The End of an Era

THE FINAL NOTE FROM THE HEAD DESIGNERS OF 2015:

Everything just slips by in a flash. As the Class of 2015 just graduated, we will be stepping down from our positions as Head Designers, and put our designing adventures on temporary hold. It seems all good things must come to an end. At the very least, we want to present to you all one final piece, as a gratitude for acknowledging our designs throughout the year. However, a design itself may be monotonous, so we have fused all three elements of YJC into it. (We will try to keep the ‘feels’ as less as possible.) 

As designers, we strive to achieve sophistication, but as Leonardo da Vinci once mentioned, "Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication”. Any emotional designs will be too mainstream, or even cliché, which is why here’s a simple art of us, the YJC Design board. 

Designed by Ian Lim, Junior 2 Venter, Class of 2015

An arduous journey indeed. It has never occurred to us that we will be font of designing. To be honest, we died numerous times until an idea sparked in our minds. Nevertheless, the world’s most burdensome decision is still choosing the best font type. There were times where we downloaded 4 or 5 fonts to make pieces of text stand out, but would always revert to old favourites like Brain Flower and sometimes, the more widely used Helvetica. 

However, the feeling of achievement when a decent design is completed makes us the happiest people in the world. Adding on to that when you, viewers, notice our designs, it overjoys us. It is your existence that our interests in designing continues to grow. 

To my team of designers, we thank you too for staying with us. It is because of you that we have a variety of designs. In the previous years, the design board had had the least number of members. Regardless, it is with great pride that we have achieved a feat in expanding our board to more than 10 active members. 

Aaron, Jord, Li Ling, Ian Lim & Gillian Phua

We would like to dedicate a few shout-outs to the senior designers, our design-mates. The most responsible of them all goes to Gillian Phua! She is in fact the earliest person to submit designs, always. Moreover, her ability to draw by hand truly makes her the epitome of an artistic lady. To Aaron, you are seriously a design lord. We have always been impressed by your unlimited creative works (and relatable), that is always shown when you create Keynote presentation slides. Jord, thanks for agreeing to join the team when we asked you to back in 2014. We saw the glow of potential in you, especially in photoshopping. To all of you, you’ve really made it fun, we had a great time. 

Do not fret, continued designs and illustrations will be coming your way, just with a slight change. Our two juniors, who will be replacing our dynamic-designer-duo seats, are Joyce Law and Alysha Kyra. To both of you, our best wishes and we hope that the board will continue to grow under your lead. Definitely, we know that that one day where YJC Design is fully recognized around the school, will come. To the current and future designers, never give in, even when inspiration does not strike. Believe that your creativity is boundless. There are endless possibilities in design, but no single definition. 

Lastly, to whoever is reading this, you have overwhelmed our soul with happiness once again. Therefore, let us take this chance to say to you, “Thank you for everything”. 

See you soon. 

Sincerely, 

Choo Li Ling & Ian Lim Xin Ze,

Head Designers of 2015 

Math Olympiad Upper Primary Damansara

by Julian Yang, Year 6, Class of 2020.

Every year, we have a competition for Mathematics called “Maths Olympiad”. Previously, the competition had three levels each, for Year 1 and 2, Year 3 and 4, and Year 5 and 6. There also used to be three rounds, everyone did the first, selected students partook in the second, and only one from each level, for each house, competed in the third. This year, the competition was changed entirely, instead of basically just sitting down and taking a test, there was a treasure hunt. There were eight teams in total, two for each of the four houses, all with their own group leaders and group names.

The day before Maths Olympiad, the Upper Primary students were gathered to be briefed and assigned into their groups. The group leader and group name for each group was chosen by the members of the respective group. On the day that Maths Olympiad was to be held, the students gathered again in front of the swimming pool before they set off for the challenge. When it started, each group was given a different puzzle to solve, the answer to the puzzle was the name of the next place they had to go to.

There were several challenges that were presented to the challengers. A list of those challenges would include: making the most number of triangles with sticks, moving a stack of leaves with certain rules, arranging chess pieces in a certain way, drawing angles by laying down, measuring the volume, area, and perimeter of the swimming pool, a maths relay, and some other maths challenges.

When all the groups had finished all of the challenges, they gathered yet again at where they started to announce the champions. After proclaiming the points that each group had received, the announcer said, “The winner is… group Bob!” Everyone laughed or at least giggled at the rather funny name of the Beruang group amongst the other, more serious ones like, “Mathologists” and “Eye of the Tiger”. In the end, everyone had lots of fun with the new and teamwork based version of Maths Olympiad. We all look forward to the next Maths Olympiad in 2016!

Launching in T minus 10 seconds

Written by Yap Jia Xin, Form 5 Science 1, Class of 2015


Brace yourselves for impact, students. We'll be launching into semester one in T minus 10 seconds.

 Well, not exactly 10 seconds, but you get the picture.

And we have lift off! - An adventure in a flight simulator
Photo by Alysha Kyra

Once again, that dreaded time of year has crept upon us, where we are forced to douse the holiday joy that is ablaze within us and jump back into the hustle and bustle of a new academic year. However, we Cempakans have it slightly easier because of Launchpad - an event designed to ease everyone into the new schooling year. Its main objective to help students fall into pace with schooling life in a fun yet productive way.

Launchpad is carried out on the first three days of school, which comprises of, Preparation Day (Day 1), Visiting Day (Day 2) and Presentation Day (Day 3). The breakdown of this project is simple - Day 1 is the day where students get to know one another and map out the itinerary for the next. On Day 2, all groups are to visit their chosen “Place of Interest” to learn and collect information on their selected area of investigation and inevitably, have fun on the job.

Finally, to wrap it all up, comes Day 3 where all groups are to present their findings in front of the entire school community including the Freshman year whom are excluded from Launchpad. With a sizable total of 35 groups, with 35 different “Places of Interest” to witness within the span of three hours or so, the last leg of Launchpad commenced in full swing.

First to take the stage - and first to feel the eyes of the entire student body bore into their skin - was the Sophomore year. Considering the fact that they had no previous Launchpad experience, most of the groups were able to put up fairly commendable presentations. For all three hours of sitting in the hall, watching presentations after presentations, followed by 2 hour long trips hastily compressed into 2-minute videos, it is safe to say that everyone definitely learnt a thing or two from every group.

While most groups focused on the business and economic areas of their “Places of Interest”, some groups were able to bring more contrasting aspects to the table such as the daily routine of a radio announcer or the air-conditioning system in their particular “Place of Interest”.

In comparison with the video presentations from last year (which were often showcased in a humorous way), I must say that the videos presented this year lacked what made a video memorable. However, a definite noteworthy thing about Launchpad this year was that all groups had chosen very unique and distinctive “Places of Interest”. In fact, only two groups had chosen the same location! That being said, a special mention to the group who visited 'Dialogue in The Dark', where they got to experience what it was like in a blind man's shoes, as their chosen location stood out most amongst the others with clarity. Also, a notable mention to the group who visited Bubble Sports MY for their humourous video which met a gratifying audience response.

Sitting a hall for three hours may be a little tedious - I'm pretty sure everyone can attest to that fact. Having to watch 35 videos (90% of which is not the slightest bit humourous) can wear a person out, but at the end of the day, you’ll find that it’s not half as bad as it sounds. 

I mean, think about it - how many people get to say that they got to spend the second day of school at a go-kart track or Hitz.fm?

Last Note from the Editor-In-Chief of 2014

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Have you ever heard the phrase “throw a stone in the middle of a crowd, and chances are you’ll hit a datuk?”

Well if you throw a stone into our schooling community, 99% chances are you’ll hit someone who doesn’t know what the Lumen Student is, sadly. Or so it seems like it. Especially looking at the attendance during meetings. We once got questioned on twitter, what is the Lumen? I can think of numerous ways to answer that question. 

We are this online newsletter. With minimum contributions from the student community, all articles you see are almost 99% by force, the other 1% a happy accident. 

We try our utmost best to cover the 101 school activities in Cempaka. Or at least we try our best to cover them interestingly - there are only so many times you want to hear about the whole five days of Games Carnival, or the exact details of each and every poem recited during English Games. We run on nonexistent deadlines, iPhone-quality pictures and our Whatsapp group chat which sometimes make me feel like I’m talking to a wall.

Our editors write more than they edit. Or at least, they write, then edit each other’s articles. Our VLE page proudly says 210 members, but I can count the number of active members on one hand, all of which whom are editors. We are pros at persuasion, coercion and ruthlessly cutting down the number of words in an article, knowing that people rather see pictures than read text. (In fact, I don’t even know how many of you will make it through to the end of this article, but please bear with us)

We follow more people than we have followers on Twitter. We shamelessly advertise, we crave retweets (even though we sometimes question them - an article on Prom got more retweets than an article on MH17..) and idolize the comments we get. A simple “nice article” always makes our day.

Knowing all this, would I call being an editor a thankless job? Well, whenever I’m near thinking along that train of thought, I stop and look through the replies we get on twitter, all the popular articles we have - Goodbye Damansara still remains as the most viewed article at 2000+ (yes that was a shameless bit of advertising right there) and how far we’ve come since Dr. Rizal’s brainchild of changing the Lumen. 

“If you throw a stone into our schooling community, 99% chances are you’ll hit someone who doesn’t know what the Lumen Student is, sadly.”

You know that? That was perhaps at the beginning of the year. But when you throw the stone now, maybe, just maybe. Someone will throw it back and say “you mean Lumen StuDET right?” 

With 70000 views under our belt in the past year, I am so thankful to each and every single member of the YJC board of how far we’ve come. And how far they will continue to go. To my mentor, Jamie, thank you for putting Lumen on the map, and for making us who we are today. 

To say there is no where else to go but forwards from here on, is a bit optimistic. There will still be dry spells. There will still be days where the views curve downwards, mirroring your sad face. But I can assure you, there will be greater days ahead as well.

The Editorial Board of 2015!

Thank you to the dedicated team of designers, for their lovely designs which never fail to brighten up the lumen. 

The photographers for their not-always-punctually sent but still rad photographs. You’re one of the reasons people even click the link in the first place.

The writers, for your timely contributions be it by force or not.

The editors, Wye Mun & Valerie for your dedication and usually last-minute work that somehow or other always miraculously pulls off in the end, saving the day.

And at last, to my dear, dear readers. You may be far and few in between, but I know you’re out there, the views chart tells me so and if anything, I believe in that. 

It has been a privilege to write for you.

Much love, from your Editorial Board of 2014 (Missing Chua Zi)

What's Next: Deputy-Editor-In-Chief Chin Wye Mun

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Yes, I should be studying (or crying, or procrastinating or eating, possibly all of the above). However before I pen my last note, I would like to finish my run as the Editor-In-Chief by thanking the very people who made this term possible. These editors have worked their butts off during their senior year no less, through the hectic FHC season, the 101 school events, the mountains of homework, classwork and work, to provide the schooling community with readable, and dare I say enjoyable articles throughout the whole year. So please read and enjoy. I give to you the people behind the scenes of the Young Journalist Club, the senior editors of 2014. 

Deputy Editor In Chief Wye Mun

Name: Chin Wye Mun. Also known as Mun to most. 

Side positions: 

Besides being my kick-ass sidekick in the Young Journalist club and second in command of the prefectorial board, she’s also head of the umbrella society, Save the World. Whoever said small is powerful obviously knew Wye Mun. 

The powerhouse behind the Lumen Studet, especially when I’m otherwise occupied, Wye Mun helps to keep the chicks in line among managing the Lumen’s twitter, pestering photographers, editing articles and the like. Efficient, fast, productive -You know? She’s like one of those poisons - the ones with labels that read “deadly in small amounts”.  Emphasis on the “small”. However with Wye Mun’s infectious laughter, there’s the added benefit that you might die with a smile on your face. 

Hobbies: Sleeping, eating, sitting down and being unproductive

As relaxed as it sounds, don’t let this lethargic list fool you. Wye Mun is no doubt part of the brain behind the brawn (am I the brawn? I really don’t know) of Lumen Studet. Regardless of her hobbies, things always get done with Wye Mun at the helm. 

Other things to note:

1) Never give your pens to Wye Mun. It’ll come back chewed.

Never touch the tip of her pens either, which has man-made (more like man chewed) craters not unlike the moon’s surface. Our part tagline was “YJC, where the pen is always mightier than the sword”. However in Wye Mun’s case, we might have to add on a tiny side-note - unless that pen belongs to Wye Mun”.

2) She still can’t reach the top compartment of the bus (or the top of the whiteboard for that matter), without having to stretch her arms all the way up whilst stand on tippy toes.

In Getting to Know Us part 1, her height of 149.5cm was exposed to the world. And we do not regret to inform you that she has not grown an inch since. 

Confession: 

Once during the lengthy proceedings of the First House Cup prize giving, Encik Hisham commented to her as they shook hands, “I like it that you’re shorter than me”. 
We like it too Encik Hisham, we like it too.

Article Contributions:

If we name them all, the list would be too long because as you all may or may not know, both Wye Mun and I are responsible behind the monthly editorial notes. So for your convenience, here’s the link to all the editorial notes if you’d like to peruse: http://lumenstudet.cempaka.edu.my/search/?q=editors+note&x=0&y=0

Article of pick: 

White Christmas

Chances are, one out of every five students in out school is a big k-pop fan, and Wye Mun is one such individual. Aside having a tons of poster boys (who look like girls) mixed in with the actual girl bands, covering a wall in her room, she also has various other K-Pop merchandise which she has attempted to lessen by selling her things on line. So if anyone’s interested in boys with severely coloured hair and mascara, you know who to PM. 

If you’re not that into owning pocket files with identical guy’s faces on it, you can check out her article on the recently big-time, popular, “not-your-average-K-Drama” K-drama, White Christmas. And don’t be afraid to comment your views as I’m sure all you k-drama fans are apt to do once a good drama gets you going. 

What’s next?:

So what’s next for Wye Mun? When I questioned her, she replied “studying”. I’m not surprised at that as it’s probably on all the senior’s lists right now if it isn’t “crying” or “giving up on trials”. And who knows, one day this A* student might become a teacher herself - one of her very briefly considered future professions. But if that, or her probable career in actuarial science doesn’t work out, she’s welcome to join me and my band of misfits selling Char Kuey Teow for a living. 

Boss Lady’s Note: 

To my second in command, my liege, my right hand man. To the person who makes me seem taller than I actually am. Thank you for your dedication to the post, and for making YJC what it is today. Without you, we’d all be a little less happy, a little less tall, and probably a lot less efficient than we are today. Chin Wye Mun, it has been an honour to pen articles, and run this newsletter with you. 

What's Next: On-The-Front Editor Chua Zi

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Yes, I should be studying (or crying, or procrastinating or eating, possibly all of the above). However before I pen my last note, I would like to finish my run as the Editor-In-Chief by thanking the very people who made this term possible. These editors have worked their butts off during their senior year no less, through the hectic FHC season, the 101 school events, the mountains of homework, classwork and work, to provide the schooling community with readable, and dare I say enjoyable articles throughout the whole year. So please read and enjoy. I give to you the people behind the scenes of the Young Journalist Club, the senior editors of 2014. 

On-the-front Editor Chua Zi
Name: Chua Zi. Also known as Zi.

I can’t count the number of times teachers have asked Zi with a confused look on their face, “Do you have a surname/middle?” No, no she doesn’t, deal with it. 

Hobbies: Reading, tweeting..?! 

Other interesting things to note: 

1) Bob 

Zi is famous for cutting her hair by herself yet still being able to come out looking like a million dollars. You know how some people can pull off short hair and others can't? Well she can. We don’t know if that’s just her professional hair-dressing skills, or just her fabulous hair but thumbs up Zi! 

2) One-girl-wonder 

Blessed by the god of Barbies with limbs that seemingly have no bones, it was only natural her gymnastic skills in Primary should progress to her becoming part of Beruang’s all star dance group. An elite group of hardcore dancers who are known for their strict practice regimes but more famously for their show-stopping moves on stage. 

Zi also pleasantly surprised everyone when she performed on stage with best friend Auriel during commencements, but not to dance, to sing! I also happen to know she plays piano, the drums, guitar and the violin on a small scale. She’s your Performing Arts all-rounder all right. 

3) Best Twitter Award 

Zi’s tweets can make you laugh out loud, embarrassing yourself over the dinner table. Like how in her articles she’s not afraid to speak the uncomfortable truth with bits of sarcasm and humour at the expense of the human race, her Twitter page is both hilarious and enlightening. I sometimes restrain myself from tweeting what I feel like, lest you find yourselves one head prefect short the next morning, and it’s fine, as I can live vicariously through Zi’s tweets. So keep churning out your 160 characters worth of humbling-sarcastic-honest-to-good tweets Zi.

Famous line: And yooooou, called me sugaaaaaaaar-rrrrr 

Article Contributions:

We couldn’t find a position more suited to Zi when we bestowed upon her the position of On the front editor. Widely read and never afraid to speak her mind her articles are always a refreshing read and a change from the usual rambling school article. 

She’s covered a couple of important happenings the past year, namely the Typhoon Haiyan disaster, the haze epidemic, the Sewol Ferry incident and MH370.

Article of pick: 

Reflections with Auriel Yeap 

Though this article doesnt even fall into her jurisdiction, what started out as a compulsory yearbook-must-write-or-suffer-the-wrath-of-IB-article, ended up becoming a truly heartfelt yet not overly cheesy article of dance and friendship. She asks all the right questions, hitting the core of the article spot on. 

My second favourite which should definitely merit a mention would be her 101 on How to Eat a Human. Need I say more? 

What’s next? 

She’s says if all else fails, she’ll be looking at editorial positions in magazines. Yep, that’s wonderful Zi, we’re glad journalism is your fallback plan and we’re just going to take it as a compliment here. 

If not you can always still consider the plethora of career choices your multiple skills entail. And my CKT-stall-to-be could always use an entertainer cum hair stylist. 

Boss Lady’s Note: 

Thanks for giving me a good laugh every time I look at your face when the teachers start to ramble on a bit too much. Thank you for giving the Lumen rare articles of substance, articles I’m sure any magazine or newspaper would be proud to have written. I not only admire your writing skills, but also your general knowledge about the most random things ever. Chua (no middle name) Zi, it has been an honour to work with you.

What's Next: School Events Editor Ryan Yoong

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Yes, I should be studying (or crying, or procrastinating or eating, possibly all of the above). However before I pen my last note, I would like to finish my run as the Editor-In-Chief by thanking the very people who made this term possible. These editors have worked their butts off during their senior year no less, through the hectic FHC season, the 101 school events, the mountains of homework, classwork and work, to provide the schooling community with readable, and dare I say enjoyable articles throughout the whole year. So please read and enjoy. I give to you the people behind the scenes of the Young Journalist Club, the senior editors of 2014. 

School Events Editor, Ryan Yoong Ka Jun

Name: Ryan Yoong Ka Jun. Also know as Ry. 

Side Positions: One-half of the starlet emcee duo. Slave-buddy to Queen Vayonce (aka Seladang deputy captain). Also head of we-hug-trees and animals umbrella society in Cempaka although he has eaten many animals we don’t usually consider as a meal - as stated in Getting To Know Us Part 1. 

Hobbies: Traveling, cooking, talking, writing emails (yes, you saw that right), reciting emotional poetry... just kidding. 

As you might deduce from the Getting to know us article, Ryan’s chocolate cookies are to die for. And while we can’t imagine him in a frilly apron, we can envision him being big on stage in the future, preaching in a suit whilst making energetic hand gestures as he does so often now. 

Most Famous Line: *to be said in a reverent voice with visions of dramatic clouds of dried ice in mind* Gas! Gas!

An excerpt from his emotional poetry recitation during YJC’s Afternoon with the War Poets event. This line is also famously the only line students will most likely remember from the somber yet sleepy An Afternoon with the War Poets assembly.

Other interesting things to note:

1) Sushi Chef

Ryan once went around school dressed as a ninja. Yes, you read that right. For Interact Club’s National Day with Finery, some went round in baju kurungs. Others in cheongsams, saris' and even the occasional han bok. However attired in what he deemed as Japan’s “national attire”, the famous sushi chef- sorry, I mean ninja made his appearance (or disappearance?) that day.

2) The Proposal

The stars were twinkling (the sun was shining). The air was tense with romance (with anticipation). All eyes were fixated on the man in the suit. (Ryan with a ridiculous newspaper-cutout-tie). In a smooth flourish, he knelt down and produced a beautiful diamond ring (a piece of aluminum tin-can), professing his adoration to Puan Farah who unsurprisingly turned down his proposal. The things we do for House Deco competition. Ah well Ryan, she was already taken anyway. 

Article Contributions:

Getting To Know Us came about thanks to the brainchild of Ryan and Amirul Zain. In an effort to get to know the Cheras board better, all the dirty little secrets (not really) of the current senior and soon-to-be outgoing board was aired out - a definite must read by anyone.

However his travel article to New Zealand tops the list. An epic, hilarious one-boy journey to the land filled with fluffy sheep and stunning views, all through the wide (or small) eyes of a Malaysian boy whose wonderment at the organized airport overseas (people queueing up - can you imagine?) did not go unwritten.

What’s next?: 

Traveling of course, for all New Zealand did was give him a bigger hunger to explore the world beyond here. However of course, there is the small factor of cash. And parents. And education. But nonetheless, I’m sure adventures will still find their way to him. 

Boss Lady’s Note: 

Very rarely do articles surface from the depths of your “I can write that lah” and “I’ll handle it”s. However when they do, it’s seriously and hilariously great. You also get the “Always Replies Whatsapp Award!”, for making me feel like I’m not talking to a wall in the group chat. Thank you for your clear-headedness, invaluable advice and the GAS! GAS! joke that will stay with me for life. Thank you for giving your time and contributions to the club. Ryan Yoong Ka Jun, it has been an honour working with you.

What Is The Ukraine Crisis?

by Natasha Wong and Ayena Shaneez

Lightning is said to never strike twice, but this time it did. Just months after the disappearance of MH370, MH17 was accidentally shot down by Russian-backed rebels, 40 kilometers from the Ukrainian-Russian border in Donetsk, Ukraine. All 283 passengers and 15 crew on board were killed. This intensified the international spotlight on the Ukrainian crisis and brought the crisis to Malaysian soil by meaninglessly involving Malaysian lives. Like every international conflict, it needs to be looked at from different perspectives, and we here will let you have a glimpse at both, from the Ukrainian government and the Russian government.

PRO-UKRAINIAN

Ukraine only achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Ever since, it has experienced a faltering economy and a wavering foreign policy, until then-President Viktor Yanukovych decided to further relations with Russia instead of the EU. This provoked the people to protest against the government, with support from the US and Europe.

Once the corrupt Yanukovych was driven out of the country and his government toppled, Russian troops invaded and annexed Crimea in an attempt to salvage its influence in Ukraine. The pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine felt that Russia would give them better terms. Hence, they allowed Russia to claim territory. The rebels pushed further and further, gaining control over a wider area of Eastern Ukraine.

The new pro-EU government started a military operation to forcibly drive the separatists out of East Ukraine. It did not go exactly as planned, as the separatists manage to organise and launch a counteroffensive, cutting off government troops. The turmoil was taken advantage of by Russia, and they sent in troops and supplied arms to the rebels in Crimea. Reports came in that Russia had amassed some 20 thousand military troops near the border, and had shot an anti-aircraft missile.

With the amount of resources such as military strength and weapons they have invested in, Putin’s motives still remain painfully unclear. But ever since Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Putin’s approval ratings have skyrocketed. This is a huge change compared to the Russian public’s response to his possibly-rigged re-election in 2012 which sparked mass protests in Moscow. Ever since, Putin has started pushing an anti-West foreign policy, and an attempt to revive imperialist Russia.

When MH17 was shot down by the rebels, Putin was quick to cut all ties with them but the truth was already out: a civilian plane carrying 283 passengers and 15 crew hailing from Malaysia, Australia and the Netherlands were victims of the rebel movement that was supported and armed by President Putin. And they seem to have died in vain as the fighting has only intensified after the tragedy.

PRO-RUSSIAN

Ukrainians are divided into those that see Ukraine as part of Europe and others who see themselves as linked to Russia by historical bonds to the Russian Empire.

In Crimea, according to the 2001 Ukrainian Census, Russians make up more than half (58%) of the population, with 77% of inhabitants claiming Russian as their primary language. This shows that Crimea is a predominantly Russian state that wishes only to be reunited with Russia. There was even an illegitimate majority vote among Crimeans for them to become a part of Russia. So why not allow Crimea to be a part of Russia?

Meanwhile, Ukraine has seen a government overhaul, carrying out its own political revolution. The Russians have not approved of this change, refusing to accept the new 2014 interim government, with it siding with NATO. NATO or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, safeguards the freedom and security of its members through the use of political and military means. This means stopping Russia from colonising and ruling over surrounding countries, becoming more powerful than it is now.

Russia has repeatedly called to consider peaceful talks to solve the fighting. Humanitarian supply trucks sent by Russia to help Luhansk and Donetsk civilians trapped in the fighting were delayed for a week after the Ukrainian government asked for different permits despite showing consent from the US and the Red Cross.

This war has killed at least 2,593 people since mid-April, not including the passengers and crew of our own MH17. 951 civilians were shot down and killed in the Donetsk region alone. In other dangerous sites, numbers remain inaccurate. The rebels are losing and Russia does not seem to have any clear plan ahead. Economic sanctions imposed by the US and the EU are pushing Russia to the brink of collapsing in on itself. However, no one from the West is intervening as it would bring the threat of a third world war that much closer to reality.

YOUR OPINION

After reading both perspectives, what do you think? Is one side more right than the other? Should they both be making a greater effort to achieve peace? What is Putin thinking? Well dear readers, only time will tell.

Proud To Be Malaysian

written by Sarah Rajaratnam, Sophomore Cempaka, Class of 2016

Malaysia,
The celebration of our nation,
Wonderful, amazing, beautiful,
Words cannot describe this country,


I am proud of our mouth watering food,
I am proud of our astounding accomplishments over the years,
I am proud of how we stand, together through thick and thin
regardless of race religion, I am proud to be Malaysian

We are Malaysians, proud of our food,
proud of our needless great minds that continue to brood,
proud of the great accomplishments we have made,
and for the next 51 years and beyond we will create,


We stand together through thick or thin,
to celebrate each day in malaysia with a grin,
for regardless of race or religion,
we are all proud to be called Malaysian,


Malaya to Malaysia,
Sarawak and Sabah,
The glorious day,
In which we come together,
as Malaysia


The hole in our hearts with Singapore gone,
To be filled with nationalism, independence and more,
As we shed our past and moved on,
A greater path we have and continue to strive for.

Happy National Chocolate Milkshake Day!

Written by Ayden Emir, Sophomore Terra, Class of 2016

Source: Lisa Siva's Blog

Do you love chocolate? What about milkshakes? If you do, then chances are you’re sure to love the upcoming National Chocolate Milkshake Day on September 12th. If you’re planning to go on a diet make sure to prepare for this one day so that you and your family will be able to enjoy a delicious chocolate milkshake. This may seem surprising, but the term milkshake was first used in a British newspaper, referring to an alcoholic drink that was similar to eggnog. In 1990, milkshakes were drinks flavored with syrups such as strawberry, vanilla and chocolate syrup. Soon, the milkshake became popular in malt shops - the ice cream parlors of that era.  

Today, milkshakes are now served in restaurants as a Some famous stores around the world which sell chocolate milkshakes are:

Source: Dairy Queen

Double Fudge         Frozen Hot           Chocolate at         DairyQueen

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Source: timecity reviews

Chocolate Madness Shake at Johnny Rockets

         

Source: Poore Amy's Blog

Liquid Nitrogen Chocolate Milkshake at FLIPP Burger

Afraid that this sinfully delicious treats will show on the scale? While the rich and creamy beverage certainly isn't the healthiest dessert choice available, chocolate milkshakes makes up for it by being loaded with calcium and antioxidants. Some scientists even go as far as claiming that the chocolate milkshake is the ideal post-workout recovery drink, as compared to isotonic drinks or good old-fashioned water. Of course, the high sugar intake may be concerning if you're trying to follow a healthy diet, but you can easily solve this by creating your own homemade treat and substituting the ice cream with Greek yoghurt. This healthier version reduces the fat and sugar content of your meal, so you don't have to feel too guilty about your weekly milkshake habit.
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Even if you don’t have milkshakes that often, go and celebrate National Chocolate Milkshake Day by having a delicious, heavenly, mouthwatering chocolate milkshake at almost any ice cream store on September 12th. Enjoy! 

A Day of Mourning

written by Ayden Emir Harryman, Sophomore Terra, Class of 2016

“Today we mourn the loss of our people. Today, we begin to bring them home. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives. Today we stand with you, united as one,” said Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday, 22nd of August, 2014, to the families as their loved ones, the first 20 out of 43 Malaysians who were killed in the MH17 incident arrived home. 

Friday was the first time Malaysia has declared a national day of mourning for all citizens. It was a day in which people from all over Malaysia mourned and prayed for those who passed away on board flight MH17.

It was clear that people everywhere in the country were participating in this national day of mourning. Flags were flown at half mast, special prayers in mosques were held, schools held special assemblies and events. Cempaka was one of those schools - students from both Damansara and Cheras campuses came together to witness the arrival of the first twenty remains of the 43 Malaysians killed when the plane was shot down. A minute of silence was held throughout Malaysia at 10.55 am. 

It was a day where Malaysians stood together no matter what race, gender or religion to pray and mourn the losses of their beloved family members and fellow Malaysians. People lined the roads and streets as the Hearses drove by, conducting prayers and standing in respect and patriotism at their fallen countrymen.

The MH17 tragedy has opened the eyes of many,especially those with family or friends in the airline industry. While it was undoubtedly one of the most tragic events in our country's history, this disaster has uncannily brought all of us closer together as a nation, and shown the world the united and loving nature of Malaysia. We citizens will never forget the MH17 tragedy, and the spirit of all the unfortunate victims will remain in our hearts for eternity from generation to generation, because simply put, that's what makes us Malaysian.