Jason Lee: Are There New Concepts to Discover

I was speaking to Jason in China, and one of the things I asked him was if he thinks there'll still be new concepts in yoyos out there waiting to be discovered. He replied with what I thought was the most fitting answer possible.

He said in about 2002, somewhere along the peak of the 1A string trick explosion, he and Gary Longoria, two players he described as "at the forefront of yoyoing" sat down and asked each other the exact same question. Both of them agreed that there were none and every concept that could've been discovered has been done.

Look where we are now.

Nothing Like Death to Tell Us How to Be Alive.

Regrets of the Dying.

Life Makes Us Villains. Death Makes Us Heroes.

Knowledge Belongs to the People

Don't forget.

Advertising Reflection #1: Impact on Society

As a powerful tool to drive sales, in a free market system advertising has helped blow consumerism culture up into today’s almost ridiculous proportions. While it isn’t the primary cause, I think it certainly is a contributing factor.

Advertisers effectively brainwash children whose innocent minds simply don’t stand a chance against the psychoanalysts, focus groups, bright color palettes and morning TV spots. Fashion houses prey on my insecurities and desires to be with the ‘in’ crowd to peddle more clothes I don’t need.

Of course, on the other end of the spectrum we have advertisements that promote healthy lifestyles, discouraging drink driving, encouraging exercise etc. This goes to show advertisements are mere tools, and their goodness and their impact on society lies in the way they are used.

In today’s society however, the vast majority of ads are used to perpetuate consumerism and a materialistic culture. I think this point at a more fundamental problem with the free market system, or how society operates, in which people need to decide for themselves what it is they truly want.

In my imagination is a world where billboards shout the benefits of compassion, where TV spots remind us that happiness is not about having what we want, but wanting what we have, and pamphlets sell happiness for exactly $0.00. This world sounds ridiculous, but at least you don’t have to buy a new sweater every fall, and your kids won’t be clamoring for Playstation Four.

You Can't Understand, But We are the Future

Principles of Humour

Surprise, exaggeration, similarity.

Old Friend

She looked a little tired, but I guess all of us do.

I guess growing up hit her, the way it hit all of us too.

To the Activists

I understand how important each one of your causes is. But just to let you know, the kids are still hungry in Africa.

The Revolution Has Died

I've never been able to understand everything he's produced, but from the little that I do, I know we've lost a great artist in Gil Scott-Heron.

BOOM.

Sounds by Unkle, visuals by Spike Jonze + Ty Evans.

Absolutely Amazing

Which ping pong ball roller coaster ride through historical landmarks made of toothpicks would you like to go on today?

Pool + Football = Poolball

I wonder if we can do Bicycle Kicks up there......

Paintball Robot

How can this not be awesome? Cover your friends (or enemies) in paint in the comfort of your ugh.. paintball bunker. Comes equipped with camera mounted on gun so you can aim for maximum damage.

The Whole Shebang

Powerful

But what else did you expect from the most important artist of our time?

If You Don't Have a Cape, a Blanket Will Do.

It's times like these we need to be our own Superheroes.

Jeon Ji Hwan

The, attention grabbing, Big Bang loving, behind the back whipping, canned food eating, yellow sneaker rocking 17 year old from Korea is a constant ball of fun to have around. He taught me Korean cuss words and made the hotel lobby his dinner table.

He also lost his phone at the airport along with all the photos he took in Singapore. So here's what I have of my crazy Korean friend!

Pro-tip: A ridiculous personality lets you rock ridiculous clothes.

Three caps at the same time. Do-rai~

Party All Night Long~

Did he just say "smoke a lotta weed" in a University?

The Dream is Over

Sorry I've been busy for a week or so. Now trying to get back on to life etc.

To You and Your $1000 Fixed Gear Hijinx

Progress > Cool.

Still Standing

Damn right the 1/1 Gundam model in Japan is still standing strong despite the disasters that rocked the nation. Gambatte!

Disaster Marketing

I know this comes at a bad time and in bad taste. But I'll tell you what else is in bad taste. Everybody and his brother's startup company releasing a white-red coloured product to "Support Japan".

Years ago when a disaster struck, if companies wanted to help, donating was the only way to show people "XYZ & Co. Cares". But when a few companies with clever PR departments had success releasing "disaster products" to aid victims, the rest of the world followed suit.

When the quake hit Japan weeks ago, it was an obvious marketing opportunity. Companies big and small were thinking of ways to cash in. Either on money, public relations or both.

But the disaster in Japan doesn't just give you the chance to build goodwill. Because when the bandwagon of cool is shaken, it's everyone's chance to jump on. When Haiti shook, I didn't see no one "Dance for Haiti". I didn't see no one "Design for Haiti". It just well, isn't as cool.

So really when I see Channel News Asia trying to cash in, I shrug and move on because really, everyone is doing the same thing.

By the way, Japan's death toll is nearing 20,000. 230,000 died in Haiti.

Japan is the world's 3rd largest economy. It has the resources to rebuild itself.

Haiti has the world's 3rd highest percentage of people under the poverty line (80%). Haiti doesn't have jack shit.

So unlike the rest of the world, I'm not going to tell you how you can help a country that will help itself. I'm telling you that you can help Haiti at Yele Haiti, where Wyclef Jean has nothing to cash in on.

(Don't get me wrong. I love Japan. The food, the culture, everything. I have friends in Japan. I feel bad for everyone there. I just think everyone trying to cash in on their plight by disguising it as support really is straight disgusting. Please think of a new marketing gimmick.)

Mister Ong Talks to Christopher Chia Pt.1

I sat down to talk to Christopher Chia after he returned from Orlando finishing 3rd in the World Yoyo Contest in 1A - the most competitive division. In Pt. 1 we talk about the inverted tricks, winning US$200 at Lucky's BBQ and how AP stacks up against Worlds.

MO: We know that before worlds you had to juggle school and training for the contest at the same time. Can you tell us about that?

C: Actually before worlds I had an exam. It was less than a week before worlds. My exams ended on Thursday and I was leaving for Worlds on Monday so it was quite hard. So after my exams I practiced everyday.

MO: How many hours of training did you put in a day?

C: It depends. On a usual day, 2 to 3 sometimes 3 to 4 hours.

MO: Tell us about the planning for your freestyle.

I decided to use the same freestyle as Singapore Nationals because I don’t want to screw up.

I just added a few tricks. Like the inverted one (points inwards).

MO: Tell us how that came about.

C: Jayson told me Mickey was doing something like that at AP2010 and told us to explore. After a few weeks, I came up with this combo and it was new so I put it in.

MO: Was it very difficult to get it 100%?

C: Yeah quite.

MO: You were going up against the best in the world. Jensen Kimmit, Mickey, Yuuki Spencer, how were you expecting to do?

C: I didn't aim to lose. Because I spent so much money to go over there. I was aiming to win.

MO: Did you put a lot of pressure on yourself?

C: I did. But when I got there I didn’t practice as much as I did in Singapore. I rested.

MO: How is Worlds different from AP?

C: Very different. AP when overseas players arrive at the airport, Singaporean players will go and fetch them and bring them to the taxi stand. But when I reached Orlando, I didn’t know where to go. I had to find the taxi stand myself, and then go to the hotel. At Worlds no one would guide you. In Singapore when the Japanese come, we bring them out all over the place

MO: So no one told you what was the equivalent of chicken rice over there?

C: Ya and the food was expensive. I ate mainly pizza and burger. During the contest I ate pizza three meals a day

MO: Who was interesting there?

C: Senba and Tsubasa Onikii. Out of nowhere they will start dancing. And hoah they can dance quite well. Break dancing and popping. Eric Koloski as well. He can play the piano. There was a piano at Lucky's BBQ.

MO: How was Lucky's BBQ?

C: His house is very nice. Oh and I won US$200 there. There was a 15 seconds of fame contest there where everyone will just go up and just do whatever to try to impress the judges. You can do yoyos, anything.

Taka did soloham, Rei Iwakura did the 5a dance and some guy jumped over a dustbin.

Actually I didn't want to join but Taka said "you must join, you must join". Then there's this guy from Duncan. He said (pointing) “he's the only one from Singapore.”

Then everyone started clapping so I went up. I did the behind the back horizontal trick. At the end of it they just announced the winner and I got the trophy and two US100$ bills.

MO: How is the competitive level of Worlds compared to AP?

C: Umm.. I think it's harder to qualify for AP. Overall, AP is more competitive. By looking at the freestyles, AP almost everyone has a clean freestyle.

Second round at Worlds though is a little bit tougher. First round at Worlds is easier than AP but second round maybe is about the same.

MO: How was your condition on the day of your competition?

C: I was quite on form that day. When I practiced I didn't make any mistakes. Some of my friends in Singapore told me not to practice so much there so I just relaxed. I went up to my room and slept for a while. Then when the freestyle started, I went down.

MO: Before your freestyle, were you nervous?

C: Yeah nervous.

MO: Compared to syyc?

C: About the same.

Next time: Chris tells us about who he's most afraid of in Singapore!

Too Cool for School

Who knew amidst the sensory overload of Dhoby Ghaut, one could be just a (long) flight of stairs away from a peaceful serenity? I dragged myself to Old School on a school assignment looking for an exhibition that didn't exist, but the fruitless walk around the complex was surprisingly enjoyable.

The old Methodist Girls' School is now a home to a collective of media/design companies. The first thing that greets you when you pass the gates is its elegant peacefulness. It was calmly quiet on a Sunday evening and the only few people around were just lounging at the cafe or mindfully finishing up on some weekend work.

As you walk in, slowly but surely you sense this creative spirit in the air. It's like the window of social acceptance just widens as you explore the place. The eclectic mix of companies here quietly tells you it's ok to be a contemporary dancer, to paint colourful characters on Chinese porcelain, to push or better yet disregard boundaries.

The architecture of the place is exciting. While the main building has corridors that seem to weave into each other, it remains just accessible enough to keep one from getting lost. I imagine it must have been amazing schooling in this compound exploring its almost dizzying array of nooks and crannies. Considering the building was probably built a very long time ago, I think the architect really did a brilliant job designing something that is still interesting so many years down the road.

While we are caught up in our rolled up jeans and wide framed glasses, its nice to sometimes immerse oneself in a truly genuinely unpretentious creative spirit that allow you to be whoever you want to be.

The Boys are Back

Mini mini video: Some of Singapore's best headed into the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines for some intensive training under the mythical Pat Cuartero. They came back with some of that sickness.

J.J. got inspired by Kenji Eto.

Darrell extended his Spirallini by adding the Roti Prata.

Iskandar has somethin ridiculous coming soon.

Gourmet Status Symbol

It's no secret that when a new food craze arrives, Singaporeans treat procurement of said food as a status symbol. They parade the results of their patient queueing proudly as they consume the product. Don't act like you don't know.

Well judging from the number of envious eyeballs we got from buying overpriced popcorn, this might be the new thing to go for.

The Chicago Mix. Dripping cheese and crispy caramel. As Oprah says, pop one of each at the same time. Salty and sweet and um.. really really good.

At $8 for a small bag, it really can seem quite expensive but the serving is pretty generous. It is actually quite a lot to go through and kind of makes up for the exorbitant price. I think when you compare it to paying $6 for coffee though, it really doesn't seem that crazy anymore.

Garrett's is at B1-26A, City Link Mall.

Prison University Project

I don't think I've seen three words put together that make so much sense. What are we waiting for?

Northpoint is Insane

Christopher rocks the capacity crowd outside Popular @ Northpoint. People had to go one floor above us just to get a look. Thank you for your support. Moments like these are what we live for.

The rings and things you sing about, bring 'em out. It's hard to yell when the barrel's in your mouth.

-B.I.G

For Nothing But

I had a slightly heated debate with Elaine over the nature of human motivation. I argued that everything we do for someone we do it to trade for something else. I scratch your back you scratch mine. She argued that isn't the case for everything, that sometimes we do things just cos we want to help or just cos we're nice or we're friends.

I think that's BS because even then, we do it because we want to be known as helpful or to maintain the friendship. Everything we do, we trade for something else. Sometimes we trade (donate) $5 just for The Good Feeling that we have done something positive.

I then proceeded to ask her to be my debt collector for like 15 min. She passed me the money in this cute envelope she drew herself~ I hope we can have more debates because there are still some outstanding debts to be collected!

^^ Thanks Elaine!

Best Slam Dunk Contest Ever

and there have been quite a few magnificent ones before this one came along. But the guys really put on a show. Javalle McGee and Blake Griffin dropped undoubtedly some of the greatest dunks in history. Two dunks, three balls, and a car?

Chop Pencils

Saatchi & Saatchi placed these pencils disguised as chopsticks in China's restaurants. The instructions on the wrapper encourage Chinese to write to their government to stop torture and push for the amnesty.org cause.

Pretty nifty~

Midnight Culinary Experiment: Needs More Salt

$2 Daiso "Salty Taste" Popcorn (never buying popcorn from movie vendors again)

+ melted butter

= hehe.. now all we need is a good movie~

South Africa Remix

No Vuvuzuela?

Just Chillin'

On top of the tallest building in the world.

Yakitori / Sake

The last Beef Skewer takes on the last cup of Wine @ Watami, ION Orchard.

Hoah.

Someone said Ryu had too much Curry and Akuma's going to a Rave party in Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition.

Please Give Him Some Love

Willie does a very entertaining street performance on the Clarke Quay bridge, friday and weekend nights! Give him some love! (You'll know what I mean just before his finale)

Cachet.

When Nike wants to be cool, no one comes close. Mad props for making some niche activities look cooler than they've ever been.

Blanc / Noir

New paint for an old shoe that I didn't even know I had until spring cleaning. Simple as it is, I'm quite sure Nike never made this exact colourway.

Blacked out the label just cos I freakin felt like it. Boo ya!

The Triple Cork

A corkscrew (or cork) is not a backflip. Snowboarders say it's an off-axis spin. Whatever that means. I just think it's a 180 rotation that tweaks the backflip diagonally. This time done three times over while whipping up a tornado in the air.

His much hyped about winning move at the recent Winter X Games 15 however, is more of a Triple Backflip 180. Considering he still flipped three times with broken ribs under the pressure of a competition, still makes it pretty damn crazy.

Seafood Platter for Eleven

Happy Chinese New Year! Get your Huat on!

No Stage, No Spotlights

Just a performer and his passion for his craft.

How Many Jackets Do People Need?

I always have a lot of respect for Staple because he speaks the truth, and unlike 99.8% of the rest of the world, he (for the lack of a better term) keeps it real. He also has a good blog.

I Play Golf

I don't know Golf systems very well, but he has a handicap of 3. Which I think means he's a very very good amateur Golfer.

Greatest Tournament Name Ever

Because it's not just cute. The guy who invented the Frisbee really did get inspired by his mom's cake pan.

You Can't Murder a Legacy

Probably the most important film in the past year. I'm actually quite ashamed about how little I know about the situation there. Reminds that the peace we enjoy, is something many would die for.

Life Changing Sweet Potato

And I don't even like sweet potato. They also have Seaweed Fries for those of you that miss maybe the only good thing from McDonald's. Get it at B1, bugis Junction!

Boogie Nookie

Andrew is a Dirty Dancing Champion. See you on the dancefloor.

Rollercoaster Music

Interesting look into how they make music for theme park rides. Those sound effects are genius!

Ghost Ball

Mini golf hole in one off a fountain spout while drunk.

Saved My Weekend

Everyone can see the road that we walk on is paved in gold, and it's always summer it never gets cold~

This is My Excuse

For the lack of updates these past few weeks. Blazing Teens site is live as of few weeks ago. Probably my best website design ever (ok I've only done 2). However content generation and blogging is much more tedious than I thought. I want to give J my language ability and let him take over. He's much better at that.

There's actually more design work coming in. I need to charge more for this sleep deprivation.

Nachos Overdose

It was so good we ordered another serving. We almost never do that. Ask for some Ranch Sauce if the dips are not working for you. Move on to the Sour Cream (white stuff in photo) when your tastebuds are more accustomed to the flavour, then order another serving @ Chili's, Tanglin Mall.

Singaporean Kindness

I was happy to see this aired @ bus interchanges. Always nice to see people who treat others well get treated well in return.

In response to ads like these, many Singaporeans say that kindness in our country if anything is always artificial and not genuine. You see a sign, listen to the campaign and be kind for a while. Well to that I think the only way to have real kindness is for those same Singaporeans to stop complaining about their fellow countrymen and be genuinely kind themselves.

By the way, I think "Thank you" and "You're welcome" are good, easy starting points.

I Eat Emcees for Breakfast

Much of the Indie Hiphop genre for a number of reasons is actually very difficult to listen to, so it's always refreshing to hear a smooth flow over an easy beat. Outside of that, this guy's got some technical rhyming skills and a sense of humour. Definitely worth supporting.

Gyeah!

via Andrew

Signed Off

Sketch after sketch, render after render, it's been tough but I'm glad the final version looks cool. Hope y'all enjoy it in Prague!

Please tell Spinworkx to let me or Winnie redesign some of their major competition logos.

Christmas Origami

I think I did okay~

Extended Replay

While we already know the Electro Duo have dropped another amazing track, it really is kind of short. So I went out to find me an extended version so I don't have to hit replay every 2 minutes.

Electrify the boys and girls, if you would be so kind!

The Krispy Kreme Post

The Best Donuts (Sugar Glazed) in the World.

Donuts + Yoyos. Good times.

BTW I'm only back in Singapore because they rejected my application for a job there. Apparently locals only. Sob.

Skating Lightshow

Japan at the next level once again. Crazy tricks, even crazier lights. Some pretty complex stuff going on there if I could say so myself.

Back to painting my Frisbee Black with Turquoise glow rims.

Comedy Gold

Roy! Roy Roy Roy! I'm still laughing.

Fly Macam G6: Kuala Lumpur Pt.2

Morning shopping at Sogo, Chris and Darrell try'na look fly with their newly purchased Beyblade spintops. Apparently slightly cheaper there.

Blindfold Rubik's Cube Division. Basically once they're given the cube, they figure out and remember how to turn the cube in what order to solve it, put on their eyepatch, and execute it. Totally ridiculous. The eyepatch and the level of skill.

Faiz lookin mad fly. Rocked both the mic and the women's blazer. Automatic slim fit.

Judges and wannabe judges. They look like they're having but they're really suffering. Judging is no fun. I decided not to ruin my holiday with useless stress and work.

Post competition dinner with the players. We took over this crazy place called Murni. Some of the most heart stopping, blood vessel clogging, straight up greasiest grub I've ever allowed into my mouth, but just so good. This was I think double chicken chops with cheese in the middle. Now it's just the lining in my blood vessels.

This is their Mango special or something. It's more of a sweet than a drink so forget about quenching your thirst here.

Final day shopping @ Showroom, Berjaya Time Square. Great selection and prices of some of that streetwear gear. Here's Zaf, hot off getting 6th at his first competition and wants to tell you he can't help it. He's just naturally that damned talented.

By the way, you don't wish the new year is Awesome. You make it Awesome.

Happy New Year.