CitySavage

I like the stories told by National Geographic Magazines, however when it comes to TV programs, I prefer Discovery Channel. And "American Choppers" is my favorite program.


(Photo coutesy of Discovery Channel)
So it is a normal night when I watching Paul Sr./Jr. from OCC building another chopper for cyclist named Lance Armstrong. So who is this man, and why is he special?


(Photo coutesy of Lance Armstrong Online)

By clicking through the the link above or by simply a googling, you will get all the background for this man. But my knowledge was from a TV program "Lace Armstrong" after that night's "American Choppers". First, he is a Chanpion in Tour de France. It sounds nothing new, especially for the proud Americans, after all it is neigher Super Ball or NBA. Second, he was diagnosed Cancer. If the story ends here, this would be another crue story. But the truth is, Lance not only recovered from Cancer, but also continued his Athlete career, and won another four tours!

It definitely sounds Hollywood, but it is true:
"If scripted by Hollywood, the story would be dismissed as trite melodrama: A deadly disease strikes a promising athlete. Despite desperately thin odds, he manages not only to beat the affliction but also to return to the sport and win its top prize. Unbelievable, except it’s true. -- by LanceArmstrong.com"

What a strong person this man is! His story busted the myth of invincible Cancer, and punch the dirty cancer right in the face. His experience gives hope and invigorates strenth to the people facing a hard time.

I wouldn't say this is a total winning of Humanbeings against Cancer. Rather, this is one of the thousands examples of the unyielding crusade against all the enemies of Human. Among them the devoted Scientists like Mali, who is a Scientist in Prostate Cancer, are as heroic as Lance Armstrong.

I wish I could get to know Lance's story a little bit earlier, since I have two very close relatives became victims of Cancer last year -- My aunt(Daddy's younger sister) died in metastasize breast cancer and my uncle (Mom's younger brother) died in lung cancer. I was thousands of miles away with Pacific Ocean in between and could do nothing to help them. I now only wish I could have told them the sotry of the heoic people like Lance Armstrong, and add to them strenth to fight against diseases.

Posted by willow at 12:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Coconut/Pineapple, me 2, me 3!, originally uploaded by willowyangcn.

This Saturday is the last day of Lan's visit in East-coast, and we plan to spend a perfect weekend in New York together with Mali couple.

I heard about Mali a lot from Chang, who was my college-roomie and Mali's high-school-classmate. The legendary Mali looks just like what I can imagine, a devoted Scientist, yet a Chinese girl craving for icecream as well.

We spent the morning in Central Park looking for the magic castle and big pond. The New York city parking policy prevented us from further exploring the old-time-trash-land. We had to rush back to the ticking meter. We did discover a Zoo in central park, and it immediately reminded me of the newly-on-shown cartoon movie "Madagascar". Before I start to feel pity for the fettered animals, I realized we humans are NOT in an any better situation in this big comcrete apple. And the free food that the animals get makes us look more awkward. Well, we asked for it.

The Mermaid Parade has been long in my schedule, and I decided to take the girls to the New York's largest art parade. But before that we sneaked to Flushing for some spicy Chinese food. So it became 4pm when we finally arrived at Coney Island. I heard the judge anouncing the end of the parade, which started at 2pm, when we were still in the traffic tring to get into Surf Ave. But the timing turned out to be just perfect: mermaids and music were still there, but it was much less crowded.

I love the free atmosphere in Coney Island. You can do whatever you want, dress in whatever you want and bring in however big camera you can. You don't need to worry about being a freak, since there are tons of smiling freaks enjoying the sunshine and beach. You don't need to worry about the size of your camera being too big and too noticeable and scaring your prey, there are tons of exotic camera. Just like the word from a motorcyclist atteding motorcycle festival -- "I just feel like normal". Actually I intentionally took pictures of those "shooters".

I spent about one hour in Coney Island, and escorted Mali back to Laboratory and Lan to JFK then back to California.

Posted by willow at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Posted by willow at 02:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

picnic, originally uploaded by willowyangcn.

This year's company annual event is picnic and baseball game at Citibank Park at Central Islip. Lots of sunshine and abundant food all make a wonderful Sunday.

Amanda was just back from China.

Posted by willow at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Inspired by the clean event list from Jones Beach, and encouraged by my friend Nameless, I started my own LIst of Long Island intersting stuffs. It also includes some events that willow likes, but happen in Manhattan. Here is the starting of the event list. You are welcome to leave interesting events in the comment, and I would like to add them to the list.

Events

2005-5-29 Thunderbirds at Jones Beach
You can see aircraft from WWII, aerial acrobatics, and of course, the most beathtaking performance from Thunderbirds.
(eyewitness)

2005-6-12 National Puerto Rican Day Parade
It is said to be the second largest parade in Manhattan besides the Macy's Parade every Thanksgiving.

2005-6-25 Mermaid Parade at historical, magic Coney Island
Largest art parade in New York. Music, beach and mermaid, whatelse could you expect.

2005-7-4 July 4th, Independence Day firework at East River close to United Nation.
Macy's firework! Best view: from the Brooklyn side.

2005-8-29 to 9-11, US Open. The court is Flushing Meadow, which of course located at Flushing, Queens. 10 mins drive from my apartment. I always swear to go, but missed it again and again. Rumor says, they will move US Open out of Flushing Meadow.
We do have another event called US Open in Long Island. That's the Golf USOpen, which I have less interest.

Places

Montauk
I have been there countless times, but still the unparalleled Sunrise and Lighthouse attract me. However, never try to watch Sunrise for more than three days in the same week, or you will get sick of even fried eggs, and very hard to recover.

Smith Point County Park
Excellent sand quality, with BBQ grill, and a large parking lot. Bring mosquito repellent if you plan to stay after sunset.

CitiBank Park
Home of Long Island Duck It is no Yangkee, not even Mets, but it truely belongs to Long Island.

Sunken Meadow State Park
WIth miles of beach and board walk, large meadow area, the park is not only a good place to go in summer, but also a nice escape when less people presents in other seasons.
(eyewitness)

Hamptons ... Including West Hampton, South Hampton, East Hampton.
The traffic heading hamptons during long weekend is just unbearable.

Forest Park
It is in the Forest HIlls' neighborhood. Featured long hiking trail, George Seuffert Bandshell, CAROUSEL and even horseback riding.

Activities

Kayaking: Peconic Paddler at Riverhead
(eyewitness)

Diving: Long Island Scuba at Farmingdale.
One of the most ugly websites I have ever seen. But other than that, I believe they are doing a great job.

Transportation to the Airport: JFK LGA

Super Shuttle: $25-$50 Credit card accepted on board, you need to book 24 hrs in advance. Shared door-to-door shuttle.
Ets Airshuttle Shared door-to-door shuttle.
Others:
Super Saver by Carmel 1-800-924-9954 or 1-212-666-6666
Dial 7 Car & Limo Service 1-800-222-9888 or 1-212-777-7777
Westchester Express (Republic) 1-800-910-5466 or 1-201-997-7368
Classic Limousine 1-800-666-4949 or 1-631-567-5100
业成 (212)732-7299
皇后林肯 (718)762-3333
新金马 (718)762-8888

Posted by willow at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sony 50" HDTV, originally uploaded by willowyangcn.

Hui and Peng just moved into their new apartment last month. I was invited to share their happiness. I really enjoyed the wonderful food and their new Sony 50" HDTV. My plan is to bring popcorn every weekend and watch movie in Pend and Hui's comfortable couch :P

Posted by willow at 01:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)