bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

sponsorType

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

SCMP Reporter

Live musicals offer special feeling
The High School Musical series has been a worldwide hit. It has attracted fans of all ages and backgrounds. It is especially popular among teenagers.
It started off as a low-budget Disney television movie. Nobody thought it would become so popular.
Almost every child has seen High School Musical at least once. I met a seven-year-old who knows every song from the first two films.
Before this movie, many teenagers hardly paid any attention to musicals.
Our parents were very lucky. They grew up with classics, such as Saturday Night Fever and Grease. A musical combines songs, dialogue and dance. Just like other forms of theatre, it deserves attention.
High School Musical has certainly enhanced the popularity of musicals among youngsters.
But I wonder whether today's teenagers know what a good musical is. I believe the old musicals are better.
Most youngsters think a musical is only about singing and dancing. I think musicals should also focus on the characters and have a good story.
In my opinion, films are not as good as stage productions. A live musical gives you a special feeling that you cannot get in the cinema.
Sadly, teenagers are obsessed with films like High School Musical. So they ignore the theatre.
But, if they try a little harder, they will soon fall in love with live musicals - just like I did.
Denise Tam, PLK Vicwood K.T. Chong Sixth Form College
Bad deals
You must be familiar with  'Buy One, Get One Free' promotions. But many people don't want to buy two items at the same time. Especially when the price difference is very small.
They believe they are not getting a good deal if they purchase only one item. So they leave the shop empty-handed.
If companies want to get rid of their stocks, they should sell those goods at half price.
Then people are likely to buy more than one item.
Javed, California School
Go for it, enjoy life
Life is short. So we all need to do our best. You should always have a positive attitude. Look at a glass as half-full, not half-empty.
You would be amazed at how much life has to offer.
Give more than you receive, and share with others. Do less for yourself, and more for the people around you. And when you do the right thing, you get a fantastic feeling.
Also, forget about the past. You can't do anything about it.
Stop worrying about the future and get on with your tasks. Don't be idle because time flies. Don't let anyone stop you from doing what you love. So go for it and enjoy life.
Khalid Mahmood
Poor example
A primary school teacher has been suspended for slapping students and ordering them to kneel down as punishment.
I am shocked by the teacher's behaviour. Teachers should be role models for their students.
Nothing can be gained by causing physical harm to students. This is only a short-term solution.
Teachers need to be well-trained. Then they can help students reach their full potential.
Sophia Wong, Our Lady of the Rosary College
Treasure friends
It can be difficult to find a good friend. Friends play a very important role in your life. Without friends, your life will be dull.
A good friend will listen to you and share their feelings with you. You can depend on them for advice.
Good things don't come easy. So don't destroy a friendship.
Jacky Cheung, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College
Painful times
The Asian financial crisis happened more than 10 years ago. The people recovered. But now there's a financial tsunami. We are all feeling the pain.
We need to work together to overcome this threat.
Cheung Ying-ying, Ju Ching Chu Secondary School (Kwai Chung)
Time to tackle shocking crime
A number of school teachers and private tutors have been accused of sexually abusing their students.
This has shocked the community.
The government should introduce legislation so that teachers who commit such crimes are sent to prison for a very long time.
In addition, schools should have more sex education lessons aimed at both teachers and students.
The young victims could seek help from adults, such as their parents or school social workers.
Parents should listen to their children and take action if they suspect sexual abuse.
There should be a joint effort to tackle this serious crime.
Tiffany Lo, Our Lady of the Rosary College
Accept life's imperfections
Perfectionists seek very high standards. This can take a heavy toll on their lives.
They can become obsessed with achieving the perfect grade, job, and so on.
Actually, they are just chasing a dream that can never be fulfilled.
Perfectionists are missing out on a lot of things in life.
As we all know, no one is perfect and no one can change this.
Remember, we are all humans and everyone has their weaknesses.
So you need to accept failure and remain optimistic. Then you will have a wonderful life.
Yim Yee-nga, Christian Alliance S.C. Chan Memorial College



letters