The Quill: Volume 1 issue 1

Volume 1 Issue 1 September, 2013

The

Quill

The Eagles go Swimming An Interview With Ms. Maria

BY JERRICA LOOI

1

Greetings and a warm welcome to the very first issue of The Quill!

Throughout this month, as the school has reopened and students have revert back to their academic life, The Quill crew have put together a myriad of news, photos, and advice from across the corners of the world (and within the school itself!).

Why though, is The Quill significant to you personally? Well, we're here to add a splash of color to your routine lives. As all of us walk on different paths and strive towards different goals, we tend to forget those experiences, stories, and memories that are so dear to us now. We are prone to be lost in the midst of our chaotic high school lives, making new friends, and applying to colleges, causing us to disregard the momentous delights we should treasure. As you walk through your journey of high school, The Quill will be with you, transcribing every moment.

So, slow down and take a step back. Take your time to enjoy the instants and emotions from someone else's point of view.

I am honored to share the work of our fellow committed and thoughtful students. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy this edition of The Quill Magazine.

With warmest regards, Will Leelamanthep, Editor-in-Chief

2

NEWS 

A New Year, a New Start

2



Women Around the Women

3



On the Border of Progress? Tale of Two Koreas

5



Egypt’s Cruelest Month

8



Thailand Takes the Title

10

SPORTS 

The Eagles go Swimming

11



It’s All About the Team

16

LIFESTYLE 

Senior Session—Birdy Rodchareon

17



Eagle Eye—Min Yongsuvimol

18



Animated Movies and Pixie Dust

19



All That Jazz

21



DIY

22

OPINION

Editor-in-Chief: Will Leelamanthep



Top 3 Android Features

23



Waikay’s Corner

24

Editors: Poom Sethabutr

Reporters: Leah Robinson

Advisor: Ms. Lissa Scott

Prim Thientanukij

Jerrica Looi

Layout Designer: Teak Pornyuenyong

Young Kwang Shin

Bethany Groot

Graphic Designer: Poon Vorapanyasakul

Khem Somsak

Khem Somsak

Photographers: Pann Sermchaiwong

Win Leelamanthep

Young Kwang Shin

Time Chaiteerath

Alisha Phichitsingh

Pat Chitnutranon

Panpan Supatchapichai Win Leelamanthep John Kim Praise Kittipol

i

1

By: LEAH ROBINSON

Last year still reminiscing from mouth to mouth, seniors of 2012 still remembered for their loud confidence but selfless unity, teachers missed, and last year’s sport season still in the hearts of many. How can we take up the new challenges of this school year with changes abundant and consistent nearly everywhere we look? My answer is endurance and determination, and I hope that it can become a theme transcending and intertwining into all the hopes that we have as students this year and beyond.

Coming back to school, maybe with a sigh, maybe with joy from summer boredom or somewhere in the middle has been strange for most of us. We may have to adjust to new things such as trying to find our places on the lunch tables, new teachers, and the challenging doors that seem to enjoy mocking us by forcing us to pull on their stubborn dry brown paint.

Getting back into school times, homework and lessons can be deterring and tiring but a vibe that I have noticed throughout the school is a sense of relief – relieved to be back among the normal, the same school friends (although they may have been on an adventurous streak with their hair or latest obsessions), teachers who have been mostly forgiven for their last horrendous final exams, and best of all, the warmth of a community.

‘Christian school’, I know that we could all proudly say that we’re more than that. We’re a family, a community of students who are satisfied of their backgrounds and beliefs, a n d who penetrate their determination in academics and sports to all they encounter.

No matter the changes, the differences, or maybe slightly unsettling new occurrences which seem to flood us on every corner, let’s focus on what we’re best at, Every school, including ICS has faults, but from what I that is, being a community that can always be there for can hear and feel among the school is a sense of belonging – each other, and being a group a sense of belonging to the ICS of students who strive for community for good or for bad. academic excellence, yet see the importance and fun of We’re Eagles, Eagles that may sports, shopping, friends and have cliques and distinguishing family. Let’s show the other nationalities that can create schools out there why we’re barriers, Eagles that may have different and overwhelm them different religions and beliefs, with our values and Eagles spirit, hopes and dreams, but if there which is being consistently was ever a doubt that we as a determined to make a difference in school could be known as the the vast world ahead of us! under dogs, or the nice GO EAGLES! 2

By: JERRICA LOOI

“Don’t let the Disney princess hair fool you!” says Raha Moharrak.

On the eighteenth of May the twenty-seven year old reached Mt. Everest’s peak and became the first and youngest Saudi woman to stand on top of the world. It was quite a challenge for Moharrak to pursue her dream of mountaineering - in her country, females are only officially permitted to practice sports in private girl schools. “In my case they were like, you shouldn’t be up there… someone actually asked what Barbie’s doing on a mountain?”

Moharrak on feminism: “I did not set out to do this movement, I didn’t set out to be a poster child for anything, I just saw a mountain and I wanted to climb it. I’m honored that I’m in history but I don’t think it will mean anything if it doesn’t change anything. So I was the first Saudi woman, but if I’m the last? Then would I care if I’m in history? NO.” To Moharrak, success was not conquering Mt. Everest as the first Saudi woman, but inspiring other women to pursue their ambitions too.

3

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, nick-named the ‘Pocket Rocket’ for her petite frame of five feet, made Jamaica proud. At 21, she competed in the 2008 Olympics and became the first Caribbean woman to win 100 meter gold. And just this year, at the Moscow World Championships, she became the fastest woman in the world.

Like Usain Bolt, who won the men’s 100 meter a day before she did, Fraser-Pryce now has two world and Olympic titles apiece at the age of 26. "I am Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. I compare myself to nobody," she said. "What Usain has, he has. What I have is hard work. I never feel I’m living in anybody’s shadow.”

After her victory she revealed, "I had my obstacles - I was starting to feel pain under my left butt cheek." Her endurance paid off, when she captured the 100 m in 10.71 seconds, defeating Ivorian Murielle Ahoure (10.93). "I am surrounded by great people. I came here and did my best and actually won. It was really hurting but I knew what I worked for."

After the great success of the very first ‘Expert Women Day’ in July, acting BBC Director-General Tim Davie has declared plans to launch more free training days, -for women who want to share their expert or specialist knowledge in radio and television reports and interviews.

The database of specialist women; 200 from the second round of recruitment as well as the original 30 women has been circulating widely. Youtube will also be hosting their film clips. A number of these women have already been recognized on television and radio programs.

Anne Morrison, Director of the BBC Academy says, “These hugely successful days are part of our remit to help to train the wider industry, and to address a proven need to grow the pool of specialist women presenters and contributors available to editors and commissioners.”

4

By: WIN LEELAMANTHEP

Since June 25, 1950, the views of the world upon the brotherly nations of ‘North Korea’ and ‘South Korea’ had forever been changed. It was the day by which the infamous Korean War had begun.

The Korean War was an indirect consequence of World War II. Prior to the last world war ending, a sub-war known as the Pacific War (sometimes Pacific Asian War) erupted.

It took place in the islands of the Pacific Ocean and in East Asia. It began in December 8, 1941 with the Axis (allied force that

includes Germany, Russia, Japan, etc.) invading of Thailand and British Malaya and attacking the Pearl Harbor. Although the outcomes of this tragedy can be considered to be advantageous towards a world of democracy, the division of certain territories led to formations of others, the two Koreas being prime examples The Korean Peninsula, then, consisted of two regimes. The northern one was communist, is supported

by China and Russia. This regime, later on, later became recognized by the

5

world as the nation of D e m o c r a t i c Pe o p l e ’s Republic of Korea and as one of the most despised nations. The southern regime later on became known as the Republic of Korea.

Whilst the Korean War proved how a slight technological advantage could strike great differences a n d h o w d a y - b y - d a y, results of the war and territories gained/lost can increase/decrease dramatically, what was known as the Allied force in World War II came out victorious. The site after

the war was catastrophic, yet more was to come.

However, direct effects of the war onto the two nations include the signing of the Armistice and formation of the demilitarized zone (DMZ), an area over their borders by which no

armed men are allowed.

With her big brother, the United States of America, South Korea (ROK) developed economically, which in turn led to the advances in governments and politics, academics, and it as a nation in general. However,

the ‘closed’ North Korea (DPRK) regressed as the clock ticks. As a communist nation, leaders are not voted upon, but pre-selected. From ‘founding father’ Kim II song to current leader Kim Jong Un, the nation has had a rough road.

July 8, 2013

Two-day conference between DPRK and ROK hints towards the reopening of the joint industrial complex.

July 19, 2013

Thomas Hudner, a US veteran was granted permission to find his comrade’s corpse in DPRK.

July 22, 2013

Korean Mass Game had shown the jubilant side of the communist regime. Dancers and acrobats performed as if no tensions preexisted.

August 7, 2013

DPRK pledged Wednesday to take steps to reopen the Kaesong Industrial Zone, the joint manufacturing complex where it halted the operations of South Korean companies during a period of high tensions this year.

August 13, 2013

The first smartphone was made by the country.

August 14, 2013

Both DPRK and ROK agreed to reopen the Kaesong Industrial Complex, the joint manufacturing industrial zone where the North halted activity amid high tensions between the countries in April, the nations announced.

Is North Korea getting better or even perhaps on a movement towards democracy? With the latest news and updates of the regime, it seems as if the nation is acting as China did some decades ago.

Whether North Korea will

become truly democratic is a question currently unanswered, but if it does and the two regimes reunite, the nation will undergo a series of economic quandaries, but over time, the united nation of Korea can become one of the

6

world’s strongest economies.

That is because of the variety of resources in the North and economy and money in the South. None can quite be inferred yet, and what remains unanswered would most likely remain so.

7

By: KHEM SUNTIPARP SOMSAK

Last Saturday, the Egyptian army stormed the al-Fath mosque in downtown Cairo, thought to be harboring hundreds of allegedly terroristic supporters of the ousted President Mohamed Morsi.

Although it might seem the army is the one doing the terrorizing, the majority of Egyptians agree that the villains are the ones on the inside.

“The army and the people,” chanted a crowd that had gathered to lynch fugitives running from the mosque “are one.”

incompetence and divisiveness of Morsi’s presidency and the Muslim Brotherhood and its dwindling allies. The latter has, in the space of a year, gone from being the nation’s most popular and powerful political group to fugitives.

the jingoistic and uninquiring media, most Brotherhood members were, as far as current evidence is concerned, not terrorists. Allegations of violence were yet to be substantiated, and recent statements the military have Criticism was never in made against them might short supply for both camps – have been amusing had it not flown right into the face of many say the new fascistic truth. army-backed regime is staunchly counter-revolutionary.

But for now, both chaos But so too was Morsi, who and deathly silence reign t r i e d t o c o - o p t c o r r u p t over Cairo. It was a wretched institutions rather than scene – but one that had become reform them – and who had familiar in Egypt. Here, also, Both within the mosque little interest in building any was brutal violence. A shortage and without, Egyptian society sort of consensus or social of humanity. And above all: has become increasingly reform. scant regard for the truth. polarized between those who However, contrary to feel threatened by the

8

9

By: BETHANY GROOT

She’s 18 years old.

She’s from Thailand. And she defeated an Olympian.

On August 11th in Guangzhou, Thailand’s own Ratchanok Intanon, also known as May, and China’s Li Xuerui battled for gold in a teeth clenching, blood chilling match to claim the “badminton world champion” title. May’s badminton career actually began at the impressive age of five and she has speedily made her way to the top of the ladder to prove herself to be world competition material at the young age of fourteen years old.

Four years later, she finds herself in the world finals.

The championship was three games of

jaw-dropping, competitive gameplay. Although May was battling outside her home turf against an Olympic champion, her focus and determination did not falter at all. She pushed her more experienced opponent left and right— bulleting each spike with fiery agility and stamina.

But Li was equally determined to claim victory. In the first match of the championship game, Li had pulled seven points ahead of May, but she didn’t back down. May made an incredible come-back and turned the tables on her adversary— taking a two point lead and emerging victorious.

Since the start of the world competition, May

“Before this ma didn’t have co tch, I n dence when I fiwa compet ing aga s ins the top players t , but after to d - Ratch ay I will.” anok In tanon

10

had lost every game against Li—the odds were against her. But then came the final match, the day they’d been waiting for, and everything was left behind—nothing could stand in her way. May was mentally, physically, and emotionally in sync. She played the game she loved with such calmness and composure that it shifted the pressure onto her opponent. Li threw every move she had against May, but to no avail. After years of training and putting in hard work, May stole the gold and returned home as the first Thai badminton world champion.

By: JERRICA LOOI

At last, the first ever ICS swim team! The day of try-outs itself was overwhelmingly exciting. Even Mr. Darren, our headmaster, picked up a megaphone and pitched in. Never had there been so many onlookers at a try-out. Kudos to all who swam in front of what felt like the whole school! Here’s from the woman and kids behind our next athletic venture.

the What were n swimmers o tryout day n? evaluated o

, because their speed ill say d e st te st we ju , they w Last time, swim meets u need to st o m – ts eet, yo most even enter the m meet. So we just to t n a w u o the if y ’ to get in st is able to fa is h ‘t swim at our team th re su e k l train, we ma ets. We wil their wanted to e m se o th for expand participate urance and d n e ir e th will build rokes. se other st ability to u

h BISAC so mpetition wit co a s as p to is ething. would get som o Our goal m e th of h ac What hopes d ause I I wish that e hool score bec sc e th t ou ab e ry ill all events you have for th I don’t wor e going to fulf ar e w k in th I want don’t hies from, but op tr n ar swim team? e n ca earn a that we le to at least ab e b to m e each of th ir own event. medal for the

Do you have

Don’t give up! Righ t now we have mor e elementary, six ye ars to twelve year s old. They can come practice swimming with ou to those who r squad for stroke improvem ent squad for twel ve didn’t make the weeks. During that time, every four w ee will time them to ks, we see how they have swim team? developed their speed. anything to say

11

What do you look f or swimm in a er?

Do you really g like swimmin too?

As the c can pr oach, I wo uld wa actice n chang e som consistentl t a good sw y. Wh ething imme try, a en , r nd no t com they accep I tell them that t my c plain, omme to “Why, n why, why?” t and

ming is s* I think swim gh u a *L s e m hen you are I swim someti u can do it w yo do se u ca e b good up it’s hard to w o gr u yo n he ccer, you young. And w ecause like so rt, it’s an b s rt o sp f o d other kin you get hu p each other, m u not b u yo , n ru ming, you’re im sw in t u B . sorbs attack game the water ab d n a g, in h yt you n going to hit a instead of running. When nt ur ankles. your moveme ur knee or yo yo rt u h n ca key to run you aining is the tr r la gu re r Remembe agles! success. Go E

What made yo u want to start

Because at firs t I saw a pool that *Laughs* I had b een here for te nobody uses! the swim team there was n years alread a swimming-p ? y, ool that we o months a year n ly u se d3 for our PE clas ses. So I thou “yeah, we ne ght ed to do some thing and use more”, and th it en I know, oh , BISAC also has swim competi tions! So I aske d Mr. Jack an Darren if we sh d Mr. ould join the championship couldn’t at th . We at time becau se our pool w short – with 25 as too yards instead of 25 meters, we have to fi so x it and get a new pool.’

ou feel How do y ing the about be m coach? swim tea

to ny things a m o s d ow. I ha eek. loaded n r e v o l ted last w e r e a t s If l o o the sch do before

12

The Eagles go Swimming by Jerrica Looi

How was try-outs for you / How do you think you performed?

Earth S. (12th): Um, it was fun and I didn’t think I was going to make the team, but I did, yay! But there were lots of people there, and it was really competitive.

Nick (9th): It was really hard because there were so many people there. I did pretty well.

Maya (6th): I was nervous with the whole school watching, ‘cause I’m not usually used to the whole school watching, but I think I did fine.

Kodd (6th): A little nervous.

Tommy (9th): Excited and kind of like weird ‘cause I didn’t practice for two months due to my leg-injury; I fell from a surfboard at Flowhouse. Not so good, but I made it.

McKenna G. (3rd): I felt like I was really, really, really blessed to have the honor to do this.

Are there any other girls in your age group / would you want more girls on the team?

Maya (6th grade, the only girl in her age group): Nope, (I’m) the only girl so far. Well, please just try in every time yeah, just try to make it!

13

How do you feel about your approaching swim practices / What are you looking forward to?

Tavia (1st): Uh, kind of scared, happy and scared. Just going swimming.

McKenna G. (3rd): I like, love swimming. Well, I just started it so we’ll see.

Tommy (9th ): Improving my timing and like, improving my skills Kodd (6th ): It would be lots of fun, well I’m looking forward for improving my skills or something like that.

14

15

By: PRAISE KITTIPOL

A new year marks the beginning of a fresh season for athletes ICS athletes.

Throughout the summer, players of all sports have trained vigorously in hopes of improving their skills all for a common goal: to be champions at the BISAC tournament. The BISAC

league consists of multiple international schools that are highly competitive; therefore, earning that top spot means everything for players.

After the varsity girls’ volleyball team finished at second place

last year, the passion to win first place this year soars higher than ever. All the girls are excited and each of them has some of their own expectations in which they hope will be accomplished by the end of this season.

“I think our main goal is to work together as a team and improve our skills, plus there are new players, we have to bond with them and work together,” -Jiwoo.

“I’m looking forward to improving myself as a better player and to play with the new team this year. I believe that as a team, we could really push each other to our best. I’m super excited for this new season!” -Ning “Like Coach Jack said, we have a great team. I'm excited for some medals!” -Yelly

“From what Coach Jack said, I think our team looks very good this year and I can’t wait for us to bond and encourage each other to grow both as a person and as a team.” -Pang “In every tournament, in the heart of the competition, there’s always that need to win. But even though I am certain the gold is ours this year, winning is not the thing I’m most excited for. What I can’t wait for is getting to know my teammates better, and really bonding as a team.” -Grace H.

Needless to say, the primary motive here is teamwork. The team’s spirit and priorities speak for themselves. In addition

to having an intense drive to do their best, they also want an experience worth remembering, and not only does that mean winning,

16

but it also means building each other up both as athletes and people. With this mindset, the team is deemed to go far.

By: POON VORAPANYASAKUL

As a new school year begins, the seniors are placed under the pressure of being accepted into the university of their dreams. We have Birdy Rodchareon, ICS’s Senior Class Vice President, with us today to give ICS’s underclassmen some tips on how to prepare for their upcoming days as a senior.

How did you prepare for your senior year?

“I took the SAT test again to make increase my score, wrote essays, and got recommendation letters from my teachers.”

Have you started your college applications yet?

“I began a little by writing some essays...”

Any tips on how to figure out what you want to study?

“I think that you should choose to study what you like, so if you like science you should study engineering or perhaps medicine. You should know who you are, and try to study what you think you will enjoy.”

Any tips for your underclassmen regarding the SATs? “Try to practice as much as you can, because the more you practice, the higher your score will be.”

How do you manage your time?

“Sometimes when I get home from school, I would start practicing SAT first before I work on my homework.”

I heard you will be going into the medical field, what courses do you recommend your underclassmen who are also interested in this field to take?

“The courses that I recommend would be Biology, Chemistry, and Physics because you need all the science classes. You should also take Anatomy and AP Chemistry. AP Biology or AP Physics is okay too.”

17

By: POON VORAPANYASAKUL

Eagle Eye this issue focuses on freshman Min Yongsuvimol, and how he balances school and his singing career. High school can be very challenging at times, especially for a freshman like Min Yongsuvimol. As both a student and a pop star, Min tells us some of his thoughts on high school.

Are you enjoying high school so far?

M: “I’m enjoying it but then there is so much work and there are lots of changes between Middle School and High School so I’m trying to adapt. It’s pretty tough because we need to be more responsible, and work harder.”

Do you know what you want to study after High School?

“I want to study like... I want to get into a medical school for college, because that has been my dream since I was 4 or 5.”

Does working at a young age affect your childhood and/or school life? If so, how?

“Well it does affect my childhood because I don’t really have time to stay after school, or hang out with my friends. It’s just really tough when there’s lots of homework and I can’t finish them on time.”

Do you know what you want to study after High School?

“I want to study like... I want to get into a medical school for college, because that has been my dream since I was 4 or 5.”

What is your opinion on the new school uniform?

“Yeah, it’s cool.”

Do you like it better than you performance outfit?

“Yeah, because it’s more comfortable, and I don’t have to wear 3 or 4 layers like I normally do when I go on stage.”

18

By: KHEM SUNTIPARP SOMSAK

Upon the mention of animated films, chances are the immortal magic of Walt Disney or the heartwarming novelty of Pixar would instantly come to most minds. Through a peculiar mixture of jointventure capitalism, aggressive marketing, and a pinch of pixie dust, American animation had come to dominate theaters over the world – a truly sorry development, especially in how it forced other, equally worthy franchises to relatively marginalized niches. That being, I hope you wouldn't

mind me introducing you to a no less magical strain of animation – the anime* of Japan.

Anime movies too, to be precise. Though much attention had been hoisted upon the episodic materials, the full-length films are at least as beautiful. You might even have heard of some - “Spirited Away”, for instance. The acclaimed installment follows a young girl as she overcomes spells and demons to save her parents from a spirits' bathhouse.

Sounds whimsical? All the

better for it! Hayao Miyazaki, the movie's director and a sort of Japanese Walt Disney, was famous for turning quaint themes into unforgettable m a s t e r p i e c e s . In a way, that's what all anime do; reminding us all of the woes and wonders of the world through that one medium we can all relate to - cartoons. :) Anyhow – here's a petite selection of anime films I believe everyone should at least take a good peak at. Be warned, life-long obsession is just over the corner!

Grave of the Fireflies: A wrenching war-time animation that blurs the line between cartoon and tragedy, Grave of the Fireflies follows two siblings as they struggle through the Second World War. There are magical moments of natural beauty and childish delight, too – but they only make the tragedy even more real – and harrowing.

IMAGE SOURCE: http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/ MV5BMjA0MzgwMTU4MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODYxNjEzMQ@@._V1_SY317_CR5,0,214,317_.jpg

19

My Neighbor Totoro: An established classic in Japan, this family fantasy is light on the plot but a recommended gateway drug to the rich, vibrant, hand-drawn universe of aforementioned director Hayao Miyazaki. By way of cuteness, it's a captivating world you won't want to come home from.

IMAGE SOURCE: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LvMvY0a4L.jpg

Summer Wars: My absolutest-favoritest film of all. It follows a boy and his crush in her extended family's celebration of their 90-year-old granny. It's gutsy. It's enthralling. And above all, it showcased familiar motifs we all cherish – of family, of companionship, and of summer love. This quote practically sums up the charm of the whole production: “Never turn your back on family even when they hurt you.

Never let life get the better of you and if you remember nothing else, remember to find time to eat together as a family.

Even when times are rough, especially when times are rough.

There's no lack of painful things in this world but hunger and loneliness must surely be two of the worst.

Thanks to you, my precious family, I didn't know a moment of either of those these last ninety years.

Love to you all, good bye.”

IMAGE SOURCE: http://www.walawala.net/img/SummerWars_Front.jpg

20

By: ALISHA PHITCHITSINGH

“Gatsby, what Gatsby?” You don't need to have actually seen Baz Luhrmann's take on the modern version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's American masterpiece to enjoy the appreciation for Art Deco glams it is inspired by. It's not only the bob cut, classic cocktails, sequined party gowns, or those super-cute hats, what's really got us humming are all those accessories. You can incorporate a little roaring- 20's flavor into your 2013 wardrobe with just a few vintage inspired , flapper chic statement pieces. You can wear pearls, straight cut dresses, hair pieces, round sunglasses, and with just minimal touches, you can have looks inspired by the 1920s. 1920's fashion has a self-confidence of the dress code of the Jazz Age , that classy elegant feel . Who said you can't feel elegant and classy in the contemporary era now? When going for a simple look , go for extravagant accessories and look as elegant as ever!

Gra dua ted Pea Nec rles klac cen e, £ t 4.4 0

cent arles e P t en Opul 0 £ 5.6 lace, k c e N

21

How to add a pop of color to your school uniform while obeying the dress code!

By: PANPAN SUPATCHAPICHAI

School has just started and I know many of you miss the vibrant colors of summer. Here are some tricks that will help you add bright summer colors to your school uniform!

Ballet flats or dolly shoes are very common and appropriate for women of all ages. Unlike heels, they are comfortable and easy to walk in. Plus, they are very suitable for school. Ballet flats come in a variety of colors and designs. A pair of cute flats can affect your entire look!

22

By: JOHN KIM

There is no doubt about the fact that the use of smartphones has profoundly penetrated our daily lives. It takes quite an effort and time to choose the smartphone that fits you from an extensive smartphone market. And the operating systems of these phones are a vital aspect you should consider before you choose a device to purchase.

Thus, I would like to introduce you the top three features of the latest update of Android, a rising star in the market of operating systems. The latest update of Android Jellybean 4.3 features some minor updates that mind-blowingly affects the performances of Android devices.

means is if you are signed in with your Google account on both your phone and your tablet, you can get to level 30 in Angry birds on your phone, and start off on level 31 in your Android tablet.

works: when you install a new application, your device creates a data point, and in order to keep track of all these data points and clusters, your operating system basically creates a mapping index. The problem is that without TRIM, there is no way The second update is t h e " B l u e t o o t h a n d W i - F i to clean up the index of data points of files and applications improvements". In the Bluetooth you already deleted centuries department, you are going to ago. Android 4.3 enables TRIM have the ability to connect to system-wide which permits the Bluetooth-low energy devices operating system to tell when such as the wearable bands that show notifications that pop data points are no longer needed and can be deleted from the up in your phone simultaneously, and Google Glass. In the Wi-Fi index. This will end up with department, you can gain access to your devices feeling newer, an "always on low power Wi-Fi" faster, and more responsive. state. What this function actually Although some are under does is that the smartphone or the hood updates that may not The first update is the tablet will not resort to using be very noticeable at first, "Google Play Games" application battery-consuming GPS and instead increased battery life and that comes pre-installed in determine the location of the performance boost will eventually Android 4.3 devices. This user on the basis of the Wi-Fi catch your eye when you find application enables Android users to access points. your old sluggish Android phone challenge their friends to multior tablet working smoothly like The third update is player battles in a variety of called "TRIM". TRIM is essential- a brand-new phone. Thank you games. The fact that this is a ly a technology that keeps the for reading, and I sincerely clichĂŠd feature is irrefutable. hope this article assisted you in on-board storage clean from However, the Google Play understanding some of the new garbage buildup. This feature Games also supports a new will especially affect Nexus de- features in Google's latest feature - application data vices, where on-board storage update - "Android 4.3". synchronization across multiple is everything. This is how it devices. What this basically

23

Why Change Never Changes And so another spectacularly ordinary school year begins once more. Not that I had anything special to do during my summer. I mean sure, I’ve been to Dubai and seen its sands, but the only comfort I’ve gotten from them is the fact that I avoided them like I avoid internet ads. The world around me has thankfully not imitated my life though: Our Good Leader the Editor in Chief spent her summer doing...SOMETHING in Brown, and speaking of Brown, it is now apparently the color of the Administration’s choice to add excitement to our 5-block lives (or maybe it was the recommendation from our well-intentioned parents). The adolescents that flock in the gates of our school dressed in the uniforms with the diverse color palette of 3 colors have had something to criticize about from Day 1 (sometimes known as the day during which you can get spare syllabi). Yes, from the new ICS symbols on the new uniform (somebody please explain why there are baby blue strings on my logo) to the ID cards that are increasingly resembling prisoner IDs, - WHICH GEORGE ZIMMERMAN SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN *erm*, sorry. Random comment on current affairs... - many of the surroundings that have lent us the solace of constancy have either been morphed drastically or are undergoing that due process. Yet this is not something new - there is nothing as familiar as change. In this extremely rushed and post-deadline edition of Waikay’s Corner, I seek to change your minds (unless you already agree) about change.

Change, certified doctors of my imagination confirm, the medical symptom that accompanies the omnipresent disease of

senioritis. Contrary to its name, senioritis is not exclusive to high school seniors. Rather, it is the general feeling of lethargy that shackles our limbs and minds from pursuing productive endeavors that would satisfy the Asian parents dwelling in the ugly recesses of our souls (where did you think Asian parents come from?). The same doctors tell me that senioritis and change are indistinguishable. That is to say, nobody is sure whether change causes senioritis or vice versa. This is where I throw in my two cents with all the fury I have toward these metaphorical useless wastes of good metal - we seem to clutch onto the illusion of constancy throughout our lives, as if to make sense of the world around us, to make the ugliness of the world a bit more pleasant.

That thought undergirds the entire concept of civilization: it isolates the psuedo-democratically determined ‘sane’ and ‘tolerable’ from the brutality of the natural world and simplifies the effects of change to a more manageable level so that the people (or the few who have amassed power) can manipulate to their benefit, much like how a scientist gets his results about frog anatomy more easily from a controlled experiment. But people are prone to forget something - we are the ones being experimented on - change has not been eliminated, it is only more evident once juxtaposed with the ideal of constancy we hold.

From what I can tell, people have more or less understood this notion once explained - you, the reader, probably think the above paragraph at least sounds legit. Yet we do not live as if this is the case. Only when our bodies have sufficiently approached

24

death do we contemplate the nature of change. The evidence is there: out of the school population, the Class of 2014, the oldest (coincidence?), is probably the most anxious about the changes that will confront them. Of course, it is a more sterilized form of change: no one in the Class of 2014 is seriously thinking about screwing college and entering the workforce. But it does show the limitations of society in providing security and order to its constituents. And as far as I can see, the uncertainty only grows. It does cause a relatively well-off Asian in a relatively well-off country to ponder and live with a bit more depth. That, or AP Psychology is really getting to me.

I’m rather surprised I’ve rambled this long. The Editor in Chief has theoretically eliminated my word limit, but I don’t usually talk about abstract topics this much. But I suppose that writing about something deep at the getgo of the year and the first issue of the Quill Magazine is a good indicator of the reach of Waikay’s Corner. In the end, Waikay’s Corner is a mysterious student’s unfiltered stream of thought put into the Times New Roman English (or whatever font the layout designer chooses by the last minute) for the benefit of the student body. The aforementioned mysterious student would like to promise that all future editions will be bravely published as uncompromisingly blunt and unbelievably scattered unless the villainous forces of the Editor in Chief or the Administration decides to intervene, in which case I will convert my bravery to speed and run away. Otherwise, it is a promise that will not change.

Hopefully.

25