Braided USB-C tether cable
A test of a braided USB-C tether cable for extreme durability on set.
One of the most common issues I encounter as a tech is having my very expensive USB-C tether cables go kaput because of extreme bending due to the use of a cable lock or tether block. Sometimes, there isn’t much I can do as the cable is just a tool to complete a job (there’s no way I’d be telling a photographer to stop holding a camera a certain way or anything), so in the end, I end up trashing way more cables than I’d like. Of course, on big jobs, this just ends up being seen as a consumable good and that’s fine considering all the other things rented on a shoot.
However, I still don’t like the waste of it all so I’ve been testing my own braided USB-C tether cables and so far they are really preventing the extreme bending through the design of the cable itself. It’s the best case scenario! The braided cables are a lot more durable and actually physically cannot be bend backwards onto a tether block due to the construction of the braided fabric sleeve. It’s designed this way for durability and no photographer I’ve used it with lately has even noticed the change in cable. It’s invisible design at work!
I’ll do some further testing before opening it up to the masses but honestly, this looks like the solution I’ve been searching for for over 5+ years.
JUSTICE - Generator (live at Accor Arena)
One of the best concert lighting designs in recent history.
I’m posting this live JUSTICE show from Accor Arena in 2024 because it’s the closest official video link to their live IRIS show that is available.
JUSTICE randomly posted the IRIS full concert on their page sometime in the last year but has since removed it entirely for no apparent reason and I just want everybody to see how incredible this stage and show design is (not to mention it’s such a great mix of JUSTICE songs).
Modern stadiums are actually getting smaller
How modern stadiums aren’t built for mega-fans.
I’m not entirely surprised here as more and more of the western world becomes driven by statistics and an obsession on return on investments. In this Wall Street Journal video, an architect explains how modern stadiums are actually less about packing in a ton of fans and more about convincing people with money to feel exclusive about their ability to attend an in-person game.
Architects and designers do this by trying to squeeze every penny out of you after you’ve already paid for and entered the stadium with concessions that persuade you to purchase quicker and more often and with seat options that are more luxurious (hint: it’s not really).
Final days at the abandoned VITAS Healthcare building in Downtown Miami
A final look at the VITAS Healthcare building in Downtown Miami before it gets demolished.
I am in Miami for a few days and I had to take some time out to see the former VITAS Healthcare building in Downtown Miami with my own eyes. This place was bombed with graffiti from crews worldwide in nearly 1 night several years back during Art Basel. It was one of those huge graffiti “campaigns” similar to the abandoned Oceanwide Plaza in Los Angeles.
As of this post, the VITAS Healthcare building is monitored 24/7 by private security on all sides across the street and most of the building is scheduled for complete demolition within this year. This is a very last look at it before it becomes dust.
Images from ‘Super Saturday’ in NYC Chinatown
A few personal photos from Lunar New Year celebrations on Super Saturday.
It was a fun and chaotic day this past Saturday in NYC Chinatown as many came out to celebrate “Super Saturday” for Lunar New Year. I’ve missed this particular day the past few years due to travel so I was glad to be home for it this year. Super Saturday is always just a fun and free way to enjoy NYC as the entire city descends upon Chinatown to launch confetti, mini firecrackers, and noise makers in an unofficial Open Streets way (no vehicular traffic is allowed in Chinatown during this day).
Cars were gone and people filled nearly every inch of public space at times, especially on Mott St near Pell. I even bumped into some family and friends!
Check out some photos of a special actor filming one of the premiere lion dance groups in Chinatown.
New RoboCup accessory adds a plate to the mix
New accessory for RoboCup owners.
I believe the RoboCup was originally designed for boating to hold fishing poles, but over the years, the place I’ve seen it used the most is on photo sets and photo/video carts to hold drinks. Nobody I know has the “large cup holder” attachment, but I can totally see myself and others buying into this super durable and easy to install “plate” to add to a standard RoboCup setup.
The RoboCup Plate slots directly into one of the RoboCup’s cup holders and lets you have a protruding surface to place phones, other cups (like mugs), keys, and even hard drives or small routers. No drilling necessary. Plus, at the end of the day, you really can toss this across the room and into a case without having to worry about it breaking.
New wayfinding signs at W 155th St in Washington Heights
New WalkNYC Wayfinding signs have made it to Washington Heights!
These signs must have popped up in the neighborhood rather recently. A quick check on Google Maps shows the latest imagery there from August 2024 without these signs so I am assuming they were placed some time after the end of year holidays in 2024.
This sign here on W 155th St and Broadway is part of NYC’s WalkNYC Wayfinding initiative, originally designed by Pentagram. Uptown doesn’t always get the love for this kind of design until much later (we might not have the visitor foot traffic for it), so it’s nice to see we’ve finally been graced by the beauty of Pentagram. :P
Snow days in Washington Heights
A few shots I took in Washington Heights.
It finally snowed a significant amount this past week in NYC and I went out to give you all the photo report: IT STUCK!
Here’s a few scenes from the neighborhood as the white fluff came down. DSNY snow plows were out and scraping the streets every few minutes.
