Collecting for Posterity
History is not something we only learn about in textbooks. There are many local enthusiasts who study history through collecting various historical tangibles, such as old maps, revenue stamps and photographs. Varsity meets the collectors, restorers and archivists who can help us understand how the past has shaped our city today.
Bricks without Boundaries
Lego has been a popular toy for generations of children. Its manufacturer and fans say the bricks encourage creativity. But more and more Lego products are now theme and even gender specific – some are based on blockbuster entertainment franchises. Does this hinder children’s creativity?
Tiara Tales
In the 1970s and 1980s, the annual Miss Hong Kong Pageant was one of the biggest entertainment events of the year. But with the rise of sensationalist tabloid-style media, changes in Hongkongers’ lifestyles and the status of women, the competition and the idea of beauty queens can seem like old-fashioned.
Snapping Me, Myself and I
From schoolchildren to celebrities to presidents, anyone with a smartphone can and does take selfies these days. Some people go to extreme lengths and exotic locations, such as from high altitude and even space, to make their selfies more creative and unique. Varsity looks at selfie culture and the different reasons people have to snap their own images.
Eat, Taste, Blog
Food writers and restaurant reviewers are some of the most envied people in the media, especially in food-crazy Hong Kong. These jobs were once the preserve of the expert and the famous, but with the advent of food blogging, anyone with a love of food and an internet connection can be a food writer. Varsity meets some of the city's leading food bloggers and traditional food critics.
Fasten Your Seatbelt
There is no denying that car-racing in Hong Kong has been in the doldrums in recent years. While nearby Macau hosts an annual Grand Prix, Hong Kong does not even have a car-race track. Few are aware of the city's glorious racing past, but now, some local motorsports enthusiasts are planning to revive car and kart racing in Hong Kong.
It’s Not Only Rock ‘n’ Roll
Mention concerts in Hong Kong and most people think of glitzy shows by Cantopop stars in venues like the Hong Kong Coliseum. But in recent years, the territory has been playing host to a very different kind of music event. An increasing number of outdoor music festivals are attracting big name international headliners and showcasing local indie talent and changing the way Hong Kongers experience live music.
Boccia – A Game with No Barriers
Boccia is a ball game that can be played by the able-bodied, the disabled and the elderly. It's a paralympic sport in which Hong Kong has an impressive track record. Yet few in Hong Kong have heard of it. Varsity takes a closer look.
Leading the Way
Guide dogs for the blind are making a comeback in Hong Kong. Two groups are training a new generation of guide-dogs by enlisting the help of "puppy walkers" who help young dogs learn how to socialise with humans and navigate around the city. Varsity finds out what it takes for a puppy to become a guide dog.
Covering the Community
With the spread of the internet, newspapers around the world are suffering from falling advertising revenues and shrinking circulations. District newspapers, which were once an important source of local news and information in Hong Kong had nearly all disappeared by the end of the 1980s. But a renewed interest in community and neighbourhood in community in the city has led to revival of district papers. Varsity meets the people behind them.
