CitySavage

Carnegie from the window of cafe europa, originally uploaded by willowyangcn.

Frank asked me if I would be interested in a Chinese concert at Carnegie Hall. Senior artists, Yin Chengzong and Zheng Xiaoying, was giving a Yellow River Concert. Of course, I am interested. The rythm of the music is so familiar that it sounded kind strange in Carnegie Hall, usually I can hear it from radio/TV. But the difference made it more magnificent. It is a mixed feeling of acquaintance and surprising splendness. Both artists are among the greatest in China. They are better known to the people of my father's age, actually everyone of their age, the red generation.

Posted by willow at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

PA220025, originally uploaded by willowyangcn.

This camera doesn't belong to the expo, but I found it is the most interesting stuff to me. It is Sam's new (old) baby from Prague.

I first heard about Photo Expo from Tony in 2003. But I was too late to register that year. In year 2004, I remembered to register early but was later swamped with work and couldn't make it. This year, everything goes so fast, that I hardly realize it is the season of Photo Expo again. Well, lucky me, nomap's post on BBS reminded of the venue, and he even got some free tickets, nice!

Canon had a big show stage right after the entrance. They had live show of photographer shooting models. I am not very into that but sat down later litening to a potofolio from a photographer. His pictures is as wonderful as his interesting stories. It seems Canon is putting big efforts advertising EOS 5D, which makes me believe Francesco has made a wise move of upgrading his camera to 5D.

Hasselblad was not gathering as big a crowd as Canon, but their demo showed: size does matter.

I never owned a Leica before, and might not own one in the near future, but it didn't prevent me from drooling around the counter.

I paid a special visit to Olympus, since I am extremely happy with the 7070WZ that I bought a couple of month ago. I traded in my Contax G2 for the camera. Now I retired my Canon EF 17-40mm/4L. They are all inspired by Magnum photographer Alex Majoli. He is called the "Hero of Modern World". And you know what, I found his pictures on the show. Bravo!

I had the chance to try the "Lens Baby", a lomo lens kit designed for SLRs. I like what the lens offers, but feel being robed for paying over a hundred dollar to get my camera blured.

Thanks for the ticket from Anyon, and nomap's coordinate.

Posted by willow at 05:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Just created a website for gathering camera deal information. It is called CAMPTURE :) Wow, it is quite memorable, the first day this world has the word "campture". Let us see how many meanings you canfigure out from this single word, "camera, capture, picture, camping, culture, ample, future, true" etc. Isn't it cool?

Posted by willow at 12:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Flower, originally uploaded by willowyangcn.

I didn't expect anything special for my birthday, since it is not weekend. But still Amanda's flower made my day. I gladly gave Pat one stem of Tulip. She was even happier than me :)

I picked up Amanda late in the evening and went to a Rice Pudding place named Rice to riches. That is the most moden shop I have ever visited in NYC, like it very much.

Posted by willow at 10:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Xin's Wedding Reception, originally uploaded by willowyangcn.

Jan has a great family, now they have a new member.

Posted by willow at 03:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Interview, originally uploaded by willowyangcn.

Noam is the owner of Cafe Wha, and Fat Black Pussycat.

Posted by willow at 01:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

PA080014, originally uploaded by willowyangcn.

People gather at "Fat Black Pussycat" in the village in the pouring raining for "A&W birthday party". The cozy morocan sofa and spacious reserved table let us completely forget about the rain. Thanks for all the friends coming, we had a wonderful night. Thanks for the happiness shared by all our friends, no matter you were at the party or not. It is because of you that I love New York, and love my life everyday.

Posted by willow at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

We win!!!, originally uploaded by willowyangcn.

- "Where am I?"

- "Earth"

Posted by willow at 10:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

P9300054, originally uploaded by willowyangcn.

Cafe Wha? It is a funky basement in the village, with one entrance and one exit on each end. Hold on, read what is put on the front door first before you make any judgement:

The New York Times:
"The crowd waived their arms and swayed their seats. By 1 am, they squeezed between the tables to dance. At 3 am, ushers forced them out the door, so ending a typical night a Cafe Wha"

Zagat Survey:
Top 50 Clubs in New York
"Always Fun thanks to a great house band that has them dancing in the ailes. Plus acts from the next-door Comedy Cellar. It's a perfect antidote to chichi scenes"

New York Post:
"Power house talent - you'd be hardpressed to find a more exhilarating evening out"

I totally agree with what the media say. The band is awesome, the comedian sucks big time though, but the asian waitress is hot. Besides those, the cafe attracts a good school of crowds. People push to the small dancing pool, filling up the narrow aisle, dancing with the hot music.

Check their web site and don't forget to have a preview of their live music online (but don't make any decision before you are actually there).

Posted by willow at 02:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)