely accepted crimes against humanity are to be stopped. Everyone needs to give it much more attention. Anti-pornography campaigns need a revival so that society can ensure that there are fewer victims.

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HUMOUR
7 Tips to get you through Third Term:
By Richard Lui
3. I recently heard a rumor about an unofficial quan cai called Singing for NonSingers. This is a shoutout to you brave souls. Sing in the bathroom and record yourself. After you hear that recording which crushes your childhood dream of being a pop star, proceed to prepare for your SATs. 4. Shave your head so your brain gets more oxygen. 5. Pinch the cheeks of certain small chubby female individuals. 6. Go running with a tall crazy finnish athlete. 7. Come by block 3/302 where we have a stress reliever on our door. Feel free to use it. If any of you happen to pass out during the stress relieving process, Josh Betton will gladly perform CPR on you.

With TOK essays, EE, tests in all 6 IB subjects, Written Assignments, University applications and University Supplements, I sometimes feel like jumping into the vast blue sea outside my window (the agonizingly beautiful ocean view I have to wake up to every morning). Anyway, here are some great tips to help second years and future second years (first years) in dealing with stress during LPCs third term. 1. Use a piece of rope to tie your legs and hands together and jump into the pool. As you struggle to swim up to the surface and towards the shallow end, You will realize that you would much rather do your IB subjects, TOK, EE and University essays than drown like a helpless human being. PS. If you do not experience enlightenment, hopefully the lifeguard will save you. 2. Wrestle with a Danish Viking.

Best of luck and stay strong. Your stress relieving specialist, Richard

MAXIMS MEMES

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The GUIDING MATRIX

Overwhelmed by opinions and constant stance taking? Fear no more! In the following, adapted from New York Times Approval Matrix, Vincent Wang and Halfdan will guide your opinions in the right direction. Even studies students will understand this!

Goujon Fish

Mind-resting

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Arts section:
A novel in Parts: Dark Warriors Part 2
by Nicole Fung Chapter 2 The first thing that intruded on my brain was a voice. It was quite, soothing. I couldnt make out the words that were being said; my mind was just starting to gain its bearings. It was like when you turn on the computer and it hums, slowly, to start. But they were things that were hard to miss, like the aching in my body and the too-bright light pointed at my eyelids. My head still hurt and my back wasnt in a better condition either. I opened my eyes, only to flinch from the light. My hand shot like a reflex to cover my eyes, while I blinked several times to adjust to my surroundings. I touched my head with my other hand, trying to find the open gash of blood but instead came out with the feeling of stitches. Well, that made it one less thing to worry about. Ow, I said. That was an understatement. As I tried to sit up, my head began pounding. I leaned against the headboard and, for the first time, proceeded to looked around me. The room was wide with beds lining the wall and curtains hanging between each of them in what I imagined were an attempt at privacy. I wondered faintly if it was a hospital. It was a normal-looking place, but there was something about it that made me feel uneasy. Are you okay? A girl my age was standing at the foot of my bed. I hadnt noticed her until she spoke. She had nice, blonde curly hair with big blue eyes. She had a cast on one of her arms, covered with signatures. Her t-shirt was dark purple, and her shorts were faded blue. She didnt seem like a threat, and my body instantly relaxed after being so up-tight. A smile was plastered on her face and she seemed friendly, unlike those scarylooking creatures that I had met moments ago. The thought startled me, and I froze as everything came rushing back. Not really, I said, looking away. And who was this girl anyway? Where had I ended up? I t didnt matter as long as they let me leave to find my mom. She is probably freaked out, I thought. Youre safe. The girls soft voice broke through my reverie. I threw the covers, untangling them, and stood up. Bad idea. Pain shot in waves through my back, and I held my head with both hands, willing the aching throbbing to stop. It didnt work. My blood rush made me falter a little, and I lost my balance and watched how blackness approached, closer and closer to be abruptly stopped. Strong arms were circled around my waist, holding me until I steadied. The feeling of those arms around me was familiar, and for a moment, I couldnt quite put my finger to it. Then I remembered. My head snapped up.
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The boy was around seventeen, with bright green eyes. His hair was a perfect blonde, tousled, falling on his forehead. He was wearing a gray t-shirt with a pair of jeans, and his expression was worried. He was handsome, all right, I couldnt deny that. I sat numbly back on the bed, looking at the floor. I felt frustration at my cuts; they were a liability until they healed. Easy there, he said, his voice musical and sweet. Where I am? I asked, looking at the girl. Youre in the Dark Warriors Training Academy, she answered seeing the abrupt change on my face. Was she kidding me? I frowned at her. Okaaaay. I dont mean to be rude butare you crazy? I asked her. She nodded in acknowledgement at my wordslike she was all too familiar with themand pulled a face. Do you know what a Dark Warrior is? she asked, probably reading the distress on my face. I shook my head no. She nodded like she already expected that. You probably think Im mental, right? The girl asked me. I only lifted my eyebrows at her. She sighed and turned to the boy. Leo, could you go tell Brad she woke up? he nodded his head before turning to a door and leaving. Look, emm, I looked at her helplessly. Kathleen, she supplied. Look, Kathleen thanks for the stitches in my head and everything but I really should get going, you know? My mom will be freaked out by now. And I honestly dont think Im much better either. There were thingscreaturesthat attacked me and thats crazy and impossible I rushed it all out and then finished in a whisper, but I thinkI think it was real. It was realit is. Youre a Dark Warrior. Kathleen said. I plopped down onto the bed again. Okay, it seemed like I had stumbled across an asylum for crazy people. And what is that exactly? I asked, following along. Somewhere Ive heard that loonies stay calm if you follow what they are thinking. Dark Warriors, like me, are warriors that battle soulless creatures; ebony, vampires, lycanthropes, fairies, zombies. She seemed to think before adding, Who are you? My name is Rachael. Lets save up the trouble, Im not what you think I am. Im not one of youIm not a Dark Warrior. I said to her. I can feel your blood calling to mine, you have to be one of us. She insisted. I looked up at her, startled by her words. She felt my blood? Now that was definitely creepy. You know how weird that sounds, right? I asked. Let me show you, ok? Just give me a chance, she said pleadingly. I shrugged my shoulders, wincing at the pain as I did soshe wouldnt be able to prove anything. Now, shrug off your t-shirt. Kathleen instructed. I cant, my back is all sore I kind of have bloody scratches on there. Awareness crept onto her face as I talked. She scrambled to her feet and opened a cabinet that was set against the opposite wall, reaching for something in there. Then, she came over and settled next to me on the bed with a little lavender colored-bottle, which she squeezed and poured onto her palms. The lotion was white cream with a smell of mint.
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What is that for? I asked, eyeing the moisture in her hands. To apply on your wounds, this will heal them in a second. I doubted that a little bit of lotion could do anything at all for my wounds, seeing as they were openflesh exposed. I shrugged off my t-shirtit wasnt easyand gave her access to the wounds on my back. The lotion made contact with my skin, and I recoiled from itit was freezing cold. It felt like ice water was being poured onto my back. Then, I settled in, relaxing my muscles as the cold died down. Unfortunately, the relaxation didnt last long. There was a kind of hot tingling sensation taking its place. At first, it was kind of warmnice, even. That is, until it turned out to be a deep raging fire in my back. Just as I was gathering breath to shriek, it ended. I let out a breath I wasnt aware I was holding, and noticed that I was gripping the side of the bed, hard. What was that? I managed to say. Its a special medicine for Dark Warriors, well, special for poisoned cuts. she explained. The wounds were poisoned? I shook my head, better not to dwell onthat little detail right now. I tried to stand up. This time, I did it easily, without muscles aching in protest, except for a prickling in my shoulder blade. That was far better than a whole back hurting. But it was odd to have a wound there. Better? she asked. I nodded. Well, Rachael, you are a Dark Warrior. she stated. As she said this, her eyes were seeing past my face onto my prickling shoulder. I was puzzled while she stared at my shoulder. I tried to peek at it toobut I couldnt see very well. Finally, I couldnt take it anymore. What are you looking at? I asked. Your birthmark, she said, pulling her eyes toward my face. At seeing my lost expression, she sighed exasperated and got up again, placing the lavender-colored bottle in its place and opening a door. She shuffled a bit in there and came back, struggling to carry an oval full-length mirror, with just one arm. She somehow managed. Here, come see. Kathleen placed the mirror so it stood facing the door where she went to look for it. I walked over to where she was standing. I took a deep breathletting it out slowlyas I turned my back to the mirror and peered over my shoulder at my reflection. My back was healed, it was hard to believe, but I could not doubt the sight before me. The only proof that I was ever hurt was thin scars that ran along my back, where the claws of that creature had dug on my skin. But that wasnt the most shocking thing that made me gasp. Oh no, what made me gasp was a star-shaped tattoo with swirling lines on my shoulder blade. I mean, it was breathtakingly beautiful. With shaking hands, I touched it and knew it wasnt a tattoo. It was my skin what I traced with the tip of my fingertip. The star was colored half in lilac and half in silver with black swirling patterns around it. It made a beautiful contrast against my pale skin. It felt smooth just like the rest of my skin and even when I rubbed it, the ink that seemed now part of my body, wouldnt come out. I stared in wonder at the little shape that was permanently etched onto my body. Its beautiful, I said in wonder, amazed by it. It enthralled me, this thing that had suddenly popped out of nowhere.
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Yours is pretty wicked, Kathleen admitted. I remembered Kathleens words before she took the mirror out; your birthmark she had said. It did make sense, now that I let myself think about it. My birthmark used to be a series of five little points lined on my skin that didnt use to make sense. But now, as they transformed into this, all dots connected, making a wholethey did. I shivered; I was startled by the cold. Its pretty cold here. Let me give you something to change into. Kathleen knelt down next to the bed I was using and came back with a backpack. When she handed it to me our fingers brushed slightly and I suddenly felt what she had meant before. There was some kind of energy that I felt oozing off her. Something that was recognizable, at some deeper level. It wasnt creepy, not at all; it made me feel surrounded by someone I could count on. You felt it, didnt you? Kathleen asked, the corners of her mouth curving into a smile. Yeah, I placed the backpack on the floor by my feet. Its like it tells you in some sort of way, that youre not alone, that theres a whole community that is just like yousort of like a bond. she explained. And it felt that way, too. But however I felt, I had to stop. I couldnt let myself get carried away with this fantasy worldeven if this was the world I really belonged to. My momI had to find her. I wanted normalitythis was all just too crazy for me. What are you thinking? Kathleen asked. Why? I asked, a doubtful note to my words. I dont know its just your face it kind of changed from wonder to determination, she explained, staring at the bed. She was observant, then. I felt the urge to explain it to her. I decided to hold it back. Kathleen," she focused on my face; I heaved a sigh. Soummcan I shower around here? I asked. It was kind of obvious she wasnt keen on showing me the exit. You need to go to your dorm for thatHailey is going to come pick you up any minute. I put on a t-shirt as she talked. I was going to ask about the dorm thing when the door opened. A petite girl with brown hair came into the room. Her features were soft, delicate; her eyes a hazel color. She was wearing sportswear and looked like she had just finished a set of weight lifts. Hi, Im Hailey. she said, extending her hand toward me. Im Rachael. I said, shaking her hand. Did Kathleen tell you were going to be roommates? she asked, excitement on her voice. She mentioned it, I said, smiling. God, you look like you could use a shower and clothes, she mused, I doubt that youre my size, Dont worry, Hailey, I took care of thateverythings in the backpack, Kathleen interrupted. Good, she said, smiling at me, come with me. She skipped out of the room. With one last glance in Kathleens direction, I followed Hailey into a new world.
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