作者: Naty Lee, 香港人, 在澳洲墨爾本一工程公司工作
你是你生命的主宰嗎？
很多人都認為人生必須要活得有意義，活得精彩。那麼，何為有意義呢？點算為精彩？最起碼要完成一個大學課程吧！資質好的話，能夠完成埋什麼碩士或博士學位，那就更有面子吧！最起碼這些一個個的學位是生活的一個保證。如果大家都同意這個理論的話，換句話說我們可以得出一個結論︰有大學學位的人，才能夠有資格活得有意義，那沒有學位的，人生便沒有價值？！
難道人的一生，就必須要跟隨社會的風氣，由幼稚園、小學、中學，再升間頂尖大學，畢業後出來社會找份好的工作，再儲錢結婚、生仔，努力的工作養家，然後等到仔女大了，便退休。好的話更有機會享兒孫福，可憐的話便會被 “打包”，長眠地下。既然每個人的一生都是這樣的渡過時，那麼，在這個社會裡，真的多我一個唔多，少我一個唔少。
與其要平淡的渡過人生，有些人卻從人生中尋找樂趣，希望令自己的生活日日精彩日日Fun。行街、睇戲、食飯、唱K…這些基本娛樂是必須的。如果有膽量的會去下pub、high下丸，想再刺激的話，去試埋偷野等等，這些已經不知不覺成為每天必讀的新聞了。
這一刻的你，是否在想︰我也只不過是社會其中的一小個，能成為新聞的機會真的微乎其微。但試想想，因為這些娛樂而出事的，比起因讀好書或成為什麼知名人士的機會，更容易實踐吧！甚至可免經歷一些人生重要的階段，可直到 “打包”的終點站，這班特快列車服務，真的夠精彩和有意義呢！
是的，人的一生，是由我們透過不同經歷而寫成的一本書。但是作者不是我們任何一個人，我們也只不過是一支筆而已。筆能夠靠自己的能力去寫成一本書嗎？如果作者沒有提起筆來，那支筆只會永遠是一支筆，決不會變成一本書。那麼作者是誰呢？有誰可以創作這麼多本不同類型的書，而能夠令到每本都是獨一無二的？為何這個作者會連筆盒也設計好，讓每支筆都有位置可存？
人生是否活得精彩，是在乎你有沒有找到這位作者的所在。如果筆永遠只願意作一支筆，不願意被主人所用時，終有一天，筆芯內的墨水只會乾去，然後被丟棄。只有願意被主人使用的筆，在主人的愛惜下，每當墨水快用盡前被主人加添墨水，並時時刻刻地被使用，寫出一本本書來，這支筆才能發揮他真正的用途。
為何她會贏?
- 用比喻開頭及作結, 頭尾有序
- 利用諷刺口吻, 從不同角度去寫現今'潮流'
- 最後故意留下伏線, 讓讀者自行思考
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
'Who Am I?' '我是誰?' 徵文比賽得獎作品(二)
作者: 梁莉姿, 14歲, 寶血會上智英文書院三年級學生
最近常常一個人發愣，胡思亂想。從爸想到媽，從老師想到同學，最後想到自己。我的存在理由，是甚麼？
有人說，天生我才必有用，但問題是，我總覺得，自己活了十多年人，還是一無是處。我找不到自己的優點，唯一能說說的，也只有勉強能說寫寫東西，用文字表達事情的能力比人強一點，卻也不是最優秀那種。感覺就好比上也不是，下也不是，夾在中間，上不去，下不來，那感覺，也蠻難受的。
這年頭的孩子，我想跟我一樣，也在迷失，不知道自己存在是為甚麼。生命本來就是一個意外，我們來到這個世界，如此彷徨無措，不知如何是好，一切尚未習慣，便已經被推到另一個階段，從嬰兒到幼童，從孩子到學生，從少年到成人，從中年到老死，人的一生，這樣渾渾噩噩的走著，偶然想起，自己存在，是底為了甚麼，自己在這世界上，擔任著甚麼角色？自己是誰？
"自己是誰？" 這個問題一直縈繞腦中。問爸媽，爸媽說，你是我們的孩子。問老師，老師說，你是我的學生。問朋友，朋友說，你是我的朋友。問情人，情人說，你是我的愛。
到底要問誰，到底要怎樣做，才能確定自己的定位？才能肯定，自己的價值？為自己確立一個實際的存在身份？
這個年頭的孩子，想事情都沒這麼深入了，問他們是誰，他們對你投以一記白眼，用眼神告訴你，你是個神經病的。他們不曾去想，自己在社會上的地位將會是甚麼，他們只是為活著而活著。
我是誰？這問題沒人能答你，有人為了證明自己存在，跑去割脈，只有痛，只有痛得實實在在，才感覺到自己活著，這忒也過份了；有人為了證明自己存在，努力向上，為名為利，只有榮譽放在跟前，才懂得快樂，才學會存在意義，這忒也扭曲了；有人為了證明自己存在，瘋狂購物，只有物質握在手中，才知道，自己活著，這太浪費了。
更多人為了證明自己存在，以貶低別人，抬高自己為樂。這年頭的孩子，都是這種人，他們目中無人，自視過高，自以為世界繞著自己而轉，遇到困難，便吸毒、自殺，這樣逃避，是因為他們自築的世界被外界的問題撞個破碎，於是無能為力之下，一死了之。會這樣做，其實只因他們從沒認清，自己的價值。
一種米養百樣人，世界在轉，人類在變，人們為了證明自己價值，花樣百出。你問我，你是誰，你的存在是甚麼。我告訴你，你為甚麼要問我？你自己是誰，該是由你自己去決定，不是靠任何外來的東西。你是你自己的，你是誰，要做個怎樣的人，怎樣定位自己，也全握在你手中，何需介意他人？
我是誰？我就是我，一個獨一無二的個體。
為何她會贏?
- 她知道自己的不足之處, 並且坦承分享, 相信她想不斷的進步
- 比同年紀的朋友成熟, 大膽用'這個年頭的孩子'去開段, 評論同輩
- 清楚了解身邊朋友的文化
最近常常一個人發愣，胡思亂想。從爸想到媽，從老師想到同學，最後想到自己。我的存在理由，是甚麼？
有人說，天生我才必有用，但問題是，我總覺得，自己活了十多年人，還是一無是處。我找不到自己的優點，唯一能說說的，也只有勉強能說寫寫東西，用文字表達事情的能力比人強一點，卻也不是最優秀那種。感覺就好比上也不是，下也不是，夾在中間，上不去，下不來，那感覺，也蠻難受的。
這年頭的孩子，我想跟我一樣，也在迷失，不知道自己存在是為甚麼。生命本來就是一個意外，我們來到這個世界，如此彷徨無措，不知如何是好，一切尚未習慣，便已經被推到另一個階段，從嬰兒到幼童，從孩子到學生，從少年到成人，從中年到老死，人的一生，這樣渾渾噩噩的走著，偶然想起，自己存在，是底為了甚麼，自己在這世界上，擔任著甚麼角色？自己是誰？
"自己是誰？" 這個問題一直縈繞腦中。問爸媽，爸媽說，你是我們的孩子。問老師，老師說，你是我的學生。問朋友，朋友說，你是我的朋友。問情人，情人說，你是我的愛。
到底要問誰，到底要怎樣做，才能確定自己的定位？才能肯定，自己的價值？為自己確立一個實際的存在身份？
這個年頭的孩子，想事情都沒這麼深入了，問他們是誰，他們對你投以一記白眼，用眼神告訴你，你是個神經病的。他們不曾去想，自己在社會上的地位將會是甚麼，他們只是為活著而活著。
我是誰？這問題沒人能答你，有人為了證明自己存在，跑去割脈，只有痛，只有痛得實實在在，才感覺到自己活著，這忒也過份了；有人為了證明自己存在，努力向上，為名為利，只有榮譽放在跟前，才懂得快樂，才學會存在意義，這忒也扭曲了；有人為了證明自己存在，瘋狂購物，只有物質握在手中，才知道，自己活著，這太浪費了。
更多人為了證明自己存在，以貶低別人，抬高自己為樂。這年頭的孩子，都是這種人，他們目中無人，自視過高，自以為世界繞著自己而轉，遇到困難，便吸毒、自殺，這樣逃避，是因為他們自築的世界被外界的問題撞個破碎，於是無能為力之下，一死了之。會這樣做，其實只因他們從沒認清，自己的價值。
一種米養百樣人，世界在轉，人類在變，人們為了證明自己價值，花樣百出。你問我，你是誰，你的存在是甚麼。我告訴你，你為甚麼要問我？你自己是誰，該是由你自己去決定，不是靠任何外來的東西。你是你自己的，你是誰，要做個怎樣的人，怎樣定位自己，也全握在你手中，何需介意他人？
我是誰？我就是我，一個獨一無二的個體。
為何她會贏?
- 她知道自己的不足之處, 並且坦承分享, 相信她想不斷的進步
- 比同年紀的朋友成熟, 大膽用'這個年頭的孩子'去開段, 評論同輩
- 清楚了解身邊朋友的文化
'Who Am I?' '我是誰?' 徵文比賽得獎作品(一)
Author: J Tran from Australia, currently finishing her MBA at RMIT University.
Let’s begin by rephrasing the question from 'who am I' to who is that girl? She’s a woman with mad thoughts and we shall begin with the various ramblings of a woman lost in a world of words, emotions, dreams and thoughts.
Physically she is not very tall, not overly thin nor overweight, not too dark and not too light, glasses, scars, moderately deaf and not pretty nor cute – but charismatic. She’s overall rather average looking and she compensates this with her quick thinking, witty remarks, and at times outrageously bubbly personality which can quickly turn very dark if crossed, straight posture of confidence and attitude.
She was once told “you compensate your slight physical build with your words and your temper…” It is the one defense mechanism she has to bring down those who look down on her (literally).
This woman grew up in a poor family with a father who to this day is a heavy gambler, a mother who is a “victim” (“the Parents”) and an older brother (“the Brother”) who means the world to her and more. Unfortunately, the Parents continue to live through the Welfare cycle and question “why don't I have money?”
Growing up in what people called “junkie town” in welfare housing (“the Flats”) with people shooting up heroin outside her front door and childhood friends who became dealers, junkies, mothers and thieves was an express ticket to becoming a shifty streetwise junkie, lying in the gutter, in jail, pregnant at 15 years of age and/or dead, but for some strange reason this woman did not go down that path – she chose to walk the other way to prove to her Parents, her Brother, her Teachers, and the World that she could come out a Bigger and Better person from the Flats.
This woman was surrounded by many negative role models at a young age and unfortunately suffered severe depression. It was her life sentence which she still deals with on a daily basis. Every day the black void threatens to suck the life out of this woman. It is unclear when she first cut herself, nor ended in a pool of vomit from swallowing bottles of painkillers. It is obvious though that she intended to harm herself and is reminded daily from the scars left behind. This story however isn’t about this woman’s defeat – she may have lost many battles, but she definitely has not lost the war. What are her thoughts on depression?
It's no joke, nor something that will just go away by building a bridge and getting over it. It can have serious effects on a person’s life, but it cannot be used as an excuse for being spiteful, mean, bitchy, and violent. This woman is aware she has this illness and needs to deal with it rather than use it as an excuse because that’s just taking the easy way out. This woman has learnt to not question why nor has she regretted what has happened in the past, simply because there’s a life lesson in every event, experience and moment.
How did a woman of such mad thoughts, who was willing to jump out of her window from the 9th floor managed to survive all of this and more? Was it sheer luck (or bad luck, however you may see it); inner strength; supportive friends and family; or God? She wonders herself each and every day. Maybe deep down inside she wasn’t ready to lose the war. Maybe she still had so much to give back. Maybe she still cared enough to live out her life sentence. Maybe.
This woman has read many books and immersed herself in the world of others. Here is an extract from two books which rings true for her:
“Getting close to someone, anyone is very, very hard for me. It is easier, safer for me to watch from a distance. Sometimes I feel so lost. I’ve never been able to experience things like normal people; like being held as the sun goes down or feeling safe and ‘carefree’ with (somebody)… A sensation I have yet to experience. So, I watch others and smile for their joy. Sometimes that’s enough. I’ll make eye contact, bow my head in respect, and stroll off feeling a little warmer inside, thinking I would never be able to share moments in time like other couples.
Somehow lately I believe this is the springtime of my life. I’ve worked hard, planted many things, and soon they will blossom and grow before my eyes. I’m still scared, but no longer terrified. I can live with that. In an odd sense, being on the constant mental defensive is a comfort zone of its own. But one day I would like to be a real person. A person who is able to let down his guard and let someone in. Before I die I would like to experience that. I want to shelve my former life’s mistakes. I would like to live in total peace, in every sense of the word.
If I have to remain alone, I will. Above all I know not only can I survive, but I can trust myself. And I feel secure with that premise, as well as knowing I will not cause anyone else anguish.
I still dream of a home - my home: clean and fresh and open… As always, I dream. I always will. I’m trying to give up control, but it’s hard because for so long I was controlled by so many. But maybe if I surrender, I’ll find my answer. I’ll find peace.
Maybe, one day, I’ll have a home. Then maybe one day I can come home… home to you.”- Dave Pelzer
"Sometimes I feel like I’m a pair of eyes and ears, and I’m just trying to stay safe and make sense of what’s happening. I know what to avoid, what to worry about. I’m like those kids who live with gunfire going off around them. I don’t want pain. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to see other people around me die. But I don’t have anything left inside of me to figure out where I fit in or what I want. If I want anything, it’s to know what’s possible to want…" - Jane Elliot
This woman has grown and achieved more than she ever aimed for. She has fallen, risen and learned to live everyday with a new attitude. She laughs more, loves more and lives more. She gives back as much as she can and takes very little. She no longer uses her life sentence as an excuse nor does she blame anyone for the upbringing she has had. She looks back over her shoulders occasionally and no longer cries, but smiles looks up to the sky and thank God for his blessings and the life ahead of her.
She’s frightened of course of what may hold, but this does not stop her from moving forward. She has her mask of strength and when that crumbles, she hopes to have somebody hold her whilst she slowly makes her way up again.
She is a woman with mad thoughts and looks forwards to the day when those thoughts become crystal clear.
Author’s notes: This essay is meant to reflect the thoughts of a mad woman. It is deliberately cluttered and random. No attempt was made to make the essay flow, but just written as the thoughts came.
Why she won?
- great confidence in herself that is much bigger than her physical built
- admirable because she is opened up to public, not afraid to share her 'unfortunate' childhood and experiences
- she knows what she wants based on her past
- she knows herself well along with a very high standard analysis
Let’s begin by rephrasing the question from 'who am I' to who is that girl? She’s a woman with mad thoughts and we shall begin with the various ramblings of a woman lost in a world of words, emotions, dreams and thoughts.
Physically she is not very tall, not overly thin nor overweight, not too dark and not too light, glasses, scars, moderately deaf and not pretty nor cute – but charismatic. She’s overall rather average looking and she compensates this with her quick thinking, witty remarks, and at times outrageously bubbly personality which can quickly turn very dark if crossed, straight posture of confidence and attitude.
She was once told “you compensate your slight physical build with your words and your temper…” It is the one defense mechanism she has to bring down those who look down on her (literally).
This woman grew up in a poor family with a father who to this day is a heavy gambler, a mother who is a “victim” (“the Parents”) and an older brother (“the Brother”) who means the world to her and more. Unfortunately, the Parents continue to live through the Welfare cycle and question “why don't I have money?”
Growing up in what people called “junkie town” in welfare housing (“the Flats”) with people shooting up heroin outside her front door and childhood friends who became dealers, junkies, mothers and thieves was an express ticket to becoming a shifty streetwise junkie, lying in the gutter, in jail, pregnant at 15 years of age and/or dead, but for some strange reason this woman did not go down that path – she chose to walk the other way to prove to her Parents, her Brother, her Teachers, and the World that she could come out a Bigger and Better person from the Flats.
This woman was surrounded by many negative role models at a young age and unfortunately suffered severe depression. It was her life sentence which she still deals with on a daily basis. Every day the black void threatens to suck the life out of this woman. It is unclear when she first cut herself, nor ended in a pool of vomit from swallowing bottles of painkillers. It is obvious though that she intended to harm herself and is reminded daily from the scars left behind. This story however isn’t about this woman’s defeat – she may have lost many battles, but she definitely has not lost the war. What are her thoughts on depression?
It's no joke, nor something that will just go away by building a bridge and getting over it. It can have serious effects on a person’s life, but it cannot be used as an excuse for being spiteful, mean, bitchy, and violent. This woman is aware she has this illness and needs to deal with it rather than use it as an excuse because that’s just taking the easy way out. This woman has learnt to not question why nor has she regretted what has happened in the past, simply because there’s a life lesson in every event, experience and moment.
How did a woman of such mad thoughts, who was willing to jump out of her window from the 9th floor managed to survive all of this and more? Was it sheer luck (or bad luck, however you may see it); inner strength; supportive friends and family; or God? She wonders herself each and every day. Maybe deep down inside she wasn’t ready to lose the war. Maybe she still had so much to give back. Maybe she still cared enough to live out her life sentence. Maybe.
This woman has read many books and immersed herself in the world of others. Here is an extract from two books which rings true for her:
“Getting close to someone, anyone is very, very hard for me. It is easier, safer for me to watch from a distance. Sometimes I feel so lost. I’ve never been able to experience things like normal people; like being held as the sun goes down or feeling safe and ‘carefree’ with (somebody)… A sensation I have yet to experience. So, I watch others and smile for their joy. Sometimes that’s enough. I’ll make eye contact, bow my head in respect, and stroll off feeling a little warmer inside, thinking I would never be able to share moments in time like other couples.
Somehow lately I believe this is the springtime of my life. I’ve worked hard, planted many things, and soon they will blossom and grow before my eyes. I’m still scared, but no longer terrified. I can live with that. In an odd sense, being on the constant mental defensive is a comfort zone of its own. But one day I would like to be a real person. A person who is able to let down his guard and let someone in. Before I die I would like to experience that. I want to shelve my former life’s mistakes. I would like to live in total peace, in every sense of the word.
If I have to remain alone, I will. Above all I know not only can I survive, but I can trust myself. And I feel secure with that premise, as well as knowing I will not cause anyone else anguish.
I still dream of a home - my home: clean and fresh and open… As always, I dream. I always will. I’m trying to give up control, but it’s hard because for so long I was controlled by so many. But maybe if I surrender, I’ll find my answer. I’ll find peace.
Maybe, one day, I’ll have a home. Then maybe one day I can come home… home to you.”- Dave Pelzer
"Sometimes I feel like I’m a pair of eyes and ears, and I’m just trying to stay safe and make sense of what’s happening. I know what to avoid, what to worry about. I’m like those kids who live with gunfire going off around them. I don’t want pain. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to see other people around me die. But I don’t have anything left inside of me to figure out where I fit in or what I want. If I want anything, it’s to know what’s possible to want…" - Jane Elliot
This woman has grown and achieved more than she ever aimed for. She has fallen, risen and learned to live everyday with a new attitude. She laughs more, loves more and lives more. She gives back as much as she can and takes very little. She no longer uses her life sentence as an excuse nor does she blame anyone for the upbringing she has had. She looks back over her shoulders occasionally and no longer cries, but smiles looks up to the sky and thank God for his blessings and the life ahead of her.
She’s frightened of course of what may hold, but this does not stop her from moving forward. She has her mask of strength and when that crumbles, she hopes to have somebody hold her whilst she slowly makes her way up again.
She is a woman with mad thoughts and looks forwards to the day when those thoughts become crystal clear.
Author’s notes: This essay is meant to reflect the thoughts of a mad woman. It is deliberately cluttered and random. No attempt was made to make the essay flow, but just written as the thoughts came.
Why she won?
- great confidence in herself that is much bigger than her physical built
- admirable because she is opened up to public, not afraid to share her 'unfortunate' childhood and experiences
- she knows what she wants based on her past
- she knows herself well along with a very high standard analysis
Sunday, December 6, 2009
I'm Back
So long have my injuries been! Does anyone know how it feels to be sidelined during games and banned from basketball for 3 months?
Harder than keeping a top secret and itchier than getting bit by a mosquito.
Though, just like my girl Baby J encouraged me that 'the injuries can make me stronger and more patient'. She somewhat kept me away from frustration. So remember, there is always good and bad in everything.
After the 'long vacation', i could finally step back on the court and have earned our much deserved silver medals of Wong Tai Sin District Basketball Tournament. But more importantly, we had all enjoyed playing together after such a long time. This is exactly what i wanted for my club.
And then i had re-grouped with some of my former middle school teammates to participate in TWGHs Inter-Alumni Association Basketball Tournament. We have once a powerhouse in our division and district and have won Championships of Kowloon District, 2 times.
It was great to have played and caught up with my old boys, just like the old times.
Since i have 80% recovered from my injuries, i have been playing a lot of ball just to get back in shape and pick up my game. How am i doing now?
I didn't go to anywhere but what i can say now is - I'M BACK!
Harder than keeping a top secret and itchier than getting bit by a mosquito.
Though, just like my girl Baby J encouraged me that 'the injuries can make me stronger and more patient'. She somewhat kept me away from frustration. So remember, there is always good and bad in everything.
After the 'long vacation', i could finally step back on the court and have earned our much deserved silver medals of Wong Tai Sin District Basketball Tournament. But more importantly, we had all enjoyed playing together after such a long time. This is exactly what i wanted for my club.
And then i had re-grouped with some of my former middle school teammates to participate in TWGHs Inter-Alumni Association Basketball Tournament. We have once a powerhouse in our division and district and have won Championships of Kowloon District, 2 times.It was great to have played and caught up with my old boys, just like the old times.
Since i have 80% recovered from my injuries, i have been playing a lot of ball just to get back in shape and pick up my game. How am i doing now?I didn't go to anywhere but what i can say now is - I'M BACK!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
An Interview with the founder and designer of Global Gambit
At Fly, we always emphasize that we are inspired by the Hip-Hop culture. We always actively look out to collaborate with different groups and people that share with us the same passion, vision and mission.
And 'Global Gambit', Melbourne, Australia's up-and-coming Hip-Hop/breakdance group has proudly become part of our Fly Family. Its dedication and devotion to Hip-Hop is undeniable. More importantly, 'GG's courage and vision to bring out b-boys and b-girls in Australia is what we truly admire.
I had this precious opportunity to have a Facebook interview with the proud founder and graphic designer of Global Gambit's very own - Steph 'Princess Pop' Leung.
LC: Lok Chung SL: Steph Leung
LC: First off, let me thank you for taking some time off for this interview Steph. Tell us something about yourself?
SL: No problem. Ok, something about myself. I'm a multimedia designer, and a lot of my inspiration comes from my other interests.
LC: Tell us about it.
SL: Well, breaking is like moving art. I'm quite inpired by hip-hop and the 4 elements.
LC: Which 4 elements?
SL: Breaking, djing, mcing and graffiti. I actually was just floating through life without much interest in anything but art, until i started bgirling.
LC: Right. You are well-known as a multimedia designer, people did not know you as a breakdancer. When did you start breakdancing?
SL: I started at the end of 2001.
LC: What's your favorable move? Or do you have a specialty in breakdancing?
SL: I love watching all of it, but i enjoy footwork and style. I don't have any specialties. As long as you're dancing, it's all good!
LC: That's good that you enjoy every second of it. So what's your favorite dance crew?
SL: I don't actually have one! Everyone loves rocksteady crew though.
LC: Do you have your own dance crew?
SL: I'm not part of a crew at the moment, sadly.
LC: How come? Because you are injured or?
SL: Honestly, i haven't been performing or competing much in the last couple of years. It's easy to get caught up in other things, but i always try and get back to it. And yes, i did have some injuries.
LC: Yeh, i understand. Let's get back to your creative side. What's your 'best move' when it comes to designing?
SL: I love coming up with sharp designs. I love creating logos for companies, because that can often be the start of a visual identity.
'Dance United' Logo designed by Steph
LC: Visual identity. So how do you reach out to get customers?
SL: So far word of mouth is the best way for me to get more work. Hopefully, i won't be working freelance forever though, as it can be a difficult way to live - going from paycheck to paycheck. it would probably be a nice change to have some job security. But at the same time, i have to recognise that i'm not happy in a 9-5 situation.
One of Steph's sharp designs
LC: Me neither. So what do you do in your spare time? Or just go out and get inspired wherever you are?
SL: I'm actually a bit of a geek. I spend an embarrassing amount of time playing video games. I love watching movies and I read a lot as well. And the beach is my favourite place to be.
LC: Okay. What was your last movie did you see and what book are you currently reading?
SL: I'm currently working my way through all the classics, so I just finished the 'Odyssey'. The last movie I saw was the 'Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus'.
LC: Did you get any specific inspirations from them?
SL: Well, i found 'The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus' quite whimsical. I wonder what Salvador Dali would have thought of it! It was a liitle bit different. And the Odyssey was nothing like i thought it was going to be. It was like an eating tour of Greece.
LC: Haha. Tell us how 'Global Gambit' was founded.
SL: Well, my partner - SR actually came up with it. He had a fairly solid concept of what he wanted to do. I initially only got involved to help out with the visual and graphics side of the business, but i felt he was trying to do some interesting things, so I wanted more involvement.
Global Gambit sponsored workshop, along with Fly's proud partner Melbourne Music Academy.
LC: Can you tell us a little more about 'Global Gambit'?
SL: Sure. We're a brand new company, and we cater to all things hip hop. Recently, Tony Tran and Mike Song from Kaba Modern Crew came to Melbourne and Sydney and taught workshops. Global Gambit was a sponsor. We also want to help publicise Australian hip hop and bboys/bgirls more.
LC: That's huge. As 'GG' is a new company, where did you get the money from?
SL: For the time being, it's all funded by myself and SR, but we are looking into sponsorship. So any companies who are interested in giving their support should contact one of us!
LC: Speaking of all things hip hop, are you all things hip hop too?
SL: Well, 2 of the activities that take most of my passion and energy would be bgirling and art & design. And i do love graffiti.
LC: Do you have any name to go by?
SL: Well, my bgirl name is 'Pop' AKA 'Princess Pop'; and my online alias is 'dammit888'.
LC: Okay Princess Pop, name 3 of your top rappers of all time.
SL: Ooooh, this is a tough one, haha. Lupe Fiasco, Common and Notorious B.I.G. Phew ... that's a tough call.
'3D Piano' One of Steph's brilliant artworks.
LC: Sure it is. Favorable song or best beat?
SL: Best beat - Souls of Mischief '99 til infinity. I can't stay still when that song plays.
LC: Looking at all your interests, you are most likely in the shoe game as well right?
SL: Yes, shoes are indeed an obssession. (ad: couldn't agree more!)
LC: Shoe that got you hooked?
SL: A pair of limited edition matte gold hightop Airforce ones.
LC: Favorite pair you don’t own.
SL: Any men's Jordan's. I can't wear them because my feet aren't big enough! So i just covet them.
LC: Respect for showing love to Jordan's because i have got a lot of pairs. Fill in the blank question: 'If I wasn’t a, I would probably be a'?
SL: lol. If i wasn't a designer, I would be a bum.
LC: 'Family is, Hip-Hop is, and bgirl is'?
SL: Family is important, Hip-hop is essential and made me feel like i was part of something, and bgirling is love!
LC: 'I went to ____, tried to find ____ but couldn't find it. To my surprise that i found _____ and this is better than what i wanted to find'.
SL: I went to a party, tried to find a drink, but couldn't find it. To my suprise that i found a friend, and this is better than what i wanted to find. Haha that turned out profound!
LC: Anything else you want to tell our readers?
SL: Yeah, hope you enjoyed my interview! Shout out to SR! Please feel free to join our group for Global Gambit, and keep your ears to the ground! http://www.facebook.com/pages/GLOBAL-GAMBIT/136434357336
LC: Yeh, really did. Thanks for the interview Princess Pop!
SL: No worries, was a pleasure :D
Postscript:
I have never met Steph in person. I got to know her through my brother from another mother SR aka 'Big Fish', as the co-founder of the inspiring 'Global Gambit'. At first, i thought Steph was just a graphic designer that SR was hiring or getting some help from. But then i asked SR and when he told me that Steph is part of the gang, i was, honestly, a little surprised.
Whether 'GG' was a concept or a tangible, i knew what SR was doing. He knew what he was doing and he clearly had a vision - to take over the existing scene. But taking a girl, who i have never met, on board? With all due respect, i had some doubts in my mind.
Until SR talked to me about the concept of 'GG' and came up with a collaboration with Fly, Steph stepped right in with her fabulous designs that truly surprised me.
I do know some multimedia designers but a designer with mad love towards Hip-Hop and breakdance probably is a rare combination. So i had decided to do an interview with her.
Getting to know more about Steph before and during the interview, i could really feel her love and passion for what she does. When your job is what you love and enjoy, you can surely bring out some masterpieces. As much as i love Global Gambit and SR, i am 100% sure Steph will make 'GG' a masterpiece not only to my eyes but everyone who loves Hip-Hop.
Steph's business card. How sensational is it?
To know more about Steph 'Princess Pop' Leung, click on her name.
To know more about Global Gamit, click on its name.
And 'Global Gambit', Melbourne, Australia's up-and-coming Hip-Hop/breakdance group has proudly become part of our Fly Family. Its dedication and devotion to Hip-Hop is undeniable. More importantly, 'GG's courage and vision to bring out b-boys and b-girls in Australia is what we truly admire.
I had this precious opportunity to have a Facebook interview with the proud founder and graphic designer of Global Gambit's very own - Steph 'Princess Pop' Leung.LC: Lok Chung SL: Steph Leung
LC: First off, let me thank you for taking some time off for this interview Steph. Tell us something about yourself?
SL: No problem. Ok, something about myself. I'm a multimedia designer, and a lot of my inspiration comes from my other interests.
LC: Tell us about it.
SL: Well, breaking is like moving art. I'm quite inpired by hip-hop and the 4 elements.
LC: Which 4 elements?
SL: Breaking, djing, mcing and graffiti. I actually was just floating through life without much interest in anything but art, until i started bgirling.
LC: Right. You are well-known as a multimedia designer, people did not know you as a breakdancer. When did you start breakdancing?
SL: I started at the end of 2001.
LC: What's your favorable move? Or do you have a specialty in breakdancing?
SL: I love watching all of it, but i enjoy footwork and style. I don't have any specialties. As long as you're dancing, it's all good!
LC: That's good that you enjoy every second of it. So what's your favorite dance crew?
SL: I don't actually have one! Everyone loves rocksteady crew though.
LC: Do you have your own dance crew?
SL: I'm not part of a crew at the moment, sadly.
LC: How come? Because you are injured or?
SL: Honestly, i haven't been performing or competing much in the last couple of years. It's easy to get caught up in other things, but i always try and get back to it. And yes, i did have some injuries.
LC: Yeh, i understand. Let's get back to your creative side. What's your 'best move' when it comes to designing?
SL: I love coming up with sharp designs. I love creating logos for companies, because that can often be the start of a visual identity.
'Dance United' Logo designed by StephLC: Visual identity. So how do you reach out to get customers?
SL: So far word of mouth is the best way for me to get more work. Hopefully, i won't be working freelance forever though, as it can be a difficult way to live - going from paycheck to paycheck. it would probably be a nice change to have some job security. But at the same time, i have to recognise that i'm not happy in a 9-5 situation.
One of Steph's sharp designsLC: Me neither. So what do you do in your spare time? Or just go out and get inspired wherever you are?
SL: I'm actually a bit of a geek. I spend an embarrassing amount of time playing video games. I love watching movies and I read a lot as well. And the beach is my favourite place to be.
LC: Okay. What was your last movie did you see and what book are you currently reading?
SL: I'm currently working my way through all the classics, so I just finished the 'Odyssey'. The last movie I saw was the 'Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus'.
LC: Did you get any specific inspirations from them?
SL: Well, i found 'The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus' quite whimsical. I wonder what Salvador Dali would have thought of it! It was a liitle bit different. And the Odyssey was nothing like i thought it was going to be. It was like an eating tour of Greece.
LC: Haha. Tell us how 'Global Gambit' was founded.
SL: Well, my partner - SR actually came up with it. He had a fairly solid concept of what he wanted to do. I initially only got involved to help out with the visual and graphics side of the business, but i felt he was trying to do some interesting things, so I wanted more involvement.
Global Gambit sponsored workshop, along with Fly's proud partner Melbourne Music Academy.LC: Can you tell us a little more about 'Global Gambit'?
SL: Sure. We're a brand new company, and we cater to all things hip hop. Recently, Tony Tran and Mike Song from Kaba Modern Crew came to Melbourne and Sydney and taught workshops. Global Gambit was a sponsor. We also want to help publicise Australian hip hop and bboys/bgirls more.
LC: That's huge. As 'GG' is a new company, where did you get the money from?
SL: For the time being, it's all funded by myself and SR, but we are looking into sponsorship. So any companies who are interested in giving their support should contact one of us!
LC: Speaking of all things hip hop, are you all things hip hop too?
SL: Well, 2 of the activities that take most of my passion and energy would be bgirling and art & design. And i do love graffiti.
LC: Do you have any name to go by?
SL: Well, my bgirl name is 'Pop' AKA 'Princess Pop'; and my online alias is 'dammit888'.
LC: Okay Princess Pop, name 3 of your top rappers of all time.
SL: Ooooh, this is a tough one, haha. Lupe Fiasco, Common and Notorious B.I.G. Phew ... that's a tough call.
'3D Piano' One of Steph's brilliant artworks.LC: Sure it is. Favorable song or best beat?
SL: Best beat - Souls of Mischief '99 til infinity. I can't stay still when that song plays.
LC: Looking at all your interests, you are most likely in the shoe game as well right?
SL: Yes, shoes are indeed an obssession. (ad: couldn't agree more!)
LC: Shoe that got you hooked?
SL: A pair of limited edition matte gold hightop Airforce ones.
LC: Favorite pair you don’t own.
SL: Any men's Jordan's. I can't wear them because my feet aren't big enough! So i just covet them.
LC: Respect for showing love to Jordan's because i have got a lot of pairs. Fill in the blank question: 'If I wasn’t a, I would probably be a'?
SL: lol. If i wasn't a designer, I would be a bum.
LC: 'Family is, Hip-Hop is, and bgirl is'?
SL: Family is important, Hip-hop is essential and made me feel like i was part of something, and bgirling is love!
LC: 'I went to ____, tried to find ____ but couldn't find it. To my surprise that i found _____ and this is better than what i wanted to find'.
SL: I went to a party, tried to find a drink, but couldn't find it. To my suprise that i found a friend, and this is better than what i wanted to find. Haha that turned out profound!
LC: Anything else you want to tell our readers?
SL: Yeah, hope you enjoyed my interview! Shout out to SR! Please feel free to join our group for Global Gambit, and keep your ears to the ground! http://www.facebook.com/pages/GLOBAL-GAMBIT/136434357336
LC: Yeh, really did. Thanks for the interview Princess Pop!
SL: No worries, was a pleasure :D
Postscript:
I have never met Steph in person. I got to know her through my brother from another mother SR aka 'Big Fish', as the co-founder of the inspiring 'Global Gambit'. At first, i thought Steph was just a graphic designer that SR was hiring or getting some help from. But then i asked SR and when he told me that Steph is part of the gang, i was, honestly, a little surprised.
Whether 'GG' was a concept or a tangible, i knew what SR was doing. He knew what he was doing and he clearly had a vision - to take over the existing scene. But taking a girl, who i have never met, on board? With all due respect, i had some doubts in my mind.
Until SR talked to me about the concept of 'GG' and came up with a collaboration with Fly, Steph stepped right in with her fabulous designs that truly surprised me.
I do know some multimedia designers but a designer with mad love towards Hip-Hop and breakdance probably is a rare combination. So i had decided to do an interview with her.
Getting to know more about Steph before and during the interview, i could really feel her love and passion for what she does. When your job is what you love and enjoy, you can surely bring out some masterpieces. As much as i love Global Gambit and SR, i am 100% sure Steph will make 'GG' a masterpiece not only to my eyes but everyone who loves Hip-Hop.
Steph's business card. How sensational is it?To know more about Steph 'Princess Pop' Leung, click on her name.
To know more about Global Gamit, click on its name.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Have a Little Faith
I have finally finished another book written by Mitch Albom, this time in 20 days. I only got to read 'Have a Little Faith' bit by bit during train rides, toilet times and sometimes before i went to bed. So to finish a book in 20 days is actually pretty fast for me. It surely shows you how much i found myself digging into this book.What have i learnt?
The intelligent conversations between the author and the Reb really got me thinking, 'damn, Reb's answers are so wise.' Yet, he was still a true servant and modest Man of God. Meanwhile, Pastor Henry's past taught me faith can lead you to anywhere and beyond belief.
I also got to know a little more about Jewish's customs and culture, which i had always interested in.
After reading this book, i felt like it was a slap in my face. How much faith do i have in God? Do i behave as a Christian? Do i have the courage to forgive anyone who have ever done anything that hurt me? Do i have a big enough heart to accept everything? How much can i sacrifice myself to help others?
But most importantly, HOW MUCH HAVE I BEEN THROUGH TO THINK THAT I AM MORE SUPERIOR THAN OTHERS?
Looking at Red and Pastor Henry, i am nothing. I have no right to do so. This book, i believe, as a reminder of God, truly humbled me.
100% worthy!
Mitch Albom is so good at writing people and relationship. That's why all readers in the world can fittingly relate ourselves to the characters in his books. Relationship is part of our lives and it is simply what we have since the day we were born. However, unfortunately, we always take it for granted and do not cherish and prolong our relationships as good as we should have needed to.
'Have a Little Faith' - a true story is a must-read book for all particularly Christians, Jewish, people with broken hearts, people with lost relationships and people who have low confidence and self-esteem. I could not get my hands off this book and once i started reading, the story just got me hooked onto it! Go get a copy!
'Whatever you have done and become, nothing comes before God.'
'Forgiveness is a beauty'.
Below is a video of Mitch Albom the author being interviewed by Katie Couric of CBS News. Take a look and get to know how he sees the book himself.
Watch CBS News Videos Online
Abstract from CBS News Videos Online
Friday, November 20, 2009
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