The Little Viewer

A few weeks ago, on Vietnamese New Year, I hung a few of my photographs at an exhibition. This little guy made me smile when he pointed his finger at the little boy in this picture (which I posted here a while back). I felt a connection between the boys; and I think this was a very cute moment. Don’t you think so?

-Quan

February 2012.

“Only to children children sing, only to youth will spring be spring.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Harp

Making a Move

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Chinese chess is a popular pastime among the Vietnamese. I often see them play outside of the shopping malls, coffee houses, or in the parks.

These gents are playing a different variant, which I have never seen before. They set up the board with the pieces turn upside-down; except for the “general” piece (the most important piece), which is faced up during the entire game.

When a player moves a piece for the very first time, he will then turn its face up. Afterward, that piece will stay up until the very end. Every time a piece is uncovered, the game changes, sometimes very dramatically. The players then have to adapt, and adjust their strategies accordingly.

This adds a surprise element to the game. The advantages or disadvantages may change hands from one move to the next.

Sometimes, I think life is full of surprises and all one can do is try one’s best to make the right move; then move on.

-Quan.
March 2011.

Royal Restaurant & Banquet

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The other day, I had lunch with friends at Royal. I arrived there a little early; so I walked around the area and took a few snaps.

In recent years, Little Saigon had a face lift. Despite the recession, there seems to be a mini boom in Little Saigon. I noticed the streets were fixed up, many businesses remodeled their buildings, and new businesses sprung up. Royal Restaurant & Banquet is one of the new restaurants here.

I had a wonderful time; I enjoyed the companies and the excellent food. BTW, if you ever decide to go there for lunch, check out the combination rice dish. And, the best part is I went home with a memory card full of photos.

-Quan.
March 2011.

Quang Tuấn Delivers His Crescendo

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I went to a fundraiser concert back in January. There were many entertaining performances, including a number sung by Quang Tuấn accompanied by the band Phượng Hoàng. I had seen them performed together a few times before – this time was no different – always exceptional.

Quang Tuấn walks and speaks with a moderate pace. His songs selections are usually with slow to medium beat. When on stage, he always dresses very well and conservative. I think that personality reflects in his singing.

What I like most about Quang Tuấn’s singing is the way he delivers his crescendos. His crescendos always begin with a smooth tone in an unhurried, deliberate pace; and ends with tremendous dynamic.

When he does that, I get goose bumps. I am not a musical expert; but whenever I get goose bumps, I know I am listening to good singing.

-Quan.
March 2011.

“You are the crescendo.” ~ P. Diddy Puff Daddy (American, b.1969, Harlem, New York, USA)