Saturday, June 30, 2007

We're Sectional Bound Once Again!

Well, we squeaked out another one. We beat Claremont 3-2 today so we're going to Sectionals in August. Even though I lost today with Steve Mak, Lawrence and Dave really came through for the team by clinching the win via a 3rd super-tie-breaker. Above is out team photo, minus a couple of players (Andy Neff, Ernie Ong).

We will be competing at Los Caballeros Tennis Center in Orange County on the weekend of 8/17-8/19. This is an added bonus since Lan's Ladies 3.5 team (read previous post) are also going to the Sectionals on the same weekend. This is going to be fun and exciting.

Friday, June 29, 2007

The Apple iPhone arrives today!













Apple computers are definitely the master of hype. I should learn a thing or two and apply to my own business marketing strategy. Steve Job introduced the iPhone back in January. The Keynote address blew Bill Gate's keynote at the CES away. It was no coincidence that the 2 Keynotes were presented at the same time at 2 different cities... Las Vegas, and San Francisco. Steve Job's presentation was so smooth that he got everyone convinced that everyone needs an iPhone and all 5,000 attendees wants to haul out and get the damn thing right away!

They had people lining up in front of the NYC 5th Avenue store starting this past Monday June 25th. They then closed the store from 2-6PM today to prepare for the launch. The people got anzy right around 6PM and the crowd started the chant in counting down to 6PM. The press were swarming outside the store as well to catch a glimpse of the launching of the iPhone. 6PM rolls around and the guests who lined up were greeted with High-Fives and applause.

These people just spent $1300 for 2 phones (because each person is allow to buy no more than 2 phones, and these people were running out of the store smiling. That's amazing! $1300 for 2 mobile phones and they were estactic and thought they were the luckiest people in the world!


Monday, June 25, 2007

People are camping on the Streets for the iPhone

I just heard in the news that there are people already lining up for the iPhone. It's not for another 4 days!!

Monday, June 11, 2007

Today is Fanny & Sian's One Year Wedding Anniversary

Here's a slideshow of their wedding album. The music is by Celine Dion's Colour of my Heart. It happens to be Sian's favorite singer and he used this song to propose to Fanny, and it as their theme song at their wedding. Enjoy.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Spencer Critchfield’s Eagle Court of Honor

I had the pleasure of photographing an Eagle Court of Honor this afternoon. It's a rare event because statistically only 2% of all Boy Scouts attain the highest rank of Eagle Scout.

Spencer Critchfield is a special young man. He's funny, likeable by everyone, young and old. He exemplifies the true meaning of Scouting.

There were so many who made a brief speech to describe Spencer. I was in awe with so many people, one after another spoke so highly and positively of him.

His Mom, Chris is such a energetic and happy lady. It's no wonder that Spencer attained Eagle rank. It's definitely with the support of his Mom, and various members of his family. Spencer is definitely a blessed young man to be surrounded by so many who love him.

Toward the end of Spencer's thank you speech, he got a little teary eye as he thanked everyone in the room because they have affected him in a positive way throughout his youth and through his journey in Scouting.

And if you read my previous blog entry (March 3, 2006), I've been a Boy Scout Leader for the past 17 years. Naturally, I showed to this event with my Boy Scout uniform and I blended into the event perfectly.

Spencer, Congratulations on your Eagle Rank. It was a tough journey, but you deserve it. And Chris, you did a magnificent job supporting Spencer throughout his Scouting career. Congratulations to you both.

Thursday, June 07, 2007

Bomb Threat at SAG, 5757 Wilshire

There was a bomb threat at the street level of 5757 Wilshire Blvd today at around 2PM. Someone found a mysterious package in from of "Organic to Go" and reported to the authorities. I went for a late lunch and when I stepped into the lobby, I was stopped and escorted by the police to move along. Fortunately, I was heading to "Ralph's" to get a quick bite. When I returned to the office, I was not allowed to get back in!. They were still investigating the situation.

I managed to walk all the way around and up the stairs to the 8th floor. I was concerned that my laptop was still on my desk. I need to have it with me due to the content of the hard drive which contains many of my recent wedding images that I've been working on. I would hate to loose it all and have to start over again.

After I retrieved my laptop and I gazed out the window and saw the bomb squad van. That's when I realize this is for real and the threat seems to be real. Strangely, we have not gotten the official word to leave to building. We were still waiting for upper management to give the go ahead to vacate the building. I realized how absurd this was because upper management have all left the building. I thought to myself... why are we still here. We should leave when we have the chance. I can imaging my Dad muttering to himself over what's left of my dead corpse that my son is such an idiot... following orders blindly. I wish he would exercise some common sense and judgment.

That's when I decided to pack my stuff and leave the building. They can fire me later. For now, it self-preservation. I hate to see myself like those that were stuck at the WTC on 9/11. Sayonara.

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Martha and Greg's Wedding

Today started just like most wedding days. Brian usually follows the guys and since they get dressed faster (sorry girls), Brian usually takes them anywhere the guys want even if it means bending the rules (ahem...the law) a little. The groom wanted to have their pictures taken by the Angels Stadium. While at the stadium an opportunity arose that could not be passed up....
They pretended to be another wedding party by telling the receptionist that they were there for the Wilhelm Wedding Party and they were let into the Stadium. Brian began shooting and it didn't take long for security to catch on their charade and kick them out.




Meanwhile Terry and I were at the Church taking pictures of the lovely Bride to be and her bridesmaids. I really love shooting natural lighting with the 50mm f1.2 and 85mm f1.2 lenses, it allows us to capture raw emotions without the distractions of our flashes going off. We were able to blurr out the distracting background and focused on our subject (the bride) because these lenses provide severe depth of field.


The time flew by fast and it was time for the ceremony, I can't believe how beautiful the Church was. We really had a great time and as always we are blessed that we had the opportunity to be apart of your special day.