Happy Friday, they said..
Well, after a week of mostly sunny weather we find that at its end, along with an okay summer. The gloom is now here, along with the winds and the chills. I’m all right with this, as I feel this will be the sure sign that Fall has arrived. Get used to it, as the nights will come earlier. With that, I wil catch up to some reading and writing.
– Orion T
The sunset earlier today, where I took my time from the earlier evening shop and hustle of getting home, to appreciate a vision that doesn’t last very long. That’s where the sky becomes illuminate, and all around should stay still for the change from night to day. It’s either a sign to go home, or embrace the night.
Such is the golden hour.
– Orion T
Picture taken before the Pike Place Marker, In Seattle. It’s a good place to visit before the sun sets.
Summer for 2016 will be at its end soon, with a little of the season to show…
Yet, that flower is much like me, a little tired and in need of great rest. While much of it has been productive providing a place for bees or whatever to deal with, there has been much endured over the unusual yet varied temperatures of the summer, ranging from sudden rainstorms to the oncoming wind. There was the sunshine, but not as much as one could hope for. The garden around was a bit crowded, as the flower constantly had much to do. The Fall is coming, and then adaptation will be needed, from the roots to the very top of its next born stem. Perhaps, next year will be a livelier summer.
Meanwhile, here are some friends made. There is a little summer left in them too..
– Orion T
50 years ago on this day, a five-year mission began.
To explore strange new life and new civilizations, and you probably know as that message began the science fiction phenomenon, Star Trek. For decades, I have always been a Trekkie at heart, following all the series and all the movies with so much I wish I had the time to say about it all.
And here we are, looking back to the show that put forth some pretty crazy concepts back then (and through later reboots and spin-offs). Behold a crew exploring the final frontier, where all were welcome on a Federation spaceship with no boundaries on race, religion, gender, or non-threatening alien species
Much was already gained in that experience, centuries earlier. We have expedited the tech used in the show. I took the picture above with my phone, that can communicate at the touch of a button. We have computers that can respond to voice commands, give us endless amounts of information at any time, do video-conferences, and more. We have handheld devices that can detect heartbeats, sleep patterns, and give medical data on the fly. With simple instructions, we can produce objects through 3-D printers. Modern VR tech might as well be the earliest form of the holodeck. And if testing goes well, the NASA EM Drive will bring us much faster to the planet Mars. Who knows how far the tech will progress after that?
And, there is so much more to learn from the show about ourselves and the many interesting moral challenges we continue to face. Star Trek examines every facet of humanity to some extent, including religion, war, philosophy, politics. There are challenges to the open mind in many episodes, while there are breaks of fun and action-packed sequences.
Cheer’s to the five-year mission, that was originally televised for less than three, yet expanded and built upon itself for fifty and beyond. The legacy shall last for as long as humanity shall move, perhaps into that final frontier.
But for now, some of us have a railcar to catch. Here is are a couple more shots of the transport craft above, promoting the nearby Star Trek exhibit at the Experience Music Project (EMP) Museum.
– Orion T
The PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) returned to Seattle, bringing the unusual bunch special, colorful bunch of gaming enthusiasts together.
Though this year, the event is now PAX West (former PAX Prime), an annual convention for gamers of both the video interactive and the physical tabletop variety. Tomorrow, I will be attending the inside of the event and intend on doing much mingling and observing of a culture I enjoy taking part in.
But outside (where I was strolling by for a walk behind the convention center), there was an interesting sub-group of gaming enthusiasts among the PAX participants gathering around; the cosplayers, who dress up as their favorite characters of their current favorite fandom. Often, they gravitate towards other and court the local photographing paparazzi. With the nice weather peeking out, there were clusters of cosplayers about presenting their colorful attires.
Above, are a sub-group of cosplayers who are growing in presence with their costumes familiar to the League of Legends online MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena). I have yet to play this fascinating game, but very much enjoy the character designs that bring a worthy challenge to its fans who cosplay. The costumes are traditionally hand-made or assembled from ordered fabrics, with some parts taking great craftsmanship and skills to bring about the wonderful details.
Here, is another shot of the League of Legends gathering, taken from my smartphone..
That’s all for now. More pics soon!
– Orion T
Meanwhile, on Pike Street and 11th, in Seattle’s Capitol Hill district…
there are many shoes, released from their earthly bond.
…
-Orion T
It’s been a while and here I am back with a hot dog and fries!
And not just any hot dog, but a Tokyo Dog from the annual Seattle Street Food Festival. The Tokyo Dog was from one of the many food trucks present over this weekend; presenting interesting food and merchants for those wanting more out of their summer weekend than sunshine.
The meal in question contains the following. A smoked cheese bratwurst with butter teriyaki onions, bacon bits, furikake, tonkatsu sauce and Japanese mayo. The fries on the side are seasoned with seaweed and sea salt. The drink is some boring canned green tea.
Meanwhile, much has happened since my last posting (and some before). I will post some of that in good time, soon.
– Orion T
Just one light fixture among many at the beautiful, historic Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. One could look around and see the well-preserved arches, talk windows, shined floorways, wooden surfaces within the grand halls. Passing through such a picture, can feel blessed for that feeling of time.
Here’s a a quick unedited pic of that noticeable setting below…
– Orion T
A nice sunset at Sunset Beach in Southern California. The day was much warm, and the winds were light for the evening. All came together nice for this time with friends. One among them took his phone out before the sunset to capture a Pokemon in the Pokemon Go game. It was a Psyduck.
– Orion T
On a plane trip earlier today, to San Diego..
Almost fell asleep..then the corner of my eye caught the striking majesty of Mt. Rainer from above. Oh, such a sight to behold! Took the pic and went back to sleep. The ride felt peaceful as I eventually woke up to the Full Moon above San Diego.
How fantastic, I thought. To think, a new adventure ahead and such sights are just the beginning..
– Orion T
And here’s another pic after my descent. What a Moon!
When your drink is done and there is nothing left but the ice. You free a cube and put it down. Study and see what makes that melt. It’s the lovely time. Enjoy it for all it’s worth..
– Orion T
Picture above take by me. With this and yesterday’s pic, I realize newer smartphones are awesome at capturing the details of small things. Try out yours if it’s at least 12mp, and fresh within recent years
A snippet of the little world around us, with much of that similar to ours. We see interesting things under construction. The workers around them play a small part, as they provide for their community, families and themselves…so I would think through observance. Soon growth will develop, and such will be noticed by the world around them in admiration. The workers I suppose will benefit, but for how long? I think as the process repeats, they and new generations could be there to partake in and around new constructions. That could be enough to live by. Such, is another cycle of life.
– Orion T
I captured this pic at a small garden in front of the Seattle Space Needle landmark. It’s wonderful to see a small sight under a big sight, to be just as grand.
“We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us.” – Winston Churchill
– Orion T
So, another celebrated day of independence has nearly passed again in the good ol U.S of A…
Starting off, as many slept in late from the busy weekend and waking up to put a an American flag out. Eventually, some of you Facebook scrolled through endless 4th of July posts informing us of this most festive day, 277 years since the original 13 Colonies signed that most epic letter, asserting their united breakup from British rule.
And since, we move the day on for picnics, parades, punch, hot dogs and BBQ, apple pie, patriotic jingles, days off , and the fireworks. Flags will be raised and the Star Sprangled Banner will be played, over and over as the day goes. Those in true spirits will put aside their differences of political opinion, to enjoy the moment of how far the country has come; to perhaps drink beer and sink their teeth into some cooked animal meat while discussing that favorite baseball team roster with others. It’s all independence, in our favorite celebratory customs for rememberance to how this country started.
Cheers, and stay safe out there.
– Orion T
Note: Picture was taken today by me during at the Seattle Center, during a quiet time as a light rain began to set in. I felt quite tired and decided to skip going to any fireworks event for the night,
I’m a little late waking up, and so is the summer. Yet, here we are now with blue skies and shady trees.
I hear the weather down in much of the southwest US has hit triple digit Fahrenheit. Coming from there the Southern California regions, I do not miss that sticky heat. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the summer works better on me. I now feel upper 70s, early 80s F weather, with occasional surprise showers. Such would be prefect, if I didn’t spend so much of it cooped indoors, doing grown-up things like working and figuring out finances. Still, the summer is early, and I think more of these good warm days will be waiting. I shall strive to not miss them..
– Orion T
And finally the curtain closes, and the end of another long season is at hand…
What a memorable play thus far! Allow for a brief intermission, while we ponder the events of the past few months. Presidential primaries, transgender bathroom debate, tragic deaths, overhyped movies, unpredictable weather, TV season finales, the rise of VR tech, adult coloring books being a thing, and much more.
There is much to leave behind, as we look to the next act of this 2016 theater. I am on the edge of my seat!!
– Orion T
(Picture of above is from yesterday, from Edmonds (an hour north of Seattle), overlooking the Puget Sound waters.)
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!'” – Robin Williams
Though I look forward to Summer as the extension of Spring, so it’s an extra long party. Fall will be the hangover.
– Orion T
A big streetlight lamp in Seattle, fallen to the ground.
Now shattered and much ignored, waiting for cleanup.
There’s a poetic thought or metaphor in that, maybe..
– Orion T
Into the Cultural Landscape Fountain, within the the Jim Ellis Freeway Park in downtown Seattle (near the Washington State Convention Center). Design by Lawrence Halprin, whose work can be seen in many parks and landmarks across he United States. The crazy thing about this, is that one could walk by the fountain for many days, weeks, months; and yet miss the majesty within. Such is easy to miss, but hard to forget when found. Stop when near enough in Seattle, and check it out.
I was at the annual Northwest Folklife Music Festival, again..
This, being my fourth time of attending this huge annual extravaganza of folk music and dancing, from all over the world. Since 1971, it’s brought a large array of arts, crafts, dancing, and sounds from multiple ethnic varieties to the Pacific Northwest, backed by donation and volunteer support. Held once again at the Seattle Center by the great Space Needle I attended Saturday and Sunday, with no energy left for the sunny Monday finale. Overall, some great times were had…
Here are some pics…
..
The Freelance Reveleers, a ragtime blues group doin some sweet street performing..
Tom Day Wait James with Dave Acker and the Growing Boys for some serious country folk jamming..
This Balkan dance group (missed their names) showed some fantastic choreography, and among my favorites for this year
More Eastern European dancing, from Saturday night.
A mighty drum circle underneath the Rhythm Tent..
A street performer (name was lost to me), with his awesome didgeridoo..
Inside one of the many booths present selling eccentric home-crafted delights. The food selection was great too.
Another shot of the good times, of which made up an overall great time for many..
That’s all for now!
– Orion T
The electric lights were out for about an hour in the Emerald City today..
Almost in time for a lunch break for many, as the power failure was sudden around 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM. The Seattle Fire Department reported 15 elevator rescues and 10 fire alarms responds. The cause is yet unclear, as far as I know.
What that has to do with the picture above is little. The cat cut is just a cool Japanese style art thing above on Yesler Street that remains now whether the lights are on or not. But it looks cooler on a gloomy late afternoon with less light, I think.
– Orion T
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
“It’s a lot easier to be lost than found. It’s the reason we’re always searching and rarely discovered–so many locks not enough keys.”
― Sarah Dessen, Lock and Key
..
Down by the waterfront on a bridge, with the Alaskan Way Viaduct in between.
– Orion T
The Earth is always listening..
Never forget that.
– Orion T
There goes the day, mostly gray..
What matters is what one does with the time involved. For me, contacting loved moms I know, wishing them the most of this wonderful day. Also, getting much motherly advice in return for my sickness recovery (yes, yes I’ll get vitamins and soup, but it’s too warm to bundle up).
So, Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there from here in Seattle. I dedicate the above today pic (and bonus below) to all of yous…
– Orion T
Here, some pics of the May Day in Seattle..
And, before the protests march gathered and turned ugly because of the actions of a few anarchists. There was some music, playing, and much all around happiness to add to the very sunny weather. Many had messages of a large variety of which there may be disagreements, but are still generally built on selfless desires for a better world.
But then the sky turned a little dark, and the eventually march turned ugly for many seeking protest through peaceful measures. Much of what frustrates me in coverage and reactions is how quick people are to label protesters and anti-establishment types as violent troublemakers. Yes, there are the few mixed in, but the grand majority are a peaceful bunch with messages toward passionate social awareness. I feel much of the media fails to report such, so here’s a sampling of how May Day best represents the central Seattle city.
– Orion T, writer and local photographer who normally tries for a good weekend day off for relaxing, but will settle for an hour here and there when can..
Just one of the many things one with a filled wallet can buy from the world-famous Pike Place Market in Seattle. And here is an entry from good ol Wikipedia about this unusual and expensive fungi…
“Morchella, the true morels, is a genus of edible mushrooms closely related to anatomically simpler cup fungi. These distinctive fungi appear honeycomb-like, with their cap composed of a network of ridges with pits. Morels are sought by thousands of enthusiasts every spring for their supreme taste and the joy of the hunt, and are highly prized by gourmet cooks, particularly in French cuisine.
Morels have been called by many local names; some of the more colorful include dryland fish, because when sliced lengthwise then breaded and fried, their outline resembles the shape of a fish; hickory chickens, as they are known in many parts of Kentucky; and merkels or miracles, based on a story of how a mountain family was saved from starvation by eating morels. In parts of West Virginia, they are known as molly moochers or muggins. Due to the partial structural and textural similarity to some species of Poriferans (sponges), a common name for any true morel is sponge mushroom.
The scientific name of the genus Morchella is derived from morchel, an old German word for mushroom (this may be another source for the name “merkel”), while morel itself is derived from the Latin maurus meaning brown.”
There is some ominous warnings about the dangers of eating morels at the bottom of the wiki entry..
“Morels contain small amounts of hydrazine toxins that are removed by thorough cooking; morel mushrooms should never be eaten raw. It has been reported that even cooked morels can sometimes cause mild symptoms of upset stomach when consumed with alcohol.[49]
When eating this mushroom for the first time it is wise to consume a small amount to minimize any allergic reaction. As with all fungi, morels for consumption must be clean and free of decay. Morels growing in old apple orchards that had been treated with the insecticide lead arsenate may accumulate levels of toxic lead and arsenic that are unsuitable for human consumption”
And now you know, and knowing is half the battle!
– Orion T,
A return to the ol Post Alley almost below and besides Seattle’s Pike Place Market front entrance, where the street art is ever-changing.
And a little more here..
with more around the corner..
And, that was the most to this otherwise quite and sleepy Sunday…
– Orion T
Today in Seattle, the midday temp was around 75 degrees F.
One here could definitely feel the warmth in the air. So much, that for the first time in 2016 I removed my jacket to enjoy much of the day outside in a t-shirt. Weather reports now point to more days coming like this. Yep, I think this is that turning point where we see summer as nearer than the winter left behind.
We may have a hot summer ahead. After the cold and rainy stretch of last winter, I look forward.
– Orion T
A little friend in the park, who knows things and sees things.
We shared much in common, very busy with much to hide. We know many ways to the same destination but prefer the long way around very often. We enjoy big bags of trail mix, and take time to enjoy the calling sunlight. We pretend to be simple, though it can be easier said than done.
– Orion T
TRAVELING ORION 
