BISSKIT IOctober, 2009 Issue No. 1 studywiz.biss.com.cn

EDITOR- IN-CHIEFSZ a i n a b S a m a dV a s u d h a M u k h e r j e e

BISSKIT October, 2009 Issue No. 09.01 studywiz.biss.com.cn

CHINA’S 60th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORMATION OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY

ThewholeBeijingcitywasundercurfew.The60thanniversaryofChina’srepublicwassogrand,Icouldnotbelieve.Withallthevariousarmytroopsmarchingallatonce,inthesameposition

itlookedsplendid.Marchinginunderthehotscorchingsun,wasnotatrouble‐freejob

Butthemenofthearmydidit.TheparadewasattheTiananmenSquare,

Earlyinthemorning,inTiananmenwaswhere,theparadesbeginandnotanyotherplaceelsewhere.

Therewereladies,wholookedaselegantasawhiteswan,AndthemenlookedasstrongasaIiddlereadyforeverything,whichwas

abouttobegin.

Icouldnotmovemygazefromthesmallscreen,UntilIsawthemostamazingthing,thatnobodyhadseen…Therewere150planesthatweregoingtotake‐offinBeijing,

AndIsaw5ofthemabovemyhouseIlying.ImovedmyheadtowardsmyTVstillastonished,

WhenIseethattheywerenowshowingthebattletankItwasingreencolorwithbrowndotsonit,

Andtherewerenotonlyonebuthundredsofthem.Thentheyshowedusthe“missiles”

AndhowtheycouldchangetheweatherbyleavingitintheairlikeredandwhitebutterIlies.

Withthekindofdexteritythesoldiersweremarching,Hadmadethecrowd’seyeswideopen,whichwasamazing.

Notevenoneofthemwasoutofline,Marchingtogetherlikeastringoftwine.Soon,cametheIlowersoftheparade,

TheChinesedancerswithfansofdifferentshades.Theywerehighlygraceful,withacrobaticsteps.Theyworereddressesthatlookedperfect.

Iwassurprisedattheamountofwork,skillandsynchronizationtheypresentedinthisparade.

ThatmadethewholeChinesecrowdglad.Theparadewascomingclosetotheclosingceremony.

WhichleftanimpressiononthecrowdthatitwasaneventWhichhadpeaceandharmony.

ThePresidentgaveamessageofhard‐workanddedicationtohiscountry’smenandwomen.

Thatmarkedthe60thanniversaryofChina’srepublictoanend.ThismorningseemedthemerriestmorningforalltheChineselookingat

thespeed‐Chinawasrisingwiththestride.WithChina’sheadrisingaboveallwithpride.

BySanaSamad

HEYY GUYSS,Welcome to BISSKIT!!!

With a new year comes the new issue of BISSKIT!!!

BISSKIT is a student led magazine that is made for YOUR entertainment. We the new editor-in-chief’s

of BISSKIT are experimenting new styles with this newsletter. If you have any suggestions on what we could add or

something you want to read about please inform us through Studywiz!!! :D

CheersZainab & Vasudha

EDITORS- IN-CHIEFZ a i n a b S a m a dV a s u d h a M u k h e r j e e

- Teacher spotlight: Dr. Zilber

- BISS Sports Update

- Poem- BISS Fashion- Places to visit in Beijing

- Reviews- BISS-Ache- BISS Update !!

In this issue ...

1. What countries have you lived in?: I’ve lived in - USA- Israel- Singapore- Spain- Guatemala - and China

2. What was your preconceived image of Beijing?

: Before I moved to China, I thought that it is a very poor country and the people here are struggling for hard life and hunger.

3. Has it changed?: Through media and by studying the country, I could feel how it has modernized. Especially, I was impressed by Pearl Buck's ‘Good Earth’ very much. It helped me draw an image of China. I think it has developed very much and it surprises me.

4. What was your first impression of BISS?: When I first came to BISS, I really appreciated the warm-hearted welcome I got. I also like small but big hearted atmosphere between all the students and faculties, which I found here at BISS. When the students had played the drums together, it reminded me again how united BISS was.

5. What changes would you like to bring to BISS as the head of school?

: Some people might think that a new leader should bring change to a group. However, it’s not. As being a new member of the group, I am learning so many things from others. To lead a group well, not only one person should be leading, but all the group members. I’m only here to be a guide of school and let the others know how we are unique. It’s my personal philosophy to learn and listen from the other members, not lead them.

!

Dr. Ettie ZilberInterviewed by

Hyun Jin

T e a c h e r S p o t l i g h t

THE SALLY KWON COLUMN

Parkerhadbeenbelovedbymanygentlemen,students,andoverallmostliterates.

Ithinkitgivesthisintelligentimagetotheowner(withorwithoutreason)

Theboldwritingandthickinkgivesstabilityinyourwriting,Butifyousquashthelettersitlookslikeablur,socautionPersonally,Isuggestwritingincursive.Itlooksveryneat.

Oh,andspecialcareisneededtoo.Thecoloronthepenmayfalloffasthetimegoes

Andifyouputitinapencilcase,withotherutensils,Thescratchgetsworseandworse.Thecheapestone’sare

about10RMB,soitisagreatgraduationpresentforspecial

occasionsDibert’s One Liners

- Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film.- Life is unsure; always eat your dessert first.- Smile, it makes people wonder what you are

thinking. - If you keep your feet firmly on the ground, you'll

have trouble putting on your pants. - It's not hard to meet expenses, they are

everywhere.

* BISSFa!ion Police*What your fellow classmates thought about these BISS outfits

Yellow house pride Striped jacket Graphic T-shirt Mini sweaterin hotel slippers and white jeans **** ***½ *** ****½

*Out of 5 stars

Hey! This is what you thought about fashion at our school. Quick Summary: Looks like at BISS, hotel slippers are considered cool, or it's just the yellow house vibe?! Jeans seem to be very popular in school and we love 'em. A mini sweater seems to be pretty popular too (4.5 stars! NICE!), so since it's getting cold, why don't you start wearing clothes like that too? Anyways some advice? Have fun with your clothing selection, don't be boring. Plus, Halloween's coming up, get a crazy costume, and wow everyone. Maybe then YOUR picture might come in the BISS Fashion column? Anyways, remember to dress up for Halloween and for a regular school day. Don't let the fashion police catch you in an awful outfit!- The BISS Fashion Police

Historical Places/MonumentsThe Forbidden City (The Imperial Palace) 故宫

This is the ideal place for you to begin your exploration of Beijing. With over 9,000 rooms and over 250 acres, this large palace was built between 1406 and 1420. Much of the architecture you can see today goes back to the 18th century in the Qing Dynasty. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a camera.

Address: No.4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District Hours: 8:30-17:00

Beijing Amusement Park 北京游乐园

This park may not be as exciting as Disneyland but it does offer a great day of fun for kids of all ages. The park even has its own monorail. Your admission ticket provides access to most rides.

Address: 19 Zuonei Street, Chongwen DistrictHours: Week days: 9:00-17:00 Weekends: 9:00-17:30Ticket Fee: RMB 120

Beijing Zoo 北京动物园

The Beijing Zoo covers an area of over 40,000 square meters and is home to bears, elephants, pandas, lions, tigers, songbirds, antelopes, and giraffes, and many other rare wild animals. The zoo also features a large leafy compound, which was the former private garden of a Qing dynasty aristocrat.

Address: 137 Xizhimenwai Avenue, Xicheng DistrictHours: March 15-April 30: 7:30-17:30 May 1-Sept 30: 7:30-18:00 Oct 1-Nov 14: 7:30-17:30 Nov 15-March 14: 7:30- 17:00

Ticket Fees: April 1- Oct 31: RMB 20 Nov 1- March 31: RMB 15

B e i j i n gA t t r a c t i o n s

Pleasenotethatalltheplaceshaveastudentdiscount

available!!

By Annie

CATS Musical

On22nd September2009Ms.Rankinourdramateacher alongwithour BISS studentswentto the CATSMusical.Oneof themost presFgiousmusical showsthat happenall overthe world. CATS, the musical has been performing around theworldinnumerousproducFons andhasbeentranslatedintomorethan20languages.ItisamusicalabouttheJellicleCats composedby Andrew Lloyd Webber. They are various cats with differentemoFons, different characterisFcs. The songs and the musicallanguageis whatmaketheCATSmusicalmoreinteresFng.ThereisDance!Songs!AcFon!Andwhatever you needfor geNng in themoodofsomeDRAMA!Frommypointofviewitwas awonderfulexperience looking at human beings dressed and acFng exactlylikecatsthatamazedme!Theirmake‐upwaslikearealcat.Thestageset‐upwassplendid,forasecondIeventhoughtwewereintheworldofthosecats,underthecars,overthedump.Thewaythey moved every part of their body and the variousacrobaFcstepstheydid,itwasabreathtakingperformance.AsIwaswatching themusical, Isawhowall thepeopleclappedand cheered and sang thesongs.Whichwasobvious that eachoneof themenjoyedtheprogramme.TheCATSmusicalwasheldintheBeijingExhibiFonCentre.Theauditoriumwashugeandwasvery goodand the stageset‐upwiththedifferentkindsofpropswasevenremarkable.SetinarubbishdumpthatbecomesacFveaUer dark with cats. The cats gather for the Jellicle Ball duringwhichonecatwillbeselectedbytheJellicleLeaderandalloVedanextralife.Amazingwasn’tit?WanttoseeaCATSmusicaltoo?Findoutonthenetandseeitmightbehappening somewhereinyourcountry,donotmissthisgoldenchance,becauseyourgoing

toloseit! BySanaSamad

R e v i e w s

90210SEASON 2

Finally, the new season of 90210 is here! There was so much anticipation for it on my part but the first episode turned out to be a little disappointing for me. First of all, Ethan, the resident jock character is gone, which came as a shock, wasn't he the main character? Also, that budding relationship he had with Silver was the cliffhanger of the season. The new sisterhood between Adrianna, Naomi and Silver has got me cringing. It feels too much like ‘Mean Girls’. Every time one of them meets a problem, the sisterhood is there and it feels awkward and witchy, in a way. This brings me to my next point: Annie. She is extremely awkward trying to portray the role of the angst teen. There is too much drama revolving around her what with the hit and run and the more recent “sext” scandal. Also adding to that is her estranged relationship with Dixon, her old best friend and adopted brother. There is too much change happening and this causes 90210 to lose some of its original appeal. Perhaps the next episode will be better, I will have hope!

By Critique Alert

B I S S a c h e - T e e n a c h e

T’s Advice columnFor your daily troubles in and out of school

*If you have any questions you would like answered, submit them to BISSKIT editors Zainab Samad and Vasudha Mukherjee or to the teacher, Ms. Mercer and Ms. Laing. They will be handled appropriately by trained professionals with great care. Your queries will be in good hands.

Dear TWhat is the purpose of all the work we are doing? How is it supposed to help us in life? The workload is crushing, I cannot take it anymore.-Stressing

Dear Stressing,We all share your pain. The important thing to remember is that by working hard NOW, it will make it a whole lot easier for you during that last crazy period of time before college, when all the stress sets in. Not to mention making it easier getting into college and through the rest of your pursuits in higher education, if that’s your thing. Everyone values a good, solid college degree, even the most menial of jobs. A good education will make your adult life a whole lot easier, career-wise. And a good education will inevitably take a lot of hard work to accomplish. Nothing good comes easily, young grasshopper. Talking to someone might help you to, remember our counselor is always ready to hear about your troubles.

Dear T,I have a problem. My best friend and I both have a crush on the same guy! I don’t know what to do. She doesn’t know I know yet. Please help.-Boy Problems

Dear Problems,How cool does that sound? You’re being addressed as “Problems.” Anyways, to answer your question, it all depends on what your priorities are. I do not have every single possibility and solution, we’ll leave it at this: choose which one is more important to you, and forget the other one. Although my suggestion is to forget the boy and go with your friend. Confront her gently and explain this to her. If she decides to pursue him, support her. You may think, he’s the one, but really, all boys have cooties.

DRESS-CODE DramaFriday the 25th of September was supposed to be a regular day in the cafeteria. The 11th grade drama students had something else in mind. The peace was interrupted at 1.25 (approx.), when a heated argument occurred between Frena Hailekiros and Ms. Rankin over Frena's clothes (white t-shirt, purple shorts, and black slacks). They both made compelling point. Of course we were later told that the whole thing was scripted, we wonder whether this will bring any change to the school dress code, or at least make it clear and specified. I guess it's up to the student council. Keep your fingers crossed!

BISS UPDATES!

STUDENT COUNCIL UPDATE !!!!GUESS

WHAT…?!?!

Halloween is coming! Student Council is arranging a dance event a week after Halloween that is Friday, October 23, 2009.

HELPING HANDS !!!!

Backpack Mania is Back in BISS!! every year we collect more backpacks than the last. This year we are encouraging you to help keep this tradition alive. Please help those who are less fortunate than us. The most generous homeroom will get a P izza Party and a specia l recognition during assembly. It may not mean much to you, but it does to those who will receive these backpacks.

THE LIST1. Backpack2. Fully equipped pencil case - Eraser

- Pens and pencils- Rulers- Markers

3. Notebooks4. Crayons5. Jianzi- A chinese toy6. Lasting water bottle7. A set of spoons and

chopsticks8. A small bag of candies

HELP US HELP!!!

Start shopping for cool, spooky and also be ready to show-off all you have got. Bring your friends along with you and also remember to be there at 7’o clock sharp. Have lots of fun and remember all the money goes to charity, so be ready to help Student Council. Price of the ticket: 40 RMB. For more details contact Student Council. TILL THEN START SHOPPING!!!