Jason Carter Blog: February 2016

Monday, February 29, 2016

1985

Ms. Duckworth's story is incredible. She was born in Thailand and grew up in Southeast Asia with her brother Tom, her American father, and her Thai mother. Their expatriate life ended in 1985, when her father lost his job and they returned to the United States. There, she said, "We were able to rebuild our lives and achieve the American dream."

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1oUQSOk

1999

In March of 1999, William C. Rives -- then a faculty member at Singapore American School -- purchased what he thought was a beautiful and outstanding painting at an auction in Singapore. The painting was by Alix Aymé, and was of a tranquil river landscape in Luang Prabang, Laos (Lot 42 in the September 19th Asian Works of Art auction). Rendered with sensitive brush strokes and an exquisite color palette, the painting depicts a woman dressed in pink, standing on a bridge overlooking the Nam Khan river, where boats skim across the surface of the water which in turn reflects the mountains and sky above.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1L0M3N2

2014

Dylan Palladino stood on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world, in the summer of 2014, determined to get to the top. He had already been climbing for five full days, and still had seven more hours to go before he reached the summit. The final push wouldn't be easy. The weather was so cold that ice blew in the 14-year old's face and his eyelids felt as if they were going to freeze shut. At such a high altitude, it was also hard to breathe.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1LRzsXv

2015

You wouldn't know the school's age by looking at its latest incarnation, a sprawling 36-acre campus in Woodlands bedecked with solar panels and technology-equipped classrooms. But there are clues to the school's history, which began in a seven-bedroom house on Rochalie Drive, tucked away in an obscure library office–clues that archivist Ms. Beth Bayley recently brought to light.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1T5igpd

2012

When Mr. Mike Rogers, a Singapore American School alumnus ('00) and co-founder of Persistent Productions, was hired to make a film for the school, he expressed interest in working with a student. Mr. Alex Fortmann's name was automatically tossed into the hat.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1LRzwq7

2010

"My grip on Sophia Datta's hand got a little tighter and hers on Maddy Zemans. Anxious energy radiated off all of us. Would our group be called? As I heard the Announcer say, 'In second place, from Singapore American School, Callie Elms, Mehek Jain, Jada Li, and Madeleine Park. The title of their project: Adding Pages to Sir Nicholas Winton's Scrapbook. Our whole section went crazy. I clapped for them with glee but my heart sank a little. Of course I was happy for them, but did that mean we didn't win? Could they call Singapore American School twice?"

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1oKU7qW

1980

By the start of the 1980s, both Singapore and SAS had evolved through several phases; each had had considerable success, and each had taken some missteps. In this decade, an economic downturn and recovery opened up a new chapter in Singapore's economic development, while the school realized it could weather a significant decline in enrollment and still feel confident of a bright future.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1YxT4pd

Sunday, February 28, 2016

All Are Welcome to March Music Concerts

See our talented middle school and high school student musicians in concert! Free admission for all. Middle and high school bands' Music from Stage and Screen concert: March 15, 2016, 5:00 p.m., SAS auditorium. Middle and high school choir solo and ensemble festival recital: March 16, 2016, 3:15 p.m., drama theater. Middle school strings concert: March 17, 2016, 5:00 p.m. in the SAS auditorium.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1UtcOvw

Urgent Re-Enrollment Notice

Students who are not re-enrolled by March 1 risk losing their seats for next year and will be required to pay an increased registration fee of $3,000. Please refer questions to reenroll@sas.edu.sg or call 6360 6041.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1oRF2o9

Walk for Water SAS

Over the past three years, Walk for Water SAS has raised over $45,000 for 250 wells in rural Cambodia with 100 percent of the funds going to Tabitha, a non-profit closely affiliated with the school. This event started small, including just three students and their families, but last year participants from all branches of the schools joined together to have over 100 participants walking for water. The concept is simple; participants start at SAS and walk the 28 kilometers down to Sentosa, yet impacts are incredible. This year the walk will take place on Saturday, March 5. If you're interested, please read more to find out how Walk for Water got started, how to sign up, our entrance fees, and other volunteer options.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1LOIS60

Friday, February 26, 2016

New Gear from the Cottages 2016

Remember your roots, they say. Our roots are in ultralight backpacking. We have spread the gospel about ultralight backpacking since a long time, have interviewed cottage manufacturers and used a lot of ultralight kit on our hikes and treks. And even when I nowadays am attending the big outdoor trade fairs like ISPO and OutDoor, it’s the new gear from the cottages that I am most excited about. And so Benjamin and me again set out to ask Cottage Manufacturers about the new gear they have been developing, prototyping and testing in the last months and are now ready to release to you. So here we are, and we wish you a lot of fun checking out the New Gear from the Cottages 2016!

Disclaimer: The information in this article are directly from the cottages. I haven’t seen nor tested this equipment, it rather is a showcase of all the new gear the cottages have been developing over the last months and year. I’m not paid for it, if you like it buy me a coffee or two.

You have a cottage and should be on this list with your new gear? Email me and I’ll add you!

Tschum

Tschum is the name of the traditional housings of some Siberian natives, similar to the Lávvu and the Kota, and the name of Germany’s newest cottage. Born from the owners wish for a small two person fire tent, that is light enough to compete with modern trekking tents, he came up with the Tschum 2p. After one year of prototyping and testing, the production started in January 2016. Their tents are completely handmade in Germany. They have a transparent cost structure, and share their designs on their website.

As usual in cottages, every single tent is manufactured one at a time to the customers needs and order. After a final quality control the Tschum is labeled and signed by its creator, so it is possible for you to speak to exactly the person who built your entire tent. You know that means you will have to wait for them doing the job, which normally takes them about four weeks. The „Tschums“ are highly customizable, with many options and materials available - Feel free to ask them for more infos.

We also offer different firebowls and stoves that match the Tschum. And currently they are working on a 4P version and are experimenting with ultralight materials.

LAUFBURSCHE Gear

I’m sad that I need to share these news about LAUFBURSCHE with you, but Mateusz was diagnosed with cancer and now will go through the difficult and hard process of healing. If you’re pondering about how you could help him in this difficult time please keep an eye on his website and this thread on the Ultraleicht Forum. Backpacks will obviously not be made & sold for the time being, but you could still purchase any of the other ultralight equipment he sells.

Revelate Designs

Revelate Designs News - coming soon!

And btw, if you love Revelate Designs - they are hiring.

Mountain Laurel Designs

Mountain Laurel Designs has some big things coming in 2016. Mountain Laurel Designs’ new 2016 Pro SilNyon is in stock and shipping. It is 30% stronger, 15% lighter and has 3X the waterproofness vs older versions. The WP is well above 5,000mm and this new coating will dramatically increase overall performance, durability and longevity of our shelters in the harshest conditions.

MLD’s entire pack line is now available in a Cuben Fiber/ Dyneema Composite Fabric option. These packs are lighter weight and are fully taped for waterproofness.

The FKT (Fastest Known Time) gear line is growing and includes a Pack, Quilt, Cuben eVENT Bivy and Shelter. Designed for speed hikes and special Outdoor Missions this equipment is SUL. The Quilt and Bivy are already out and the FKT Bivy won an Award from the TGO magazine. It’s the lightest full-feature waterproof Bivy Sack available. It uses a Dyneema Non-Woven (Cuben Fiber) eVENT top and a Dyneema NonWoven Bottom.

The Quilt is similar to the MLD Spirit Quilt and has 2X the insulation on the lower part for fast moving hikers and runners who pack less lower body daytime insulation but need that at night. And the pack will be similar in size and design to the Burn with new features for fast moving adventures, with a late February Release. The shelter on the other hand is a secret still and should be out in late February or March.

The 2016 SuperMid comes in the new SilNylon with extra guy line points in case you want to take it out in galeforce winds. Also all other MLD Pyramids now have updated larger peak vents. The DuoMid XL, as the SuperMid, has additional guyout points on the main ridgelines for really rough weather. There is also a larger SuperMid Mondo for larger groups because our new stronger silnylon make larger Mids possible. All Mids will also have a snow skirt custom option.

If you like cuben (or whatever Dyneema fancies calling it nowadays) the MLD .75 Cuben Fiber/ Dyneema Composite Fabric shelters now have a color option. The standard light green and the new lower cost .75 white option, with a few shelters also having an even lighter .5 cuben fiber fabric option.

Finally, production changes at MLD means they will offer a much shorter wait times versus previous years! So if you want a FKT bivy for that next trip - give Ron a call!

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Hyperlite Mountain Gear has updated their brand & website. I know there’s some nice new gear in the works, but for now they keep their cards close to the chest!

As Tucas

As Tucas from Spain want you to know that their long awaited ultralight synthetic top, the Sestrals, is almost ready. It is a streamlined design paired with their first-class schoeller-ftc fabric and a toasty Climashield APEX insulation to keep you cozy while outdoors. The top will be available in several styles: jacket, pullover and vest, all of them hooded or hoodless.

After years of working with synthetics As Tucas now also offers down! Their Foratata down quilt is after an extensive field testing period almost ready. Their proven quilt design now comes with 900 cuin pure white goose down to offer unsurpassed warmth and comfort in an ultralight format. Available as a quilt, blanket and in poncho styles. Register to get notified as soon as they are ready!

Also new in 2016 are improved designs and a Women’s fit. Most of thier product collections will be revamped in Spring with improved designs and Women’s fit, including their merino wool and insulated garment collections. And because As Tucas likes MYOG, they will make available some of the finest materials currently available, including fabrics and insulation for you to buy and sew your own garments!

Tarptent

Tarptent now offers a two-person version of the ProTrail, the MoTrail, which offers 44% more floor space and noticeably more headroom for you to sit in. It is fully rectangular and the floor fits two wide pads and sleeps two in comfort, even allowing for sleeping with head at the low end. And the Scarp 1 gets a much larger interior and a stiffer 9 mm pole.

Hanchor

HANCHOR is planning to release 3 backpacks with their Two-track suspension system, a minimalist small backpack, and all new built-in chalk sock chalk bag and chalk bucket.

The Two Track Suspension in a Nutshell: The Shoulder straps connect all the way to the back creating a ventilated back panel and providing basic support for a frame less mode in a weight saving way. Two vertical and one lateral aluminum stay can be inserted to stay in the same piece of back panel and add the stability of the suspension system in a weight saving way.

New is the Xeno Ultralight open basket backpack. Think ULA Epic gone lightweight. It is 741 g with the removable hipbelt and sternum strap, the vertical aluminum and lateral aluminum stays add 114 g and 31 g respecively. It is made from TPU laminated Cordura 420d, Cordura 100d and Xpac vx21, has 50 l volume and the Two-Track ventilated suspension system. 2 long daisy chains and two gear loops on the hip belt let you strap on kit, and it is compatible with a dry bag up to 50 l so you can separate your kit. A durable mesh fabric at bottom drains water, which makes the Xeno well-suited for for river climbing, canyoneering, and wet weather condition climbing or backpacking.

The Flint is a simple-designed ultralight climbing backpack with 42 l Volume and is made from Xpac vx21 and Cordura 100d. Again the Two-Track ventilated suspension system is along, which makes this pack 866 g light with the removable hipbelt and sternum strap. And again the vertical aluminum and lateral aluminum stays add 114 g and 31 g respecively, with two long daisy chains, two gear loops on the hip belt and two axe loops to store equipment. The roll-top closure and compression straps help to compress the volume, and the bottom seam binding make this pack easily stand on the ground.

Trail Designs

Trail Designs introduced their Caldera Sidewinder Solo last autumn, a budget friendly version of their popular Ti-Tri Sidewinder which has everything you need bundled together including the pot! It includes the patented Caldera Cone, KMart/ Stanco 1.1 liter Grease pot with a formed cone ridge, the 12-10 stove with integrated primer pan, a fuel bottle kit with measuring cup, a Tyvek sleeve to protect your pot, lightweight pot gripper, and a nylon stuff sack to hold it all - all for just $55!

Black Rock Gear

Black Rock Gear hopes to get the first run of Synthetic fill beanies and foldback mitts out soon. Hats and mitts that looks similar to the Black Hat and Black foldback mitts should pop up in their shop during March, so keep an eye out for it if you need something toasty that is not down.

Warbonnet Outdoors

Warbonnet Outdoors has a few cool pieces of kit in the making that they hope to have out later this year: A full-length underquilt for the Blackbird and Blackbird XLC models, a lightweight packable rain jacket made from their tarp fabric and their own custom camo pattern option for all their fabrics!

Enlightened Equipment

Enlightened Equipment is in the process of moving to a huge new facility, and once that is done they will have a full time product development team to dream up new ways to sleep toasty warm.

Additionally they recently added 950fp down as an option for all down quilt options. As you know, that is a great choice for those who need the smallest possible pack size (bikepackers love the compressibility!) and lowest weight, and they are also offering DownTek™ water repellent down as an additional protection against moisture.

Recently launched is the Convert. The quilt sizes up the award-winning Revelation, adds a full-length draft-blocked zipper and is sized up to allow a very spacious sleeping bag/ quilt hybrid that is very comfortable, especially for side and stomach sleepers. The drawcord footbox makes adapting to warmer weather quick and simple, and if it’s warmer still, just unzip it all the way and use it as a flat blanket.

Katabatic Gear

Katabatic Gear added a new line of sleeping bags which they are very excited about. Their customers demanded a blanket-style quilt and so they delivered: The Flex Series, which is available in 40°, 30°, 22°, and 15° options, as well as five different sizes. The Flex quilts are designed with the award-winning features you have come to expect from them, like the Katabatic attachment system, a down filled collar and draft blocking foot box closure which guards from the cold. But when you need some ventilation, the zippered foot box allows you to completely open the quilt up to a blanket, which makes for a truly flexible sleep system.

Seek Outside

Seek Outside has updated the Divide backpack and introduced The Revolution backpack, which is not UL, but for what it can do and the fact it is full featured it is still pretty light.

In the Tent world they have a new Tent - the Redliff - coming out, which is essentially a larger Cimarron, and there also we will be some lighter weight tarps for 1 - 2 people and some updates to the inners.

Packrafting Store

The Packrafting Store remains dedicated to the concept of amphibious travel and in 2016 you will see further diversification and the new accessories from them and Anfibio.

First off is their Anfibio Ultimate in a Multi version, the lightest collapsible canoeing paddle around at ~470 g.

If you look for an affordable paddle, take a look at the new Anfibio Basic 4p which proofs that the entry to Packrafting does not need to be expensive!

As ultralight backpackers we know that small items make the difference. The Packrafting Store offers a variety of alternative grab loops, that allow tailoring your packraft.

And if you follow packrafters on Twitter you probably have seen that packrafting goes fishing. The Packrafting Store now carry packraft specific fishing accessories, starting off with a Floating Fishing Net and a Rod holder.

Most interesting will be the new boats - from Ultralight to Whitewater - as well as new colors (Adventure X2 in Luminous red!) that will be available soon. You can find all that in their New section, and check out their 4th anniversary specials!

Last but not least, we support Hendrik’s #NoGearYear initiative and hold our rental program ready :) Don’t forget we carry most replacement part for all types of packrafts as well as repair supplies and workshop service to maintain your existing gear.

Finally, if you want to go packraft in Africa - take a look at their new destinations page!

Elemental Horizons

Elemental Horizons has some pretty exciting stuff in store for 2016. They are planning the launch of several new products, including a roll top version of the popular Aduro SL pack and an all new day pack in the 20 - 25 l range. These new packs will be available late spring or summer 2016. In the past fall they launched a new shoulder strap water bottle holder. The shoulder strap bottle holder is the perfect size to hold most 20 oz. standard drink bottles, has a draw string closure and has a built in stash pocket on the front to hold small items like chap stick, bug spray or a smartphone. The bottle holder mounts easily to just about any pack shoulder strap and sells for $18.

Tread Lite Gear

Tread Lite Gear is a new cottage out of the United Kingdom, and a search for Tread Lite Gear on ebay should get you to their items. Cuben stuff sacks and wallets, MYOG fabrics and materials and other ultralight gear you can find there, so have a look.

YAMA Mountain Gear

YAMA Mountain Gear has relocated into a larger space in the Appalachian Trail Town of Waynesboro, Virginia. The are now next to the backpackers’ camp where AT hikers stay while they resupply in town! YAMA has also welcomed PCT thru-hiker Greg Arpante to their team to assist with design and fabrication. Gen and Greg are working hard to introduce a new line of backpacks and fastpacking packs, a 1-person version of the Swiftline shelter, and more. Soon they also hope to launch the “YAMA Labs” as a way to foster product development; which is partly a behind the scenes look at product development and partly a demo and testing opportunity. Cool!

GooseFeet Gear

GooseFeet Gear has finally officially released their custom down pants! These down pants are custom sized for every customer and use the lightest 10d fabrics available. You can also add such options as box baffling and side zippers to get exactly what you are looking for, and if there are any additional options that you would want, Ben can usually accommodate those as well!

Six Moon Designs

Six Moon Designs has a revamped pack line up which has gone online a few months ago. With these packs they’ve done a lot of fine tuning based upon user feedback and so far all the changes have been well received. SMD has also added a new pack to the lineup, the Flex, which provides a lot of flexibility for those carrying odd loads. Ron want you to know that there won’t be big changes in the shelters for the coming year.

QiWiz.net

QiWiz UL Gear is best known for their titanium cathole trowels, but also make and sell titanium wood burning stoves, ultralight buck saws, titanium spatulas, and other ultralight cooking options.

Rob’s biggest news for 2016 is that he is no longer a one-person operation. After the last 4 years of rapid growth, demand for the Big Dig and other sizes of titanium cathole trowels has gotten to the point that he has hired a member of his backpacking club to help me with production.

A nice design improvement for the FireFly ultralight titanium wood burning stoves has recently been introduced. They have added a vertical crease in the top half of each stove side for a 3-D shape that adds greater strength with no weight penalty. Rob is really happy that he has even been able to do this with the FlexPort side that allows the user to feed longer sticks into the firebox. The pictures below show the new creased sides next to the previous design that was flat.

Locus Gear

Locus Gear will possibly release a modified version of their popular Khufu CTF3 called Khufu CTF3-B this spring or early summer. As Jotaro is still testing it no exact release date has been decided yet. The shape itself is almost the same as the normal version of the Khufu CTF3, but as you can notice ,there is a letter “B” at the end of the name - which stands for advanced bonding technique so that there is no seam line at the main structure except around the zipper. Even the seam line around the zipper is taped over by the same bonding technique as an additional reinforcement. This all means you don’t have to apply seam sealing. Additionally there is a modified air vent and more new innovations in this shelter, so keep an eye out for it!

Secondly, Locus Gear will release a new foam sleeping mat called “Onda” in the spring. The mat has a patented unique waved foam surface combined with a thin flat foam base. The weight is about 250 g in the size of 180 cm x 50 cm x 1 cm!

ZPacks

ZPacks offers a freestanding modification to their Duplex tent for a while, the Duplex Flex Tent. Some “beta” customers have taken it outside already and have provided feedback thus far. Additionally, ZPAcks has moved to a larger building (again) in November and have been hiring a bunch of seamsters to help them meet demand this spring!

KS ultralight gear

KS ultralight gear has a new Saddle Pack and Waist Pack. These specialized pieces of kit probably are interesting to bikepackers and trailrunners who want a customizable option.

Cottage Manufacturers are busy people - some are just now out hiking, other’s are finishing up your gear. That’s why not every cottage is on this list. It’s a living document, though, and likely will be updated a couple of times during the next few weeks while more companies are added. Either check back at the end of the week or follow along on Facebook and Twitter where I will announce updates. And to read this article in German, head over to hrXXLight!

And if you liked this article, buy me a cup of coffee or two =)

from Hiking in Finland http://ift.tt/1oMiDZh

Storytelling Club @ SAS

Date: Thursday, March 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Location: PTA Office Topic: Using Visuals in Storytelling to Engage Your Audience Kate Brundage will be sharing her experience about using visuals in storytelling to engage your audience.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1oE4axT

Legally Blonde Tickets Now Available

Hold onto your seats, because this musical is so much fun it should be "illegal"! Performances will take place in the drama theater. Tickets are free but required and are available for the entire family in the middle school office.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/21vSnQP

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Caitlen Paige Monnone '10

My journey from Singapore American School 2010 to Oregon State University 2012-2016 including entering the Miss Oregon Pageant Nov 2015. If you had known me in 2010 at SAS you would not envisage me going to college or even entering a beauty pageant, however since that time I have gained in self-confidence over the years and that has mainly been due to my time at SAS which became a developing and learning experience that will never be equaled.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1UnOgnP

International Fair Alternate Dress Day

To celebrate Saturday's International Fair, all students can wear their fair t-shirts tomorrow, February 26, instead of their regular uniform shirt. Students should still wear their SAS uniform bottoms. T-shirts can still be purchased at the PTA Office today until 2:30 p.m. and will also be on sale at the fair.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1R6dX6X

IASAS Softball Exchange BBQ

Mark you calendars for the IASAS softball exchange BBQ! The Booster Club will be grilling at the concession stand by the softball field on Friday, March 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday, March 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please bring cash!

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1UnOgnN

Liver and Gallbladder Detoxification Talk

A car mechanic disposes of old motor oil before putting in the new oil. He doesn't put new oil in while the old oil is still there. Have you ever wondered why we take medicine, foods, or supplements without taking out the toxins that make us sick in the first place? Why not unclog your liver and gallbladder before taking your medicine or supplements so they work better for you?

Learn how to do a simple DIY liver and gallbladder cleanse from the liver and gallbladder detox guru who has helped more than 2,000 people overcome about 50 common illnesses.

Please come for an interactive session in the PTA office on Friday, March 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 16 to confirm your attendance.

Speaker Background

Mark Chan from Ark Health Ministries, is a health educator who specializes in liver and gallbladder detox.

Mark has been very health conscious since he was 15. He became a full-fledged vegetarian when he was 23 in 1987. From the age of 32, he has attended several certification courses on natural remedies. Mark obtained a master degree in public health in 2011.

His mission is to impart life skills on health, relationships, and financial education. He has given public lectures at tertiary institutions, schools, community clubs, and corporations since 1995. He is also qualified to present more than 10 health related topics; 7 Habits of Highly Healthy People, trigger point massage, cancer prevention, and vegetarian cooking demonstrations. His signature talk liver and gallbladder detox has attracted a large clientele base.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1R6dVfn

International Fair Raffle

Over 30 gift baskets have been assembled and will be on display at International Fair this Saturday, February 27 in the Riady Center. Each coupon costs $1 and will be on sale at International Fair. You can put as many tickets in as many baskets as you want! The more coupons you put into a basket, the better chances you have of winning.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1R6dVfl

International Fair Silent Auction Catalog

The silent auction catalog is ready for viewing! Please check out the catalog to see all of the wonderful items that are up for bid. Once on the site, make sure to register so you will be able start bidding when the auction opens.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1UnOivR

2006

Kendra Chiota Payne ('02) was a colorful individual whose strong athletic abilities were matched by her humility. She encouraged others to believe in themselves and inspired them to go after their heartfelt dreams and goals. On January 11, 2006, Kendra was killed in an accident during a triathlon-training bicycle ride in Santa Barbara, California.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1R6dVfg

1958

The photograph is nondescript at first sight: slightly grainy, black and white. On the left, three students bend over a sheet of paper. Four girls sit around the other side of the table, calf-length uniform skirts grazing the floor. They appear to be engaged in a lively discussion. The year is 1958, and the manuscript lying on the table will soon become Singapore American School's very first yearbook, The Islander.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1UnOg7p

2012

During the 2012-13 school year, 22 high school faculty and administrators from Singapore American School visited more than 30 innovative schools in the US, Finland, and Singapore. The R&D team also spoke with more than 100 college admissions officers, consulted educational research, and engaged in discussions about the future of education with community members, business leaders, and educational experts.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1R6dWQw

1969

Teresa Sim, Singapore American School's senior human resources manager, first moved to Singapore from Hong Kong around the tender age of five in the mid-1950s. At the time, the lion city was a rough and tumble colonial outpost, but her father – a businessman from China – believed Singapore had the potential to provide a better life for his family.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1TCuS5U

Caitlen Paige Monnone '10

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Liver and Gallbladder Detoxification Talk

Speaker Background

Mark Chan from Ark Health Ministries, is a health educator who specializes in liver and gallbladder detox.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1Leh93L

International Fair Alternate Dress Day

IASAS Softball Exchange BBQ

Ski-touring South-Tyrol and Salzburger Lungau

“Fear… the right and necessary counterweights to that courage which urges men skyward, and protects them from self-destruction.” - Heinrich Harrer

I have mentioned before that I love the Dolomites and so it was a great pleasure to return in Winter to Kronplatz in South Tyrol and go ski-touring. My brother and me spent three beautiful days in the Gsieser Valley, then packed up our gear and continued across the border to Austria and the beautiful Salzburger Lungau region where we spent another three days of ski-touring. As I’m right now wrapping up some other work projects and packing for a trip to Switzerland I leave you with some impressions from last week to wet your appetite for the coming trip report from these two trips!

South Tyrol, Val Casies

Night time view from the balcony.

Bluebird skinning up to the Hoher Mann.

Matthias answering my request for a powder shower.

Walking in.

Rest-day activity: Visit to the MMM Corones.

Austria, Salzburger Lungau

The snow in Austria, down in the valley, was “interesting” for starters.

Wind-blown, hard snow pack made for easy skinning.

And we made it!

The next day: Bluebird weather and half a meter of powder.

Yeps, that’s where we just where - on top of the Großer Königstuhl.

More coming in March! Also keep an eye on the Gsieser Valley Album and Salzburger Lungau Album on Flickr or just follow along on Instagram.

Thanks to Kronplatz, Lungau and Maro and Partner for making this trip possible.

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International Fair Raffle

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Real Estate Negotiation Techniques 101 That’ll Save You Thousands

Are you finding yourself it hard to buy a place in this aggressive real estate market?

Are you constantly being outbid in bidding wars and tired of it?

Don’t you wish you had some inside secrets on how to negotiate like a boss?

In this hot market, you’re going to be engaging in wild negotiations. Here are some basic tips that can help you when buying or selling real estate.

Look at the Home like a Home Inspector:

When you’re buying a property, look closely at the features of the property. See if you can pinpoint areas that need some touch ups and repairs. Are there chips on the floor? How about dents, scratches and marks on the wall? Is the place so outdated that it needs a new coat of paint?

Find out the cost to mitigate these small problems and use that to bring the price down.

How about the age of the roof, hot water tank and the furnace? Do these need replacing soon? Is the flooring dirty or outdated as well? Factor those costs in as well.

BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement):

When you go into a negotiation, always have a BATNA.

The post Real Estate Negotiation Techniques 101 That’ll Save You Thousands appeared first on Vancouver's #1 Family Real Estate Homes, Houses, And Condos For Sale | Gary Wong Realty.

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International Fair Silent Auction Catalog

Monday, February 22, 2016

2006

3 Simple Repairs to Sell Your Home Faster

Thinking about how to prepare your home properly before you put it on the market? These short post will cover 3 simple repairs to help sell your home faster. Read on!

Repair #1

Repair the Floor If your home has hardwood floors, you should seriously consider removing your carpeting and getting the floors refinished. If your sub-floor is plywood, on the other hand, transforming it into a hardwood floor will be far too costly. Rather, replace the carpeting with a neutral carpet color, such as light tan. If you have any ceramic floor tiles that are chipped or cracked, these should be replaced before putting the home on the market. Source: Hometoindy

Repair #2

Painting the walls in updated neutrals and on-trend colors will set your home apart and help home buyers remember each room. Open areas all should be painted the same color — maybe a light griege or muted-down color. You’ll want to skip the dark or intense colors in these areas.

Master and guest bedrooms are best painted in muted but distinct colors. Muted versions of blues, greens and yellows are good bets.

This lovely guest room painted by Warline Painting in Benjamin Moore’s Georgian Green will be remembered over a similar one painted Builder Beige.

The post 3 Simple Repairs to Sell Your Home Faster appeared first on Vancouver's #1 Family Real Estate Homes, Houses, And Condos For Sale | Gary Wong Realty.

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The Week In Review 229

“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” - Alfred Lord Tennyson

News

On rape and racism.

This Is Why We Do It.

Can we make sense of the Malheur mess?

Greg goes into Survival Mode.

Check out the 10 Classic Alpine Climbs of Japan.

The Bergfreunde Winter Sale goes into the final round.

Trip Reports

Twäriberg. [German]

David’s recent days away.

More goodness from Hakuba, Japan.

Jill’s Iditarod history.

The Greatest Walk - a thru-hike of the Grand Canyon under the rim.

24 hours in Helsinki. [German]

No Place for Skinny Tires – Bikepacking Africa.

Mario goes for a small Verwallround with skis. [German]

A Weekend in Joshua Tree.

Drew hikes Hermit Gulch.

Build an igloo and sleep in it. [German]

Red Sky, Eagles & Ember Geese: February on Morvern & Mull.

Gear Reviews

Food ideas for backpacking with kids. [German]

Jens tries the nu3 Bio Superfood Trio Bar. [German]

7 Things.

The Black Diamond Evac 7 Shovel reviewed.

The Incredible Rulk revisited.

Backpacks fit for bikepacking.

Did this article make you smile? Great! Smile more and subscribe to the Newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube for more fun updates!

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Sunday, February 21, 2016

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Friday, February 19, 2016

International Fair: One School, Many Nations

You are invited to the biggest PTA event of the year...International Fair! Join us on February 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the high school and middle school. International Fair consists of Parade of Nations at 10:00 a.m., international food booths, games, entertainment, silent auction, used books sale, storytelling, and more!

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1QpEmfj

Chinese Immersion - Summer Semester

The Chinese immersion experience will combine learning language for functional interpersonal communication, and learning language through student passions. Learning experiences will be centered around the three summer semester strands of intellectual curiosity, wellness, and creativity, but in the context of Chinese as the language for instruction and communication.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/24dKW2W

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Elementary Variety Show

Come see our talented fourth and fifth graders take the stage in the 2016 SAS variety show, On Top of the World. Tickets required. Performances are: Friday, February 19 at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 20 at 3:30 p.m.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1SDqG6J

PTA eNews: Febrary 19, 2016

International Fair Volunteers Still Needed

We need your help to make International Fair a success. Volunteer shifts are available on Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27. Money raised goes towards PTA-sponsored events such as visiting authors and illustrators, scholarships, holiday parties, and much more! To put on this amazing and fun-filled event, we need your help. Be a part of the excitement and volunteer for the International Fair today.

Volunteer Now!

T-Shirts on Sale Now

Friday, February 26 is wear your International Fair t-shirt day! International Fair t-shirts are on sale in the PTA uniform store (open school days 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), online, before the elementary variety show, and in the elementary school foyer on Wednesday, February 24 from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

The International Fair t-shirts are 100 percent cotton and cost $20 each. T-shirts come in student and adult sizes.

Shop Now!

Parade of Nations at International Fair

To kick-off the first annual International Fair, we are having a parade of nations to showcase the many countries represented in the SAS community. The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the playfield. To participate, please wear your home country traditional outfits or country colors to the International Fair on February 27. On the playfield, find your home country’s flag and join the fun.

India Booth Needs Volunteers

Namaste SAS! Team India is looking for volunteers to help make the India booth shine! To learn more about ways to volunteer with the India booth, please contact sumati.khosla@gmail.com or volunteer now!

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1ovHgcy