IT'S THE WORST OF TIME;
IT'S THE BEST OF TIME

It’s the worst of time. Approaching the end of 2008, the world seems to be at the most unstable time ever.

The recent terror attacks in Mumbai, India have cost lives of many innocent civilians in late November. The attacks ended with up to 200 dead. A young couple, who started a Jewish centre helping the needy there three years ago, were killed in the incident, leaving only their two-year-old son.

While on the other part of the world, Thailand was under a political turmoil. Two of my friends were in Bangkok on their relaxing vacation. Yet, the happy holidays turned out to be an anxious experience - they were stranded in Bangkok airport, unable to return home as scheduled.

Even worse, the devastating financial tsunami has been having tremendous impact on many people in the society. Followed by the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in September, many corporations have started the layoff tides.

Started from the early November till early December, Asia Television Limited and Television Broadcasts Limited shed more than 200 people; then, HSBC sacked 450 workers; Grant Thornton also dismissed more than 30 fresh graduates. Fresh graduates and final-year university students are inevitably worried about their future.

In the Periscope section, Varsity brings you an in-depth report of the case. Varsity interviewed some small and medium enterprises owners, fresh graduates and some final-year students, and they shared their concerns.

In spite of the uncertainties and confusions, some of the interviewees are still striving hard for their future. They even better equip themselves for the future challenges.

The immediate picture is bleak perhaps; even not being able to have Krispy Kreme doughnuts anymore in Hong Kong was a sad thing, like two of my friends told me.

But things could be better than they expect. In the Lifestyle section, you may find how some university graduates find their meanings of lives in their graduation trips.

In the midst of all the crises, some people can still find their directions, like some of the live poultry vendors interviewed in the Photo Features section.

Or it could be seen as an opportunity. From another story in the Lifestyle section, it introduces a new sport, racket volleyball, which was invented by a passionate teacher during the tough times when Hong Kong was hit by the SARS epidemic in 2003.

Perhaps, it’s the best of time. Happy reading.

Mandy Chi

Managing editor