The Buffalo Horn #1 (Spring 2016) by UBSC Publications

For internal circulation only.

It is my pleasure to introduce this newly revitalized edition of the SIM-UB Horn magazine. Like the great American Bison, which was hunted nearly to the point of extinction by the early 20th Century, our SIM-UB Horn had nearly vanished after an extended hiatus. However, thanks to the efforts of some dedicated and enthusiastic environmentalists, the Bison recovered and now roams in great numbers in the American West. Similarly, the Horn magazine has now been reborn, thanks to the efforts of the publications crew of our SIM-UB Student Council. On behalf of everyone in the SIM-UB program, I would like to thank the authors, photographers, designers, and editors who have helped to restore this publication to a place of prominence, as an expression of our small but vibrant UB community in Singapore. Kevin F. McKelvey Resident Director SIM-UB Programs

Greetings, fellow Bulls! The Buffalo Horn is finally back! Our tireless team from our Publications department has worked hard to relaunch this magazine! The Buffalo Horn symbolizes the unique roles everyone plays as members of our close knit UB family. Our EXCO’s motto for this year is “For the Students, By the Students”. The SIM-UB Student Council aspires to constantly improve and produce quality events for our student body. We aim to facilitate a collaborative and fulfilling environment for YOU to enjoy our events and also provide a platform for all to initiate their own as well. After the roaring success of our limited edition Valentine’s Day tees, do look forward to the sale of FaculTees during Summer’s merchandise sale. Our guests from UB’s Summer Exchange Program will be spending 6 weeks in Singapore and you can get a chance to interact with them during “Where will UB?” in June! 2016 is looking to be a great year for everyone! Till the next issue, happy reading and stay cool in the Summer heat! :) Chen You Wei President ‘16 SIM-UB Student Council

Hey people! Remember us (probably not) ? We are back! After a 2 year hiatus, The Buffalo Horn, UB’s very own student magazine is finally alive again! To me, a student magazine is one of the key components to create a united and informed school environment. Together with my team, we will strive to let you know what we have done, what we will be doing and what you can do to make UB a stronger, more united community. My team of talented individuals in the Publications department have worked tirelessly over the last semester to bring the Horn back to its former glory. And for this, I am extremely thankful for their commitment, drive, and passion. You guys make me proud to be your Director. GO TEAM PUBS! See you in the next issue! Yi Xuan Casper Director of Publications ‘16 SIM-UB Student Council

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

CONTRIBUTED BY EVENTS DEPARTMENT EDITED BY DARREN CHAN

h i s y e a r ’s U B S p r i n g Freshmen Orientation Camp (FOC) took place from the 19th to 20th of January 2016 at the Sembawang Camp Challenge site. Themed around the popular television series Game of Thrones, the tagline was Spring is Coming. Two houses, Ice and Fire, competed in a battle for power. The freshmen were divided into groups which were Arryn, Bolton, Greyjoy under the Ice House’s banner; Lannister, Targaryen and Baratheon under the Fire House’s banner. The camp officially commenced with the lighting of the campfire by UB Student Council President, Chen You Wei. The Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs) also put up a dance performance for the freshmen. However, peace did not last as the Queen’s brother suddenly arrived and proclaimed that the Queen is dead. Orientation groups sprung into action, participating in a real life game of Cluedo as they entered the night activity segment.

ARCHIVE

Scare zones with roaming White Walkers hounded the orientation groups by testing their courage and wit. The groups attempted to solve the Queen’s murder, and as the night progressed, the Queen was discovered by the orientation groups to be the actual killer of the King. Undeterred by the horrific reveal, both houses were in the running to take over the vacant throne. Orientation groups had to prove their worth in participating in a series of trials. It was an exciting battle between orientation groups as the competitive atmosphere

“Not only did I enjoy myself, but it has helped create new friendships that are crucial for enjoying my time in UB!” - Vanessa Teo, Best Freshie!

intensified. Groups were tasked in completing three mass games which were Peasant’s Fight, Feed the Dragon, and Road to Bravos. Orientation group Bolton took the lead in retrieving the lost crown that belonged to the King through an amazing race in searching for clues. This led them to the crown that was hidden in the castle. T he finale was a test of friendships that were forged over the two days. During the house cheer standoff, Fire House executed a wellrehearsed and coordinated display of might. Shortly after, water bombs came pelting down as everyone prepared for war. After several close shaves, Fire House blazed their way to victory, winning the House Cup and the crown. The Best Orientation Group award went to Arryn and their leader Keldon, while the Best Freshmen awards went to Jonathan Chu from Bolton and Vanessa Teo from Lannister. Congratulations to all that fought hard to defend the throne!

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

ARCHIVE CONTRIBUTED BY WELFARE DEPARTMENT

Valentine’s Day Booth

Welfare Bowling Match The Welfare Team had our informal meeting and bonding session on the 21st of January 2016 at Clementi Bowl for a friendly bowling match. We realised bowling is much harder than virtual bowling on the Wii. Many of us were exhausted simply after two matches. (We really need to play more.) We also gave out first aid certificates to 2 of our welfare members, Felix and Renette, who completed the first-aid course!

O u r We l f a re Department and Events Department came to gether in the spirit of love to celebrate Valentine’s Day with UBelong With Me! We sold our extremely popular limited edition Valentine’s Day UB shirts to the students and held some fun games with bears and snacks up for grabs! Thank you so much to those who gave us your support!

UBSC Spring AGM Our first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the year saw the induction of many dedicated students, both freshies and seniors, into our close family! The AGM kicked off with a Lohei session and a dinner buffet for the council members. Our new President, Chen Youwei started the meeting by welcoming the new Executive Committee that will lead UB Student Council (UBSC) in 2016. The Welfare, Events, and Publications Directors also shared their goals and calendar of the upcoming events in 2016. It is looking to be an awesome year so be sure to watch this space for more updates!

Freshie’s Infotalk Our very first Freshies Infotalk happened on the 23rd of February 2016, and proved to be a success! Many freshies got to know more about SIM and UB and the many useful tips from our UB seniors. Hosted by our Welfare Directors, Alster and Nicholas, freshies got to ask questions and clarify any doubts that they had in an open discussion format. Seniors from all six majors were also there to share their experiences with the freshies. (Hint hint: our Academic Advisors Joyce and Winnie also dropped by to help out.)

SAKXAY, MARCUS, KENNETH | TEAM UB DRI-FIT TEE

SOPHIA | COMMUNICATION FACULTEE, SIZE XS KENNETH | BUSINESS FACULTEE, SIZE M

SONIYA | UB VARSITY JACKET ARDINI | UB HOODIE

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

CLUBS

THE ESPRIMERE EXPERIENCE

lways had a passion for singing? Ever thought of expanding your audience from just your own reflection in the mirror to a crowd? Then SIM Esprimere Singing Club is the community that you should be a part of!

Established in 2005, the club was formed with the purpose of allowing individuals from all walks of life to come together in mind; to form bonds with others who share a like-minded interest in music and singing. R&B, Jazz, Hip Hop, Mandopop, American Pop, Broadway, alternative music, the list of music genres go on. No matter your preference of music, Esprimere Singing Club welcomes anyone who has an ardor for singing and is looking to embark on a journey of improving themselves as performers. Just like any other studentdriven club in SIM, sessions are held on a weekly basis. There are one-on-one sessions held for members with professional voice coaches whose aim is to not only help members fulfill

BY SHAWN GOH

their potential in terms of their vocal skills, but to also groom their onstage presence and performance. SIM Esprimere boasts a wide array of performing opportunities. From collaborations with other clubs and societies within SIM’s campus, such as the UB Council for UB’s Welfare Week, to Esprimere’s very own annual showcase, Esprimere Singing Club grabs every opportunity that would require the vocal versatility of the members to help set the perfect mood for the appropriate occasion. Of the many annual events, the biggest event that Esprimere holds every year has to be the annual “PK Night” performance. Unlike other self-organised events that only showcases the better individuals within the club, this event involves almost almost every member. For this event, teams are formed and then pitted against each other in a friendly ‘sing-off ’; to ultimately decide which team comes out on top. As a German philosopher once said, “Without music, life would be a mistake”. Esprimere Singing Club lives and breathes music – a community of like-minded people who challenge one another to become better day by day.

“Esprimere’s not just a club, it’s a family” - Sara, UB Student & President of Esprimere Singing Club

Photos courtesy of Esprimere

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

UB ALUMNI

SEIZING THE BULL BY ITS HORNS BY DARREN CHAN

ealing with strategic foresight and public policy is not easy. However, this has not stopped Daniel Ho Sheng, 26, from pursuing his field of specialisation in the area of international relations and organisational communication. Previously the recipient of the SIM Global Education scholarship, Daniel was also the president of the SIM-UB Student Council. He had graduated with first class honours in Communications during his time in UB in 2013. He went on to complete his Masters De g re e in Inter national Rel ations at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in 2014. Currently, he is a project manager at Mothership.sg. As an alumnus, Daniel has come to realise that the UB program has helped him in his working environment. It gave him the confidence to articulate his thoughts and hone his presentation skills in a manner that is responsible and impactful.

“It is to foster a school spirit that goes beyond just getting a degree.” - Daniel on his experience as President of the UB Student Council

Daniel remembers the good times when he was a student at UB and the aspects that benefited him, especially that of grasping the educational culture and adapting to different styles of presentation. He said, “I think as a student, the program helped me to open up because it pushed the boundaries of my perception and the UB professors encouraged me throughout the course.” Formerly the President of the UB Student Council, Daniel fondly recalls the joys of serving the student body. He said, “I was tasked with

Photo courtesy of Daniel Ho

a responsibility to create something more in ensuring that the students enjoyed their school life.” Adding on, he said, “It is to foster a school spirit that goes beyond just getting a degree.” This sense of purpose was one of the greatest aspects about the Student Council that Daniel enjoyed most. He had also taken on roles such as a full time member in the Events Department and was the General Secretary before his appointment as the President. Daniel disclosed that it was during the SIM Open House that he came across the UB Student Council booth. This was when he felt the calling to join council as he was impressed by the conduct and dedication of the senior members. He said,

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE “The seniors left an impression on me and they became my role models.” This impression gave him the desire to want to grow the community of UB students through council activities and engagement. As a recipient of the UB scholarship, Daniel had the privilege to go for UB abroad in his final semester and this changed his perspective as a student. This experience gave him a chance to choose modules that were not offered in Singapore. It exposed him to subjects such as law and international relations which he has gone on to specialise after graduation. The most memorable highlight of the UB abroad experience was embarking on a 5-day study program that is offered independently by John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations. Daniel said, “I got to work with staff at the United Nations New York Headquarters and got to meet the diplomats who shared with us their experiences.” On his regrets as a UB student, Daniel wishes that he had worked on independent research projects together with the UB professors outside of curriculum hours. Daniel notes that the UB professors were willing to invest their time in students who engage with them. However, Daniel did encounter challenges when he was a student - challenges such as modules that were difficult; and also,the stigma of being labelled as a private institution student, and the

UB ALUMNI

structural impediment when it comes to employment lingered in his mind. D a n i e l ’s a d v i c e t o current UB students is: pain is temporar y, grades are forever. With that being said, however, he feels that it is necessary to venture beyond academic pursuits. Acknowledging the fact that the UB program might be competitive and difficult for some students, Daniel encourages students to find their own rhythm, and to weigh their strengths and weaknesses. He attributes having a strong interest in the assignments and the eagerness to engage in learning as factors in affecting how well you do. He said, “It is necessary to take responsibility for your own choices and do not be afraid to fail.” Currently, Daniel’s goals and vision for the future would be to learn more about his area of work responsibility and to test his limits. He feels that it is important to keep exploring and developing oneself, to

continually contribute and benefit society through one’s passion and skill-sets.

Daniel’s Guide to Making the Most of the UB Experience � Make friends and engage the UB professors in seeking their advice and consultation. � Aim for the prestigious UB Scholarship. � Go for UB Abroad if possible as it opens opportunities. � Enquire and participate in independent research projects with the UB professors. � Join the UB Student Council to grow your skills, interest, and to engage the student body.

Besides studying, Ho Sheng takes time off with his friends at Kaw Kaw SG Photo courtesy of Daniel Ho

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

EXCHANGE

BY GERMAINE TAN

outh K orea is an interesting mix of traditional structures,values,modern perceptions, and architectures. Students doing their Summer Abroad at South Korea will be studying in two schools, one of which is Ewha Womans University. Ewha Womans University has an interesting school campus, with modernity infused with traditional architecture. The University is only a short few minutes walk from South Korea’s largest shopping street which offers a wide range of products.

Jeju Island food – Very friendly restaurant boss: all side dishes free!

Cost: ŀ About SGD$4,000

Upside:

Takeback:

� Unique school

\ Experience – adventure \ It’s different from what people

architecture

� They have modern and

perceive Korea as – It is not just a place to shop for cheap beauty products.

\ Learning their language helps you get around.

traditional sections in the school

Signature Staircase at Ewha Womans Univ ersit

� Very friendly buddies � No school on Fridays

(Friday field trips included in course fees)

Interesting course:

K imchi mak in tour, theatr g , lotte world e performan ce.

\ North Korean Studies (they bring in people who escaped North Korea. Very vivid and real experiences)

Advice: ç Eat out (hostel does not provide adequate facilities for whipping up your own food)

Would be advantageous if you can speak Chinese or simple Korean.

o Bring local goodies as parting gifts

Majang gul Cave – UNES World Heritage Site

(don’t bring bak gua – they have it there)

Short trips: ɐ Jeju Island: hire a driver! 120,000 for a

Chinese speaking driver, 150,000 for an English speaking driver. Must eat bingsu!

This programme is available under the SIM Summer Abroad programme offered by the Office of Global Learning in SIMGE.

Photos courtesy of Martha Soh

ɐ Busan: beaches – Summer beach baes/babes.

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

EXCHANGE

ondon is a culturally rich and bustling British city in United Kingdom. It hosts many foreigners, business and leisure travelers who enter London by air and international rail (from other parts of Europe). Winter is generally warmer there than in other parts of United Kingdom, so it is more frequent to experience rain than snow during winter. It BY GERMAINE TAN is also a more popular destination for students who are taking Winter semesters abroad. T he B ig B e n The instructor for this module is Dr. Debra Street and she is known for being a very patient and helpful lecturer. Sociology of Food (SOC358) � 2 food diaries can be taken by students of any major � 2 Essays and has no prerequisites. � 1 group presentation

Key Course Demands:

Benefits: � Suggested plans to fill your weekends with activities

� 10 food and entertainment related program inclusions

� Low fares to European countries by international rail and air services.

� Easy “A” module � Freebies if you purchase goods from Chinese restaurants

Recommendations:

� No Final examination

� Amount to Bring: SGD$2000-3000 � Duration of stay: 4-5 weeks (one week

before course start date till one week after course end date)

ɐ Places of interest (within London): Bristol, Windsor

� Places of interest (outside London): Europe – Paris, Glasgow

� Use HSBC cards for more convenience. � If you want to save some costs, cook your own meals.

ç If you intend to cook, bring your own kitchenware from Singapore.

er War ner Broth s io Stud

� Shop at Morrisons for washing and hygiene items on the first day so you can be prepared for the rest of the trip.

� Share laundry services with a few people to lower cost, can try drying in room.

� Return to school one day before the start of your next semester to reduce effect of jet lag.

� You do not have to change a lot of cash because UK encourages card payment (if you are worried about the exchange rate). you’re there to make sure you are adequately dressed.

Windsor Castle

Find out more about this programme at http://ubthiswinter.buffalo.edu/

Photos courtesy of Zezawha Linn Thien

� Bring an umbrella and check the weather forecast daily when

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

GETAWAYS BY WAN SHU HUI

ired of the usual popular haunts in Singapore such as Orchard or Vivo City in the CBD areas? Do not fear, as we bring you a delectable list of places you can explore – especially if you wish to pass time during the summer holidays! We bet that you have not heard of some of these places before!

You just want to get out of urban Singapore (the mainland)? You got it.

Sisters Island Marine Park Wanna catch a boat not out of Singapore, but out of the mainland? Sisters Island is the first marine park in Singapore, where you can catch intertidal tours on designated days, wade its lagoons and go snorkeling too! On some lucky days you may even get to see dolphins skimming the waters around the island! It is a great place to relax with families and friends, or even for a romantic date!

It’s so fluffy I’m going to die? Yes!

We are the Furballs

Kampong Lorong

Located at Buangkok, this is the last surviving kampong in urbanized Singapore. The kampong residents there are friendly and leave their doors open! They rear chickens and dogs too, and stay in single/double-story houses with spacious yards. Bring your parents or elders along to let them relive the nostalgic feeling of the past! Who knows? You might benefit from seeing hectic Singapore from another perspective once in awhile.

Animal Lovers, heads up!

The Animal Resort It’s home to animals such as horses, rabbits and guinea pigs for you to interact with, and you can get to feed or pet them! What’s the best news? It’s free to the public! It’s located all the way at Sengkang and it is open from Tuesdays to Sunday, 10am-6pm! It’s a suitable getaway for families and friends, just remember to wear long pants and bring some insect repellant!

Toy Lovers, this is for you!

Mint Museum of Toys Embrace your inner child by visiting Mint Museum of Toys at City Hall! There are thousands of vintage toys all over the world that are on display. Admission is not free though, but it is worth the trip when you bring along any children or significant other! It’s worth checking out some of the workshops they hold at the museum too.

Photos courtesy of The Straits Times, We Are The Furballs, Asia City Online, punggolend. wordpress.com, The New Age Parents, Groupon, Animal Resort, Diary Of A New Mom.

For the price of $9.50, the entire day can be spent at the cafe where you can indulge in coffee and pet cute puppies at the same time! It is totally recommended for you to bring your friends along to chill and relax from stress there, but the minimum age requirement is 10 years of age, and you have to bring a photo ID along.

Craving for the simple life in complex Singapore?

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

GETAWAYS

BY NICHOLAS CHOW

ingapore not adventurous enough to satisfy your wanderlust? Fear not! Singapore is located in the heart of Asia, and most parts of Asia are within a few hours’ flight from Changi International Airport. Grab your passports and cameras, for here are five places that you can go to for a breather this summer!

Never thought a naval base could be interesting? Well, here is:

Subic Bay, Philippines Urban Explorers, here’s a place that’s off the beaten path:

Soi Rambuttri, Bangkok, Thailand Attractions such as Wat Chana Songkhram and The National Gallery are located conveniently along the horseshoe shaped street located in the Talat Yot district of Phra Nakhon. After a long day of walking, wind down at one of the bars dotting the street. Soi Rambuttri is accessible by bus service 35 from Hua Lamphong railway station, alight 7 stops later at yâek kôk wua [ ] or by taxi.

Subic Bay is a decommissioned U.S. Naval Base dotted with shipwrecks that was built by the Spaniards way back in 1885 when they invaded Philippines. Bird watchers and wreck divers often come here for the diverse bird species and shipwrecks. Some other fun activities include Forest Trekking in the Pamulaklakin forest, visiting the Ocean Adventure Marine Park and the 21-acre Zoobic Safari. Direct flights out of Changi to Clark International Airport is about $350. From Clark, it is a one hour drive to Subic Bay.

Photography aficionados, polish up your lenses for:

Sa Pa, Vietnam

Photos courtesy of Everplaces, Trover, YL Travel & Tours, discovertrulymalaysia.blogspot.sg, honeymoonpackage360.blogspot.sg, Booking.com, Wikipedia, xomnhiepanh.com, Get Your Guide, Test.It! Philippines.

Trying to get that perfect tan, but Siloso just doesn’t cut it?

Pulau Redang, Malaysia Pulau Redang is a tropical diving and recreation haven located off the East Coast of Kuala Terengganu and is accessible via a 45 minute ferry ride from the mainland. Activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and beach volleyball can be found here. If you would like to explore Malaysia’s diverse under water ecosystem, Perhentian Marine Park is a short speedboat trip away. A $140 flight to Kuala Terengganu takes 7 hours with a connection at Kuala Lumpur.

Located about 350km away from Hanoi, Sa Pa lies in the mountainous region of Lao Cai Province. Sa Pa is recommended for cycling, photography, mountain hiking and motorcycling due to its high altitude placement and vast green valleys. Visitors can also look forward to experiencing an eye-opening cultural exchange with the local ethnic minority population. Sa Pa can be reached by the Sapaly Express train or Bus from Noi Bai International Airport.

Nature lovers, want to trade the urban jungle for a real one? Got you covered!

Similajau National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia Take a step back into nature and explore flora and fauna that date back to almost 500 million year. Nature touring not your preference? You can also go crocodile sighting, river cruising and witness sea turtles coming ashore to bury their eggs in the sand! A four-and-a-half-hour flight from Changi to Bintulu with a stop at Kuala Lumpur will cost you $500.

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

MOVIES

Movies: Upcoming and Rewinds BY GERMAINE TAN & DARREN CHAN

Looking for new movies, Marvel addicts?

Captain America: Civil War (May, 2016) Marvel Fans rejoice! 2016 is looking set to bring on the continuity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with Captain America: Civil War. The first of the series of movies in Phase 3 of MCU, another major incident crops up on the Avenger’s radar that looks set to cause tension and friction between the Avengers. The government decides to form a governing body to control and determine the team’s deployment. This results in disagreements within the team, which leads to a major conflict whilst they attempt to protect the world from a new threat. Did we mention Spidey is here too?

Doctor Strange (November, 2016)

Image courtesy of Marvel Studios

Marvel’s Doctor Strange has finally entered production! Hollywood Star Benedict Cumberbatch has been cast in the title role of Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange. When a car accident injures top neurosurgeon Stephen Strange, he sets out to find healing. Unbeknownst to him, this sends him on a journey of sorcery and magic within the mystical dimensions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Image courtesy of Marvel Studios

Craving for older movies to watch and relieve the good old times?

28 Days Later is one of the more successful zombie apocalypse films as it focuses on the elements of survival, and realism. The premise of the film shows that the “Rage” virus is responsible for the outbreak and the creation of bloodthirsty zombies known as “The Infected”. This has pushed society to the brink of collapse and deterioration. The franchise has spawned many sequels and the film will leave audiences on the edge of their seat as they follow the survivors in trying to out-run the zombies at every dark corner and turn.

Fido (2006) Fido opens with the dead having been turned into zombies due to the radiation from space in the form of a dust cloud. A gover ning company, ZomCom, is formed and given the task of producing collars that control the zombies by suppressing the zombies’ appetite for human flesh, and enabling them to be servants to the human race. Espoused with satirical scenes and comedic value, this film also aims to explore rel ationships b e twe en humans and zombies.

Image courtesy of MMVI ZOMCOM

Image courtesy of DNA Films

28 Days Later (2002)

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

MOVIES

Intrigued by animated films? Image courtesy of DreamWorks

Finding Dory (June, 2016) After 12 years of hiatus with several major box office hits like Big Hero 6 and Inside Out filling the gap, the Image courtesy of Disney/Pixar much anticipated sequel to Disney’s Finding Nemo is finally returning to the cinemas! Finding Dory focuses on the amnesiac Dory’s idea of reuniting with her family. The film takes place six months after Nemo’s search for his family, and is set off the coast of California.

Trolls (November 4, 2016)

The Secret Life of Pets (July 8, 2016) Remember the cute minions from the Despicable Me series? The producers of the Despicable Me series are releasing a new film titled The Secret Life of Pets which presents the conflict between pets and abandoned pets. As per any of their production, they explore the pets’ secret life through light-hearted comedy.

Image courtesy of Illumination Entertainment

Breaking away from their organized tradition of releasing a sequel to existing movie franchises every four years , Dreamworks has decided to start a new film - Trolls. With Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake voicing the lead characters, this is a comedic extravaganza you would not want to miss!

While waiting for the new animated releases, how about an animated film homecoming? Finding Nemo

How to Train Your Dragon 1 & 2

Recap the Journey through the treacherous ocean and dental clinic with Nemo as he attempts to find his family after trying to prove himself when “he touched the butt”. Be carried away by Disney’s emotional currents as Nemo’s exposed to various dangers and near-death experiences. What other ways are there to appreciate the next release to this series better?

Follow Hiccup as he learns about the beauty and softness of dragons, and eventually convinces his hometown, Berk, to tame and live together with dragons whom they once feared. Apart from the two films to date, the town of Berk has faced many other challenges as seen in their TV franchise known as Dragons so if you have not already watched them, you should definitely do so! Image courtesy of DreamWorks Image courtesy of Illumination Entertainment

Despicable Me 1 & 2

Image courtesy of Disney/Pixar

Arguably one of the cutest series to date for animated films, Illumination Entertainment mesmerized us with the cute yellow Minions that we will never forget! Watch as the minions work for different leaders and are forcibly used as pawns for personal agendas by different owners. See the pureness in them as they overcome the human evil. The Despicable Me series is the perfect way to psych you up as you await the release of The Secret Life of Pets.

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

SOFT WARE

Stay Organized

rogress, compress, and finesse: reasons for our ceaseless search for better applications. Are the applications you use really the best ones in the myriad of other free options in store for us today? Check out the plug-ins and applications below, and you may just be surprised at how well they serve the 5Cs in your life: Cut, Compare, Congregate, Communicate, and Concentrate.

BY GERMAINE TAN

Cut Citethisforme Simplify your research life and reduce your plagiarism percentage with this handy plug-in. Citethisforme will automatically cite the website for you when you click its icon. Now you can bid farewell to tedious hours of figuring out the APA or MLA formats! Accessibility: Chrome Plug-in

Congregate Google Drive If you have yet to experience the wonders of Google Drive, you are falling way behind! Google Drive offers similar functions as Microsoft Office: editing, writing, commenting… but LIVE. You can now monitor if your group mates are contributing, or just leeching off your efforts. Accessibility: Phone Application, Web Browser, Chrome Plug-in

Concentrate Forest Is cultivating patience or focussing a tedious affair for you? If yes is your answer, grow your own tree with Forest patiently by not using the internet! Fun and easy isn’t it? Accessibility: Chrome Plug-in, Phone Application

Compare Diigo Looking for other opinions, or checking the credibility of a statement or source? Use Diigo! It helps you view and make comments live. Just click on the icon to either hide or view the comments made. You may just find an enlightening response that you would otherwise have taken hours to find! Accessibility: Chrome Plug-in, Phone Application

Communicate Telegram Still whatsapping? Times have changed! It’s time to get ahold of this cutting edge communication application! It offers file exchanges of unlimited file size of any type, high speed and confidential communication, stickers and web and desktop versions that do not require network connectivity on your phone. Accessibility: Web Browser, Desktop Application, Phone Application.

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

REVIEWS BY CASPER TAN Our Editor-in-Chief, a self-confessed gaming geek, recommends his game of the year so far.

Stardew Valley Since its release on February 26, 2016, Stardew Valley – an indie game solely developed by Eric “ConcernedA pe” Barone – has quickly shot up to the top 5 games on Steam. Averaging 98% in user ratings, Stardew Valley has sold over 900,000 copies. Probably the best game of 2016 yet. Just look at that cute horse!

Here’s my farm, and I’m struggling to make ends meet.

Animal Crossing. If you have tried none of those games, don’t fret! The basis of the game is simple. It is essentially a game about managing your very own farm. You plant seeds, water them diligently, and days later, you harvest them, and sell them. Rinse. Repeat. Profit. It might sound like it would get boring fast, but Stardew Valley is strangely satisfying. There is so much more than JUST farming. There are animals to raise, mines to explore, monsters to kill, fishes to fish, festivals to attend. There are even options for romancing the townsfolk thrown in for good measure. Even with all the farming chores you will be doing daily, Stardew Valley rarely feels like a grind. There’s always more to do, more to see.

If you know me personally, then you know I simply cannot stop raving about Stardew Valley. Spot me around school and most likely you will see me harvesting my crops or milking my cows. I am pretty much addicted at this point. Stardew Valley is by far my favourite game of 2016. Heck, throw in the games from 2015 and it’s still Top 3 material. Stardew Valley is a great game to play to relax from all the hectic rush of assignments, projects and exams. Here’s a spoiler-free look at the game! Say hello to my cows, Potato, If you are someone Avocado, Natto and Tomato! who played Har vest Moon on the GameBoy or SNES like me, then you will definitely find this game familiar. At its core, Stardew Valley is a farming simulator inspired heavily by its genre’s predecessors such as Harvest Moon and

Jellyfish festival!

Stardew Valley ’s simplistic graphical design is incredibly endearing, with characters and landscapes represented in a cute, pixelated form. Colours are sharp and vibrant, almost too pretty to move away from. But the best part of the game is the soundtrack which is smooth and fits the tone and pace of the game perfectly. I found the soundtrack great for listening to while rushing for assignments! Try it! Stardew Valley is a game that just keeps on giving, there is always more to do, more to see. Each day you wake up thinking to yourself, “Just one more day wouldn’t hurt. Right?” Just don’t get too addicted. S t a r d e w Va l l e y i s available for digital purchase on Steam at $15 for PC only.

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

LIFE

By Corliss Cheng e d re n t o t a k il h c r u o g if need t teachin did we star take and snatch even values d d and take an of the once impar te re that d u be – instea iving , and making s ot just g n , d g of shar in g h for ever ybody an u there ’s eno . o one body s wa it in g t s e n k a e w e d is He lp o f fe r . b e s n u f fe d

ine, onto one of m led s p s a r g s r e g t n Your little fi y arms. Your head ’s nes old m h I in d u n as I crad le yo ppor t of my shoulder, a u s e . a gainst th o the world d I if s a u o k. o n to y like? You as e b e r u t u f e h W hat will t sort through I s a d a e h r u o f yo I kiss the top n answer… find a Or is it? th o u g h t s t o ----; e smile im ,” I tr y; and I will er in our t d t d s il a h f c e y m m o a c r be an “Q ue sera se expression, “ W hatever T hings had s of interaction grew, nd e a t dered ers ro u at your bewil A gain I tr y. quicker our smaller still our temp wants ” d he r, be, will be… shor ter an ts became. Gradually t ant of nit to g e the k y e h t w n , e w is o m h r eep fur to t tempera Your brows p p ro t r u d e s a li ttle. D mor phed in self-fulfillment le p o e p e li n of of th we r is celebratio and this coldness a n d you r lo h t , s s e n d r a , h rs in thou ght – hear t of nse of othe at the expe once war m emotive t t u n e d . meets mine e a h e t z o s a d g e e r c c u n la o o p Y e r k , you nod, o p u la t io n considerat ion, a p e p n s a u m o y u h ,” the did ess, oose it o f k indn r ing , we “ No, y o u ch o followin g.” You even to the s pir ess. We stopped ca llowed g o, n en d we a “ You s tay, I oves. n a ; s n and forg iv io t s lm ing that king que a rs . the gestura stopped as e foolishness of think nched welled up te ur e h t m o e fr r h s t t r yo lu ly en ourselves My vision b t stays remembered in us p er manent e b l il w e n r p e e u . e the fut e this mom par t of what will k f the Sun p o o k h s I a b m r s ss; it’s in the wa consciousne ore generations. our window f o t u o k o m e lo and ugh around for W hen did w for miles on and on en , and you la rd e t o u h q le I W b ,” b ? n u w a a m and s aw r s an acceptable vie es and “ Yes, Super e let down to zoom for w es. a s u it o b o h d o d t e r nd gle of ou acce p t as you strug e ‘T he Iron G iant’ did a a step out - s t a in e d s t r e e t s e k a t e k w li d did a nd a bout r o k e n b lo o hy t h e y b e. We c a n o t e s o o h c o n t o t h e b ce asked ourselves w W hen o you ? on Yo u a re wh than we are. and never first place be stained m o re e ch o o s e to b e had to in th

THE BUFFALO HORN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPRING ISSUE

LIFE

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

ASK UB

BY NUR ZAREENA & NICHOLAS CHOW

We got up close and personal with our very friendly resident assistant director, Mr. Christopher Kohler, for this issue of Ask Kohler! Here’s what he has to say about his favorite foods, honeymoon plans, and more.

Q: How did you end up in your role as our Assistant Resident Director? A: While completing my Masters degree in

Education Administration, I worked in the Office of International Education at UB. After completing my Masters, this position opened up in Singapore. With my Bachelor’s degree in International Relations (East Asia concentration), the Assistant Resident Director role in Singapore was a great fit!

Q: Where did you grow up and what was your favourite pastime? A: I grew up in a small town in northern New

Jersey, about a 30 minutes drive west of New York City. I took advantage of my close proximity to New York and spent as much time as I could in the city that never sleeps! In school I played baseball and golf, and was active in my high school’s co-curricular activities. I’m a die-hard New York Mets (baseball), New York Jets (football) and New York Islanders (hockey) fan.

Q: What are your aspirations for UB graduates and how can you see them making a positive impact to the society after graduating? A: The American style of education is important,

and our graduates come out very different as compared to the local or British programs and universities. UB students differ in a way that they are very confident, able to work with people and have broader perceptions of the world. The goal for American education is to make you a well rounded and broadly educated individual. So even though you are in different majors, you take different general electives and this helps graduates to tackle real world issues in the future. I think our graduates will be prepared to take on these new challenges, because of the education they receive in UB!

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

ASK UB

Q: Where are your favourite hangout spots? A: Singapore is a great place to live, and I’ve

Q: What genre of music do you listen to? What is your current jam? A: I am really into Electronic Dance Music

come to love the different neighbourhoods around town. One of my favorite areas are is East Coast/Joo Chiat. So many great places to eat and hang out! I can find my favorite dumplings at Eastern and Northern Dumpling Restaurant on East Coast Road and my favorite American barbecue at Smokey’s in Joo Chiat. I also enjoy spending time anywhere on the waterfront.

Q: We did a “What’s In Your Bag Challenge” with Mr. Kohler. This is what we found in his blue Jack Spade bag! A: Portable charger with a UB sticker on it,

his previous day’s tie that did not make it back to his closet, headphones, a lot of pens, antibiotics, some letters/mail, a notebook, SIM-UB scholarship applications, and a Microsoft Surface Tablet also with a UB sticker on it!

Q: Aside from BBQ, what are your favourite foods? A: I love Singapore food! My friends are quite

surprised that I put on a lot of weight ever since I came here. Of course I like chicken rice, laksa and anything spicy - the spicier the better! My favourite would be Satay Beehoon. When I first got here, I went to the Bukit Timah market and there was a long queue at the satay beehoon stall so I decided to try it. It was the first meal I ate here and I love the satay sauce, so you could say that it was love at first bite!

(EDM) at the moment. I have been swapping between Apple music, Google music and Spotify for free trials. My current favourites would be from Armin van Buuren and Calvin Harris!

Q: Name 3 things that you cannot live without. A: Just like many others, I cannot live without

my phone. My colleague in Penang said having a phone in Singapore is like a status symbol. At the moment, I am an Android fanboy and I am currently using the Nexus 6! I also cannot live without American BBQ food so when I got to know about Smokey’s BBQ restaurant at Sunset Way I got really excited, but sadly it closed down. The third thing I cannot live without is baseball, I am a huge New York Mets fan! I have a subscription to watch all the baseball games but it is hard here because of the 12 hours time difference so I usually get up very early in the morning , like at 6am, to watch the matches during baseball season.

Q: We heard you are getting married! Congratulations! When is the big day? Where will your honeymoon be? A: We have not come up with a firm date yet but we are planning to have it some time in Fall 2017, maybe October or November. We have not really decided about on where we should go to for our honeymoon. It is going to be tough to decide because I like to travel to places with more historical sites but my fiancé likes the beach. So we have to find a place that offers both, and since the honeymoon will be sometime in December, we will probably go somewhere warmer because we both do not like the cold that much!

Kohler is #TeamCap for Summer FOC 2016!!!

THE BUFFALO HORN – SPRING ISSUE

HUMANS OF UB

Humans of UB You’ve seen them around school, now let them tell you their

Bever-leigh, Sophia and Hannah

stories!

B: “I saw Sophia during orientation and I thoug ht she was very pretty but I didn’t know her name and just called her pretty girl.” S: “ We became friends because of our retardedness” H: “One word which can sum up our friendship is “Shameless”! *Laug hs* “I like how that even though we are a very small school we are very bonded and we are like a family.” – Bever-leigh

Melvin “I compe te in profess ional arm-w restlin g. My best achievement so far is 2nd place in Oceania for a competition in Melbourne in 2014.” “If you constantly tell a person where to go, that person can only see where you want him to go and not know where to go.”

Emily

but i used to “I think i am quite an open book, small. I am be teased a lot as i am always ver y t much now. still small but i don’t get teased tha ler and big ger Everyone around me are much tal and I am like a weird odd kiddo.” tter what, “Love and accept yourself, no ma rity and ecu through everything. A lot of ins es from uncer tainty about the future com learn to within yourself and we have to help you to accept our failures as all these reconcile take a step for ward and also to with your past.”

A Publication by