y! magazine march-april 2010
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Adila Shakir: Small Girl,Big VoiceThink MathematicallyMAKE-OVER 1, 2, 3Travelling in Siem Reap
Which Resume Suits You Best
Holiday Activities
with a Twist
Make the Best of School
Edu Zone: My College Experience
Editor’s Note
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3 Whassup
5 Happenin’
6 Cover Story
10 Job Jump
13 Edu Zone
18 Edu Aid
22 College Oomph
24 Holiday Feature
26 Travelogue
28 Girl Power
30 Movie Reviews
32 Music Review
I wonder if it’s just me – but it feels like just yesterday that I was putting on my party clothes and ushering in 2010! And now that the festivities (and non-stop eating and drinking!) are over, I guess it’s time to be serious and to put in what we want to reap for 2010. How is the year unfolding for you so far?
Recently, a friend’s Facebook status message read “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you do. So throw off your bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
And my friend had quoted Mark Twain on that.
If you don’t know who Mark Twain (1835 – 1910) is, he was an American author, noted for his literary classics such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Now, you may think me odd, fancy quoting a man who’s long gone here in my editor’s note. But a quote like this is too good to not be shared! I am amazed that something written by a man who passed away exactly 100 years ago is still valid and sets off a resounding message for me (and I hope for you too!) – go, do things and don’t sit around waiting for things to happen!
While you are getting busy ‘doing things’ at school or in college, we’ve also compiled a list of activities with a twist (page 24) which you can indulge in this upcoming mid-semester holiday.
In this issue’s cover story “Small Girl, Big Voice” (page 6), we caught up with RedFM’s Breakfast Show’s co-host Adila Shakir, or more affectionately known as Dilly. Getting to where she is today wasn’t an easy road, but she took it in stride and gained invaluable life experiences along the way.
Our resident writer, a Mass Communications graduate, shares her tale about transitioning from secondary school to college, and the fun she got up to during her undergraduate days in My College Experience (page 13), while Stephen Ronee Lau tells you How To Make The Best of Your Time at School (page 20).
The travel bug took columnist Daphne Maia on a trip to Siem Reap in Cambodia (page 26) and don’t forget to check out our calendar of events and happening for the months of March and April in Whassup!
Till the next issue, be good! :)
Cheers,
Doreen
whassupContributors
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AIESEC TUC (Taylor’s University College)
General ManagementGeneral Manager Kristine Williams
EditorialEditor: Doreen LooWriter: Sharmini H.Contributors: Daphne Maia Dawson Chong Mala Anandan See Hoon Peow Stephen Ronee Lau
Sales & Advertising Manager Terence Chin
Marketing, Circulation & SubscriptionManager Sharmini H.
Administration & AccountsManager Ally Pua
Art Direction & Design Raymond Yap
Printer Graphic Tech (M) Sdn. Bhd. Jalan Tanming 5, Taman Tanming Jaya 43300 Balakong Selangor.
PublisherDescartes Education Counselling Centre Sdn Bhd (76928-U)57A. Jalan SS21/1A, Damansara Utama.47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.Tel: 03-7726 0453Fax: 03-7727 0451Email: [email protected]
DistributionFree copies to schools, colleges and universities nationwide
SubscriptionGet it delivered to your doorstep for RM8 per copy.
DisclaimerAll rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of Y!. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors in advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations. All advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations are respectively the advertisers’, writers’, photographers’ and illustrators’ personal observation and view, and does not reflect Y!’s opinion. All prices are correct at time of going to press.
Official Media Partner for
TUC
Daphne Maia is a full-time Social Media Consultant, part-time
blogger and writer, and some-time travel backpacker. She currently
lives in Singapore, and probably spends too much time blogging, and on
Facebook and Twitter. She believes in personal branding, social media
marketing, the medicinal powers of coffee, budget airlines, immaculate
English grammar, Richard Branson, and Hello Kitty.
Many youth our age are still loafing around finding their direction to set
things right. By prima facie, yes, Dawson Chong is like them
too and loves playing and joking around with his friends. Dawson wants
you to not judge a book by its cover. He has high aspirations and wants
to be a Member of Parliament just like the vocal YB Fong Po Kuan.
Dawson is currently in Year 2, pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce; with
Economics and Marketing as his majors. He will most probably do a law
degree after this to equip himself for the political arena.
Mala Anandan who is currently dwelling in Melbourne ‘Down
Undah’ Australia believes that dreaming boldly is a superpower we
should make best use of. A huge fan of her mum and dad superheroes
by day and night, she reckons their advice on courageous living has
her walking tall.
See Hoon Peow is trained in Law and Sociology & Anthropology.
But his real passion is in Philosophy. Hoon Peow built his career in
education, and is now Principal to KBU International College. Thinking
and writing are his hobbies. He thinks, therefore he writes.
Stephen Ronee Lau is a professional creative consultant, author
and presenter of his own mindset development and training programs.
Confident that our mindsets are the foundation of everything we do,
he believes that everyone can be trained or coached towards achieving
satisfaction in life, especially in careers and personal development.
If you like to know more about his mindset development
programs, he would love to hear from you via email at stephen@
selfdevelopmentforall.com or read his free self development topics at
www.selfdevelopmentforall.com.
MARCH 2010
2nd Bolehman Comedy Theatre presents Kit Siang at The Actor’s Studio Lot 10. Check out www.theactorsstudio.com.my for more info.
4th Invictus opens in cinemsas nationwide today!
6th Malaysia in 24 Hours – Underwater Sceneries of Malaysia Official Launch of DVD Album & Photography Exhibition at the National Art Gallery Malaysia.
10thAmerican Idol 2005 winner, Carrier Underwood celebrates her 2tth birthday today!
12th–14th Disney on Ice at Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil. For ticketing and show times, check out www.axcess.com.my
18thPutrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is back for the second time! Visit http://www.myballoonfiesta.com for information.
19th–20th Diva Sammi Cheng is back in town for her Love Mi Concert 2010 at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands. For ticketing info, check out www.axcess.com.my
24th The Actor’s Studio & Malaysian AIDS Foundation presents Life Sdn. Bhd. 5 – I’m Positive at the Actor’s Studio Lot 10. Check out www.theactorsstudio.com.my for more info.
25thMark Beau de Silva is back with another new comedy drama in Jesus Lives in South Korea at KLPAC. Visit www.klpac.com for show times and ticketing.
4th
10th
19th-20th
20th
24th
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whassup
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Happenin’
APRIL 2010
1st Pranks galore this April Fool’s Day!
4th–6th F1 Petronas Grand Prix is back at the Sepang International Circuit
6th3rd KL Open Chess Championship organized by the Kuala Lumpur Chess Association.
16th–18th PIKOM PC Fair at the KLCC Convention Centre
16th–18th 12th Post Graduate Education Fair 2010, organized by AIC Exhibitions Sdn. Bhd. at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre.
22nd Do your part this International Earth Day. For more info, log on to www.earthday.net
22nd The toys are back! Toys Story 3 opens in cinemas nationwide today!
28th Jessica Albaturns 29 today!
28th
4th-6th
22th
6thThe Poet & The Rent at KL Performing Arts Centre The Poet & The Rent at KL Performing Arts
Centre
KLPAC director Kelvin Wong will be taking on
Pullitzer Prize winner David Mamet’s The Poet
and The Rent.
David is a young poet who improvises poems
for money in the park – being behind in his rent,
he becomes a nightwatchman and is robbed by
thieves who talk him into joining them. Later
getting into trouble and ending up in jail, an
ad executive (who’s heard of David’s poems)
offers him a job writing promotional material
for a (noxious) car sanitizer. Faced with the
dilemma of writing what he loves or writing for
what he needs, David must make his choice
– will he forgo the poet in him forever?
An energetic, farcical adventure with colourful,
larger-than-life characters and plenty of pie-
throwing, The Poet and the Rent is Mamet’s
hilarious treat for children, teens and adults
alike.
Featuring Banun Atina, Maybel Chan, Shirin
Jauhari, Erin Marie, Hana Mazlan, Pepe, Marina
Tan, Alexis Wong, Marvin Wong and Tim Howe
as Aunt Georgie.
To be held from 31 March – 4 April at Pentas 2
of the KLPAC, tickets are priced at RM 35, RM
28 (senior citizens) and RM23 (students and
disabled). School groups promotions available.
Visit www.klpac.com for more information.
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Actuarial Analyst Provides Pointers for Success “Students today are focusing so much on
passing their professional exams that they
are neglecting an important aspect that
can enhance their chances of success in the
workplace,” said Sean Chin Jiunn Hau, an
actuarial analyst at Deloitte Consulting LLP,
Minneapolis, USA and an alumnus of INTI
College Subang Jaya (ICSJ)’s American Degree
Transfer Program (AUP).
“As a student of INTI back then, I took full
advantage of the many opportunities available
to interact with my peers through extra-
curricular activities. My coursemates and I
could take charge of major events and run
things by ourselves and prove our abilities
beyond academic achievements. At work, one
is not only expected to be knowledgeable in
one’s area of expertise but also to know how to
do a presentation, present ideas in writing, talk
convincingly and persuasively, and question in
effective manner,” he added.
Sean, who graduated from Drake University
in 2008, shared his wisdom with AUP students
during a recent visit to ICSJ and spoke of
his delight in securing a full-time position at
Deloitte during the financial crisis.
“Sean’s perspective is very important to us
as we raise awareness among students of the
significance of being all-rounders,” said Joyce
Yuen, President of INTI Subang. “At INTI,
we ensure students get the message on how
important soft skills and experiential learning
are. Talks by our alumni such as Sean reinforce
the message.”
Cover Story Cover Story
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Adila Shakir, or more popularly known as Dilly, is the sweet and petite half
of RedFM’s Breakfast Show. Catching up with her on
a weekday afternoon, Doreen Loo was
pleasantly surprised that Dilly is still as chirpy and
upbeat as she was on air at 6:00am that morning!Small Girl,
Big Voice
Tell us a little bit about your education
background; which school you went to;
which college / university did you attend
and for what course?
My family was based in Saudi Arabia all through
my primary school years, but I was back in
Johor Bahru for my secondary school years
and attended SM Sultanah Engku Tun Aminah.
Coming back to Malaysian schooling was a big
culture shock! In Saudi Arabia, I attended an
international school where things
were very different; the teachers didn’t put
us down and encouraged independence and
creativity. After completing my SPM, I enrolled
into a Liberal Arts degree programme at INTI
College in Subang Jaya. I didn’t finish that
programme though, because it required me
to go overseas, and finances didn’t allow for
it then. So I returned to Johor Bahru where I
started work and at the same time studied for
a Diploma in Business Administration. I felt it
was a general enough qualification for me to
kickstart things.
What sort of a student were you like back
in school?
Back in Saudi Arabia, I was a happy student
who enjoyed going to school. Looking back,
I think the environment was more conducive
for learning. There were kids from countries all
over the world, and race was never an issue.
Coming back here, it felt like the whole purpose
of studying was to cram for exams. And there’s
just so many of us in one class!
What was your transition from school to
college/university like?
I enrolled in college and thought, OK, I’m here
to study and so wanted to keep a low profile,
but was voted Ms. Freshie (laughs)! College
days were an exciting chapter in my life, and
some of my closest friends today happen to be
from college days!
So what made you pursue the course you
did at university? Tell us more about the
course, what you enjoyed, did it equip
you with the skills and knowledge as a
young working adult entering the media/
communications industry?
Like most school leavers, I wasn’t quite sure
what I wanted to do. I mean, I knew that I
wanted to be in the entertainment and/or
arts industry, so that’s how I ended up doing
the Liberal Arts (Mass Comm) programme.
Unfortunately, money wasn’t easy to come by
and so I couldn’t complete the programme. I
guess that’s why financial independence is so
important for me today. On the importance of
education, I won’t deny it. But your qualification
only gets you so far. Once you’re in, you need
the right work attitude and plenty of common
sense to make it in the industry.
Continued on the next page …
Cover Story
Have you always wanted to be a radio DJ? In my teenage years in JB, I grew up listening to Singaporean radio stations and my interest started there. Growing up also, I used to love reading out loud. And when it came to stories, on top of reading out loud, I gave each character different voices as well! I’m also a voice-over talent today; and currently engaged in a couple of cartoon productions such as Alamaya The Movie and Saladin among others. I enjoyed using my voice, so I’m one of those lucky ones that made their childhood playtime an income generating portfolio today!
So what does it take to be a radio personality? You have to be prepared to work hard! Right now, on top of being on the Breakfast Show, we are our own producers, and when it comes to content, we do our own research, editing, and everything else in between!
How did you first get started at RedFM? I started my career as a voice talent, and from there I built my connections and was introduced to the world of advertising and radio. After a couple of jobs – a telemarketer, doing outdoor advertising and then worked for a lifestyle publication, where coincidentally was where I met JD for the first time. After some years, our paths crossed, and JD was already with RedFM, and he suggested I try radio. To be honest, I was quite hesitant at first. But then I got my demo done, sent it in, got an interview and got offered the job in 2007. I started with a weekend show only, then a 2-day show, and eventually progressed to a mid-day show. Some time in 2008, the station paired me up with JD and we were given the Breakfast Show!
What is being on the Breakfast Show like? Challenging! It was a lot of hard work and we had much to prove because of the show’s predecessors. But we took it on, put in a lot of effort and here we are today! You’ll never know until you try – that’s what I believe in. JD and I work well together, and we’ve got great chemistry. Sometimes we do have our bad days and rub each other the wrong way, but I’d like to think we are professional enough to not let those days transcend on-air, and by the time we’re done with work, we’re fine. It’s bound to happen – it’s just human nature.
What is the biggest misconception people have about radio DJs? That it’s glamorous! But it’s work! We are up at 4:30am, then head straight for the studio and start the show. After the show, there’s lots of production work to be done… so it’s a job really!
What’s the best part about your job? No traffic jam. The worst? Waking up and having no social life because we have to sleep early.
What was the most rewarding/interesting/enlightening interaction with a listener that you’ve had?When I was still doing the mid-day show, I once had a call from this listener who told me he used to be a DJ in the States, and gave me some tips about doing the show. I felt like he was honestly genuine, and actually did learn a few things from him. He continued to call once in a while. Unfortunately, we’re now no longer in touch, and till today I’ve yet to meet him! So there, my mysterious mentor. I’m sure he would have been proud of me today now that I’m on the Breakfast Show.
What is the strangest request you have ever gotten from a fan or listener? I won’t call it a request… but JD and I once had an email from an Australian soldier who was based in Butterworth who said that he loved our show! We were taken aback, but complimented nevertheless! I mean, an Australian armed forces personnel listening to us? Wow.
What do you consider to be your best moment as a DJ?When we got to interview the cast of Mamma Mia! The interview itself was fun and casual, and at the end, we even got to sing with them!
How many cups of coffee do you drink during a typical four-hour show?Four cups of kopi-o!
Where is your fave hang-out? Home! I got my own place at 28, and
I worked hard for it. So I enjoy spending my time at home. Sometimes I have friends over to hang out with and cook for; otherwise, I’m just chilling and relaxing on my own.
If you were given the opportunity to study again, what course or field would you like to pursue? I dabbled in make-up before, and sometimes still do some freelance work. But if I were to study again, I’d want to do a trainer’s course, maybe to train make-up artists? Or do training and deportment. There are a lot of retail sales staff out there who could do with some soft skills training in dealing with customers as well as have their image spruced up!
What or who inspires you the most? My dad! And the success stories of others.
Words of advice for students wanting to pursue careers in the media and communications industry? What I am doing today was influenced by what I saw on TV growing up. Choose your programmes, watch how presenters deliver their content, emulate and then make it your own. If voice-over is what you’re interested in, practice. Get your demos done, go out, meet people and keep an open mind. Don’t expect your grades only to help you. Personality is important because you want to stand out. It’s important to interact with people. Start somewhere; even a job at Starbucks allows you to meet plenty of people!
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Job Jump
Don’t take your resume for granted! Any job-
hunter worth his salt knows a good resume is
the key to a job interview and, ultimately, to
employed status. Aside from being a summary
of abilities, experience and education, a
resume should reveal your unique selling point
to make a potential employer want to get to
know you better.
The secret of an irresistible resume -- it is
suited to a specific job offer and addresses
the position’s requirements. A tailored resume
carries more impact than a one-size-fits-all.
If your resume is in need of a makeover, the
first step to take is to organize information
under specific headings such as education,
work experience, honors, skills and activities.
When you have it all on paper, decide on the
proper resume format to play up outstanding
qualities that make a perfect fit for the job
opening. Take a look at the different kinds of
resumes below and choose the one that suits
your particular job-hunter profile:
This format is the most conventional and puts
emphasis on an itemized employment history.
A job seeker’s career milestones are presented
in reverse chronological order, starting with
the current or last position held. Each position
should contain a description of responsibilities
and a few bullet points of accomplishments.
This resume type is best for candidates with
solid experience and progressive job history in
a field or industry. It lends itself well to those
with accumulated work experience relevant to
the job offered and who want to continue along
a similar career path.
by Charisse Laurel Article courtesy of Jobstreet.com
Know Which Resume Type Suits You Best
Job Jump
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Below is the suggested format, but be
sure to customize it according to the job’s
requirements:
å Objective
ç Summary
é Employment History
è Education
ê Professional affiliations
ë Community Affiliations
Resume authorities agree that most employers
prefer this resume style because it is based
on facts and is easily digestible. It clearly
demonstrates at a glance your career
movements and progress over the years.
The functional resume is one that organizes
work history into sections that highlight areas
of skill and accomplishment. This resume
variety allows candidates to give prominence
to the set of skills and experiences they deem
most relevant to the position. It may be a good
choice for job hoppers, career changers and
fresh graduates.
Job hoppers can use it to help make sense of
seemingly disconnected experiences and show
correlation between skills and accomplishments
not made obvious in a traditional chronological
format.
On the other hand, career shifters and recent
graduates can utilize this resume type to display
transferable skills and related achievements to
convince employers of their suitability for the
post.
This resume type often takes this format:
å Objective
ç Summary
é Skill Areas
è Employment History
ê Education
ë Professional Affiliations
í Community Affiliations
Be warned, however, that a functional
resume could raise concerns that it hides
information gaps and covers up spotty
employment records. Employers might also
encounter difficulties matching skills and
accomplishments with actual job titles, dates
and responsibilities. To avoid this, include the
company name in the bulleted description of
your accomplishments. Moreover, don’t omit at
least a brief chronological listing of your work
experience in your functional resume.
As the term implies, the combination
resume tries to merge the best features of
both chronological and functional types --
incorporating both a chronological work history
and a skills and achievements section.
In this format, skills and accomplishments get
top billing followed by employment history.
However, experts caution that the combination
resume may not sit well with some employers,
who may find these longer resumes particularly
repetitious and confusing. This format can
be a good tool, however, for someone who
possesses strong editing skills.
Curriculum vitae
The curriculum vitae is sometimes used
interchangeably with resume. But by formal
definition, curriculum vitae refers to a detailed,
lengthy and structured outline of educational
background, publications, projects, awards and
work history. It could run up to 20 pages and
is usually suitable for educators and scientists
boasting extensive academic and professional
credentials and seeking positions in education
or research.
Here is the recommended format for the
curriculum vitae:
å Education
ç Publications
é Projects
è Awards
ê Employment History
Electronic resume
Simply put, the electronic resume is one that
can be sent by e-mail or on the Internet, and is
specially formatted for scanning and searching
by optical scanning systems. This format is the
one frequently used when sending resumes
through electronic resume banks and job sites
like JobStreet.com.
The electronic resume can come in different
file formats, but experts recommend the use
of ASCII (or American Standard Code for
Information Interchange) file formats as they
are universally recognized by PC, Macintosh,
UNIX workstations and mainframe terminals.
The three most common ASCII (pronounced
ASK-ee) file formats are plain text, rich text
and hypertext.
Each format has its own advantages and
disadvantages. Plain text is the most popularly
used format for resume transfers across
computer systems and is identified by the .txt
file extension. Its main drawback is, of course,
its no-frills, plain-look format, which can be
remedied with the use of asterisks and other
special characters to achieve a bulleted effect.
Rich text, identified by the .rtf file extension,
provides more formatting options and is gaining
grounds for its compatibility across word
processors. Rich text is very convenient to use
for existing resumes that are in word document
or are sent as an email attachment. However,
some destination computers may have email
browsers that do not recognize this file format.
If you are unsure about the read capability of a
recipient’s e-mail system, you would do better
applying plain text formatting.
Hypertext, also known as a web page, is
identified through the file extension .htm or
.html. This file format requires a web browser
(like Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator)
to view your resume. A major setback to
hypertext resume is that it relies on self-
promotion rather than on the support of a
large recruitment site.
Edu Zone
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Edu ZoneYouR CoMPLeTe eDuCATion GuiDe
Edu Zone
A Mass Communications graduate from a local private university, Sharmini H. revels in her undergraduate days and shares the ups and downs of transitioning from secondary school to college. Along the way, she found a little bit more of herself and despite the demanding academic schedule, indulged in plenty of college and extra-curricular activities.
My College Experience
The college experience is one that holds
many pleasant memories for me. I began the
journey as a scared rat out in the open desert,
but made the best of it and trudged forward
becoming a willful tiger.
It all started after I completed secondary
school knowing that the next sure step was
College, which made my stomach turn at every
thought of it. It started from “What should I
study?” to “Where should I go?” and ended
with the dreaded, “Will I survive on my own?”.
The saddest thing about embarking on this
journey towards my tertiary education is that
many childhood high school friends have to
be left behind and many times than not, the
comfort of your own home as well.
With all this in mind, I began for my search
and discovered that Mass Communication was
best suited for me in terms of course outline
and career pathway. I enrolled in a college in
KL which meant that I had to stay out, as it
was ridiculous to think of travelling to and fro
from Klang every day.
I signed up for my courses for the first semester,
picked out a room in a student house nearby
and then waited for the first day to begin.
I distinctly remember stepping into my first
class. The lecturer was rather amusing and he
gave us time to settle in that day. It wasn’t
as bad as I’d thought it would be. In fact I
suddenly found myself gaining more confidence
and determination from that week on. I began
reshaping my work style and schedule to fit
into the mold of college life!
��
The first thing that hit me was the workload. It
was definitely much heavier and intense than
what I was used to in high school. The major
challenges to get past were the large volumes
of reading, the short deadlines and the
intensive writing, writing and more writing.
On some of these long, seemingly endless
nights of mugging the books and writing, it is
only natural for one to long for the good old
days when friends were around to mull over a
problem together and mom was there to take
care of your dietary needs and quick fixes of
Oreos and milk. But hang in there. Trust that
this will pass when morning comes. Whatever
you do, don’t make major decisions about your
courses, your major or even what you’re going
to wear to college the next day during one of
these down periods.
However, even with these initial challenges,
college was the phase in my life where I started
finding myself. I grew to learn what I really like
and dislike, what work style was best suited for
me and most importantly what I was naturally
good at. In other words, being forced to be
independent was a nudge I needed at that
time.
Once I grew comfortable with myself, I began
to enjoy the subtle opportunity given; to meet
new friends and exert my creativity. I ran for
student council and was subsequently elected
president of the board, joined some friends in
a drama team and made the Dean’s list for 6
semesters in a row.
Getting involved in Student Council and theatre
was challenging especially as assignment
deadlines drew close but it was a challenge I
was more than willing to accept. In fact, it was
more of a balanced diet for me rather than a
full plate. I wanted to excel academically and
get good grades but I realized that in spending
most of the day in college, I had to give more
to gain more.
In becoming more involved, I not only met more
people, be it students or staff, I also developed
and honed my soft skills; communicating,
listening, engaging in dialogue, giving
feedback, cooperating as a team member,
solving problems, contributing in meetings and
resolving conflict that is invaluable in everyday
life as much as its needed for work.
It definitely made me more assertive and more
aware of my surroundings. I no longer longed
for things that used to be, instead I was keen
to make more lasting memories and make the
best of where I was at.
One thing I remember best was planning
for a Halloween Party in the college hall. We
formed a team and together thought of the
programme flow and highlights. We then
discussed decorating the hall which was the
most fun part. We gathered skeletons, scary
masks, and lots of black cloth for this. The idea
was to make a haunted house as the pathway
to the hall and decorate each corner of the
room as a little cemetery. We stayed up until
4am in the morning for the finishing touches,
trust me, we did get the chills in between but
it was too late to turn back then. The party the
following evening was a success with a good
crowd of about 200 students and everyone had
a fun time. I can boldly say that we left behind
a legacy that students are still competing
with until this day. These moments are the
special things in college that one will not get to
experience at work or elsewhere.
All in all I found college life to be demanding
and unexpected, but I had my fair share of fun,
and that’s what mattered most. I successfully
made the transition from high school, to
college, to the working world, with my sanity
and health intact. Considering all things past, I
would never change it even if I had a chance!
Edu Zone
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Edu Zone
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For further details, please contact KBU International College, Bandar Utama, at Tel: 03-77273200 or Fax: 03-77272733 or email: [email protected] or visit our website: www.kbu.edu.my.
KBU International College’s excellent track
record in UK ‘3+0’ programmes speaks for the
quality and holistic education that it is offering
to students. Over the years, the college has
produced hundreds of First Class Honours
degree graduates from all its ‘3 + 0’ UK degree
programmes, conducted in collaboration
with reputable UK partners. The College has
now carved a name as the premier private
institution of higher learning for franchised
‘3+0’ UK degree programmes in the country.
KBU has been consistently producing First
Class Honours graduates since 1999 when it
had its first batch of ‘home grown’ graduates
under the ‘3+0 mode’. The college has not
looked back since and successfully maintained
a double digit number of First Class Honours
degree graduates year after year (for the
record, KBU was established in 1990). These
achievements were made possible through the
‘quality and holistic’ approach to education that
the College has been earnestly promoting.
The outstanding achievements by KBU
graduates over the years also exemplify KBU’s
utmost commitment of taking delivery of all
the UK ‘3 + 0’ franchised degree programmes
very seriously.
Currently the College is conducting eleven
franchised ‘3 + 0’ programmes from three UK
universities and all the programmes conducted
at KBU that are due for accreditation have
already been accredited by the Malaysian
Qualifications Agency (MQA). This again
reflects on the high quality of education that
KBU is offering to its students. For the record,
KBU is partnering three universities from the
UK, namely, Nottingham Trent University,
Sheffield Hallam University and Anglia Ruskin
University, to offer programmes in engineering,
computing, business, management, accounting
and art and design
It is also because of this strong commitment,
students of the franchised degree programmes
at KBU were able to achieve the same sort of
quality in the teaching and learning outcomes
as in KBU partner universities. In fact, in some
instances, the performance of KBU students
has even surpassed that of the students of
KBU partner universities in the UK.
KBU will continue to strive to offer the best
of British education to Malaysian students
who choose to remain in Malaysia for their
tertiary education after their SPM or STPM.
With the economic uncertainties looming in
the coming months, students and parents can
be rest assured of the high quality and holistic
education that KBU is offering to its students,
and choose to obtain their British qualification
at half the cost at KBU.
KBU has certainly grown from strength to
strength as the main provider of quality ‘3
+ 0’ programmes from UK universities. The
College has successfully positioned itself to be
a provider who is fully committed to quality
and holistic education in the country.
Excellent track record in
UK 3+0programmes
Edu Aid
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I have always thought that mathematics is taught wrongly in this country. I have to confess, I am confused about my own mathematical ability. Mathematics is both my best and my worst subject in school. In SPM, I was a Science stream student, I got an A and a bare pass for the two mathematics subjects that I did! Everything else falls in between.
Mathematics is not all about counting or calculating, as we learn in school and in examination. Mathematics is a form of logical thinking. For example, is the Malaysian economy doing well? How do we know? The economists will than cite the figure of our Gross Domestic Product, the amount of Direct Foreign Investment, the amount of export, etc. These are all mathematics.
Mathematics helps us to make things more concrete. Simple statistics help us to know a lot more about something. (Remember I am poor in Mathematics. Statistics is the only branch of Mathematics that I have a little measure of confidence. So I am going to stick to Statistics). For example, if we want to know the difference in the performance of a group of Malaysian students and a group of Singaporean students in one examination. It will be easy to compare individuals but when it come to groups, it will be more difficult. In this case, we can take the average performance of the two groups and compare them. However, there are three types of average in Statistics: mean, mode and median. They each tell a slightly different thing about the scores of the students. Mean is
the score that individual student will get when the total score is divided fairly to everyone. Mode is the score that appears most frequently in the range of scores. Therefore, from the mode we know what the most likely score is. Median is the middle point of the range of score. It tells us something about the positions of the two ranges of scores by the Malaysians and the Singaporeans.
Many abstract things can be quantified mathematically. Once that is done it will no longer be abstract. For example, how much one loves his country can be measured mathematically. However, the procedure to do this is very complicated and it is beyond the scope of this short article.
THInK MATHeMATiCALLY
At the mere mention of Mathematics, many students will groan in despair. In this issue, See Hoon Peow highlights the fact that the study of Mathematics goes beyond numbers and you may then look at the subject in a different light!
Mathematics also makes our understanding of something much richer. From the example above, there may be a difference between the two means; say the Singaporean students score slightly better (some Malaysians always think Singaporeans are better in many aspects, I am not sure any concrete comparison has been done). We can run a T-test, and it may show that the difference is in fact insignificant, i.e. accidental. We can also know that relationship between two set of data or facts, say the daily temperature and the sale of ice scream. We can test the correlation coefficient of the two facts. We may find a positive correlation which mean when the temperature goes up the sale of ice scream will also go up. Thus, confirms our common sense guess. If the correlation is negative, then
the two scores will go opposite direction. We can even know the strength of the correlation. The strength of the correlation tells us how strongly the two scores are related to each other. I can go on with more examples, but I think the examples should be enough to show my point. You Mathematics teacher should be able to tell you more. All that you have to do is ask.
However, please be careful, Statistics does not tell the whole truth. Statistics can be misleading. The positive correlation between the weather and the sales of ice scream for example, should not be interpreted as one causing another. Causation is very difficult to prove, it is beyond me for now. Correlation is on an indication that two scores are related but
not one causing another. In Sociology, we have both the Quantitative Method and the Qualitative Method. Quantitative Method use a lot of statistics and it has the advantage of being able to duel with a large data set (usually, several hundreds to millions units), such as population pattern. Qualitative Method gives us rich and in-depth knowledge about a few individual cases. Often, we will need both methods to give a fuller picture about something.
So, when you learn your mathematics, do not learn how to calculate only, ask yourself why you are doing this. If you only know how to calculate for the answer, you mathematics is not good enough, just like me!
Edu Aid
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Edu Aid
Your schooling years may
be filled be homework, tests
and exams and you may
think that’s all there is to it.
Stephen Ronee Lau
however believes that those
years are the best times
to develop your skills and
strengths.
The school is the place for learning and learning is a sure way in which we develop our knowledge.
Students spend many years at school and many a times, this period would just disappear into thin air as if it was only a day earlier. The reason for this is that many students would
be so focused on getting the grades that they missed out on the many opportunities to further use the period to learn even more.
Do students have time for learning more things? Why do they need to do so? What are the benefits? Why shouldn’t they just enjoy school life as it is?
The world is progressing tremendously with the advancement of technology and expectations from all sectors are ever growing. For a fresh graduate to get his first job, he would need more than just good grades. What about those who just managed to get through?
Companies have differing sets of requirements and expectations from interviewees, especially fresh graduates. Besides having the appropriate qualifications, they may also look for conversational skills, sportsmanship, general knowledge, trouble-shooting abilities, social and communication skills, dressing skills
and also our thoughts about the environment and many more.
Now, just imagine, a fresh graduate who has been exposing himself to various types of activities at school, college or university including taking part in personal development programs as compared to one who only focused on studying, finishing assignments and mugging for examinations. Who do you think would get a better chance at getting through with the interviewer’s opinion if both have the same paper qualification?
So, how does one know what to embark on making the best of time at school and how is it going to be done? It is not going to be easy but see if this will work for you.
Applying Time Management
One has to always remember that time management is only effective when it is noted
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Edu Aid
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and easily monitored or tracked. It has to be written out or recorded whereby our eyes can then see where there is still hours to slot in more learning opportunities.
Any task has to be given the appropriate duration of time and acted upon accordingly. As an example, an assignment given by the lecturer would require 4 hours to complete, so this duration would have to be adhered to, in its strictest sense. Any other time slots that are available will be where you can then add new activities or tasks that you would like to do. Having said that, allow some degree of flexibility and do not set to stone your first plan of time management as change in circumstances may require you to modify and re-schedule accordingly.
Deciding on What else interests You
Take some time to think about an answer for this. Aside from the subjects you are studying, what are the other things in school which interest you? What about public programs. List them down and, of course, you may be short listing it so that it relates to your ambitions in life.
As an example, you would like to travel and see the world and you have a strong interest in playing chess. Then choose to join the Chess Club of the school. Get more books about Chess and plot your reading time in your Time Management document. Also, set aside time to do short searches over the Internet and learn everything you can about Chess. Plot in time to have games with those alike. By the time you leave school, you would already be taking part in Chess competitions and with this, you will soon be able to travel around participating in chess competitions!
There are many other activities that can ensure the best use of time at school. These may include learning creative programs, taking part in research projects, personal development programs (including how to speak and dress better, communication skills and etc) and organizing community projects.
The key to achieving this is to ensure that you are constantly aware of your time management plan and that you can always get the time to do more.
Spending time watching serial dramas, lazing around and chit chatting around may be relaxing
but if it is done too much, you will be surprised at the amount of time they would have robbed you. Time is not the only consideration here but your mental energy is also used without your awareness. By the time you are done with them, you would always find it hard to get yourself up and ready to do the next task, especially if it is a school assignment. Reason being is that your mental energy now needs an additional amount of time to re-charge.
This is The Best Time To Start
There can be no better time than now. Think about what you are presently doing and draw up a time plan. You can easily do this using program such as Microsoft Outlook or even use the Excel spreadsheet and plot in the tasks or activities that you currently have. Then look at the time you have allotted for each of them and see if you can reduce the durations.
Next, plot in what else you would like to do and bingo.... you are on your way to making the best of time at school.
My email is open to all, so do contact me to let me know your thoughts and how you have progressed over time after applying this recommendation of mine.
Now, plot this request of mine as a task into your time management plan. Even writing
an email on your thoughts is also a form of making the best of time at school as it can help you to train your thoughts!
In ending this topic, I would like to share with you an inspirational quote that I wrote in 2008.
“Whenever we think, our mind records them as what one would do for archiving books in a library. Whether those thoughts are good, neutral or bad, someday in our life, our mind will pick them up and apply them in real life.”
MakingThe Best Of Your Time At School
Lifestyle
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College Oomph
Justin Loh18 years oldCambridge GCE ‘A’ Levels (Science)Sunway University College
How did you end up in your current course?
Well, if you think you are exam-orientated like me, I suggest you go for this course! Of course, do check out scholarships as you may not have to spend unnecessary cash on pre-university! For me, this programme is the best foundation for students before going into university.
Can you tell us more about your course?
Cambridge A-Levels is 100% theoretical which means you are graded by people from Cambridge and no additional marks will be given for class performance. So you don’t even need to do your homework, but your teachers are also your reference writer if you want to apply for universities. So do make a good impression. Another thing about the A-Levels is that it’s one of the more challenging pre-university courses so if you are up for the challenge, do go for it. Like the Malay saying that goes, “Susah dahulu, senang kemudian”, I will rather work hard to have a firm foundation before pursuing my degree.
What do you love the most about your course?
I actually am enjoying the entire course! I love my course because I’m doing things I love and I’m doing it daily.
What about something you dislike?
Nothing!
How do you link your course with your career plans?
I plan to pursue a degree in engineering so
double mathematics during my A-levels will really help because it gives me a wider choice when I apply for a university. It all depends on you on which subjects you take. Like I’ve mentioned earlier, the most important thing is that you do the thing you love the most because you’re going to do it for life!
Three words to describe your course.A firm foundation.
Dawson Chong20 years oldBachelor of Commerce majoring Economics and MarketingCurtin University – Metropolitan College
How did you end up in your current course?
I’m never satisfied with the ruling government’s policies in running our country’s economy. Because I’m so determined to be a politician in future, I’ve decided to pursue something which will benefit our country. I believe a foundation in economics is important to be a MP. Marketing as my second major is because I just love the art of marketing. You can’t deny the fact that everything out there needs marketing. Marketing is a way of communication.
Can you tell us more about your course?
I’m rather lucky actually. My course has a 50-50 division in practicalities and theories. Economics modules are usually more theoretical. Marketing subjects are more practical. For instance, we have more research
works to do, tons of feasible study and presentations.
What do you love the most about your course?
I love all the Marketing modules! I just love presentations and research works. Indeed, I usually shine better when my modules are not exam oriented. Perhaps these are just in-born with me as I’ve always a debater and public speaker back then since in primary school.
What about something you dislike?
Exam oriented modules. For instance, Economics Market and Finance Management. Okay, I know is important and I am trying to love them.
How do you link your course with your career plans?
Like I’ve mentioned earlier, I believe foundation in economics is important in order to send me into the Parliament Building. As for marketing, is an important tool for me to present myself to others. Honestly, I prefer to be in the legal profession as I think it suits my attributes. This now has leaded me into a dilemma either to pursue a second degree in law and get professional accreditations from CLP or to obtain a master related in the commerce field. Maybe I do have some regrets about chosing this course, but at least I’m still enjoying it. In short, I’ve learnt that we should pick a course we like because we will be doing it for the next few years. You will not like to have an awful university life, spending most of the time trying to understand what was taught by the professors earlier.
Three words to describe your course.Expecting the unexpected.
explore What You Adore (Part 3) In the final installment of this column, Dawson Chong quizzed himself,
and a friend who is currently pursuing the A-Levels (Science stream) programme about their respective courses and the love-hate relationship they have with it.
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Lifestyle
Holiday Feature
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Catch a playIf going to the movies is your kind of thing, you may want to opt for a play/drama instead. Haven’t been to one? Well, this is your chance to step into the arena and witness first hand a live stage performance. Do not be fooled by reviews of melodramatic plays, there are many vibrant, adrenaline-pumping performances by youth that may just tickle your fancy enough to get involved! Try visiting www.klpac.com for the latest shows and other workshops you could participate in. Student tickets are generally priced between RM10-RM25 per show.
Things to do during your holidays with a
So the first semester break is finally in sight. A week of leisure is awaiting you. Life is good. But if you’re a bit clueless as to what
you may do during the holiday season without skimping on the
fun, Sharmini H. has some ideas you may want to consider.
twist
Holiday Feature
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S t a y -at-home cook-a-ramas!Yes, the holidays are your best opportunity to go out and paint the town red with your best mates, usually ending with dinner at the mall. But why not stay home and enjoy the company of your friends without over-spending or worrying about the encroaching curfew? Plan some recipes that you have always wanted to try and cap it off by having a showdown with your mates. You may just unleash your inner chef but either way, you are guaranteed to have fun coming up with new creations! You may even try out new drink concoctions or food decorating skills. Try this: Mix orange/grape cordial with soda water in a big bowl. Freeze pineapple cubes/grapes with soda water to form decorative ice cubes and pop them in for a fancy cocktail!
Join a CauseIf you are already a member of various organizations or clubs with a cause on Facebook, why not go out and work together with them on reaching their goals? It may be in way of helping feed the animals at SPCA (Society or the prevention of cruelty to animals), visiting the children at the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation or volunteering
at WWF-Malaysia (World Wildlife Fund). This is your chance to make a difference and learn something new while you’re at it. Take up this challenge and you may have the best holiday experience ever! Check out this site for a list of charitable organizations in Malaysia: http://www.onestopmalaysia.com/directory/organisations/charity/
DIY Re-styling ProjectIf shopping is at the top of the list but you don’t have the funds to back it up, this is just the thing for you. Window-shopping can get depressing after a while especially when you come away with nothing so much as a new hairclip. Why not invest in simple beads, bands and spice up your old apparels instead? You can bring back a simple black-t to life by just sewing on some coloured beads in patters or around the neckline. Or why not try a new ribbon around that jeans skirt? Even patches of cloth from your favourite old dress can be used to revamp an old bag. And by the time you’re finished, you’ll have a whole new wardrobe that is unique and new!
Enjoy NatureNow that you’re done staying up mugging the papers, well at least for now, take time to enjoy the outdoors. Ditch the overcrowded malls for parks near your area and have a simple picnic with friends instead. You may bring along your pets and other board games or outdoor games to increase the adrenaline rush as you take in the fresh air.
These are just some of the fun things you can do during the holidays. Just remember that what makes the most difference is that you get to do it with the people who are dearest to you.
Travelogue
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Travelling in Siem ReapOne of the most common questions people ask me about travelling in and around Asia is whether it is better to travel solo, or in a group.
While I love travelling solo for the freedom and the quiet, it is obvious that it always makes more sense to travel in pairs, because that way you can share accommodation, tuk-tuk (motorized rickshaws) or taxis, meals, and also have someone to watch your back. In Cambodia, it is no different, although it seems quite safe to travel solo there. With a majority of its people (the Khmer) gentle and quiet Buddhists going about their daily life and trying to forget the horror that was the Khmer Rouge, the biggest danger on the streets of Siem Reap is probably the dust on the roads during the dry season from April to mid June; the scorching sun during this period comes in a close second in the list of threats to travelers in Siem Reap.
Just a short 2 hour flight from Kuala
Lumpur, Siem Reap is an accessible holiday destination for those seeking a getaway of 3 days or more. Fly Malaysia Airlines from RM 700 or low-cost carrier AirAsia from as low as RM 300 (all fares including taxes).
In Siem Reap, tourism makes up a huge chunk of the local economy, so you will see most businesses here targeted towards the tourism industry. This ensures that we get a huge range of goods and services at an impressive range of prices and quality. These prices, however, are usually quoted in US Dollars, instead of the local Cambodian Riels.
Siem Reap offers a range of luxurious 5-star hotels as well as affordable guesthouses run by locals or by foreigners, many of them Americans or Europeans who have decided to settle in Siem Reap. I stayed at the Babel Sieam Reap guesthouse, a clean and comfortable lodging run by travelers from Europe which offered soft beds
in air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms with water heaters at a price of USD 8 per person per night.
Siem Reap is a foodie haven with its rich and savory amok (a popular local Khmer curried dish cooked with a variety of meats, including beef, chicken and fish) although prices can be a little expensive at certain places. Pub Street, a road named because of the rows of pubs and restaurants lining both its sides, offers a whole range of eateries with amazingly affordable good quality food. A dish of fish amok with steamed white rice and complimentary coconut drink or Angkor beer will set u back USD 4. You’re likely to be charged the same price at roadside small eateries that resemble Malaysian mamak stalls, so opt for these if you can. Sanitation is still a problem in some places, so if you have a weak stomach, do avoid eating at eateries at run-down huts or lone shops in the middle of nowhere!
To get around, you can rent a bicycle, a
Generally not on the list of ‘must-visit places’ of an average Malaysian, Daphne Maia takes on the road less travelled and explored the cultural city of Siem Reap in Cambodia.
Travelogue
tuk-tuk with a driver, a motorcycle with rider, or a dedicated taxi. Unless you are going around the Angkor temples (which span across 1000 square kilometers with its largest temples at the core), you don’t have to rent a transport for the entire day, as you can easily get a tuk-tuk along any road.
No trip to Cambodia is complete without a visit to the Angkor temples, of which the most famous is the Angkor Wat, the national pride featured on its flag. There are over a thousand temples in the ancient Angkor city, and it is impossible to cover all of them in one trip. The Angkor pass grants you access to most temples (except Beng Melea, Phnom Kulen or Koh Ker) and are priced at USD 20 for a day pass, USD 30 for three days, and USD 60 for a week.If you only want to see the Angkor Wat (a 3-hour walkabout) and a couple of other major temples like Ta Phrom (where Angelina Jolie filmed the movie
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider) and Bayon, a day’s pass is sufficient. To see the major temples and some noteworthy smaller temples, you will need two to three days. If you are a cultural and history buff, go for the seven day pass which allows you the luxury of taking your own sweet time to admire the beautiful carvings on temple walls and reflect on the magnificent architecture of temples dating back to the 8th or 9th century! You can also go for as many sunrise and sunsets as you like, with each temple being lit up on different faces at different times of the day! Check with your tuk-tuk driver (or taxi driver) the best times and places to view a sunrise or sunset, and trust them on it!
Personally, I felt that the Kbal Spean was not worth the time. After an hour and a half tuk-tuk ride from the city, and another 1.5km trek into the forests, Kbal Spean just did not impress me enough with the stone carvings on the river beds
faded due to the erosive action of running water. However, Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre, Baphuon, Beng Mealea, Phnom Bakheng, Pre Rup, and Phreah Khan were quite an adventure, in addition to major popular temples like Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom, and Bayon.
All vendors in Siem Reap also spoke good English, and I learnt that they are taught the language from age 7. Some also speak Mandarin, so don’t be surprised to hear pleas of young child vendors asking you to buy their wares. It is nice to bring a packet of sweets with you, to give out to these children – just watch the smile on their faces after you hand them some sweets!
And finally, the two books you must not leave home without are your Lonely Planet Cambodia guidebook, as well as the Ancient Angkor guidebook by M. Freeman and C. Jacques.
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Girl Power
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The “world” of makeup is an issue for many young adults as it is hard to know what to buy and what makeup to wear when the only things you are exposed to are either a few years older or a few years younger than you. There are many products out there telling you how fantastic each is from the other, ultimately causing a confusion of what to purchase.
So before you cross that bridge, have a closer look at your skin type to determine if it is normal, oily, dry or a combination. Based on your discovery, you can then choose the type of product suitable to your skin type. The general rule of thumb for using foundation is – cake foundation for oily or acne-prone skin, water-based or liquid foundation for dry skin. But be careful as even oily skin can get flaky and that will look awful with foundation. So try it on weekends first and ask your family/girlfriend (or someone that uses foundation well) if it looks suitable.
Make-Over 1, 2, 3 It’s common to be stressed about how
you should look, especially when you’re
keen to make an impression at school
this new semester. Here’s Mala
Anandan’s guide to help your
trend mature with you throughout
school/college/University.
Girl Power
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As for starting off with basics, it’s good to wear lip gloss, some mascara and perhaps a little bit of light eye-shadow. Remember to not go too heavy, because in the world of make-up, less is always more. If you want to try out different types of makeup, keep that for experiments at home with your close friends. When you are feel more comfortable with make-up, you might want to try curling your hair a few days a week and maybe using different hairstyles besides a typical ponytail. Perhaps you could dramatize a detail in your hair. The combination of changing your hair style and makeup will certainly will create a new look or even make that impression you have been dreaming off!
Just remember though that in school you want to wear your usual makeup during the day, but when you go out with friends at night, add a darker shade of mascara and eyeliner and jazz up your lips with something more cheerful.
After a few tries, you would probably get good at makeup and you know what you types of product you like. Do not stress if you don’t, but keep trying and soon you will figure it out. It will take a while, I know, I am still figuring it out! But that can also be seen as the fun part, because like fashion, the trend for makeup changes ever so often! In the meantime, try creating your own hair style without looking like everyone else. That certainly will give you an edge of having your own “look” whilst you are learning the art of makeup.
Movie Reviews
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InVICTUSDirector Clint EastwoodScreenplay By Anthony Peckham (based upon the book Playing the Enemy, by John Carlin)Produced By Clint Eastwood, Lori McCreary, Robert Lorenz, Mace NeufeldCast Morgan Freeman, Matt DamonGenre Drama
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Spyglass Entertainment, a Revelations Entertainment / Mace Neufeld production, a Malpaso production, Invictus, starring Oscar winners Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby, The Dark Knight) and Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting, the Bourne franchise).
From director Clint Eastwood, Invictus tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) joined forces with the captain of South Africas rugby team, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), to help unite their country.
Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa’s underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.
Release Date 4 March 2010
TOYS STORY 3Director Lee UnkrichProduced By Darla K. AndersonCast Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, John Morris, Laurie Metcalf, R. Lee Ermey, Jodi Benson, Ned Beatty, Bonnie Hunt, Timothy Dalton, Jeff Garlin, Whoopi Goldberg and Michael KeatonGenre Animation / Comedy / Adventure
The creators of the beloved “Toy Story” films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of our favourite gang of toy characters in TOY STORY 3.
As Andy prepares to depart for college, Buzz, Woody and the rest of his loyal toys are troubled about their uncertain future.
Directed by Lee Unkrich (co-director of “Toy Story 2” and “Finding Nemo”), TOY STORY 3 is a comical new adventure in Disney Digital 3D™ that lands the toys in a room full untamed tots who can’t wait to get their sticky little fingers on these “new” toys, it’s pandemonium as they try to stay together, ensuring “no toy gets left behind.”
Meanwhile, Barbie comes face to plastic face with Ken (yes, that Ken). Pixar veteran Darla K. Anderson (“Cars,” “Monsters, Inc.”) produces, while Michael Arndt, Academy Award®-winning screenwriter of “Little Miss Sunshine,” brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities.
Release Date 22 April 2010
Music Review
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Who I Am by nick Jonas & The Administration
It is appropriate that Nick Jonas’ new album is titled “Who I Am,” given that’s the key topic in the young star’s world.
Nick Jonas – of Disney’s world-beating Jonas Brothers – is in the midst of discovering this. Despite being a member of one of the world’s most well-known brands in the Jonas Brothers, he’s willing to take some risks. How else to explain this collection of well-mannered, slightly funky, adult-leaning pop? Whereas most teen artists are looking to pair up with the hottest songwriters or producers, Jonas has recruited former members of Prince’s New Power Generation to back him.
Opener Rose Garden plays around the subject in question with its finger-snapping pace, is rumoured to be about former flame and fellow Disney Channel alum Selena Gomez, but the tune’s tale of a kid being tossed into the workforce at a tender age sounds fairly autobiographical.
While Who I Am is a perfectly decent record, its raging blues-guitar solos and gospel organs probably won’t impress kids obsessed with the glossy, high-energy hits of the Jonas Brothers.
The slow jam Olive & An Arrow, unfurls soulful organ lines, and the teen does his best breathy John Mayer impersonation. Other songs tackle hard-and-heavy funk (State of Emergency) and soft rock (In The End). Whatever style, though, it does sound like Jonas is trying too hard to sound grown up.
“I want someone to love me for who I am / I want someone to need me. Is that so bad?” Jonas croons on the album’s title cut. Unfortunately, the song never answered the one question that we want to find out: Who is Nick Jonas?
my World by Justin Bieber
A YouTube sensation at 13, a major label recording artist at 14, and now at the grand old age of 15, Justin Bieber is a pop phenomenon with a US platinum album to his name.
Having attracted 38 million YouTube views covering hits by Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake and Usher, it’s no surprise that Bieber uses them as the template for this debut album. Close to half an hour, these seven tracks are all about love and growing up. There’s little variation among these heavily produced tracks, each emanating smooth R&B vibes and predictable pop melodies.
One Time, Justin’s first Billboard Hot 100 single, was an insanely catchy ode to young love that immediately won over fans. Down to Earth offers unexpected emotional depth with the singer opening up about his parents’ divorce is a bit more soulful and slows the tempo, showing the range in Justin’s talent, while First Dance, featuring mentor Usher, is definitely one for the last dance at the school disco! Meanwhile, Love Me’s take on The Cardigan’s ‘Lovefool’ may be blasphemous to lovers of the original, but its bubbly electro-pop bounce provides one of the more enjoyable moments on this exceptionally bland, vapid record.
Justin Bieber is young, cute and dreamy – so we can understand if you think 7 songs in one album doesn’t do this young Canadian much justice, fret not – My World 2.0 is due for release in the very near future. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
