The Buffalo Horn #2 (Fall 2016) by UBSC Publications

FOREWORD

Foreword

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Greetings fellow Bulls! As we continue on our voyage through 2016, Fall is now upon us and The Buffalo Horn is back after a roaring success in Spring! We had the pleasure of welcoming one of our largest intake of freshmen in our recently concluded Fall Freshmen Orientation Camp. In addition, we managed to add colour to our UB lives with the launch of the highly sought after limited edition Valentine’s Day T-shirts, as well as the revamped FaculTees! It warms our hearts to see our fellow Bulls wearing their UB merchandise proudly, and embracing our unique shared identity as part of the UB family. Do continue our proud tradition of #UBWednesday and share your photos with us at our Instagram handle: @UBSC_official! We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our committed UB Faculty led by Mr. McKelvey, Mr. Kohler, and Ms. Fassbinder for their support throughout our term. Also, we want to thank the awesome and experienced crew from Higher Education 4, led by Lee Keng and Samantha, as well as the Student Development (SDEV) Department, especially Suzanne, who has been working tirelessly to help our Student Council! Furthermore, we would like to thank YOU, our fellow UB peers, for your invaluable encouragement and unwavering support every step along the way. We hope that this positive direction will be sustained and even surpassed as the new Executive Committee prepares to lead you through the uncharted waters of 2017. As we approach our final port of call on November 25, do remember to join Bufo and us, as we convene as one UB family to celebrate the end of another fruitful year! Anchored at Joyden Hall, be prepared to be awed by our very own UB Talents, and be dazzled by the other activities lined up for you! Follow our official Facebook page, “University at Buffalo, Singapore”, for the latest updates as we come together to commemorate new friendships and reaffirm old bonds. Till then, happy reading and once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this exhilarating journey!

There is something so magical about flipping through pictures, absorbing short stories, scanning advertisements, and evaluating current news—all in one go. I have written and edited for several informal publications and lit works, all because I was teen ‘zine obsessed in my childhood. When I received my first issue of The Buffalo Horn, I was immediately captivated. The colourful community of UB in Singapore comes alive in the pages. The personalities of the writers and editors seep through in their commentary and design. As a newcomer, I’m continually impressed with the students here at UB. Their dedication to knowledge, their confidence and commitment, and their warmth and hospitality. The Buffalo Horn is just one more way for UB students to learn and work together to create more of that school spirit that makes us so unique! A huge thank you to the students who dedicate their time and efforts to this publication—I’m eagerly awaiting the next issue! Warmest regards, Katie Fassbinder Assistant Resident Director, SIM-UB Programs

Signing off, SIM-UB Student Council Executive Committee 2016

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ARCHIVE

UBSC Council Cohesion

Welfare Week

UBSC had our cohesion during Summer semester at Marina Barrage where we had a picnic and kite flying competition. With limited supplies, the different teams had to make their own kites and attempt to make it fly. The kite making was the easy part but boy was it challenging to get our kites to fly! Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable experience where all the council members from different departments came together and bonded. We simply cannot wait for our next council cohesion!

Tired of constantly trying to meet deadlines and studying for exams? Fret not, Welfare Week is here to save the day! Proudly brought to you by the Welfare Team, we are here to help you melt all your worries away. Come down to play games and get free goodies! Our Spring Welfare Week was a huge success and we hope to make our Fall Welfare Week an even bigger one! So watch this space for more information!

Merchandise Sale

Our Welfare Department held yet another successful event on 29th to 31st of August to prep students for the Fall semester! Our newest merchandise, the FaculTee was the most popular and fastest selling item at the booth. Get a hold of limited edition items, locker rentals, second hand textbooks, and many more at our future semestral Merchandise Sale! Thank you so much to those who came by and gave us your support!

Freshies InfoTalk

Our third Freshies Infotalk happened on the 6th of September 2016. It was our biggest Infotalk so far and the room was packed with freshies asking a lot of questions. Of course, our UB students from the different majors were more than happy to answer their queries. Hosted by our Welfare Directors, Alster and Nicholas, we also shared our SIMUB experiences with the freshies. The Infotalk proved to be successful with the freshies providing us with positive feedback.

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UBWEDNESDAY

Shirt up

& show your #UBPride every #UBWednesday! Here are some of the best so far!

WINNER!

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I CARE

BY DARREN CHAN

Care is a special-interest club that is formed by students who believe in positive societal change through volunteerism and simple acts of kindness. The club strives to pass on the spirit of volunteerism to the students of Singapore Institute of Management (SIM). Also, the club serves as a platform for students to engage society and transform lives. iCare Director of Finance, G Damini from the University at Buffalo (UB) said, “iCare is a great platform for students to understand how simple acts of kindness can go a long way to impact lives for the better.” The beneficiaries that iCare are helping often involve the underprivileged with the aim to improve their lives. This includes children, the elderly, the terminally ill, and those with special needs. The unique aspect about the club is that they do not have weekly or fixed sessions.

CLUBS

Rather, members are free to sign up for any of the voluntary events that are organised by the club. However, members are required to attend pre-event briefings and to be present as volunteers on the actual event day. Moreover, iCare provides leadership opportunities for passionate and committed individuals, with the recruitment of passionate individuals into iCare’s Sub-Committee, once every year. By becoming Sub-Committee members, they will be given the opportunity to spearhead events or to participate in the event-planning process. Over the years, iCare has forged long-term partnerships with beneficiaries such as Sunshine Welfare Action Mission (SWAMI) Home, and HCA Hospice Care. On Saturdays, members would visit the elderly at SWAMI Home to befriend the elderly, help to prepare creative activities and play fun games with them. On special festive occasions such as Lunar New Year, the club will also plan exciting performances and activities for the elderly to enjoy. Last year, the members and elderly even visited Gardens by the Bay together.

These experiences allow members and the home to establish close relationships with one another. iCare President, Bernice Tan from the University of London (UOL) said, “I feel joy in serving the underprivileged, in seeing our beneficiaries smile, and volunteerism should begin from the heart.” Another beneficiary HCA Hospice also conducts frequent on-campus workshops for iCare members to understand the struggles that the terminally-ill faces, and how people can be a positive impact to their lives. After the end of every workshop, the members would get the chance to interact with HCA patients. Last year, both members and HCA patients made handdrums for the Mid-Autumn Festival and played a game of Bingo together. iCare members also sang and danced for the patients to brighten their mood. iCare Director of Communications, Natalie Pek from UB said, “Every voluntary experience gave me a deep sense of fulfilment and a new understanding of society. I am proud to be part of iCare and the causes that the club supports.” In the words of Robert Ingersoll, an American Lawyer, “We rise by lifting others.” Photos Courtesy of iCare

SOCIAL CAUSES

Photo Courtesy of SMAC

BY DARREN CHAN

Singapore Mums Against Captivity (SMAC) - is an organization of mums with the goal of educating the public of Singapore, with regards to the captivity of marine animals. Through awareness raising campaigns, such as the ‘Save the World’s Saddest Dolphins’ started in 2011, and with videos such as ‘Resorts World Sentosa - let the dolphins go’ to highlight the plight of captive dolphins, the SMAC hopes to spread the message that “Dolphins belong in the ocean where they are wild and free.” Dolphins navigate by echolocation, and in the wild, they swim up to 100 miles per day, but captured dolphins are confined in tanks, and this causes the dolphin’s reverberations from their own sonar to bounce off the walls instead and “This will drive some of the dolphins to insanity and this is not the life for such an intelligent creature” - and “Dolphins are not commercial products that companies can abuse to generate profits.” SMAC explained that the best way the public can help these dolphins is to not buy a ticket to these parks, or to write to the authorities on the ill effects of dolphin captivity; and many dolphin advocates and ex-dolphin trainers have suggested marine parks to use technology, such as holographic images, instead of capturing dolphins from the wild. Facebook ‘Singapore Mums Against Captivity’ to join their discussions, or write to them to find out how you can help!

Photo Courtesy of Born to Fly Project

Social Causes

Photo Courtesy of CDAS

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Chained Dog Awareness Singapore (CDAS) is set up by Anita Chew, May Lim, and Darrell Lee, and is made up of a team of volunteers. The founders believe strongly that the act of chaining dogs 24/7 should be classified as irresponsible pet ownership, constituting to animal abuse, but Singapore’s code of animal welfare however, views it otherwise. Thus CDAS tends to cases of chained dogs, and through their intervention, these dogs have either been taken off the chain or have been rescued. They are in need of negotiators who can get owners to engage with the organisation in a positive manner through education and are welcoming people who can join as a task force member or as monitors of recalcitrant owners and the welfare of the dogs. Facebook ‘Chained Dog Awareness SG’ to find out how you can help!

Bird appreciation should involve watching birds in the natural environment, not gathering for a bird singing competition where they are caged in an artificial setting; “My message to existing and potential pet bird owners would be to find other forms of entertainment that does not involve the suffering of another being and that the birds are happier in their natural environment.”. Eugene Yip Tuck Meng, 45, quoted above, is founder of ‘Born to Fly Project’, a voluntary initiative started in February 2016, with the objective of seeking a ban on the practice of caged birds, and on the clipping of bird wings. Currently looking for more volunteers to bring the message of bird welfare Steps to Free a to the public through social media outreach, to help out Chained Dog by CDAS at animal welfare events, Step 1: To encourage the public to report and to educate the public, the cases of chained dogs to the SPCA or project needs more support AVA first. to appeal to the authorities, Step 2: If the above option is not successful, in order to address the CDAS volunteers will monitor the situation issue from a legislative and follow-up on the case. standpoint. Like “Born to Fly Project” on Facebook, Step 3: After ascertaining that the or visit their website at welfare of the dog has been severely http://www.borntoflysg.org/ compromised, CDAS will try to establish to find out how you can help! discussions with the owners to understand more about the situation, and to find other humane solutions which will give the “Bird welfare should dog freedom. be planting more Step 4: CDAS would suggest alternatives such as providing a suitable fenced trees and improving up area and looking at ways to help habitats for free the owner and the dog. Removing the chained dog is the last option as CDAS birds to nest and not is a small group, and the lack of funding about looking at the to put these dogs into boarding shelters size of cages.” becomes a challenge.

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UB ALUMNI

Where are they now? BY ZACHARY SOH

Issac Chan, 28

eing President of Student Council 2011 and a member of seven CCAs didn’t stop this dynamic go-getter from achieving his Latin Honors. UB alumnus Issac Chan, 28, is now a digital account manager at Metia Pte Ltd and a part-time DJ. He has spun for well-known establishments and events like 1-Altitude, Bath & BodyWorks, and Pink Dot 2015. Zachary Soh speaks to him on his UB experience and the challenges he faced spearheading the Student Council: 1. What were your most memorable experiences as Head of Student Council? The Freshmen Orientation Camps! Meeting the freshies and sharing my own experiences with them was the best because I was in their shoes once. Aside from that, my executive committee spearheaded a dialogue session with Minister for Home Affairs, K. Shanmugam. That was an eye-opener as we had an insightful session on how the parliament works - we were also the first private institution to conduct a dialogue session with a Member of Parliament! 2. What was your job scope as Head of Student Council? I represented the Council when addressing the student body, especially on outreach and welfare matters. Beyond that, I vetted proposals by the various Council departments and either approved or rejected initiatives. I had to consider things like financial and time constraints to ensure that the proposal was viable.

3. What were the challenges you faced as President of Student Council? Winning the trust of the council members was a huge hurdle. As compared to past Presidents, who had more elevated appointments in the Council prior to being elected, I was just an ordinary council member. But I made it up by showing that I was in it for the right reasons. Within my first semester as President, I spearheaded a new Valentine’s Day event, named Will U.B Mine. 4. Any tips/advice for freshmen? (1) Study smart and balance your time. Assess which modules require more memory work and which subjects require more critical thinking and analysis. You don’t have to mug or pull overnighters at Starbucks. (2) Join a CCA! Being in a university does not mean just getting a degree - you are what you make of your campus life. I joined Bowling, Volleyball, VIBES Editorial, Psychology Society, GE Student Ambassador, and Student Council, and I still graduated with Honors. Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. (3) Grab those participation points! Some modules include class participation,which require you to ask questions and simply turn up for class. This small percentage can pull your grade to an A- or an A, so try to score well for this aspect!

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UB ALUMNI 5. How did you start working as a DJ? How is it like? My first job was as a marketing executive for a private company that ran a club, a cafe, and a bar. I found myself having spare time over the weekdays and picked up DJing - it was easy because I had prior knowledge of classical music, and all I had to do was master the equipment and the technicalities. 6. What are the challenges in being a DJ? Convincing people that I’m not “fake DJing”! Unlike most DJs, I don’t rely on a laptop. I manually beatmatch songs and find good loops for transitions. This old school method was instilled by my mentor DJ Leonard T, who was one of the founding DJs of Zouk’s Mambo Jambo night, and I don’t see myself changing anytime soon! 7. What has your most memorable experience been as a DJ? The club I was spinning at closed in 2014, making me “homeless” for a while as a DJ. But soon after, I was invited to be a resident DJ at 1-Altitude bar! Also, 2015 was one of my personal milestones. Besides DJing for Bath & BodyWorks, I was also the official DJ for Pink Dot 2015 and had people, young and old, dancing till 10pm! 8. How has your SIM-UB experience helped you in your career? Immensely! It encouraged me to speak up, ask sensible questions, and to manage my time well. 9. What were your top three favorite modules when you were a student? Public Speaking, Intercultural Communication, and Introduction to Sociology. I had Professor Debra Street for Introduction to Sociology and I still remember her engaging lectures up till this day! Her teaching methods were very interactive and she applied her personal experiences into the syllabi with ease. She was also very fascinated at the group behaviors us Singaporeans portrayed - like how we use the word “cannot” as a single worded reply! 10. What would you advise to those looking to join Student Council? Join if you want to meet freshies, make the best out of university life and be part of a change. UB students are different from the other universities in SIM simply because we stand out as individuals that are united by school pride.

Photos Courtesy of Issac Chan

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UB ALUMNI

Where are they now?

BY ZACHARY SOH

Sng Pei Xuan, 24

enior Social Media Executive Sng Pei Xuan is living her dream of working in the communication industry every day. From managing a wide variety of accounts like Standard Chartered Singapore and Champagne G.H. Mumm, the tech-savvy 24-year-old says she is never bored at work. Zachary Soh speaks to her for her career insights, school tips and experiences studying abroad in California: 1. Are you active on social media? What do you post about? Yes I am! I typically use Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Twitter for me is pretty much for news updates. I usually post about friends, my daily happenings and anything I find interesting - OOTDs are not my thing though. 2. How did you start working in social media? I started looking for potential jobs when I was close to graduating back in Summer 2014. A close friend who was working at Havas recommended me to work alongside her in the Social Media team. So I went for 2 interviews, got accepted, and the rest was history.

4. What is your favourite part about the job? The wide spectrum of accounts I get to work on and learn from. I love working on different accounts from different industries because that way, I’ll never get bored of what I do. For example, I can work on sporting event brands such as Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore or ASICS City Relay, and then switch over to alcohol brands such as Champagne G.H. Mumm and ABS Elyx. It is a constant learning process to keep updated on the latest happenings within several industries, but that’s the fun of agency life.

3. What is your job scope as a Senior Social Media Executive? I am in charge of a portion of the accounts that Havas holds, that includes overall account performance, client servicing, and social strategy for my brands. To some, social media might just mean managing Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat accounts. But it’s amazing to see how much we’re able to do for our clients beyond just social platforms so long as you’ve established trust with them, and ultimately having become their friend.

5. Why did you major in Communication at UB? I was always interested in pursuing mass communication, but was unsure if that was what I had really wanted to do. So I opted to study at a Junior College (JC) instead of a Polytechnic. After graduating from JC, I was sure about studying Communication and wanted to pursue a career in media or public relations, so I went for Communication at UB. The curriculum wasn’t all books and exams but more on projects and presentations, so I thought that would be something I prefer.

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UB ALUMNI 8. What were some challenges you faced when you were a student? Being consistent. I recall struggling at the very last minute with content heavy modules. It may seem difficult to remain consistent at the beginning. But on hindsight, it’s really important to devote time in the week, so that you won’t end up struggling when a test comes up.

6. How has your SIM-UB experience helped you in your career? The numerous presentations and projects that I had to accomplish in UB helped me develop my presentation and project management skills. You may be good at writing and penning your thoughts, but in an agency setting, you have only got that few crucial minutes to pitch ideas to a prospective client. 7. What were your most memorable experiences studying at UB? I have two memorable experiences! The first was in Stephanie Pollack’s Organizational Communication module. We had to prepare for an event consisting of 27 external companies and 120 students. I was the Events I/C back then and it was a great experience working as one. Another would be attending summer school in University of California, Berkeley for 2 months. Beautiful campus, good people, great vibes. I think San Francisco is by far my favourite city in the world so that 2 months was probably the best experience I’ve ever had.

9. What were your top three favorite modules when you were a student? Why? - Organizational Communication by Stephanie Pollack because it was more experiential than books. - Advertising by Ray Monteverde because it was probably one of the modules that’s most closely related to what I’m doing right now: client servicing, pitching, briefs and creative projects. - Intercultural Communication because I remember learning about new cultural groups that I never knew about. 10. Any tips/advice for freshmen? Make the best out of your student life. The moment you step out of school, you’re not going to have the luxury of time to pursue your passion/ hobby to its fullest. So go take up a CCA, learn something new… anything at all! And make friends! They’re going to be the ones who will stick with you even after graduation and listen to you rant about work and adulthood.

Photos Courtesy of Sng Pei Xuan

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UB Teaching:

MARK FRANK

BY DARREN CHAN

arren Chan, from SIM-University at Buffalo (UB) Student Council spoke with Dr Mark Frank, lecturer for COM 438: Nonverbal Communication in the summer and he shared some of his experiences as a UB lecturer and an expert in nonverbal behaviour. 1. Tell me more about yourself growing up, what are your hobbies? In my day, we had no internet access and had only three television channels which were all sports related. I played and watched sports; them being my main hobbies growing up. I love sports, and I like to cheer on the Buffalo Bills, and Buffalo Sabres. I grew up in Buffalo and spent my first 22 years there. I also got my undergraduate degree at the University at Buffalo (UB), in Psychology. 2. What are some of the unique or weirdest food that you have tried in Singapore? I am one of the few Americans who like Singaporean food as much as Singaporeans. In fact, people have told me, you like it spicier than us, and I do! Last year, I did fish-head curry for the first time and it was okay. But I love Laksa! Almost every other day, I have a Laksa when I can; it is one of the greatest foods in Singapore! I go to a Laksa place at Zion road and every time I come by, the stall owner would know that I like Laksa a lot because I ate it in front of her with the extra chilli. I like Nasi Lemak, and prefer black pepper crab as compared to chilli crab. At this point, it’s only with organ meat, like pig organ soup and roasted duck heads, that I’m reluctant with trying.

FACULT Y 3. What made you interested in teaching nonverbal communication? I got interested in nonverbal communication when I was an undergraduate. During my graduate years, I was greatly influenced by Dr Paul Ekman in the studies of deception and concealment. I used to be a bouncer working at a bar in Buffalo, and I got very good at observing people and pointing out who was trouble, if trouble was about to break out, and who was underage. It was not a controlled experiment; it was always in the back of my mind - but, for a fact: on the nights I worked, we had fewer fights than when other guys worked. There are other techniques that we use such as rapport building that we teach the Police. If you are nicer to people, they will listen to you, but when you are mean to them, they will develop resentment to you because you made them lose face. It would result in lesser conflict if you talk to them nicely. 4. What are some ways that you know if a person is lying? It is really hard to tell, as some people are really good at controlling their behaviour. Muscles surrounding the eyes and lips however, are good indicators. It is a myth that when people lie, they won’t look you in the eyes. That’s true for children till only about ages 7 or 8; as they grow older, they will practice by looking people in the eyes and telling lies because they have learnt it from their teachers and parents that that’s how to fool them. We see a lot more of eye contact in liars than in truth tellers, actually.

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5. How can deception be used in a positive manner or situation? Without deception, and being 100% honest all the time, the person will become unpopular very quickly. Politeness and white lies as a form of deception tend to be socially acceptable especially in medical situations, and relationships. Once I had to have a knee operation and I told my mother that I was going to study, when I was actually going for the operation. I did not want her to fret about it, I told her only afterwards when it was less stressful for her.

8. What are some useful advice that you can give to UB students? Students need to be aware of the opportunities that are available, and be widely educated outside of your major; and strive to be a good citizen of your country and your world. Even if you are not learning something directly practical, you are developing a skill set that enables you to examine information critically. People who are most successful are those able to accept and reject information, and those willing to learn from other people. Being curious and committed, holds you in the best stead when pursuing research, and always being able to learn helps. I am a lifelong learner, always learning from my students so I can enrich my life and not make dumb decisions.

6. What were your experiences like working with the various law enforcement agencies all around the world? It often gives me meaning, to the laboratory work that I do, and also in getting invaluable feedback from working with the law enforcement. I have worked with the United States, and Singapore law enforcement agencies with a couple of chief psychologists and police officers that I have known since 2002. Trying to make research more scientific and relevant would be to look at the problems that the law enforcement agencies face. 7. What are your thoughts towards television shows like Criminal Minds, CSI, and Lie to Me? There is a lot more fiction to the shows, which might render unrealistic perspectives for the public, therein having implications such as a mis-portrayal of always being able to get fingerprints from the weapons, which is not always the case as the gun always gets oily in reality. In terms of law enforcement responding to a crime scene, there are usually fewer police officers who are ready to respond to the scene, due to limitations in manpower. These shows can negatively affect the juries in the United States, by putting the blame on incompetent policing for example. Which is unfair.

9. What are some of your favourite comics or cartoons? I still like the Simpsons and the Bugs Bunny Cartoons that I grew up with as a child. I used to swap comic books such as Batman, and Superman, with my cousin Jimmy, and he would stay over with me to read comic books. Occasionally, I might read an Archie. I am a big Monty Python fan and I cannot stop watching it. I like Mr Bean a lot too as he captures subtle nuances in non-verbal communication. I am a DC fan because of my cousin, and my favourite comic book hero is Green Lantern because I can make a fist in the form of Kryptonite to take out Superman! I did not want to be in the mainstream, liking the likes of Superman, Batman or even Spiderman - which is why my choice of superhero would be Green Lantern. Photos Courtesy of Mark Frank

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UB Teaching: BY DARREN CHAN

arren Chan, from SIMUniversity at Buffalo (UB) Student Council spoke with Dr Michael Stefanone, lecturer for COM 450: Political Communication in the summer and he shared some of his experiences as a UB lecturer, and a citizen of Buffalo, New York State. 1. Tell me more about the town you grew up in and your hobbies? I grew up in Western New York State, in the city of Buffalo. I am fortunate that my father taught me how to sail, because now I am able to take full advantage of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario on my sailboat. Last March, I sailed my boat from Miami, Florida all the way to the Bahamas. I lived on the sailboat for 3 months, and sailed from island to island across the Bahamas. I almost made it to Cuba. It was one of the best trips I have ever taken. Ocean sailing has different challenges than great lakes sailing, and I look forward to getting back out on the water. There are lots to do outdoors, in New York, from sailing during the summer to skiing in the winter. My other favourite hobbies— aside from sailing and skiing— include travelling. I have visited many countries in Asia including Cambodia, China, Hong Kong and Vietnam (3 times!), Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and Thailand. I love that I can immerse myself in all of these cultures and learn about the wonderful people. I have visited Western and Eastern Europe, as well.

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MICHAEL STEFANONE

2. What was the most interesting thing you did in Singapore? I’ve done a lot of interesting things in Singapore. What I like most is exploring new neighbourhoods, and new food. 3. Which of the food that you tried in Singapore, you would recommend? One of my favourite foods in Singapore is Laksa — I like the spicy kick! Other favourites include Hokkien Prawn Mee, Mee Siam, and any kind of Murtabak that I can find. I love the Murtabak.

4. What made you decide to specialize in political communication? I have always been interested in strategic human behaviour. My research explores this kind of behaviour across a wide range of circumstances. Politics is a natural fit. Much of human communication is goal driven, and I have always been interested in that. 5. Which of your research did you find the most interesting or useful? Some of the work I do is applied, and they have pretty direct application to our everyday lives. For example, I did an experiment in which participants were given access to a stranger’s Facebook profile, and then were instructed to manipulate that stranger during a conversation.

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Turns out that having access to basic profile information lead to a success rate of about 45% in the experimental condition, opposed to about 10% success in the control condition (without access to Facebook profile information). This work shows some of the potential risks associated with having public profiles on social media. 6. What are your thoughts on Singapore politics as compared to American politics? Politics in the U.S. and Singapore are markedly different. We have witnessed an unprecedented primary season in the U.S. these past several months. It is interesting that the rise in angry populism (populism is a belief in the power of people, and in their right to establish control over

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the government) we see in the U.S. — think Trump — is also present across parts of South America and Europe. Politics in Singapore are much different. 7. What are some useful advice that you can give to UB students? My advice to University at Buffalo (UB) students is to make the most of your time as an undergraduate student. Looking back, I wish I could have spent 5 years studying! It is great to be a student. 8. If you were running to be the next President of the United States, what party and campaign slogan would you choose? I am not sure what party I would align with, but my campaign platform would involve promising to introduce

Murtabak to the American people. My slogan could be, ‘Good things come with Murtabak.’ 9. What are some of your favourite movies that you would recommend? Movies that I enjoy which are related to politics include Wag the Dog (1997 Film), and V for Vendetta (2005 Film). 10. What are some of your pet peeves? I am disappointed when people are late for meetings (or class). Otherwise I am easy going.

Photos Courtesy of Michael Stefanone

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Lecturers’ Pet Peeves What are some of your pet peeves?

What is the most memorable thing you’ve done with a class?

3:30 PM

Qi Zhong

3:37 PM

When I know that students are more interested in texting their friends or browsing their Facebook page than listening to what I am saying! 3:30 PM

Kenneth Ho

Mark Frank

My pet peeves are when people try to cheat the system; and you lose out, which upsets me. I like to wear shoes instead of sandals. When people are mean and rude, it bothers me; I always afford people dignity, even with cleanup staff and helpers, because my parents did not attend university and they have had to work as such for a living which made me appreciate and value people more. There is dignity in everybody, and people need to realise it. 3:33 PM

3:37 PM

Qi Zhong

There were a couple of occasions when I took the entire class out for coffee after the last session of the semester, and those are always fun. 3:39 PM

Kenneth Ho

Every class session is memorable, really, but one recent class session worth highlighting was the Eco 181 class on June 24, 2016 when the Brexit referendum result was just coming in. Brexit was a topic we had discussed in our Macroeconomics class in the run-up to the referendum, and I had personally expected Britain to vote to remain in the European Union. Brexit was therefore a shocking referendum result to me and to some students, although there were also students in class whose instincts told them that Britain would vote to leave. 3:40 PM What is your life motto?

3:40 PM

3:33 PM

What is the weirdest thing a student has done in your class?

3:34 PM

Qi Zhong

A student brought her knitting to class and knitted a bit of a sweater (or something) while the lesson was going on. What was surprising was that she ended up participating in the class more than most other students. 3:36 PM

Kenneth Ho

My Eco 181 (Macroeconomics) students in the Spring 2016 semester surprised me when the Singaporean men (who have all completed National Service) turned up in their SAF No. 4 uniform or vest on the last day of class. As an ex-Regimental Sergeant-Major (RSM), who uses a pace stick as a pointer in class, I appreciated the effort the students put into organizing this semester finale very much!

3:30 PM

Qi Zhong Is that it?

3:43 PM

Kenneth Ho

Time is the ultimate scarce resource so try to maximize economic surplus (marginal benefit minus marginal cost) every day of your life.

3:44 PM

3:36 PM

Want Bufo stickers on Telegram? Scan this QR code to download or go to https://telegram.me/ addstickers/UBbufo

Photos Courtesy of Chang Qi Zhong, Kenneth Ho, and Mark Frank

Students who engage in their private discussions and conversations when I am conducting the class, despite my constant reminder to students to please raise their hands to share their thoughts with the whole class instead of just with the person sitting next to him or her. 3:31 PM

Photo Courtesy of Iskandar Hasif

T H E B U F F A L O H O R N – F A L L 2 016

GUIDE TO UB

ISKANDAR

ur home campus beckons! Thinking of heading to Buffalo for UBBound? UBBound may be a oncein-a-lifetime experience, but it can be daunting to most. Fret not as we have done the work for you! Our team met up with our very own alumni, Iskandar, for a tell-it-all session about UBBound! When did you go for UBbound? I went for UBbound Spring ’16, which was from mid of January to the mid of May. What was the most enjoyable part of your trip? The experience of new experiences; and of simple occurrences that grant new perspectives. There are a lot of structural, environmental differences too: the architecture, the landscape, the sense of wideness from the endless acres of land. The interactions as well, of the community there. The sense of always having something different to experience, that’s the fun part.

Did you do anything out of the norm that you’d love to share and advise with everyone? To be honest, I don’t fancy travelling. I live at Woodlands, I’m lazy to travel even when friends invite me for a trip to Johor Bahru (JB). When I was there, however, I did a lot of travelling – like road trips with my friends. The best advice I can give is to be spontaneous! The fun part comes from experiencing the accidental things along the journey. You need to be flexible as well, because in scenarios like these, anything can happen; and most importantly, be safe. The number one general rule is: Don’t do stupid things! So, on the road, do you meet any strange people? I’ve met a couple, in New York City, such as shady characters and such. On some level, it’s actually quite scary. It’s quite scary and unsafe at night in New York City. But in other places, it’s quite chill, because I try to avoid the dodgy parts of town. Virginia is very safe; DC is rather safe as well.

Do you have any food recommendations, such as if you want to experience Buffalo food, what is the definitive Buffalo food? Buffalo wings! There’s where it came and originated from! There are a few strong chains of Buffalo wings there, and you can actually understand the rivalry - between Anchor Bar and Duff’s, and a little bit of Buffalo Wild Wings. It’s part of their culture! Another must-try place is Tim Hortons. It’s cheap and it’s good. In fact, Tim Hortons is more popular in school than Starbucks. Coffee is only about USD1.50 for a large one. My large cup of tea is USD1.62, I’ve memorised it! And their donuts are awesome! So where was the furthest you travelled from Buffalo? Furthest I have travelled is to Virginia Beach. It’s somewhat the mid-point of Buffalo to Florida. If you want to travel all the way straight from Buffalo, it’ll probably be about a 14 hour drive. We made a few pit stops along the way, stopping at New Jersey and New York City. Before that, my friend and I also drove through Philadelphia, to DC, for two days, just to see the Smithsonian, and a lot of the National Monuments.

Photos Courtesy of Iskandar Hasif

T H E B U F F A L O H O R N – F A L L 2 016 Tips for travelling? Save money, if you can. Ask the locals what to do. Don’t keep going to the same places like everyone else. You’re there to travel for yourself too. Obviously, if you want to experience what your friends have experienced – sure, go ahead. And you must see Broadway. If you’re in New York and you do not see Broadway, that’s criminal (haha). For someone who is unsure if they should go to Buffalo, how would you advise them to, decide – how do you make the decision if you’re stuck on the fence? If money is your biggest issue – you can always start saving now. One of my friends had to work a lot before he went, taking up a number of part-time jobs, because the experience is really worth it. If it’s just about not wanting to part with the money, I think you can’t put a price onto an experience

GUIDE TO UB

like this. Once you’ve graduated, and if you just travel there as a tourist, it’s a different, it’s a whole different feeling. Going there as a student, it actually changes a lot of your perspectives. If you feel that safety is an issue, just try to be a bit more cautious because it’s really not too much of an issue. Make friends there and travelling around together helps. If you really want to go, then you should go. Because if not, you’re actually closing a lot of doors – in terms of opportunity, and the learning experience. Any last tips? Try to have as much fun there; there is so much to explore and do, so try to explore as much as possible, and at the same time, please stay as safe as possbile, because incidents do happen from time to time.

Since you will be living overseas with people you may or may not know, try your best to be tolerant and considerate of one another. The last thing you need is drama in a foreign land.

T H E B U F F A L O H O R N – F A L L 2 016

GUIDE TO UB

Quick Tips to

UB Bound

Go on a food hunt, because we are Singaporeans and food is life! Take a road trip to Rochester or Toronto for authentic Asian cuisine; and prepare extra cash for fuel and food. You never know what might happen.

Best way to head to NYC is by car (7 hour drive) and you get to go through a lot of different towns on the way. Taking a bus (10 hour journey) costs USD100+ ; planes and trains are much more expensive.

Get used to the way Americans speak by talking to your professors! If your professors can’t understand you here, they won’t understand you there for sure! Speak in full sentences, because economical Singlish won’t be understood.

During the day, see the school from a new perspective by kayaking at the lake that goes through the school. At night, head to Canalside on Lake Erie in downtown Buffalo to see light ups!

Join a CCA that’s aligned with your interests, and schedule. Classes end at 10 pm and, meetings are normally from 9 pm to 11 pm.

Take advantage of the Thanksgiving break during Fall, and the Spring break during Spring semester which is nine days of doing whatever you want!

Save loads of money. You won’t want to miss out on anything when you are there. Things are cheap there as well, so your money depletes very quickly. Stay on campus for greater convenience. There are shuttle buses, and minimarts shelved with snacks, chips, and ramen. Check out places like Flint, Hadley, Flickinger Court, and Creekside Village. Off-campus accommodation are pricier, and play by their own rules - so be careful of the contract you are signing.

Visit the Niagara falls! You can see the full view from Canada’s side; and there are tours, and other activities available - like going behind and underneath the Falls! Buffalo’s side is cheaper, but you can only see the side view, and can’t really tell how huge the Falls are.

If you want to work in the States as an International Student, you need to spend at least 9 months there. So internships are pretty much out of the question unless you want to stay there for a long time. Part time jobs however, are available around school! Jobs range from being a librarian, to the mending of grills, and cleaning. The system there relies on students instead of external staff!

Tipping is compulsory! If you don’t tip, the staff will be pissed off. (Staff get their wages from tips, so be understanding!) The tip rate varies by crowd size: Individual diners tip around 15% and larger groups tip around 18-20% of the bill.

Telco providers will visit UB during the start of semesters and you can get a plan with unlimited calls, texts, and no data caps! Also, use Skype when making international calls to save tons of money.

Visit America’s megastores for a definitive American shopping experience. A quick guide: Walmart for cheap bulk buys, Wegmans (voted America’s Favourite Supermarket) for quality products, and Target for home appliances!

Cheer on Team UB at sports games if

you get the chance! Feel the electricity in the air!

Going during Spring? Pack warm clothing. Lots of it. It’s going to snow. ALOT.

ALWAYS BE ALERT AND STAY SAFE! Look out for registrations for UB Bound which opens in March for Spring semesters and October for Fall semesters, along with the UB-SIM scholarship applications!

Photos Courtesy of Iskandar Hasif

T H E B U F F A L O H O R N – F A L L 2 016

MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS

MOVIES

BY CASIA CHEW

ovies and chill, anyone? Here are three movies to catch on a stay-home Saturday night (or even during a midday school break in between classes!)

The Truman Show (1998)

Image Courtesy of Studio Ghibli

Image Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Truman Burbank was born before the eyes of the world in The Truman Show, a 24/7 live television programme. Little did he know, his every move was followed by hidden cameras, and that all that was his life was actually part of a gigantic set and everything that happened around him was scripted. Even the people he was surrounded by were all actors, and everything in the simulation were product placements. It took Truman three decades to notice little routines and manipulations, increasing his suspicions about the reality of his life, which his first love (who was promptly fired from the production for breaking character) once revealed to him. Be warned, you might start questioning your very existence after watching this.

When Marnie Was There

「思い出のマーニー」

Flipped (2010)

Anna Sasaki, a reclusive 12-yearold, befriended Marnie when she spent a summer in a rural town with the relatives of her foster family. It all began with Anna’s intrigue with an abandoned mansion across a marsh, which she later learnt was a vacation home for some foreigners in the past. When she returned to the mansion, she met Marnie, the blonde girl she saw in her dreams the night she first discovered it. Throughout her stay, she gains more information about both the mansion and her new friend through interactions with the town’s residents, with Marnie, and Marnie’s diary; not knowing that she herself would come to find closure to her identity.

Flipped is a he-said shesaid romance comedy following the lives of Bryce and Julianna from when they were children. You will find yourself laughing at the adorable perspectives in which they view their shared encounters, and also weeping at the death of a… tree (well, at least I did). Based on the novel by Wendelin Van Draanen of the same title, this film is an excellent example of how book-based movies should be like - encompassing every detail without altering the original!

Image Courtesy of Warner Bros.

(2014)

T H E B U F F A L O H O R N – F A L L 2 016

MUSIC

Album art credit: Domino

Albums

You’re Missing Out On

Suck It and See (2011) Arctic Monkeys

A perfect marriage of old-school rock and poetic musings. This album bridges the divide between garage rock and powerful love ballads to deliver the classic 70s-influenced music that the English rock band is best known for.

BY ZACHARY SOH & CASIA CHEW

tressing out over that psychology exam? Music. Stuck in a crowded train? Music. Rushing to meet your project deadlines? Music. From funky psychedelic rock to chill indie tunes, we bring you a fresh mix of underrated albums that is guaranteed to make your UB journey a lil’ smoother (and a whole lot cooler).

Album art credit: Island

Album art credit: Virgin EMI

Album art credit: Jagjaguwar

Faves: Black Treacle, Love is a Laserquest, Piledriver Waltz

Angus & Julia Stone (2014)

For Emma, Forever Ago (2007)

So Long, See You Tomorrow (2014)

You probably know them from their hit single, Big Jet Plane (and if you haven’t, check it out, pronto). The Australian sibling duo’s self-titled album transports you into a world of soft rock groove and feel-good acoustic tunes, guaranteeing chill vibes all day long.

For one of those long school days when you just need some soft guitar strumming to relax to. Written and recorded in a remote cabin over the course of four wintery months, this album is quiet, warm and comforting, like a cup of hot tea on a snowy night.

An eclectic mix of fun electronic pop, indie rock and alternative dance music. With notable Bollywood-esque qualities, this refreshing album has an imaginative, airy vibe signature to this indie folk band.

Faves: Grizzly Bear, Wherever You Are, Get Home

Faves: Re: Stacks, For Emma, The Wolves (Act I and II)

Angus & Julia Stone

Bon Iver

Bombay Bicycle Club

Faves: Feel, Overdone, Luna

MUSIC

Album art credit: Domino

Album art credit: Universal Music

Album art credit: Columbia Records

T H E B U F F A L O H O R N – F A L L 2 016

Gossamer (2012)

Wellness (2015)

Atlas (2014)

Michael Angelakos chronicles his battles with mental illness and addiction in this sparkly, upbeat synth-pop album. Bursting with pulsing harmonies and messy melodies, it is lyrically dark as it is rhythmically vibrant.

From catchy beats to optimistic lyrics, this album sounds like summer with a carefree ambience. If you are a fan of Two Door Cinema Club, you might like Last Dinosaurs. (P.S. The demos of these tracks are amazing too!)

These depressing tracks have the capability to drift you into a state of nonchalance with their soft, forlorn lyrics and melodies. The dreamy quality of this album makes it great to listen to when lounging or moping about life.

Faves: I’ll Be Alright, Constant Conversations, Cry Like A Ghost

Faves: Evie, Wurl, Apollo, Always, Purist

Faves: Talking Backwards, Crime, Horizon

Last Dinosaurs

Real Estate

Is This It (2000)

Currents (2015)

Dubbed one of the best debut albums from indie rock bands, these songs contain catchy lines that will be imprinted in your minds for days on end. So, why should you listen to an album released when those taking ‘O’ Levels this year were just born? Because it’s really that good.

If you haven’t been exposed to psychedelic rock yet, let Kevin Parker swoon you with his charming lyrics and rapturous synths. Currents won the band Best International Group at the BRIT Awards, yet many people didn’t know who Tame Impala were. Don’t embarrass yourself, give them a listen!

Faves: Soma, Someday, Last Nite

Fave: Let It Happen, Yes I’m Changing, The Less I Know The Better, Love/Paranoia

The Strokes

Tame Impala

Album art credit: Domino

Album art credit: Dew Process/ Universal Music Australia

Album art credit: RCA

Passion Pit

E Volo Love (2012)

Fránçois & the Atlas Mountains This French/British group incorporates afrobeat percussions into their indie pop tunes, churning a refreshing spin on contemporary folk music. Unwind your long days with the sweet serenades reminiscent of your first love. Faves: Muddy Heart, Buried Treasures, Slow Love

T H E B U F F A L O H O R N – F A L L 2 016

APPS

>STAY CURRENT BY GERMAINE TAN

Photo courtesy of Picture-alliance/DPA

he computer code based on decimal numbers was created in the early 20th century. 1950s saw the creation of the first programming language, Plankalkü, designed by the Konrad Zuse, to communicate instructions to computers. Since then, coding has been continuously evolving through creative breakthroughs by avid coders. Today, we see many languages of coding, of which, the most commonly For starters, Codecademy is a popular website used are Java, PHP, for aspiring coders. It offers many short classes JavaScript, C++, Python, that are taught through experiential learning. PHP, Objective-C and This helps you learn quickly without having to HTML. pause half-way and come back to a segment of In the current day and age, technology is a module. The upside of using Codecademy is its crucial in every business. So, it is about time to immediate coding practices, and fool-proof jump on the bandwagon guides. It is very direct, simple and clear-cut. before you are left behind! Did you know that With its clean and user-friendly interface, In addition, with the advent Codecademy is definitely a no-frills platform EVERYTHING in life is of open-source coding learn coding. The catch is that you have platforms today, you can based on codes or can be to to pay to learn beyond the basic modules learn coding at your own translated into a code? that they offer to all users. By being a paid pace without burning a hole member, you also gain access to live tutors That is exactly what in your pocket. who will help you along the way, should you coding is all about! have any queries. As for mobile applications to learn coding, we recommend Swifty. Swifty is a tap-coding experiential learning application created by Apple to simplify the process of learning coding. It is inspired by Python and is designed to rectify some issues of Objective-C. Tap-coding helps you to learn coding without having to type away furiously on a keyboard. Just simply tap the correct option to complete a code. Are you thinking that it will not serve its purpose of helping you learn and retain coding knowledge because you do not get to type out your codes? You are dead wrong! Do not dismiss the power of tapcoding, because with Swifty, it’s definitely not a gimmick. The number of reviews Swifty offers per code they teach is so effective that it will be stored in your long-term memory even when you are just tapping from a selection. The only downside is that Swifty is only offered on iOS. Rest assure you are in good hands when you use Codecademy and Swifty, you will be sure of what you are learning, and you will be where you want to be quickly!

T H E B U F F A L O H O R N – F A L L 2 016

BY CASPER TAN

icture this. You are stressed out from all the assignments and exams. You are looking for a nice video game to unwind. But you simply don’t have the time to toil through 100 excruciating hours of a RPG. You need that quick fix! Look no further! Our Editor-in-Chief has tested his limits and friendships to find 4 games specially designed to replace your stress with more enjoyable stress! (Now with friends!)

GAMING I hate deadlines. One thing I hate more than deadlines are deadlines which explode. In Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, one player is trapped in a virtual room with a ticking time bomb they must defuse. The other player is the Expert who must give the instructions to defuse the bomb by deciphering the information found in the bomb defusal manual. But there’s a catch: the expert can’t see the bomb, so don’t stop talking! Makes for a great game to test friendships as you get fed up really fast! (Like in group projects *cough*) STRESS LEVEL:

5/10

2/10

Friendships will be tested, jaws will hurt, and your wrists will suffer (seriously). Do you dream of being a chef? Ever watch Hell’s Kitchen and think to yourself: “Hey, I could do that!” Now you can live your dreams in Overcooked, a co-op cooking game that is PURE CHAOS! Channel your inner Gordon Ramsay and scream at your teammates while they scurry around cutting and dicing ingredients, cooking stews, washing dishes, and putting out fires!

You will probably develop a love-hate relationship with the game, and get really really stressed out in the process.

STRESS LEVEL:

10/10

STRESS LEVEL:

Images courtesy of Acid Nerve / Devolver Digital

Feel like beating up your friends but don’t want to get into trouble? Settle your scores in Gangbeasts! Gangbeasts is an absurdly ridiculous beat ‘em up party game where you and your friends control Jelly Baby-ish characters dressed up in weird animal costumes in an all-out brawl for your lives in hazardous environments. Punch, kick and grab your friends as you try to end their lives by throwing them into flaming incinerator pits, ginormous industrial fans, and in STRESS LEVEL: front of moving trains!

Can’t find a friend to play games with you? Prepare some hair-loss tonics as you boot up Titan Souls, a single player top-down arcadestyle gauntlet of boss battles where you will die, over and over and over again. Armed with only a bow and arrow and next to no instructions at all, you head out into dilapidated ruins to take down seemingly impossible monsters in true David and Goliath fashion. The tension is crazy as you sprint around the boss, dodging fatal attacks and looking for that ONE opening to end its life. One mistake and you are dead. Similarly, one precise arrow and you win! It’s a real test of perseverance and willpower. Don’t give up!

Images courtesy of Ghost Town Games / Team17

Images courtesy of Boneloaf Games / Double Fine Presents

Image courtesy of Steel Crate Games

7/10

Bring along 3 people for maximum fun (and stress). Well at least it’s enjoyable, right?

T H E B U F F A L O H O R N – F A L L 2 016

LIFE

I’m Leafing BY CORLISS CHENG

here are books that peter out, and there are books that grab you by your lapels and invite you snuggly into their arms – and then there are the books whose covers catch your eye, and yet the blurb promises dull. Like strangers whom make great first impressions, like acquaintances who outwitted you with that great a line; some you take kindly to, others feel a little wild; and then there are the ones whom, seem like shots in the dark, yet turn out to be the brightest, most enduring of bulbs. So let’s, grow our tree – together, oui?

T H E B U F F A L O H O R N – F A L L 2 016 The Little Prince, whom I turn to from time to time, was introduced as a literature text – and through it, I learnt about analysis and metaphors, if not more. With repeated readings, and too the accompanying sheens of perspectives gained from experiences lived or imagined, I’ve learnt much much more from the book than I did a read before – beyond for one, the highlighted phrases, and class-time notes and scribbles, I’ve gleaned a little deeper into my own themes and layers. As is the case with most reading of readings, how much and of what we take away from them, can be quite a self-reflective thing. The Thing About Jellyfish, is a book that deals with loss, and friendship; of guilt and grief; and it’s done with such tender affection, and emotive imageries, that, it had me weeping – and too healing, from a wound I did not know was still bleeding... Just, I don’t know. Sit by a steady stream perhaps, on a comfy seat at least, and wonder oh wonder, how did a book manage to bring me to and through, the loss of us, the loss of me, and the loss of you.

LIFE A tale about determination and a hopeful endeavor, ‘and then it’s spring’ plants itself snugly in my heart with its beautiful illustrations and, perhaps, the most endearing sign of all time: “Please do not stomp here – there are seeds and they are trying”. It’s not just a story, I feel, of our relationship with nature, plants, and seeds (these husks of life); but maybe too, of the sentiment of maturity, of growth, of patience, and of the passing of phases and seasons. Big Questions from Little People: And Simple Answers from Great Minds. I think we all have had that inquisitive us in us, and hopefully still so – growing strong, and staying true. This book turns to answering questions children have posed, by sending them out to professionals in the relevant field(s), or to authors with words so wise, and sensibilities attuned. It’s such a beautiful concept as well – queries and curiousities being allowed to take root, and not simply away shrugged. As for the questions themselves, they’re so very innocently deep and resonating, that whilst reading them, it almost does feel as if I’m too being listened to.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, is probably the most beautiful book, about the love for and of books, and of books; of how they nest, and grant enduring comfort; and of how we entrust meticulous care for which brings us hope. It’s a story about stories, of our loves, and our losses; of everything we know, and what still needs learning. That “Everyone’s story matters”; and that sometimes – one’s story’s end, can also be another’s beginning. [Tip: Get the hardback version, and be so thoroughly again warmed when the jacket’s gone]

T H E B U F F A L O H O R N – F A L L 2 016

BY DARREN CHAN

he Green Apple Project (TGAP) aims to empower youths by building and shaping their character and attitudes through motivational programs; to date, ‘The Self-Motivating Teen’ is one of TGAP’s most popular programs. Hyder Muhammad Taufik, 23, a University at Buffalo (UB) undergraduate who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Communication) is one of the directors in a team of four who is managing the endeavour. Being part of TGAP has allowed Hyder to grow his interest and passion in helping youths, and to hone his personal development. He said, “Being an entrepreneur is a good channel to express individuality and to make a difference in society.” “My philosophy is to encourage people and tell them that they can only do better and improve despite the circumstances.” Hyder acknowledges that TGAP cannot change everyone and that the job of trainers is to plant the seed and to deliver the message. “The key is to radiate a lot of positivity and invest time to nurture them, which is similar to growing a tree.” “In order to facilitate transformation in youths, we need to first understand their motivations, their drive as a person and to acknowledge their needs.”; he adds that youths do not like to be shallowly entertained; they need to be befriended first before they become receptive to being taught. Education has also played an important role for Hyder as a youth mentor and coach; “Modules such as interpersonal and organizational communication has helped me in planning programs and interacting with people.” he said.

ENTREPRENEURS

UB a Student Entrepreneur:

The Green Apple Project The motivation factor for him comes from his love to help youths; and the most fulfilling aspect for Hyder is the role of mentoring, which he enjoys, and wants to do for the rest of his life. His ambition is to be the most elite motivational speaker in Asia Pacific, and TGAP has been featured twice on Berita Harian, in 2014 and 2016. Currently, Hyder is training speakers for the upcoming TEDxSIM event which is in November. Do visit http://www.tgap.com.sg/ and The Green Apple Project on Facebook to find out more!

TGAP’s Secret to Success: “You need alot of grit which is the combination of passion and perseverance and to work closely with an established mentor to get into the industry.” - Hyder Taufik

Photos courtesy of Hyder Taufik

UB a Student Entrepreneur:

The Bananabones BY DARREN CHAN

arissa Soh, 21, a University at Buffalo (UB) undergraduate pursuing Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Sociology) is the co-founder of The Bananabones, a the team of two, now managing the business - The Bananabones. Started in June 2016, she and her business partner who graduated from Product and Industrial Design from Temasek Polytechnic, wanted to apply the skills that they had learned - and the idea of printed T-shirts presented many opportunities since “T-shirts make good conversation starters and The Bananabones is a platform to help spread positivity through the fun designs of the shirts.” The Bananabones is a new and exciting brand which specialises in quirky and relatable printed T-shirts. Their first collection of T-shirts centered on Singapore delicacies such as the curry puff, kaya roti and tehtarik; which food reviewer PeanutLoti helped marketed through a blog post. She acknowledges that experiences from the modules such as Public Relations, and Sociology, taught her how to engage with social influencers on social media. “Making connections with concepts being taught in school and work helps to deepen my understanding which is useful.”

ENTREPRENEURS The competitive trends of the market have made The Bananabones think critically and creatively in playing around with the different visuals and artistic aspects of their designs. This ensures that they stay relevant and up to date with the current fashion trends. “It is important to find people that have the same vision as you as it is easier to plan the direction of the business.” Carissa also asserts that the crucial elements to being successful are: perseverance, and the ability to keep learning on the job. Carissa said, “The business is a platform for people who share the same interest in design and for them to create positive messages that can be seen with the design of the shirts.”; she hopes that more will be willing to contribute ideas, and they hope to expand their collection into accessories if there is demand. Do visit http://carousell.com/thebananabones/ to order your favourite Singaporean delicacy t-shirt collection or their mystery gift. Follow their Instagram and Facebook @thebananabones for more updates. UB students who enter the promo code “BBxUB” will enjoy an exclusive discount off their purchase. This is only limited to one purchase per the promo code.

The Bananabones’ Secret to Success: “The experiences that you pick up along the way, having goals and the belief in your work are what make a business successful. Our designs need to reflect the value of the company which is relatability.” - Carissa Soh

Photos courtesy of Carissa Soh

T H E B U F F A L O H O R N – F A L L 2 016

BY DARREN CHAN

sgard Amories is an independent business entity run by Dominique Lim, 21, a University at Buffalo (UB) undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), and is single-handedly managing the business. The company uses 3-D printing technology to create many different replicas and props; “3-D printing has always interested me as it is new technology, the machine does the majority of the work and I just have to manipulate the digital files to achieve the final product that my clients want.” Dominique finds it particularly rewarding when customers tip him with commissions for a job well-done; and clients have shared their experiences via videos or photographs of the products in action during cosplay events. “One of my favourite projects was printing a set of 3-D prop knuckle dusters for my friend’s photoshoot and film production. He was also willing to provide any resources that I may need,” Dominique says. To date, he has helped to print masks, props and replicas of guns and, these have given him a sense of pride by helping others to fulfill their creative desire. He also finds time to embark on his own projects, such as making a Reaper mask from the game Overwatch.

Asgard Amories’ Secret to Success: “For a successful business, you need dedicated people who take ownership of projects as a team and to see them through to the end. Also, I have to be accountable to clients and be punctual in meeting deadlines.” - Dominique Lim

ENTREPRENEURS

UB a Student Entrepreneur: Asgard Amories Ensuring that his products are of the highest quality is an aspect that Dominique values as he places a great importance in the fine-tuning of his equipment, as this minimizes surface defects and ensures that each piece goes through strict quality control. Perfectionism, coupled with customization, has allowed him to produce products that are superior in quality, in comparison to when produced in bulk. Part of Asgard Amories’ success is credited to the major that Dominique is taking. He notices that the psychology modules that he has taken have allowed him to communicate with people, defuse difficult situations, and sway people to consider his point of view. On advice for potential entrepreneurs, he mentioned that not everyone can run a business as it takes a certain attitude and capacity to handle any circumstance and people. “Always be prepared for challenges and never place your faith in the wrong people as it could lead to disastrous results.” Currently, the future plans for Asgard Amories would be to expand its production base and acquire better grade printing equipments to make larger scale products. Do visit https://www.facebook.com/2Asgard/ to find out more!

The products are a KRISS Vector replica built on a nerf gun. And a plastic knuckleduster produced for safe stunt sequences.

Photos courtesy of Dominique Lim

“All items featured are only toys and plastic replicas. They are created from plastic toys you would normally find in toy shops or night markets. They have been painted and accessorised for display purposes only.”

UB a Student Entrepreneur:

Pandawithacamera BY DARREN CHAN

business that does not take chances, and always has backup equipment ready to be deployed is Pandawithacamera, an independent sole proprietor business that provides photography and filmmaking related services for corporate and personal clients. It’s run by Zexun Tan, 24, a University at Buffalo (UB) undergraduate, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Communication). The name Pandawithacamera came about when Zexun was in secondary school, when people began approaching him for help in photography or videography, and his friends nicknamed him “Panda” so the name stuck, and he has incorporated that into his company’s name as a form of personalized familiarity. A challenge that comes with maintaining Pandawithacamera, would be how best to arrive at an acceptable fit between expected services, and accorded remuneration - “Sometimes liaising with clients can be frustrating when they engage us over our allocated time and not pay for our services.” He has since learnt that having a contract, and going through the terms and conditions prior to execution, helps set expectations for both him and his clients.

ENTREPRENEURS One of the memorable milestones that Zexun had was his first time working with a multinational company, International Business Machines (IBM) Singapore; they were happy with the photographs, and he had a good time on set. He enjoys experiencing different shooting environments, and getting to meet people who might become future collaborators someday. School has also played a huge influence in shaping the business, and Zexun credits modules such as Journalism, Nonverbal Communication, and Advertising, in helping him achieve the desired results and success that he envisions. “The aspect of journalism has helped me to film talking head interviews, especially as a one man show, such as in crafting out relevant questions to ask the interviewee to get relevant responses so it best represents the company that I am creating the video for.”Adding on he said, “Advertising is another aspect that has helped me to understand the motivation behind the actions that the management delegates to me.” Role models that Zexun look up to for daily inspiration would be Casey Neistat (a Youtube personality), Joe McNally (a National Geographic photographer), and Alfonso Cuarón (a film director and producer); Zexun’s future plans for Pandawithacamera: “I hope to do more photography or videography work on personal stories of people, advertorial features, documentaries, and a focus on emotional short stories.”

Pandawithacamera’s Secret to Success: “For a business owner to be successful; the person should be disciplined and to know the motivation in why he or she want to start a business. The key is to plan schedules, seize opportunities and to find a need and meet that need. ” - Zexun Tan

Photos courtesy of Zexun Tan & Josiah Tan

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UBROKE

Night Cycling

UBroke? N

Love cycling, but don’t like the crowds and the heat? Night cycling is exactly what you need. It’s the fun of cycling with your friends but at night, when it feels cooler and is way less crowded! There’s a wide range of places to cover such as Changi Village, Marina Bay Sands, Woodlands waterfront, and Esplanade to name a few.

BY PRANAMMEKA SATHYA

Photo courtesy of CBS Cycling and Newhall Bicycle Club

othing left in your wallet after buying your textbooks? Fear not, for there are many of us in the same situation, but we can still have fun! Here’s a list of stuff you can do with an empty wallet and a friend or two.

Don’t forget to wear light coloured clothing and take a bike light! Here are some routes you can cover:

MovieMob As students we enjoy many perks around Singapore, a well-known one being our discounted movie tickets at around 7 dollars each on weekdays before 6. But you know what’s better than a 7 dollar movie ticket? A free one. Going to the movies is always fun, be it a family movie night or a date. MovieMob takes your cinematic experience to a whole new level by giving you an old-school outdoor picnic/drive-in movie experience. What’s more? We can even vote for what movie we want screened! Screenings take place at different locations all around our island, so we get a good change in scenery each time we join the MovieMob too! Hours: Usually on weekends or public holidays; however, time, date, and venue are not fixed Website: moviemob.sg

The Natural North Route (~1 hour): Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, Mandai Park Connector, Ulu Sembawang Park Connector, Woodlands (SLE) Park Connector, Admiralty Park, Woodlands Waterfront The Breezy East Route (~2 hours): PCN Pitstop Pasir Ris Town Park, Bedok Reservoir Park, East Coast Park, Bedok Jetty, Coastal Park Connector, Changi Beach Park The Pro Park Route (~2 hours): Toa Payoh Town Park, Whampoa Park Connector, Kallang Park Connector, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West, Punggol Waterway Park, Punggol Park, Pelton Canal Park Connector The Baywatch Route (~45 minutes): Holland Village, Commonwealth Crescent, Margaret Drive, Alexandra Canal Linear Park, Alexandra Park Connector, Zion Road, Gardens by the Bay Photo courtesy of CBS Cycling and Newhall Bicycle Club

Photo courtesy of Movie mob by ape

The Lion City Route (~1 hour): Lavender MRT, Kallang River, Singapore Flyer, Marina bay Sands, Merlion (One Fullerton), Esplanade, Singapore River.

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UBROKE

MAAD Flea MAAD is Singapore’s largest recurring marketplace for creative artists and designers. MAAD stands for “Market of Artists and Designers”, and promotes the designs and innovations of the local creative and experimental scene. Get the drift of our local talents’ creativity, and connect with the community. You can stop by MAAD Flea one Friday every month and get a feel of the creative spectacles that await you.

Photos courtesy of Red Dot Museum Gallery

Address: 28 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069120 Phone: +65 6534 7194 Hours: 5pm - 12am, one Friday a month Closest MRT station: Tanjong Pagar MRT Website: www.museum.red-dot.sg/maad/

At only $2.50 per hour, board gaming is interpersonal and interactive fun that can be great for bonding with new friends or even for trying something new with your squad! With great music in the background, friendly staff who can explain the games to you, and an appetizing food menu (in case you start getting hungry), The Mind Café is a great place to forge and strengthen friendships either for a couple of hours on a good evening, or on a Friday or Saturday overnight! With multiple cupboards filled till the top with quality board games, you’ll never run out of a game to play.

Photo courtesy of themindcafe.com.sg

Address: 60A Prinsep St, 188664 Phone: +65 6334 4426 Closest MRT station: Dhoby Ghaut MRT Website: www.themindcafe.com.sg

Photos courtesy of MrHipHopable

The Mind Café

Somerset Skate Park Have you ever wanted to paint and draw on public walls but didn’t want to, you know, get arrested? Feel free to go crazy at Somerset Skate Park. Located right next to the Somerset MRT station, it is legal to doodle on the walls and the ramps. But, what’s more? With a wide range of skating aids such as ramps, steps and rails, it’s perfect for both beginner and veteran skateboarders, with helpful people from the community all around the park. Even if you’re not a skateboarder, watching them practice for awhile might get you inspired or, it might just be plain interesting to watch. Address: 1 Somerset Rd, 238162 Closest MRT station: Somerset MRT

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SCARES

BY PRANAMMEKA SATHYA

St John’s Island When we hear “St John’s Island”, we think of a relaxing getaway and a fun trip. With white, sandy beaches, clear blue waters and a good ecosystem, the island is already popular among naturelovers. It also has bungalows and a holiday camp. The beauty of St John’s makes us forget about the monstrous history behind it. The Legend: The late 19th century saw an outbreak of cholera and leprosy, so this lovely island was made a quarantine station and an infamous burial ground. This was a port that all nautical vessels needed to stop by at first before heading to the Singapore mainland.

Photos courtesy of Anymap.co & Stjohnisland.com

In the middle of the grounds is a curious human-sized black and white chessboard whose age is unknown. Many speculate it was built around the time of the British colonization. At the height of the Japanese occupation, the imperial army used the island to store their masses of prisoners of war. Legend has it that the soldiers moved these prisoners into position on the chess board and used them as live pawns for interesting games, with the losing prisoners being beheaded on the spot. Even today, we might be able to hear screams of agony and fear coming from the board after the sun sets.

Bedok Reservoir Park If you’re a local Singaporean, you already know about Bedok Reservoir Park being an SG Scare spot. Rumours of ghosts, news of dead bodies being recovered from the reservoir, dim lighting that makes it easy to get lost and an overall eerie atmosphere at night – there’s a lot going on here. However, what most don’t know is the main legend behind the Bedok hauntings. The Legend: The story goes that a man cheated on his wife, abused his family, and gambled their money away repeatedly. After years of insults, harm, and depression, his wife decided that suicide was the only way out. That night, after writing “It’s not over, darling” on a wall in her own blood, she jumped out of the window at night with their only son. The man didn’t pay attention to the blood-written note and had his mistress move in with him soon after, and started another family consisting of him, her, and their new son. All was forgotten about the past. A few years down the line, the new son started to talk about a boy who played with him whenever he was home. His parents wrote it off as an imaginary friend because of how young he was, but the son kept insisting his friend was real. One night, the man heard some loud noises from his son’s room, and ran over to see his son by the ledge of his open window, and saw his son jump down the window as well – right after hearing him say “Big brother says I can fly!”.

Photo courtesy of Sgunfitrunners.blogspot.sg

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SCARES

Tanglin Brunei Hostel As we near the end of Tanglin Hill, we can see an abandoned Brunei hostel. This hostel has been abandoned for more than 25 years, and is saturated in ruins. This unguarded old Brunei hostel is sure to help you have some encounters. The Legend: Brunei was poor nation in great need of a good economy back in the 1950’s. Due to their shortage of teachers, they sent students to many destinations in order for them to receive a good education, with Singapore being one of the places in question.

Photos courtesy of Jiahuiiii.wordpress.com & Anymap.co

Past adventurers to the old Brunei Hostel have talked about their curious encounters, sinister experiences, and a weird feeling as though they were being watched the whole time, nothing violent however, has ever been reported.

Neo Tiew Village It is said that Neo Tiew (1883 – 1975) was one of the main innovators of the Lim Chu Kang area. He was active in planning the development of roads, schools, clinics and power stations among many more. However, during World War II, his entire family of 35 were killed in 1942, with only him and his fourth son left as survivors. The Legend: A long time ago, the king of banana trees was planted behind the Neo Tiew HDB flats. A man wanted to win the lottery and strike rich, so he prayed to the tree. He intimidated and threatened the king by sicking seven needles into the tree. After the man became rich, he bought an apartment in a condominium and left the region, but he forgot to take the needles out of the tree. With the continual pain and agony of the pins, the king of the banana trees died, with his spirit seeking revenge ever since. After this incident, the flats were abandoned. Photos courtesy of expatadventuresinsingapore.com

Kheam Hock Road Every place so far needs to be visited and explored on foot, but what makes this destination unique is that you can just drive right by. As you drive nearer, you will see a faded “caution” road sign, but it has been reported that no amount of warnings would be enough of a warning. It starts out vibrant and full of life when you start entering Kheam Hock Road, seeing rows of wonderfully constructed houses. But when you pass the tunnel, you can start to see the sharp contrast. Drive by the road and be greeted by tombstones lining the sides of the road. Being a dimly lit place at night, it’s sure to make your hair stand. People who pass by generally report feelings of great unease and a strong feeling of being watched and observed at night by what they can’t see. Photo courtesy of Mapio.net

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ASK UB Q: Did Mr. Kohler leave you with any uncompleted tasks before he left? A: Actually Chris was probably the best friend that I had the first week I was here! I was so happy to have met him! I get why all the students love him very much because he’s just so friendly and welcoming. He left me this handy calendar which I still use, which is annotated with helpful tips from him. I still contact him from time to time to seek clarification on certain issues.

BY NICHOLAS CHOW

IM-UB recently welcomed our new Assistant Resident Director, Ms. Katie Fassbinder, to our tight knit community here in Singapore. What better way to get to know her than to put her through a session of “Ask Katie” ? Q: Tell us more about yourself! A: I come from a small town called Dubuque, Iowa, which is located along the Mississippi River. I moved out during my college years to study political science and geography at the University of Iowa, of which I spent my junior year abroad at the University of Iceland. After graduating, I lived and worked in China and Turkey for four years. I realized international education was my passion, and went to a school of about 150 people in cool outdoorsy Vermont for my Master’s in International Education. I then worked in study abroad for a year, sending students to Ghana, Costa Rica, South Africa, Oman, and Greece. After I saw the job posting in UB, I applied right away as I knew I wanted to come back to this part of the world, and travel around the region while practicing my Mandarin, while doing something which I love! Q: What are your main goals that you have for your time here in Singapore? A: Try to see and experience as much of Singapore as possible. Maybe also expand opportunities for the students to study abroad, and to help get more students from Buffalo to come to Singapore for study abroad sessions.

Q: What are some activities that you are looking forward to doing during your time in Singapore? A: I want to go to the (Jurong) Bird Park. I also want to see the SuperTree Groves at Gardens by the Bay. Q: Would you prefer reading a book at home alone or going out to socialize with friends? A: I’m an extroverted-introvert, so I like to be very social, then hideaway. It’s seasonal. Q: Do you have any pets? A: I have two cats! Their names are Mac and Emil. My family also has four dogs - 2 golden retrievers, a great dane, and a terrier! Q: When you are feeling stressed, what would be your go-to activity to destress? A: Yoga! I’m taking an instructor training program. Q: Other than yoga, what other sports do you participate in? A: I run every morning, played soccer in high school, and a little in college. I also played Ultimate Frisbee. I broke my nose in 2013 when a Frisbee flew straight into it. I still get bloody noses to this day. Q: How often do you keep up communications with friends and family back home? A: I call my grandmother pretty much every other day, while Sunday mornings are for my dad. My mom only uses Facebook to communicate, so she messages me almost every day. My two brothers only communicate with me if they want to talk about something, so it’s more scarce. Q: What’s your horoscope? A: I’m a Taurus, and my zodiac is a rabbit. Q: How’s life in Singapore so far? A: It’s good! I’m going to be here for a while!

Photos courtesy of Katie Fassbinder

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ASK UB

Scribbles with Katie If you were stuck on a deserted island, what would be the one ( ) that you would like to have?

This semester, we spiced it up a little with the introduction of Scribbles with Katie, where we got Ms. Katie to answer some questions in her own handwriting. Graphologists, analyze away! My favorite time of the day:

My hidden talent:

My favorite ice cream flavor:

A weird habit I have:

My favorite (clean) word:

The food I cannot live without:

(item)

(song)

(book)

Draw a self-portrait My favorite slang word/expression:

A Publication by