Imagine your brain as a laptop

We’ve been conditioned to think that if we aren’t “logged in,” we aren’t achieving. But science says your brain is a lot like your phone – it has a “dark mode” called the Default Mode Network (DMN), and it’s a complete game changer.

Think of the DMN as your brain’s background processing. It only kicks in when you’re doing “nothing” – daydreaming, staring out a window, or taking a walk without your AirPods. While you’re zoning out, your brain is actually busy cleaning up mental clutter and connecting the dots on that essay prompt you’ve been stuck on for days. The point is, “Proactive Boredom” isn’t a waste of time. It’s a hardware update. If you don’t give your brain space to breathe, you’re trying to run the latest software on a battery that’s at 1%.

How to trick your brain into work mode:

Eventually, the daydreaming has to end and the laptop has to open. When that “I’d rather do literally anything else” feeling hits, don’t fight it. Hack it. Here are two ways you can do so:

1. The 5-Minute Lie: Tell yourself you’re only going to work for 300 seconds. Set a timer. Usually, the threat of a huge and intimidating project is what makes us procrastinate. Once you break the seal, and get into the flow, you won’t want to stop. A psychological quirk called the Zeigarnik Effect kicks in – your brain will actually feel annoyed if you stop before the task is done.
2. Double Productivity: Grab a friend and sit in total silence. You don’t even have to work on the same thing, just having another human in the room acting as a productivity anchor makes it 10x harder for you to fall down an Instagram rabbit hole.

So, real productivity isn’t about how many hours you spend sitting at your desk, taking a break every time you set up your work: open a google doc, revision slides, etc; it’s about how much energy you bring to the table when you’re there. This weekend, ditch the guilt. Spend some time doing absolutely nothing. Stare at a wall. Take a nap. Go for a walk outside. Let your brain reset. When Monday comes around, you won’t just be “busy” – you’ll be unstoppable!

Edited by Kailey Chan

GOAT

Coming out in February this year, GOAT is an animated film coming from Sony Pictures Animation. Trailers for the movie have already been released, and the key pull from that is the animation style. Sony Pictures Animation is known for innovating and adapting their animating style, having the Spiderverse movies under their belt. GOAT seems to use that same choppy animation style that we see in the Spiderverse movie, and it is blended into a bright and beautiful colour palette. The movie will follow this goat named Will as he tries to go pro in a sport called roarball (the movie equivalent of basketball). This movie looks like Zootopia but instead of rookie cops, it is a basketball underdog story. This movie looks to be like something for fans of animation, as it has a very unique art style, and quirky animation techniques. GOAT also seems to create some appeal for basketball fans too, with the film’s sport being based around basketball, and Stephen Curry featuring as a voice in this movie. I think GOAT will be an enjoyable underdog movie, enhanced with that beautiful Sony Pictures Animation touch, making this a film worth catching.

Hoppers

Another animated animal movie, Hoppers, releases in March this year. Hoppers follows the story of a girl who transfers her consciousness into that of an animatronic Beaver, and she uses this to go and communicate with animals. This movie has a very refined animation style, keeping things looking rounded and cheerful. Pixar are the ones making this movie, and I think in keeping with the Pixar theme, this movie will have a lot of laughs but also a lot of heart. While not their biggest movie coming out this year, Pixar’s Hoppers has built up a good following and could turn out to be a refreshing new animated movie. Animal lovers, and those wanting to see a classic family friendly fun flick, should definitely give Hoppers a watch.

Project Hail Mary

This upcoming project comes from Ryan Gosling, and is adapted from the novel of the same name. This movie is going to be a sci-fi thriller, following Ryland Grace, a science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or what he is doing. However, he slowly pieces his memory back together, and realises that he has to stop the Earth from entering a new ice age, by saving our sun. The plot seems outlandish and wild, and that is what draws me towards this movie. Behind this complex sounding premise however, it looks to be a fun comedy movie, mixed with thriller and sci-fi elements. From the trailer, it looks like Interstellar and the Martian blended together, throwing in some more comedy effects, and stunning space visuals. This sci fi movie looks like a great ride, with some visually stunning elements, and for a sci fi nerd like me, makes it a must watch when it comes out in March.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

The Super Mario Bros. Movie was wildly successful when it was released in 2023, showing that, if done right (looking at you live action Mario movie from 1993), Mario could be adapted for the big screen. Now as a follow up to that movie, Mario returns in this adaptation of the Super Mario Galaxy games. From the trailer, it looks like all the fan favourite characters from the last movie will return, but also new characters from the franchise, like Yoshi, Bowser Jr., and Rosalina. The movie also looks to be taking elements from multiple Mario games too, notably Super Mario: Odyssey and Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Seeing how well the last adaptation went, and both the franchise and star power that this movie is bringing, I could see this film making over 1 billion dollars. This movie is the follow up to one of the best video game adaptation movies of all time, and I think it has the ability to surpass the original. For Mario fans, and frankly anyone who enjoys video games, this Nintendo movie coming out in April needs a watch.

Michael

I love a good movie musical biopic, and have found films like Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, and Better Man to be greatly entertaining. Now for 2026, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson is getting his very own biopic. Starring his nephew, Jafaar Jackson, this biopic will follow the rise of the pop superstar, from his time in the Jackson 5 to his international stardom. This movie will be loaded to the brim with all of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, guaranteeing this movie too have a stellar soundtrack. It has been stated that the movie will tackle every part of the singer’s life, and from the trailer it looks absolutely incredible. From iconic music videos like Thriller, to the recording of hit songs like Billie Jean, this movie looks like it will have it all. Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jafaar Jackson, provides a good likeness to the King of Pop, and shows off some great singing talent too. This musical biopic will definitely be something to catch, when it moonwalks into cinemas in April.

The Mandalorian and Grogu

I love Star Wars, and this movie is going to be the first Star Wars movie to come out since 2019’s Rise of Skywalker. The Mandalorian T.V show was a breath of fresh air into the franchise, styled like a western, it brought the effortlessly cool but caring Din Djarin to the universe, and his adorable sidekick Grogu (or Baby Yoda). The show ended with the return of the Mandalorians to Mandalore, and saw Din and Grogu settling down for the quiet life on Tatooine. However, by the looks of things, they are called into action to fight against the remaining imperial warlords around the galaxy. When I saw the trailer, I could just feel the goosebumps. Seeing the return of Star Wars to the big screen is an absolute treat, and in a movie which will no doubt be a galaxy wide bounty hunting adventure. The return of fan favourite characters from across the franchise will be seen in this movie, with the likes of Zeb Orrelios (Rebels), Rotta the Hutt (The Clone Wars), and Babu Frik (Rise of Skywalker), all featuring in this film. I am most excited to see the return of the Razor Crest, ATATs, and X-Wings. For all Star Wars fans this is a must see, as the galaxy far far away returns to the big screen in this western style adventure on May 22nd.

Toy Story 5

Toy Story is back again, with a new and different plot that hits surprisingly close to home. After what has felt like 2 perfect endings for the franchise, in the form of Toy Story 3 and then again in Toy Story 4, Pixar looks to have changed their minds, reuniting Woody and Buzz for another adventure. This movie will see the return of most of the fan favourite characters, with Slinky Dog, Hamm, Rex, Jessie, Bullseye, Combat Carl, and Forky all confirmed to come back. Other characters like the Potato heads remain ambiguous but likely. From the teaser, it looks like the toys will take on the threat of technology, more specifically the Ipad. We are currently living through the Ipad kid generation, making this movie definitely relatable and fitting today’s audience. Seeing how well Toy Story movies perform, I don’t doubt that this movie will have a lot of heart, a lot of meta jokes, and make a lot of money. Another addition to a timeless series, Toy Story 5 will surely be a hit when it comes out in June.

Supergirl

Superman was a surprise smash hit from 2025 (which I have reviewed already on my top films of 2025), and here comes another addition to James Gunn’s DC universe. Supergirl takes place before she meets Superman on earth, as seen in the post credits scene of Superman, as she travels across the galaxy with Krypto the Superdog. This is directly after the destruction of Krypton, so I’m sure we will see a sad Supergirl searching for some purpose, accompanied by her adorable canine. From the trailers, it looks to be a space adventure, with the Guardians of the Galaxy vibes definitely being there. For comics fans, this movie is based on the Woman of Tomorrow comic line for Supergirl, and knowing James Gunn, it will be very comic accurate. Already from the trailer, the character of Lobo can be seen, with Jason Momoa playing him, which is a perfect casting for the role. For those that enjoyed Superman, Guardians of the Galaxy, or any of James Gunn’s DC movies, Supergirl will definitely be a super time when it releases in June.

Assorted movies that we don’t know much about yet

There are still many movies on this list that we don’t have too much information about yet, but are still highly anticipated either because they are franchise heavy hitters, or they are led by famous stars. Firstly, Minions 3: Mega Minions is a sequel to the greatly successful minions franchise, which is the prequel series to the Despicable Me franchise. Not much is known about the plot, just that Gru will return in this movie, alongside the indestructible minions. Next, in October, Digger releases. Again, not much is known about the plot, beyond the fact that it is a comedy, and will see Tom Cruise star in the film. The star power alone sells it to me, but I think a good independent comedy will definitely be an entertaining piece. Lastly, Jumanji 3 will be coming out in December. Again, not much is known about the plot, besides that the main cast of video game characters will be returning, and this might be the last movie in the rebooted franchise. The reboot of Jumanji does a great job in being like a sort of sequel to the original, but modernising it and bringing it to a new audience. I enjoyed all the Jumanji movies, and I feel that Jumanji 3 will live up to its predecessors.

The Odyssey

Take a bunch of the most famous and popular actors of our time, combine that with one of the best directors of this century, and make them adapt one of the most famous stories of all time, and you get The Odyssey. This Odyssey will follow the story of Odysseus as he returns home from the Trojan War, facing many perils and challenges on the way. The cast for this movie is one of the best ensemble casts I have seen since Love Actually. The movie stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, with Anne Hathaway portraying his wife, and Tom Holland portraying his son. Other actors in this film include Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, and Benny Safdie. All of them are being directed by the great Christopher Nolan, whose last movie, Oppenheimer, won best picture. He knows how to do a historical movie, and while some on the internet have criticised the costumes already for historical inaccuracies, it’s adapting a story with a cyclops in it and the armour looks cool. The whole movie is filmed entirely with IMAX cameras, adding to the cool factor of this movie. I believe this will be a beautifully done movie, with incredibly action set pieces, incredible cinematography, and superb acting. This movie will definitely be a need to watch when it comes out in July.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Tom Holland returns to the MCU in another movie playing everyone’s favourite friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. This movie’s plot has remained quite secretive, no leaks this time around, but it is rumoured to be a more street level movie. This means that it could see the integration of some of the characters from the Netflix marvel shows, and finally see Spider-Man take on some street level threats. I theorise that this movie will have Daredevil return, the Punisher, and see Spider-Man take on Kingpin in some way. It is unknown whether we will see the return of Zendaya’s MJ or Ned, but it will be awesome to see a more Tobey Maguire style Spider-Man, now that Peter lives alone and has his new suit. Any Spider-Man movie is a great time, and this one will definitely be on the watch list when it swings into cinemas in July.

Street Fighter

I don’t know much about the Street Fighter games, or the Street Fighter movie that came out in 1994, but I do know a little about this new Street Fighter movie coming out this year. The movie looks to be including every major character from the games, with there definitely being some recognisable characters thanks to their pop culture stardom. Like it says on the tin, there will be a lot of fighting in this movie, but from the teaser trailer, the fighting looks awesome, with fight choreography looking clean and flowing like a classing kung fu flick. It also has that retro vibe, leaning into the older vibes and retro feel found in the original Street Fighter arcade game. This movie will definitely bring some incredible action and fight scenes, with some impressive KOs, giving the audience an exhilarating ride. For those looking for a classic style kung fu flick, or just another incredible video game adaptation, look no further than this movie, coming out in October.

Avengers: Doomsday

While this movie may only be coming out in December, the Russo brothers know how to build hype. The film has already been teased last year, with Doctor Doom appearing in post credits scenes, and the Fantastic Four coming to the mainline MCU timeline. The reveal that Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom is already incredible, but the teaser trailers that have been released for this movie are definitely making it more exciting. I won’t spoil what happens in them here (and I urge you to watch them), but I will say that we will be seeing the return of Thor, Steve Rogers Captain America, the Fantastic Four, Namor, Shuri, M’baku (now as king of Wakanda), and the X-Men. Along with other characters returning from other MCU movies last year, this cast will be packed full. This movie is looking to top the likes of Avengers: Endgame with the cast and story. The world is currently in a state of superhero fatigue, and many believe that the MCU peaked at Endgame and has been going downhill ever since (I personally believe the peak was at Spider-Man: No Way Home). However, with the hype that Doomsday is building I think that it could be reaching for a new high. Once the Avengers: Doomsday clock runs out, and the film releases in December, it will be a must watch.

Dune: Messiah

Dune: Messiah is the third and final instalment in the Dune franchise, which tells me that it will be the best of the three. Denis Villeneuve does a great job at adapting the Dune books into these massive space operas, led by a stellar cast, and featuring an incredible soundtrack. According to the books, this next movie will see a major time jump, as Paul Atreides solidifies his power as the new ruler on Arrakis. While these movies can be hard to follow at times, it gives you space to breathe at points, letting you take in the beautiful shots of the desert planet. Timothée Chalamet spearheads this film again as Paul Atredis, and based on assumption, should be rejoined with Zendaya, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Florence Pugh. This movie looks to be the finale of this stunning set of films, and as seen with Dune: Part 2, I believe it will beat the other two to become the best in the franchise. I felt Dune was very exposition heavy, Dune: Part 2 was very action heavy, so following that, Dune: Messiah should be the perfect mix of both. Regardless, it will be an amazing movie, and the movie event that will be Avengers: Dunesday (as coined by Robert Downey Jr. and Timothée Chalamet) will definitely be a need to do, when it happens in December.

Conclusion

2026 looks to be a very exciting year for movies. Whether it be major franchise blockbusters, or new original movies 2026 looks to be having it all. Ranging from many different genres, like action, animation, sports, music, superhero, video game adaptation, sci-fi, or just good old comedy. I am very excited for the up and coming films for this year, and I cannot wait to see how good these movies will be. As a side note, this list was aided by a Rotten Tomatoes list of upcoming films, which features even more exciting films to come, so I recommend taking a look at it too, linked here: https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/the-most-anticipated-movies-of-2026/. For movie fans it looks to be a good year, and I personally cannot wait to see these films hit the big screen this year.

Karate Kid: Legends

For those unaware of the Karate Kid franchise, it follows the story of a boy learning to integrate into a new society, and in the process finds love and enemies. Through the art of karate, he is able to deal with his bullies, creating the perfect formula for the classic underdog story. The original Karate Kid is a aFor those unaware of the Karate Kid franchise, it follows the story of a boy learning to integrate into a new society, and in the process finds love and enemies. Through the art of karate, he is able to deal with his bullies, creating the perfect formula for the classic underdog story. The original Karate Kid is an all time great sports movie, and with the loveable characters of Daniel LaRusso and Mr Miyagi, it has become a cult classic. From this first movie, a franchise has spawned, with 4 sequels, a T.V. show and a reboot. Karate Kid: Legends is the 4th, and possibly final, movie in the series and does a great job in living up to the original. This movie follows the formula well, with a loveable main character, a master of karate and kung fu as his aides, a compelling love story, and a punchable bad guy. Beyond this however, Legends ties in aspects from all areas of the franchise. The return of Daniel LaRusso was a huge draw, but even more than this, the inclusion of Jackie Chan’s character Mr Han from the reboot was the cherry on top. It brings in aspects from all of the Karate Kid movies, even including small references to the Cobra Kai T.V. show. However, you don’t have to watch the rest of the franchise to enjoy this movie. From a film stand point, I found it to be very entertaining, with awesome karate fight scenes, heartfelt emotional moments, and a great soundtrack. The setting of New York adds a different and new element to the franchise and the dual masters of Mr Han and Daniel LaRusso make for a funny and interesting pairing. If you’re after a sports movie that leaves you with that feel good feeling, wax on (or jacket on) your T.V. and give this super sequel a watch.

Superman

In a time of superhero fatigue, I found Superman to be a refreshing watch. James Gunn brings his excellent superhero formula of taking weird and unknown comics characters and turning them into beloved superheroes. In this case, I am not referring to Superman, but rather the plethora of side characters thrown in, being Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Metamorpho, and Mr Terrific. While all these characters are handled and portrayed perfectly, it’s Gunn’s handling of Superman that is incredible. There hasn’t been a successful Superman adaptation since Reeve’s version in the late 70s (sorry Henry Cavill fans), but Gunn expertly takes an unknown star and helps bring back that heroic feel to the man of steel. The Superman in this film looks like he was ripped straight out of the comics, and the whole film sets off that vibe, with the vibrant colours and amazing action set pieces. Superman’s supporting character cast is also great, with good chemistry between Superman and Lois Lane, and the inclusion of Jimmy Olsen (hooray!). Lex Luthor in this film is absolutely perfect. Top tier aura farmer, top tier ragebaiter, an overall menacing presence, a good motivation, and he definitely looks the part. The styling and characters of this film are perfect, but what about the story. That is done very well, with Superman being slightly weaker making the stakes feel higher, a great evil villain plan, and a heartwarming story about family at the core of it. For comics fans, this film is an absolute treat, with the inclusion of Krypton, the Fortress of Solitude, and Krypto the Superdog! This film is also a key cornerstone for James Gunn’s new DC universe, leaving grim and gritty and moving towards more comic book fun. Superman ties in great with other past and future projects in this universe, personally I enjoyed the Peacemaker cameo. Superman brings back the comic pizzazz to superhero movies, and is a great addition to James Gunn’s DC universe, and this movie should fly into your watch list.

F1: The Movie

After Covid, the film that brought the movie industry back was Top Gun: Maverick, giving audiences high speed thrills and adrenaline pumping action. Now take the directors, producers, and thrills of Top Gun: Maverick, but instead of planes it’s cars. That’s the F1 movie for you, and it delivers on those high speed thrills. I saw the film in IMAX originally, and that is one way to get your adrenaline flowing, as the camera movements and filming make you feel like you’re in the car. The filmmakers nailed the feel of the movie, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as they watch the protagonist throw his car around corners at 200 mph. In terms of story, this also delivered, with the protagonist Sonny Hayes having both a comeback and underdog story. Alongside his hotheaded young teammate, Joshua Pierce, Sonny Hayes works to help a struggling F1 team stay afloat, salvaging his own career in the process. This movie delivers in so many aspects, and really shows what a summer blockbuster should look and feel like. Watching Sonny Hayes’s antics was entertaining, his rivalry and later friendship with Joshua Pierce felt very genuine, and the cast is a mix of old and new stars. However, the main selling point of this movie is the F1 racing action, and in that aspect, the movie blows it out of the park (or should I say track?). For F1 fans, it also delivers, featuring cameos from F1 drivers like Carlos Sainz Jr and Lewis Hamilton, and the settings being the different race tracks F1 takes place on. F1: The Movie proves to be an amazing racing movie, giving races, rivalry, and redemption all wrapped into one. F1: The Movie is an action packed adrenaline pumping movie, with the added bonuses of a great cast, soundtrack and story, making this a must watch movie.

The Ballad of Wallis Island

This choice is a bit more of an outlandish one. It wasn’t a mainstream blockbuster hit, nor a franchise movie, and was a fairly cheap movie to make. Rather, the part in this movie I like the most is the heart and story. It follows a simple premise, with a millionaire inviting the two former members of the folk duo McGwyer Mortimer to perform a private concert for him on his island home. This movie’s comedic elements were excellent, with the dynamics between the former bandmates, and former lovers, of McGwyer and Mortimer adding lots of awkward scenes. The millionaire is also comedically great, being a shy awkward guy that loves their music, and lives a very secluded lifestyle with all his millions made through winning the lottery. Beyond the great comedy in this film, there is also a deep sense of heart and soul in this movie. Charlie, who is the millionaire, is living alone on this island, beyond the single mother and her son that work in the only convenience store, and both Mcgwyer and Mortimer encourage him towards love and to talk to her. There is also great character growth and dynamics in an emotional sense. Mcgwyer starts out as a more cynical guy, only in it for the money, showing clear signs of his struggling music career after the break up, but he goes beyond this and you feel bad for him and what the breakup did to him. On the other side of the coin, Mortimer provides a positive reinforcement and feeling throughout the movie, providing some emotional grounding. The movie may not provide you with the fully resolved happy ending that you want for them, but rather provides a fitting ending that really leaves you with a smile on your face. Pair that with a soundtrack that sounds very close to Fleetwood Mac, and you have a nice indie feel good movie that definitely lives up to its rumours.

A Minecraft Movie

This list, I feel, would be incomplete without this movie. There was a time when the Minecraft movie was thought to never come out, and was just one of those old internet conspiracies, and here it is, in all its glory. Is this movie a stupid goofy movie made for kids without any serious noteworthy film elements? Yes. Is this movie inaccurate to the game? Yes. However, was this movie not stupidly fun to watch with friends and jam packed full of references for the Minecraft community? 100% yes. Just seeing the Minecraft world and lore being put into a movie was incredible for me, and I loved reference spotting, and this movie is full of them. Ranging from famous Minecraft Youtubers like DanTDM and Technoblade to famous Minecraft lore and legends, like a Herobrine reference. While the story itself featured elements that were not accurate to the game, like Steve having elytras without going to the end, it was still incredibly fun to see Minecraft elements and game mechanics in a movie. While some elements of the design and look of the movie felt a bit off from the game, certain elements, like the Iron Golem and Creepers, looked very well done. The acting was also very funny to watch. Jason Mamoa and Jack Black fit perfectly in this film, and it feels like they’re both putting their full heart and soul into acting in this movie. I mean Jack Black’s Steve is just so perfect in such a funny way, over delivering all his lines, like ‘I am Steve’ and ‘Waterbucket, RELEASE!’. Jack Black also delivers some hilarious musical numbers, with iconic songs like ‘Lava Chicken’. However, I think the main sell of this movie was definitely the memes and the experience. Seeing this in cinemas with my friends was hilarious, and the iconic line of ‘Chicken Jockey’ became a meme sensation. The memes alone make this a worthwhile movie to watch, and I wait in anticipation for the sequel coming out next year. For those that play Minecraft, watch Minecraft Youtubers, or just enjoy video game adaptation movies, this blocky flick is definitely worth your time.

Conclusion

2025, while not being the strongest year for movies, still had some great heavy hitters. This is without mentioning the great animated movies that came out last year, a lot of which I have yet to see. It has definitely been a good year for Warner Bros. and I am excited to see what more they have in store for us this year. Looking ahead, 2026 looks to be an even better year for movies, with some franchise heavy hitters coming our way soon (with a list for those definitely on the way). This list has just been some of my personal favourites, and I know there are still some great films from last year I must watch, but for now, these are my top 5 films I would recommend watching from 2025.

Hard power is the use of coercion through military and political means to influence other nations or political bodies. 

Soft power is the use of economic or cultural influence to co-opt others, making them want the same outcomes as you. For example, a country can gain soft power by having an attractive culture, political values, and foreign policies.

The United States of America demonstrates soft power through the global outreach of brands such as Nike, Apple, and McDonald’s. It also wields significant hard power, such as demonstrated through the Vietnam war and Iraq war. 

Recently, however, we have seen a shift in the global arena of soft power. While the USA remains the top military and political power, China has started tipping the balance towards itself. 

What if I told you that most of your favourite games would not have happened if not for most of These Chinese brands? Tencent owns Epic Games (Fortnite), Roblox Corp (Roblox), Supercell (Clash Royale, Brawl Stars), and Riot Games (Valorant). 

The very computer you use to read, write, and send emails could be a Chinese company; Lenovo commands a 23% market share of the PC market. And it’s not only China—other East Asian countries such as Japan and Korea have also expanded their global reach. Jpop, Kpop, along with brands like UNIQLO, Samsung, and Sony have driven up the soft power of their respective countries steadily over the past decades. 

Great inventions such as the colour TV, the steam engine and the lightbulb helped America push itself to power over the past few centuries. While America is far from losing its power, the competition is catching up. In today’s world, with cheap manufacturing in China and rapid innovation in the rest of the world, the US’s cemented status as the unrivalled global superpower may be starting to show some cracks. 

Wherever you go, you just can’t seem to escape it:

‘Made In China’

Sources:

• PC vendor market share worldwide 2024 | Statista. (2024). Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/267018/global-market-share-held-by-pc-vendors/#:~:text=PC%20vendor%20shipment%20share%20worldwide%202006%2D2024&text=The%20overall%20market%20leader%20in,Inc.%20had%20around%2053.03%20million.
• admin_cn. (2023, December 14). Soft Power and the American Climacteric – IRIS. IRIS. https://www.iris-france.org/180916-soft-power-and-the-american-climacteric/
• Soft Power and Morals in U.S. Foreign Policy < Sasakawa USA. (2022, June 3). Sasakawa USA. https://spfusa.org/publications/soft-power-and-morals-in-u-s-foreign-policy/
• Raja Krishnamoorthi. (2023, September 29). The U.S. Is in a Soft-Power Competition With China. Foreign Policy. https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/09/29/congress-shutdown-us-china-ccp-soft-power-competition-biden-xi-jinping-beijing/

Mr. Loggie, knowing that this was a crucial issue, initiated plans for the redevelopment of the school facilities and organized the temporary relocation of students to Sha Tin while construction took place. This decision not only influenced the lives of the Island School community alike, but also ensured that the school stayed united and engaged throughout the entire process, fostering a sense of responsibility, resilience, and adaptability. The Island School community is deeply grateful for the effort Mr. Loggie put into our school, for we wouldn’t be where we are today without him. 

Now that Mr. Loggie has retired, Mrs. Nina Gunson has arrived from the UK to HK.  Island School is excited to work with Mrs. Nina Gunson, especially in marking a new era of leadership and opportunity for growth. In an interview with Mrs. Gunson, when asked about her main aim for Island School, she said,

“I aim to build on the school’s rich history and strong foundations and continue to create an environment where every student feels empowered to reach their full potential.”

Additionally, she expressed her first impression of Island school to be, quote,

“There is such a strong sense of community here – where individuality is celebrated, and people look out for one another.”

Furthermore, when asking students what they felt about the transition, many were sad to see Mr. Loggie go but were excited to see what lies ahead with Ms. Gunson as Principal.

Island School thanks Mr. Loggie and all the significant contributions he has made to our community. In the final Island School newsletter that was written by him, he stated that, “We’ve been through a lot together, and although not everything went precisely to plan, our ability to keep the interests of our wonderful students at the heart of everything we do has been the secret to our profound success.” Now that Mrs. Nina Gunson has arrived, our community welcomes her and is excited for the development of our school!

Allow me to introduce you to my newly invented recipe– Pumpkin Scookies! The term “scookie” was inspired by the idea of a delightful blend between a scone and a cookie; perfect for an evening sweet treat! 

To provide some context, I initially intended to use a standard cookie recipe, but I made it into a scone-like shape for a twist. As a passionate baker, I couldn’t let myself simply rely on store bought ingredients, instead I made my own pumpkin pie spice for the recipe! 

Enough of explanations, let’s get straight into it  

Pumpkin pie spice

Creating pumpkin pie spice can be done in a jiffy. Just gather all the ingredients from the list below and you’re ready to spice things up! 

Here’s what you need: 

• 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons of ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of ground clove
• 1 teaspoon of ground allspice
• A pinch of ground pepper

This only took five minutes to make, but I’m certain it will elevate your autumn baking for more than five weeks of deliciousness! 

Caramel frosting

I decided to mix up a batch of caramel frosting to add an extra layer of deliciousness on top of the crunchy texture of the pumpkin cookie. 

Here’s the list of ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• ½ cup of brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons of milk
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until fully liquified. Keep stirring the mixture to prevent the bottom of the saucepan from burning. 

Don’t turn off the heat just yet and add the brown sugar and milk. If your brown sugar resembles a lumpy potato, give it a good sieve to avoid any grainy bits. Let everything simmer until the brown sugar and milk completely dissolve in.

Remove the butter mixture from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. It’s time to bring back the sieve! Use it to add half of the icing sugar into the mixture, and beat it until fully combined. Then, add the vanilla extract along with the rest of the icing sugar. 

Voila! The caramel frosting is ready! I stored the frosting in the refrigerator for a few hours just to get that consistency right. 

Pumpkin cookies

There’s something about this season that always makes my heart flutter with excitement over the baking treats I can whip up. This time, it was pumpkin cookies, and I was thrilled to hear my friends chatter about how much they loved my recipe. I’d be delighted to share it with everyone so you can enjoy these delicious cookies too!

Here’s the list:

• ½ Cup Butter Salted or unsalted, softened
• ½ Cup Granulated sugar
• ⅓ Cup Brown sugar
• 1 Egg yolk
• ¼ cup Pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 & ⅔ Cup AP flour
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon Pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, setting the stage for some delicious baking!

Cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a bowl until smooth. Just like with the frosting, if the brown sugar is feeling a bit lumpy, give it a little sift to keep things silky!

Add the egg yolk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, then mix again until well combined.

Add in the flour, salt, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon, then mix until the flour mixture disappears completely. 

Using a cookie scoop, portion out 8 to 10 evenly sized dough balls and place them on a baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball to about 1 inch in thickness. Don’t forget to sprinkle some spice on top for that extra kick! Bake for around 13 minutes, and let the delicious aroma fill your kitchen.

Let the cookies cool on the cooling rack for 20 minutes and allow them to reach room temperature before frosting; we don’t want the frosting to take a melt-down! 

Once they’re all cooled and ready, apply the frosting, and your delicious pumpkin scookies are all done! You can share them with your friends and family, or indulge in them yourself alongside a warm cup of coffee  

Some negative effects of watching reality TV shows include constantly comparing your own life to the lives of people in reality TV shows, encouraging aggressive behaviour, and addiction to watching reality TV shows. This can be seen from the show Keeping Up With the Kardashian’s. They live luxurious lives having everything a person could possibly want in life. After watching many episodes, it misleads us to think that wealth is the most important part in life, which isn’t, there are other values that hold more importance. This is extremely misleading to teens who still need guidance with their actions and need advice from trustable adults. The beauty standards in the show may lower our self-esteem and create body dissatisfaction among us teens, which can lead to us falling down the rabbit hole of dieting, having eating disorders etc. According to a survey conducted in the UK four in ten teenagers said that images on social media made them worry about their body image. Another example can be seen in Dance Moms, where the well-known Abby Lee Miller swears, shames the young girls’ body and constantly displays aggressive behaviour towards them. A research paper from Central Michigan University found that people were more aggressive after being exposed to a reality TV show that included verbal and physical aggression. Which is why we should always think twice before watching a show. The toxic relationship and constant arguments between the competitors in Dance Moms could possibly influence how we treat our peers/friends, we might subconsciously say something rude without even noticing. Lastly, watching reality TV shows takes up a lot of time since there are often many episodes and seasons, it can distract us from studying, hanging out with friends or doing other activities, which should be prioritised over watching reality TV shows. Since studying and getting good grades are the stepping stones to whatever we want to do in life. Staring at our screens for too long also isn’t beneficial to our eyesight. You might be wondering, “Why are we so addicted to reality TV shows?” The reason is due to the dopamine and serotonin released when we watch these action-packed shows. 

On the other hand, reality TV has its own benefits such as inspiring people to pursue their own goals and passion, entertaining us when we are bored, encouraging social interaction etc. After watching an episode of America’s Got Talent, do you feel inspired to try something new? Such as singing, dancing, puppetry, sand painting etc. Watching talent shows can expose us to unique talents which we probably never knew were a thing and encourage us to try something new, which is beneficial to our mental health. Seeing ordinary people achieve remarkable achievements can inspire us to work harder to reach our ultimate goals. Moreover, reality TV shows can be a good source of entertainment especially during typhoons, or pandemics. It can also be a source of comfort during hard times in life or relaxing after a long day of work. Furthermore, watching reality TV shows can strengthen bonds between you and your friends/family as it creates a topic to discuss about, you may talk about the competitors or teams that you think will win. Shows like Survivor and Amazing Race which take place outdoors also tend to encourage the audience to go out and explore the world with them as well. After watching the show, maybe you might be inspired to join the show as a contestant, who knows?

In conclusion, reality TV shows do provide entertainment, insights into different people’s lifestyles, and more. However, the drama and competition that happens in these shows may encourage negative behaviours. It is essential that we understand the negatives and positives of watching different types of reality TV shows and decide what is best for us. Will you think twice before watching some reality TV shows now?

Exams and tests can be challenging, but by applying scientifically supported revision methods, you can make the most of your revision time and build confidence in your abilities. The tips shared below are practical and easy to implement, a perfect fit for the tight schedule of busy students.

Note Taking

Note-taking is an extremely common revision technique, and if it works for you, then great! Done right, it can help you memorise information and get better results. We all love a little bit of aesthetic notes, like the one you see on Pinterest sometimes, but it can be quite time-consuming. For some, note taking might not be as effective as simply focusing and engaging with the content in class. 

I personally hate taking pages and pages of notes, so I found that the best way to take notes in class is to jot down brief, quick annotations: questions and key points about your content. For example, for physics, you could jot down some key equations and annotate them for future reference. Make sure to review them after class otherwise, you’ll forget everything you’ve learnt.

 If you really want to make another set of notes for revision, then you should use the following tips for guidance:

• Write in your own words and in simple terms. Writing everything down will just give you information overload. It’s better to be engaged and have an effective system of main points you understand.
• Make use of diagrams, visuals and white space. Cramming everything onto the page will make it a headache to read afterwards. Visuals can also help you visualise concepts and make it easier to remember afterwards.
• Refer to the syllabus for the topic you’re currently working on. I find that it makes the structure and focus of my notes much clearer, and helps me avoid rambling on about unrelated concepts. This will help you fill any gaps in your learning and figure out what to revise for.
• Use and annotate your teacher’s notes/slides or your textbook (online resources work too) as a starting point, before adding your own points. This will make the note-taking process much more efficient. 

I like to use all of the above methods and always avoid taking notes from scratch. For avid notetakers, it’s important not to use note-taking as your only revision method, and that you incorporate active recall and other techniques into your revision sessions.

Extra tip: format your notes in a way that you can easily use the content to quiz yourself. 

Above is an example of my own notes. As you can see, I’ve formatted it in a way that I can easily cover up the content to quiz myself on the subheadings. I’ve also tried to keep the information as simple as possible to make it easy to remember.

Blurting and Mind Mapping

Blurting involves writing everything you remember about a topic without looking at your notes, while mind mapping (spider diagrams) is a visual way to organise information quickly.

Using blurt and mind mapping together can maximise your study effectiveness. Begin by setting a timer for 5 minutes. Start with a main concept in the middle of your page, then branch out with correlated ideas, using lines to connect them. Write down everything that comes to mind, while still following the mind map structure. Try to visualise and organise those ideas as you go. At the end of making the mind map, look back and identify gaps in your understanding.

This combined approach helps you understand complex topics and enhances your overall comprehension. By integrating these techniques into your routine at the start of every session, you can make your revision much more effective.

Above is an example of my blurting mind map. This took me around 5 minutes to make, and I used this to structure my later revision. However, this served more as a general overview than a deep dive to see what exactly I remembered.

Active Recall

Perhaps the most effective method, active recall is a proven study technique that enhances memory retention and comprehension. Unlike passive learning methods, such as rereading notes or textbooks, active recall requires you to actively engage with the material by retrieving information from memory. 

The magic of active recall lies in testing yourself on the material you’ve learned. Methods like flashcards, practice questions, or self-quizzing force your brain to work harder to retrieve information, strengthening neural connections and improving long-term retention.

Research shows that active recall not only enhances memory but also increases understanding of the material. By regularly testing yourself, you identify gaps in your knowledge and can focus on areas that need more attention. This technique also promotes spaced repetition, where you revisit information over time, further solidifying your understanding.

Common Revision Techniques and their Replacements

Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes, rest for 5. This is great if you feel really tired and unmotivated, but isn’t the most effective for deep focus.

Replacement: Flowtime. If you have groups of small quick tasks, like doing a couple maths problems or reading a few pages, group them together into one session. For longer revision sessions, try to get into flow, a state of absolute focus and concentration with no distractions. First, you pick one task to focus on during a session. Once you’ve picked your task, start working on it, but note the time you began working. Keep working until you start feeling tired or distracted. Once you do, note the time and take a break. 

The goal of this method is to get into a state of mind that you don’t want to stop studying, which may sound crazy. The trick is to start small and remove any distractions. I really like this technique because it allows me to work for extended periods of time without feeling constrained by a timer.

All-nighter: Sometimes, it happens and that’s okay. But it’s important to study ahead of time and reduce the likelihood of this happening. Try to use the time you spend on transport, waiting in lines or any scraps of free time to get a bit of revision in instead of cramming at the very last minute.

Replacement: Getting enough rest before the test. Even if you feel unprepared, it’s still crucial that you’re prioritising your health. Research shows that “better quality, longer duration, and greater consistency of sleep correlated with better grades.” In fact, nearly 25% of the variance in academic performance was attributed to sleep. This just goes to show how important sleep is for good grades, and your overall well being.

Quickly reviewing your flashcards or reading a chapter of your textbook before you go to bed can also help consolidate all the information you’ve learnt and make it easier to remember the material the next day. 

Passive Studying:

Replacement: Even doing just a few practice questions for 10 minutes on the bus every day is better than highlighting and rereading your notes for hours at a time. This will help you retain your knowledge and overall comprehension, while helping you understand how to use it in familiar/unfamiliar situations (which is what exams test you on!) 

You do not need to study for 7 hours a day to get good grades. Try to find something effective that works for you, while still having a balanced, healthy life. Academics are important, but so are your relationships, health and hobbies.

Sources

1. Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612453266 
2. Shetty, M. (2024, January 10). Sleep and Academic excellence: A Deeper look | Student Blogs. Lifestyle Medicine. https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2024/01/10/sleep-and-academic-excellence-a-deeper-look/ 
3. Newton, P. M., & Miah, M. (2017). Evidence-Based Higher Education – Is the learning styles ‘Myth’ important? Frontiers in Psychology, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00444 

How to take notes and study smarter. (2024, November 20). News Portal. https://www.murdoch.edu.au/news/articles/the-art-of-note-taking-what-s-really-most-effective

The great historical events in the north have never had a significant impact on the day-to-day lives of people in Guangdong. Therefore no history of Cantonese people can be accurate if it is viewed as merely a subdivision of Chinese history. I can certainly agree that our histories are closely connected, yet like two different ropes tied in a knot, we remain fundamentally different from one another. Furthermore, where do we draw the line between ‘separate ethnicities’? After all, modern science has shown that all humans have the same ancestral origins. If a Cantonese-speaking individual should be considered Chinese, shouldn’t it be the case then that a Portuguese should be considered Spanish. Or — and I understand the political implications of such a statement — should a Ukrainian be considered to be Russian by genetic makeup? Their differences extend much beyond the linguistic and cultural, but the undeniable truth is this: the ancestor of a modern Portuguese person would just as likely have been from some parts of modern-day Spain, and the same holds true for Ukrainians and Russians. 

Of course, the difference is that we do not have our own independent country, but neither do the Sorbs, the Occitans, or the Zhuang in Guangxi. What makes them different from us? Is genetics the eternal barrier which should forever hinder us from taking pride in our unique, individual culture so distinct from the northern Chinese cultures? Is that a view that is correct — whether from a political or historical perspective? For Hong Kong, and by extension all the Cantonese-speaking people, to develop and prosper, we must be fully understanding of ourselves neither as a subdivision of the Han nor former colonial subjects, but as a people with our own customs, ideas, literature and language. 

In the past,the Cantonese were subject to learning English as a ‘language for our future’; now we learn Mandarin as the ‘language of the future’. Who dictates this future? Why should our fate always be determined by others? Why, even in such a modern and advanced world, do we see people who would rather speak English or Mandarin over Cantonese, even viewing those who insist on speaking Cantonese as ‘backwards’? Is that not a legitimate cause for concern for our people as a whole? If the Cantonese has never had an awakening before, now is as good a moment as any to finally assume our responsibility to establish our own existence and cultural identity. 

P.S. This article is not motivated by political ideology, nor written to invoke any political sentiments.

1: Insects

Most of the concepts are communicated through the use of insects and contribute greatly to the allegories throughout the story. The reader is introduced to the thesis with the sentence “in some ways, humans are less like mammals and closer to insects” in the first chapter when Suzuki recounts something his professor once told him, establishing that humans are one of the few animals that “live on top of each other in such great numbers”. 

Interestingly, some animals choose to live in groups as it provides them with more advantages for both defence and finding resources. As said by Suzuki’s professor, many insects have social behaviours and humans do too. Humans realised early on that they worked more efficiently as a team and it is speculated that cities emerged during the Neolithic Period where more densely populated areas were introduced. The comparisons to erratically moving and closely bunched insects captures the chaotic city life in the book.

2: The Pusher’s philosophy

The Pusher is a strong advocate for this belief and discusses it with Suzuki after inviting him to a family dinner. There, he states that “any animal that lives in a high-density situation will change its behaviour. They turn dark, they rush, they get aggressive. Before they know it, they’ve become swarming locusts (…) Totally different from the green, solitary grasshopper.” His theory focuses more on the swarming of certain grasshoppers when a space overcrowds. Unlike locusts, which are grasshoppers shifted from the solitary to the adult stage with the ability to fly away, humans remain stuck in the city, growing more aggressive. 

Cities are always said to be overwhelming and in them, people live a fast-paced life. Studies show that humans tend to become increasingly hostile and stressed in crowded areas for many reasons, such as limited resources and occasionally excessive interactions, therefore decreasing one’s responsibility for the other members of society (Weiss, 1994). 

3: The “Locusts”

On the other hand, there is a recurring theme of “living like you’re dead”. The nihilism in the Whale, another assassin, communicates the reality for those who live with like attitudes. Lines including “we’re not living here, we’re just surviving” and “people simply live, with no goal, no destination” bring to light the hopelessness of those who have both lost compassion and forgotten their identities. When paying attention to the plot of the book and taking the time to consider what makes someone a “locust”, one will discover that all the other members of their criminal underworld can be described as such. They are a more extreme example of The Pusher’s philosophy; aggressiveness cultivated by city life. 

Conclusion

Three Assassins provides an intriguing albeit slightly disturbing take on urban existence. The author fabricates a fictional world that is not too far from reality – one where humans pile up in dense cities, one where they swarm like locusts to become aggressive and one where they start to lose their sense of self. 

Bibliography

Terminix. (2020). The Difference Between Locusts and Grasshoppers. Terminix. https://www.terminix.com/blog/education/locust-vs-grasshopper/

University of Cambridge. (2009, January 30). A brain chemical changes locusts from harmless grasshoppers to swarming pests. University of Cambridge. https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/a-brain-chemical-changes-locusts-from-harmless-grasshoppers-to-swarming-pests

Weiss, R. (1994, July 12). DOES CROWDING CAUSE AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR? Washington Post; The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/wellness/1994/07/12/does-crowding-cause-aggressive-behavior/2fec87ed-e5df-4a4d-a640-544266fe72f8/