Klass Khronicles Season 2_Feb 2024 by Alice Smith School

FEBRUARY 2024

Current Affairs

•

Entertainment

•

Environment

•

Literature

NAVIGATING THE FRONTIERS OF RACIAL PREJUDICE: A CONVERSATION WITH DR. STUART LAWRENCE By Andrea Lam and Helen Kang

STUART LAWRENCE IS a British activist and educator known for his tireless efforts to combat racial inequality and injustice, following in the footsteps of his late brother, Stephen Lawrence. Born on March 16, 1977, in London, England, he is the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence, who tragically lost his life in a racially motivated murder in 1993, an event that shook the United Kingdom and spurred a nationwide campaign for justice. Stuart Lawrence's early life was profoundly impacted by the murder of his brother, which exposed the deep-seated racism and systemic failures within the British criminal justice system. The ensuing investigation and trial took over a decade and ultimately led to the conviction of two of the perpetrators. This long and arduous quest for justice not only brought a sense of closure to the Lawrence family but also inspired Stuart to become a vocal advocate for racial equality.

We were lucky enough to have the Next we asked him about how the opportunity to interview Dr. Lawrence incident regarding his brother had himself and ask him a few questions impacted his decision to become an regarding his life and racial injustice. advocate against racial injustice. Dr Lawrence replied, stating that he never When asked about his early memories chose to be an advocate, nevertheless it with his brother, Stephen, and how he was something that came about later in influenced his life, Dr Lawrence life. At age 22, Dr Lawrence mentioned mentioned that his earliest memories dated how he saw the arduous tasks of his back to when he was around 5 years old; parents and how it was taking a toll on having an older brother by two years, Dr them. He had realised how even though Lawrence stated how that gave him early they were getting older, their sense of access to certain things in school. Thanks responsibility still persisted. to his brother, he managed to make several older friends, he was comfortable at school “She said to me about two years ago, "Oh and already felt a sense of belonging. Dr Stuart, do you know what? I really wish I Lawrence stated how his brother was an could just go and sit on a beach immensely great role model. somewhere and just do nothing." I was like, well go and do that, if that's what you “I say it all the time, he’s one of those want to do. But she said: "Oh but, if I go annoying people that whatever he tried to and do that then, you know, who's going to do, he'd be very good at.” “It was great to do this, who's going to do that?". I said to have him around. And, I really appreciate her: "well, they'll find a way, they'll find a what he was trying to do for me.” way, they will always find a way."”

He has dedicated his life to ensuring that Dr Lawrence next shared how he would his brother's legacy is one of positive often argue with his brother in private, change. He has been a vocal campaigner however they still had a close brotherly against racism, prejudice, and bond. discrimination, using his platform to educate and engage with communities on these issues. His work includes speaking engagements, community outreach, and collaboration with various organisations, including those aimed at improving diversity and inclusion. Throughout his journey, Stuart Lawrence has received numerous awards and recognitions for his activism, including the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2018 for his services to young people and tackling knife crime. He has also been a prominent voice in discussions about policing, education, and social reform.

Dr Lawrence shared about his immense sense of responsibility, as a result he gave himself a strict time schedule. He firstly gave himself 10 years to continue his role and then after that he would decide whether he wanted to continue doing that or to do something else. He mentioned that while he is currently in his fifth year, he has started to feel the pressures of his role, nevertheless he continues to maintain a sense of comfortability, as he knows he only has another 5 years left and will attempt to do as much as he can while he’s there. Thirdly we asked Dr Lawrence about the roles he believes education plays in addressing racial prejudice and promoting diversity and inclusion. He mentioned how he views education to be the premise of sharing information, as it allows different people’s voices to be heard.

KLASS KHRONICLES, FEB, 2024 Dr Lawrence questioned whether people would be having these conversations regarding racial prejudice 10, 15 years ago. He mentioned how moving into a space where people are understanding, able to listen and hear from more people would help make individuals into better people. Dr Lawrence shared how he believes education, learning and experiences are something that we share with each other, these exchanges of information are what help us become better people. If we are open to learning, listening and hearing from others, we can all improve and strive to be the best.

Dr Lawrence notified how he believes that learning does not stop. At his current age of 46, he is continuing to learn new things every day about himself and others. In that learning, he is able to disseminate information to other people and they are able to learn to become better as well. Finally, when asked about any advice he has for individuals who want to get involved in fighting racial discrimination and injustice, Dr Lawrence gave some evident advice to take each day as it comes:

“It's those small incremental steps that you can make, and in those small steps you make, hopefully when you then get to a certain point and you turn around and look to see how far you've come, you then realise you've made so much progress.” Stuart Lawrence continues to inspire and educate people about the importance of addressing racial injustice and striving for a more equitable society. His dedication to social change and his brother's memory remain a powerful force in the fight against racism in the UK as well as globally.

THE EFFECTS OF THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR ON THE ENVIRONMENT By Zhang Ning Chia

THE RUSSO-UKRAINE WAR began in February 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea, after which the Ukrainian parliament declared Crimea a territory temporarily occupied by Russia in April of the same year. On the morning of 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine and the casualties of the war near half a million. Amongst the issues with energy, this relentless war has caused many direct and indirect impacts on the environment, whether it is direct impacts to nature, such as damaged biological systems or indirect impacts such as issues with the Nord Stream 2 that caused further problems with energy in Europe. Direct Impacts Explosions, military vehicles, burning of land and so much more have caused the pollutant concentration to be 27 times higher in the first two weeks of war. These pollutants, such as nitrogen or sulphur, can oxidise in the air causing acid rain. Furthermore, ammunition is made of ~95% lead which is highly toxic and can enter the human body through air. In addition to this, the bombing of industrial areas, such as Ukraine’s oil refineries, have caused over 60 fires in these refineries by June 2022.

Inset (Above):An explosion due to the shelling of a tank filled with nitric acid May 2022

There have also been massive impacts on biological systems. For example, the fertile soils of Ukraine have been heavily damaged due to tanks and heavy vehicles that clump the soils together and scare off wildlife, such as earthworms, that help fertilise the soil. It also decreases the vegetation cover as plants die under the weight of these vehicles. This leads to easier penetration of the pollutants mentioned above which means it will take even longer for lands to recover. Water sources, national parks and wildlife have also been heavily and negatively affected. Indirect Impacts Before the invasion of Ukraine, Russia supplied 40% of imported gas and ¼ of oil to Europe. One of the first issues that arose with the invasion of Ukraine was the gas disputes. The Nord Stream 2, a 1,234-kilometre-long natural gas pipeline running from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea, is one of the “geopolitical weapons” that could have been used against Europe and Ukraine. This has led to the issue of energy security and Europe turns itself to renewable energy because fossil fuel prices are very high. Russia made green energy look more appealing, the opposite of its intended effect of energy insecurity. The European Commission’s REPowerEU plan, released in May 2022, proposed ending the European bloc’s reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027. For example, the installation of rooftop solar panels rose by ½ in 2022 in Europe in order to combat energy insecurity.

Inset (Above):Share of European Union gas demand met by Russian supply, 2001-2022 according to the International Energy Agency (IEA)

Whilst the negative environmental impacts of war are felt heavily where the war is taking place, where air pollution and soil quality have been degraded tremendously, the removal of Russia from the fossil fuel world acted has as a catalyst for the advancement of renewable energy in order to increase energy security in Europe. War is never good but in the environmental world, does the progression of renewable energy weigh out every tragedy to the land?

KLASS KHRONICLES, FEB, 2024

WHAT’S TO OFFER & RECOMMENDATIONS - EPA By Vihaan Tak

HELLO FELLOW READERS! In this article, you will find a plethora of information from students and teachers, covering everything from opinions to facts and statistics about the EPAs. Hopefully, by the end of this, this article will have persuaded you to join a few! 1) Model United Nations (MUN) The first highly recommended EPA is…MUN! MUN (Model United Nations) is an EPA held at the lecture theatre and is all about debating. This year it is open for all seasons. The reason I highly recommend this EPA is that: (A) I am a member of this EPA and have truly enjoyed every second of it and (B) KlassMUN2023! From the 17th to the 19th of November, approximately 100 delegates, 6 chairs, 3 councils and 1 awesome weekend took place, pronouncing KlassMUN successful in creating this world's future leaders! From pizza parties to rock climbing to firing Points of information, correction and counting points of personal privilege! Doing push-ups along with modelling countries' thoughts researching AI and climate change and making resolutions, I hope we all think KlassMUN2023 was quite active. Before I conclude this section, let me tell you what I mean by modelling countries. In KlassMUN I found out that I was supposed to represent Kenya, which meant researching Kenya's thoughts and relationship with the topics and when it came to speaking, you had to turn your bullet-pointed notes of research into a formal speech with double-checked facts and grace to have a trouble-free time.

Inset (above): MUN 2023 conference!

Inset (above): Chairs declaring the finish of Klass MUN 2023!

Inset (above): Last year’s newspaper front page

2) Badminton My second highly recommended EPA is…badminton! From a net attached to a stick to a world-famous sport which is said to be the second most loved sport in history and inspires billions of people to do the best they can. We are extremely lucky to have the privilege to play such a high class sport, that millions of people don’t have access to, at the start, middle and end of school hours. Did you know that the EPA is on for 1.5 hours on both Wednesday and Friday for extra practice? Facts about badminton: The fastest shuttlecock to ever travel was 332 kph and was hit/ricocheted by Fu Haifeng. Badminton was created 2,000 years ago by Siam, China. Badminton was called Poona in India. There is a place where people live called the badminton house. Statistics say badminton is the most tiring sport in the world. 3) Klass Khronicles Last but not least, KLASS Khronicles! From reading, writing and journaling to facts, statistics and opinions, to researching anything in the world that sparks courageous exploration in your heart and writing it in any formal way suitable enough to show its face to the whole school! Our young journalists have given interviews to teachers from all over the school and those future journalists have transcribed those interviews into a written-article published in the Klass Khronicles Newspaper. Klass Khronicle is open this year for all seasons. The seasonal newspaper isn’t limited to just school-related topics but also allows you to write articles related to movies, global issues, celebrity lifestyles and so much more! Not a member but would still like to submit an article? Feel free to - simply email our lead editor (24freidaf@alice-smith.edu.my). Thank you for reading!

KLASS KHRONICLES, FEB, 2024

THE UNYIELDING IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES: A CALL FOR URGENT ACTION By Orlando Byrnes

CLIMATE CHANGE IS no longer a distant threat or a problem for future generations to solve. It is happening here and now, and its effects are being felt in communities across the globe. From melting glaciers to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and devastating wildfires, the signs of a changing climate are everywhere. In this article, we will explore the impact of climate change on local communities and the urgent need for action.

Impacts on health Another impact of climate change is on human health. Rising temperatures and increased air pollution are leading to a rise in heat-related illnesses and respiratory problems. Warmer temperatures are also creating conditions that are conducive to the spread of disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, leading to a rise in vector-borne diseases. Inset (above): Harnessing solar energy as forms of renewable energy

Inset (above): A farmer dealing with a drought and losing many crops due to the much harder weather conditions

Impacts on local communities Communities worldwide are grappling with the consequences of a changing climate, and the effects are far-reaching and devastating. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are just a few of the challenges that communities are facing. One of the most significant impacts of climate change is on agriculture. Farmers are struggling to adapt to changing weather patterns and increasingly unpredictable growing seasons. In some regions, droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, leading to crop failures and food shortages. In other areas, heavy rainfall and flooding are causing soil erosion, damaging crops, and contaminating water supplies. Climate change is also causing sea levels to rise, putting coastal communities at risk of flooding and erosion. Low-lying islands and coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, with some already experiencing regular flooding and even displacement of residents.

Inset (above): An image of sea levels hitting a coastal city, costing billions in property damage and injury

Communities can also take action to adapt to the impacts of climate change. This can include implementing early warning systems for extreme weather events, building sea walls and other infrastructure to protect against flooding, and promoting community-based initiatives that help residents prepare for and respond to climate-related risks. Inset (above): An image of a boy metaphorically smoking and breathing in fumes from factories

Urgent Action Needed The impacts of climate change on local communities are undeniable, and urgent action is needed to mitigate these effects and protect vulnerable populations. One of the most effective ways to combat climate change is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This can be achieved through a variety of means, including transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable transportation options.

Inset (above): An image of a family using sustainable means (gardening) to grow their own food

Local governments also have a critical role to play in addressing climate change. They can implement policies and regulations that encourage sustainable practices, such as building codes that promote energy efficiency, zoning laws that protect green spaces, and infrastructure investments that prioritize climate resilience.

Inset (above and below): Wind and geothermal energy as other growing forms of renewable energy

Conclusion The impact of climate change on local communities is already being felt, and it is only going to become more severe in the coming years. It is up to all of us to take action to mitigate these effects and protect vulnerable populations. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing sustainable practices, and promoting climate resilience, we can build a better future for ourselves and future generations.

KLASS KHRONICLES, FEB, 2024

WHAT IS THE NFL? By Thea Belle Hutton

The NFL, A trigram-acronym for “National Football League” is the sport of American football but what is it actually all about? With multiple possible positions to be played and a rich history behind its founding, this article aims to inform readers on all there is to know about the sport. What is American football and the NFL? American football was established in 1869 and stemmed from the two popular games of rugby and football. The aim of the game is to score the most points, which can be accumulated in a myriad of ways: scoring a touchdown (6 points), kicking a field goal (3 points) and converting after the touchdown (1 point). Fun fact, the first game ever played was during a college football match where Rutgers faced Princeton!

What are the positions that can be played? Two teams are on the 100-yard field and each team comprises 22 players, but only 11 from each team are on the field at once. Each team has 11 players for defence and 11 for offence (attack). When one team is defending, the other is attacking. The offensive half of the team is made up of one quarterback (QB), one centre(C), two offensive guards (OG), two offensive tackles (OT), anywhere from 0-3 running backs (RB), wide receivers (WR) and a tight end (TE). The quarterback is seen as the most important role in the game. They are relied on to call the play, take the ‘snap’ (a term used to describe when the ball is thrown backwards into the quarterback’s hands) and throwing the ball to the correct person without the ball being intercepted or him being tackled to the floor. Aside from the offensive half, we also have the defensive half. The 11 positions of defence are 1 nose tackle (NT), 2 defensive tackles (DT) on each side of the defensive line, 2 defensive ends (DE) also on each side and closer to the edge of the pitch, and on the edge of the pitch in the line of defence are the 2 cornerbacks (CB). Behind the line of scrimmage are the 2 linebackers (LB) that stand behind the defensive tackles. Finally, at the very back are the free safety (FS) and strong safety (SS). One thing that can easily complicate American football is that the amount of each position per team may vary depending on the play so it is not always the same formation.

Who are some of the key players? Some of the most popular and influential people in the recent history of the game are Tom Brady (QB), Tyreek Hill (WR), Travis Kelce (TE) (who some of you may know because of Taylor Swift) and Patrick Mahomes (QB). Tom Brady is widely considered the best quarterback of all time, playing for the New England Patriots for his first 20 seasons (2000 - 2019) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for his final 3 seasons (2020 - 2022) before retiring in 2022. On the other hand, we have Patrick Mahomes who is only 28 years old but has already set multiple records, such as the fastest time to reach 200 touchdown passes in only his 84th game! Tyreek Hill is another phenomenon, holding the fastest ever recorded speed in an NFL game -- 23.24 mph. Another noteworthy figure is Travis Kelce. He holds the record for the fastest time for a tight end to reach 10,000 receiving yards.

Where is it played? As you may have guessed, American football is mainly played in the USA but is enjoyed worldwide in over 190 countries with over 56 million fans watching the 2023 Super Bowl last year. Outside of the USA however, Mexico holds the largest fan base with 20 million fans. For some, it may also come as a surprise that Japan plays the NFL. The NFL was introduced to Japan in the 1930s and has since grown to become one of the most popular sports there. Fun fact, in Japan, only 3 Americans are allowed per team!

KLASS KHRONICLES, FEB, 2024

THE SUSTAINABILITY BEHIND COSMETIC SURGERY By Freida Foong

WE’VE ALL SEEN the craze of individuals getting cosmetic surgery to enhance their physical features. Kylie Jenner, Katy Perry, Courtney Cox – celebrities are just one of the many that do, and that’s not including everyday normal individuals like you and I. How does Cosmetic Surgery influence/affect the environment? Though cosmetic surgery offers private benefits for individuals who undergo such procedures, it is important to highlight the significance of the external costs behind such procedures – in particular, the harm it causes to the environment. Used surgical tools, gauze, gloves, and other disposable supplies are just a few of the plastic surgery medical waste that accumulates over time. Because of the presence of toxic chemicals and infectious organisms, this garbage poses a threat to both nature and human health. When medical waste is not disposed of properly, it may contaminate groundwater, pollute the air, and even transmit illness.

PIC

Moreover, the energy consumption during cosmetic surgery operations is high because of the extensive usage of electrical tools and infrastructure. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, are released as a result of this energy usage, contributing to climate change. Greenhouse gases are also released during plastic surgery’s supply manufacture and shipping processes The climate footprint of healthcare is 4.4% of the global total—if healthcare were itself a country, it would rank fifth in global emissions. Surgery is one of the most energy-intensive practices in the hospital, and operating rooms are three to six times more energy-intensive than the hospital as a whole and generate more than 50% of hospital waste. It is therefore critical to understand how surgeons can work to improve environmental sustainability. Cosmetic surgery is considered one of the most energy-intensive and waste-producing in the medical field. Over the last 20 years, demands for cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery have increased by 22%, leaving behind a noticeable carbon footprint. The estimated carbon footprint produced by the USA from its use of anaesthesia (and other medical elements) is estimated to be the equivalent of driving over 17 million miles in a standard vehicle!

Inset (above): The estimated amount of carbon dioxide produced by each type of cosmestic surgery

KLASS KHRONICLES, FEB, 2024 Impacts on Climate Change The increased carbon emissions have left an indelible impact on the world. Thus, waste minimization, resource conservation, environmentally sound modes of transportation, and the use of environmentally benign materials and goods are all a good part of a larger strategy to help mitigate the incidence of this. Plastic surgery hospitals and clinics may help safeguard the environment, improve public health, and keep up with the rising demand for sustainable practices by putting them first. How can plastic surgeons fight climate change? 1.Monitoring Types of Material Used Infectious medical waste is frequently incinerated, releasing greenhouse gases and carcinogens.Many healthcare workers do not understand what constitutes infectious waste, and as a result, “safe” trash is frequently overprocessed. Proper segregation may be easily accomplished with greater education on such matters. Additionally, operating rooms typically include a bin for used linens, contaminated waste, and unregulated waste. Adding a fourth recycling bin for plastic and paper packaging seems in order. 2. Energy Conservation The advocation of installing LED lights in operating rooms can help to reduce energy consumption and produce less heat. Moreover, greater use of surgical hand antiseptic can reduce the need for millions of litres of waters annually, as a traditional 3-minute soap and water scrub can compound up to 20 litres of water. 3. Personal Mitigation Measures On a more personal level, studies have shown there is a public willingness to undergo personal mitigation measures, such as sharing hospital rooms, to help energy conservation. Empowering patients to make climate-conscious decisions can help in the future in the fight against climate change, and can be further reinforced through dissemination of information so that individuals are more informed on making decisions. Although up-front costs will certainly be needed to drive change and innovation, cost-savings have reassuringly been demonstrated.

Inset (above): Measures that can be taken to reduce our carbon footprint, both in the cosmetic field and beyond.

Reducing single-use plastics, saving water and energy, and switching to sustainable modes of transportation are all examples of sustainable behaviours. Clinics may make changes like switching to reusable or biodegradable materials from single-use ones. In addition to helping the environment, this practice might end up saving money. To conclude, energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the disposal of medical waste and toxic chemicals, all contribute to the plastic surgery industry’s negative environmental effects. Cosmetic surgery has left a visible impact on the environment, thus hospitals and clinics must adopt eco-friendly policies in order to help tackle climate change. Waste minimization, resource conservation, environmentally sound modes of transportation, and the use of environmentally benign materials and goods are all part of this strategy.

KLASS KHRONICLES, FEB, 2024

FROM BLOCKBUSTERS TO PICKET LINES: UNDERSTANDING THE HOLLYWOOD ACTORS STRIKE By Zunairah Ahamed

HOLLYWOOD has faced strikes by two unions that represent actors and screenwriters after six decades and you might be questioning why there were not many more films released for the past few months. Well, let’s take a look at the SAG-AFTRA strike which caused film and TV productions to shut down and how it affected actors and performers. In July 2023, The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) formally voted to go on strike. The SAG members were fighting for things like better pay and working conditions as they faced a labour landscape transformed by streaming and threatened by artificial intelligence. After weeks of negotiating with SAG-AFTRA, the Alliance Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have failed to reach an agreement on key issues. The AMPTP which represents studios such as Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV, Disney+, Warner Bros, Universal, Paramount and Sony are also on opposite sides.

Inset (Above): SAG-AFTRA members walk the picket line in solidarity

How did the strike affect Film and TV audiences? By going on strike, actors have leveraged their collective power as workers to get their demands met in their next contract with AMPTP. A majority of the film and television sets were shut down or pushed back to different release dates, meaning that viewers have to wait longer to see their favourite shows. Actors were not permitted to promote their projects with AMPTP members (which is the vast majority of productions), meaning they could not participate in premieres, press interviews, panels or mention their projects in their social media accounts

Inset (Above): SAG-AFTRA’s logo, a union fighting against AMPTP on the side of actors/actresses

The guild, which represents approximately 160,000 actors and other media professionals, have joined picket lines where they’ve been protesting for better pay, working conditions, contracts that include provisions on Artificial Intelligence. Residuals are another major issue for unions. Actors usually receive residuals when their work is being reused beyond its initial performance such as the film or TV show being aired on DVD or streaming services However, according to SAG-AFTRA the residuals are compensated at a lower rate and their pay is calculated more differently. Streaming has complicated job opportunities. Since many shows now run for shorter seasons over longer periods, actors argue that there is less work available to them.

Inset (Above): SAG-AFTRA members and supporters protest on July 18 in New York City

Inset (Below): SAG-AFTRA’s logo for its strike, posted on X informing strikes are effective beginning July 14th 2023

This was considered as the longest strike for US Film and Television alongside the writers strike which occurred in May and ended in September. Both strikes have won similar protections from Hollywood.

KLASS KHRONICLES, FEB, 2024

“OLD BATMAN” : A SHORT ILLUSTRATION (ISSUE #2) By Leila Lyford

KLASS KHRONICLES, FEB, 2024

ERAS TOUR

By Alexa Cheng, Lauren Rickman and Aatreyi Sinha

A recent sensation that has gotten ‘Swiftie’ fans excited all around the world is the Taylor Swift Eras Tour Movie. Taylor Swift is famously known for her songwriting and catchy tunes that she has been writing since she was young. Believe it or not, she has been writing music since she was only 12 years old! Since her first album in 2006, not only has she amazed us with her songs but smashed many records and won countless awards. She is one of the most successful and famous singers and songwriters. Now she is currently on her Eras tour and leaving the Swifties in awe. The movie is only played on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and there’s a reason for that. Taylor intended for the movie to be just like the Eras tour itself, enjoyed with a packed auditorium and not a half-empty one. Taylor Swifts’ Eras tour showcases all her best songs from her different eras. It is an ongoing success as Taylor is still currently touring. Because the Eras tour was such a big hit, it's no surprise that they decided to produce a movie out of it! The movie, in our opinion, was an extremely enjoyable movie and something true Swifties should definitely find time to go and watch. It was vibrant, full of energy and had fun lighting. We could feel the excitement of the audience and it made the experience so much more enjoyable. Many people mistake the movie for a documentary but no, it’s just the concert but filmed. We liked this because we could enjoy the movie and sing along; as if we were actually there. It was definitely three hours well spent for us as big Swifties. However, one of our mothers, who is not a Swiftie, thought differently: “Coming from a non-Swiftie, I thought the movie was rather long. In fact, my husband went ahead and had a nap in the cinema. After a while, all the songs started to sound alike. One of the girls in our group also had a nice nap in the cinema. However, I was glad to see die-hard Swifties singing and dancing and full of energy throughout the 3-hour long movie. ” Although, in our opinion, the Eras Tour movie is an amazing film, others might not think so but if you're a die-hard Swiftie we would definitely recommend you to watch it! As much as we loved the Eras tour there were some things we didn’t like about it. For example, we were disappointed when we found out that the era, ‘Speak Now’ only featured one song - ‘Enchanted’. Despite the fact that ‘Enchanted’ is one of our favourite songs, it was too short to capture how great the rest of the album was. Thankfully, later on, Taylor added the song ‘Long Live’ to the setlist. The Eras tour started off with the era of ‘Lover’. It was bright and exciting and opened with Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince. My favourite eras were ‘Lover, Fearless, Reputation, Speak Now, Red and 1989’. Overall the Eras Tour movie is an amazing film, capturing, celebrating and reflecting on Taylor Swift’s successful career as a pop superstar so far.

EDITOR’S NOTE Another season gone by! Season 2's edition of Klass Khronicles aims to highlight pressing world conflicts, with a particular focus on the unyielding impacts of climate change and the indelible changes it has left behind on our environment. However, this edition is not limited to merely informative pieces. Balancing our solemn contents are EPA recommendations here at KLASS, another round of comics and even an article featuring Taylor Swift's ‘Eras Tour’ concert to lighten the mood. With an eclectic mix of topics, this is another unforgettable edition of articles that I’ve had the pleasure of compiling alongside my co-editors. I hope you had an amazing time reading this edition. As always, stay tuned for more!

See you in the next one! –– Freida

Co-Editors: Zhang Ning & Andrea