HTC Touch Photography

We've moved!!

2010-03-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

We've moved!

The handset market currently is hottest and most competitive. It seems they are coming out with faster and better models on a daily basis. Thought it would be prudent to establish a blog with a general and generic name rather than one tied to a brand or model.

Let me introduce the Smartphone Photos blog! The url for Smartphone Photos is:

http://smartphonephotos.blogspot.com/

Please modify your bookmark.

All the postings from this blog have been ported to the new blog. Please join me at Smartphone Photos.

Changing

2010-03-08T00:29:00.000-08:00

The other day did something that Mr. Rogers used to do everyday, walk around the neighbourhood. Noticed it is slowly changing as the older and not so old houses are either being teared down and rebuild or being renovated.

What's wrong with...

2010-03-07T00:41:00.000-08:00

What's wrong with this picture? Obviously Bell is one of Sid the Kid's sponsors and it is using a still of him for promotion. This picture, however, is not right. Take a close look. Scroll down and look at the second picture...

Notice the difference? That's right Sid Crosby, like Wayne Gretzky, shoot left which is correctly depicted on the second photo.

Spring

2010-03-06T00:44:00.000-08:00

Some Spring flowers for your enjoyment.

Yellow Pages

2010-03-05T00:45:00.000-08:00

Technology has rendered the company's once popular "Let your fingers do the walking" ad obsolete.

Window display

2010-03-04T20:39:00.000-08:00

Thought these spools of threads in the window of Lululemond's Broadway store is really neat.

Restaurant row?

2010-03-03T00:45:00.000-08:00

I think this is on the corner of Cambie and 18th.

Fans

2010-03-02T21:26:00.001-08:00

A sporting event wouldn't be a sporting event without its fans. The Olympics is no different. Actually it was the fans who made the Vancouver Winter Games different from the others. Here is to the FANS!

Around town

2010-03-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

There were a lot happening all over the city during the past two weeks. Wondered into Yahoo's Fancouver, saw two ladies under the sports talk sign and this gywas taking a photo. I took a photo also under the assumption that they were Yahoo employees. As it turned out they were just visitors also and the photographer was a stranger who held their camera for them.

Then there is the lady who took a breather by sitting on space along the Scotia Building. The Canon Mini is kind of blurry because he was ready to go. Of course, there were flags everywhere.

The Olympic flame

2010-02-28T00:04:00.000-08:00

The Olympic flame certainly gave VANOC some headache. A mechanical malfunction resulted in a three-legged structure during Opening ceremony. VANOC never foresee the cauldron's popularity with the public thus the bonehead decision of erecting a chain link fence around it.

Aboriginal Business Showcase

2010-02-27T00:56:00.000-08:00

The aboriginals were very visible during the two weeks. In addition to the Aboriginal House, they took over the VCC downtown campus to stage this business showcase. They were in the main lobby of the Pan Pacific Hotel also.

BC House

2010-02-26T20:49:00.001-08:00

On the 4th floor of the Vancouver Art Gallery is the BC House. It features a room of interactive video screens.

Aboriginal House

2010-02-25T22:29:00.000-08:00

The lineup at the Aboriginal House is another long one. Its doors aren't opened till 11:00 but the line started to form at about the same time as those with a 10:00 opening. It has a gift shop attached to it. The gift shop opens an hour earlier. Commercial trumps cultural?

Early Spring

2010-02-24T00:56:00.000-08:00

This is the earliest that I've seemed cherry blossoms in the city yet. Sure takes the winter out of the Winter Olympics. If they can truck snow in for the events, should we expect to see it takes place in a topical nation?

Between Georgia & Robson

2010-02-23T21:48:00.000-08:00

A glimpse of the people and happenings on Granville between Robson and Georgia

Curling

2010-02-22T00:41:00.000-08:00

Went and watched Curling, the other ice sport that Canadians excel in. The venue is much smaller than GM Place where they play ice hockey. Our tickets were for the men's only draw on that day. Needless to say Canada won. It wasn't easy but certainly not as difficult as the game against the British.

Hockey Hall of Fame

2010-02-21T11:58:00.001-08:00

Metrotown brought part of Hockey Hall of Fame to the West Coast as part of the Olympics. Take of the sizes of the Stanley Cup over the years.

Royal Canadian Mint Pavilion

2010-02-20T00:26:00.000-08:00

We endured the 3 hours plus queue for a chance to see and hold the Olympic medals. They are surprisingly big and heavy. Inside was another lineup, moved very quickly, to lift a gold bar that is worth over a quarter-million dollars. The gold coin on display is worth a cool million.

Bell Ice Cube

2010-02-19T17:10:00.000-08:00

Had heard so much about the Bell Ice Cube. Guess expectations were a bit too high. There was the lineup and security check. Worst was the sales counter at the back by the exit. There is no avoiding the display of mobile phones.

Olympic fever

2010-02-18T16:46:00.000-08:00

Got caught with catching sights, sounds and happenings around town with the Winter Olympics. Crowds are everywhere. Consequently any attraction worth seeing means long long lineups. Some are over 3.5 hours.

Happy New Year!

2010-02-14T00:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine!

2010-02-14T00:10:00.000-08:00

Empty

2010-02-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

The area around BC Place was flooded with people on Friday except for Canada House. Ottawa said it wouldn't be ready till February 13, the day after the opening ceremony. Yet there was no sight of workers dashing in and out for the last minute fix-ups.

Robson Square

2010-02-12T17:44:00.001-08:00

This is Robson Square during lunch hour on Friday. Not idea who was the dude on the ice. Seemed pretty important since they cleared the ice for him and assigned a cameraman exclusively to film him. Most people, however, had their eyes skyward watching those on the zip line.

Before the opening ceremony

2010-02-12T17:12:00.001-08:00

The streets from Robson Square/Vancouver Art Gallery to BC Place were jam packed with people today. One can feel the gaiety in the atmosphere. Everybody was super friendly.

On the corner of Robson Beatty was a NBC camera crew who came from Orlando, Florida. One member commented that today Orlando is colder than Vancouver. A group from Ontario was more than happy to shed their heavy winter coats and snow boots.

The ticket scalpers were highly visible. Many carry a 8.5 x 11 sign advertising tickets for sale. So much for VANOC's threat of voiding all non-authorized resold tickets.

Torch relay

2010-02-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

On the corner of Georgia and Homer ran into a huge crowd who gathered to view the torch relay as it headed towards the last stop before the evening's opening ceremony. The crowd was so large that it was impossible to get a glimpse of torch bearer who could only walked due to the size of the crowd. People climbed onto any high point such as lamp standards and bench for a better view.

The torch bearer was supposed to light the cauldron at the Aboriginal Pavilion. Initially the cauldron wouldn't light. He made 4 - 5 attempts. Even holding the torch over the cauldron for lengthy period of time without ignition. The futility drew laughter from the huge crowd of onlookers. A loud cheer erupted from the crowd once the cauldron came to life.

The Lee Building

2010-02-11T00:41:00.000-08:00

The Lee Building on the northwest corner of Main and Broadway.

West Broadway

2010-02-10T17:10:00.001-08:00

Broadway between Quebec Street and Alberta Street.

Fax machine

2010-02-09T00:31:00.000-08:00

Whoever owned this fax machine obviously had not heard of recycle. He or she just dumped it on a street corner because the regular garbage collection doesn't take electronics anymore.

Spring is here!

2010-02-08T16:35:00.001-08:00

The Winter Olympics is just days away. VANOC and IOC said they aren't worried about the warm weather. January was the warmest on record. Passed by a rhododendron bush today and it is in bloom! Now I think they may not be worried but must be somewhat concerned.

Gave up?

2010-02-08T00:25:00.000-08:00

Saw this on one of the lawns in the neighbourhood. It looks to be in pretty good condition. Hope its owner just upgrade to a better unit or take up some other form of exercise not giving up. We know that every little bit of exercise helps.

Light on the wall

2010-02-07T00:20:00.000-08:00

Saw this on the wall of a condo we went to.

Eye test

2010-02-06T00:17:00.000-08:00

Very tacky! Would you give these people your business?

Anti-Olympics

2010-02-05T00:11:00.000-08:00

Translink had moved all the newspaper boxes off its property. And it is because of the 2010 Olympics. This sticker on the Metro paper box is a good reason.

West Pender

2010-02-04T00:48:00.000-08:00

Along West Pender between Columbia and Carrall

Afternoon sun

2010-02-03T00:47:00.000-08:00

The sun found an opening in the thick dark cloud. The intensiveness of the sun lighten the black clouds enough and gave it a blue tone.

Over the bridge

2010-02-02T00:43:00.000-08:00

On a cloudy day looking northward towards downtown over the Granville Street bridge

Chairs

2010-02-01T00:33:00.000-08:00

A couple of chairs by the street corner to watch traffic as it goes by.

Hockey at Robson

2010-01-31T20:26:00.000-08:00

Re-opening the Robson Square skating rink is one of, if not the best, decisions Gordon Campbell made as Premier.

VAG from Robinson Square

2010-01-30T00:23:00.000-08:00

From afar these steps from Robson Square to the Vancouver Art Gallery do look as it were snow covered. Just shows the illusion an artist can create. Hope this isn't VANOC's contingent plan in case of snow shortage on the North Shore mountains.

Duthie

2010-01-29T00:28:00.000-08:00

Duthie Books, a long established family owned book store, will be closing its last store. Years ago used to spend time at its downtown location. It is sad to see another independent going under. But book selling is in a downward spiral. It has been ages since I last purchased a book.

ATM

2010-01-28T00:18:00.000-08:00

This ATM is located at the least expected place, at least for me, on the 100 block E Hastings. It is directly accessible from the street without the benefit of any enclosure.

Instamatic 110

2010-01-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

Came across this Kodak Instamatic 110 the other day. The most popular point-and-shoot camera of its day. According to Wikipedia Kodak was selling these camera as late as the 1990s. This is of 1974 vintage.

Wrapped

2010-01-26T00:33:00.000-08:00

Went downtown the other day because I wanted to photograph Olympic related banners or wraps cascading down the sides of the office towers. Much disappointed to see only the Bay and Royal Bank. Then it occurred to me that this is limited to the official sponsors only. So much for the spirits of the Olympics.

Art on the street

2010-01-25T11:02:00.000-08:00

Came across this art collection on Granville Street by accident. Fortunately it was only cloudy. Only photographed a couple of the cut-outs.

Unusal scene

2010-01-24T00:57:00.000-08:00

Not too often we see this. After coffee is part of the west coast culture.

Countdown

2010-01-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

Was by the Olympics clock today and it shows 20 days to the opening ceremony. Twenty long days for IOC and VANOC to worry about the state of the snow on Grouse Mountain. Will we be seeing refrigerated trucks hauling snow from Big White or even Alberta?

Morning sun

2010-01-22T00:52:00.000-08:00

Even during cloudy days the sun ever now and then manages to find gaps in the clouds.

Chocolate on wheels

2010-01-22T00:46:00.000-08:00

Don't think I would mind driving around town in one. Even better if Purdy kicks in a special discount on their chocolates.

The easy way

2010-01-21T00:35:00.000-08:00

We know dieting isn't the answer for long term weight reduction. Exercise works but is hard work and takes dedication. Or the answer is as simple and easy as these products?

Flags on the street

2010-01-20T00:17:00.000-08:00

Some time in December these miniature flags appeared on the sidewalks along South Granville. Was puzzled by them until the realization that they may be related to the February Winter Games.

I want a picture also

2010-01-19T00:54:00.000-08:00

Aren't camera phones the best invention since sliced bread?

He was there taking photos before. May be I appear in his photos also.

Flags

2010-01-18T00:49:00.000-08:00

The new decorative theme at Metrotown is the Canadian flag. As a matter of fact, huge flags are all over the place. Must be in anticipation of the upcoming Winter Games. Must keep in mind not to use the O-word or might get shut down.

Smoking area

2010-01-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

This is evident that smokers, or at least this particular one, can't read. She seating right above the no smoking sign.

Morning

2010-01-16T16:34:00.000-08:00

Sun! After so many rainy days.

Get ready

2010-01-15T00:28:00.000-08:00

It's Sun Run time again! It is amazing how it has grown over the years. With close to 55,000 participants it is the biggest 10K event in North America. Imagine we have the population size of New York?

Signs

2010-01-14T00:03:00.000-08:00

These were taken in the early early morning hours. The camera in the Touch Diamond is more sensitive than that of the Touch 3050.

During and after

2010-01-13T00:36:00.000-08:00

They are moving away from the cookie-cutter all outlets look the same approach. Well, there are some similarities such as wide-screen TV and a more bright and upscale decor.

Feather on the hat

2010-01-12T17:31:00.001-08:00

He was kind enough to let me take a picture of his hat. Too bad the feather doesn't come out all that well.

Keeping warm

2010-01-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Nothing like a roaring fire during the cold Canadian winter

Can't read

2010-01-10T17:14:00.001-08:00

This is a small car?! Well, some people just can read English or may be just don't care. In this case I think it is the latter. Just looking at the truck we know the driver doesn't care about the environment then we shouldn't expect this self-centered individual to care the truck took up two parking spots.

A McTruck

2010-01-10T00:55:00.000-08:00

Does this truck belong to McDonald's or to a customer who likes the food so much?

Getting ready

2010-01-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

New Olympic related traffic regulation along Cordova St

Opus

2010-01-08T00:42:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons to go down to Granville Island. Visit Opus for art supplies is a good one. Opus has other outlets but none measures up to the Granville Island location for selection.

We're on the phone

2010-01-07T00:37:00.000-08:00

Of course, we are together! We just like to talk on our phones.

Going mainstream

2010-01-06T00:09:00.000-08:00

In the Orients Reishi Mushroom's power teeters on mystical level. There are many stories of its ability to cure the incurables and even raise the dead. This is inside a display case in London Drugs not a alter-medicine shop.

Holy Communion

2010-01-05T17:05:00.000-08:00

Guess money changers can't do business inside a place of worship God but it is alright for the Catholic Church to go the money changers' place of worship.

Sleepy

2010-01-05T16:58:00.001-08:00

Anybody with any doubt that we are a sleep deprived group just walk around in public and look.

SnowboardingPhoto of the Day

2010-01-04T00:54:00.000-08:00

Only in the Lower Mainland where people go snowboarding not only without snow on the ground but raining also.

Hot water tank

2010-01-03T00:43:00.000-08:00

Speak of great timing. On New Year's Eve, at about 6 PM, we had no hot water. The pilot light in the gas hot water tank went out. After more than half-a-dozen tries without any joy we decided professional help was needed. On the day after New Year a technician came by and changed the thermocouple. Took him less than 10 minutes. Let's not talk about the service charge and ruin the holiday mood.

As busy as ever

2010-01-02T00:58:00.000-08:00

Despite what government and health workers say McDonald's still pulls them in.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Best wealth and health in 2010!

Public market

2009-12-30T14:59:00.001-08:00

The Granville Island Public Market started in the latter part of the 1970s as a farmers' market. It was a roaring success from the get go. Today it is home to a wide variety of products ranging from produce to tea and herbs, from donuts to organic baked goods, from candles to oriental seals. It is a tourist destination as well.

Granvill Island

2009-12-30T14:41:00.001-08:00

Went to Granville Island this morning. These are photos taken on the outside of the public market. Will post photos of the market tomorrow.

Chick invasion

2009-12-29T00:21:00.000-08:00

We are accustomed to the images of young men shirtless attending Green Bay Packers football games in the middle of winter. This photo in yesterday's paper shows the girls are not only into football but just foolhardy as the young lads.

To Safeway employees

2009-12-28T00:04:00.000-08:00

Saw this at one of the Safeway stores, very thoughtful of Safeway. Wonder what Safeway uses to fry its employees, frying pan or deep fryer?

Foggy day

2009-12-27T20:48:00.001-08:00

It has been foggy for the last fer days, especially Boxing Day. On that day at my place the sun didn't burned through the fog till 3 in the afternoon.

Gifts

2009-12-26T11:50:00.000-08:00

Today is the day after Christmas. Hope you've received some "cool gifts" as the window display says. But not a Sundin sweater unless you are die hard Mats Sundi fan.

Peace on Earth

2009-12-25T00:36:00.000-08:00

Peace on Earth

More Christmas lights

2009-12-24T08:20:00.000-08:00

Some of the previous Christmas lights postings are kind of wimpy. These pack more of a wham.

Doubly good

2009-12-24T00:05:00.000-08:00

This cereal is not only organic but it is slim also which means it is twice as good as the non-organic stuff. Yeah, right!

Win a gold medal ...

2009-12-23T00:59:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what happen to Olympic athletes? This leaves no doubt about Casey Campbell, Canada's Women Hockey team captain. She's doing breakfast at McDonald's.

Leaves in the park

2009-12-22T00:54:00.000-08:00

What's the chance of the municipal workers will come and gather up these leaves?

Christmas lights encore

2009-12-21T00:40:00.000-08:00

More LED Christmas lights on lawns and windows.

Christmas lights

2009-12-20T11:20:00.001-08:00

People had pretty well replaced their old Christmas lights with the low voltage LED lights. Due to low electricity consumption many are leaving them on through the night which enable people like me to take photos in the morning. The low light, however, make it a more difficult task without a tripod.

Heckory Farm

2009-12-19T00:27:00.000-08:00

Each Christmas season there are temporary stalls in the malls selling seasonal goods. Hickory Farm being around ever since I can remember or at least it seems that way. Suddenly this year it disappears. Nowhere to be seen.

Metrotown

2009-12-18T00:21:00.000-08:00

Each year the malls drag out the same Christmas decorations. It gets pretty boring seeing the same old same old year after year.

At Marine Drive

2009-12-17T21:18:00.000-08:00

Iranian protesters

2009-12-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

A protest against Iran was in progress in downtown the other day.

Silhouette

2009-12-15T00:38:00.000-08:00

Silhouette of the outside plants on the blind looks like a black ink painting.

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Bench

2009-12-14T18:49:00.001-08:00

This is the residual of the light sprinkle of snow we had on Sunday.

Frosty morning

2009-12-14T18:45:00.001-08:00

While it didn't snowed on Saturday night but was quite cold. The car was heavily frosted over.

Changing tire

2009-12-13T00:31:00.000-08:00

Here is where BCAA comes in handy. Not only they'll change your tire but ensure the tire is properly inflated. Years ago we changed the tire only to discover the spare was severely deflated.

A dusting

2009-12-12T00:19:00.000-08:00

had light dusting yesterday. The first two were taken at 9:00AM. The last one was taken after lunch.

Gift bags

2009-12-11T00:47:00.000-08:00

Why go through the trouble of gift wrapping when you can put them in a nice looking bag for a loonie?

Last rose

2009-12-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

Discovered this rose on one of our rose bushes. Decided to include it with this Christmas grouping.

Payment

2009-12-09T00:36:00.000-08:00

CBC's building expansion is reported to cost C$60 million. If you wonder where that money came from then take a good look at these two new towers next door. CBC sold the land they are on to Concord Pacific to raise the required capital.

Open House @CBC III

2009-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

The exterior of the CBC Building and some of the happenings outside.

Open House @CBC II

2009-12-07T11:36:00.001-08:00

These are taken in the old building and are located 3 floors underground.

Open House @CBC

2009-12-05T20:51:00.001-08:00

CBC completed its expansion and held an open house on Friday, Dec 4. I happened to be at that part of town and decided to drop by. These are some of the shots of the new addition which houses the news operation which includes the huge open space for reporters, writers, web designers and the news studios.

Will post photos of the old section which is home to the administration staff and studios for the radio broadcast.