The best highlight of the latest annual University District Street Fair in Seattle, was the street dancing at one particular corner…
There in the afternoon, the Legion Dance Crew NW performed some sick moves with much breakdancing, some popping, and crazy flips. Joining them was Steel Will of the LA Breakers, who performed his grand finale flip over a few audience volunteers…
Very talented folks, who made this day and this fair worth going.
– Orion T
Last weekend was a bit more colorful than usual..
I spent a little time outside the Sakura-Con, an annual convention for lovers of Japanese anime, manga, gaming and related pop-culture. I missed my chance for tickets inside the event, as I was a bit overly busy for much of the greater portions of the event. But outside, I had some hours to spare.
Much of the time was conversing with old friends, making new ones. We discussed emphasis on the anime and gaming pop-culture of decades past (the newer generation was more present). It was all fun, to see old characters brought to fly, thanks to the cosplaying element of the gathering.
I took some pictures, of which only some shared below. If you would like more than,please check out my expanded gallery and writings on “geek” culture at strangerworlds.com.
Here, are some chosen pics of mine for here (click on each for more into)..
That’s all for now…
Oh wait.., here’s me caught with the creepy mascots of the Five Nights at Freddys video game series!
– Orion T
Last weekend, I played around at the PAX Prime convention..
There, a gathering of gamer geeks mingled with developers, creators and producers of digital interactive and physical tabletop games. The PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) Prime show remains the main one of its kind since 2004, as the event now branched more shows throughout the US and Australia. Still, the PAX Prime show remains popular here in downtown Seattle.
I took many pictures and notes of the three (out of four) days spent there. I have them featured on another site (strangerworlds.com) of which I contribute occasional entries on indie geek-culture. Here are some pictures below, with different notes. If you are further interested and would like more of my PAX coverage, click here for Part 1, and here for Part 2.
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Typical activity on the showroom floor. Just imagine loud booming sounds and the occasional gameplay mic commentary.
Typical board game fun spread around the show. There is much to appreciate over a fully-developed game after a lengthy long to set-up.
The largest and strangest of displays…promoting Magic:the Gathering, a game more addictive than crack (not that I tried and compared crack..I’m just assuming based on my long past MTG obsession).
Über had a cool gimmick, where you may catch a ride in post-apocalyptic vehicles promoting the upcoming Mad Max game.
Perhaps the most infamous of promotions at this PAX, for the hilariously adult card game, Cards Against Humanity. Stand in line for a lengthy time for exclusive cards placed inside terrible tasting Popsicles. And for a set, you must get all three.
The walkway through an empty hall to get to that truck and kind-of hidden parts of the show. Worthwhile for the Exploding Kittens game signed by the creators, sold within.
Classy gals got game!
A giant Pikachu balloon reminds us that Pokemon will never die
One of many colorful booths pimping out the expensive tech for rich nerds out there.
One of many big screens for those who enjoy watching games in big screens..
Got medical insurance?
Vault Boy from the Fallout game franchise gave this show a thumbs up!
So close, yet far away in distant lands..
After an hour wait, me finally trying out the Oculus VR system for my first time. That was a very interesting experience, for my love of science fiction and where this may take us humans decades from now..and that’s not just in playing fancy video games..
That’s all for here. I will likely be back for next year, and looking forward until then.
– Orion
Not sure what there is about a parade, drawing me close…
Yet, the knowledge of one coming,motivates me to forget the world and join as a spectator. I’m usually alone, as I can’t imagine anyone I know as excited as me. I like to watch, applaud, and occasionally cheer at the odd display of colorful people and their strange contraptions and organized entertainment. If there is some theme, than I have a bonus to my enjoyment.
So last Saturday, there was this 2015 Torchlight Parade in Seattle, mainly sponsored by Alaska Airlines. Without looking this up, I think the theme was lights and diversity as there was much of that through the late evening, early nightfall. We got a huge range of ethnic and cultural diversity crossed with local businesses and small town promotions. It was all local fun, with little on anything specific to recent happenings (unlike other parades). Also, lots of beauty queens on flowery floats and big bands in between. Overall, some good old-fashioned fun to a parade that just is..
Here are some parade pics that may amuse you, and hopefully remind you of the joys of a good ol parade..
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O look, it’s the Alaska Airlines mascot!
Pickle Pride!
Big orca love, full of inflated happiness!
One of my favorite floats, as I also love peaches.. I would love to attend a Peach Fesitval someday..
One of many who chose to ride in classic style through the parade, on horseback.
One of the more perplexing displays of the parade. That can’t be real, yet the sign says..leading some in the crowd to run and touch the potato thing…
One of many marchers representing the U.S. Military and armed forces, with spendid musical performances!
And some extra patriotism…
One of many floats with gorgeous ladies wearing sashes and tiaras.
It’s Blitz the Seahawks mascot…getting us psyched for another coming season of NFL football.
Dancing and music, south of the border style!
Fantastic lights brings a magical feeling here..
A more colorful chariot for this parade
One of the more stranger floats, with a message about garbage and our drainage systems..
Some headspinning visual feats..
And pirates, aRRRRR!
And this big obnoxious truck!
That is all I share from thIs parade. I sadly missed out on some clowns, as I had to exit for some time to make some calls. The pics were a small portion of the whole show, as I am limited on upload capacity and time for this article. But overall, I hope you enjoy the visual sampling of parade moments , as I enjoy sharing them.
– Orion T
Today, was a beautiful day..
Because, any day with a parade is just that. But more so to this, the 2015 Seattle Pride Parade, part of the annual celebration of LGBT pride festivities here, and in other cities. And to enjoy, one doesn’t necessarily be a direct part of that community..but celebrate their inclusion and contributions into modern society and see forth important issues that relate. Much is done in good, fun entertainment; as represented by many groups, businesses, institutions, public services, churches, non-profits, and corporations, clubs and more.
For the parade there displayed some extra cheer, in light of the recent US Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage across the nation. For local Seattle, this was also a further celebration of its own empowered gay communities, as such is well known throughout. For me, it was just good fun enjoying the colorful displays with fun people sharing what makes their happiness and strengtens the love in their lives.
Here are some pictures. I took..
– Orion T
After the Solstice Parade last Saturday (see last entry), I enjoyed some evening jams at Gasworks Park.
I give huge thanks to the 2015 Honk!Fest musical happening, featuring a variety of big band ensembles. All free, yet donor and volunteer backed.
Above pics are of the (EDIT: I learned the above band is actually The Extraordinary Rendition Band from Providence, Rhode Island…oops.)
Below, are pics on the Junkadelic Brass Band from Perth Australia..
– Orion T
Happy Solstice!
Spring ends, with the summer now fresh. For Seattle area folk, many flock north to the Fremont district. Here was the street fair, a musical HonkFest festival, the naked bike ride, and this awesome parade. The Solstice Parade is all volunteer powered, with no assistance by corporate entities. The passing display exhibitions of large are all human powered with no fuel or electricity used in the propelling forward. Environmentalism and social issues remain constant themes for multiple parade groups. In addition, it’s also good fun with music and dancing. Donations are collected at the end, to help ensure this annual tradition continues.
Here below, are some pics for you…
– Orion T
Good times!!
The 2015 Pacific Northwest Folklife Festival brought much joy to the many festive folk attending in Seattle, this Memorial Day weekend. Much of this was in thanks to the monetary support from the visitors, business donors and merchants. Further support was also in part to volunteers, who also made this wonderful event possible. For me, it was just relaxing and sampling of new and exotic musical and dance talents (while tipping many in appreciation). There was something for everyone here, I felt. And for that, I had to see what everyone had.
I took some pictures with notes, featured below..
Near the International Fountain, there was a drum (mostly) circle. Beats combined created a nice fusion, mostly of a constant tribal pattern calling many to the center to shake and dance wildly.
Many got their motions on, some with fantastic visual attire and style.
There were some big stages, where some larger acts took place. I was drawn to the jazzy stuff. This is M9, a Romani-style brass band, from the local area. I enjoyed their music.
One of my favorite things about the Folklife Festival are the surprise sidewalk performances. You just have to be at the right place, at the right time to discover and enjoy something new and exciting. For this year, it was a mix of some Celtic (not sure) and country ho-down fun. I meant to ask more info on this group. I hope to see them again someday.
I noticed many sidewalk performers had their dogs with them, which I think added a lot of charm to the overall atmosphere.
Another favorite sidewalk performance. I was hoping to get a name, but couldn’t hold out until the full act was over to ask. The steel drum (I think) produced a cool Caribbean beat when tapped, combined with the stepping of the speaker he sat on it. The effect was a hypnotic awesome rhythm.
Some fantastic locking and popping happened here. Loved this, as these sick moves brought me back to my early years on the streets of San Francisco.
Not sure what dancing this is. There was some fiddle music from the stage at this time, and the line moved all around.
Not all was music. Some fun came from people finding their own ways to share the delight.
Anthony Briscoe and his band Down North brought some serious fire to the Saturday Night, fuming with a combo of rock, R&B, and soul.
I didn’t catch the name of the guest guitarist who Anthony brought on stage for one jam, but daaamn, he was good.
More drums!
More dancin!
Festivals are not complete without some crazy food choices.
Not that it ever really gets hot here in Seattle, but the trees make for great shade and atmosphere.
Overall, a lot of cheer from many. I was happy to be a part of all this. Thanks again to the PNW Folklife Festival and all involved, for making this happen.
– Orion T
The Northwest Folklife Festival kicks off this Memorial Day weekend with groovy vibes and solid rhythms.
This Friday evening, I dropped by the ol Seattle Center park for this annual tradition. The festival is free to all and run as a non-profit event, since 1972. It’s made possible by donations big and small by many supporters. Here, you can listen to many folk beats from many musicians on stage, or just hanging out by a tree. Many ethnic variations involving different styles of dance, vocals, and instruments are proudly presented. Listeners are encouraged to groove, and perhaps dance with the soulful sounds.
I highly recommend attending for anyone looking to chill and enjoy some cool jams with other like-minded spirits. Though, I also encourage visitors to bring whatever loose change and dollars they happen to have. Though you will find company backed stage performances, there are also many more small acts in between, and throughout the park area. You may enjoy them, and smile; perhaps even dance and cheer to these wonderful performers mere footsteps away. If so, show some appreciation and drop them some of that cash down. Becoming part of that action is what keeps the NW Folklife Festival fun.
You may also visit the many food and merch stands scattered about. For more info on the Festival, visit nwfolklife.org.
I will be back tomorrow, and likely on some grass for much of the day, enjoying this Folklife. If you see me, come and say hello. I promise to return the favor. I might even buy you some roasted corn on the cob.
Meanwhile, here are a few other pics of today’s Folklife opening day…
-Orion T
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.
The 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).
I 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.
Paul 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.
Long 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
Christopher Pike, and Harry Mudd cosplay; from the Classic Star Trek series.
I love seeing comic book covers of different areas on display and in boxes. There is an awesome nostalgic beauty to all this.
DC 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.
Alana 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.
A vintage Batman playset still in the box. Will Batman save Robin in time, or will the Joker have the last laugh?
Jim 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.
And here, are the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Seattle is safe for now!
Doctor Doom vs. Judge Dredd. Place your bets!
They let me go, after showing them the droids they were looking for.
Sailor Scouts, crossplayin
The Gundam Wing 1/100 Endless Waltz model kits. Not shown is my favorite, Duo Maxwell and his Deathscythe Hell Custom.
A 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.
The Image Comics booth, once again standing tall as my favorite current comics publisher.
Some 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.
On 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.
Gotta love the some of the really geeky merch. I was seriously considering buying that Chewbacca robe in the top right corner.
Rob McDaniel at work, sculpting with clay one of this amazing creatures. For the show, his work is inside the fantasy anthology series, Monsterpedia.
My 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!
Well, that’s all for now, with Gender Bender taking us out.
Until the next Con (probably San Diego in the summer)..
– Orion T
Today would have been an otherwise regular day, if it weren’t for the little discoveries I find.
This mural, is the other side of a building I often pass on Broadway street in Capitol Hill (17th and John). I cut through Cal Anderson Park to the back of the building, and I notice this lengthy work of art along the back. There is posted credits to Baso Fibonacci, Zach Rockstad, and Japhy White.
Here is a shot further on. The back residential street is very narrow, with cars back to back along the way. Shots from afar were not good, and filled with much cars. But I like this angle, though it only captures a small part. The first shot above is the best I could do. I like it.
Tis cool to know what kind of sights are around the corner to my otherwise familiar paths. Perhaps, I’ll come back when there are no cars and try for a wider shot of the long art.
Much later and further away to the Downtown Seattle area, I cut through the Post Alley underpass at Pike Place Market for another errand. And here, the wall art (which I post up occasionally) is ever changing with something new and thought provoking..
Cool.
Today is a wet day for the Empire.
Good times and cheers at the Seattle PRIDE Parade 2014, with Celebrity Grand Marshall, George Takei over there. Here are a few other pics taken, from my decent iPad camera… 
I love a fun parade..
Especially one not pushed on by the big corporations, dominant messages of commercialism and shameless promotions. Also, there are no motorized vehicles, no animals, no company logos. Here, is the good ol Fremont Solstice Parade, in north Seattle. The annual event is produced by the Fremont Arts Council, with much funded support by the locals.
Check out some of the best of the parade below. I love the good ol fashioned big band music, the hand-pulled floats, the creative puppetry, dance numbers. All, very local and very friendly. At times (at least where I was, near the end with less people), some parade participants would surprise random crowd spectators with silly props, photo-bombs, and hugs.
I got hugged, twice.
Happy New Summer!
For many, the turn of season was happiest at the ol Fremont Fair, in northern Seattle. The day was sunny and the longest of all year (sunrise at 5:12 AM, sunset at 9:11 PM). Crowds of festive folk, parades, music, and deep fried anythings..everywhere. For me at times, I had to escape from it all, and rest here at Gasworks Park..the choice for peace and best view of the Lake Union waterscape.
Sometime, I went back for the local parade and the World Naked Bike Ride. I have pics, of which I will post soon..
All in a good day, with extra special added to the established special..
This Memorial Day, I enjoyed the annual Seattle Folklife Festival, with a kaleidoscope and my cheap smartphone camera (and first posted on Instagram).
The festival was nice; a huge annual event in Seattle, where musicians of a humble variety performed in different spots all near (some on stage, rooms, sidewalks) and play for the cheerful gatherings. All free, and donation backed by sponsors and collected tips. I did not feel much on the picture-taking; just enjoyed the sounds with a preference for jazz and bluegrass. The passing time was best spent on the grass under a warm sun and cloudy sky. I would change spots; with some engaging casual conversations with strangers, light writing, consuming sugary deep friend confectionaries and playing with my kaleidoscope.
Good times..
Doug Trumball (sitting on the right), after a special viewing of the classic science fiction film, 2001: a Space Odyssey, in a Q & A session And slIdeshow. He was the special photographic effects supervisor 2001 (and also Star Trek: the Motion Picture and Blade Runner).
I can never resist a gathering this colorful.
And here, was the Sakura Con; a gathering of a different sort than yesterday and day before’s NorWesCon. This event focused more towards the appreciation and partaking of Japanese anime and manga. Much of the action was inside the convention center, where the event was centered. However, the heavy rains of the last days finally stopped. Many attendees came out the open behind the convention center, to enjoy the sun and surroundings of each other.
Above, is a Sakura Con tradition continued; where many gathering in a circle whole other participants each kick a bottle and eventually have it spun to a someone connecting the circle. That person soon gets a hug from the bottle kicker, and replaces the other..to continues the cycle.
Also, there some dancing, posing for cameras, and more fun-having.
Here are a few pics..
I’ll post more up, another day..
12th Man Victory!!
The Seattle Seahawks crushed the Denver Broncos 48-8 in tonight’s grand Super Bowl football championship. The fans took to the streets, chanting SEAHAWKS!! SEAHAWKS!! SEAHAWKS!! Constant cheering, high-fiving, cars honking, joints smoking, crowd surfing, flags waving, police nervous, and all good for the home team.
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Pictures by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
The eve for the Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014
Here in Seattle, there is much 12th Man excitement for their mighty Seahawks football team, as they face off against the Denver Broncos tomorrow, in New York City. This will be their second Super Bowl, after making it thus far in their 2005 season.
So what does 12 represent?
A football team has 11 players. The 12th man is..are the fans, all legion as one; showing their support, and becoming a big motivator for victory.
Why Seattle?
The 12th man goes back further for back for decades, with the originators for the fandom term being Texas A&M University. Through stubborn continuation of the 12th Man (and an eventual settlement with Texas A&M in 2003), Seahawks became the official team in the NFL to now use this phrase.
Go Seahawks!
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Pictures by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
Local solidarity,
for the protests turned violent on the other side of this world.
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Picture by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
Winter lifestyles can vary..
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Picture by Orion Tippens (taken from mobile phone). NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved
TRAVELING ORION 