2014 P R O U D L Y P R E S E N T E D B Y T H E H I S S T U D E N T N E W S P A P E R : OCT

College Fair at IBSH

BASKETBALL GAME WITH HAS: A ROUTINE BATTLE

TECHNOLOGY: ARA PROJECT INTERVIEW WITH MR. LEVER!

THE BAMBOO TIMES

Daphne Wood

On October 7th, 2014, the HIS senior class attended a college fair at the International Bilingual School of Hsinchu (IBSH), hosted by Linden International Recruitment Tours. Kathleen Harrington, the Executive Director of Linden, brought 31 US universities together to create this Asia Tour. Established in 1982, Linden allows universities across the US to contact and apply for tours. Harrington explained that their “website is a place where all universities across the US can find out what [they] offer and decide whether they want to join or not.” This year, the Linden Fall Semester Asia Tour organised college fairs in Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. According to Harrington, Linden would only visit Taiwan during the fall, and not the spring. However as this is an annual event, “we’ll be back next year,” Harrington added.

KEVIN CHEN AND LUCAS HUANG

SHOTARO “RAY” NABEYA

On October 13, 2014, our school’s very own Girls’ Basketball Team had a rather impassioned competition against the Girls’ Basketball Team of Hsinchu American School as the Boys’ Basketball Team from both schools vociferated cheers and ovations of ardor that were audible within a 2 kilometer radius. This game adopted normal basketball rules where each quarter was 10 minutes long, but penalties were one shot. On this fairly windy Monday afternoon, the coaches of both teams

hollered and commanded while shouting “Hands! Hands! Thank you!” as the HIS students roared from the sidelines of the cement basketball court for each shot that our students made or for each shot defended, as the captains led their teams and manipulated their tactics. By the end of the second quarter, HIS was leading by a solid 20-14. However, the tides turned as our active roster switched and HAS modified their strategy. As HAS retaliated, the scores were quickly

evened out to a 22-22 by the end of the third quarter. With the cannons, Player 4 and Player 7, of HAS shattering the defense of HIS, the defense-oriented HIS team trailed 22-27 three minutes into the final quarter and lost a player due to injuries a minute after. After the tragic loss of one of our players, the final five minutes of the match progressed like a typical Hollywood basketball movie, with Coach Ma collecting the team for a final assault and switching the captain back onto the

A ROUTINE BATTLEAlex Tsai

match. “I was surprised with the outcome,” Coach Ma spoke the next day with a full understanding that this is only one of the many battles that HIS will have - the Girls’ Basketball Team had another match with HAS about two weeks later.

team. As the school clamored for victory, Principal Meneses attempted to rally school spirit through the imitation of Michigan J. Frog, the chanting of Schumann’s Die Beiden Grenadiere without the German lyrics, and the fervent declarations of school patriotism, enfranchisement. “Boys, we need your school spirit now,” Headmaster Meneses spoke with an extortionate overtone as the young men sitting and viewing the match looked at him with eyes of bafflement. At the final minute, after a few lay-ups and well-aimed shots, HIS trailed 26-27. The HIS girls perspired and made their final decisions, knowing that the last shot would decide their fate. With the accuracy and timing of a scripted basketball movie, HIS scored and turned the tides 28-27 as the culmination of spirited chants, cheers, and Michigan J. Frog songs poured down like a heavy monsoon rain, relieving the girls of any stress of defeat and drowning out the growing crops of the hopes of our HAS visitors. HIS got so confident that they

made another foul, making the final foul count 10-7, and gave two penalty shots as opposed to the compromised one shot with full understanding that HAS will not make either shot. As HIS claimed victory, virtually everyone left the vicinity and went home, as the Boys’ Basketball Team proceeded with their

“I was surprised with the outcome” -- Mr. Ma

COLLEGE COUNSELINGMs. Liao

This column will be the first in a series about activities. Many students misunderstand the role of activities in the college admissions process, and even more undervalue the importance of being involved outside of the classroom. In a selective admissions process, your activities tells the admissions committee who you are as a person, and helps distinguish your application from others. Strong academics are not enough, with the most selective institutions having admissions rates below 10%, it means that thousands of students with perfect grades and perfect test scores are not admitted.

Remember that the university experience is where you will spend 4 years of your life after high school, and admissions officers want to build not just an academic community, but a social one as well. How do you contribute to a community beyond the classroom? Above all else, involvement in activities allow you to better understand yourself, develop skills, and grow as a person.

Here are the various types of activities. Not that this list is not exclusive of each other, and that some activities may fall under multiple categories.

1. Extracurricular: any activity you do outside of the classroom for personal growth, enjoyment, or challenge. This does not need to be organized through the school. Examples: sports (competitive and recreational), visual and performing arts, reading, religious groups, cooking, etc.

2. Volunteering/Community Service: any activity you do to help others. It does not need to be organized through the school. Examples: helping out at a non-profit organization, visiting the elderly, tutoring children, cleaning public spaces, etc.

3. Jobs/Internships: any work experience - does not need to be paid. Examples: babysitter, dog walker, life guard, tutor, cashier/sales clerk, waiter, office/lab intern, hospital volunteer, etc.

4. Academic Enrichment: any experience outside of your required high school courses that focuses on academics. Examples: Model United Nations, summer college programs, newspaper, research or classes at a university, etc.

5. Leadership: any experience which develops leadership skills and knowledge. Examples: SRC, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, taking a leadership role within an organization, youth leadership institutes, etc.

Getting Involved in Activities

CURRENT EVENTLawrence Wood

On the morning of October 24, a shooting occurred in the high school of Marysville Pilchuck in the town of Marysville, Washington. The assailant, identified as Jaylen Ray Freyberg, shot five students, fatally wounded two, before shooting and killing himself. This occurred in the morning in the school's cafeteria. Eyewitnesses stated that the perpetrator was in an argument before pulling out an automatic pistol and shooting at the people he was arguing with. The witnesses stated that Freyberg appeared to calmly fired his pistol. These actions killed two female students and seriously wounded 3 others. Two are cousins of Freyberg. It was later stated that the wounded

Marysville School Shooting

JAYLEN RAY FREYBERG

students are Freyberg's friends. In school, Freyberg was known to be a happy and sociable student who was on the school's football team and was voted as the freshman homecoming prince. However it was reported that Freyberg was very emotional a few days leading up to the shooting. The causes of his emotional state are still disputed. The firearm is a legal gun owned by Freyberg's father.

TECHNOLOGY Henry Ko

ARA Project

At a developers’ conference from Google on April 2014, Google and Motorola officially announced project ARA.

Project ARA is considered as a type of smartphone, called a modular

smartphone. The smartphone doesn’t come with a screen, camera, processor, or anything in that matter. Although Project ARA is known as a smartphone, it is really just a piece of motherboard where users are able to essentially “create” their own smartphones. The motherboard is essentially the skeleton to which the chips can be stuck in order to act as one phone. Concepts and ideas for Project ARA for Google and Motorola actually came from an individual Youtuber called Dave Hakken, and a marketing advertisement called “Phonebloks.” At first, according to Marques Brownlee, a tech expert from Youtube, the idea and the concept of “Phonebloks” were considered as an “expensive,” “dangerous,” and “preposterous” one as it was too far ahead of the age, and also too far from what smartphone users expect from phones today. Essentially, Hakken’s idea of Phonebloks came from the idea of not having to throw away an entire unit worth of a phone just because some parts were outdated or useless. He initially started this idea in order to get bigger tech companies to pick up on it, work with him, and mass produce the products.

According to Google’s head of Project ARA, Paul Eremenko, they will only be producing the “endoskeleton,” or the motherboard, and will ask other reliable tech companies to manufacture the “modules,” or “blocks,” dedicated to the phone’s specifications and features. Eremenko also stated that the phone’s modules will literally be blocks, having different sections for different modules and being electromagnetically secured and locked into position. Eremenko said that the motherboard will have “on-state,” and “off-state” features. In its off-state, it will be passive, which means that it won’t consume any energy. Unfortunately, as stated previously, this contradicts what smartphone users and everyday customers are looking for in today’s market. Tech companies such as Apple

and Samsung are focused on thinner and sleek designs, whereas project ARA will have to be a bulkier type of phone. Eremenko, however, is currently working on trying to convince the users that the phone is definitely worth it. Tech companies, however, will have the opportunity to manufacture and create sales more often. With the project ARA, they no longer have to compete as much in order to allow manufacturing companies, such as Apple, Samsung, or any other computing tech companies, to contain their products in their devices. This advantage obviously also means that users will be able to both keep their phones for longer durations and be able to customize their phone in their own comfort. However, one major problem is the question of whether or not other companies would create

modules for this device, as it will be very hard and costly. Google and Motorolla have announced that the developer editions of the product will be soon released, and that the official product will be sold for just under $50 USD in 2015.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION Lawrence Wood

In the month of October, the school decided to take two class sessions to discuss the subject of sexual harassment throughout grades 9-12's. In these sessions, HIS college counselor, Ms. Liao and guidance counselor, Ms. Liu, pointed out the myths and misconceptions of sexual harassments, the difference between sexual harassment and flirtation, and what one should do to stop it.

In class, students were asked to differentiate between sexual harassment and flirtation. As this is a common misconception held among students, it is necessary for them to learn what is accepted and what is not. Sexual harassment deals with one perpetrator and one victim. The victim would feel uncomfortable and would not be able to agree to the actions they are forced upon them. If an interaction is not mutual (where one party is resistant), this is harassment. On the other hand, flirting requires mutual consent where both sides is comfortable with the interaction.

If you witnessed any forms of sexual harassment, be sure to do something about it. If anyone (or you) feel uncomfortable on any sexually related actions, be assertive. Do not stay passive or turn aggressive. If the sexual harassing did not stop, report to any authority in the environment (teacher, faculty/staff, principal, and or parents) or contact the police or other legal sexual harassment prevention system.

Speak up.

Remember: sexual harassment are unwanted sexual attention from other. Remember: if you anyone feel uncomfortable, please report immediately. Simmering down an issue will not solve the problem. It will only amplify it.

The world largest Funfair is located in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. This holiday is known as the Oktoberfest, or the locals called it, Wiesen, which means fairground. The Oktoberfest is an annual holiday and it is a 16-day festival, celebrated from late September to the first weekend of October. The holiday Oktoberfest is celebrated by more than six million people in Germany every single year. Oktoberfest was originally created by King Ludwig I. Ludwig created this

holiday because he married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. The day of the marriage was named Theresienwies, later renamed Wiesen. On the day of Oktoberfest, people celebrate with joy because of the harvest. The people of Munich celebrate with foods, amusement parks, and most importantly, beer. However, in 1999, Oktoberfest was interfered with by terrorists, when pipes were filled with bombs. Thirteen people were killed, with over 201 seriously injured. Late September and early October are some of the busiest times in Munich.

OktoberfestCELEBRATION

THE CROWD

DRESS UP

FOOD

FAIR

LARGE QUANTITY OF BEERS WERE CONSUMED DURING OKTORBERFEST

INTERVIEW - Mr. Peter LeverShaun Lien

SL: Where are you from, Mr. Lever?PL: London, UK.

SL: What brought you to HIS?PL: Actually, for my job, working as a science teacher. HIS has a lot to offer the pupils and it really values its pupils, and I believe that I can make a difference at HIS.

SL: What do you hope to contribute to HIS?PL: I’m hoping to be able to motivate, educate every single pupil coming to my classroom. I’m hoping that all the pupils that I teach would learn something whether educational or a skill they can use outside in the everyday life.

SL: How is Hsinchu different from your hometown?PL: (laughs) Very very different. For example, in London, or just outside London where I live, it’s very busy. There are lots of people, lots of hustle and bustle. In Hsinchu, it’s very quiet, and it’s very green and very beautiful.

SL: How long have you been in Taiwan?PL: 2 months.

SL: What’s your favorite Taiwanese food during these two months?PL: My favorite Taiwanese food has got to be dumplings. I love dumplings.

SL: Tell me three fun facts about yourself.PL: Three fun facts? I don’t have no fun facts. I’m not fun (laughs), I’m boring! I don’t know if I have anything fun.

SL: Probably more like facts, or anything interesting.

PL: Interesting facts? Okay. I love cob fishing, and I travel around the world fishing, fishing for cob. So that’s one fact. I once was an athlete, and when I was younger, maybe your age, I was asked to trial for the UK beach team, for athlete’s olympics team. The same year later, I moved to a new county called Norwich, and while I was in Norwich, I was then asked to play football for Norwich City as a trial, under 16. So there, facts (laughs). Well, nothing worked out, I still chose my chosen path as a science teacher.

SL: Who is your role model/ intellectual crush?PL: Hmmm, I don’t know. I don’t think I’ve got a crush, but I have a role model. My role model is a lady called Ms. Bird, and she was my school mentor. She’s the person who trained me how to teach, and she’s my role model because, I learned so much from her, and she was so passionate about her job that she’d done her best to make sure I was trained to the best that I could be.

CULTURE (FOOD)

This month, I have decided to write about the night market, in Taipei called Gongguan. The first thing you have got to drink is the bubble tea called “青蛙撞奶”.

The shop that sells it is called “陳三鼎.“ It’s not really bubble tea to be honest. It’s similar in that there are tapioca bubbles inside, but they are much sweeter and, since there is always this huge line up, the bubbles are always piping hot. Right out of the pot. What is good about it, is that it doesn’t have tea in it. They only add milk. It is extremely scrumptious and mouth-watering. The bottom of the cup is filled with hot bubbles, with cold milk topped onto it. Most of the time when I order it, I ask for less ice, but never no ice, because the bubbles might warm the milk up a little, making it unpleasant. Many people from all over Taiwan come to Taipei just for this drink, since this is the only store that actually has permission to sell it. Once I did see them selling this at a movie theatre, but I don’t think they actually have permission to do so. Moving onto the second “choice of the month.” The beef noodles are at “老董牛肉

麵.” Normally, I don’t really like beef noodles. That is, until I went to this restaurant. Inside this restaurant, there are different kinds of noodles, but judging from the name of it, the most famous are the beef noodles. It’s almost rare to see people buying anything else in there. Sometimes, there are people who like beef noodles, but don’t like the actual beef, so they give you the choice of ordering no-meat beef noodles. In the soup, they put a bit of tomato, which adds to the flavor, in a good way. It’s amazing how different ingredients can improve the flavor of different kinds of food all over the world. Oftentimes, the noodles are overcooked in beef noodle restaurants, but not here. The texture of the noodles is always perfect. Every single time. Well, I hope you all will give these a try when visiting Taipei! They are really worth a try. And by the way, there is another shop that sells the pork belly buns right across “陳三鼎.” So maybe you can just go to those two.

All up to you!

GongGuan in Taipei (公館）

Sarah Su

- ANNABELLE - Time passes so fast; we are taking out the Halloween decorations, pumpkin spice is now the “thing” and horror films are showing in the cinemas. Which is why Annabelle is featured this month. It is a prequel of The Conjuring. The movie starts with a newly wed couple, Mia and John Gordon, who are expecting their first child. Later on, Mia’s husband presents the doll, Annabelle, to his wife, which is when all the horror starts happening. Chills scatter through the movie, making a creaking floor more than what it is. The thrill is definitely worth it. Directed by John R. Leonetti, the movie stars Annabelle Wallis, Ward Horton and Alfre Woodard, and is already out in the cinemas.

FEATURES: MOVIE Sydney Ko

- THE JUDGE - The Judge is a family-meets-courtroom drama. The movie depicts courtroom drama and a father and son relationship. After a long absence, Hank Palmer, a lawyer, returns to Carlinville, Indiana for his mother’s funeral. During his visit, a man was found dead on a dark and wet road and, shocker, the man and the judge, Hank’s father, have some connections. The mysteries and the suspense are all very exciting. The movie is directed by David Dobkin, and it stars Robert Downey Jr.(as Hank Palmer), Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga and Leighton Meester. By all means, who doesn’t want to watch a movie with Rober Downey Jr. in it?

- AMERICAN HORROR STORY: FREAKSHOW -

The witch coven has now ended, and Ryan Murphy has created another nightmare for the AHS fans. This season revolves around a German woman, Elsa Mars, who seeks freaks for her circus. The episode starts with an unnatural shot of a woman’s head, which we later find out is actually a new member of the freakshow, a two headed person (since two is better than one!). Another thing that AHS did that is frightening is adding a killer clown into the episode. It stars Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates and even better, Evan Peters! We lived in the murder house, we escaped the asylum, we joined the coven and now let’s run to the freaksho…

FEATURES: MUSIC Sydney Ko

[ YELLOW FLICKER BEAT - LORDE ]Lorde’s new alluring single features in the new and upcoming movie The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. The darkness of the beat and the lyrics suit everything perfectly. “I’m a princess cut from marble, smoother than a storm, and the scars that marks my body, they’re silver and gold.” It is as if the lyrics are directed at the main character, Katniss Everdeen. The movie itself comes out in theatres on November 21st, "The cast and story are an inspiration for all musicians participating and, as someone with cinematic leanings, being privy to a different creative process has been a unique experience. I think the soundtrack is definitely going to surprise people,” Lorde stated.

[ THE DAYS - AVICII ]

Avicii’s new single, “The Days”, features Robbie Williams, and is something that can’t stop playing in everyone’s head! It begins with an acoustic guitar, then slowly, “The Days” changes into this smooth, technicolor synth-pop. Not only is it catchy, but the beat also carries a fun and playful vibe. “The Days” is the lead single of Avicii’s new album “Stories”, which is coming out soon. However, before the album comes out, if you haven’t watched the lyric video on Youtube, do so immediately. The video begins with a spray-paint artist spraying the lyrics away on a wall, and no, that is not the only cool thing, it comes out later on in around 3:09.

EPILOGUEPrincipal’s Message:

As I walk around the school, I am very impressed by the hard work and active engagement of you, our student. I can see students finding joy in learning, and this is a wonderful thing to ensure success. Let me take this moment to reflect on what I have seen in terms of our Five Student Learner Outcomes:

1. Critical Thinkers and Problem Solvers: The SRC putting on an entertaining, yet intricate, activity for the student body.

2. Effective Communicators: Students giving strong presentations during class.

3. Active Learners: Students are constantly doing hands-on activities through various classes, like Cooking Class, and Science.

4. Community Contributors: Students are now picking up after themselves to ensure a clean and orderly environment in which to learn.

5. Persons of High Character: I see students helping others with academics, as well as showing leadership when work needs to get done.

Editor-in-Chief: Daphne Wood (G12) Assistant Editors: Nikki Chen (G12) and Lawrence Wood (G12) Secretary: Henry Ko (G10) Staff Supervisor: Mr. Christie Reporters: Sarah Su (G8), Sydney Ko (G9), Timothy Wood (G9), Henry Ko (G10), Shaun Lien (G12), Lawrence Wood (G12), Nikki Chen (G12), and Daphne Wood (G12). Photographers: Chloe Hsueh (G10), Shawn Lin (G10), and Shannon Liu (G10) Designers: Daphne Wood (G12) and Chloe Hsueh (G10)

Editor’s Note:

Thank you for reading this month’s Bamboo Times! The newspaper team hoped you enjoy this monthʼs issue. If you have any concerns, reactions, questions, compliments, comments, or any ideas - please feel free to contact me at woodne.97@gmail.com (You can stay anonymous if you like).The Newspaper Team will be glad to accept any comments from you! If there are any secondary staff or students who would like to submit any work for the next issue, please send me an email! Thank you!

Acknowledgements:

Thank you Ms. Liao for her College Counseling column and Shaun Lien (12) for providing photos of the basketball game!

Finally, a big thank you to Mr. Christie for proofreading!