Nov 2011 | issue #08

inverse

D's NOTE E
Ah, so Ive come to the end of my journey with this paper, ready to hand it over to fresh hands. Sometime down the road Im sure Ill come to miss these days of hectic, rushed editing, alongside having to rack my brains for an appropriate foreword. Retrospection makes almost everything in our past seem fonder, dearer this, Im sure you already know. But right now, I live in the moment. Im out. Love, Geraldine Within this space, our lips speak our truths. Our truths are many and pages we have to speak. Our truths are real to us and resonate on the page. But what is real to you is only the truth in your head, within your personal space, on your own blank page. Jolene

inverse
CHIEF EDITOR GERALDINE CHENG ZE NEW CHIEF EDITOR LEAH JOLENE TAN LAYOUT DIRECTOR ADELINE KOSIM

Snow by Louis MacNeice The room was suddenly rich and the great baywindow was Spawning snow and pink roses against it Soundlessly collateral and incompatible: World is suddener than we fancy it. World is crazier and more of it than we think, Incorrigibly plural. I peel and portion A tangerine and spit the pips and feel The drunkenness of things being various. And the fire flames with a bubbling sound for world Is more spiteful and gay than one supposes On the tongue on the eyes on the ears in the palms of your hands There is more than glass between the snow and the huge roses.

FEATURES EDITOR FABIAN TAN MUSIC EDITOR RACHEL LIM FASHION EDITOR SERI R.S MOVIES EDITOR SEAN LAI FOOD/TRAVEL EDITOR WINIFRED SETO

LAYOUT SHIENNY TAILAN PETRUS CAESARIO SHANNEN MADELINE CHEN MELLISA TANIASURI

WRITERS ANDY YEE HUGO MORGAN BART DAVID LAM KENNETH WEE TAN PEI WEN FOO WEI LING LIM YAN SIN ONG SHER LI MARGUERITA KWEK TRACY MARIE LEE JUSTIN IAN CHIA WONG JIARU VICTORIA CHANG RAUDHAH ZAINI CHRISTABELLA KEE NICOLETTE-CLAIRE ONG WENDY LEE LAU SONG LENG ZUR AMIRA

COVER PHOTO SONG MENGLU EDS NOTE PHOTO NGUYEN THANH TRUNG BACK PHOTO NGUYEN THANH TRUNG

GET IN TOUCH BLACK.HOLE.PRESS@GMAIL.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NTU.INVERSE

November 2011 | issue #08

Food/Travel
Editors Note

Straight to the Heart: Botak Jones

? Song Leng

f you have been paying some attention to this humble little section of a section, youll notice that it has fewer articles than usual. It is inevitable that we all have to deal with ridiculous deadlines at some time in our lives, but thankfully Inverse Food & Travel has been lucky enough to be allocated a good bunch of writers who are wizards in managing their time. For the writers who wished that they could have been part of this issue but unfortunately are too swarmed with work to contribute, thank you too for the effort since the start of the year. Should you find yourself wanting to contribute to our topic this issue after reading what our writers have written, do feel free to write in and share with us what stalls youd want to see around school (but no guarantee on our part that youll be heard, because this is what top-down authority is all about yah?) Thank you for reading Inverse! Winifred

n case my name leads you to believe I am a lady, I must say upfront that I am a man, and in line with this point, I want to also say that men eat steaks. But there havent been that many around and we may not always be able to afford them. So, I thought of Botak Jones. All right, Botak Jones is not really about steaks, but if I go to them and the beef hasnt come in yet, it will cause a downpour on my whole day. Botak Jones is a successful franchise in Halal American Western food. So we may now all eat with our friends, with good conscience and common aim, to bless our taste buds and our bellies. They make Beef Burgers, from a single handformed burger patty with Botaks very own burger mixture, char-grilled until medium well and juicy up to a double burger and the U-CRAZY-WHAT!? triple patty burger. You could just have

the burger or you could add on two sides. While Im biased, there are also other non-beef burgers: Cajun chicken and Thai Chicken Burgers, Premium White Basa Fish Fillet Burgers and the Soy protein and Mushroom Veggie burger. We pass over the salmon fillet, fish & chips, hotdogs, wieners, and sausages, straight to the NZ steaks. You could pick a hand tenderized 300gm rib eye or sirloin that is well marinated, and incredibly juicy. Breaking down a good piece of steak inside your mouth is not tedious, but a good sensation. After this, you might agree with the American humorist Fran Lebowitz My favourite animal is steak. The portions are always generous and the prices are within the price ranges of $6$22. So okay, my solution to the monetary problem is maybe to eat less or skip one meal, so that your ravenous hunger enhances your appreciation for the meal. I hope this works for you. I have been writing about a food stall Id like to see, but Im very tempted to write about food stalls I no longer want to see

in NTU. I wonder if theyll let me.

Fuel for the night: Al-Azhar

? Nicolette

hat NTU needs is a 24-hour supper joint! Or at least a food stall that opens till the wee hours of the morning to cater to the nocturnal students and party animals. Especially during the exam period, many of us burn the midnight oil to cram in every bit of our notes, and lets face it; its hard to do it alone. We all need a late night study companion and what a perfect friend we have in FOOD! I mean yes, we have that genius supper delivery service NTU Supperclub (Thanks Nick, youre doing an awesome job!) but Im sure everyone would agree that nothing beats eating food thats freshly served on a plate, and not on oily takeaway paper with plastic cutlery. And that is why I think we really need a 24-hour supper joint in NTU like the AlAzhar restaurant. Serving up an array of Indian-Muslim, Thai and Western fare, it has been filling up hungry tummies along Bukit Timah Road, and is usually packed during supper peak hours (11pm-2am). How great it would be if you could just

step out of your hostel room, walk over to Al-Azhar @ NTU (hopefully it would be located within the hall of residences vicinity) and indulge in some Butter Chicken and Naan after hours of hardcore studying. That will definitely perk up my long and late study nights! Also, speaking on behalf of my Muslim friends, there are just not enough Muslim food stalls, especially within the Halls 3, 12-16 cluster. Having a branch of Al-Azhar in NTU would be a perfect solution as it is Halal-certified. Besides the usual selection of Pratas, Naans and Thosai, AlAzhar is also known for their Thai-style Fried Kway Teow, Nasi Pattaya (delicious fried rice wrapped in egg), Pita Kebab (generous portions of beef kebab served in a piping hot pita pocket) as well as their sizzling hot Western grill. Well, what more can I say? If Al-Azhar opened a branch here in Pulau NTU, I would never have to leave school to satisfy my supper cravings! Itll definitely give me more motivation to trudge through the long study nights too.

Al-Azhar Eating Restaurant 11/11A Cheong Chin Nam Road Tel: 6466 5052 Open 24 hours

November 2011 | issue #08

atures Fe
I
Eds Note
? Wei Ling

Beauty: More than just Skin Deep

Does society exert compelling strain on women to look better than good?
and their ideal images, which is unfortunately something still embedded in our seemingly modern society today. Firstly, the media is one of the major culprits. Flipping through magazines, one can expect to be f looded with endless pages of the latest beauty and skincare products as well as the hottest fashion trends adorned by Barbie-like girls. It is no secret that companies often hire attractive celebrities and statuesque models to promote their products, distorting and defining the concept of beauty to one of absolute perfection. This has inevitably left a deep-rooted impression in the minds of the women. Expectedly, there is a huge rush of pressure on women to live up to such societal expectation of their image, however unrealistic they may be. To make matters worse, girls not blessed with good looks or the ideal BMI are very often depicted negatively in the storylines of films and books, despondent from the lack of a love life, discriminated and ridiculed by schoolmates, or being left out of the fun and fabulous parties because theyre fat or ugly, or both. It is apparent that women are constantly bombarded with the message to enhance their beauty in every way they can. While it is true that first impressions are important, it is also true that they arent made solely on appearance, but on intellect, character, demeanor and a host of other factors as well. Humans are visual creatures, and though it is a truth that most people often superficially view more kindly those who look good, this truth does not mean that being beautiful necessarily leads to a happier or more perfect life. The key point is, looks are important insofar as one is presentable. It is not a mandate to look like a Victoria Secrets model. You are not just the complexion of your skin, or the smallness of your waist; there is more depth to a person beneath her superficial appearance. Although society may place pressure on women to look good, this pressure is also often self-imposed by women. The physical image of a female is in no way linked to success or fulfillment in life, something that women should embrace, even if society or the media portray otherwise. London Weight Management, which has been called irresponsible, vile [and] atrocious for their advertisement, has since stopped airing that commercial (although the commercial is not officially banned). This is a win for women everywhere, and an acknowledgment that beauty is indeed, more than just skin deep.

t seems like every time we feel our society is progressing, events or views that seem bigoted, outdated and even regressive undermine it. The recent buzz surrounding issues of gender and sexuality lie testament to this perceptual laceration. Is Singapore really an egalitarian society? I find it difficult to agree, when laws criminalizing sex between people of the same gender continue to exist, and when our most eminent politician says women should stop wasting time in higher education, but find a boyfriend and give birth instead. Its puzzling, even bizarre, how organizations like the Obedient Wives Club can exist in society today, which advocates that wives be submissive, while claiming that social ills such as prostitution and domestic violence can be curbed as long as wives sexually satisfy their husbands. Thats bra-burning for you, but for all the wrong reasons. Thankfully, the OWC received a cold reception in Singapore, a clear indication of our societys progress and movement toward equality. Not only in terms of gender, but sexuality as well. The fact that local media even reported on homosexuality without condemning it in the recent months is pleasantly surprising, while the lack of criticism and outcry from the Singaporean public seem to be a silent nod of acceptance of the LGBT community. More heartening is the legalization of same-sex marriages across the world, and companies like Google Singapore supporting the freedom to love (when they sponsored Pink Dot SG this year), encouraging perhaps incipient signs of a new epoch where LGBT persons can be exactly who they are without fear of persecution by family, friends and society? But I should not get ahead of myself. While there may not be overt opposition against the LGBT community, it is hardly an approval, especially in Singapore. Gender equality may have come a long way since the feminist movements from the 60s onwards, but women still face implicit discrimination in certain areas, which I believe will increasingly decrease in years to come. Similarly, discrimination against the LGBT community still has a long way to go before it becomes acceptance on a societal and political level. But something is better than nothing a start, at the very least. So, whats your stand on this issue? It is important what the views of each individual is, and what we do about it, regardless of our gender or sexuality. After all, as Apple said in a commercial in 1997, the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. Enjoy this issue, and bonne chance for the exams! Warmest, F

Photo Credits: Nathan Siemers, 4 July 2009, Flickr Commons

he recent London Weight Management commercial may have been short-lived, but it certainly garnered a lot of attention. The televised commercial sparked a public outcry with its appalling storyline (apparently based on a true clients story) of how an overweight woman, portrayed as depressed and suicidal, faced issues such as job discrimination, marital woes and health problems owing to her less than perfect physical image. Needless to say, life was bright and clear once again after a successful weight-loss program with the company. It is obvious that that is how marketing works. Companies try to exploit some of the greatest insecurities of consumers so that they can earn a buck or two from you. And yes, this may just be a commercial. But it does magnify a real problem of how unreasonable expectations are of women

Freedom to Love in Singapore

? Yan Sin

Is the media showing it right?

friend of one of the girls had boarded the bus and was walking towards her. The couple sat apart for the rest of the journey, as if they were strangers. It saddens me to think that the couple felt the need to hide their love for each other before their friends. One would think that Singapore is no longer the conservative society she was with regards to sexuality, given the medias portrayal of Singapore today. In September, no less than two coming-outs were published on local papers. On the 13th, Comedian Kumar launched his biography From Rags to Drag in which he finally announced the truth of his sexuality, publicly. Following his lead, journalist Yeoh Wee Teck penned his experiences of being gay, which was published on The New Paper. In his moving article titled Its okay... go live and love, Yeoh writes about the courage to proclaim his sexuality before the entire nation, and how [a] decade ago, [his] article would not have seen the light of day. Yeoh is right; a decade ago, the Singapore media would have rejected his article and buried it together with a rejected pile of manuscripts. A decade ago, Kumar denied being gay because he did not know how to handle the attention such an announcement would definitely have brought him.

No one would have expected an event like Pink Dot SG an annual gathering to celebrate the freedom to love - to be allowed to happen, let alone covered by the media. The turnout this year the third since its inception in 2009 was heartening with a record participation of about ten thousand people, LGBTs and heterosexuals alike. The atmosphere was joyous, the people elated it was a celebration of love. Yet, the medias openness towards sexuality could very well be a representation of a select portion of the Singaporean population. It would be a stretch to claim that all of Singapore is embracing the LGBT community. So, is the media truly reflecting the general populations acceptance of people who love differently? I use acceptance here and not tolerance; why should there be a need for others tolerance of how we love? This is not only an issue in Singapore; even in liberal America there is still much debate about sexuality. It is my opinion that we are getting there. It may be a small start, but a start nonetheless. Perhaps, some day, non-heterosexual couples will not feel pressurized to hide their love in public. Given how the local media seems to be opening up, that some day may not be too far ahead.

Photo credits: Writers own

was the audience to a short but sad drama played out before me on the bus a few days ago. There was a lesbian couple seated at the back row of seats on the bus when I boarded from the interchange. They looked really comfortable with each other, yet they let go of each others hands and moved to opposite ends of the seats the moment the bus was at a bus stop. It turned out that a male

November 2011 | issue #08

Features
Gay and Gay
? Kenneth

The following article contains a personal and extremely biased viewpoint and is therefore hazardous to the mental health of bigots.

must first clarify that I am not being pretentious by intentionally inserting a disclaimer before my article. It is done entirely because circumstances demand it. What circumstances?

of Zimbabwe has been known to compare homosexuals to animals. Consensual sex between two willing males remain not only an ecclesiastical sin but also a criminal act in many countries. Why all the animosity?

The recent spate of events might have lulled us into falsely thinking that our society as a whole is advancing rapidly. At the stroke of midnight on 21st October, Washington officially repealed the 1993 law commonly known as Dont ask, Dont tell. This effectively means that sexual orientation is, and can no longer be an issue when Americans serve their country in the military. Any ongoing investigations or discharges regarding sexual orientation have also been dropped. This closely follows the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York earlier this year in June, thereby establishing it as the largest state in the United States to do so. All the events are a cause of celebration. They mark our societys slow progress towards a more inclusive and less prejudiced community. However, if we were to turn our focus away from the Northern hemisphere, the human rights record for homosexuals remain wretchedly dreadful for many other countries. President Robert Mugabe

Let me attempt to dissect this regretful phenomenon. 1) Gays are the human incarnation of Greek gods. Thanks to the media, whatever miniscule representation gays have are spearheaded by impossibly hunky and jaw-droppingly good-looking guys. However, before you happily disregard all gays as himbos, let me tell you first that many gays have brains to boot. So much for Darwinian evolution. This could have, understandably, led to envy and jealousy among many heterosexuals, especially straight male heterosexuals. Perhaps a reproduction of an interesting diagram that I spotted on the Internet can illustrate my point better. 2) The age-old argument We have often heard of females fretting about the dire dearth of good guys.

Curiously, many of my female friends have told me that many such good guys fall into either one of three categories taken, married, or gay. (Look at diagram below.) This is a source of worry for many of my female friends but can also be a source of angst for many unattached males who irrationally view gays as a source of competition. (Again, look at diagram below.)

Unless, of course, the perpetrator is an extreme bigot. In that case, perhaps he would do humankind a great favour by returning to his closet. If you are a discerning enough reader, which I believe many of you are, you would have realized that what I am doing is to paint a largely positive and biased picture of the gay community. Of course, not all gays are smart, nice and good-looking. Most importantly, gays do not fight with straight males over girls. This is a moot point that I sometimes find ridiculous to even emphasize. In that light, I might thus be accused of having radical or extreme views. However, if you stop to think about it, that is exactly the same sort of tunnel thinking that many people employ towards people who differ superficially from them, be it in terms of gender, race or sexuality. So the next time you meet someone gay, or if a friend comes out to you, go ahead. Spread some love. Be gay. In case you misunderstand, I meant to be happy for him and accepting about his sexuality.

Therefore, sadly, gays have had to bear the brunt of many straight males insecurities about themselves. 3) You are a closet gay This is a potentially divisive and controversial reason. However, it is also the only rational conclusion that I can come up with when I read reports about hate-related crimes, or hear tales about gay bullying and overt discrimination.

Acceptance in the Younger Generation

? Pei Wen

Do the younger generation represent a greater hope for the gay community? (This article is brought about by the recent revelation of popular personality, Kumar, on being gay. It discusses the future and possibilities for the gay community in society today and whether the younger generation, with their more accepting minds are able to bring about a greater difference and bridge the gap between the gay community and the rest of society)

Photo Credits: Jerry Wong, 31 May 2011, Flickr Commons

y now Im guessing we have all heard the news of Kumars not too shocking shocking revelation. Yes, Kumar finally came out of the closet after more than two decades of having f latly denied it. While the revelation was unsurprisingly covered in major newspapers and online websites the following days after it was announced (It is not every day that we get news that is slightly more exciting than the never-ending topic of rising housing prices. Just look at the huge commotion caused by a semi-naked man poster in Orchard Road, the poor guy probably never imagined his naval line would provoke a huge controversy in Singapore), it did not however spark off an uproar among

citizens, as would have been expected. This is certainly most surprising, I mean this is Singapore, supposedly conservative with strong traditional values, despite being a modern society. Or at least that is what were told. Does that mean then that Singaporeans *insert dramatic gasp* are becoming more accepting of the previously taboo topic of homosexuality within society? (Okay, granted, the closet which Kumar came out of was a pretty transparent one, to many at least. If he had announced that he was straight, it would have probably caused a bigger furore and Im sure, the broken hearts of a few young men.) Despite the big question mark surrounding the openness towards homosexuality in Singapore, I dare say that there seems to be greater tolerance in society today, even though acceptance and support may still appear as treacherous areas. This is especially so amongst the younger generation of Singaporeans who seem to embrace diversity more readily, and who have since moved on from the conservative, sometimes painfully outdated, values of previous generations.

This is in part thanks to globalization, which has exposed and inf luenced our perceptions, especially through pop culture where gays and lesbians play an integrated and acceptable part, such as Kurt and Blaine, 2 main characters in Glee. It is the fact that homosexuality is so casually brought into popular culture that the younger generation has come to accept it as a norm. As a matter of fact, when I brought up this topic to my friends, the response was generally neutral. While none announced any burning desire to join a gay rights support group any day soon, they did express general acceptance towards homosexuality and this is indeed, positive news for society. I actually think a more realistic outcry one will hear regarding homosexuality these days will more likely be along the lines of disappointment, that that hot guy or girl is not your type, or that youre not his/hers (Im telling you, the disappointment is HUGE). But despite the growing tolerance and acceptance towards the gay community, the fear of being stigmatised is still there. Why

was it that Kumar took so long to admit that he is gay, and why is it that the majority of gays and lesbians still do not dare to openly reveal their homosexuality? The fear of being stigmatised and looked upon differently is sadly, very real indeed and it would take a milestone, maybe even a Martin Luther King of the gay community to take a huge step towards changing the views of society. I may have painted a pretty positive picture here, though in truth there are still plenty of harsh views out there. But the world is always changing. We should be encouraged enough to see that a portion of the younger generation have more accepting minds. Every one more accepting person signifies one more step towards winning a battle which is now already half won. Perhaps to most, acceptance may still be a difficult word to enunciate. There will be another time for it. For today, tolerance is enough. A generation leads another, and we can only hope that this acceptance will be taught and cultivated, to grow slowly, but surely.

November 2011 | issue #08

fashion
The Beauty of Branding
? Victoria

5 Minute Miracles: Facial Cleansing

? Jia Ru

view as being private and personal can be subconsciously constructed in relation to how others see them. Clothing lines like Victorias Secret tend to act as the external opinion of ones self, saying Here! Take this! You can only look your best in it! In todays world of fashion where tall, gorgeous size zero girls dominate the catwalk and fashion magazines, it is even more essential for women to remember this clich yet important quote Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There are many more dimensions to the concept of selfhood other than that of a superficial one. While we enjoy entering a fantasy world of beautiful fashion when watching a Victorias Secret show or any haute couture runway show, in reality, people are of different sizes, colours and personalities that distinguish them, making them unique and beautiful. So the next time you splurge on that gorgeous outfit, remember that its not the only thing that makes you beautiful

Photo Credits: Cielomarie, 3 March 2009, Flickr Commons

research experiment revealed that shoppers carrying a Victorias Secret shopping bag perceived themselves as being more feminine, glamorous and goodlooking than shoppers who were carrying plain pink shopping bags devoid of any prominent labels. Considering how Victorias Secret markets itself as a sexy and fashionable brand with 8.3 million viewers for their annual fashion show (as of year 2009) featuring prominent models looking like this:

Photo Credits: Sunshinecity, 25 October 2011, Flickr Commons

he night is over and you stand at the door in your party outfit. Between you and your warm snuggly bed stands a 42-step face-cleansing routine which would take slightly less than an hour to complete. But tonight is not the night; you are tired, groggy and your mind threatens to shut down any minute. Trembling on the edge of your consciousness is a thought my face is dirty. And so you splash a little water onto your face and ignore the screams of your dirty pores as you ease yourself into bed. Dont be surprised if you find a pimple sprouting up the next day. Our pores secrete sebum which moisturizes our skin, and when there is makeup clogging them, the sebum cannot remove the dead skin cells and dirt on our pores. They build up to cause acne. A short and quick cleansing routine can efficiently remove the dirt from your face if you do it right. With only 5 minutes to spare, how do you ensure that every pore is religiously unclogged and your face is squeaky clean? For ladies, the most important step is removing your makeup. Never go to bed with any residual makeup. Eye makeup can be especially hard to remove. If you wear mascara, soak some eye makeup remover in cotton pads and place them on your eyes for a while before gently wiping them away. Alternatively, you can apply Vaseline onto your eyes and face in circular motions and wipe them off with a warm and damp cotton pad. If you prefer to use makeup removal wipes, those that contain oil usually remove mascara better and faster. Remember not to tug at your eyes and skin frequent tugging can cause fine

lines and wrinkles! If you do not have makeup on (or if youre a guy), then there are only 3 steps necessary before you can hit the sack cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize. Those with dry skin might consider the creamy cleanser which is wiped off (some skincare experts swear by this method and insist that hard water is harsh for the skin). If you prefer the typical wash-off cleanser, lather up the cleanser in your palms, apply onto your face in circular motions and leave it on for at least 30 seconds before using warm water to wash it off. Pat your skin dry. Next, exfoliate. It removes the dead skin cells that accumulate on your skin. Exfoliating brightens the complexion and makes your skin glow. Make sure the grains in your exfoliator are not too big or it could tear your skin! You can use a facecloth but it should not be too coarse. You can follow up with a toner, although a good cleanser should have removed all oil and dirt from your skin, which is why some experts do not find the use of a toner necessary. But if you like how your skin feels with toner, use it. Finally, apply mousturizer. Moisturizers hydrate your skin and prevent loss of water from the outer layers of your skin. Even if you have oily skin, it does not mean that your skin is hydrated and you still need to moisturize. Do not overmoisturize, or you could end up clogging your pores. With the three steps completed, you are ready for your blissful slumber!

Photo Credits: Reindertot, 12 March 2009, Flickr Commons

It is hardly any wonder that ladies carrying a Victorias Secret shopping bag would experience a touch of beauty and glamour. While there is nothing wrong with allowing branded goods to give you a little sparkle for a dreary day, it becomes problematic when people start defining beauty in accordance to how marketing campaigns and the mass media see it. It is undeniable that the mass media has a strong influence over how people perceive their own images, especially with regards to how women define what is fashionable or beautiful in todays context. Often, people are inevitably concerned with how others perceive them. Even opinions of themselves which they

Photo Credits: Sunshinecity, 25 October 2011, Flickr Commons

November 2011 | issue #08

(Fall)ing Inspirations

? Christabella

s the weather gets cooler, were always on the lookout for different ways we can whip up perfect fall outfits in style without looking too wrapped up like a dumpling. Most recently, we spotted some students rocking the preppy look such as cute button-up blouses underneath sweaters, and we are loving it. In case you are having some trouble dressing up for school this season, the following are some ways to help you jazz up your gloomy, rainy days. Ponchos & Capes Chunky Sweaters Oxfords and Loafers

Photo Credits: Ariel grimm, 6 Oct 2010, Flickr Commons Photo Credits: kani, 5 Dec 2010, Flickr Commons Photo Credits: Morven SW, 16 Feb 2011, Flickr Commons

Photo Credits: Amanda Brohman, 16 Oct 2011, Flickr Commons

Photo Credits: Saaleha Bamjee, 7 Sept 2011, Flickr Commons

Last fall, it was all about the flowy cardigans; this fall, capes and ponchos are the must-have items. From the runway to the streets, they are not only popular with the designers, but with us common folks too. Ponchos and capes come in many various forms, from cute, preppy to glam. To balance out the oversized look, match it with a comfortable pair of jeans. We do like the idea of wearing it over tights or a slim skirt too. Its not only chic, but also suitable for the I-feel-fat days that most ladies are familiar with.

Back in the scene are our reliable trusty chunky sweaters you can count on to keep you warm and cozy in a freezing lecture theatre. Throw on one of these no-brainers on a lazy day when you find it a chore to dress up and make it in time for school. If you want to look dressed up, pair it with a maxi or mini dress and you will appear on-trend instantly. To get the preppy look, layer a button-down shirt with a v-neck patterned sweater. This androgynous look works for both men and women. Snug and fashionable how perfect.

Throw your Havaianas aside and make way for the classic oxfords and loafers. Though its a style that started a few seasons ago, they can be spotted almost everywhere this fall on both men and women. They are the perfect everyday shoes, casual yet cute, not to mention versatile. These shoes are wonderful for the morning commute: you can be confident of running down the street and catching the bus in the morning or walking to your tutorial locations comfortably. For the ladies, pair it with ruffled socks or preppy leg warmers for this rainy season.

TREND
? Raudhah

y crystal ball predicts bright colour blocks as the upcoming trend this season. My crystal ball also says Id be insanely rich by the time I turn 22, but I kid. Inspired by Jill Sander and Proenza Schouler, bright, sunny pieces are the ones to keep this season. They not only instantly brighten your day, but also your appearance. They are perfect for creating that positive first impression on a first date or a day out in town with your girlfriends. Inspired by the 70s; the loud, electric colours are reminiscent of the disco era. That is not surprising, especially considering how old school is gradually making its comeback. Dont worry about wearing too much. In fact, embrace the trend by wearing layers for maximum effect. One way to wear colour blocks is by pairing similar colours together, like red and pink or green and yellow. Another would be to wear complementary colours like mustard and maroon or turquoise and pink. Either way, you are bound to stand out. In a good way of course!

Accessorize your look with plain jewelry so as to avoid looking too complicated. A simple, thin belt can do wonders. Not only is it flattering for your figure, but it also adds a dash of colour to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Dont fret about overspending on seasonal clothes that end up being just a fad. Pair that mustard top with a pair of black skinnys and you are ready for a night out. Or a white tee with that fuchsia skirt. In the blink of an eye, your bold statement clothes can turn into simple, everyday ensembles without losing that extra oomph. Remember the rule of thumb to colour blocking: the brighter and louder, the better! It is virtually impossible to look hideous wearing such vibrant, happy clothes. If you feel uncomfortable wearing too many colours, tone it down with brown sandals or dont accessorize at all. Remember, its not the clothes you wear but how you wear it. As Coco Chanel once said, Fashion fades, only style remains the same.

Pink sleeveless top from Dorothy Perkins

Blue top from Dorothy Perkins

Marc by Marc Jacobs Pink skirt from mustard top Dorothy Perkins

Palazzo pants from Axparis

Yellow dress from Dorothy Perkins

Burgundy Skinnys from Topshop

November 2011 | issue #08

Music
Editors Note Songs for Blue Mondays
? David

hen I try for a while to think of a witty and quirky object to relate music to, I cannot seem to find a single one that can assume the role of music in its entirety. I think of practical objects whose importance goes unnoticed, like tissue paper and rubber bands. I think of a piece of paper that is as blank as the artists canvas, waiting for the day when it becomes the backbone to a body of art. Pens, perhaps, because you never know when you need them. I vaguely consider coffee too for its gut-wrenching ability to keep me going. Then I realize that I shouldnt have to settle for one because music is all these and more to me, and perhaps to you as well. Music holds us together at the seams just like rubber bands and keeps us going like coffee does. Pens, like music, weave stories on pieces of paper to make us laugh or cry and the numerous functions of tissue paper may just as well be left up to common sense. In this issue, we appreciate the many roles that music has in our lives and we celebrate it by giving you 3 different playlists for 3 different occasions. Be it for Halloween, blue Mondays and wedding days, we walk you through these occasions that could do with a little music by their side. As always, enjoy. Rachel

o youve just gotten home on a stormy Monday, with a good portion of your jeans soaked and moisture plastering your hair onto your face, but that doesnt bother you. What does bother you is having been told during a lecture that your major isnt for people looking for a real job and that you have twenty impending assignments for modules under this particular major. Coupled with the overall dampness and all around, this Monday is looking particularly blue. So whats a maudlin undergrad to do when faced with insurmountable odds? Enter The Nationals Mistaken for Strangers, and submerge yourself into the subtle lyrical genius of Matt Berninger, who tells you that You have to do it runningeverything that they ask you to because you dont mind seeing yourself in a picture. It is a truly gratifying experience to affirm the adherence to stereotypical romanticism so peculiar to liberal arts undergraduates. Following the present cathartic vibe, Intro by The xx offers a minimalist instrumental piece and a nice surreal ambience that give your interiority a good shake-up; certainly a good warm up for Dull Life by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. This song packs a good punch, beginning with Karen Os haunting, yet disconnected vocals over soothing wide intervallic notes on the guitar. Then the band kicks into full throttle in an

instant, with Os anthemic proclamation of having seen the nightmare of the lies that you speak amongst cities of lights and glamour. Just the type of music that hipsters wished record labels never picked up. You marvel at the irony present. Were on a roll as far as insurmountable selfindulgence goes, so here is Please dont stop the rain by James Morrison for weary souls looking for some easy listening on a crappy day. Just hearing Morrisons raspy voice going let it fall, let it fall over the over-compressed production of pop songs these days convinces anyone that this English street busker-turnedpop star has more than enough soul in him to pull you out from the pits. By then again, Every day is exactly the same, or at least is the next title in line on this oppressive Monday. Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor boasts the ability to see the future because he has to repeat the same routine daily within the opening lines of this number, one perpetuated by heavy sampling and industrial vibes within this oddly introspective song. Well, youre almost at the end of the euphoria at engaging yourself with the thought that somewhere out there, within the magnificent legion of musical geniuses and melancholic lyricists, some people identify with your intangible sense of disorientation at everything

in particular today. Maybe Tomorrow, as Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics offers, youll have some reconciliation with yourself. But meanwhile, just kick back and enjoy Jones whiskey vocals, stating his preference for getting high with rainbow smiles over the little black clouds outside your window. Certainly I would pick rainbows and butterflies over damp, cloudy and utterly depressing Mondays, any day.

Photo Credits: Guus Krol, 29 April 2009, Flickr Commons

Photo Credits: Hilary Perkins, 24 June 2007, Flickr Commons

Songs to Get You in the Halloween Spirit

? Hugo

ts the time of the month again! The dead will come out to play, well dress up as evil ghouls, blood thirsty vampires and psychotic doctors. Hooray its Halloween! By now youve probably decided on what to wear for Halloween and made some crazy plans for some partying at the White Rabbit or God knows where. But if you havent and sworn to yourself that you will never ever celebrate Halloween after what happened last October, fret not because here are 4 songs that will get you back into the Halloween spirit right away. Fear of The Dark by Iron Maiden

Have you ever found yourself in a dark alley and suddenly get the feeling that someone is following you but when you turn back all you see is darkness? I know I have; and all you want to do is not look back but you just cant help it. I sometimes feel a little strange, A little anxious when its dark perfectly sums up how I feel when I get in this situation. Thriller by Michael Jackson

I remember watching Thriller when I was a child and feeling so scared when I saw Michael transform into a werewolf thinking that he would eat his girlfriend alive! Now of course, I appreciate the short story behind the music video and Im no longer afraid of Thriller (if I still did, then wed have bigger problems). Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett

made it to the Billboard top 100. It has been a perennial favourite ever since and we all know where Lonely Island got their inspiration from. This is Halloween by Marilyn Manson Featured in Tim Burtons A Nightmare Before Christmas, Mansons lyrics This is Halloween, everybody make a scene / Trick or treat till the neighbours die of fright really brings you back to the Halloween spirit with trick-or-treating. I remember when I was a child I would go down with my friends during Halloween to trick-ortreat around my block and we would race to see whod get the most candy.

Photo Credits: Pete Bilderback, 29 October 2008, Flickr Commons

Photo Credits: Stuart Anthony, 13 Jan 2006, Flickr Commons

A definite classic that should be mentioned. Youve probably tried to dance like the King a thousand times but you just cant seem to get the dance moves right. No worries because to tell you the truth, no one did it better than he did. Thriller will forever be associated with Halloween because of its zombies dancing in a magnificently choreographed fashion.

The zombies were having fun, the party had just begun, the guests included Wolf Man Dracula and his son If anyone knows of such a cool party please contact me because Id love to be there! On a more serious note, Monster Mash was released in 1962 just in time for Halloween and

Photo Credits: Johannes Ruckstuhl, 3 March 2011, Flickr Commons

As always, happy Halloween everybody.

November 2011 | issue #08

Music

Songs for Your Wedding Day

? Andy

ts your wedding day! Hurray! Or so you think. Your alarm clock rings itself senseless as you slumber out of bed. Youre totally hungover, your head is splitting from the bachelor party last night. Looking at the chaos around you, you see random clothes scattered around your room, beer bottles all over the place. Barely able to remember your bachelor party the night before, you slap yourself awake. Strangely enough, a song comes to your head: 1) Last Friday Night by Katy Perry

nagging. Before long, just to shut her up, you promise to get ready immediately. Reluctantly turning Oprah Winfrey off, you shuff le back into your room to get ready. Squeezing into a spiffy tux, you hear your best man shouting for you outside. Trying to not look like a zombie from a horror show, you stumble into the waiting limo where your best man looks as stoned as you. With both of you being unable to talk, you ask for the radio to be turned up and slump back on your seat. After the annoying chirpy DJ finishes describing how beautiful the day is, you hear the title of the next song: 3) The Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani

angrily, Son, are you drunk? Pushing you back up, just in time for the arrival of your beauty, you cannot help but carry on with the service. As the priest drones on and on about the sacredness of today, you cannot seem to focus. Refusing to look at your bride, you distract yourself by looking around. The whole chapel seems happy except you. Even the weather seems to be mocking you, with ironically happy rays of sunlight shining in through the stained glass of the chapel. Suddenly you feel a sharp poke at your back. Its your best man bringing you back to earth. Its time to exchange vows. Your happy bride goes first. She goes on and on about heaven meeting earth, about two destinies joining as one. You can barely stay awake. Then its your turn. Pulling your fingers out of your ears, you turn to the congregation. Instead of a vow, you have prepared a song. The crowd goes Awwww, you turn to your best man who begins to play the song.

across the congregation. You stand there smirking with satisfaction as the looks on their faces evolve to plain disgust. Your bride doesnt know how to respond. As the song comes to an end, you turn to her and plant a wet sloppy kiss on her, just to spice up the show. Looking up, totally pleased with yourself, you cannot understand why the crowd is in such an uproar. To you, that was the sweetest thing youve ever done for a girl As the day drags on, you eventually find yourself at the wedding dinner. Bored stiff by all the formal greetings going around, you decide to hang out by the DJ console while everyone goes around socializing. Feeling tipsy from one too many bottles of beer, you decide to have some fun. Knocking out the DJ, you take over the console, shouting a dedication to the Bride, and play the most charming song you know: 6) Sexy and I Know It by LMFAO

Hmmm. You wonder why this seems to be your only memory from last night. You try hard to remember what happened last night, but you stop because your head feels like its splitting right down the center. Walking to the bedside, you start up your radio on the way to the bathroom. Draining yourself of all the toxic waste you consumed last night, the tune of your favorite song comes wafting through the bathroom: 2) The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars

If I could escape, now tell me boy wouldnt that be sweet? You turn to your best man and your eyes meet as you both realize the fate awaiting. Before you know it, youre crying in his arms the rest of the way to the wedding. What on earth did you sign up for? Breaking you out of your moment of selfpity is your limo driver announcing that youve reached the chapel. Wiping away your tears, you let yourself be dragged out of the limo into the church. Being as late as you are, you only just have enough time to get into position before the ceremony starts. The congregation quiets down, the priest clears his throat with a hint of annoyance and all eyes turn to the back of the chapel as the doors open. The organ starts playing that melodic tone that everyone knows so well. Yet as your bride walks down the aisle, all you hear in your head is: 4) The Imperial March from Star Wars The dramatic organ beats, the foreboding mood, the crowd gasps at the Brides beautiful dress, yet all you see is the entrance of the Dark Lord. It almost seems like a nightmare waiting to happen. You subconsciously shrink away, taking a step backwards. Bumping into the priest, all you hear is a sharp intake of breath. With a disapproving stare, the priest mutters

5) My First Kiss by 3OH!3

Before long, you find yourself dancing to the beat! You cant control yourself! This song is too awesome! Besides, youre so sure she loves your dance moves. So you rock the f loor! She walks up to you. You smile at her expecting a kiss or at least a hug. Yet what comes is a tight slap to the face. Fuming mad, she screams at your face, telling everyone it was a mistake to marry you. With that, she turns around, storms out of the dinner, leaving you utterly confused. Every single one of the guests leaves the dinner without saying anything to you. Even your mom leaves with just a disgusted glare. Sitting alone at the stage with only your best man beside you, you try to understand what happened today. Being the help he always is, your best man stands up, pats you on the back and assures you hell make you feel better. He then walks over to the DJ console and plays one last song to end the night:

Like revelation from above, the lyrics hit you, and the temptation to slack off overwhelms you. Bah! Who cares about the wedding? You decide not to do anything today. Walking out of your room, ignoring the tuxedo hanging by the wall, you turn on the TV and collapse on your couch. Thats when your phone rings. Its the Mother. With a voice reaching an octave that only she can achieve, she asks you where you are. Cue endless

The song blasts through the chapel, with its old speakers amplifying its message

7) Lonely by Akon

November 2011 | issue #08

film
? Tracy

Dogville
content and treatment of the films narrative. The story portrays the changing attitudes of the townsfolk as Grace struggles to remain welcomed. Dogvilles residents consist of a collective of archetypal small town characters led by a young writer, Tom Edison Jr, played by Paul Bettany. Police visits that bring Missing and Wanted posters make the town wary of Grace, and the events that follow depict the emergence of the sinister side of the human condition. Grace finds herself alienated from the rest of the inhabitants as she spirals into an almost surreal sort of torture. The set design is experimentally minimalistic. Spaces in the town are created by chalk outlines and writing on the ground. The entire set resembles a Cluedo board. It feels strange at first, but as soon as you immerse yourself, you see the potential for setting and character development these invisible walls offer. The cast manages to deliver their roles convincingly despite the lack of a material set. The characters go about their business compellingly as if they are shielded from each other, hidden behind the invisible walls of their homes. Simultaneously disconcerting and amazing, the audience is further alienated by the surreal nature of it. The best use of this is in a rape scene where the crime goes completely unnoticed by the residents as they go about their business, completely unperturbed by the act that is actually going on in plain sight. Sound effects create materiality where there is none; non-existent doors creak and gravel crunches underfoot as characters walk across the stage floor. The audience is distanced from the reality of the film and are instead made to focus on the action and performances of the actors. Light is used to suggest time and mood in scenes. Orange hues create a sunset over the horizon and a blood red moon underscores ominous nightime events. Shapes of light that are projected in the chalk drawn squares of the houses also simulate lit homes, in contrast with the darkness of the streets. The film expertly blurs the boundaries between theatre and film and is well worth watching if you are a fan of both. Dogville is both engaging and thought provoking, and is a personal favourite for all the elements listed. It may not be best way to spend three hours for fans of traditional Hollywood blockbusters, but it will prove a welcome eye-opener for film buffs Indie cinema fans alike. Dogville was screened locally at a film festival in 2004, but never released commercially. You can find it at film rental services or on the internet. See a trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rPllm4WEXw

Photo Credits: Quicheisinsane, March 15 2010, Flickr Commons

Photo Credits: Tannerharvey, March 23 2005, Flickr Commons

et in the 1930s, Grace Margaret Mulligan, played by Nicole Kidman, takes refuge from a mysterious gangster in the isolated mountain town of Dogville. The tale that ensues becomes as brilliantly bizarre as the mise en scene that the director, Lars Von Trier, utilises. Alienation is key in both the

Photo Credits: Quicheisinsane, March 15 2010, Flickr Commons

Lido IMAX: Worth The Money?

? Marguerita

specifically adapted for its screen; flawless previews of underwater adventures and action-packed blockbusters. The first five minutes makes anyone forget their popcorn and drink combo (making the experience even more expensive).
Photo Credits: Jerry Wong, 31 May 2011, Flickr Commons

t took a while for me to see what the hype about Lidos IMAX, which opened in May this year, was. I finally managed to watch the final Harry Potter movie on it back in July and seriously, the price shocked me. Tickets to The Worlds Most Immersive Movie Experience range from $17, for off peak 2D tickets, to $22 for 3D at peak hour. Normal tickets only cost $7.50 to $10. People might ask whether its worth it, and really, what do you get for paying so much more? The IMAX claims to offer: crystal-clear images, immersive sound quality and, most importantly, a distinct movie experience. The cinemas definitely an The seats are of the screen. panoramic 22m screen is intimidating sight at first. raised to take full advantage They show trailers of movies

But! When the movie begins, you tend to forget these details. Unless youre incredibly picky, a movie is still just a movie. And if you end up with terrible seats at the corner, its a painful stretch to see the other end of that gigantic screen. So is the picture worth it? Choose the right seats and the right movie, and just maybe. On to sound quality: the idea of laser-aligned digital surround sound sounds amazing no pun intended. Again, the first five minutes will impress you. The opening preview goes all out to show off. Im sure everyone is familiar with the Dolby Digital opening you hear in regular cinemas. Its like that, but with better loudspeakers that dont make noises of protest when they have hit the maximum volume. But, once again, when the movie starts you really cannot differentiate. I would say when it comes to sound, not worth it.

Lastly, a distinct movie experience: $22 to see a 3D movie on opening day is a lot. A misconception we had is that images should be jumping out of the screen in a 3D movie. But everyone knows by now that, at best, it creates depth and adds layers to a flat picture. For those who wear spectacles, 3D glasses can be frustrating to keep on. The Shaw IMAX 3D glasses are surprisingly lightweight and most stay on the face the entire time which is a huge plus. But, again, if you want to see your movie jumping out of the screen then youll be disappointed. If anything, it is more disappointing that such a huge screen is not capable of making your favourite action heros presence more pronounced and make things fly straight at you. So overall verdict? I would say, like any experience, its worth a shot at least once. My advice is to choose the right movie something made for that screen and to choose seats that are dead centre where all the action is. But if youre the type of person who wants to watch a movie for its plot rather than its sound and image quality, go to a normal cinema. You save over $10 and get the same movie, though

on a smaller screen. Spend the extra $10 on another movie or two. Awesome.

Photo Credits: Bill McChesney, 23 July 2011, Flickr Commons

November 2011 | issue #08

film

50/50
? Justin

o you go to your doctors for a minor ailment. He sits you down and proceeds to gently break the news to you. Youve been diagnosed with cancer. Random? Sure. Unfair? Definitely. Will you survive? Maybe. Joseph Gordon-Levitts character, Adam, has to contend with all these questions swirling around his brain as he reflects on his new status as a cancer patient. He goes into shock and denial immediately, telling his doctor that this must be a mistake. Adam has always abstained from drinking and smoking. He even recycles! If that isnt an example of clean living, nothing is. Seth Rogen, who plays Adams best friend, Kyle, is in his element here as he frequently turns Adams illness into a light hearted matter. When Adam tells him that hes been

given a 50/50 chance of survival, Kyle comforts him by highlighting the fact that those are the best odds he could get in a casino. Aside from making light of Adams illness, Kyle fashions it into a pick-up line. He goads Adam into casually slipping in I have cancer into a conversation with a girl at a nightclub. It falls flat. The resultant extrication of Adam by Kyle from this awkward situation is comedy gold, as they review just why the pick-up line didnt work. Gordon-Levitt gives a nuanced performance as Adam, who goes from shock and denial over his condition to acceptance of it. Without overplaying his vulnerability, Adam feels relatable to the audience instead of just a celluloid character. Rogen takes the opposite approach, taking the opportunity to ham it

up in any given scene. Subtlety is apparently not in his acting repertoire but it works as a countermeasure to Gordon-Levitt understated character. This interplay between Adam and Kyle underpins the whole movie. Rogen and Gordon-Levitt play off each others characters to great comedic effect. A somewhat clichd story about a cancer patient losing hope before finding the strength and courage to carry on is enlivened by the duos comedic hijinks as they stumble through the quagmire that is cancer. 50/50 opens in local cinemas on 1st December 2011. See the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMaJET7mD0M
Photo Credits: Jim Bob, 9 October 2011, Google Commons

Photo Credits: Jim Bob, 8 October 2011, Google Commons

Telling the Heros Tale

? Sher Li

Once our heros established with a loyal fan base, and his series has run for quite a bit, the next logical step is to adapt it into a movie. This year alone, weve seen The Green Hornet, Green Lantern, X-Men: First Class, Captain America: The First Avenger, and Thor, with at least three more comic book adaptations slated for release next year, including The Avengers, featuring an ensemble cast of various Marvel heroes. Putting a comic book hero on the big screen for the first time will always be difficult, especially since they have to both please fans and garner new ones. The first movie of the franchise (if it turns into one) is stuck with explaining the heros origins and setting up his world as a whole. At times, action is sacrificed for back-story, if the filmmakers are not careful.

fans. The rest of the franchise gives filmmakers a chance to develop the mythology of the superheros world, introducing new villains, and allies, until a reboot is deemed necessary. Most superheroes have been around for decades, giving directors and screenwriters massive amounts of material to work with. This can be both a boon and a bane. The current trend is to pile on villains and crises with every sequel, in an attempt to draw on as much material of the source material as possible. The Spiderman trilogy is a good example. The third movie especially, is packed with too many villains and sub-plots, and was somewhat a disappointment to Spideys fans.

Another approach is to raise the stakes with each film, instead of putting in more subplots. The X-Men series, for instance, provides the characters with threats to mutant-kind (and humanity) that grow in magnitude with every film. This allowed for new characters to be introduced as required by the crisis at hand, but allowed for returning characters to be developed as well. Then, theres the ensemble film. What could be more awesome than throwing a bunch of superheroes together? If enthusiasm for The Avengers is anything to go by, this is definitely another way to go about adapting further comic book material to film. Of course, the ensemble film has its own problems: namely, providing enough screen-time and development for each member of the group of heroes or face the wrath of the superhero fans. Making superhero movies can be tricky. Theres always the source material to consider: stick true to the comics, or create a reinterpretation of them? Which villains do you include in the film? Which allies? Which plotlines to choose?

Photo Credits: Jason Barr, 31 May 2011, Google Commons

veryone loves a good hero; or villain, but thats a story for another day. The characters and the setting might change, but at the heart of all superhero stories is a simple formula: the hero lives a perfectly ordinary life, till conflict is introduced, and our hero sets off to save the world (love interest optional).This doesnt mean the stories are formulaic. If anything, the abundance of comic book superheroes has shown that this basic idea can be reinterpreted and retold in many different ways.
November | issue#03

Christopher Nolans Batman Begins provides a good example of how a comic book film can strike this balance. Nolan managed to set up a very distinct version of Gotham City and depict Batmans origin, alongside a crisis that kept audiences engaged. If an adaptation manages something like that, you have struck goldboth with audiences and

And, of course, there are the fans to consider. Its always difficult to draw in new fans, while trying not to alienate longtime fans of the franchise. However, as response to The Avengers movie has been as enthusiastic, there is probably hope yet after all, everyone loves a good hero story.

November 2011 | issue #08

Food/Travel
Pancakes Please!
? Wendy

pancakes all day. Finally, someone has recognized that pancakes are not just breakfast food! The brainchild of Joanne Chuah and Eunice Leow, Strictly Pancakes offers f luffy home-made pancakes with authentic maple syrup and five (yes, five!) different types of f lavored butter. My favorite will have to be their garlic buttergive me a tub of this, and I can have plain pancakes with it every day! I would say that there are no pancakes in NTU but I am sure somewhere in the crowded room a hand would f ly up and arrogantly proclaim McDonalds hotcake! No! They are not warm and f luffy as pancakes should be, and McDonalds maple syrup does not even have real maple in it!

Aunts Agony: Suck It Up

? Amira

1. Do you have an obsession with beards? o You should be writing this to the closeted gays magazine. 2. I dont like my butt. What do I do? o Just because you dont like it doesnt mean everyone else shares your opinion. Seek other opinions and have it photographed so that you can assess it properly. You might be surprised at its many fans. 3. Hi aunt agony, Ive always worn heels everywhere because I hate being short. Recently, my ankles have been hurting and my mother advised me to stop wearing heels. I dont want to stop wearing heels but I want my ankles to stop hurting too. o Remember, f lats are for quitters. 4. My friend thinks its funny to fart on me. How do I tell him to stop doing so? o Fart on your friend and see how he likes. It. If he likes it, then I think you need to find a new friend. 5. I recently joined Twitter and want more followers. What do you think I should do? o Constantly spam people with Follow 4 follow??? :DDD and most definitely dont use a real photo of yourself as the avatar. I would actually recommend any random picture of Justin Bieber. 6. Do you love fairies? o Ive never met one. 7. Its almost a month to finals and my assignments have been piling up. Ive been having a hard time keeping up with my assignments and also taking into account my revision time. Can you give some good study tips? o You will either need to sacrifice sleep or your social life. If you cant do that, then I would recommend getting a time turner. Good luck! Contact our residential aunt at: blackhole.press@gmail.com with your questions

efore Starbucks arrived on our shores and found itself a home at the Student Activities Centre, my Mondays were especially blue, and classmates, especially grouchy. Now, armed with my trusty cup of Starbucks Caramel Macchiato (I usually ask for soy milk and an extra shot of espresso,) I no longer fear these dreadful 9am classes. While I am grateful that the school has got our daily caffeine requirements well taken care of, a little part of me is dying to ask, Can I have pancakes too? A month ago, a friend of mine brought me to 44A Prinsep Street and introduced Strictly Pancakes, where they serve

Strictly Pancakes strives to provide the ultimate pancake experience, and from what I see (and taste) I think they are spot on. The menu offers a variety of sweet and savoury pancake dishes; and with names like lemon curd for the nerds and benedict the thief , who can resist? I want these pancakes every day of the week, every week of the month, and every month of the year, with my cup of Caramel Macchiato (with soy milk and an extra shot of espresso.) But there is one problem: Strictly Pancakes is only strictly available at 44A Prinsep Street. Someone bring Strictly Pancakes to NTU, please?

November 2011 | issue #08