Picture of Today 3/30/16, The Reading Room at the Suzzallo Library

For a moment, one can imagine being late to the big Hogwarts graduation. Minus 10 points to Gryffendor!

Meanwhile, this is the wonderful Graduate Reading Room on the third floor of the Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington campus. The large room was a west addition completed in 1935, to the building whose initial ground floor was completed in 1926. The area is 250-feet (76 meters) long, 52-feet (16 meters) wide, 65-feet (20 meters). Henry Suzzallo, the university president previous to the time of its completion, believed that universities should be “cathedrals of learning.” With some fantastic gothic architecture styling, the Graduate Reading Room is a vision made true for the students at U-Dub. Also, a wonderful place for quiet study, thinking, and perhaps letting the mind wander.

-Orion T

Pictures of the Weekend, Outside the Sakura-Con

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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!

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– Orion T

 

 

 

Picture of Today 3/25/16, Big Squirrel on Campus

 

Today, at the University of Washington in Seattle, I took time out to admire the cherry blossom trees within.

And so did many others, including Sam Squirrel. Before the bushy-tailed agent of N.U.T.S scurried about on some mysterious mission, there was time to ponder the changing of Spring since the days of barely a week ago. There seemed more rain than last year, and the air a bit colder. The blossoms seemed somewhat thinner, and the trunks with more moss. What could it all mean? Perhaps nothing, Sam ruminated. The sight of it all must simply be enjoyed for as long as the peace shall last. 

– Orion T

Picture of Today 3/21/16, Fresh Stop

 

Arrival at the new Univerity District Link Light Rail Station..

The location is new, just opened on Saturday, March 19th. The ride takes anyone from the Univeristy of Washington to the Sea-Tac Airport in one ride; which previously took at least two bus rides, traffic through downtown and the freeway, and 2-3 times the wait. To me, it’s now a pleasant 7-8 minute rush to and from the other new station in Capitol Hill. 

Still, enough time to catch up on some reading.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 3/20/16, Spring Bern

 
The first day of Spring in the rain, near the Key Arena in Seattle.

Also significant are the 17,000+ supporters here waiting for Democratic nominee, Bernie Sanders. He is due to speak nearby, to give a speech to rally his caucus support for the state of Washignton. Some friends were present, as his message resonates with the younger city crowds. While there was much excitement among the many here, I felt a certain calmness overall. Of what, is difficult to pinpoint. Perhaps, the rain and wonderful colors of the blooms above. Maybe, it was the positive vibes of those rallied here to support a message not all may agree with; also a contrast to the gatherings of another candidate much in the news lately, heavy in protests and disruptions. Or perhaps, there are some other good things worth appreciating now and on, that are in the fine details between the big deals in life.

I’m hoping for more Spring rain, at least.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 3/9/16, Between the Rains..

My favorite little tree has plenty silkish white blossoms under the gray sky today. It was quite wet from the torrenting showers throughout the day.

You’ll find this tree in the Jim Ellis Freeway Park in Downtown Seattle, next to a underpass walkway under a small road bridge that cuts through the small area. I am uncertain of it’s kind. It is wonderful enough to behold enough without further clarification, especially more between the rain.

Also, Spring is coming. I have a feeling it’s going to be a wet one. Keep your umbrellas near..

– Orion T

Picture of Today 3/7/16, Looking Up

Looking up the tallest building in Seattle, the Columbia Tower.

However, this side is the shorter part of it (overall called the Columbia Center), not sharing the full 73 stories (943 ft.) of its full height. I do appreciate it’s unconventional curved shape of this particular view. It’s the simple perspective I especially enjoyed for a minute on this otherwise mundane Monday.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 3/2/2016, Afternoon Delight

Photo Mar 02, 4 08 39 PM (1)

This American Robin is a simple city bird within the noisy and complex Downtown od Seattle. Yet, it makes the most of the local city park behind the Washington State Convention Center, taking time to enjoy the small pockets of nature between the concrete floors in the shadows of the surrounding towers. For the afternoon, it goes the healthy route and eats small berries, one at a time. Soon it will flutter away, perhaps to its nest to relax and read something.

I try and do the same.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 2/24/16, the Dark Night Rises

A long exposure for a long night. Rain is happening and I must go.

The shot is from the upper Pier 66 platform, towards Seattle’s Great Wheel and Century Link Stadium. 

Sweet dreams..

– Orion T

Picture of Today 2/21/16, Full Beast Moon

A wild Full Moon suddenly appears!

Lucky I had my trusty (yet damaged from a recent drop) camera handy to capture it. I managed to get a little of that early yellow, though the sky was much brighter than pictured. I had experiment much to get this right with no tripod. And here we are, with the Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch doing a photobomb. 

-Orion T

Picture of Today 2/16/16, the Kitty Ride 

  
The South Lake Union got some silly cute deco over it’s cover now..

With Hello Kitty pimped all over, the short ride from downtown Seattle to South Lake Union (and Amazon HQ), wants to inform you of the EMP (Experience Music Project) museum’s latest exhibit. I assume it has something to do with the decades long Sanrio company franchise. It’s amusing to suddenly notice after a hard days work. Maybe we all need a little Hello Kitty in our difficult lives. 

– Orion T

Picture of Today 2/14/16, Valentine’s Day Madness


Happy Valentine’s Day!

And, another wacky day for cool stores to have fun with their products towards. Here at the Uwajimaya grocery market in Seattle’s International District, you can buy a lot of Pocky to share. Pocky is an import snack from Japan that’s been around a while, featuring flavored or coated crispy breadsticks. There’s almost countless flavors and similar brands out there at different times. Strawberry and chocolate are common. Chocolate and banana are the most recent I enjoyed. The most I loved too much within recent years are the grape, pineapple, and cookies and cream flavors.

Yum!

– Orion T

Picture of Today 2/9/16, Rest at Sunset..

Photo Feb 09, 5 07 19 PM

Over yonder to the Harbor island area of Seattle’s south industrial ports..

The mechanical beasts are finally rested after another productive day. The beautiful sky during sundown was a nice spiritual bonus..

– Orion T

 

 

 

Picture of Today 2/7/16, the Winter Wonder of Mt. Rainer..

 

Along the 90 freeway to Bellevue over Lake Washington, earlier today…

In the distance, I see Mount Rainier with more snow upon than last year. It’s a beautiful sight, as its surroundings from the passenge seat I sit to the peaks yonder, astound and delight. I love especially how the top seems hidden, leaving little mystery to those who dare imagine the nesting dragons above.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 2/5/16, To the Light

  
Just a light outside home, from a long walk in the pouring rain.

The downpour nearly ends, just as I approach the front door. It was then I look up, for what caught my attention. I was drawn to the light. So was the tree nearby. And, the tiny little drops on its little twiggy branches are drawn to the light. They will stay for much the night, adding sparkle.  You just have to notice it all, and be drawn yourself.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 1/21/16, City Lights On..

  

“What strange phenomena we find in a great city, all we need do is stroll about with our eyes open. Life swarms with innocent monsters.” 

― Charles Baudelaire

Picture of Today 1/17/16, Down the Lights …

Photo Jan 17, 4 57 27 PM

Today’s shot is brought to you with extra gloom in Seattle, for the recent Seahawks loss in the NFL playoffs this season.

Yet, the 12 spirit shall live on as fans here shall be wearing their jerseys and waving their flags again for the next season. Also, the game against the Carolina Panthers had a fantastic and amazing second half and that is worth some cheer for such valiant effort. But forget that painful first half, (unless you’re more of a Panther fan; than cheers and congrats to you). Now, I look forward to the next season.

In the meantime, here is a great quote to ponder from football legend Joe Namath…

“Football Is an honest game. It’s true to life . It’s a game about sharing. Football is a team game. So is life.”

– Orion T

 

 

 

Pictures of Last Sunday, A Ducky Day

Photo Jan 01, 12 17 49 PM

Just pictures of ducks today, to bring about the calmness that comes forth before and after the busy work week (plus one Saturday of leftover plans and needed shopping). Sunday is the day we are supposed to stress a little less and be like the lazy ducks here.

And for today I did some sitting of my own, and watched the Seahawks vs. Vikings NFL game. That crazy and very cold (- 6 degrees Fahrenheit) game that had us off our tailfeathers, from the kickoff to the ridiculously close end deciding the advancement of the playoffs through one failed field kick. Go Hawks!

Pictures here, are from last week’s adventure in Vancouver, Canada on the beach edge of English Bay by the Central Downtown area. I like these shots, as I think they deserve a posting of their own, expressing my current state of mind.

Photo Jan 01, 12 17 17 PM Photo Jan 01, 12 17 11 PM

Orion T

Picture of Today 1/3/2016, Time around the Gastown Steam Clock

  

A good walk on Sunday, is to go about an unfamiliar way..

That I did for my last day in Vancouver BC, before heading out. The central downtown is vast, with far more than the few days over my short visits. This time, I walked around the Gastown area, passed many closed stores and dingy markets along the way.  I eventually spent much time at a local flea market; where locals hawked jewelry, DVDs, used tools and old electronics. That was mildly amusing. Not much else happened afterwards, other than me looking through various windows of tourist souvenir stores. Nothing quite caught my interest, as I seemed more for a place to settle down and watch the Seahawks game against the Cardinals (win 30-6!).

But something eventually did catch my eye on the particular corner of Water and Cambie..a smoking clock. Why was the clock smoking? It was powered by steam, of course. The Gastown Steam Clock is awesome and worthwhile of study..

 

The following shot explains a bit more…

  

If I had not turned down that path, I may have never known the existence of a steam-powered clock. And, I learned a bit more about the area of Gastown. Perhaps, another day for those tidbits, when I have more time..

– Orion T

Picture of Today 1/2/2016, Canada Gold

  
The other side of yesterday, beyond West Vancouver and looking back…

This time, standing upon the observation deck of the summit at Grouse Mountian. The moment, a beautiful one looking southward at the land I love exploring and will continue to do so” for later in 2016. Over the mountains in the distance I believe are the United States. 

I have more to say and show, but the day is late and I am hungry. There will be features and sets soon, promise. But for now, here is a bonus pic with a different lens…

  

– Orion T

Picture of Today 1/1/2016, New World, this 2016

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Today, I looked to a whole new world for this New Year..

Not so much West Vancouver BC, the city pictured above beneath what I think is Cypress Mountian. The perspective is afar using a 300mm zoom lens giving a sort of optical trick. The vision, is from Stanley Park in Vancouver BC, Canada; while passing through on a long five hour walk around and through the large wooded area.

Pictures will be later, of which there are many.

But today, this picture is a good representation of why I am here. This place being part of a spontaneous trip outside of Seattle; the city I live and now working excessively in. While I have a lot less time for far-out adventures, it’s important to remember the crazy new worlds that are still within a day’s drive or bus ride on the road. 

I know absolutely nothing about this huge city outside of the samewhat familiar perimeters of Central Vancouver. Is it the same or different? How are the people? Are there cool, unique small shops I can browse through and find fantastic treasure? Are there exclusive cultures or secret societies, to which I can break into? How about the food? New friends maybe? 

Not that the place is of any particular fascination, right now. It bears about the same as North Vancouver, a similar land to the east if there. There’s also the rest of Canada. Someday, I wish as I am very curious and life is short. I just want to start this new year right with the reminder and push of what I should strive for; tending to my thrill of discovery and adventuring.

2016, looking forward to what is “over there.”

Picture of Today 12/30/15, Under a Magenta Needle…

  
Would you believe it was colder in Seattle this morning than than the North Pole?

Actually, the North Pole was much warmer because of some unusual storm (reached 32 degrees this morning, 2 more than what I woke up to). For the rest I cared little for the cold, tending to long work chores…sigh. But soon that will be all over for the year, as I looked up one last time at the Space Needle after work. It’s magenta lit for some reason. 

Cool.

Anyway, that’s the last I gaze upon at it for this year. Tomorrow after another round of work, I shall leave the Emerald City to another place far for some days to spend the final Eve of 2015. It’s a kind of a secret for now..

– Orion T

Picture of Today 12/24/15, Twas the Night..

Photo Dec 24, 6 38 28 PM

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the city
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse..

Perhaps probably because the night twas too cold for stirring, and more like slumping. I noticed much slumping from the few stragglers outs past 7pm tonight, working out the last minute shopping, holiday planning, probably finished with extra work shift hours (including myself)

I passed by the old Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle while admiring the serene calm of this cold night. I finished some last minute errands in the area, with high hopes to see the fullish Moon up high. It was there, I knew. But sadly, too much cloud density to capture such a rare view this Eve. Maybe where you are, the sky is clear. If so, go outside and take a look.

And to all, have a wonderful warm and silent night. Then, have a Merry Christmas Day!

Photo Dec 24, 6 38 57 PM Photo Dec 24, 6 40 28 PM
-Orion T

Postcards from Centerville..

Photo Dec 13, 3 23 42 PM

Ah, the first day of Winter!!

Tis a most wonderful time for when the nights are long and the air is cold. For then, we value warmth in tiny cups and small furnaces while celebrating the seasonal traditions with a fresh new year. Outside, we tread through icy landscapes, tote around naked trees, go about daily errands with perhaps a little playtime; all while covered in wooly layers.

Such is the typical life for the people of Centerville, a very small town within the Armory Mall of the Seattle lands (South Queen Anne territory). There is grandness for the local Winterfest of the annual holiday season; where this hidden town is suddenly visible to the outside world. Anyone may peek inside during the right hours; to see the trains arrive on time, admire the nostalgic architecture, or just people watch. For more info, click here.

I snapped some pics of my last visit, capturing that small town life…

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– Orion

Pictures of Today 12/16/15, Holiday Light Cascade

Photo Dec 16, 6 59 44 PM

Down Occidental Street, through Occidental Park, on a quiet Tuesday night in Pioneer Square, Seattle.

Look up and see the holiday spirits..

Photo Dec 16, 7 01 05 PM

Photo Dec 16, 6 58 48 PM

– Orion T

Picture of Today 12/13/15, Christmas Enlightening

 Photo Dec 06, 6 00 54 PM

Back to Westlake Park in the rain, where at night the Christmas Forest is bright..

But the air is cold. I recommend a cup of hot chocolate when passing through.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 12/8/15, Spinning Bright

Photo Dec 06, 6 04 20 PM

I think heavy rain inspires me to mess with the settings on my camera. Here at Westlake Park in Downtown Seattle, I went for a new long exposure in the night. It was another wheel (see previous posting for the other wheel), but this time a little smaller with horses on it. Are there other big wheels for me to gaze upon in this Emerald City?

And for a bonus picture, here is the full stop. The rain kept going.

Photo Dec 06, 6 02 24 PM

Orion T

Picture of Today 12/6/15, Spinning Blue

Photo Dec 06, 4 39 56 PM

Just a long exposure shot of the Great Seattle Wheel by the waterfront, in the rain.

it was a pretty awesome blue color, which looked somehow bluer in the rain I think. I think it was also blue (with some green) because of the Seahawks football game today. I say it’s their game not because I happen to live in Seattle, but for them beating the Vikings 38-7 and advancing as a “wild card” for the upcoming playoffs. Go Hawks!

Anyway, rain is coming down pretty hard. Gotta go home, and rest for the busy work week. I leave with the a bonus still shot of that ferris wheel at full stop…

Photo Dec 06, 4 36 55 PM

Orion T

 

Visiting the Star Wars Gingerbread Village…

Photo Nov 28, 8 01 02 PM

I recently checked out this year’s huge seasonal Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. Every year has a theme and this time it’s all to a galaxy far, far away.

It’s all Star Wars!!  Also, the Village promotes the cause of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for treatments and research. Children dealing with Type 1 diabetes helped with each display, working with various architecture and construction firms to make each one impressive.

I am huge sci-fi, nostalgia geek at heart. The kid in me of all ages in me cheered to this display collection of all the movies, which I enjoyed (even The Phantom Menace). I also look forward to the next chapter, The Force Awakens.

The display is open to the public and free, and it’s located near the Washington State Convention Center in Downtown Seattle, at the Sheraton hotel. The Gingerbread Village is here until January 3rd, 2016. You may also be encouraged to donate money to the (JDRF) Northwest Chapter while there. For more site and event information (and donation info), click here.

here are below are a few pics of the display. I posted a lot more with more info about on another site I post for, at strangerworlds.com. Click here for more awesomeness!

Photo Nov 28, 7 51 56 PM Photo Nov 28, 7 56 43 PM Photo Nov 28, 7 25 14 PM

– Orion T

Weekend Thoughts 11/29/15, A Needed Peace of the Season..

Photo Nov 28, 7 07 50 PM

Meanwhile in the Emerald City, the Holiday Season feels fresh once again.

Though this could be the same picture as what will happen during the following weeks. To the left is part of a very tall Christmas tree, which was present last year in this very spot, and probably the next. If not for some particular buildings in the backdrop, this deco could be easily mistaken for nearly any developed big city.

What makes the holiday season special is not the deco, but the people what they make of it. Not everyone may find the holiday symbolization as welcome. For example, the night before the above picture was Black Friday, a day infamous for shopping madness frenzy on “doorbuster’ deals; and also for tree lighting ceremonies and opening festivities. It was (and I think becoming) a day for civil unrest and social justice here in Seattle at least, as a massive Black Lives Matters protest developed in the midst of a crowded Westlake Center area. This was similar to last year’s Friday after Thanksgiving. There are many points of view on whether that was a good or bad outside additive to the holiday festivities, but such a happening brought this particular place and setting a somewhat distinct feel to it all.

Here was that tree in the background on that evening..

Photo Nov 27, 4 16 22 PM

Photo Nov 27, 4 52 52 PM

The crowd was quite massive, with a mix of emotions on the invasive presence of the Black Lives Matters protesters with chants and signs calling for an end to police brutality, racial discrimination, and social injustice. Walking through the crowd I heard approving and disapproving voices (with dashes of racism as well). For me, my claustrophobia was developing, and thought my place was away from all this. Also, I was very hungry..

Photo Nov 27, 4 56 48 PM

Sadly, I missed out on the fireworks and big Christmas tree-lighting that happened shortly after. Meanwhile,  I felt reminded of recent words from Pope Francis in a recent speech to some Catholic churchgoers: “We are close to Christmas. There will be lights, there will be parties, bright trees, even Nativity scenes – all decked out – while the world continues to wage war….It’s all a charade. The world has not understood the way of peace. The whole world is at war”

And that brought me to thinking while I heard the fireworks boom in the distance, that perhaps the Holiday season does need some change. Should some consideration of what is not right in the world, have a damper on holiday festivities, or should we take time out ponder this incompleteness of our Holiday season?

I felt the reason for the BLM protest; a large group of people felt a disconnect with a dominant status quo on the long-running issues of racism and police brutality in the US, and perhaps that was reason enough to interrupt the joys of tree lighting and musical entertainment. Is it reason enough to interrupt the planned joys to the bigger crowd? That’s for the public to decide, if any change will gain support, or result in resistance. But either way, I felt what the Pope said to where we can’t quite celebrate the spirit of Christmas without considering the larger pictures outside our comfort zones (though he was referring more to the escalating war conflicts). War, injustice, starvation, and other signs of inhumanity..still out there.

So, I will be thinking of some good deeds I can do, perhaps giving and donating to the homeless and less fortunate (an issue I feel this city of Seattle needs to address more). I will read more on what else troubles humanity this Season, and consider what I can do to make a holiday season festive for those who truly need it more.

Meanwhile, we can’t all be magically happy with doorbuster deals and seasonal lights as we start the Holiday Season. I will continue to appreciate any wonderful displays of Christmas decoration, because otherwise the month is too cold. Perhaps, we people should collectively take more time to understand and show some compassion to the distraught toward the time of Christmas Day, even if their messages are not convenient to our liking. That extra warmth and additive in our traditions could go a long way, and make the next Christmas Seasons even more festive.

– Orion T