šRegistration for sensitive books
Good morning.
I hate to put bad news as the first thing - but unfortunately due to adverse weather conditions, Oktoberfest 2022 has been cancelled. The organisers told us that as the site is prone to storm damage, all temporary structures (the entire festival) had to be taken down. Even if the typhoon leaves, putting it back up would take the rest of the week.
Sorry to all those who signed up for High Tide through our Oktoberfest promotion; itās not much but we might be able to offer discounts elsewhere or at least a comp subscription - weāll be reaching out on Instagram!
ā Cyril
On Todayās Tide
Politics | HKU: Registration needed for sensitive books
COVID | FS returns, two bankers quit
Sports | Siobhan: Fina World Cup winner
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Extra security for sensitive books at HKU
HKU has started a registration program for all those wishing to read āsensitive booksā at the Special Collection area of the university library.
The Special Collection, which is located in a separate room within the library houses fragile documents, out of print research material and, most recently, political books otherwise taken off the shelves.
The collection was closed from Feb to April for aircon replacement. In May, the university announced a new booking system to access the collection, according to an HKFP investigation.
Prior to that, there was no need to register your intent whether reading in the collection, or taking out texts.
The new system also requires researchers to register if they want to make copies of books, including with your phone.
But is it really political?
Some academics have spoken out on Twitter about the apparent political undertones of the new move. HKU Historian and Gender Studies professor Elizabeth LaCouture said that the move was due to a new head of the special collection trying to update HKUās policies in line with other major research institutions.
She also points out in her thread (below) that most the collection doesnāt just include political material, but some seriously fragile stuff that prior registration will hopefully help protect. Most universities with such collections have similar rules, she noted.
COVID in Hong Kong
COVID-19 in Hong Kong
New cases: 4320 (446 imported)
Total cases: 1,918,708
New deaths: 12
Total deaths: 10,397
Compulsory Testing locations: 50
Paul Chanās coming home
Financial Secretary Paul Chan is hopping on a plane back to HK for the start of the Global Bankers Summit today despite only catching COVID 4 days ago. He was required to submit a negative RAT test before flying and will be undertaking a PCR test once he lands.
If heās found positive on arrival, he will have to isolate at home for 7 days.
Other bankers quit for COVID
Meanwhile, some big name guests were also found positive with COVID and have cancelled their trips to HK. These include Blackstone President Jonathan Gray who will be replaced by CFO Michael Chae. Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser has also caught COVID and cancelled her plans.
Siobhan smashes more medals
Two-time Olympian Siobhan Haughey has once again outdone herself, scoring two gold medals in 100m and 200m womens at the Fina World Cup Toronto meet yesterday. She also scored a bronze in the 400m.
During her 200m, Siobhan beat out 7x gold Olympian, American Katie Ledecky. Speaking on her birthday (yes it was her birthday, happy birthday!), Siobhan said āI'm happy with my last race at 24 years old, but I don't have time or plans to celebrate because we are leaving for Indianapolis for the next legā.
In other HK swimming news, 16yo Adam Mak Sai-ting, has beaten the Menās 200m record.
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CHOMP! One Year Anniversary Party!
Our friends at CHOMP! are turning one! We first met the founders of the food saving app, Chris and Carla, at ReThink 2021 and weāve since featured Carla as a Leader of The Week and in articles on sustainability.
Come celebrate with us on 11 Nov as we bring in another year of not throwing away food thatās still good.
Where: House Studio, Soho House. Sheung Wan
When: 7-11pm
Cost: $100 (+fees)
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