jdk snaps...

Hybernation for Winter

2009-12-08T13:27:00.004+09:00

Hi all 3 people who read this blog. ;-)

I'm in Chiang Mai at the moment. I came here with a gentleman's agreement with the Marketing Manager at Payap University to start a job working as a media producer for the university. Long story short they aren't ready to hire for the position yet...yada yada yada, we'll keep you informed. I haven't heard from them in a month. Honestly, after meeting with them in person, I wouldn't want to work with them. I've rarely met an organization that was so disorganized, amateur and lethargic. I feel a bit foolish for coming here just on a "we'll work it out when you get here" e-mail...but so it goes in life sometimes. Live and learn. I was also planning on enrolling in their MA TESOL program in June. I've reconsidered and could not imagine getting a degree from this place. If I pursue an MA it will be from a school in the USA or the like. I'm currently applying to one that looks quite interesting. I'll let you know if I get in.

So what now? I've given up on photography work for now to concentrate on other things. Like finding a job that has a salary. I've been volunteering, interning, etc. for the past year and a half and it's been fun but financially draining. I need to start saving up again and that means finding work, likely in education. I'll be looking for TEFL jobs around the world, maybe explore a new place, maybe take a job with a higher salary in a place I've been before to save up....not sure right now.

In any case, I'm going to focus on finding a good situation for me so that means I'll not be blogging here for a while until I do. Hopefully my next post will be a photo of where I work.

Best,

Jeff

Washing the Elephant and taking them to the waterfall

2009-11-29T16:13:00.002+09:00

Wash Your Elephant

2009-11-27T01:01:00.001+09:00

Answer: How to drive an elephant.

2009-11-25T21:59:00.003+09:00

I don't think I was doing it right.

Useful Words

2009-11-25T01:40:00.003+09:00

Any guesses as to what these Thai words are for?

Gade's Chiang Mai Tour

2009-11-15T12:06:00.001+09:00

My friend Gade was kind enough to take us on a tour of the more famous temples in Chiang Mai.

Meet Newt (*update)

2009-11-14T13:24:00.003+09:00

We found this little guy in a parking lot. I'm not sure what Newt is but we've brought him/her home and are feeding him milk and coconut milk with a paintbrush. Of course I have no idea what Newt is supposed to be eating but we'll see how he does....and what he grows into. Any guesses?

(*update: sadly, Newt died today. Its life was short but sweet. I find comfort in the fact that he died in a home and not in a motorcycle parking lot under the hot sun. Newt, may you fertilize the seed of a beautiful tree.)

chipomerhuahua

2009-11-10T21:30:00.004+09:00

This...what shall we call it...animatronic cutenstein...anyway, this dog gone wrong freak of an animal with a cute factor off the bloody hello kitty charts has gone and decided to go ahead and do what everyone has been thinking and wanting for at least since forever, create the ultimate f*ing cute machine....a pomerhuahua....chipomerhuahua...a mini-monster heart crusher extraordinair.
Mmmmm...let's take a break little lady.

No no, really, i swear this was in the Kama Sutra. Just go with it.

Whew....that was tiring.

2009-11-10T20:45:00.003+09:00

Patara Elephant Farm

2009-11-08T10:50:00.001+09:00

Delicate Arch, Moab, Utah

2009-11-05T11:28:00.001+09:00

Stopped here on the way back to Portland from New Mexico.

New Mexico Stairs

2009-10-31T12:16:00.003+09:00

Having a great time with mom and dad in wintery New Mexico. I love this place more and more every time I come. Probably has something to do with the work load getting lighter every time. We built the forms but it got too cold to pour the concrete so Jer and Jud will have to do that after. Should turn out to be some very nice stairs.

Found this old tin photo in the house of me and Jamie. My brother used to look so cute, what happened?

Sunset Cannon Beach

2009-10-20T11:56:00.001+09:00

Tres Plants

2009-10-16T15:44:00.002+09:00

Three plants found at a convent in Arequipa, Peru.

The Botany of Desire

2009-10-16T03:03:00.003+09:00

Often, spinning around in my own washing machine of thought that is usually stuck on Normal cycle; warm|warm, I forget how wonderful it is to encounter new ideas and ways of thinking, especially in regard to tangible everyday things. Plants domesticating humans...fantastic!

Leftbank/Stumptown Coffee Summit

2009-10-13T02:23:00.001+09:00

A few nights ago Leftbank held a panel discussion and tasting organized and hosted by Stumptown Coffee Roasters. They brought in coffee farmers and buyers from Kenya, Costa Rica and Colombia and discussed direct trade, development and how Stumptown is spearheading a farm-to-cup culture that is a win-win-win scenario for the coffee farmer, the buyer and finally, the consumer. It was great to hear directly from farmers about how direct trade is helping them improve their lives, their business and their coffee.

Carl Sagan Auto-Tuned

2009-10-10T08:31:00.001+09:00

I love this.

PCC Demo Video

2009-10-03T08:45:00.004+09:00

What do you think about these videos (updated version now)? Which do you prefer?

Here is the challenge:

Recently, PCC (Portland community college) made the decision to go tobacco-free (no smoking, no chewing tobacco, etc.). As of September 9, no tobacco use is allowed on any of PCC's campus grounds (no, you can't even smoke in your car). While this decision was made as a positive reflection of the college's commitment to creating a healthy environment -- both for our students and for the planet -- it is also somewhat of a tricky marketing message. PCC's core brand attribute is that we are, above all, accessible -- anyone, from any walk of life or level of expertise, can go to school here. Since the new tobacco policy does alienate tobacco-users, it's important to convey the message in a way that is positive and remains true to our brand.

Your piece should:

- Be 60 seconds or less.

- Be creative and engaging -- something that people would want to forward to their friends.

- Demonstrate your approach to creative problem-solving.

- Demonstrate your skills as a multimedia designer / producer.

The Dump, Por Que No?

2009-09-27T01:59:00.001+09:00

Pouring the Garage Floor & New Door

2009-09-26T06:49:00.002+09:00

Thanks to Grandpa and Grandma, Judi and Jerry and Becky we were able to get the garage floor poured and finished. It looks great. Thanks so much for your help!

Sirena and a Neighbor's Bulldog

2009-09-23T14:04:00.000+09:00

leo

2009-09-23T03:27:00.000+09:00

leo

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

2009-09-21T15:21:00.002+09:00

Have to do something with this Octopus photo.

Shingles and Roofing

2009-09-21T03:39:00.002+09:00

The roof is nearly complete (and has proven to be waterproof!). Just need to cut off the excess and put some flashing on. Have also started putting the shingles back on where we have put up new walls. Should pour the floor next week Wed.!

Mystery Theatre

2009-09-20T02:09:00.003+09:00

Playing around with a steadycam system I've made for the 5d mark ii.

79 Japanese girls and 1 boy

2009-09-11T08:54:00.002+09:00

I was hired to take an exchange student group photo the other day on the steps of the Portland State University library steps. I was worried as there was only about a 10 minute window to get everyone organized and do the shoot but it turned out everyone was very cooperative and fell right into place. I wonder if that would have been the same for 80 eighteen year old American kids. Anyway, they are in Portland for 2 weeks taking English and various other short courses.

Garage Update

2009-09-05T10:45:00.002+09:00

We had to change our permit application, to keep the story short, basically because the permit office people were so very very helpful coming up with new code rules every time I'd go in to ask for help with our plans.

"Oh, by the way, you'll probably need to put new footings in."
"Hmm, whats-her-face didn't mention that last time I was here...and we went over my whole plan."
"Oh really. Well, you'll probably need to do that."
"Probably? How do I know all that I need to do to make it up to code so when we get it inspected we'll pass?"
"You should buy the code book. It's 75 dollars, has about 1500 pages and is updated every 3 months."
"That sounds awesome, but aren't you supposed to be a resource helping me plan this to code?"
"Yep, we are...but most of us are getting laid off this week."
".....can I just get a permit to add a sliding glass door to my garage."
"Sure, that'll be 300 dollars."

We decided we'd just make it a finished garage and not "living space" to avoid some lengthy and likely expensive construction-inspection...construction-inspection scenarios. So, now we have a permit to put in a sliding glass door in the garage...total cost: 300 some dollars! Cost to have a guy from "Zoning and Planning" look up a satellite image of the house on the lot in 5 minutes: 87 dollars. Nice.

So, now instead of 2 six foot sliding glass doors we have one 8 foot sliding glass door. Put a window in the back wall, filled in the other one and have put a layer of plywood down on the roof and will finish the insulation and roll roofing later this weekend hopefully.

Sirena & Leo

2009-09-01T05:00:00.000+09:00

PEPY Essay accepted by PhotoPhilanthropy

2009-08-30T03:08:00.002+09:00

PhotoPhilanthropy has accepted a photography essay of mine about PEPY Ride, a great NGO working in Cambodia. If you have time please check it out.

doggies

2009-08-27T08:40:00.002+09:00

Garage Conversion...

2009-08-21T13:00:00.002+09:00

We moving ahead with some minor construction work on the garage while we complete all the permit application paperwork and the architectural drawings needed to get the permit. Hopefully that will be somewhat painless (well, the drawings, etc. are already a pain in the arse). As you can see from the photos we've got the roof torn off and have replaced all the rotting rafters and studs. Once we get the permit we'll put a new roof on. We've also roughed in our 2 sliding glass doors. Now we pretty much have to stop and wait for the permit in order to move forward. Once we get the OK we'll pour some concrete and start finishing out the inside.

IBJ Cambodia Essay on PhotoPhilanthropy.org

2009-08-14T11:15:00.000+09:00

My IBJ Cambodia submission has been accepted by PhotoPhilanthropy. They are website that is all about promoting, inspiring and supporting photographers working with NGOs and other non-profits, etc. This type of work hardly ever makes it to mass media outlets, so having as many platforms as possible to show your work and possibly be recognized for it is more important than ever. If you have a chance click on the photo above and go check out all the great essays out.

More about PhotoPhilantropy:

The PhotoPhilanthropy Activist Awards
Change the world with your camera. The PhotoPhilanthropy Activist Awards provide a platform for student, amateur and professional photographers to publish Photo Essays designed to educate and engage people in a wide variety of social campaigns.

Sirena

2009-08-14T01:06:00.001+09:00

Longboarding Video

2009-08-08T10:49:00.000+09:00

Some video of my brother Jamie and friend Rebecca longboarding down Mt. Tabor.

Longboarding on Mt. Tabor

2009-08-06T01:32:00.001+09:00

Garage Work

2009-08-04T06:31:00.002+09:00

We've talked for a long time about renovating the garage into a multi-use brother-in-law studio space crash pad for a long long time and finally the fun has begun. Oh, sweet destruction, vibrate my bones.

Didn't get the camera out fast enough to record the roof before we started tearing off the roofing.

Yard update: Coming along nicely. In a few more days we can walk on it.

I've shaved my head and am dirty.

Ranier Hike

2009-07-29T02:45:00.002+09:00

Judi, growing tired of the paparazzi, shows her true feelings.

Vote for PEPY

2009-07-16T07:45:00.004+09:00

PEPY, an NGO in Cambodia I do volunteer work for (and helped photograph their school projects last year, see that project here), is a finalist in the Ashoka Changemaker's Geotourism Challenge 2009. It's all about sustainable tourism and...they explain it better than I do:

"The goal of the Geotourism Challenge is to identify and showcase innovators—individuals and organizations—that directly or indirectly support good destination stewardship and the approach known as geotourism: “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.” Innovators who improve or protect that character of place are as important as geotourism practitioners."

PEPY is awesome and if you have 5 minutes they could use your vote to help them keep doing what they do. Click here to register and vote.

Grass is growing

2009-07-16T01:49:00.002+09:00

We set up the hammock I brought back from Bali out on the deck in the backyard...turns out to be a perfect place to watch the grass grow.

Bumble Bees Love Lavender

2009-07-15T09:56:00.001+09:00

To do list

2009-07-13T15:45:00.002+09:00

I saw this quote at the end of a movie called "One Week" about a young guy who finds he has cancer, buys a motorcycle, leaves everyone and goes on a road trip across Canada. Anway, thought it was pretty good.

Do you ever feel like a pretentious twit? I do when I re-read what I write. Maybe it's like hearing your own voice on a recorder, you're going to hate it no matter what. Yep.

This is it

2009-07-11T01:41:00.002+09:00

It's been nice knowing you all. Surely I'll have very little time to communicate with normal people from here on out having had my photo and name grace the NY Times, the holy grail of photojournalism. You're no doubt saying to yourself, "Jeff, that's great, but surely you are taking a bit...well, an immense and possibly ridiculous amount...of liberty with the word "published," no? I mean, your photo is just one of 300 some odd reader's cell phone photos featured in little known section of the Times (online version at that). You weren't even paid and it's doubtful more than a handful of people will click on the tiny thumbnail that is your photo and see it." And I stare at you a moment in what looks to be either incredibly deep thought or a minor stroke and respond with a swift, resolute and determined "Yes! Liberty taken and embraced...possibly groped. My dear friend or family member or both, you are here. Where? Here...at the humble iPhone photo beginnings of a wonderful career shooting for the NY Times." (cue applause)
Must now update the "...Jeff's work has been seen in..." section on my website and contemplate whether or not to shower today.

Camper

2009-07-07T07:03:00.003+09:00

I've always wanted a pair of super soft comfy quirky shoes from Camper, a family owned shoe company from Mallorca, Spain, but the price tag has always been a bit much to get over. Finally I found a pair of flip-flops and shoes that I like and that were on some sort of super sale (from Amazon no less...probably a few years out of season or something). I'm all about buying quality made stuff (like Patagonia for example) even if it costs a bit more (which is a good policy when all your material possessions fit in a couple backpacks) in the hopes that it will last longer and you won't need to replace it as often.

Phase 3: Zen Garden

2009-07-06T14:05:00.004+09:00

Lily, Sirena and I put in the Zen pebbles (pea gravel to the less cultured) this morning and Lily planted a lovely variety of plants this afternoon. Jamie had to work unfortunately and missed out on all the Zen gardening fun. Soon we'll plant the grass and work on the fire pit.

One of Portland's Farmer's Market

2009-07-06T01:07:00.003+09:00

Yard Update

2009-07-05T13:55:00.000+09:00

The yard is coming along well and my workers seem happy.

Portland Timber's vs Los Bastardos del Norte (a.k.a the Seattle Sounders)

2009-07-04T14:02:00.002+09:00

Portland Timber's mascot, the lumberjack.

Die hard Timber's fans known as the Timber Army

One of the Timber's star players is Suzuki-san from Japan.

Richard, Lily's dad, invited me to a soccer game here in Portland at PGE Park, a baseball stadium (and now also a soccer stadium) built in 1929. It was a sold-out crowd and the largest crowd in Timber's history. The Timber's lost but it was a great game ending 2-1. I guess the big soccer news here in Portland (besides a few of my goals at the pick-up games in the park) is that Portland will get a professional soccer team in a couple years, complete with new stadium (the Timber's are something like a semi-pro team). It's about time as Portland is a great soccer city with a ton of fans that actually play the game.

Local Brew

2009-07-01T02:51:00.003+09:00

One of the best things about Portland are the plethora of micro-brews that dot the city. Rest assured that you're never far from some great local beer in this town. Laurelwood Brewery is just down the street from jam and lily's and has old school looking 64 oz. jugs you can re-fill for about 10 american dollars.

The Yard Project

2009-06-30T12:05:00.002+09:00

We've decided to landscape the backyard and do some cool stuff with it while I'm visiting. Today was the first day and it involved a shovel. Oh, my old friend from New Mexico how I've missed you. Right, so, digging up the grass so we can level the yard and plant nice new even level grass. There's a lot more to it but I'll make you wait and give you more details as we progress.

Portland's Last Thursday of the Month Art on Alberta St. Festival

2009-06-29T11:25:00.001+09:00

Meiji Shrine Weddings

2009-06-13T23:16:00.002+09:00

This is the Meiji Shrine in Shibuya. Lots of weddings going on there today (thought they were funerals at first...very somber mood really...which seems appropriate for what they are about to do to each other I guess). I found it all a bit awkward, feeling like I was in the wrong place, but not awkward enough to stop me from taking photos it seems (at least I wasn't like the woman in the last photo there. That's the wedding procession in the background. Keeping it classy. How many f-ing photos do we need of ourselves doing spread peace eagles in front of famous places? Honestly, Asians, contain yourselves.).

Tourism: Colca Canyon, Peru

2009-06-02T11:13:00.004+09:00

Tourism: Giza

2009-05-27T14:08:00.002+09:00

I thought it was a particularly nice ass as well. (side note: notice the trash scattered about)

The pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are, as you'd expect, crawling with tourists from every corner of the globe. That much I expected. One of many things that surprised me was the bus parking lot right in front of one of them. I imagined that this place was somewhat sacred and parking lots would be far away out of view and people would be dropped off by eco-buses with Sphinx heads and witty bus drivers. How about that last photo eh? Who wears a black vinyl jacket to see the pyramids?

Tourists

2009-05-26T12:35:00.000+09:00

I've been taking photos of tourists as I've always found them and the culture of tourism quite interesting. Not sure if I have any interesting enough to do anything with, but I thought I'd share some here. Will post more from different locations soon. These are from Angkor in Cambodia. The top photo are of course of Asian tourists, probably Chinese in origin (notice the black socks, sandals, gloves, utter contempt for the sun (westerners on the other hand are on the whole practically naked to ensure full sun exposure for that "I've been on vacation" tan when returning home), wanton abuse of the color pink, and of course, the classic herd touring mentality. The bottom photo is likely Japanese given what appears to be his professional photography/traveling vest and outfit. This guy is ready to leap off crazy ass ruins and do battle with Laura Croft. To me his outfit says, "Screw the unimaginable heat of Cambodia, there are f-ing snakes and mythical creatures afoot. An unprepared Indiana Jones is a dead Indiana Jones. Excuse me while I line up a great shot of these carvings with my digi-cam that I will bore my friends and family with when I get home." Or he could be thinking, "Let me take a photo of this jackass westerner taking a photo of me to complete my series."

You are my Genius Students

2009-05-22T15:05:00.003+09:00

Well, that is what our teacher Aom calls us. She is very reasonable but easily fooled. These 2 photos of her are what we see everyday. The very Thai smiley-happy look and then "you just murdered my language and you messed up the tone and said 'bad luck' instead of 'beautiful'" look.
We had a very fun class made up of 2 Canadians starting their undergrad course here, one American woman doing PhD research in psychology, one swedish semester-at-sea ship captain who lives here half the year with his thai wife, one Spanish lady that is a thai masseuse, one Kiwi that is a tour guide and one Brit that is an ex-policeman that bought a house here with his yoga teaching wife, he teaches first aid.

Elliebum Cafe & Guesthouse

2009-05-19T15:51:00.002+09:00

Elliebum is a great place just around the corner from the house I'm renting. Randomly went in there a couple of weeks ago and met Gade the owner, a very cool Thai girl, and we quite quickly became friends. Now it is like a home away from home and I hang out there just about everyday after class...of course I find this type of place right when I am about to leave. The dude in the photo is Paul, a british author. He's been writing the Rough Guide for Thailand (and Ireland) for the past 12 years or so. Very fun guy who knows just about every nook and cranny in Thailand. The last photo is one Gade took of me. I think she might be a better photographer than me.

Buddha's Birthday Holiday (last week)

2009-05-17T20:03:00.002+09:00

Shot these with the iPhone last week (sorry to just getting around to posting them) when I happened to stumble onto a parade of sorts that was just starting to honor the Buddha's birthday and enlightenment, etc.

Nice Teahouse

2009-05-14T14:30:00.000+09:00

Modern Thai/Borneo Style House

2009-05-07T21:16:00.004+09:00

Sun deck under the house

Landscaping is yet to be done...The neighborhood was built in the middle of an lychee/mango orchard and Carol's house overlooks a small lake.

All the roof tiles were handmade and glazed by a local artisan...which accounted for the house taking a year and a half to finish. Carol moved in last week.

Carol has traveled and lived all over the world and her house is full of amazing details and decoration.

Le Corbusier Lounge Chaise how I love you...

Bedroom

Jacuzzi bath

Outdoor Shower (there is also an indoor shower)

From left to right: Wat (fashion designer in London and Thailand); Jessica (Payap Diversity Coordinator); Adam (Director of International Affairs, or something like that, at Payap); Carol (Lucky owner of the house); Steve (ex-Peace Corps Nepal and working as staff for the Peace Corps for many years in Laos, Thailand, etc.)

Just part of Wat's incredible cooking

I was invited by some Payap people to a scrumptious lunch party at a wonderful woman named Carol's new house just outside of Chiang Mai. While in the Peace Corps in Borneo in the 60's Carol lived in a long house and her dream has been to build a house of her own inspired by that with a some Thai influence thrown in. Here is the incredible result. She isn't all moved in yet, so pardon the mess. It is perfectly simple, light, airy and so so so lovely. Love at first sight. Might be building this as an addition to the place in New Mexico.

Park, Chiang Mai

2009-05-04T15:59:00.003+09:00

This is a small park somewhat near the house I'm renting. Lots of Thais come here to exercise, have picnics, relax and feed the carp.

Care for Dogs Shelter, Chiang Mai

2009-05-02T12:42:00.003+09:00

For those with a slower connection please click here.

For my birthday I decided to treat myself to an afternoon at Care for Dogs Shelter just outside of Chiang Mai. They welcome visitors to come and play with the dogs, etc. Being alone on your birthday pretty much sucks, but nothing that a few dozen mangy scrappy dogs can't fix. Care for Dogs is great, rescuing and rehabilitating mis-treated and neglected dogs, spaying and neutering street dogs (they will pick them up, treat them and return them to their 'neighborhood'), and so much more I'm still learning about. Read more about what they do at their website: www.carefordogs.org.
On Monday I will be starting an intensive Thai language course at Chiang Mai University (my b-day gift to myself) and hopefully volunteering at the shelter a couple of times a week.

I Heart Denmark

2009-04-29T16:51:00.000+09:00

Sunday Market

2009-04-27T19:04:00.002+09:00

Every Sunday Chiang Mai has a huge street market.

The Dinner Jacket

2009-04-27T14:32:00.003+09:00

The Dinner Jacket, a new online fashion magazine out of Ontario, Canada has published my Santiago Street Fashion photos in their March issue. Check it out here: www.thedinnerjacket.com/

Jeff's Cafe Tour

2009-04-26T21:29:00.001+09:00

Shop Name: Chocolate Fact
What Drinking? Spanish Hot Chocolate (equals with cinnamon)

After a hard evening strolling around Chiang Mai's famous, giganormous, approaching ridiculous anything and everything tourist street bazaar I needed something to push the reset button of my soul. This hot chocolate wasn't up to it but it was pretty damn good.

More iberry

2009-04-26T18:33:00.003+09:00

I was told by some people sitting next to me that this place is owned by a famous Thai comedian. He also designed the place and a lot of the art pieces in it as well. Apparently the giant yellow dog/man was used on a TV special he did. It's a very hip little place except for the strange Mickey Mouse stuff and the name iberry.

Giant Yellow Man/Dog iBerry Ice Cream Shop

2009-04-25T19:25:00.002+09:00

This is where I find myself scootering around aimlessly this hot and humid afternoon
yes, hot and humid even with the zoom-zoom

because I wasn't going to pay 7 dollars to see a bunch of bugs and mites with pins in them at the
insect museum...just didn't seem right, in neither day nor night.

So I scootered away I did and saw this giant yellow man/dog in front of an ice-cream shop
Giant yellow man/dog, well why don't I stop

Stop I did and here I am slurping on an oreo smoothie
and trying to think of a word that rhymes with smoothie...hmmm...choosy? Doosy? boozy?

What do you think?

2009-04-18T08:51:00.001+09:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Making Strawberry Milkshakes

2009-04-15T18:51:00.003+09:00

There is nothing like the smell of strawberries. I thought i'd share that insight with you as they are coming on hot and heavy as I ease into my 30's. Speaking of insights, I have finally managed to join modern humanity (sounds strange) by attaining a cell phone, a magical iPhone in fact. Im totally averse to using phones for some reason, so I'm hoping to only have to use it, wherever I may be, for emergencies, etc. Probably end up just using the camera on it for quick blog updates in the spirit if oversharing (and hopefully thereby encourage my family to do the same).

Japan Phallus Festival

2009-04-13T10:49:00.003+09:00

photo by kirai

Over at Kirainet.com he has some great photos of a festival called Kanamara Matsuri honoring the pee-pee, or the Phallus of Steel. Why is my country so ashamed of the purple-headed wombat warrior? Oh that's right, Christianity. Happy Easter!

On the Street: Omotesando/Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

2009-04-08T00:27:00.002+09:00

Sometimes I'm not sure why I do this street fashion thing, but I really enjoy the creativity of other people that is shown in how they 'put themselves together,' but, as you know doubt would attest seeing how I dress, I'm not all that crazy about fashion. I'm just too cheap (minus my recent Patagonia binge..but I rationalize the cost saying that they are eco-friendly and well made thus lasting a long time and negating further purchases...so, over time cheaper). Maybe most importantly it gives me a reason to get out and wander...an excuse to meet strangers in a city where that always seems so impossible, to say "hello, I notice you. I'm not creepy or dangerous, I just want to take your picture and put it on the internet." Today, among a few others, I met a fashion stylist, a hair stylist, a fashion designer fresh out of school and some current students.

People Watching at Komazawa Park Tokyo

2009-04-06T13:57:00.004+09:00

Spring in Japan: Sakura and Baseball

2009-04-06T09:01:00.001+09:00

Open-mindedness

2009-04-02T08:32:00.000+09:00

Chomsky's Take

2009-04-01T08:05:00.003+09:00

Part 1

Part 2

Like a battered spouse that keeps going back to an insane destructive dysfunctional relationship we refuse to change our abusive, corrupt and insane economic system. Do you ever feel that way?

Nice temple near the library

2009-03-30T08:30:00.002+09:00

Check out that Bamboo!

Setagaya Library

2009-03-30T08:14:00.002+09:00

I go here probably once a week, usually to pick up a new The New Yorker magazine. No matter what time of day the library is always packed with people studying and reading. The Japanese are voracious readers and, I've been told, translate more books into their language than any other country.

Lovely Wild Amelie

2009-03-29T11:52:00.000+09:00

Grumpy Jai

2009-03-28T14:34:00.001+09:00

Utterly Irrelevant

2009-03-28T09:50:00.002+09:00

When Daniel Everett first went to live with the Amazonian Pirahã tribe in the late 70s, his intention was to convert them to Christianity. Instead, he learned to speak their unique language - and ended up rejecting his faith, losing his family and picking a fight with Noam Chomsky.
“She [Daniel's wife] believes that if the Pirahãs reject the gospel it’s because it hasn’t been communicated clearly. I believe it has been communicated clearly and they reject it because it’s utterly irrelevant.”

I think that sums up religion for me, "utterly irrelevant".

They challenged him to provide evidence for the existence of Jesus, and lost interest when he couldn’t. Eventually so did he. The Pirahã made him an atheist.

Read the whole article here.

Ueno

2009-03-20T10:18:00.002+09:00

I went to an old and gritty (as gritty as Tokyo can be) part of Tokyo called Ueno yesterday to meet a friend and old Kyoei colleague, Ms. Chiaki. Haven't been taking many photos lately, so here are some casual snaps around Ueno.

Amazing Interview

2009-03-13T23:06:00.004+09:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Interview Outtake Pt. 1

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Here is Part 1 of an amazing interview by Jon Stewart on the Daily Show exposing (for me anyway) with wit and laser-like focus the utter sham of a financial system (and economic system it seems) we have.
Every single American should be required to watch this interview. Jon, you are my hero.

March in March

2009-03-08T22:12:00.003+09:00

Hundreds of Gaikokujin (foreigners) and Japanese make some noise and hit the streets in solidarity for job security, equality and a living wage for foreign workers in Japan and all workers in general on a cloudy Sunday afternoon on March 8th in Shibuya for the 5th annual "March in March" organized by the National Union of General Workers Tokyo Nambu.

Global English Training

2009-03-08T10:44:00.002+09:00

I recently took some photos for GET to use on their website/brochures. GET runs the English/Spanish school on the Peace Boat and I was once a volunteer teacher for them. It is great to see them in this swank new space and growing into a bigger school.

Arequipa, Peru

2009-03-04T18:13:00.001+09:00

A slideshow about Arequipa and the Colca Canyon

Stop whining and get back to work

2009-03-04T14:16:00.009+09:00

I haven't read the book pictured here but I recently saw the author Elizabeth Gilbert's recently released TED lecture and thought she was great. Today via a great new blog I have started reading I came across a link to her website and a great page titled "Some thoughts on writing."
I have been working for some time to find a place in the world as a professional (as in I get paid to do it) photographer/photojournalist/some type of image maker/story teller. I won't bore you with the details...I'll just say that it isn't the easiest thing in the world to be make a living doing, which often leaves me wondering if I'm any good at it and if there is any chance someone is going to recognize my work and perhaps pay me a living wage to do. As an amateur trying to turn professional reading Elizabeth's thoughts on writing and artists was encouraging. I particularly loved the part about her filmmaker friend writing Werner Herzog and his reply, “Quit your complaining. It’s not the world’s fault that you wanted to be an artist. It’s not the world’s job to enjoy the films you make, and it’s certainly not the world’s obligation to pay for your dreams. Nobody wants to hear it. Steal a camera if you have to, but stop whining and get back to work.”

If you have a minute stop over and read it and check out her great TED talk. Anyone read her books?

Revibe the Video

2009-02-28T23:44:00.002+09:00

These guys were nice enough to let me shoot them while they were practicing in Yoyogi Park today.

"Revibe 4 da one peace" B-ballers in Yoyogi

2009-02-28T21:02:00.007+09:00

MicroBrew?

2009-02-25T08:53:00.003+09:00

I wonder who would buy this tiny beer?

Chiloe, Chile

2009-02-23T20:47:00.002+09:00

Have finally got around to making a slideshow of my trip to Chiloe.

Portraits from Peru in black and white

2009-02-22T17:37:00.002+09:00

You know I'm getting restless when I start obsessively cleaning, rearranging furniture or redesigning my website. I've done two of these today. All probably due to the cold I've had for the last couple of days and continually exhausting myself looking for work or projects or school opportunities day after day after day. Why am I posting this post again? Oh yeah, I re-edited some of my Peru portraits and thought I'd share them here (or I'd be the only one looking at them and that is a depressing thought).

Car Rental Ad

2009-02-21T15:46:00.003+09:00

Had a good laugh seeing myself today in an Alamo car rental advertisement in a Southwestern USA tourism magazine here in Japan. The copy reads something like "You're free, because of the car (and the foreign dude you hired to drive you around)."

Maybe Lio Evilo can provide a better translation? Yoroshiku.

Cuzco, Peru

2009-02-16T16:50:00.003+09:00

I'm getting around to putting together some more packaged slideshows (for practice really, not many publishers beating down my door). Ideally I'm hoping to approach something similar to what you see here in the NY Times Travel section for example. Just missing a nice food shot and perhaps a close up of tourists out drinking like they usually show.

Yes, We Can and We Do!

2009-02-11T10:04:00.000+09:00

Some Obama-marketing-mania in Shibuya, Tokyo. I love the deals you can find during the rare inauguration sales in Tokyo. Quite odd (and very welcomed) going from a president who was vilified to one who is glorified.

Just perfect

2009-02-08T07:51:00.003+09:00

I am Bill Murray

2009-01-31T04:46:00.003+09:00

Another morning spent pretending I am Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day. Again at Portland airport stuck in white wet limbo of air travel making it impossible to leave this city. Booked on another flight tomorrow morning to try this all again.

Fog at PDX airport

2009-01-30T02:30:00.003+09:00

Probably the last photo I'll take before my airplane gets lost in the fog and finds something to crash into.

Today on One Good Move

2009-01-28T13:58:00.002+09:00

I am so right there with you, Attenborough. Maybe religious Americans are so giddy and irrational about God because they don't have worms eating out their kids' eyeballs.

From One Good Move:

Attenborough reveals creationist hate mail for not crediting God | World news | The Guardian
Sir David Attenborough has revealed that he receives hate mail from viewers for failing to credit God in his documentaries. In an interview with this week's Radio Times about his latest documentary, on Charles Darwin and natural selection, the broadcaster said: "They tell me to burn in hell and good riddance."
Telling the magazine that he was asked why he did not give "credit" to God, Attenborough added: "They always mean beautiful things like hummingbirds. I always reply by saying that I think of a little child in east Africa with a worm burrowing through his eyeball. The worm cannot live in any other way, except by burrowing through eyeballs. I find that hard to reconcile with the notion of a divine and benevolent creator."

Attenborough went further in his opposition to creationism, saying it was "terrible" when it was taught alongside evolution as an alternative perspective. "It's like saying that two and two equals four, but if you wish to believe it, it could also be five ... Evolution is not a theory; it is a fact, every bit as much as the historical fact that William the Conqueror landed in 1066."

Goodbye Little George, I will miss the comedy

2009-01-28T13:52:00.001+09:00

Cross Country Icing on Mt. Hood

2009-01-24T10:41:00.002+09:00

Went cross country skiing for the first time last Thursday on Mt.Hood with Jam, Lily, Barbara, Sirena and Bentley. It was a beautiful day but what was left of the snow had turned to ice, hard-packed by snowmobiles and topped with tree debris, creating a curious, unsettling and painful beginner ski situation. Let's just say I fell down a lot...going slow, going fast, on my butt, my arms, wrists, knees...did not fall on my head or face, so that's a plus. As Barbara said, "Some of us became more intimate with the Cascade Concrete [a Ranger's nickname for the less than ideal snow conditions] than we would have like to." Besides the problems staying upright it was a gorgeous day to be up on Mt. Hood. Here are a few photos from the day. You won't find Bentley in any of these really as he was scouting the path a half-mile ahead and busying himself by rolling in a huge pile of elk poop. A pointer's idea of a souvenir for the ride home I guess.