The Christmas Special Edition

If you’ve been following The Quill’s glamorous magazines, you’ve surely noticed the special seasonal editions put together by our dedicated team members. While other high school students are consumed in the realm of midterm studies and cramming, our team has been engaged in copious meetings to put together for you our magazine club’s very first Christmas Edition!

Whether December concludes your anxiety for your school career’s first set of examinations or your search for a seat in the Class of 2020, keep in mind that the joyful spirit of holiday season is trying to implement the long-lost feeling of “relaxation”. It tells us: “put down your pencils, dim down the lights, grab a mug of hot chocolate and put on your favorite Christmas music.” As the calming lyrics settle in your ears, let The Quill’s Wanderlust walk you through the Santa Claus Village of Finland. Skim through the pages of Mr. Mark Cooprider’s Poetry Cafe, a serene poetry-reading event organized by one of ICS students’ favorite teachers. If you missed out on the play Annie, fear not– flip a few pages and you’ll be directed to the recaps!

The Quill offers you another opportunity to explore the hidden places beyond our school community, and we offer this issue with that in mind. Do you see eagles soaring to the Santa Clausiest village at the turn of Christmas season? We hope so!

Quillfully Yours, Titapa C. and Keshav G.

TRAVEL

LIFESTYLE

The Fire of Christmas Spirit

SCHOOL NEWS

6

It’s a Hard Knock Life

10

The Heart of a Musician

18

Poetry Cafe Shakespearean Starbucks

SPORTS A Sparkling Start

19 12

INTERVIEWS Senior Session Minon Tsuji

Eagles Eye Michaela Gentry

14 16

Wanderlust Santa Claus Village, Finland

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Bora Bora French Polynesia’s Leading Lady

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OPINIONAIRE

A Steady Crescendo Why We Write The Power of Journalism

8 21

GLOBAL NEWS/POLITICS China and Taiwan A Fractured Family

SHORT STORY The Heist

School Statistics

23 30

Christmas Survey

31

Art of the Month

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Titapa Chaiyakiturajai Keshav Garg ADVISOR Ms. Lissa Scott PHOTOGRAPHERS Surawut Withayarukson Teerawat Chaiteerath Pawat Wirawan ART MANAGER Anna Chen LAYOUT DESIGNER Coleman Weimer Surawut Withayarukson Phatsawut Achariyasoonthorn

EDITORS Koch Kasemsantitham Haripoom Prasutchai Tom Choi WRITERS Koch Kasemsantitham Haripoom Prasutchai Tom Choi Anvi Mehta Chanaradee Leelamanthep Yihyun Kwon Jin Ha Yuho Su Gino Lin Arjav Sanghavi Naran Suvarnpradip Andrew J. Person

THE FIRE

OF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

By Jin Ha Photos by: links.org

O

n December 24, 1914, enemies on the Western Front near Ypres, Belgium sang carols to each other. The next day, German troops rose from their trenches, and approached the Allied forces through “No Man’s Land”, while saying “Merry Christmas” in English. The French and English soldiers were reluctant at first, suspecting a trap. However, after seeing the German troops unarmed, they also reciprocated the merry making. Gifts and souvenirs were exchanged, just like on any Christmas Day. A documented case provides proof that even a game of football was played.

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Lifestyle

Although the Christmas Truce of 1914 was never official, it was an unofficial, temporary truce declared by opposing forces on Christmas Day. Saint Nicholas is commonly accepted as the inspiration behind Santa Claus. Few people know the first “Santa Claus” was actually Odin, the Norse god. What? Impossible!

Odin is a fierce god!

Fun Fact: Did you know Christmas was illegal in America? It took Congress a near hundred years to legitimize it as an official holiday.

In reality, Odin lead the Wild Hunt every Yule - then Christmas for Germanic tribes - while he rode his horse, Sleipnir. Sleipnir’s ability was to cover long distances in short times (sound familiar?). Young sons and daughters gathered their boots and filled them with carrots (yes, carrots), straw, and sugar. They placed them near the chimney for Odin’s horse to consume. In return, Odin left gifts and candies in appreciation.

(Sound even more familiar?)

Christmas is celebrated around the world.

However, each country has their own Christmas culture, including varying definitions of what Christmas food should be and some strange rituals.

For example, In the lone island of Japan, the traditional Christmas food is not turkey,

Fun Fact: Why Santa Claus? It was simply a matter of translation from Sinter Klaas, Saint Nicholas in Dutch.

but a dish of near equivalence: Kentucky Fried Chicken. In fact,people have to make reservations to eat KFC on this holiday! If that is perplexing, consider this ritual performed on Christmas Eve at Czech Republic. Single women want to know if they will remain single next year or not. To determine the future, a woman would turn her back to a house door. She would throw her shoe over their shoulder, and if the heel of the shoe points to the door, there is no question she will remain single. However, if the front of the shoe points to the door, the woman might as well make her arrangements there and then.

Regardless of what the history of christmas is, today it has become an event that brings people closer and allows for merry making in a flawed world. Happy Holidays!

Fun Fact: Why exactly is Christmas sometimes referred to as “Xmas”? The letter “X” in Greek is Chi… take it from there.

Lifestyle

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A Steady Crescendo

C

hristmas today is defined as more of a seasonal festival rather than a religious event. Communities all around the world, whether they be Muslims from Dubai or Native Americans from a reservation in Wyoming, celebrate Christmas. However, interestingly, people from different places add their own dose of flavor to the holiday. The same holds true for Christmas in Thailand.

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Opinionaire

By Arjav Sanghavi Photos by pantip.com

The season of Christmas in Bangkok starts at around mid-to-late November, as companies start dressing up the salesmen. Soon enough, you can only see employees dressed in red in department stores. Soon, large Christmas trees start popping up in front of these same malls.

Christmas trees are a big deal for the locals and there is almost every year an informal, unofficial competition between the major buildings of the town to have the grandest Christmas tree of them all.

Once we enter December, more and more of the local residents start decorating their houses and workplaces.

The decor is varied, and since Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist nation, crosses and other religious signs aren’t put up that often, at least not intentionally.

We enter the the second week of December with an increasing number of international students at home as international schools start shutting down in a rapid chain for their respective winter breaks. Thai schools, on the contrary, don’t get a break for Christmas (already having gotten one a month ago). Despite that fact, most Thai schools do celebrate Christmas with a ripe vigor, making various crafts, decorating the school, and dressing up.

Eventually, the week of Christmas finally arrives and Thai people start crowding around the Siam Paragon/ Central World area. Sale discounts are sky-high and the decorations in the area are totally insta-worthy. Santa Clauses soon become a regular sight, and many convenience stores offer candy to little kids. You can almost hear a crescendo as the days go by one-by-one.

And suddenly Christmas day arrives just like any other day. The kids go to school, the parents go to work, and the Christians go to church. Nothing much happening.

But when the night falls…

The city traffic scene is in ruins as every street is filled with cars, each packed with a family off to see the city decorations and to grab a few hundred selfies. Bangkok goes from being a weak jewel reflecting light, to a star ready to burst with light. Trees, buildings, even a few cars literally glow in the city’s heart. As the night progresses streets and the malls soon start to empty out. No fireworks, no Christmas Eve for most families. Here, at around 10 PM, Christmas comes to an end.

Opinionaire

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IT’S A HARD KNOCK LIFE

By Yihyun Kwon Photos by: Teerawat Chaiteerath

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he first half of the school year is coming to a close, and for many students the short few months was indeed a hard-knock life--perhaps even more so for everyone who participated in bringing Annie, the musical, to the stage of our school.

But the stage wasn’t always the glitz-andglamor as seen on the bright-lit stage. When the doors of the auditorium were closed and afternoon practices commenced, the stage became more of a battlefield than anything else.

Whether it was the music, props, costumes or actors, everything about the production was polished to near perfection.

The closer it was to the play date, the lengthier the rehearsals became. Parts were repeated dozens of times, requiring the same amount of energy and enthusiasm for each re-take.

Tech and backstage hands worked long hours, toiling on small details that made up the immaculate performances. Actors and actresses juggled between learning lines and trying to please their teachers. There was so much overlooked and undervalued effort and

The character interaction was flawless, the props and costumes were impeccable, and the audience oohed and aahed over each of the scenes. Annie was a hit.

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School News

discussion that went into creating the movements of each action.

Being a part of a big musical production is rewarding, but requires more than just simple once-overs. Sacrifice is crucial, and every single one of the students pushed through the grueling work. Great performances are born from sweat and tears, work and discipline. This year’s musical production gave the ICS community that and more.

Left: The Hannigans dance with joy while Grace comforts Annie.

Middle: The children sing with anger.

Right: Mr. Phillip gives a speech.

The techies decorate the stage. Eric Lee paints the stage floor. Yohan gets ready to play his part.

School News

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A SPARKLING START

By Koch Kasemsantitham Photos by: Teerawat Chaiteerath

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n Friday November 6th, ICS held its second bi-annual Spirit Night for the 2015-16 Academic Year. Both the Boys and Girls ICS Varsity Basketball sides won their matches against RIS to open up the basketball season.

The ICS teams, formed through the rigorous tryouts, were able to display their powers through ICS’ second Spirit Night of the year.

A large crowd gathered on the Friday night, with the fervent ICS High School Principal, Mr. Luc Lemley, leading the supporters in cheering.

The night started off with the ICS Varsity Girls side warming up their season with a matchup against Ruamrudee International School, and eventually winning 48-35.

Ji Woo Park, veteran junior starter, defines the match as a possible preview for things to come.

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Sports

“Overall we had great chemistry in our team.

During Spirit Night our performance showed us that we are able to improve as a team.

With more practices and games to come, we’ll be successful throughout the season,” Ji Woo said after the match.

The ambient atmosphere of the ICS crowd extended further with the help of Mr. Jason Bledsoe’s band, playing various songs to lighten the school’s spirit. In addition, Mr. Luc and Mr. Stephen guided the students and parents through the cheers, raising their hands each time the ICS team had free throws.

Later on the ICS Varsity Boys had their moment as they thrashed a visiting RIS side. The team started off arm in arm with a chant led by senior Philip Owens, energising the players.

Jared Garcia, one of the top scorers for the

team, lead them to a 72-42 victory.

“I was pretty impressed on how the team performed together since we only had 5 returning varsity players. I feel like we developed chemistry from the start and I’m hoping we continue to do so,” stated Jared. “I’m looking forward to the Chiang Mai tournament to see how the team will perform against other schools and possibly also our ICS tournament.”

With the arrival of the basketball season happening at ICS, we hope to see you all come out to support the teams!

Left: Sisi shoots a free throw for the team.

Right: Team Captain, Phillip pumps up the team spirit with a pep talk.

Bottom Right: Nott makes a layup during warm-ups.

Sports

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Senior Session Minon Tsuji

By Jin Ha Photos by: Teerawat Chaiteerath

What are some things you miss about Japan, and some things you like about Thailand?

I miss the real Japanese food, TV shows, and convenience of public transportation. For Thailand, I like the food, affordable movies, and elephant pants.

What are some of your hobbies?

I like to hang out with my friends, watch movies, go shopping, sleep, play soccer, eat sushi, chase my cat, and sleep some more.

with all the other seniors was a great one.

Another one was when one of my friends was telling a joke and we both died laughing on the floor. I’m looking forward to my trip to Singapore and being able to relax after submitting college applications.

Do you have a major or career in mind?

I’m planning to major in biology, then, hopefully, make it to medical school and become a doctor.

What is your dream?

Graduation is coming closer. What are My current dream is to pass/survive AP some favorite moments you’ve experienced Spanish. so far, and what are some things you look forward to?

What is your greatest strength or weakness?

So far… Getting first place in Chiang Mai I can either be extremely lazy or too focused.

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Interviews

It’s hard for me to stay in the middle.

What is one embarrassing thing you’ve done?

I’ve sprayed water all over myself when trying to refill my water bottle. I turned the knob the wrong way, and everyone saw how stupid I actually was.

What is it like to be the stage manager for Annie?

It’s the most stressful, tiring, yet amazing and rewarding position ever. Yes, it’s a lot of responsibility and staying after school, but that moment when the final curtain closes is truly none like any other.

Do you have any advice for the under classmen?

Take tech. Take chances. Don’t be too lazy or too focused on APs. Be more carefree.

Choose your friends wisely. Enjoy life. (#^.^#)

Eagles Eye

With the production of Annie the Musical being a huge hit, we at The Quill are here today to interview one of the actresses, Michaela Gentry, who took on a whopping swing role of 4 minor characters. With that in mind, let’s see what she has to say regarding her involvement in the musical as well as her theatrical background.

Which characters are you taking the role of?

I am Annette, the maid, a homeless woman, Usherette, the person who seats Annie, Warbucks, and Grace at the show, and Ronnie Boylan, one of the 3 Boylan sisters who sing on the WEAF radio station.

What made you choose to audition for those parts?

There wasn’t really a specific reason. I auditioned for small roles, and Mr. Philip thought I could do these ones, so he gave me them.

Out of all the characters you are playing, which part appealed to you the most?

I really like playing Annette. She has lots of fun dances

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Interviews

Michaela Gentry

By Naran Suvarnpradip Photos by: Teerawat Chaiteerath

and she gets to act more than any of the other maids in the Warbucks residence.

Do you prefer playing as major characters or minor characters in plays?

In plays without singing, I prefer bigger roles since they are normally more fun with more time to spend on character development. In musicals, with singing, I prefer smaller roles since I’m not as gifted in the singing area.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much practice do your parts require?

I’d say about an 8. It requires a lot more practice than how much I originally thought it would be, especially with the dances and background scenes. Everyone has to be coordinated and synchronized.

Have you seen any films or read the original comic strip of Annie prior to your auditioning?

I have seen the 1982 version of the movie. I happen to own a copy of that version.

If you have to choose from a list of songs from this musical, which one would you consider your favorite?

I would say either the songs “You Won’t be an Orphan for Long” or “Easy Street”. I get to dance in “You Won’t be an Orphan for Long.” In “Easy Street” though, I really enjoy watching it, since I get to see 3 of my closest friends, Jasmine, Connor, and Binks, dance together. It was really funny.

How long has it been ever since you’ve established your course of acting?

I acted in a church play for the first time when I was 5, playing as a minor character.

Then I continued acting from when I was 9 until now.

Could you list all the other plays you’ve taken part in the past?

Let’s see: Suessical, Beauty and the Beast, To Be Like Jesus, It’s a Wonderful Life, Cinderella, Merry Mega

Christmas, Losers Like Me, Twelfth Night, The Wizard of Oz, and now Annie.

What factor contributes to your passion for theater?

I just love it. I love the chance to portray the different roles of characters that don’t have my personality.

I never want to be typecasted. I like to learn to experience life and the world through the eyes of many different people Lastly, since you’ve had many experiences with theatre, and you love acting so much, what word of advice would you have for those planning to embark on an acting career in the future?

My advice is to follow your passion. If you have a passion for acting or being on stage, then follow it.

If you have the opportunity to be part of a play or production of some sort, then do it. It is a valuable privilege.

The Heart of a Musician

By Chanaradee Leelamanthap Graphic by weknowyourdreams.com

A

t the age of six, I often questioned myself why I was there, sitting on the stool, pressing those black and white keys. Why was it that I started playing piano?

Was it because of my sister upon whom I dearly look? Or, will it perhaps be essential to my life?

Now, I know the answer: music plays a crucial part in my life. Often, people only view the surface of what music is: beautiful instrumental sounds. But what does it take to be able to stylistically present those pieces scored by each of their composer? Music isn’t just notes; it’s the voice of an invisible painting.

Before you can start painting, you need apparatuses such as a palette, paints, and a canvas, just like how the first step is learning the notes. Because you sight-read and listen to the notes, your visual and auditory senses are working simultaneously. Also, when you are learning pieces that requires voicing, your fingers must differentiate between the soprano (highest pitch), the alto (high pitch), the tenor (low pitch), and the bass (lowest pitch). To express each tone, it requires great coordination between your fingers using different amount of forces exerted on the keys. Being able to do that, your brain is accustomed to processing assorted information synchronously.

On the same piano in the same room, each 18

pianist would produce varying sounds; they could be bold and resolute notes, dulcet voices, or both. Playing Johannes Brahms’s Rhapsody and Claude Debussy’s La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin uses different techniques. In my perspective, this piece by Brahms illustrates a young man’s miserable love being supplanted by another man. Although he was hoping that the girl will return, he realizes that it was impossible, leaving him despaired and heartbroken. Unlike that piece, Debussy’s La Fille represents a girl enjoying the meadows as the wind graciously blows her golden-brown hair.

As I define each composer’s arrangement, the colors I use and the tones I create to repaint each picture differ, whether be it a sweet pastel color or a vibrant, powerful shade. Learning to perform each piece beautifully, I must analyze each composition in order to connect with the music and its meaning. This effortful process could strengthen my coordination and expression skills. Nevertheless, every coin has two sides. Despite the fact that I would be better at coordination and self-expression, unsuccessful attempts at realizing those potentials could be stressful. With that said, choosing between undergoing strain and not playing piano, I would rather undergo stress than suppressing my own music and my own story. Music is my life.

Shakespearean Starbucks

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tudents squirmed in their seats in the dimly lit area, waiting in anticipation for the poetry cafe to begin. The room that the event was held in, was illuminated with candles and lamps, creating an overall relaxed and friendly environment.

By Anvi Mehta Photo By Teerawat Chaiteerath 11

Several couches and bean bags were set up to help the listeners feel comfortable. The students chomped on snacks and sipped drinks that were provided by Mr. Mark Cooprider.

Recently, the British Literature class taught

by Mr. Mark has been studying poetry. One of their recent assignments includes making a short booklet that contains a variety of poems. In light of this, Mr. Mark hosted a Poetry Cafe opened to all high school students that enjoy writing, reading, or listening to poetry.

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School News

After determining a few ground rules, Mr. Mark started the event by reading a Christmas poem that he had written in iambic pentameter. While the majority of the students read poems that they had written themselves, a few read poems by other authors that had a special meaning to them.

The poetry cafe was an overall entertaining yet heartwarming event. A majority of the students enjoyed their time listening to the heterogeneous collection of poems while munching on snacks and sipping their drinks. Surely, next year’s poetry cafe is highly anticipated!

The Power of Journalism

By Tom Choi Photo by skyrocketgroup.com

A

s December casually strolls around the corner, many reflect on the year behind them and dream for the morrow to behold. We ask ourselves of our deeds and actions of the past and set visions for the future. We reflect on when, where, and what we did as well as when, where, and what to do. In this perpetual cycle of retrospection and inspiration, our focus is on our actions more oft than not, and seldom do we consider the purpose and the reason-which is why, seemingly for the first time this year, we of the Quill wish to explore not what we write, but why we write.

At the tip of our pens and our fingertips lies a very potent and powerful, yet basic and rudimentary concept--expression. Not any expression, but the creative one that

leaves records and the traces of our thoughts and ideologies, agendas and implications.

But is this why we write? Is our agenda the only motivator of our creative process, investigative procedures, and scientific forays? I’d personally digress heavily from that statement. In fact, the reason behind our writing, the reason behind the Quill is very simple.

We write because we can.

We write to express ourselves, to record what we see, to tell stories, and to etch it in the facet of living memory. This is a freedom we have, a privilege we have been endowed with, an inalienable right to self-expression--and it’s not without its powers.

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From the earliest histories of professional journalism to today, journalism was at the heart of every revolution, movement, and the start of something big. It was the first point addressed in the US Constitution and the foremost element suppressed in any tyranny. It began the Spanish American War and ended the US Civil War. It brought reform and change through figures such as Horace Greeley and Nellie Bly, an editor of the New York Tribune and a famous muckraker, respectively. It even carries the weight and importance worthy of a US Supreme Court decision, most famously the Tinker and Hazelwood Decisions. Journalism, in essence, is the professional culmination of cooperation and individuality.

Though what we do may not be of From the earliest histories of professional journalism to today, journalism was at the heart of every revolution, movement, and the start of something big. It was the first point addressed in the US Constitution and the foremost element suppressed in any tyranny. It began the Spanish American War and ended the US Civil War. It brought reform and change through figures such as Horace Greeley and Nellie Bly, an editor of the New York Tribune and a famous muckraker, respectively. It even carries the weight and importance worthy of a US Supreme Court decision, most famously the Tinker and Hazelwood Decisions. Journalism, in essence, is the From the earliest histories of professional journalism to today, journalism was at the heart of every revolution, movement, and the start of something big. It was the first point addressed in the US Constitution and the foremost element suppressed in any tyranny.

It began the Spanish American War and ended the US Civil War. It brought reform and change through figures such as Horace Greeley and Nellie Bly, an editor of the New York Tribune and a famous muckraker, respectively. It even carries the weight and importance worthy of a US Supreme Court decision, most famously the Tinker and Hazelwood Decisions. Journalism, in essence, is the professional culmination of cooperation and individuality.

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Though what we do may not be of spectacular calibre, have the circulation to incite the next great movements, nor do any justice to celebrated journalists, our actions and purposes will not change.

We will write because we can and because it’s worth doing so.

China and Taiwan A Fractured Family

by Gino Lin

O

n November 7th 2015, President Ma Ying Jeou of Taiwan met with the President Xi Jinping of China. It has been 66 years since the leaders of Taiwan and China met with one another.

The last time that they met was in 1949 following the Chinese Civil War where the Nationalist Party led by Chiang Kai-Shek withdrew from China, and . Since its departure from the mainland China, the remnants of the Nationalists declared Formosa (Taiwan’s former name) as the Republic of China (ROC). The Communists, after purging the Nationalist remnants in China, then declared what is now the People’s Republic of China (PRC). China and Taiwan has been locked in diplomatic battles ever since the People’s Republic of China (PRC) declared Taiwan (ROC) an illegitimate government.

Anti-Reunification sentiments still linger within Taiwan to this day, which explains the student protest that occurred during President Ma Ying Jeou’s departure from Taiwan.

The country has been separated from China for 66 years and has an autonomic government.

The meeting was described by the leaders as a meeting to promote goodwill. The meeting was then conducted behind closed doors, and not long after the leaders emerged to eat supper. Both leaders split the bill, which experts speculate as signs of showing that either party aren’t lesser to the other. President Ma when asked about the talks commented that he had made inquiries upon the missiles directed towards Taiwan. He further stated that President Xi insisted that the missiles are not aimed at Taiwan.

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WANDERLUST Santa Claus Village, Finland

By Haripoom Prasutchai Photos by: Surawut Withayarukson

Terve! Hello!

I

n anticipation of the festive season near the end of the year, this issue of Wanderlust would like to take all of our dear readers on a nostalgic trip to childhood’s innocent imagination of a lovingly bearded old man named Santa Claus– he who sends out gifts for well-behaved kids around the world during the joyful holiday, Christmas!

The very own domicile of the perennial Santa Claus is subject to intense controversy. However, a tranquil hub frequented by the Yule Father, the Santa Claus Village is a small theme park situated in the town of Rovaniemi in Finland, located in the Arctic Circle. The Finnish cousin of Santa Claus, Joulupukki awaits young-minded visitors of all ages to satisfy their dreams of meeting

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Travel

the real Santa Claus. There, hopes will have a warm rendezvous with the Santa Claus in his very own working place during his office hours when he is open for talks and friendly exchanges.

Apart from realizing the fantasies, buildings that serve as transit hubs for the Finnish Santa’s sojourn give us a glimpse of the traditional Lappish architecture. A photo of any part of the magical village will surely enchant any follower on Instagram, whether be it with Santa’s office, his reindeer, his living place, or Santa Claus himself replicated to be like those seen on movies or TV. Although, a photo with the Santa Claus will come at an extra cost of EUR 40 (approximately THB 1,528).

Finnair runs daily flights from Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi to Helsinki-Vantaa and takes 11 hours and 20 minutes. Local flights from Helsinki-Vantaa to Rovaniemi take around 1 hour and 20 mins.

Talking of impressed friends, do not forget to get hold of unique Christmas merchandises, exclusively from Santa Claus Village.

The wide gamut of products include kitschy Christmas souvenirs, such as Santa Claus plush dolls; traditional Lappish souvenirs, such as handmade knives, and household products with famously ingenious Nordic design. Even if the visit to the Santa Claus Village is too much of a hassle, Santa Claus Village Post Office is always accepting letters from everybody around the world. But if it happens that anyone gets to set foot on the Santa Claus Village no matter what time of the year, one can always satisfy the dreams of others by ordering a letter from Santa Claus to be sent to them anytime of the year.

Even though the concept of Santa Claus does not make up a big part of people’s minds, it is necessary to understand the true meaning of Christmas: sheer positivity. Regardless of what one believes about Christmas, it is a time for everybody, to ignore negativity and profit from positivity. So, ignore those who say that Santa does not exist, or at least pretend he’s Finnish.

Hyvää joulua!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Santa Claus’s Address:

Travel

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EAGLES TRAVEL Bora Bora

French Polynesia’s Leading Lady

by PunPun Chaiyakiturajai

T

ake a cruise along the pristine ocean of tame stingrays and blacktip reef sharks swimming alongside a thousand other forms of frolic life.

Explore this tropical paradise of colorful coral gardens.

As you saunter onto the deck, let the elegant view of Mt. Otemanu, the highest point on Bora Bora enliven your experience. In The Quill’s Christmas Special Edition, allow us to assist you with the company of scenic views on this spectacular island, Bora Bora.

Travel

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Where Is Bora Bora?

The island is located in Southern Pacific. It is approximately 160 miles northwest of Tahiti and 2,600 miles south of Hawaii.

How far is Bora Bora from Bangkok, Thailand?

7,636 miles - 1 day, 5 hours by plane

What is there to do? snorkeling, diving, cruising, fishing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, parasailing, skydiving

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Travel

Literally Paddle to Your Villa!

Bora Bora’s Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is a great way to engage yourselves with the spectacular Lagoon. Find yourselves interacting with the eagle rays, white sand, corals, and much more!

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(continued)

by Andrew Person

T

his is The Quill’s short story column, whose first story was featured in the September Issue, 2015. Every new story is a continuation of the previous story, so check out the previous issues to better understand the story.

Snorting, I turn to my two comrades. “Are we ever really ready?” Archie threw me a cocky grin.

“For the right price, Genosse, I’d be ready for anything. Do you have the equipment?”

I fished through my bag, until I found what appeared to be a computer grid stuck together with duct tape. I then pulled out a small cylinder, and handed to my comrade.

“Flip the switch, and all cell coverage will be blocked for a 5 mile radius. That should stop the automatic 911 from the church once I begin to tamper with the alarm.” I explained.

Looking impressed, my fellow burglar flipped the switch, and checked his cell.

“Dead as a doornail.” He said, grinning.

“This here, though, is the real beauty of this operation.” I said, pointing to the duct taped contraption. “It’s a sound wave disruptor. It takes all sounds in an adjustable radius and produces a similar wave, which disrupts all

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sound in the area. I designed it myself.”

“Is it tested?”

“It will be after tonight.”

“Well, that’s awfully reassuring…” I laughed.

I had forgotten how much fun it was to work with this guy.

Turning, my friend whispered in my ear.

“Now, what exactly is the name of what we are after? All I know is that it has something to do with longevity.”

“Our boss is trying to reach immortality, Genosse.” I whispered back, ignoring the frustrated look on Alexa’s face. “He may be mad… but we are getting the check. In the end, it does not matter. I am ready to be eight digits richer.”

“Well, fine then. But what if he’s on to something? I wouldn’t mind living forever.”

“Keep your eyes and ears peeled. If we see an opportunity to scram, we take it.”

“Agreed.”

And so the heist begins.

by Yuho Su

School Statistics

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critique by Anna Chen artwork by Yoomin Hwang

Yoomin’s digital painting, completed in Paint Tool Sai, is a study of colors. She applies a strong light source to bring out conspicuous and subtle hue variations.

Art Column

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