Archive for the ‘Happiness’ Category

Jul28

‘Giving it a shot might not make you a winner, but giving it up will definitely make you a loser.” Allen, Beijing…

It’s funny isn’t it? I’m always hearing people talk about widgets, applications this, online social network that, but – at the heart of what Laureline, Leia and Allen all talk about – none of these things really matter, nor even exist.

Following on from our last ‘assignment’ around their thoughts on the recession, we asked the bloggers to tell us about stuff that made a difference to them, about stuff that has a positive impact and feel in their wide, wonderful worlds…

Laureline talks us through her time in the mountains, 50km away from Grenoble and Leia her time in the woods, by the lakes and out in the middle of the sea, rigging the boats. Allen talks eloquently on team spirit, playing the game and how winning isn’t the ‘all important’ everything. With Laureline, out there in her new, wide-open space, she even writes the words ‘green’ in capitals…  It’s an interesting thing to consider isn’t it? There we are, shovel shuffling them online, and the times they’re enjoying the most cost nothing and exist outside of a cable connection. Leia visits a place with no phone service and whiles away her time without the Internet… ‘Back to Basics’, it seems, works too.

I think, all too often, brands build ways to bring people together that are immersed in the modern. They forget the beauty of open fields and bright, blue skies and put the youth market indoors, online, and almost ‘out of the way’.  As the rise of festivals across the world, [and the attendant international audience all show], however, this is how the global truly like to gather. Feeling part of something, and feeling part of a bigger something genuinely matters.

I love the essence of emotional education that comes through with each of the blogger’s brilliance too. Allen’s piece, for example, is loaded with life lessons, from the coach’s thoughts on spirit and winning through to the importance of dreaming; rather like Leia loosing herself on the road and getting in to ‘this zone, where you forget about everything and just listen to your music’. Passing on their own, worldly wisdom is a big part of what they like to spend time doing, whether it’s listening to the technical chat of other musicians to telling kids sisters about High School before your own, next life stage happens – this is an audience who like to help others, swap intellect and learn lots along the way.

The ‘free economy’ of course, is big business. Few of Leia’s posts neglect to mention money, but few of her favorite times actually necessitate it either. Conversations are a currency within themselves, but it costs nothing to have them. Talk truly is cheap, and the communion of communication imperative.

Brands need to know how to bring the youth market together politely and properly. How to give them the tools to talk and the space to wonder and wander should be rooted at the core of any campaigns you consider, and how to allow them to be themselves, wherever they want, crucial Whilst I’m loath to quote silly old Sting here:  it really is important to ‘set them free’. Shame this isn’t a message in bottle really, a blog will have to do.

Innit. Ruby Pseu. x 

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Ruby Pseudo

‘Giving it a shot might not make you a winner, but giving it up will definitely make you a loser.” Allen, Beijing…

It’s funny isn’t it? I’m always hearing people talk about widgets, applications this, online social network that, but – at the heart of what Laureline, Leia and Allen all talk about – none of these things really matter, nor even exist.

Following on from our last ‘assignment’ around their thoughts on the recession, we asked the bloggers to tell us about stuff that made a difference to them, about stuff that has a positive impact and feel in their wide, wonderful worlds…

Laureline talks us through her time in the mountains, 50km away from Grenoble and Leia her time in the woods, by the lakes and out in the middle of the sea, rigging the boats. Allen talks eloquently on team spirit, playing the game and how winning isn’t the ‘all important’ everything. With Laureline, out there in her new, wide-open space, she even writes the words ‘green’ in capitals…  It’s an interesting thing to consider isn’t it? There we are, shovel shuffling them online, and the times they’re enjoying the most cost nothing and exist outside of a cable connection. Leia visits a place with no phone service and whiles away her time without the Internet… ‘Back to Basics’, it seems, works too.

I think, all too often, brands build ways to bring people together that are immersed in the modern. They forget the beauty of open fields and bright, blue skies and put the youth market indoors, online, and almost ‘out of the way’.  As the rise of festivals across the world, [and the attendant international audience all show], however, this is how the global truly like to gather. Feeling part of something, and feeling part of a bigger something genuinely matters.

I love the essence of emotional education that comes through with each of the blogger’s brilliance too. Allen’s piece, for example, is loaded with life lessons, from the coach’s thoughts on spirit and winning through to the importance of dreaming; rather like Leia loosing herself on the road and getting in to ‘this zone, where you forget about everything and just listen to your music’. Passing on their own, worldly wisdom is a big part of what they like to spend time doing, whether it’s listening to the technical chat of other musicians to telling kids sisters about High School before your own, next life stage happens – this is an audience who like to help others, swap intellect and learn lots along the way.

The ‘free economy’ of course, is big business. Few of Leia’s posts neglect to mention money, but few of her favorite times actually necessitate it either. Conversations are a currency within themselves, but it costs nothing to have them. Talk truly is cheap, and the communion of communication imperative.

Brands need to know how to bring the youth market together politely and properly. How to give them the tools to talk and the space to wonder and wander should be rooted at the core of any campaigns you consider, and how to allow them to be themselves, wherever they want, crucial Whilst I’m loath to quote silly old Sting here:  it really is important to ‘set them free’. Shame this isn’t a message in bottle really, a blog will have to do.

Innit. Ruby Pseu. x 

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Jul28

Well, I thought about many things before choosing this event for « a thing that makes a difference ». (that task is great !). So I chose a barbecue that a friend organized a week ago.

It seems quite commonplace but it was a moment that put a big smile on my face for days!

It was my day-off and my friend Stephane asked me to come at his parent’s place, in the mountains, 30 kms away from Grenoble. So I took a train and arrived in a GREEN place. Away from the city!

Jardin

Jardin

Stephane plays keyboard in a band called Cephee Lyra, who play progressive lyric metal according to their myspace ( http://www.myspace.com/cepheelyra ) … I don’t understand really all the meanings of this label but Cephee Lyra roxxx !!

So, when I went there, i knew it was gonna be musical.

And,

we drunk beers, ate sausages…

Barbecue

Barbecue

I listened to technical chats about how to have a better acoustic sound when playing outside…etc (and if you want to knowwhich one I am, I’m the girl in black on the next picture , next to that hot looks-like-a-hippie guy)

Discussion de batteur

Discussion de batteur

Then, the band had no choice and had to play!

There were lots of things to set-up before they played and I tried to understand how things worked but these guys are professional and very quick. They set everything up in a second.

Band

Band

Band

Band

I think I felt a bit embarassed and afraid because everyone here was a musician and was very passionate. Indeed, I was kind of lost in the middle of people talking about instrument brands and sound adjustments etc, but I loved it!

Having the opportunity to meet new people is already something I love! But when i get absorbed in a new field, when I’m surrounded by passionate people. I’ve got the feeling of being a tiny mouse who sneaked into a preserved area.

I witnessed how a musicians meeting was and what happened in that secret society…

Well, OK, I exagrate! First, I’m not totally a musically illiterate, and then, these people were so open and friendly that you can’t see them as the keepers of a secret!

So, then, Cephee Lyra played their show, with their feet in the grass and sunglasses on.

Band

Band

During the show, some neighbours and passers-by heard them from accross the hedge, they won some new fans !

To capture the audience, we have two pictures : one of everybody..

And one of the barbecue which burnt cause we were so captivated by the music !

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Laureline, 16, France

Well, I thought about many things before choosing this event for « a thing that makes a difference ». (that task is great !). So I chose a barbecue that a friend organized a week ago.

It seems quite commonplace but it was a moment that put a big smile on my face for days!

It was my day-off and my friend Stephane asked me to come at his parent’s place, in the mountains, 30 kms away from Grenoble. So I took a train and arrived in a GREEN place. Away from the city!

Jardin

Jardin

Stephane plays keyboard in a band called Cephee Lyra, who play progressive lyric metal according to their myspace ( http://www.myspace.com/cepheelyra ) … I don’t understand really all the meanings of this label but Cephee Lyra roxxx !!

So, when I went there, i knew it was gonna be musical.

And,

we drunk beers, ate sausages…

Barbecue

Barbecue

I listened to technical chats about how to have a better acoustic sound when playing outside…etc (and if you want to knowwhich one I am, I’m the girl in black on the next picture , next to that hot looks-like-a-hippie guy)

Discussion de batteur

Discussion de batteur

Then, the band had no choice and had to play!

There were lots of things to set-up before they played and I tried to understand how things worked but these guys are professional and very quick. They set everything up in a second.

Band

Band

Band

Band

I think I felt a bit embarassed and afraid because everyone here was a musician and was very passionate. Indeed, I was kind of lost in the middle of people talking about instrument brands and sound adjustments etc, but I loved it!

Having the opportunity to meet new people is already something I love! But when i get absorbed in a new field, when I’m surrounded by passionate people. I’ve got the feeling of being a tiny mouse who sneaked into a preserved area.

I witnessed how a musicians meeting was and what happened in that secret society…

Well, OK, I exagrate! First, I’m not totally a musically illiterate, and then, these people were so open and friendly that you can’t see them as the keepers of a secret!

So, then, Cephee Lyra played their show, with their feet in the grass and sunglasses on.

Band

Band

During the show, some neighbours and passers-by heard them from accross the hedge, they won some new fans !

To capture the audience, we have two pictures : one of everybody..

And one of the barbecue which burnt cause we were so captivated by the music !

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Posted in Happiness | No Comments »

Jul27

Allan, 16, Beijing

The thing that has impressed me the most recently and has had a big impact on me was the ‘2009 CL Smooth Crew Open Run’ (the biggest street-ball event in Asia).  I have to say that this game really caught the public’s attention, with lots of street-ball fans and hip-hop heads going kinda crazy for it…

Open Run

Open Run

CL Smooth Crew stands for ‘Chinese Legendary Smooth Crew’ a well-known street-ball crew in China and Asia that was established in 2003. Over the years they have made a great deal of progress in the development of both the Chinese street-ball and hip-hop industries. Every team member of CL were trying their hardest to make their team the most influential street-ball team in the world. The captain of CL is a good friend of mine, as we both have a deep passion for hip-hop and street-ball and we both want to let the whole world know about the unique culture from a Chinese teenager’s stand point. The captain told me about his ‘spirit’, as well as his ‘truth’ from playing street-ball, he has said that every one in his crew all enjoy the satisfaction of achieving their goal, they not only get kicks out of playing street-ball but also due to their deep love for the game. The captain devotes his life to doing his best to develop the teenager’s culture industry in China – it means a lot to him. The reason why a lot of people admire him is his great truths:

“there must be both sunny days and raining days on the journey of life, but no matter what happens, we’re never gonna stop balling”

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and

“giving it a shot might not make you a winner, but giving it up will definitely make you a loser.”

His words inspire me a lot. I think we should at least have a dream because when you cease to dream, you cease to live, once you have a dream, anything is possible!

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And now let me show you guys the CL’s moments of glory. They were champions of 2009 Urban Legend Games in China；the captain of CL has been exclusively interviewed by New York Times also CL Smooth Crew have also been interviewed by the same publication. CL smooth crew have been invited to the 1 Street Ball Global Tour in Shanghai, China.

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Here is my exclusive interview with the captain.

Q: what is your dream and your perspective of Chinese street ball and hip-hop culture?

A: I hope I can operate my hobby and make it more professional, I promise every friend of mine that I will devote my life to the game that give off all my respect and attitude.

Q: A lot of fans, particularly older folks, see you as a main reason that a lot of kids nowadays spend more time working on tricks than the fundamentals. Keeping that in mind, do you think your influence on the game of basketball has been positive or negative?

A: Both. I’m the first player to mess the game up in a good way and a bad way. They say I messed the game up, but it’s a compliment saying that in every city, I’ve got somebody playing like me, playing for a team or something. So when somebody like a coach for a high school sees me and talks to me, saying “You got my kids’ heads all messed-up”, that’s because I messed the game up in a positive way.

Q: What is the thing that make you go through all the tough time and make you become who you are today?

A: when my life and career hit the rock bottom, there is some words in my heart that my dream is truly belongs to the game, I have to step up and make my dream alive. I am what I am.

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Jul27

Leia, 16, New York

HIKING

I’ve started to become more active this summer. I don’t have much money to go out and do things with friends anymore so we have to stay home and find something cost efficient to do. The other day my two friends Nikki and Houston and I decided to go on a hike and find this lake in our town we had never visited. We spent all day trying to find it, and when we finally did it was the most reliving thing we have ever felt. Despite all our scrapes and bug bites, it was worth it. It was a beautiful day out and we had such a nice time. After we all ran into the pool and went swimming. The perfect ending to a perfect summer day (and we spent absolutely no money).

Hiking with friends

Hiking with friends

BONFIRE
Since none of my friends (or myself) have much money anymore we can’t really go out and spend money to do things so we have to work with what we have. We’ve been having bonfires at my friend Houston’s house. We cook food and talk all night. We literally do not spend more than $10 (on the food) and have so much fun. It’s in the middle of the forest so we can be loud and not bother anyone. We like staying out there as late as we possibly can. My group of friends and I have gotten so close this summer because of our lack of money and I have never been happier than I am right now.

Cooking on bonfire

Cooking on bonfire

FREE CONCERTS

Free concerts are always nice, always. Jelly NYC put on these amazing shows every summer at McCarren Park Pool until this summer where they are now being held in a different location. Regardless, they get amazing acts to play for you for free. You enjoy the nice summer air and some of the best bands touring right now. One show I am really looking forward to later this summer is when Grizzly Bear play the Brooklyn Waterfront for free, the day before I start my first day of college. It will be the perfect ending to my summer. Who doesn’t love free stuff, especially when it’s good?

Free Concerts

Free Concerts

I HAD AN ART EXHIBITION

I had my first photo show a few weeks ago. My photos were printed and mounted and put on display at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn during Northside Festival. There were six other photographers and we all had 7 photos hanging up. I felt so accomplished and so proud of myself. I was the youngest one showing. I had all my friends and family come out to see my photos. It’s so weird seeing them so big, they looked amazing. I was really able to take the time and appreciate what I’ve done for myself in the past four years. I thought about how far I had come, what I had been through, and realized how incredibly worth everything was in the end and that if I put my mind to it (as totally cliche as that sounds), I really can achieve it.

My art exhibition!

My art exhibition!

ROAD TRIPS/DAY TRIPS WITH FRIENDS

I just got back from visiting my friend’s house in Maine. I went up with three of my best friends and we stayed there for about a week. I had no internet and no cell phone service so it really was a “back to basics” type trip. We would spend all day on the porch playing music for each other, writing songs, sharing our favorite songs, going on walks, and swimming in the ocean. The drive up there from New York is 9 hours (not including traffic and rest stops). I’m the only one of my friends that drove up there with a license so I had to do all the driving in one day. It was hard work but I love driving for hours. You just get into this zone where you forget about everything and just listen to your music. It’s so relaxing I can’t even begin to explain. Spending time with friends like that, you really get to know them since you can’t really escape their company.

Road trip!

Road trip!

SPENDING TIME WITH MY FAMILY

Since I’ll be at college, away from my family starting in a few weeks, I’ve been spending more time with them. I feel like I need to teach my little sister everything I possibly can about high school before I leave, because I won’t be there for her when she needs me. We hang out almost every day doing little things together, but we’ve gotten to know each other much better. I’m really going to miss her and it hasn’t hit me yet that I will not be seeing her every day, that I won’t be able to talk to her about what’s going on in my life or hers all that often. It’s a weird thought, I’ve always had her there for me and I’ve always been there for her. Since I’ve been spending so much time at home, taking advantage of everything I have taken for granted my entire life, I’ve been with my family for much more amounts of time. We have dinners together now, and watch movies together as well. We all don’t have that much money to be going out with our friends all the time, and my dad no longer has a job so he is home a lot more often. We have all this time to spend together that we never had before and I am so grateful.

Family

Family

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Jul27

Caroline Daniels, iris

After talking to you about the recession we’d like to turn to a subject that’s a little more positive. We want to know what makes a difference to you, where you live and the people around you… Things that have a positive feel to them and impact on you. Anything that puts a smile on your face, is inspirational, optimistic and motivating. We want to know the things that make a difference to you. They can be things that make you think, make your life easier or less stressful, things that help you or a cause that’s important to you or even just something that makes you laugh.

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