“I’m a busy man” – an interview with Mitchell Yeo

Written by: Zachary Low

Edited by: Celine Yeap

Our writer takes a trip down to the F block lounge for a chat with the JCRC Financial Secretary and ‘sexy beast’ of KEVII, Mitchell Yeo. A Year 3 Math major, Mitchell also plays squash for KEVII and enjoys running in his free time. Due to his being the Financial Secretary, Mitchell is often seen surrounded by people during dinner, leading him to remark to his friends that ‘I’m a busy man’. Today, we find out what makes this intrepid character tick.

JCRC Financial Secretary and ‘sexy beast’ of KEVII, Mitchell Yeo

Z: Let’s take a trip in the Tardis, back to the year 2010. Whatever made you decide to join the JCRC?

Mitchell: In 2010, the 54^th JCRC President approached me after Orientation. KEWOC was my only CCA then, and I thought I would need a new CCA to continue staying in hall. Moreover, I was confident that if I took up the post of Financial Secretary, I would be able to dispense my duties with due diligence and competence. Also, the people who made up the JCRC were a big part of it.

Z: Do you think it is a tough job?

Mitchell: Initially when I first started, it was difficult. I had to learn the ropes by myself. But routine made it easier over time, and collecting receipts, photocopying, and reimbursing became a habit over time.

Z: And what makes you take up this appointment again, knowing full well the weight of responsibility it entails?

Mitchell: Well, this year I was helping a friend. Also, because of the late formation of the 55^th JCRC, I knew that someone had to step up to fulfil the role. Even if I wasn’t the Financial Secretary, I would still have to coach the new Financial Secretary. It’s also out of a sense of duty – I’m doing it because I know I can do it. That said, we’re looking for an assistant Financial Secretary!

Z: What is the one quality that you think a JCRC member must possess, above all others?

Mitchell: Integrity. Because as a JCRC member you attend hall leaders’ meetings, SCRC meetings… and you know the internal workings of the hall. There are some things you can and cannot say, especially when you’re dealing with sensitive issues like money. People want to know how much budget is allocated to them, and why, and you have to be answerable to them. For me, it’s about making sure every cent goes where it’s meant to go.

Z: Don’t you ever get tired? What keeps you going?

Mitchell: Well, it’s better than studying (laughs). It’s a matter of routine. I like systematic and orderly things like processing receipts. When I’m stuck at tutorials, I work on JCRC stuff, and then I know that I am accomplishing something. After that I go back to my tutorials. But at the same time responsibility is a big part of it. I know what I got myself into, and so I must do it!

Z: What do you think of your nomination as a contestant for DND?

Mitchell: To say I expected it is wrong. Let’s say if this happened when I was still in Year 1 – I would have done it then. I’m not going to take part this year though, have to give the freshmen a chance.

Z: That’s the kind and gracious Mitchell we all grow to know and love. Thanks for your time.

Mitchell: What? But I was just getting into the mood. Ask some more questions!

(This actually happened and can be corroborated by eyewitnesses who were also in the lounge at the time of the interview. The following questions were formed out of spontaneous combustion and were not planned.)

Z: Alright. Recently, the phenomenon of KEVIIans calling you the ‘sexy beast of KE’ has spread to both East and West Wings, and has even intensified. What do you think of people calling you the ‘beast’?

Mitchell: It’s a very interesting nickname, whose origins are lost in the sands of time. Perhaps you could ask the interviewer. The name is growing on me though.

Z: But do you think ‘sexy beast’ fits you?

Mitchell: More of the first part than the second. But ‘beast’ is becoming part of my personality, especially when I go for squash training, or dinner in the dining hall.

Z: I know, I’ve seen that side of you manifest during dinner. As the undisputed beast of KEVII, what is some advice that you would give to freshmen?

Mitchell: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Hall is a place where opportunities are everywhere and new avenues abound. Play a new sport, learn something new from the culture side, go on an overseas trip for CIP, or perform on stage. You might even find your lifelong partner!

Z: Which leads us nicely into our next question: have you met any potential lifelong partners in hall?

Mitchell: (resoundingly) YES!! (laughs) If I said ‘no’, maybe someone would come and look for me. But in all honesty, the special someone has not yet made herself known in my life. (This is followed by disbelieving looks from other members of F Block who are also in the lounge.)

Z: I’m sure with your newfound reputation, you will need to give out queue numbers soon enough. Any last words?

Mitchell: I just want to enjoy my last year in hall, and make more new friends. And I’m always glad to help KE Press raise its profile. Read the hall blog more, everybody.

At this point, Mitchell’s good friend, CK Chiu, was asked to describe Mitchell in one word. CK replied with no hesitation with this adjective:

SEXY.

What else?

The writer would like to thank his friend Mitchell Yeo for being such a good sport and agreeing to the interview, despite the fact that he (Mitchell) had to cut his lunch appointment with two girls short in order to accommodate the interview schedule.

E Block 月圆之夜

Written by : Hui Ze

Edited by : Png Ning

E block是KE 7所有block里面地势最高的，拒不完全统计，从PGP巴士站步行到E8要近三百级台阶，而从Science Faculty走到E8，仅仅台阶也要一百多级。中国有句古话，登高望远。在E Block如此高的地势，眼界非常开阔，看得远不是因为站在巨人的肩膀上，是因为站在国大的最高点! (本人的意见)

3月19号晚，E7集结了来自E7和E8的blockers， 他们在干什么呢？

哦，原来是被这皎洁的月亮所吸引住了。在新加坡圆月见过多次，但是这般大而明亮的月亮还是很难得。大家都被它吸引了。

二十年内月亮离地球最近的时刻，也是月亮最大最圆的时刻。

心情溶剂的幕后小揭密——与三位Heads面对面! A Behind-the-Scenes Interview with the 3 heads of XQRJ!

written by : Zhang Rong

Edited by : Png Ning

心情溶剂是我们KE7 HALL每年对外宣传的super major event,其影响力和知名度都颇高！十三届心情溶剂得到了很多称赞和好评，作为小记者的我带着大家的好奇和疑问，近距离接触Heads，看看他们心中的XQRJ =)

Fishy Business

Written by : Koon Tong
Edited by : Png Ning

How do our hall meals fare against the food from other on-campus outlets in terms of appeal? Would a food critic pick KE’s food over that bought from an external store? On the 24th January 2011, this reporter put these questions to the test!

On that fateful day, this reporter had a packet of cabbage, a slice of luncheon meat and some fish fillet served with rice for dinner. The servings I received that day were slightly generous, and having not much appetite, I did not think I could finish all the food. Instead of throwing the leftovers away, I decided that this would be a good chance to put my research questions to the test!

A Study on KE Refrigerators

Writer : Goh Yi Hui

Editor : Png Ning

Introduction

The Refrigerator is a common household electrical appliance which functions mainly to keep perishables fresh for a longer period.  It works primarily by reducing bacterial activity due to the lower temperature.  Such a facility is commonly found in the pantries and kitchenettes in King Edward VII Hall.  This study will concentrate on the perpetuating concerns that several KEVIIans have raised over the years.  There have been several complaints on the fast deteriorating state of hygiene while using the refrigerator, especially the communal ones at KE.  Hence, KE Media decided to conduct a field research to examine if there is any justification to the complaints against this life-changing appliance.

Creepy Places around KE

Writer : Garrick Liw

Editor : Png Ning

Yes it’s the Halloween week of the year! In addition to attending After Dusk Party this Friday (it’s a must go!), I visited some of the mysterious places around KE in an attempt to embrace the Halloween spirit.

Right in front of the entrance of KE, there seems to be a long stretch of staircase leading down to nowhere.

Stairway to Hell??

Are You Awake in Lectures??

Writer : Jacqueline Lie

Editor : Png Ning

Do you face the problem of keeping wide awake in stultifying lectures?   This problem is magnified for us who brave the attempt of balancing studies with the multitude of hall activities!

The most obvious answer for many is to drink coffee before lectures (or even during and very often from Spinelli) for caffeine to work its magic. However, over-reliance is unhealthy as one becomes physically fatigued despite maintaining high alertness level. Better to abstain from coffee!

Caffeine to stay awake?

What about Sugar Rush? Some students love eating sweets during lecture, but sweets in fact make you sleepy, claims Ruth, a Physics major. Sugar provides a burst of energy, but you will feel lethargic as your body produces insulin to overcompensate, causing a drop in blood-sugar level. Yet, some people find that it is not the candy itself that keeps one awake, but the act of sucking  it.

Candy power

How many of you out there peep at Facebook comments when you are supposed to be looking at the lecture notes?  It is a sad case to depend on social networking websites to stay awake. Moreover, it causes detrimental effects to one’s CAP.

There are some students spotted copying down, or repeating in the head, every single sentence the lecturer says. In such an attempt, it seems harder to fall asleep. A not-so-hardworking method is to allow oneself to doze off for the first-half of the lecture, and to catch up during the second-half.  This is probably the most common trend.

Nonetheless, something to keep in mind is that we have the luxury to run back to our room to catch a nap during breaks! Power-naps recharge and refresh!

Not the wisest choice!

The Love-Hate relationship

Written by: Jeremy Auw & Sarah Lah

In this feature, we wanted to find out what KEVIIans think of our hall. To get a representative opinion, we approached one of the “grassroots leaders “of KE7 – none other than Hui Min, CD block head! Let’s hear what she has to say:

All ready to be interviewed!

Interview with Chia Hui Min, CD Block Head

1) How did you feel about KE7 when you first came in?

The first thought I had was – “so many stairs!” Especially since I stayed in D block in year 1, the walk to the dining hall was long and arduous. But the rooms in KE7 are spacious so I guess that makes up for the stairs!

2) How is it like being the block head for CD block after a semester?

Fun and tiring. It’s heartwarming to see blockers have fun and enjoy themselves during block events! It’s great getting to know most of the blockers too. Organising block events and having to do admin stuff can be quite tiring, but all’s fine with my fantastic block committee!

3) Have your perspectives of KE7 changed? If so, how?

In year 1, I used to think East Wing was a very quiet place but I think East Wing is a lot more happening this year! The freshies are quite crazy and noisy (in a good way of course) so that adds a lot of life here. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear random shouts and laughter in the middle of the night anymore (laughs)!

4) What do you like about KE7?

It’s near to Science so even if I oversleep (which unfortunately happens quite often), I’d only be a few minutes late for lessons. I also look forward to dinnertime because it’s a time to de-stress and chat with my friends. I guess that makes the food more bearable (laughs)!

5) What do you dislike about KE7?

Probably still the stairs, but my room is near the bus stop so I can’t complain much!

With the noticeboard!

ET – Entertainment in Toilets today

Writer: Loraine Ong
Editor: Benjamin Lim

Do you need an entertainment break from studying too much and too hard lately? Or are you bored of the old, rustic look of KEVII and want something more? You can now enjoy that at a toilet near you! In the guys’ D2 toilet, you can choose to enter the world of “Harry Potter”, or “Star Whores”, just by reading the make-believes. Some stories even bring the interested reader into an entirely different time period; like one of “Jackula”…

The writer personally witnessed this different ‘world’ at the seventh Jackula hour (10pm) on 6^th November, 2009. It took her breath away, partly because of the intrigue at what some D1 and D2 guys had penned down on a stolen poster from a library, and partly due to the stench of urine from the cubicle.

Isn’t it very creative of the guys to kill 2 birds with one stone when they go to the toilet? They can both relieve themselves and add some entertainment to their lives. If you doubt the hilarity of this storyboard, the writer can personally vouch that she had a really good laugh after reading it. The plain poster that reminds the “Gentlemen” of D block (there is only one toilet for the men in this block) to aim properly into the toilet bowl was very capably converted into an anthology of stories!

For those of you interested to find out more, do be advised that the board is very explicit and may offend the more conservative people out there.

Another noteworthy lavatory display device, henceforth called LDD, came from the C2 female toilet. The person who made this handwritten, hand-drawn notice must have had a personal vendetta against foreign bodily fluids. Look at the number of angry faces she drew!

The West Wing also has interesting LDDs..

Have a look at the above, taken from the F2 guys’ toilet. Though I imagine the more literarily inclined readers would have quite a lot to comment about the literary ability of the humble toilet bowl, one must applaud the absolute civility of our longsuffering friend, considering the treatment he receives.

This LDD seems to suggest that guys in GH are shorter than they think, though it is not clear which length this is referring to =p. However, the writer is quite certain this has to do with physical stature =).

Remember, the next time you feel bored and need some entertainment, feel free to take a leak at these toilets. You will be as entertained as your bladder will be relieved.

Gripes of the KE resident

Writers: Garrick Liw & Lee Lin Hui
Editor: Benjamin Lim

Most of you were excited when your application for KE7 Hall was successful, knowing that you could expect months of fun and excitement accompanied by, unfortunately, mental and physical torture from CCAs and studying late into the night (or should I say early into the morning?). What was the first thing you felt when you set foot into KE7? Happiness? Sadness? We are willing to bet most of you experienced a shock looking up at KE7 from the PGP Bus Terminal, with PGP behind you.

Yes! It’s the flight of steps you have to conquer even before you become inaugurated as a member of the KE7 family. For the vertical marathon enthusiast among you, here is a compilation on the number of steps one has to surmount (or descend) on some of the more common journeys made in hall:

1)     PGP to Dining Hall – 121 steps

2)     E Block Level 1 to E Block level 8 – 139 steps

3)     Shepherd’s Path – 87 steps

4)     Block A to Block D – 108 steps

5)     Block H to Block E – 105 steps

6)     Multi purpose Court to Squash Court- 160 steps

What does this mean for you and me? Well, a normal walk from Dining Hall after your breakfast to the Faculty of Science via the Shepherd’s Path would take 186 steps. Compare this to a 10-storey HDB flat that has 144 steps. Is it any wonder then that we feel exhausted after each day in school? Consider the steps a poor D blocker has to ascend if he forgets to bring something for his training at the multi purpose court and imagine how much of a workout the conscientious E8 blocker has to go through everyday just to have a meal or get to school!

~~Stairway to Heaven~~

Aaah More stairs!?

But maybe the number of stairs had something to do with the age of our hall. We are pretty sure not all seniors here know how old the KE7 building is: we are acutally turning 21 this year! None of us would have expected that our second home would be as old as we are. Among students here, KE7 is well known for its old exterior, especially when compared to the modern, condominium-like façade of PGP. Since KE7 is reaching 21, we should take this opportunity to vote for an entire facelift!

Wonder what it was like during puberty...

Perhaps as a consequence of its significant age (and the lack of design expertise at the time it was built), KE7 is also well known for being a death trap when it rains cats and dogs (which is all too often here in Singapore). Almost every pavement in KE7 will be flooded when it rains. Notice we used the word “flooded”, and not “wet”. But this is no mere exaggeration, just have a look at the evidence we collected below after a recent downpour! With water deep enough for ducks to swim in, even the PGP bus terminal could have formed a manmade pond.

Make sure you buy slippers with soles!

This could lead to a tragic ending…

Quack! Quack!

Going down water-logged steps may not be a concern when you’re taking your time, but making a dash for a bus down 121 slip-inducing tiles can prove to be life-threatening! If you have similar experiences, you are not alone; feel free to join the facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=88574485194. =D

Mid Autumn Festival A la Dim Sum

Writer: Adrian Chia
Photos by:  Kelvin Anggara

To talk about dim sum during Mid-Autumn Festival is like to talk about scoring goals in tennis. While in tennis you score aces instead of goals, you hardly hear people mentioning ‘dim sum’ in the same breath as ‘Mid-Autumn Festival’. Instead, mooncake, lanterns and the big round moon should be the main features of the festival. But this year, the Mid-Autumn Festival was truly about dim sum. Wait a second, did I just put the two terms in the same sentence? No mistake there, because this year’s celebration was really in essence, a Dim-Sum event.

At about 7pm, a group of people claiming to be the leaders of the Dim Sum clan assembled at the E4 kitchenette. After a short discussion, they started getting themselves busy with baking powder, flour, eggs, chicken wings, char siew sauce and the oven. It took a while before it became apparent they were not making xiao long baos, chee cheong funs or siew mais. They were actually preparing supper for their dearest Dim Sum clan members!

As dark clouds thickened overhead and the clock struck nine, the Dim Sums began to converge in the Communal Hall. To prevent the Dim Sums from turning cold, some energizers were played to break the ice. Scenes of them sticking stinky feet at one another, greeting each other in a silly sissy manner and rubbing their noses on particular red shirts were observed. Perhaps a secret art for preparing the delicacies?

Sticking their feet together

Silly and sissy greetings :)

How to greet another person in Christmas Island :)

Supper was served after that. On the menu were chicken wings and barley drink. Conspicuously absent were traditional items like mooncakes and Chinese tea. For those interested, check out this website which briefly tells the stories of Mid-Autumn Festival and why mooncakes are significantly special on this occasion!

Barley and chicken wings :)

The next phase of operation involved a route march from KEVII Hall to the SRC Field, with everyone carrying a standard gear of a paper lantern. To add to the tactical difficulty, the full moon was too shy to be seen as it was shrouded in thick, dark clouds. Along the way, there was much chatter and singing, and pit stops were made to replenish ammunition – in the form of candles, as well as to get into formation to be exposed to the flashlights of the camera from time to time. At the field, much to the disappointment of the group, the moon still failed to show up, but solace was sought in the form of chats, songs and cookies. One particular cookie was noteworthy for its its mutated size and shape, for it looked more like an oversized pizza! On the return trip, more lanterns were reduced to ashes after lighting up in fireballs.

Equipped with the lanterns

Marching towards SRC

Pit stop :)

All smiles =D

Upon reaching back in hall, there was one last surprise in store – a belated birthday celebration for Cui Shan. Amusingly, all the matches were used up during the road march that none were left to light the birthday candles! Nonetheless the frozen cheese cake more than made up for the minor blip!

And then the Dim Sums went to bed.

Wishing everyone a belated 中秋节快乐! (Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!) =D