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YOUNG Shu Wan's Natural Moments - May 31

Roz Keep, Director, Island Arts Lamma, writes: "Island Arts & Banyan Bay Cafe present...."

Looking For Lamma-zine Interns - May 30

Do you know local teenagers or students who'd like to learn about running an online magazine?

40th Birthday Rainbow Party - May 29

Once upon a time on Lamma, another 70s-themed birthday party for Jack Wilson.

Top Teams Tilt & Turn, Throw & Thrive - May 28

A crucial foul shot by the Brown Lions centre Makha Diop that took a week to shoot finally swished....

Mui Suet See, Lamma Superstar - May 27

Who's the biggest star of Lamma? You might guess Chow Yun-fat and you'd be right,...

Lamma Dragons: Out of This World? - May 26

From Harry Harrison this morning at 5:04am, his "Out of This World" drawing to be auctioned....

Glass Recycling: Tonnes of Success - May 25

"Over a tonne of glass collected last Friday!!"

ARTsy HK - May 24

I've been visiting the huge ART HK art fair in the HK Convention & Exhibition Centre as a PRESS representative.

Always Eager to Promote Non-Profits - May 23

Primary 1 Education on Lamma

Lamma Market

Try Outrigging on Lamma

Big Trouble in Idyllic Lychee Valley - May 22

You might have seen the news about Tai Tong villagers violently resisting police....

'Eclipse, Ring of Fire? I don't think so' - May 21

Intrepid Solar Eclipse watchers at Lamma Winds Pavilion, disappointed by the...

Lamma Hoops Reports:
May 20

"Stallions sprint to second win at expense of hapless Panthers."

Annular Solar Eclipse Breakfast - May 19

You're cordially invited to the very first Lamma Annular Solar Eclipse Breakfast.

Russian Roulette @ Basketball Court? - May 18

"The Lamma Island Pinoy Basketball League emailed the following advisory to all players:"

Killing a Bulletproof Virus - May 17

"A program was behaving suspiciously on your computer. This program was removed."

700 sq ft. 3 bed,... - May 8

Loads of rent & let ads are being posted in our free classifieds these days. This is one of the best and funniest ones.

Angry Birds vs Other Fierce Animals - May 7

"Can a pack of vicious Vipers spring high enough to sink fangs into the flanks of lofty Dragons?"

Lamma Ladies: Champs Again! - May 6

Lamma Ladies: The 2012 Lamma 500 Women's Cup Champions!

58 Dragonboat Teams @ Lamma 500 - May 5

"The "Lamma 500" is one of the most colourful, vibrant sports events of the year in Hong Kong."

New Printed Posters - May 2

This poster went up in some public areas in Yung Shue Wan today. It'll hopefully attract a few Lamma Newbies.

Ah-Por Dau Foo Fa - May 1

"This couple appeared in a book I contributed photos to, Lost and Found: Hong Kong. They've sold their specialty for 20 years:"

Contact us for Lamma-related questions & comments Contact 'Lamma Gung' via Facebook Subscribe to biweekly Lamma-zine email Check out our advertising info Your sponsorship or donation to keep this site running?

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May 31:  YOUNG Shu Wan's Natural Moments

Roz Keep, Director, Island Arts Lamma, writes:

"Island Arts & Banyan Bay Cafe present the third annual Children's Art Exhibition:

YOUNG SHU WAN'S NATURAL MOMENTS

Lamma bird paintings, Banyan tree drawings, butterflies, huge Lamma bugs and photographs.

June 6- 12, Banyan Bay Cafe (Cath's bar), Yung Shu Wan (closed Mondays).

Opening night for the children and parents from 6pm, Wed, June 6.
Pop in with your child for the opening!
Snacks and kids' drinks provided, Adults, please buy drinks at the bar.

Feel free to forward this invitation."

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May 30:  Looking For Lamma-zine Interns

Do you know local teenagers or students who'd like to learn about running an online daily magazine like the Lamma-zine from somebody who's been working in Internet publishing and e-marketing professionally for 17 years now?

This informal internship could include, all depending on your interests, anything from research, interviews, photography, writing, design, publishing, programming, marketing, events promotion to social media integration. Ideally, you'd research, create and promote your own stories, from your own creative ideas and my suggestions, helping you along at every step, of course.

You'll need to know Lamma quite well and have already dabbled in blogging and social media. Speaking (and maybe even writing) at least basic Chinese would be a strong advantage.

This is a (modestly) paid position, depending on how much time you can invest and there'll be a bonus at the end. You could work anywhere in Yung Shue Wan, in the Lamma-zine home office or Rooftop Jungle, occasionally even from your own home. Laptop provided, if needed. The positions are open from now till school starts again after the summer break, for a minimum 1-month time commitment.

No need to make coffee, like so many interns in other companies. In fact, I'll make coffee for YOU, as that's the main stimulant that's kept the Lamma-zine running for almost 10 years! Let me invite you for a coffee in a Main Street restaurant for an informal interview.

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May 29:  40th Birthday Rainbow Party

Once upon a time on Lamma, a 70s-themed birthday party for Jack Wilson, in his beautiful family home high up in the Lamma hills; Saturday, May 19, 2012.

The birthday boy, just born in the 70s, too young to experience disco first-hand, was getting groovy wearing a massive, sweaty afro wig in his debut performance on the bass. His impromptu Lamma band's name still remains a mystery...

Yes, there was disco-dancing under a mirror ball happening. This little animation, not a video, was created with a 10 frames-per- second pocket camera; the same camera as the 180-degree panoramic sweep photos at the top of this story.

It's just a backup camera, as wannabe professional photographers need a variety of cameras, lenses, filters and gear to do their job well while running all over the place during these hectic party photo shoots filled with unique, unrepeatable photo opportunities. Miss one and it'll never happen again, like this 40th birthday party.

For example, at one of my brother's wedding long ago: his friend and "official photo- grapher" forgot to put film into his camera during the wedding. No photos at all! True story! The marriage didn't last, unfortunately.

You're NEVER to old to play with Lego, not even if you've watched the original Star Wars movies when they were first released.

Those darn, self-re-igniting candles are very hard to blow out... several times.

A great time was enjoyed by all, even though some guests seemed to be there mainly for the great food?

The birthday boy in his birthday suit, a lucky kid back then and now.

Their daughter, the Cute Cookie Monster, is eyeing the birthday cake and the birthday cupcakes (with a typo?) on the bountiful, never-ending, constantly being-refilled buffet.

This "Wow, far out, man!" couple inspired me to do a bit of falsecolouring.

The action moved to the rooftop where some of Lamma's "Young & Wild Ones" happily indulged in various vigorous vivacious activities.

Jack's work colleagues made the long, arduous and tiring journey to the far-away, remote island of Lah Mah Doh, a place many HK people have never ever visited.

Almost as expected, somebody called the police with a noise complaint, but quite early in the evening! They were friendly and refrained from arresting the host.

Finally, the main attraction of the evening (as planned, of course) an extremely rare double rainbow during a fiery sunset, over the windturbine!

Last but most important, a big thank-you to the cheerful and hard-working ladies who made it all possible, sporting the special, commemorative T-shirt.

Want to see even more photos? Yes, there's a Lamma-zine photo gallery.


P.S.  Got a great party or event coming up? Need a photographer?

Contact me! Anytime, anywhere in HK, very modest fees, including photo DVDs, contact sheets, printouts and Web/Facebook gallery!

You could even get a free story and gallery in the Lamma-zine, if you like.

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May 28:  Top Teams Tilt & Turn, Throw & Thrive

John Cairns - Official Court Basketball Correspondent:

TOP TEAMS THRIVE, WIN TOUGH TILTS

YUNG SHUE WAN, Lamma Island, Hong Kong -
A crucial foul shot by the Brown Lions centre Makha Diop that took a week to shoot finally swished through a net at Yung Shue Wan's outdoor basketball court. Even so, the rival Purple Vipers remained undefeated by holding off the Lions 83-79 in Lamma Island Pinoy Basketball League (LIPBL) action that began on May 20, but didn't end until May 27.

Another unbeaten team, the Golden Dragons, then kept pace by outlasting the Aqua Sharks 81-75. That entire game and the closing 1:48 of the Vipers-Lions contest originally had been scheduled for a week earlier, but a sudden downpour of rain forced postponement.

Read more and see loads of pictures...

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May 27:  Mui Suet See, Lamma Superstar

Who's the biggest star of Lamma? You might guess Chow Yun-fat and you'd be right, if you count income and world-wide success and fame. But if you look at stars actually performing live on Lamma, nobody can beat Cantonese opera star Mui Suet See in the hearts and affection of many Chinese-speaking Lammaites. Performing for 19 straight years now at the yearly Tin Hau Festival in Yung Shue Wan, she's a true superstar of the Cantonese opera world. Don't believe me? Watch my photos below, from this event inside the YSW opera tent at the end of the last Tin Hau Festival last month, Sat night, April 14, 2012, the official closing ceremony of these yearly $1+million celebrations.

Her 'Long Qing Shi Yi Ban Shi Ji' movie is showing now in the Palace cinema inside the ifc mall (nicknamed "YSW Shopping Mall"). Trailer and synopsis:

"The dream of many Chinese Opera fans came true in December 2011 when the legendary team of Lung Kim Sung and Mui Suet See were back together again for a series of performances celebrating their half-century career on the stage. In their long-awaited collaboration, the veteran duo performed four fan-favorite acts at three different locations, while these classic Chinese Opera acts are now rerun in a limited scale on the silver screen."

I've been honoured to interview Mui Suet See a few years ago, introduced by Lammadonna, in Sampan Rest., while her ardent fan club of middle-aged ladies was watching us excitedly from a close-by table and her male co-star translated. She expressed her love for Lamma and her people who had been so loyal and supportive of her throughout decades, enabling a lifelong career in the difficult and highly demanding life of a Chin. opera performer.

Ah-Mui came across as warm, surprisingly down-to-earth and unaffected, far from a primadonna, being used to being adored, even revered, but taking it in her stride. She was very friendly and complimentary of her legions of fans and supporters, promising to return to YSW for several more years before retiring. Her eager fan club badgered me for weeks afterwards about details and photos of my interview.

Let me find the pictures of hundreds of Lammaites worshipping Mui Suet See on stage with such an ardent fervour and deep adoration. It took me by surprise, seeing these usually quite reserved Chinese Lammaites, my neighbours, so excited, emotional and enthusiastic. I've had never seen this ceremony in person before as it's purely local, announced in Chin. to insiders only, and the timing is very "fluid", hours later than anticipated. What stuck in my mind from this Tin Hau Festival's closing ceremony below was a lasting impression of witnessing the secretive heart & soul & passion of indigenous YSW, as corny as that may sound.

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May 26:  Lamma Dragons: Out of This World?

Just received by email from Harry Harrison this morning at 5:04am - "11TH HOUR AS USUAL", he writes - his "Out of This World" drawing to be auctioned off tonight! Have a close look by clicking on it and bid as much as you can afford (or more) tonight for the original. I love those startled aliens!

See you tonight after 7pm in the Island Bar in "Out of This World" fancy dress?

Karen Carmen writes:

"Come one, come all in your best "Out of This World" fancy dress costume and support the Lamma Dragons in their effort to raise funds for a new dragonboat and the Club Crew World Championships held in Hong Kong harbour this July!

20% of the proceeds go to local charities, Enlighten (promoting epilepsy awareness) and Shelterbox (providing disaster relief around the globe)!

Heaps of door prizes to give away and Jell-o shots and Pizza Milano pizza in circulation! Plus a Harry Harrison original to auction off at the end of the night!

The fun starts at 7:00 in The Island Bar with prizes drawn throughout the evening and DJ Fraser in attendance!

Door prizes donated by the following individuals and organizations:

Grand Prize:
Red Packet Macau Package for 2
from The Henley Group (accommodation at The Four Seasons)

Platinum Wines, Thirsty Horse Wines, Punchline Comedy Club (c/o The Henley Group), The Bookworm Cafe, Pizza Express, Pizza Milano, Lamma Grill, LaLa mama, The Waterfront, The Banyan Tree, Purple Cow, Apple Inc., Typhoon 8, Saturn Jewelry, Annie H Gifts, Jean Gorguet Photography, Sellers Photography, DJ Fraser, Sense of Touch, Fitness First, Coastal Fitness, LoveLifeHK (Yoga), Megan Tanner Personal Training, Carrie Yu Massage, Pete Gable Hypnotherapy, Malbec Wines (c/o Jen Fulton), Speed Dating Hong Kong."

P.S. Just in from dragonboater Paul:

"Harry's picture raised $6,000 which I believe is a new record, and if not is certainly equal to it."

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May 25:  Glass Recycling: Tonnes of Success

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May 24:  ARTsy HK

I've been visiting the huge ART HK art fair in the HK Convention & Exhibition Centre as a PRESS representative, taking loads of pictures. Tickets were priced $250 - maybe to keep the non-art-buying, poor riff raff, like myself, away from this purely commercial, galleries-only fair?

Showing my home-printed name card was enough to get a PRESS badge made on the spot, with a quick webcam photo they took, no accreditation or background check, fortunately. After a freshly brewed, free coffee and snack in the press center, I was ready to indulge in the visual feast of two Cavernous Convention Center halls filled with art from 266 galleries from 38 countries.

I don't really know or understand anything about modern art, despite visiting art exhibitions for decades and promoting Lamma Artists for 10 years. I love and appreciate art for mainly aesthetic reasons and there was quite a wow factor to many of the expertly displayed artworks that caught my uneducated, naive eyes, more interested in visually fascinating artworks than in true "high art". Here's my totally, utterly unrepresentative photo collection. Despite frequent reminders and announcements that photo-taking was not permitted (except for people with badges), people were snapping away incessantly with their smartphones. But then, this gallery lady showed off 2 smartphones, 2 tablets, plus 2 laptops!


P.S. Not to be too presumptuous, despite not understanding modern art, or maybe because of it, I've put on a few solo and group exhibitions of my own digital artworks in Swiss and HK art galleries over the last few decades, just for fun, even selling a few pieces. This was my last last solo exhibition in a Lan Kwai Fong gallery, a master index of my "digital doodles" of the last 10 years:

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May 23:  Always Eager to Promote Non-Profits

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May 22:  Big Trouble in Idyllic Lychee Valley

You might have seen the news about Tai Tong villagers in Yuen Long violently resisting police and the Lands Dept. officials yesterday, stopping them from closing and dismantling some of the illegally occupied areas of the Tai Tong Lychee Valley nature amusement park? Fortunately, we don't see anything like this on on our "Peace, Love, Lamma!" island (yet). But Lammaites have been visiting that beautiful park en masse just last year on a public, sponsored full-day tour, organised by the Rural Committees and Outlying Islands District Office, unaware of the park's long-time illegally occupied areas.

Only Gwailo present: Lamma-Gung, in his usual photo shooting frenzy, running all over the place, taking pictures of almost anything catching my eager eagle eyes (with the help of strong eye glasses).

A selection of my very best (in my very humble opinion) photos can be viewed in the photo gallery above, hopefully giving you some context and background to this heated story which will remain in the HK news for a long time to come, pitching the power (or lack thereof) of the HK Govt. vs. the New Territories villagers and the Heung Yee Kuk. Your guess on the outcome depends on how cynical you've become about HK politics....

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May 21:  'Eclipse, Ring of Fire? I don't think so'

Intrepid Solar Eclipse watchers at Lamma Winds Pavilion, disappointed by the impenetrable cloud cover, but enjoying the balmy, breezy weather, the great company, plus Lamma-Gung's hot coffee and healthy snacks.

To my considerable surprise, getting up at 4:45am, I wasn't the only one up there at the 5:41am sunrise, even though I had emailed 4,500+ invitations via my biweekly Lamma-zine newsletter
(Subscribe to be informed about Lamma Events).

While waiting for the clouds to clear, I occupied myself chatting and photo- graphing people & pets, while enviously eyeing Howard's high-end equipment.

Finally, the clouds cleared for a few seconds, well before the end of the eclipse!

This is the rival eclipse party waiting very patiently on the opposite hill, Mt. Panorama, also just above the windturbine. But are these people enjoying the comforts of a pavilion: seats, table, cover and catering? Nah!
Ultra-zoom photo by Howard Sheard, from his Facebook album, titled 'Eclipse - Ring of Fire? I don't think so'. Here are a few of Howard's best photos (click to enlarge, like most Lamma-zine photos):

After the Chin. mythological dog devouring the sun had released it, how many wannabe eclipse watchers can you spot in my picture of the rival eclipse party descending from Mt. Panorama? Click to find all of them.

P.S. If you'd be living in California, like ex-Lammaite Noah, this is what you could have admired this morning (as seen through a double mylar emergency sleeping bag):

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May 20:  Lamma Hoops Reports:

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May 19:  Annular Solar Eclipse Breakfast

You're cordially invited to the very first Lamma Annular Solar Eclipse Breakfast, up on the hill above Yung Shue Wan, inside the Windturbine Pavilion, just above Lamma Winds, on Monday, May 21, 5:30am
(as long as the weather is not too horrible and there's at least partial visibility).

Sunrise at 5:41am, eclipse maximum at 6:08am, ends at 7:16am.

Even if the visibility might not be perfect, it should still be a great, Lamma-style, fun event:

Sunrise watching, eclipse watching AND breakfast with old and new friends above HK's only commercial windturbine, a "Typically Lamma!" event if there ever was one! And you'll still have enough time to get to work in town on time afterwards, after a really great start for your working week!

Anybody welcome! Off-island visitors could stay overnight with friends or in a holiday resort or hotel. More breakfast details.

BYOB, Bring Your Own Breakfast, potluck-style, there's a nice table and seats inside the pavilion and the sunrise views should be great, even if clouds would obscure the actual eclipse. See the views. and the actual weather forecast.

Bring your own eclipse watching equipment, like a black plastic or glass, black goggles, or even a spotter scope (I'm trying to borrow one. Anyone?) to project the eclipse onto a sheet of paper, like the last partial eclipse, observed from the Trig Point above the Snake Trail:
Lamma-zine story.


Plus a few more upcoming events, also organised by the Lamma-zine:

10th anniversary party of Lamma.com.hk: July 23 (more convenient date tbc)

Lamma Power Station tour: Wed, Aug 15, 2012.

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May 18:  Russian Roulette @ Basketball Court?

John Cairns - Official Court Volleyball/Basketball Correspondent:

Organizers behind the Lamma Island Pinoy Basketball League (LIPBL) appear to have made a huge planning mistake. The negative consequences may be enormous, even deadly.

As summer-heat intensifies, the LIPBL games on Yung Shue Wan's outdoor basketball court become more lethargic and vastly less fun for the participants. Playing such a vigorous sport outdoors at the hottest times of day as tropical summer weather intensifies looks unwise. Alas, Lamma Island has no indoor hoops court.

With the games always at mid-day, as the sun glares and temperatures soar into the 30s Celsius, the running-jumping-bouncing action degenerates into a really bizarre game of Russian roulette to see which player on which of the six teams will become the first to collapse (and perhaps die) from heat stroke. Even the youngest, fittest team members, who run the hardest and play the longest, may fall prey. Or will a referee topple first?

As one of the players, not only am I reluctant to participate in more sweltering daytime games, but I doubt if anyone should. Nor do I wish to be a spectator when the Russian-roulette aspect claims its first victim. Maybe some potential 'fans' would consider Russian roulette on a basketball court highly entertaining. But with other players on every team having become good friends, I almost cannot bear to watch.

Every game-day (next on May 20) involves three contests - at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. A partial solution would be to swing the start times to the slightly cooler evening hours, say 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Better yet, why not suspend play entirely until October?

Earlier, the LIPBL played two successful "seasons" (early and late 2011) in cooler weather. This time, only really good luck or suspension of play can prevent a serious tragedy before a new champion emerges at the end of June.

After all, the Hong Kong Jockey Club slates its horse races for the cooler wintertime. If fleet-footed, muscular equine athletes dislike the summer heat, then how can human hoopsters tolerate it?


TEMPERATURE AT THE COURT WILL BE MONITORED?

Basketball Organizers React

Editor's Note:
On May 17, the organizing committee behind the Lamma Island Pinoy Basketball League (LIPBL) emailed the following advisory to all players:


Dear Players,

Day Three of our ongoing tournament proceeds as scheduled this Sunday (May 20). To avoid any untoward heat-related incidents during our basketball games, please see the following rule modifications and reminders:

  1. There will be mandatory timeouts at the 2.5min and 7.5min marks of the 1-3 quarters, charged to teams' timeouts.

  2. Team benches will be allowed to be positioned on the side of the court opposite to the committee's table, which is shaded and cooler.

  3. Teams are requested to bring an electric fan and extension cords for their use.

  4. Teams must bring their own bucket of ice and water. Not just for drinking, but for dipping their towels and cooling themselves with. Other ways to cool down, such as ice candies, are also recommended.

  5. The temperature at the court will be monitored. Players themselves can decide whether they can continue to play. Play would be halted by the committee if the temperature reaches unplayable conditions.

  6. Players with ailments or not feeling 100-per-cent are advised to skip the game for their own safety.

Team Leaders and Assistant Team Leaders, please coordinate with your players regarding the things to prepare before the game (as mentioned above).

If you have other suggestions on how to improve game conditions, please let us know. Thank you.

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May 17:  Killing a Bulletproof Virus

Some of you might have noticed my new promotional Lamma.com.hk posters on some of Lamma's walls. I usually print them from a DVD in a Wanchai print shop I've been visiting for many years. Using a thumb drive/USB stick this time, it got infected with a computer virus in the shop. See the warning above from my always active Norton Internet Security which is constantly monitoring everything on my office PC, including all programs, files, emails and websites.

Unfortunately, after bringing my USB stick back home, I got this warning and virus removal notice above on my home office PC. Problem solved? No, the virus had already spread to my external hard disks, re-infecting the PC later. The regular Norton system scans didn't identify the "virus payload", the "bullets", just the virus install program. Only a long, deep system scan could find it with the Norton Power Eraser, a specialist program only available to Norton subscribers like myself, but I wasn't even aware of it till now.

It's been several years since my last annoying PC virus problem. But it took me several hours to manually check and clean out this brand-new virus from all the hidden system files, startup files and boot-up folder where it was hiding. This reminded me of my Regional IT/Telecom Manager days and also why I'm not passionate anymore about fixing computer problems these days. Even after 30+ years of using many generations of computers, from huge IBM mainframes and the first Macintoshes in the 80s to smartphones nowadays, they all still face similar old problems and ever-new bugs.

While fixing this problem, this website went down intermittently due to technical problems at our US hosting co ("We have been having trouble with that server, and had to conduct some maintenance on it last night."); then my PC-smart- phone stopped working; after trying various apps I had to switch to a Wifi-only connection. Arrrgh!

The computer virus was in a hidden file, balas.exe, in a hidden \prueba folder on my USB stick; probably a word play on "a prueba de balas", meaning bullet-proof in Spanish. But even virus database searches and Google searches didn't list any info on this brand-new virus. Even the constantly updated worldwide community of Norton security users hasn't seen much of it yet ("Very Few Users, Very New, Risk High"). I didn't notice any obvious virus damage, besides unknown websites very rarely popping up in my Firefox browser, which could be unrelated.

When I returned to the print shop today, the manager wasn't worried at all, saying that they get files from so many clients and infections are hard to avoid. He refused to clean up his computers or even check for viruses as it would be too much trouble and take too much time in his always very busy shop, open till late 7 days/week. Caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware! I surely won't bring any writable media like a USB stick to this shop anymore! But their prices, speed and friendly, English-speaking service will keep this loyal customer coming back.

While reconfiguring my yearly Norton subscription, I noticed a new Scan Facebook Wall option which will automatically check all the links to dangerous websites which are appearing more often now on your Friends' Walls.

Besides scanning your mobile, Norton also lets you perform a Reputation Scan. I didn't dare to run it on Lamma-Gung's Reputation, too worried about what I might find out!  ;-)

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May 9-16:  L-G Being Too Lazy, er, Busy For Daily Stories

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May 8:  '700 sq ft. 3 bed, 2 bath, furnished + broadband'

Loads of rent & let ads are being posted in our free classifieds these days. This is one of the best and funniest ones I've seen recently (abridged, see full version, in case you might be interested yourself):

Tomodlin "Flat sublet available. Ground floor.

The master bedroom has en suite and an exceptionally comfy mattress. The third room, I use as a wardrobe and storage. I'll most likely leave my crap in there whilst I'm away. But there's plenty of room for your crap too. You could even place a child in there. The door locks from the outside as well as the inside. So you can lock the little bastard in.

Washer, microwave, hob, sink. But it is a typically 'Lamma kitchen'. And for some reason someone, once upon a time, thought pink floor tiles were a good idea.

$8,500 pm + bills (which will set you back no more than $500 pm, probably. Though that is based on one guy living alone, and I go out drinking a lot.)

I don't mind pets, as long as they don't shit everywhere.

There's a nice, big garden and patio (and barbecue); if you have a dog, get it to shit on that.

Smokers are fine too. Just don't set fire to the exceptionally comfy mattress. Or your pets. Or children. The floor is fine, it's tiled. You can't burn that. Just mop up the ash.

Lamma is a great place to live, apart from the hippies and the arse holes. Oh, and there's no McDonald's. But if you're quick, you can get the ferry to Central, run to the IFC one and back, and just* make the next ferry back home - all within 90 mins, sofa to sofa. Trust me on this. I recommend getting at least two meals, you'll most likely eat one on the ferry back.

*depending on the retardedness of the Macca's staff, of course."

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May 7:  Angry Birds & Other Fierce Animals

John Cairns - Official Court Volleyball/Basketball Correspondent:

("Caution, lady!" photo by John Cairns,
other photos, panoramas & animations by
Lamma-Gung)

Fangs Versus Fire:
Vipers, Dragons Show Teeth

YUNG SHUE WAN, Lamma Island, Hong Kong - Sun, May 6 -

Can a pack of vicious Vipers spring high enough to sink fangs into the flanks of lofty Dragons? That's a key question after recent action in the Lamma Island Pinoy Basketball League (LIPBL).

Winners twice in as many games, the Purple Vipers and the Golden Dragons share first place. The latest games played out on May 6 under scorching sunshine at Yung Shue Wan's outdoor basketball court.

For many players, the greatest difficulty was not their opponents, but coping with mid-day heat. "It felt so hot that I really wanted to carry a water-bottle in one hand and an electric fan in the other when running up and down the court," said one participant.

The challenge of battling for points, rebounds and loose balls in sauna-like conditions will worsen in the weeks ahead. A word-to-the-wise for organizers: they'd best be ready at courtside to treat possible heat-stroke, not just bumps, bruises and strains.

Tested to the limit, the Dragons nudged the Black Panthers 69-67. The Panthers battled hard, despite having just seven players available. After one quarter, the shorthanded Panthers led 15-10. At halftime, they trailed by eight points. Late in the third quarter, the scoreboard showed a 40-40 deadlock.

The Vipers hissed ferociously with a 79-68 victory over the White Stallions. This fast-paced game saw the Vipers lead throughout, although just 40-39 at halftime. In the second half, they slithered ahead to stay.

Clawing back from an opening-game defeat, the Brown Lions toppled the Aqua Sharks 77-62. For the second time in a row, the Sharks played with less than a full lineup.

The next action takes place on May 20. For the exact schedule, players and fans must visit the Lamma Hoops page on Facebook.

Caution, lady! Beware of the Sharks.

LIPBL Standings:

Golden Dragons – 2 wins, 0 losses
Purple Vipers – 2 wins, 0 losses
White Stallions – 1 win, 1 loss
Brown Lions – 1 win, 1 loss
Aqua Sharks – 0 wins, 2 losses
Black Panthers – 0 wins, 2 losses

Read more and view many
more pictures...

Attack!

Oops!

Who's foot is this? An accidental artefact from L-G's pocket camera automatically creating panorama photos.

The Basketball Court was swarming with these harmless and beautiful visitors.

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May 6:  Lamma Ladies: Champs Again!

Lamma Ladies: The 2012 Lamma 500 Women's Cup Champions!
(Photo by Brittany Hite)

"A Beachload of Paddlers" (photo by anonymous on results.lamma500.com)

Warmest congrats go as well to the Lamma Dragons, winning:

1,000m Men's Open 2nd Runners-up
1,000m Mixed Premier 2nd Runners-up
Mixed Cup Runners-up.

Platinum wines, the proud sponsors of Lamma Dragons 2012, quickly put up a Vimeo video. Photos of all winners =>

Many thanks to ALL the sponsors:

Race results!

Send me links to your photo galleries and Facebook albums, to be linked from this website and you might win a prize!

Here are the first Facebook albums: Howard Sheard, Dina B. Knight, Nicky Jones, Jean Gorguet, Karen Carmen;

plus public web galleries: Alain Jaquier, Brittany Hite, Daniel Clarke, Kevin Bishop (all winners);

plus 3 great music videos by Donna Foreman: music video #1, #2, #3.

Plus, by popular demand, one more photo from Karen Carmen of the Champions, plus dragon-tattooed Ken Ng (their team mascot?) showing off ... a banana?

Your comments on this story? Contact the editor, writer(s) and photographer(s) Email this story link What's the direct link for this story? Go to the top of this page

May 5:  58 Dragonboat Teams @ Lamma 500

Sun, May 6, 9am, Power Station Beach, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island.

Mark Burns & Brad Tarr - ThirstyHorse.com write:

"The "Lamma 500" is one of the most colourful, vibrant sports events of the year in Hong Kong. For a flavour of past events, see the photo gallery & event website.

58 teams will compete at the 2012 Lamma 500 including Team DNA (Dragons of North America) flying in from North America. New for 2012 is an "Over 40's" Mixed race which has proved popular with 7 teams entered.

The 'Lamma 500' offers food and refreshment stands, showers and changing facilities for competitors, and plentiful clean, dry toilet facilities. Free entry.

Event Charity: Make A Wish Foundation of Hong Kong

Live race results: Facebook.com/lamma500 - results.lamma500.com - #lamma500 (Twitter)"

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May 2:  New Printed Posters

(Lamma Dragons photo by Heike)

This poster went up in some public areas in Yung Shue Wan today. It'll hopefully  attract a few Lamma Newbies to check out this website, helping them to adjust to their new life on our fair isle.

The poster is using one of my many photos taken from a helicopter last year. More helicoptering shots from all around Lamma Island can be viewed here. ==>

P.S. If you'd like a poster of any of these photos (with or preferably without any words obstructing the view), let me know.

Your comments on this story? Contact the editor, writer(s) and photographer(s) Email this story link What's the direct link for this story? Go to the top of this page

May 1:  Ah-Por Dau Foo Fa

Ex-Lammaite artist Elizabeth Briel writes on Flickr and in her blog
("Final chapter: Found in Hong Kong - 20th April 2012"):

"Hong Kong Couple and Book

This couple appeared in a book I contributed photos to, Lost and Found: Hong Kong.

They've sold their specialty for twenty years: dofu fa, a delicious and healthy dessert, soft tofu with ginger syrup. I used to live next door to their stall, and would visit them often for an afternoon treat.

Finally I got back to the island to give them a copy of the book. They were really excited!"


I asked Elizabeth about changes on Lamma since she left:

"Always nice to hear from you!

Changes on Lamma? After three years away, and several homes (Sydney, Bangkok, and now Beijing) and buying a little place in Sicily, my Lamma memory is shattered! However, it seemed busier than I'd remembered: more bikes cluttering the pier, more energy. Then again, it was a Saturday.

We had a quick drink in the new and expanded Green Cottage: their kids are so big now! Lots of friendly and familiar faces as we strolled to the dofu fa stall, then up to Ahmed and Isabelle's.

Always good to come back and get some laid-back Lamma atmosphere, before returning to the bustle of HK and the Mainland."

 

 
 
 
 

Lamma-zine started in 2002, and will be updated (almost) daily with anything vaguely related to Lamma Island or its residents, be it news, stories, events, links, photos, artworks, videos, etc.

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