Multimedia

Imagine songs with lyrics but without words. Imagine sign language songs. Some advocates of sign language songs think they are a great way to bring the deaf and the hearing together and promote mutual understanding in a fun manner. But reality seems far more complicated. Varsity finds out why.

A landmark case involving W, a transsexual woman who wants to get married in Hong Kong is expected to be heard at the Court of Final Appeal next year. Now, W's story is being dramatised in a musical called "Dream of the Mermaid". Varsity meets members of the production and looks at some of the struggles faced by transsexuals in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is home to more than 50 species of snakes, some of which are poisonous. The territory also boasts a tradition of "snake kings", trained snake handlers who are experts at capturing wild snakes. Although snake kings also offer health tonics and delicacies made from snakes, they also work with conservationists to protect local snakes while keeping them away from humans.

The future of the government's plans to build a multi-billion dollar waste incinerator off Shek Kwu Chau has been thrown into uncertainty after legislators opposed the proposal. Opposition to the plan has been most vocal from green groups and residents on nearby Cheung Chau. But little has been heard from actual inhabitants of Shek Kwu Chau, who would live on the doorstep of the facility.

As rental prices continue to soar in Hong Kong, more and more people are struggling to find a place to call home. With long waiting lists for public housing, some low-income families and individuals are resorting to renting sub-divided units in industrial buildings. These are cheaper than sub-divided units in residential buildings but they are also illegal and tenants face the constant threat of eviction.

The rising cost of food in Hong Kong has hit its poorest the hardest. Increasingly, people on low incomes are turning to food banks to help fulfill their basic needs. But these food banks face operational restrictions, particularly those who that are subsidized by the government.

It started in the 1960's as gatherings where the young and cool went to dance, listen to the latest bands and just be seen, but the tea-dance is alive and well in 21st century Hong Kong. The world of the tea-dance is a world away from the hustle and bustle of urban Hong Kong. In dance-halls above street-level in commercial buildings, couples spend their afternoons practising their waltzes and striking poses for Latin dances.

Smartphone cameras are no longer being used to just take snaps of kids and pets. They are being used by professional photographers and photojournalists to create news pictures and even art. Meet the Iphoneographers, the professionals and hobbyists who love the convenience, intimacy and immediacy of smartphone photos.

Varsity's May 2012 multimedia edition is out now. Highlights include stories about transsexual marriage in Hong Kong and "snake kings", who catch the territory's snakes with their bare hand. In the meantime, check out our trailer.

Taiwan's cafes and bookstores host to a vibrant salon culture that played an important part in the island's democracy and as Varsity discovers, continues to provide a platform for debate today.