Lamma-zine - Presented by Compunicate!

Issue #29, March 2004

Lamma-zine - The e-Magazine for our Island Community

All photos & writing (except where credited otherwise),

plus design, editing, ads, publishing, distribution: Lamma-Gung

Many thanks to all contributors, collaborators & advertisers,

especially all writers & photographers, proofreaders & cheerleaders.

Lamma-zine - The e-Magazine for our Island Community

   

   

 

Alain "Panther" N'Galani - Champion & Instructor, Island Gym Lucy Munshi - Managing Director & Cheerleader, Diesel's Dan "Bastard" James - Mr DanKwaiFong, The Bastards lead singer Angela Ingrassia - Mrs Retired Beast, Black Belt & Instructor, Island Gym Hamada El Mansour - Garoupa's multi-instrumentalist, Man About Town Yu Lai Fan - District Councillor, Village Rep, School Director, etc. Kumi "Drum Queen" Masunaga - Drum Jam Facilitator Frazer McGilvray - Quizmaster, YSWanker, ex-Lammaite Nadia Ying Lu - 2nd-Best shop, Painter, Spiritual Adviser Prafull Ambeker- Proprietor of Deli Lamma, Mr Cool Amar Singh, Spicy Island Proprietor, All-Round Nice Guy Pinky Chan, lady-of-leisure & local icon Ricky Choi - Manager of New Holiday Mood Grill Restaurant

 

Contents


 

Editorial

Emails to the Editor

Best of the Month

Events Calendar

About the Lamma-zine

Next Issue

    INTERVIEW

  1. Up Close and Personal with Lammadonna

    WINING & DINING

  2. Restaurant & Bar News - March 2004

  3. Tasting Deli-cious Wines

  4. Dining Adventure in Sok Kwu Wan
    PEOPLE

  5. Farewell to the Sweary, Shouty Quizmaster

  6. Lamma Accident & Emergency Committee

  7. More Than Just "The Cat Artist" - Diane Huntoon

  8. Pinkyism - a New "Evil Cult"?

  9. Who's "The Sweetest Motherfucker" on Lamma?
    SPORTS

  10. So You Think You Can Pull? - Dragon Boating

  11. Lamma Cricket Club Falls at Last Fence
    ENVIRONMENT

  12. From Hunter's Beach to Helipad - Reclamation Photo History

You are a true Lammaite, if...
you know most of these local celebrities!

(Mouse over people you don't know - IE only)
(Click on them to learn more about them)

 

Business Ads:

Flats for sale in Po Wah Yuen

Editorial:  Greetings from the Shire!

 

One of the true pleasures of a home office - besides not being "burdened" with a regular or substantial income - is being able to watch the Academy Awards ceremony all morning. Today, Mar 1, saw me cheering while Lord of the Rings: Return of the King cleaned up, winning ALL of the 11 Oscars it was nominated for.

 

It struck me how many parallels there are between Lamma Island and the mythical Shire, rural home of the Hobbits. (See photos from the Tai Peng Shire below.) Which local personalities could stand in for the roles of Frodo, Gollum, King Aragorn or even mighty Gandalf himself? I'll volunteer as Sam, Frodo's best friend, including my big feet! This Shire comparison certainly sounds like a possible topic for the Lamma-zine! Anybody want to write it up? Just one of the many fun local topics one could research, describe and illustrate... Suggestions are always welcome!

What would you like to read about?

 

There are many stories and photos in this issue, a local celebrity interview and many features on people, wining & dining, sports and the environment, with the main focus on PEOPLE. And not one word about PATRIOTISM! Oops, too late, sorry!

 

Hey, how many of the Lamma people on the cover above did you recognise? Mouse over these "faces from many races" to find out their names and occupations. Click on these faces from many countries to link to stories and photo galleries in this or former Lamma-zines where they were mentioned. Should I use YOUR face in the next issue?

 

As you and your friends know, dear readers, the Lamma-zine is always eager for story ideas, tip-offs and photos. They may come from anybody, even anonymous sources. For example, photos of Lammaites misbehaving at the Rugby 7s! Or did anybody get a new "Tattoo on Lamma" and would like to talk about the experience?

 

Worthy, substantial submissions will be offered the choice of a great bottle of wine (2 bottles donated by Vinoasia! Thank you!), or a free meal in a local restaurant! Smaller submissions will receive a sincere thank-you, a big smile & a friendly handshake! Submissions can be emailed to the Editor. I'll scan all non-digital materials. Chinese or bilingual material is most welcome as well!

 

New feature in this issue: an online Story Poll to let you vote for your favourite story! Have a look at the 12 feature stories, then vote in the Best of the Month section. See more of your favourite type of stories in future issues!

 

URGENT! I'm looking for a 2nd-hand digital camera! The one I've used to shoot most photos in all Lamma-zines is nearing the end of its useful lifespan due to almost daily rugged use for 4 years. Do you have one to sell (at least 3M pixels, 3x optical zoom, USB connection, Memory Stick or CompactFlash II, basic video/sound recording) at a really good price, or even on barter? You could see future Lamma-zines full of pictures taken with YOUR old camera!

 

Thanks to Kumi, our drum-jammer, for the cover title of this Lamma-zine, borrowed from her Email to the Editor below. She'll be drum-circling on a Chinese sailing junk this weekend, which is on route from China to Venice recreating Marco Polo's original return voyage. Everybody with "drumming hands, dancing feet, singing voice, and open hearts" is welcome. We hope she'll tell us all about it in the next Lamma-zine?

 

If you're not a subscriber yet, please subscribe here! It's free and your email address will remain totally confidential. It's essential for the Lamma-zine's success to gain many more subscribers! If you're already a subscriber, could you help to find more subscribers, please, by forwarding the Lamma-zine to your friends!

Or, even better, click here, add the email addresses of your friends in the BCC line. They'll receive a short, text-only, email reminder (no spam) when a new issue is published. Many thanks!

 

All the best wishes from Lamma-Gung,

the Hobbling Cyber-Hobbit

Editor-in-Chief of Lamma-zine
Site Administrator & Artsy Cybergeek, Lamma.com.hk;

Managing Consultant of www.Compunicate.com

 

P.S. Most pictures and all ads are clickable links! ANY TEXT in this dark-blue or this purple colour is a clickable link to more stuff, like photo galleries and additional pages, called Supplements.


Ads for Restaurants, Bars, Food & Misc.:

 

  1. Up Close and Personal with Lammadonna

     

     

    After months of trying, I've finally managed to get an exclusive interview with the most powerful woman on Lamma, Ms Yu Lai Fan. One balmy Tuesday afternoon, Feb 24, we started our pleasant chat outside Spicy Island, ending 3.5 hours later with al fresco dinner at B&B.

     

    It took her friend Pinky Chan (many thanks!) to introduce us and to interpret between us, even though Ms Yu's English is OK for basic conversations. We exchanged name cards (a still rare happening on Lamma). Besides her heavily made-up district election campaign photo on the name card's front, it was most impressive to notice the list of 15 (!) official functions on the name card's backside, in addition to District Council Member (Elected). Most powerful woman on Lamma, indeed, at least in theory. But she's so low-key, almost unknown to non-Chinese till the recent DC Election saw the photo above on posters and flyers all over the island. I've had all her job titles translated (thanks to Samson and Lily Li) and they're certainly a mouthful:

     

    Resident Village Representative, Yung Shue Wan

    Executive Member, Rural Committee, North Lamma

    Director, Primary School, North Lamma

     

    Vice-Chair, Tourism, Fishery and Agriculture Industries Committee, Islands District Council

    Vice-Chair, Lamma Island Area Committee, Home Affairs Bureau

    Honorary President, Marine Police Youth Group

    Honorary President, Scouts, Outlying Islands

    Honorary Advisor, Youth Association, Outlying Islands

    Executive Member, Sports Commission, Outlying Islands

    Member, Environment, Food and Hygiene Committee

    Member, Community Affairs & Leisure and Cultural Services Committee

    Member, Fight Crime Committee, Islands District

    Member, Democratic Alliance for Betterment of HK

     

    Vice-Chair, Women’s Association, Outlying Islands

    Member, HK Women Alliance Group

    Member, HK Women Development Association


    After introductions in Spicy Island, the three of us retreated to the privacy of the harbourfront area of B&B Rest., where she later invited us for dinner, sharing all the food and even paid for everything!

    She likes me doing this magazine for Lamma (not sure if she's ever read it, though) and we connected on our shared love of Lamma. She laughed at being nicknamed Lammadonna, regarding it as kind of a compliment. I have to admit to have been a bit biased before meeting her. But after this interview I really like her as a person. We got on very well, sharing quite a few laughs. She comes across as a friendly, down-to-earth, honest, simple, unpretentious, rural woman. After having been quite camera-shy before, she even let me take these photos, without make-up, not even lipstick!

     

    Ms Yu Lai Fan was born in the Lamma Clinic and attended Northern Lamma Primary School of which she is now the Director. She's had a hard, poor upbringing, together with 11 brothers & sisters, their parents selling home-grown vegetables. Attending a Caritas middle school she went on to complete Form 4; quite an achievement in her days when only very few students attended university. But she stresses that she still loves to learn, to improve herself, to study new things.

     

    She's lived on Lamma all her life, loves the place and has friends & family here. She describes Lamma people generally as very nice, very sincere, very down-to-earth, the same way she sees herself. Still being single and not afraid of dating. She'd even consider going out with a Gwailo! But he has to own at least $6 million, she added with a hearty laugh!

     

    But, in general, she seems to have very little contact with non-Chinese Lammaites, unknown to almost all of them till the DC election, it seems. The only Gwailo she mentioned repeatedly as a "friend" was Dan Peterson. But he says that he knows her only vaguely from some govt. enquiries.

     

    Since 1975/76 she's been helping Lamma people constantly, especially with small stuff. She claims that people call her all the time for help & favours, almost like a one-woman band, a Ms Fix-it! Being an intermediary between the govt. and the local villagers, she applies for govt. funds and facilitates for many local projects, some big, but most really small. For example, she even collects pension money from town every week to distribute to local elderlies (who will probably mostly vote for her). In 1997 she went into politics full-time, as an appointed District Councillor. Let's list some of her more specific comments on local political issues:

     

    Typhoon shelter (behind library): Part of Ms Yu's election platform was to enlarge it. She thinks it's much too small now, needs more room for boats during typhoons and needs to be "cleaned up", looking like a slum now. She couldn't believe it and shook her head when I mentioned that I like it the way it looks now, the stilt houses, the colourful boats, the romantic bay. Actually, there'll be a photo gallery in the next Lamma-zine...

     

    Helipad & Clinic: She was eager to point out the new temporary helipad opening close to the clinic. She was also very excited and happy to mention a video link from the Clinic to Queen Mary Hospital that was just installed for emergencies. She didn't claim the credit for these improvements, but it showed her eagerness to improve local services and infrastructure for Lamma, working hard to make life better for its inhabitants. It's just the details of how to achieve these goals where opinions differ frequently.

     

    Local Middle School: She's applied for it, fighting for it, to be built near the police station in Hung Shing Yeh. It's in very early stages now, applying for the preliminary location now, many more permits needed.

     

    Public toilet renovation: She revealed that it cost $1.5 million of taxpayer money! She used it as a "good example" that the HK govt. is willing to invest money to improve the island's infrastructure. She'd like to see a lot more of these improvements and advises people not to resist them, not to refuse the govt's generosity. Turning the govt. down on new projects repeatedly will make them back off from sorely needed improvements, she claims.

     

    Democracy Wall: I was enquiring who painted it over and why it can't be used anymore for posters. She dismissed it by pointing out that the wall looked so dirty before, especially to arriving visitors! They "complained" about the ugly wall and the posters falling down, messing up the street! In her opinion, it needed to be cleaned up and "beautified", giving tourists a good impression of our island. She dismissed the need for a public message board.

     

    Harbour reclamation: Basically, Ms Yu sincerely doesn't accept the arguments against the reclamation, even refusing to meet Save Lamma so far. She still sees their successful stopping of the reclamation as a kind of bothersome meddling by foreigners who're only living here for a short time. Me living here for only 2+ years was laughed at (nicely) as "just a new arrival".

     

    There was a plan by Save Lamma till recently of a raised wooden road on stilts above the beach which she ridiculed as "chee seen" and impractical. It would never be able to resist a really strong typhoon which us temporary residents have never experienced yet. In the end, this is not a disagreement fought with arguments only, but with emotions & prejudices, on both sides, between modernisation and protecting the status quo...

     

    Ring Road: She's really pushing for the construction, declaring it as important for emergency vehicles. She's argued in the District Council monthly meeting that the ring road objections of a small vocal minority do not represent the local views which are mostly pro-ring road, she says...

    She cannot understand all the objections and why people want to turn down the govt.'s money to improve the local roads. She's truly bewildered about Westerners who keep complaining about everything. Why resist progress and development, especially when it's paid for by the govt.???

     

    We didn't get into details of the ring road as there were some translation problems and Ms Yu's basic English is OK for simple topics, but not for discussing technical details. But it seems that they're improving the ring road plans now, following the recent flood of objections. They're proposing to connect the planned emergency access road to the fire station, for example.

     

    Basically, we have a clash of cultures, world views and priorities here. She didn't strike me at all as a cynical, tricky politician, obsessed with self-interest and profit, but as a honest, open person. As a life-long Lammaite, she tries to help to "improve" Lamma's infrastructure, believing in development, modernisation, wider streets, more buildings, more tourism, better business, prosperity for everybody; like many rural communities around the world. I have to admit that she's representing a majority of the locals, who voted for her, after all. Democracy in action...

     

    Ms Yu opened a new office at Chinese New Year, in the former location of the "Lamma Gourmet", open during the usual office hours all week. She's working with one full-time secretary & several occasional volunteers. She's even got an English sign on her office door now and you can stop by for questions & comments. But it might be good advice to make an appointment by phone (not email!) and bring along somebody bilingual for easier communication.

     

    I took this great opportunity to present the questions from voters to her again, the SAME ones I asked both candidates before the DC election. She promised several times to answer them. Weeks later, despite several reminders, not a single question has been answered...

  2. Restaurant & Bar News ― March 2004

     

     

    One new restaurant is scheduled to open late in late March (or April?): "The Full Monty" fish & chips take-away on High Street. Review in next issue! The photo below shows just one of the many local places also offering "Fish & Chips".

     

    The delicious Indonesian take-away behind the Scorpio Business Centre has closed, unfortunately. The owner and his Indonesian wife have left Hong Kong, taking up a new job posting. Kumar has departed from Y2IKEA a few weeks ago. Mark has left Aroy Thai, again. Manager Keith will leave the Island Bar end of March to run the entire large operation of an Australian Bar & Restaurant north of Macau in Mainland China. Guess who'll replace him? Kumar, formerly of Spicy Island and Y2IKEA!

     

    Bobsy the Bookworm is working full-time on opening an up-market "health food" vegetarian restaurant in SOHO, Central, in early April, called LIFE. Catch a taste of it during the March weekends in the Bookworm, as the new Canadian chef is in HK already for an Organic Orgy (click for more info). The Deli Lamma put on the first wine tasting I've ever seen in Yung Shue Wan, including a free wine snacks buffet, on Feb 28. Have a look at the Deli Wine Tasting photo gallery. Above left, one of Lamma-Gung's Deli Lamma favourites, Chicken Supreme.

     

    Please, let me proudly present: Lamma Dining Tips for Parents, from the Funday organiser, my "Mr Language Person" and occasional Lamma-zine proofreader, Doggy.

    Plus a little food review from yours truly about a new option for High Street "street food" (see right):

     

    Doggy:

    Unlike HK side restaurants, I can't really think of anywhere in Lamma where I would be reluctant to bring the kids - everywhere seems to be relatively child friendly, with high chairs and the like. The main thing you have got to watch out for is the VVs roaring past any of the roadside restaurants.

    I've found the Bistro is a good place for us to scoff and booze while Kaia dashes about and gets under people's feet - at least it keeps her occupied.

    The Bookworm is good because it has a selection of kiddies books for her to pick from and there are usually other kids in there.

    Of course, for kiddie diversions the best has got to be the Concerto (even if it is lacking in other ways), because you are right there at the beach, and as long as they are in sight, the kids will kick sand at each other for ages while you sup the sundowners. They've got a good little area of kiddies slides as well.

    Lamma-Gung - Amateur restaurant reviewer

    I was staggering by Spicy Island at 11:30am, after finally rolling out of bed after a very late night at the Sexy Biaatch party in Diesel's (photo gallery in the next issue). I tried Spicy's Masala Dosa and curry potato pancake (photo above) for a late breakfast.

    It was so tasty that I stayed on and had a proper Indian brunch, trying several dishes, fried street-side. Plus lots of coffee, of course. Many friends were passing by during my al fresco brunch, some of them stopping by for a quick chat and fresh input for the Lamma-zine.

    At $10-20 per item these freshly prepared dishes are great value. Well spiced, mouth-watering, succulent, but not too hot. One of the two full-time cooks of Spicy Island is preparing these original Indian delicacies on weekends and some week nights. Try them when you see them.

    Get quick, friendly, smiling service from proprietor Amar Singh; enjoy one of the best people-watching spots on High Street. A great but little-known brunch location, opening at 11am.

    I'm looking forward to Spicy's Naan bread making demos on Sunday afternoons, starting this month. Think flattened dough - similar to *real* pizza making - swirling above High Street!

     

    For more restaurant & bar news, presented as a photo gallery, including many recommended dishes I've enjoyed personally this month, click on Restaurant & Bar News - March 2004.

  3. Tasting Deli―cious Wines

     

     

    The Deli Lamma put on the first "Wine Tasting and Educational Seminar" I've ever experienced in Yung Shue Wan, even including a free wine snacks buffet, on Sat, Feb 28. A fun event with a crowd of "sophisticated, cultured, wine-loving gourmets", with just a few freeloaders sneaking in for free booze & buffet, like Lamma-Gung.

     

    Have a look at the classy Deli Wine Tasting photo gallery, full of Savoir Faire. More tastings are planned to follow on a monthly basis in the Deli! It's even rumoured that other restaurants might follow this successful example. Click on the poster on the right to find out if any of YOUR friends belong to the crowd of "sophisticated, cultured, wine-loving gourmets"!

  4. Dining Adventure in Sok  Kwu Wan

     

    Photo taken from Ling Kok Shan behind SKW, by Richard. Unobstructed view all the way to YSW and the power station!

    Click on the name cards below to enlarge them.

     

    After living in Yung Shue Wan for over two years, I've finally made it over to Sok Kwu Wan. Following the tourist path through the "other" famous village on Lamma Island, Lamma-Por and I explored the well-known tourist spots and enjoyed a seafood dinner, of course. Here's the photo story of our little SKW Dining Adventure, incl. many photos of the recently burnt-out, famous, 150-year old Tin Hau Temple.

     

    According to the Lamma Island Visitor's Guide, Sok Kwu Wan is "a famous seafood paradise with lots of restaurants along the shore area, and a wide variety of seafood for your selection. Tourists also favour local specialty food such as baked egg rolls, local spices, shrimp cakes and salted fish. The sweet tofu custard and ginger-flavoured milk custard are some of the most beloved desserts".

    Another quote from an old friend of mine, Knippy, who emigrated from HK to work for the Washington Post. As ex-HKTB, he knows all too well how to write for tourists:

     

    "But one of my favorite places to dine is in the wee village of Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island, where a dozen small seafood restaurants sit along the waterfront. A number of large glass tanks line the street, each one alive with all manner of sea creatures - lobsters, crabs, prawns, scallops and beasts that bear no English name.

     

    With a waiter's advice, you simply create your own menu. It will then be steamed or stir-fried with a dash of ginger, garlic, sea salt, fresh pepper and soy - freshness being the key culinary secret of the Cantonese. The opening round of icy San Miguel beer is served just as your first course arrives. Does life get any better?"

     

    Click here for the Sok Kwu Wan photo story.

     

    Interview with Jean Paul, manager/chef of Cococabana (see right) in Mo Tat Wan (ferry ride or 20 minute walk from SKW) in the next issue...

  5. Farewell to the Sweary, Shouty Quizmaster

     

     

    Some Laudable Lamma Luminaries are so famous & popular, it makes us mere mortal Lammaites green with envy!

    If I was leaving Lamma, would they put on a huge party in my honour with TWO bands, in "Lamma's leading hostelry, and also its oldest, liveliest and nearest to the ferry pier" (according to their own ad banner above)? No way, José!

    "Good riddance!" might be all the farewell I'd ever get!

     

    Plus, Frazer got TWO original posters by Harry, a 3-part photo gallery and this feature story in this Lamma-zine, all in his honour! He's so darned lucky! Why? Could it be that he's just such a sweet guy? Nah! Or could it be that so many people are happy to see him finally leave? We'll never know... In the meantime, have a look at photos of his Leaving Hoedown, called "Ho Down" (spelling was never one of Frazer's many talents). Plus a few historic photos of Frazer's many community activities on Lamma Island:

     

    Member of THREE Lamma bands (YSWankers, Gaelic Gall and Ex-Cons, see Harry's Poster Gallery), Quizmaster in the Island Bar for 5 years (see right poster), Treasure Hunt organiser, Women's Dragon Boat helm, Meatfest chef in Aroy Thai, very active member of Lamma.com.hk under several pseudonyms, fishy Live Fish expert (Garoupa above left, beware!), Executive Director of the International Marinelife Alliance, a man of way too many talents & passions...

     

    He'll be sorely missed by his many friends; even his foes, as it won't be easy to find another formidable, sarcastic & quick-witted opponent like him. Well, he's just an email away: Email Frazer. Now that he's left for a new life in Sydney, you can tell him what you REALLY think of him, without fear of retributions, hehehehe!

     

    Here's Frazer's very own farewell message, written for the Lamma-zine. Short'n'sweet from a man of action, not of many words, a not-lonesome cowboy riding into the sunset; plus a friend's message.

    Afterwards, don't forget to click on any of the 3 posters above for the party photo gallery!

     

    Frazer:

    Dear all,

    Many thanks to everyone for some great times in the last 9 years on Lamma. For those of you who turned out to make our leaving party one of the best seen on Lamma for a long time, you won’t be forgotten. I will miss Hong Kong terribly, it became my home very quickly, and was a real wrench to leave.

    Cheers, Frazer

    The Devil's Beard:

    It was indeed a sad day (for some) last Sunday when Frazer finally left the Island (Bar). When asked how he would be remembered, regulars were unanimous and said that he wouldn't be.

    Close friend and confidant, Clive B.F., a local joker, said he could now drink in peace as he would stop being mistaken for Frazer and being told it was his round.

    Frazer earned a unique reputation with the local fishermen as the helmsman for the dragon boat teams and was fondly known as "dong shut lo" or "get lost" because when he helmed, that's what they did.

    Local celebrity Mr. Frank Paul was quoted as saying "Wasn’t he French?"

  6. Lamma Accident & Emergency Committee

     

     

    On Feb 9, I posted the appeal below from the newly formed LAEC on Lamma.com.hk, calling for info on David Slough's death for a pending coroner's enquiry. They managed to collect a lot of valuable info up to the deadline, but they are still interested to hear about any medical emergency you have experienced. It's all for the common good of improving the severely deficient local A&E services. Help to save lives!


    In the few months since David's unfortunate death, it seems that the govt. has been rushing ahead with some initiatives of their own, probably pushed by the public outcry of locals and the media alike about the inadequate services. The temporary helipad in the reclamation (see below) was built and opened in record time a few weeks ago. On the right, the (maybe first) MedEvac helicopter landing there, shot from Sampan Restaurant.

     

    There's also some great news from District Councilor Ms Yu Lai Fan, who revealed during my interview with her, that there's a video link from the Lamma Clinic's treatment room to Queen Mary hospital now. A medical member of LAEC spoke to the Clinic doctor on March 12, who confirmed that they've had it for the last month. But when the LAEC medical member asked to see it and how it worked, the doctor refused, saying "This is not an exhibition!". Let's hope the video link is still operational and the staff know how to use it in any emergencies!

     

    Lamma Accident & Emergency Committee:

    At approximately 6pm on Monday September 8th, 2003 long-time Lamma resident David Slough fell in a serious accident outside his apartment at Tai Wan Old Village, Yung Shue Wan. David subsequently died from his injuries.

    Reports at the time of the accident indicated that failures in the procedures of the Accident & Emergency (A&E) services for Yung Shue Wan - an issue that has long concerned residents of the Island - may have significantly contributed to David's death.

    In order to clarify the evidence and to ensure that the Coroner's Court has the fullest information and recommends any possible improvements to the A&E services for Lamma, witnesses to the accident and subsequent events are invited to make their information known on a confidential basis to the Lamma Accident & Emergency Services Committee (LAEC).

    The Committee, a group of concerned residents, has been created with the sole objective of ensuring that A&E services provided for Lamma are much improved and attain the highest standards possible.

    If you have any contribution to make to the evidence on this tragic accident please make it known by noon on Sun, Feb 29th, 2004 to laec@lamma.com.hk or phone 6147-5140.

    To bolster the effectiveness of this campaign to ultimately upgrade Lamma's A&E services (Ambulance, Fire, Police), residents are also invited to provide clear and concise information regarding other medical emergencies in Yung Shue Wan and other villages which may reflect on deficiencies, including those of the Lamma Clinic.

    Your assistance will be greatly appreciated by LAEC, whose membership includes Mrs Mui Ying Slough, David's widow.


    LAEC Spokesman:

    A group of long-time Lamma residents last month formed a 'Concerned Citizens' group, the Lamma Accident & Emergency Committee, to look into how to ultimately to improve the level accident and emergency procedures for the island.

    LAEC continues to seek information on recent medical emergencies that could have received more prompt and concerted action on the part of the authorities so the situation can be improved.

    If you have any such information please send it to: laec@lamma.com.hk

  7. More Than Just "The Cat Artist" ― Diane Huntoon

     

     

    The Lamma-zine Artist of this Month is a friendly lady who's become well-known for her imaginative, colourful, semi-abstract paintings of cats in many poses. She used to live in the artist's loft high above Y2K, but has opened a proper studio in Central now. Still a busy full-time art teacher right now, she'll make the daring transition to full-time painter this summer. All the best of luck, Diane!

     

    Check out her new online gallery where you can notice that she has a much wider artistic range than most people ever suspected, an amazingly wide variety of techniques and subject matters, from YSW harbour to pure abstracts. Click on any of the two paintings for her gallery. Her new official website is in progress by yours truly, to be announced very soon.

  8. Most paintings are up for sale, email Diane directly.

     

    Artist's Statement:

    Painting is a very important part of my personal identity. I may move around, or my friends and family may circulate in and out of my life, but I have cultivated a relationship and dialogue with paint that I expect to continue for the rest of my life.

    My focus is on the contemplative act of painting and how contemplation can bring us closer to a sense of truth in life and its creative mysteries. The act of painting definitely taps into some kind of energy and I believe it is akin to a spiritual endeavor. I am familiar with this now and that is what I love and am drawn to. I enjoy the sensuousness of paint and prefer non-referential painting more than pictures filled with a lot of content. However, I try not to limit myself. Painting kind of reorganizes my brain cells (back to normal) after daily exposure to the crazy world of consumerism and political folly.

    My favorite artists are Franz Marc, Chardin, Picasso and especially the quiet work of Giorgio Morandi. I enjoy immersing myself in art history as it is enlightening to know what others have done. But, in essence, painting is in response to one's confrontation with existence. It is a great companion on the road of life.

    About the paintings on this page:

    All of the paintings here were done on Lamma in the past 2 and a half years. They are examples of the main images I usually focus on, which include the stick figure icons, cats, and big abstracts.

    The sizes range from 8"x12" to 4'x6'. Prices start at $2,000 and go to about $20,000. I am working on newer abstracts that I am very excited about and are not shown here but will be on the new website in April.

    I am happy to show my work to anyone who may be interested. Please feel free to email me at variousart@yahoo.com  and to make arrangements to visit my studio in Central, Hong Kong.

  9. Pinkyism ― a New "Evil Cult"?

     

     

    It all started when local icon Pinky Chan submitted a long letter to the last Lamma-zine. The pinky-haired Divine Ms D was so impressed & smitten with the letter that she started a new discussion topic on Lamma.com.hk, "Pinky Chan rules":

     

    "Just read the new Lamma-zine and I'm converting to Pinkyism. Anyone who can write this:
    'China is shaped like a chicken. How many air balloons we need to tear down one eagle? Guess? I don’t know. Have you tried it?' and admires Bin Laden because he's 'physically slim' has my undying love. You go Pinky!"

     

    In this issue, I'm happy and proud to present a true Laudable Lamma Luminary, our local 3G (Great Guru Goddess), the founder & mother of Pinkyism: The Venerable Ms Pinky Chan!

     

    I've had the pleasure of meeting Pinky myself only recently and we've shared a few meals, drinks & lots of laughs together. According to Toad in the Hole, Pinky opened Lamma's first hippy guest house, back in the days when she was a multi-dating "hot chick". This put Lamma on the backpacker trail and started the place we see today. All of us who love Lamma owe her a big debt of gratitude.

     

    In ancient, almost biblical times, before recorded history, she ran the (in)famous Banyan Café, a temple of wild hedonism and freely flowing intoxicating liquid sustenances. She grew wealthy as a landlord of ancient, often "illegal structures" which she's saved from demolition. A fun-loving, carefree lady-of-leisure these days, she's surrounded by many friends & admirers (see above).

     

    Devout, subservient disciples of Pinkyism listen fervently to her almost daily sermons in front of her local temple, Spicy Island, divulging pearls of wisdom to all voluntary & involuntary listeners. Even the occasional (OK, frequent) raunchy joke or colourful swear word escapes her blessed lips, cheering up her happily grinning followers, amazed about the sheer earthiness & worldliness of their admired idol.

     

    She's frequently traveling, at her own expense, to spread her gospel to new areas, offering her spiritual guidance to all heathens, steaming Bangkok last month, freezing Calgary right now.

     

    May she live long and prosper and entertain us for many more years, hopefully guiding many more of us lost souls on our way to the Nirvana of Pinkyism: a devil-may-care attitude to the trials & tribulations of life, a cheerful acceptance of the daily ups & downs, a Buddha-like serenity in the face of adversity, plus a heart-felt swear word or two when we need some urgent emotional release!

    The all-new photos of our guru in