What you? In business?

Yeah right? It's true. I suppose it makes sense. When you're turning 30 and have decided to go back to Uni part-time, you realise that time isn't going to slow down and that you're going to have to (cleverly) do more of the things you've always wanted to do.
Not to sound like I've always wanted to run a small business. Level UP Apparel was really just a blank canvas for me to apply the stuff I'm learning in Uni (did I ever blog about the time I enrolled for a Bachelor of Marketing and Media?).
Being mature-age students, it's only righteous and expected that we buckle-down and do everything we bloody can to outperform our 18 year-old counter-parts. The teenies have over 10 years on me, so what they have in energy, vigour and neuroplasticity, I'm gonna have to make up for in wisdom and strategy.
So I'm learning all this stuff in Uni and you've probably heard it before when they all say "you'll never use anything you learn in Uni in the real world and even if you do, you'll forget it all by the time you finish Uni".
Well, what if I DON'T wanna forget everything I'm learning in Uni? What if I wanna remember it all? Well, enter kinaesthetic learning! Is that how you spell it? Learn it by doing it!
So I'm in Uni learning all this stuff, but also, outside of Uni I'm learning lots of stuff about small business in this small group that I attend once a fortnight. Man some world class people in there, I can only wish I'll be nearly as cool as them. So I'm going to be using this little canvas of mine sort of like a sandbox. It'll be my little live experiment on marketing, business and having fun.

So check it out. it's www.lvl-up.com.au and drop me a line to tell me what you think. If you give me epic feedback, I might even send you a shirt.

Getting (back) into healthy living. Why is it so hard?

Don't like exercise? Can't bear the thought of getting up early to put yourself through gruelling rounds of sado-masochism for the want of addressing a guilty conscience? Does it make you sick? Do you like the naughty foods that you "aren't supposed" to eat? I sympathise!

I find myself stuck in that awful spiral of hating exercise and eating right. You might relate. How can one possibly like exercise? It's painful, sickening, it gobbles up hours of your day, PLUS if you're not eating right, it's just going to be a waste of time anyway.

Not long ago however, I used to really like Exercise. I used to exercise every day - 6 days a week and yes I used to be one to say "Exercise is great! How can one not like it? Exercise is so good! I can't fathom how I'd get by without exercise!". I used to eat clean and not think clean food was bland or boring. Maybe you can relate?

However, after 2013 end-of-year Uni exams, and with Christmas and New Year breaching the waters, I experienced fall far from grace. What was once a disciplined regiment of 6 calorie-counted meals per day and diligent carrying-out of precisely pre-planned schedules, overnight became a world of pleasurable celebrations and do-whatever-your-carnal-desires-please.

Sound familiar?

What is really interesting  is why exercise is so difficult to "bounce back into" once you've "bounced on out-of-it". Well, I heard something today that you may find interesting to know.

This brings us to our quote of the day. This entry comes from coach Robert Kastoun at Revolution X crossfit gym. Having spent the last three months out-of-action and failing to "bounce back in" (the last two attempts ended  up with being violently sick), I asked Robert the question.

"Why does it feel so sh*t to be back in training after all this time off?"

To which Robert replied.

"Because you've been eating  خرة you lazy arse"

- Robert Kastoun

(Translation for the Arabic term خرة can be found below).

Sure it sounds like a scolding... Heck yeah it was a scolding.

However, Robert went on to shed some light on how our eating habits affect some of our body's functions, and how these functions support the continuation of our established eating habits.

Simply ie we eat chocolate = we want more chocolate OR, we eat clean food = we enjoy clean food or at least aren't opposed to continue eating clean food.

Now I'm no dietitian or health expert, but Robert certainly is (18 years in the health industry as a professional with consistent and on-going study plus some guns to match) so I apologise for not having the science behind this post.

He matter-of-factly explained how a person with bad eating habits will want to continue to eat bad (it's a habit, go figure). However (and more interestingly) the affect that bad eating has on their body will oppose good eating habits ie eating clean food can actually make this person feel sick and weak.

Ever had a health-food freak try a greasy-meal and watch them turn green? This is not purely psychological, it's also a very real, physical phenomenon.

Robert's explanation looked something like this. Again I apologise for not getting all the science details as I was KO'd after a nightmarish workout.

1. Someone (me) has established a habit of eating chocolate for breakfast (YES! IT'S AWESOME!).
2. Chocolate takes very little effort to digest, as a result, the digestive system isn't working very hard to keep things running.
3. Because the digestive system is lax, the enzymes and stomach acid are in a relaxed state.
4. Introduce clean, healthy food which actually requires some hard work to break down.
5. Without the means and resources ready to break down this food, it just has to sit in the gut as the body tries to get up to speed.
6. Feel sick, weak, tired, want to go back onto chocolate
7. Also because of point 2, this person (again, me) is prone to getting reflux as well as a host of other issues.

It really goes to explain why since trying to switch back to 6 clean meals a day, I am struggling with keeping up with the volume of food I am consuming whereas I never used to struggle with this before. I'm always feeling full and have no appetite when it comes to the next meal. Rob's explanation also goes on to explain why I'm feeling sick after a workout (point 7).

SO... What does one in my position need to do? (Assuming one wishes to become fit and healthy and strong and all those wonderful things)

It's important to recognise that the pain and feelings of sickness that are associated with getting into (or getting back into) exercise are only temporary and will pass once our bodies get up to speed. Yes I hear some of you asking "But wait isn't there a shortcut where I don't have to endure any pain?," well, not really. However, I find great comfort in being accountable with people who are as interested in my health (if not moreso) as I am.

For you this might mean doing a programme with some friends, or maybe joining a class together, and always being mindful that the person you're doing this with is going through the same struggles as you, and needs your support.

The guys at Revolution X Crossfit gym are my lifeline in this time of being "easier to quit than continue".

If you're in Sydney's West, give 'em a call and drop in some time :)


Phillips

PS: خرة = Arabic for shit, or according to Google translate "Forced labour". It is pronounced 'xada', rhymes with rudder if you're Aussie and has a gutteral sounding X (like how the French pronounce their Rs).

PPS: Damn you modern day world for making me think of this. Disclaimer: I'm not a professional health expert so don't even think about taking my words as any kind of gospel or guide. They're here simply as an account of my experiences and thoughts. I value knowledge and wisdom so if you are a pro and have thoughts on what I've shared then I would love to hear from you.

Lights, Camera, Action

So just like the coming and going of the seasons, another epic era of employment comes to a cease, making way for an even epicer one. I'm no longer working at Fast Fours & Rotaries, left on great terms to chase bigger dreams of working in film.
It's quite daunting leaving a workplace when you're on such a high. There's many fears and doubts that try to hold you back, after all it's natural to fear anti-climaxes. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, just remember that you're springing from strength to strength. If where you are going is where you're meant to be going, then that's a level up.
I've been working casually at Fox Studios on a Few Best Men in the art department since, as a casual member of the swing gang. It's everything that you'd imagine it to be and then some! Challenging, fun, energetic. However for me it raised a lot of interest in Brutal Prophecy, our graphic novel.
A lot of people at Fox know about our novel now thanks to the world-moving efforts of my partner-in-crime, and thus I'm now on a big vendetta to get my part of this novel done. I've been quite slack and have some work cut out for me. So how's that for a life of a Freeman?
My days are filled with photography, errand running, 3D modelling and the occasional freelance bit of work here and there. It's handy to have your finances under control if you ever find yourself in such a place.
So where to from here? It's time I got my hair cut, had a shave, went for a jog and got my actors portraiture taken so I can finally apply at some talent agents for some extras work. I've been speaking to a few of the photographers at work to see if they can help me out, I might have to talk to a pro.
If you haven't already seen my flickr account, I suggest you do, I'm really enjoying photography and find it my release in my downtime.

Canon 50mm f/1.8 II noob photo enthusiast test

Don't you find it ironic that when once you start thinking about something, it starts showing up everywhere?

I've been thinking about picking up my first secondary lens for my camera. I was looking around for prime lenses and was choosing between picking up a Canon 50mm f/1.8 for an amazing $125 from D-D Photographics or the more solidly built Canon 50mm f/1.4 for $439 from the same place. DDP is like MSY but for cameras.

Anyway, one of the guys at work happened to bring in his Canon 50mm f/1.8 the other day (oh the irony!). He was nice enough to let me borrow it for a couple of days to see how much I like it. Up until then the only thing I knew about it was what I read from a cool review I read up on in The Digital Picture.



As pointed out on TDP, the lens is plastic and really toy-like, but hey at $125 you can't really expect any more can you? Functionality-wise, the first impression I got from this lens was not about the picture quality nor the usability, it was how unaccustomed I was to prime lenses!

At an f-stop of 1.8 I found myself deleting a lot of photos at first. I have a habit of coming up close to my subjects when I shoot them, and by doing so, the depth of field would be too strong. For instance I'd take a portrait, focusing on someone's nose only to have their ear out of focus.

That's more of a user thing anyway, as for the lens itself, good grief the autofocus on this lens is loud! Loud enough to be concerned that something might be broken! Also, it's really slow and seems to get confused quite easily, not being able to fins what it's trying to focus on.

Despite these things though, when I was able to get myself together and set up a shot well enough, image would come out sharp and brilliant. It is a great portrait photography lens on my full frame. TDP makes note of the funky bokeh on this lens, I found that in same cases, bokeh came out round, and in other cases, it came out pear shaped. Check out this picture of my friend's dad for example.



For a $125, the results are impressive. My other option of lens is the Canon 50mm f/1.4 which is highly recommended by both TDP and by George at DDP. The f is only 0.4 stops brighter, however the construction is a lot more sturdy. But with this comes the $439 price tag. Decisions, decisions.

A photo of my dad while renovating the laundry. One of my first shots with this lens and one of the ones I'm happier with.

Happy New Year 2011

Ahh, the new year brings with it, opportunities and, hopes and dreams by an exciting sack-load, how exciting! Having spent much time wondering on the possibilities of dibbling and dabbling in the world of photography, I've finally taken the plunge and gone for it. The weapon of my choosing? The infamous Canon 5D MkII.



Many would say that it is quite overkill for someone's first serious stab at photography and I absolutely agree. It's overkill. It's one thing to be attracted by 'necessities' such as full frame, noiseless high ISOs, L series lenses from the box and HD movie mode, but with it comes some less wanted territory.

For instance, it's quite disconcerting knowing that you're playing around a large body of salt water with cheeky friends while $3.5K worth of gear hangs precariously around your neck. Oh and might I add by a nylon strap that looks not much sturdier than a fireman's shoelace.

If you're the kind of person that feels misfortune follows you closely at your heels, then you'll probably feel uneasy most of the time you're out and about. Speaking of misfortune, I've already lost a polarising lens filter after all but 3 days usage. This is while the camera was stored away in it's bag with the lens cap on. Misfortune much?

I didn't really think about the downside really until about a week into owning it. Call it the end of the honeymoon period if you will, but the scary realisation of potential a expensive encounter came perhaps as a lot of subjects would give me a stunned expression upon discovering I was shooting with a 5D MkII.

"Isn't that a professional camera?" they would ask. The expressions their faces read were, "What is it doing out here in a world filled with liabilities!?". Slowly, a feeling of knowing irresponsibility crept up on me. Then it made sense why people commonly go out and about with nice, cheap cameras instead of fantastic, weapon cameras.

However, let's look at the flipside! This camera is, as my cousin Mick would put it "Oh so worth it!" Sure it's expensive and generously-weighted, but I'm relishing in always being ready to capture a wonderful moment within a sturdy wide-frame. A recent trip to the South Coast has me standing in confidence that I made the right choice of Camera.



I remember being advised by a photographer mate that I don't need to go full frame and it's a knick-knack I'll never really need, but oh let me tell you that some shots would never have been given due justice without the full frame. Oh no, I'm confident this is the right camera for me.

It's just gonna get better to! Just you wait until I get stuck into the video part of this! With our graphic novel "Brutal Prophecy" inching closer and closer into physical production, this camera's going to really step into its role.

Other stuff I'll be experimenting in with this camera? HD movie mode of course, portrait and landscape photography, vehicle and product photography, HDRI (Which I've already made a couple!) and photography for 3D modelling.

Speaking of 3D, here's a wip screengrab of the 180sx model I've been working on.

Friday Night Slide

Usually when I head over to one of Driving Sports's Eastern Creek Twilight drifts, it's to take photos, meet people, do interviews and cover the event. Last Friday was a little different however and a nice change may I add. Getting behind the wheel at Twilight drift night is definitely a more involving way to experience one of these events.

Meeting up with Jerry Yam of HOT4s, Jason Gynn of Zoom Magazine, we headed up to the Creek. For these guys it was their their first Twilight drift night. We later were met by our very own beloved editor Tom who had toiled away all day to have a half cage installed into his 180Sx.

We had a blast of night sliding to ourhearts content on the watered down skid-pan. Having been to a number of these meetings before, I can definitely say that it's becoming more and more popular.

A couple of interviews and a stack more photos over the fold and through Jason's Dribble

I had the pleasure of hosting Jason from Zoom Magazine in my passenger seat, here we're getting ready to roll out into the pan.

 

Jerry wanted to climb into the action so flogged himself a helmet from somewhere

 

This here is Reaper's S14... Now SR20 powered but I could swear there was a rotary in it somewhere!

 

Sure it's safe, but doesn't mean that you don't get some shunts and bumps. When I first spotted this I thought the license plate was a wicked sticker!

 

Tom eventually made it, it was our first time sliding together

 

This is Shantell in her Hachi, we were having a blast out on the pan, a few close calls, and plenty of laughs all around

 

The last run of the night I was joined by John who randomly asked if he could jump into my car... Yeah why not?

 

Thanks to Liam Quirk and his girlfriend Ellie from Street Commodores who shot some photos and to Jason for all the driving photography found on his blog Jason's Dribble. I had thevery greatest pleasure of taking Ellie out for a passenger run, I don't think I've ever sang 99 red balloons so hard in my life!

 

I also got to spend a bit of time with Lenny Lee, a funky friend of mine, Singaporean Circuit racer and drifter, I managed to squeeze an interview out of him as well!

 

STAFFROOM

 

Name: My parents named me Leonard Lee YK but keep calling me son, for some reason. My nickname on all forums is karbonphyber and friends call me Lenny!

 

Day job: I'm a software developer and developing software is my specialty! It allows me to create funky calculators which calculate stuff for the 180SX like rim tuck! No other calculator comes close!

 

How did you get into teaching?

It all started when a friend of mine, Josh, referred me to a thread created by Lee from Driving Sports, looking for people who met the three criteria which were:

1. Competed in drifting and at least qualified top 16

2. Communicates knowledge to others clearly and easily

3. Is reliable and well presented

Of which I satisfy two! Everyone understands Singaporean English don't they?

 

What’s the best part of your job?

I feel there are many ‘best parts’ like having the opportunity to be in the environment where real race mechanics are present, learning more about cars from them and meeting new faces. As the top of my list though, it’s the opportunity to bring someone new to drifting from being a zero to a hero, seeing them enjoy their new found skill and actually executing drift manoeuvres smoothly. The smile that you get from them is priceless and that's what I feel is the best part of being an instructor.

 

What’s your motto in life?

People who know me might start shouting ‘safety first’. But the way I try to live my life is ‘Don't try, Don't know!’.

In ‘Don't Try, Don't know!’ I started working DIY on the car for small projects, as opposed to relying on paying a mechanic and then not learning anything in the process. After starting a few small projects like spray painting, fabricating camera mounts, I had graduated on to the larger projects like changing turbos, clutches, swaybars and recently a 5-stud conversion with the help of the Driving Sports crew who taught me that being forceful helps at times. Now I have a whole load of DIYs which will soon make their way back on to TunedForDrift.com! But for now let’s stick to ‘safety first!’.

 

What do you wish to say to all those looking to enrol into school?

A good firm grasp of theory - whether it be circuit driving or even drifting - will bring you far beyond anyone who's just chucking a car around some corners.

Learn things the right way and you'll always have your knowledge to fall back on, in new scenarios. I'm always keen to meet new people and help them out with drifting, so drop me an email to say hi and I'll see you at a Driving Sports event!

 

Stay Tuned for more action when FF&R goes on the ground or future events!

 

Thanks to Liam Quirk and his Misses Ellie Thorley from Street Commodores for sending over some photos, Jerry Yam from HOT4s for his constant hilarities, Jason Gynn from Zoom Magazine for the drifting photogrpahy,  Driving Sports for a great night

Winter frost on my windows

Waking up this morning I headed outside to start the car only to be taken aback by one of the coolest sites I've seen in the mornings. There was frost all over my car! This doesn't really happen in Sydney, I mean, things get cold but this is the first time I've seen something like this. I had my lil' digicam on hand so check the video

As you can see the wipers are struggling to de-ice the windscreen. Eventually I had to take a bucket of water to the windows to get some visibility.

This looks more like something out of an American winter flick

The frost had only just started liquefying as the photos were being shot thanks to the warming Sun

Visibility was 0 from inside

Even after the windscreen was cleared, the rear view mirror had somehow clammed up