12.06.2009

Fohawk Lady of Mong Kok Market


Fohawk Lady of Mong Kok Market
fohawk lady, originally uploaded by cjw333.


This picture was taken on a trip to Hong Kong in the Mong Kok market which was full of of people doing their morning shopping for fruit, veggies, meat, and fish. The light was perfect that morning and I snapped a few lucky candid shots as I walked through the crowd.

Mong Kok Market in Hong Kong is a sensory overload in the best way possible—a vibrant, chaotic, and utterly fascinating slice of city life that never seems to sleep. Nestled in one of the most densely populated districts in the world, Mong Kok is home to a mix of traditional street markets, modern shops, and neon-lit chaos that captures the spirit of Hong Kong like nowhere else.

From the famous Ladies’ Market, where you can haggle over everything from clothes and accessories to quirky souvenirs, to the colorful Flower Market and the chirping bustle of the Bird Garden, Mong Kok is a maze of contrasts. The air is thick with the scent of street food—think curry fish balls, egg waffles, and skewers sizzling on open flames—while the sounds of Cantonese chatter, bargaining, and traffic blur into the neighborhood’s endless rhythm.

It’s not just a market—it’s a living, breathing culture hub where old meets new. Whether you’re on the hunt for knock-off sneakers, rare vinyl records, or just out to soak in the electric atmosphere, Mong Kok delivers an unforgettable hit of raw, unfiltered Hong Kong.


Hong Kong 2009 set on Flickr

5.30.2009

Usavich Prison Break




I saw this video in a toy store in Tokyo and couldn't stop laughing .  Unfortunately the clip above was taken down from YouTube but luckily I bought 2 DVDs of Usavich.  Each comes with about 20 short videos of Usavich craziness starting in prison and ending up with the break out.  Buy season 1 from Usavich Season 1 @ Amazon.



5.16.2009

Great Head


If you've purchased an inexpensive or entry level tripod it is likely that the head that came with it is not the best. Assuming that the head is removable this problem is easily remedied with an upgrade.

I chose the Manfrotto 484RC2 to upgrade my Velbon ULTRA MAXi mini travel tripod which came with a decent head that lacked a quick release. For me a quick release makes the tripod/head much more convenient with the ability to quickly mount and remove your camera. The 484RC2 comes with a great quick release that includes a locking mechanism which prevents accidental removal of your camera. This is an excellent safeguard.

I also like the plate that comes with the 484RC2. The mechanism used to screw the plate to your camera includes a flip out arm for easy tightening. Other plates just have a slot that requires a coin or screwdriver to tighten. If you don't have one of those it's difficult to get the plate tight on the camera which means it's going to slip around.

I was recommended the 484RC2 head since it was relatively light, came at a reasonable price and would work well with my camera. I'm using this with my Canon XTi and a borrowed Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens (my heaviest lens) and although the recommendation was to go with a bigger head, the 484RC2 holds steady with no slipping.

I'll be putting this head through its paces shortly but initially I'm very happy with my purchase.





          

Japanese Restaurant Playlist



Recently on ask.metafilter someone asked for a list of Music to eat sushi by so I answered.
And here's the list that I came up with:



please post if you have anything to add.

5.09.2009

High Technical Gum



Black Black - my favorite high technical gum

3.14.2009

David Choe on Spark



KQED's Bay Area art show, Spark, features a piece on David Choe
A Los Angeles born renegade street artist who relocated to the South Bay
He does some amazing work and has a very different philosophy
about using the street as a canvas