Monthly Archives: April 2015

Pictures of Saturday 4/25/15, Seattle Center Daze..

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I did some local exploring around the Space Needle.That was my spontaneous little adventure in the later daylight end for yesterday. Here are some pics…

004 copyThe rooftop view, a nice day for fluffy clouds and a good walk..

018 copyThe monorail through the local Experience Music Project museum..

019Up and above..

017 copyA new playground here. The paint is fresh. The playground will be open to the public next month sometime…

007 copySame playground but from a different fence. I may have filtered it a bit too much in the Photoshop touch up edit, but I really liked the lines. I wanted to make sure you noticed..

013 copyThe same playground from another closed off entrance.. It’s a little crazy, and seems dangerous.

011A little more about that..

025 copyAnother look at the Space Needle, from a mid-Spring point of view…

024 copyA little birdie hopping around..

032 copyThe John T Williams Honor Pole, carved by his brother (Rick L. Williams) to honor John and his long family generations of carving. John T. Williams was the seventh generation Nitinaht carver of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. He died in 2010, from multiple gunshot wounds fired from a Seattle police officer. For more on that story, click here. Thanks to donations and public support, this totem pole remains close to the Space Needle, for all to appreciate.

051 copyThat is all for now. I depart the Seattle Center, and walk through the Bill and Melinda Gates Visitor Center. There is much else of visual interest around here. However, I will save that adventure for another day..

– Orion T

Pictures of Today 4/24/2015, Next Stop, Pioneer Square Station, Doors to your Right..

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Under the streets of old Seattle, transitions happen. There is much beauty in this process, though many of us are too busy to appreciate its design.

Many are local citizens, going about their daily commutes to and from work. They would likely be relieved to not take part in the rising traffic jams above and around the growing Downtown area. Some probably have a good book, or an old timey newspaper. Others have their mobile device; perfect for casual video games and the occasional texting conversation (once out of the tunnel). While their lives are usual and mundane, they still take part in their daily exercise of change. This tunnel is a major part of that process…a maker of their daily progress gone smooth.

Some are a bit excited to make this transition to or from their homes abroad, as they are often tourists, or weekend visitors to those special loved ones or good friends. Either ways, the stop inside a tunnel station is a major turning point in that journey. An official step, to leave all behind or welcome all forward. Some changes may be from the stop before. Even so, the above world is still different than the one left behind 10 minutes ago. All change becomes accepted, and planned well with the beginning, or the end of this transition point.  We forget the in-between, very quickly.

Take this stop in Pioneer Square, also known as the Pioneer Square Link Light Station. You may catch a number of buses, or the Link Light railbus throughout the King County area.

This 25-year old station lies beneath the older, more historical part of Seattle. Everything here below, feels like the opposite of the town above. It feels open, almost quiet except for constant whining of buses and railcars. Everything seems simple, as to a purpose and options on what could do here. Yet above, the world is busy and complex. The streets seem to have less space. There are unpleasant smells sometimes. The destinations are nearly infinite, with many directions one could choose from. This is different from airports, and open business districts and suburbs of the destinations where the transits follow beyond the Downtown areas. When you leave the space between spaces, a transition complete and new normal comes accepted.

Still, that station below is quite incredible; a retro-futuristic fantasy come to life. Here are pictures of this grand stop; the amazing tunnel between. Sorry, I did not take any pics of the grand exterior of the stairway. My camera battery was “exhausted” by then. My change, was to leaving this alone, forgetting it all; and next choosing that good place to enjoy a good slice of pizza.

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Earth Day in the Big City..

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Happy Earth Day!

And so goes all the good messages about planting trees, recycling, putting some extra through on how we converse resources. This is not much to ask for the many of us busy with work, or preoccupied with some studies and big crazy projects.

Yet, here we are again. And sometimes, it’s the little things we don’t appreciate. Like these trees that I felt fortunate to walk among in this big downtown city. Now, the Spring is full-grown, and the leaves are plenty enough to block out much of the continued development that sprouts from the grounds of this Emerald City. I smile a little more on this Earth Day, to see the efforts of this co-existence of nature and industrialization in the high-paced working world. There are ecological benefits to our longer-term survival with this continued push for nature through our cities. I would like to think having more trees helps reduce the effects of city pollution and smog. The shade also helps to bring down mental stress, I think.

So, today I spread the light on our public parks, and emphasize  the importance of increasing planted trees in our modernized civilizations. We continue to push forward, plant more trees and bushes; all great action in the right directions. This continual rebirth of local nature is helpful to our environment and futures, in more ways than we can see. But, sometimes to take in the sights of a well-developed park..is enough to appreciate.

The pictures below are of the Pioneer Square area of Downtown Seattle; taken days ago with a cheaper point and shoot camera. However, today has small outbursts of sun and shine throughout the Pioneer Square. The leaves are just as nice to look at and through, on this lovely Earth Day. If you are nearby some earthly sights, take time out and appreciate..

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– Orion T

Pictures of Today 4/19/15, Trailing through Discovery Park

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A hike through Discovery Park..yes.

That was the best remedy to a rough last week; as I needed fresh air, time away from the screens and sirens. Discovery Park has 534 square miles, of peace and nature for one to enjoy. There are open meadows, dense forestation, rocky cliffs, old historical buildings, and a beach. For anyone living in Seattle, it’s easily accessible by bus, car, and probably even a bike. Sunday, was my day of escape. To there, I went.

While hiking through, I took pictures. Here are some unedited raws, featuring the best of the today’s afternoon adventure..

072High above the upper meadow trails of Discovery Park. Downtown Seattle is somewhere behind the hills to the left.

060Today was a nice blue day, sunny at 70 degrees.

063Yet, there was a constant wind chill. Those bushes with the small yellow petals were in constant sway.

068Though much of the cherry blossoms and magnolias have vanished through the city, some were late bloomers and still showing some of that early Spring pride.

069No words, just cool shadow play.

082There is a beach down below. I just follow the trail and watch my step. But take time, because each view is fantastic.

083Some moss there. I like moss.

079Lots of birds chirping, as I walk more between the trees. I wish I was good at spotting them. There are some bird tours coming up, here in Discovery Park. I may join in on one.

037Okay, I found this one. Not sure if it’s a crow. I like this shot.

096The beach, with lots of dried wood and visitors.

090The West Point Lighthouse. A shot without anyone walking around it or taking selfies in front of it was pretty much impossible today. Still, worth the capture.

010Another group of local visitors, enjoying some off-shore strolling.

088Tides were picking up. The calming was over, and the wind also increased. The time to go back was now. Also, I am hungry and forgot to bring efficient snacks.

104On my way back, a nice small meadow to stare at. Argh, I forget what those puffy things are called..

006Okay then..

058Not Discovery Park, but my last minute visit to the Sculpture Park before heading home. I caught this awesome sunset, just in the nick of time.

That’s all for now. I will be back to Discovery Park again, soon. Hopefully then, I will see more birds.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 4/14/15, Leftovers..

 

There was a break from the rain. The last few days had plentiful pour, and then some heavy cumulous cloud activity. Forecast calls for days of part sunshine, then likely back to the rain. 

Oh, Seattle weather…

Picture of Today 4/12/15, Underpassed Art..

 

I took a short stroll under a bridge through the Northeast Campus Parkway, near the University District in Seattle.  This after,I noticed notice some crazy colors to the side, at the end of a long bus ride.

And there I was, on this quiet day. The streets were still damp, from the heavy rains of past days. The walls seemed washed, cleaned. The street art, urban graffiti, whatever you want to call it..brought a sense of youthful expression to this area of higher education. I know little of the artists who add magnificent style in their signatures. I can appreciate their work, and enjoy the small messages and subtle details for those who really take time to visually explore these walls. I am also particular fond of inclusion of the 1990s comic  character and MTV cartoon star, The Maxx (pictured below)

The mural’s origins can be traced back to 2004, with this article I Googled researched.  Here, explains what began as the project of UW art grad Jill Rothenburger, who found the underpass previously “drab and depressing.” With encouragement and permission from the city, that was changed. City officials were worried this could be spread, or encouraged towards illegal “tagging.”  Jill defended the bridge in her quote from that article:

“Vandalism is illegal, but how can a style be illegal?…Graffiti is a style. It’s the visual manifestation of hip-hop culture. Hip-hop is youth culture. Does the city really want to be against that?”

So, the city allowed. Over 10 years later the underpass mural continues to impress, though with some changes to the art over time (much of it painted over older art). Here below, are some shots of its current appearance..

   

   

– Orion T

  

Pictures of Yesterday 4/11/15, Spring Rained

 

Yesterday, was one of the simple days.

 I sat on a wet bench in front of the Apple Store, somewhere in the Univeristy District of Seattle. I was a bit early for my “Genius Bar” appointment, to see to a small problem with my mobile tablet. I looked for anything around me, that wasn’t based on commercialization and our addictions to technology. The sky welcomed my sight more than the flashy allure of that new Apple Watch on display. I enjoyed the solid gray for most of that time in wait.. Then, coming back down to Earth..I noticed more people on my bench. A child was sitting backwards, looking behind the bench, to the colorful small garden behind almost touching the back of my head. There, I admired the beautiful, colorful flowers, still dripping from the recent pouring rains. 

Then, I took a few pictures (featured below). I do not know the classification on these flowers. Any help in the comments is welcome.

   

 

  

The “Genius Bar” appointment went well. As usual, I get wonderful service from Apple when needed.

– Orion T

Outside Memories of the 2015 Sakura-Con..

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I love these fandom gatherings.

Recently, I joined among the many in colorful costumes for the celebration of an interesting sub-culture. Here, together to celebrate their love for the Japanese anime/manga; including related games, art and lit. The  grand show inside (of which I was unable to attend) was the great Sakura-Con, held annually in Seattle’s downtown convention center. The outside show in the back park area stretching some blocks, is a fan driven compliment to the event.

I spent good time outside the event in the back park area, there to meet up with old visiting friends. While around, I had great fun, cheering on the celebrated icons of Japan’s contributions to pop-culture, and learned much on the new popular trends of today’s “otaku” faire.

I took some pictures with two cameras. The sunny weather was perfect for that, adding vividness to the amazing array of colorful attires. Here below, with notes:

Photo Apr 04, 12 11 42 PMDressed as characters from an anime/manga TV show, Cardcaptor Sakura.

Photo Apr 06, 5 57 16 PMA giant handmade Pokemon creature, made by the mohawked person in the back. Many cheered on this giant creature.

Photo Apr 04, 2 17 58 PMLink and a fairy (from a later game I think, of which I have yet to play)..from the Legend of Zelda series

Photo Apr 05, 7 26 39 PMWaLuigi, brother to Wario. Not sure who the other us.

Photo Apr 05, 7 29 05 PMVegeta and Piccolo perform the fusion dance. I am not a big fan of Dragonball Z, yet have been enough of the fandom to pick up on this stuff.

Photo Apr 05, 7 27 05 PMGodzilla!!

Photo Apr 04, 5 02 52 PMFrom the worlds of the Walter Robot studios, of which I know very little. I know for sure, this make-up job is awesome.

Photo Apr 07, 7 10 25 AMJokers and Harley Quinns. They are not of the Japanese culture origins, but they fit well as the anime/manga altpop culture welcomes all fantasy, sci-fi, superhero, etc genres of creative storytelling.

Photo Apr 07, 7 14 27 AMNot sure who she is from but that makeup job and costume detail is phenomenal.

Photo Apr 07, 12 40 52 PMVash the Stampede and Wolfwood, crossplayed from the classic Trigun anime series. This brings love and peace to my heart, to see fans bring life to one of my fav series of years ago.

Photo Apr 07, 7 12 09 AMThese players are from the Yu-Gi-Oh game and anime franchise. Well done!

Photo Apr 05, 7 39 06 PMI think she is from a newer show called RWBY. Not sure, but nice detail.

Photo Apr 05, 7 30 48 PMAn odd traditional game played every year here during the show. This involves a large circle, where those inside the circle kick around a bottle. The bottle points to someone in the circle, signalling for a walk and a hug to that person. That person replaces and fronts to the middle of the circle, to repeat the circle. There are some various chants and songs that sometimes happen.

Photo Apr 04, 1 18 17 PMCharacters from the long-running One Piece anime/manga series. The fandom of this was so huge, that a separate gathering far in the back of the park happened; where fans put on their own cosplay show.

Photo Apr 04, 2 04 58 PM Photo Apr 04, 2 03 10 PMA small portion of a massive League of Legends gathering (based on a very popular video game). The fandom and dedication to this astounds me.

Photo Apr 05, 7 34 17 PMSome fun under a bridge, which I helped with for a friend (in the bunny suit). Here, many enjoyed a hop scotch game for to promote her Android dating/social meet-up app, Cuddli..

Photo Apr 04, 2 10 14 PMAnother character from League of Legends, I think. I like this shot.

Photo Apr 05, 7 40 55 PMA wild Pokemon spotted!

Photo Apr 07, 7 06 34 AMFrom the anime series, RWBY. Note: Monty Oum, the animator and creator of RWBY and many short films I admired, passed away last year at the age of 33. His work lives on with the fans.

Photo Apr 05, 7 36 01 PMNot sure on this series..but I like the craftsmanship.

Photo Apr 04, 4 59 19 PMA lady adorned with many Moogles (from the Final Fantasy video games). I hope they are clingy, and not dead..heheh.

Photo Apr 06, 5 51 20 PMLara Croft, as portrayed in a recent and very gritty retcon of the Tomb Raider game franchise.

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Well, that’s all for now. I had a huge blast for the one day of three  (I only had the time for, and why I didn’t go for a pass to the grander show inside). I give a huge thanks to all those who shared the joys of their fandoms, with the cosplay and cheers. Good times shared, are the best times.

– Orion T

Memories of an Emerald City Comic Con (2015)

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I love a good comic convention, and any geek-out gathering of a similar nature. For me, it’s all about my comic/graphic novel appreciations, and all the connecting fantasy and science fiction driven art. To be among the creatives, and to converse with them is a complex joy that never ends for me.

I also enjoy the thrill of a good hunt, to peek through the exhibit floors.Through the aisles I explore the artist alleys, company booths, dealer tables, and demo stops. I take much with me. All including (but not limited to) my personal favorite things to take home are: sketches, cheap loose figures, vintage magazines, bargain comics (including graphic novels, trade paperbacks), special edition exclusives, free swag, samples, and the occasional new thing an exhibitor successfully pitched .

I also take home some interesting memories, and fun sights. I love taking pictures of people and happenings, to treasure the shows further. Every convention over the last 20 years (lost count of how many of these now), has had something special. I often meet someone new, or see some interesting gathering. I meet an admired creator, or listen to the words of some interesting celebrity to the realms of geek. This is all great fun.

Here are some wonderful memories of this Emerald City Comic Con (my third attended) for 2015.

IMG_3905The gathering of Spider-Man and related Marvel Comics cosplayers. Among them were many Deadpools, and some Spider-Gwens (a new character to the Marvel Universe, long story), and a classic Electro (a personal fav to my childhood cartoon viewing).

IMG_3894I noticed an abundance of loose action figure toys. Much of which I feel somewhat amused, that an appreciation of plastic detailing and articulated mobility could still be a fun novelty, in my grown-up years.

IMG_3945Paul Tobin (writer) and Colleen Cloover (artist), of the Bandette comics; a personal favorite (and highly recommended) series of a whimsical super-hero thief. Both a married couple hosting their own booth, and a joy to meet.

IMG_3940Long Vo and Joe Ng, at the Udon Booth. Both, drawing two video game favorites; Mega Man and Akuma (Street Fighter). I cam back at short times a bit later to see what they were up to. Both very friendly, and put much love into their work

IMG_3951Christopher Pike, and Harry Mudd cosplay; from the Classic Star Trek series.

Photo Mar 29, 12 19 10 PMI love seeing comic book covers of different areas on display and in boxes. There is an awesome nostalgic beauty to all this.

IMG_3910-0DC Comics “Bombshell” versions of Wonder Woman, Black Canary, Harley Quinn, and Batwoman. All brought to life, from a series of variant comic covers showing the heroines with vintage pulp cover twists. Well done.

Photo Mar 29, 1 40 54 PMAlana and Marko cosplayers, from the Saga comics series. Saga (by Fiona Staple and Brian K. Vaughan) is the best sci-fantasy comic series currently released on the shelves now.

IMG_3930A vintage Batman playset still in the box. Will Batman save Robin in time, or will the Joker have the last laugh?

IMG_3947Jim Mahfood, an admired artist over my last two decades of comic reading. He is the perfect match for the new Tank Girl series coming out. He also drew me a cool Batman sketch.

IMG_3936And here, are the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Seattle is safe for now!

IMG_3880Doctor Doom vs. Judge Dredd. Place your bets!

IMG_3899They let me go, after showing them the droids they were looking for.

IMG_3924Sailor Scouts, crossplayin

Photo Mar 28, 11 15 37 AMThe Gundam Wing 1/100 Endless Waltz model kits. Not shown is my favorite, Duo Maxwell and his Deathscythe Hell Custom.

Photo Mar 30, 7 32 42 AMA new Mega Man figure coming from Bluefin toys. Multi-articulated with LED lights, and pop-out compartments. This was originally promoted as a Kickstarter campaign for fans, now with all goals met.

Photo Mar 30, 7 29 13 AMThe Image Comics booth, once again standing tall as my favorite current comics publisher.

Photo Mar 28, 8 19 50 PMSome of the later stage cosplayers showcased that Saturday weekend night. There were many groups, with incredible detail and craftsmanship. The Troll from World of Warcraft (fifth from the left) I think won best in show.

IMG_3871On the last day and outside the convention, lucky fans got an up close performance from the D20 Brass Band. Many cheered to the Legend of Zelda theme, and other classic tunes.

IMG_3903Gotta love the some of the really geeky merch. I was seriously considering buying that Chewbacca robe in the top right corner.

Photo Mar 28, 10 36 48 AMRob McDaniel at work, sculpting with clay one of this amazing creatures. For the show, his work is inside the fantasy anthology series, Monsterpedia.

21923_10153111978863159_1712772259610341081_nMy obtained sketches on small trading card sized boards, from the show. From the top and left…Leonardo by Albert Nguyen, Batman by Jim Mahfood, Miniature Man by Steven Butler, random lady sketch by Enfu (local Seattle Artist), from the upcoming Faster Than Light augmented reality comics by Brian Haberlin (Anomaly) Inspector Belgique by Colleen Cloover (from Bandette), and Gyro Gearloose by Don Rosa!

IMG_3939Well, that’s all for now, with Gender Bender taking us out.

Until the next Con (probably San Diego in the summer)..

– Orion T

Pictures of Today 4/1/15, Before the Storm..

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I recall those 45 minutes on the evening bus heading back to the big Emerald City, along the freeway..

I stared out through the glass, feeling restless. You can see the clouds move very slowly, changing swirls and shifting light in curious chaotic directions. Crazy clouds can be exciting, and stirring of my moods. Every now and then, a patch of blue, or a burst of sun; the mind just let’s go. I feel so much of the glorious unique and vast sights, feeding to my imagination to some strange epic fantasy lost in my subconscious. I normally sleep on the long bus rides after work, but how could I? I just stared out, in a sort of hypnotic state for much good time. I would eventually break through the spell, taking pics from the smartphone every few seconds. I think I captured some of that motion.

Two hours later, a massive thunderstorm hit the big Seattle city. No pics of that, as I could only hear the booming throughout under the safety of my bed covers. I was tempted to leave and peek outside, but I think these pics from earlier are enough for today. Also, I remember the outside air as very cold and wet. 

Here below, are those earlier bus pics all unedited and low-res raw, straight from my slightly outdated smartphone. The above pic is from my apartment roof, befoe settling to the inside for the night..

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