Michigan// Japan Connection

Hiatus

2009-08-11T19:53:00.000-04:00

DONE

Hiatus

2009-08-11T00:05:00.005-04:00

That's right. I'm putting this on hold until you cats catch up. I'll be waiting. Oh and Jack, you never posted anything for old.

Get crackin'.

Sick

2009-08-08T19:32:00.000-04:00

So my mom went on a fridge cleaning frenzy, and it struck me to sprint for my camera, and snap this positively disgusting photo before Mr. garbage disposal gobbled up the goodies! I actually took a lot of photos of the carnage, but this one was the best. Let it be known that ALL of them were incredibly sick though!

Shot 85: Sick

2009-08-08T00:34:00.000-04:00

Cold

2009-08-08T00:33:00.000-04:00

Ice is maybe the coldest thing in a freezer, but I though this looked pretty ironic since the light from underneath makes these cubes look like glowing rocks.

Shot 84: Cold

2009-08-08T00:31:00.001-04:00

Heal

2009-08-06T07:29:00.000-04:00

These amazing antibiotics healed me when i was recently sick!! In fact, I am still taking this huge bottle even though I feel tons better. Yay bacterial infections of the body!!!

Shot 83: Heal

2009-08-06T06:55:00.001-04:00

82+

2009-08-05T19:27:00.000-04:00

There is more than 82 cents in here...

Shot 82: +

2009-08-05T00:35:00.001-04:00

Pen & Paper

2009-08-04T19:22:00.000-04:00

Pen and paper are, in a way, the core of everything. Most everything that has ever been planned/devised/created, etc, started out on paper, scribed from pen. These two simple objects have started riots, declared independence, and even broken many many hearts. This is my interpretation of writers block. It COULD look something like this, but in reality is much different depending on the artist or author.

Shot 81: Pen and Paper

2009-08-04T01:31:00.000-04:00

Words

2009-08-04T01:30:00.000-04:00

Words. They can mean so much, even though, sometimes, quite small. These words brought out a strong reaction, and all they represent are the names of bands.

Words

2009-08-04T01:29:00.001-04:00

Are in this picture. ((Back in FL))

Shot 80: Words

2009-08-04T01:28:00.000-04:00

FUCK

2009-08-04T01:27:00.000-04:00

Crazy shit going on at the car wash! It kind of looks like blood and soap...

FUCK!

2009-08-04T01:26:00.001-04:00

Probably what everyone thought who was around me while I was driving and taking photos at the same time! lawls.

Shot 79: FUCK

2009-08-04T01:25:00.000-04:00

Drink

2009-08-04T01:24:00.000-04:00

That's right, I drank this egg of tea...

Drink

2009-08-04T01:23:00.001-04:00

I like Tea!! ((Back in Houston))

Shot 78: Drink

2009-08-04T01:22:00.000-04:00

Testament

2009-08-04T01:21:00.000-04:00

Come one! Come all! We preach new and old! This church was so epic, I took a ton of pics of it.

Testament

2009-08-04T01:20:00.001-04:00

Pokemon Center: Testament to the mega- franchise!

Shot 77: Testament

2009-08-04T01:19:00.005-04:00

Broken

2009-08-04T01:18:00.004-04:00

Conveniently, while I was looking for something to shoot for this theme, I stumbled upon this in my basement. Rock on for broken toilets!!

Broken

2009-08-04T01:17:00.001-04:00

Fix the street! pl0x!

Shot 76: Broken

2009-08-04T01:16:00.001-04:00

((Again, sorry for the delay. I'll get descriptions up as soon as I can, but I will no longer lack on the topics.))

Mirror

2009-07-29T08:50:00.000-04:00

It's my glasses! I used these for "Mirror" because they fit that nerdy/emo/indie look that you see just about everywhere. I will not lie, I chose these because of how they looked, because, quite frankly, I like the way the look!

Mirror

2009-07-29T08:41:00.001-04:00

Weirdest thing for the Japanese to want to copy ですね？((Odaiba))

Shot 75: Mirror

2009-07-29T08:40:00.003-04:00

Mirror? You mean a reflective surface originally of polished metal but now usually of glass with a silvery, metallic, or amalgam backing? ...Perhaps. Though I prefer another definition: an imitation of or the act of imitating something. How often do we mirror what's around us? Why do we where our hair the way we do, wear the clothes we wear, eat, drink, talk, gesture, live the way we do? Can it be taken as far back as imprinting? Or are we just trying to flow with the mainstream? What's your reflection?

Confrontation

2009-07-29T08:38:00.000-04:00

Savanna was confronted with this while opening the back door of Logan's car. It was quickly dispatched of... confrontation neutralized.

Confrontation

2009-07-29T08:37:00.000-04:00

I'm not good at it. Better at sneaky picture taking.

74: Confrontation

2009-07-29T08:36:00.002-04:00

We don't like them, particularly when they catch us on the spot. There's no time to think up a defense and you're left to your own devices of the moment. Then again, when the tables have turned and it's us who instigate the throw, well... it's another story, isn't it? Not all confrontation is built with tension though. It can be as simple as two people meeting face to face. So go confront something or even someone today.

I can't

2009-07-29T08:35:00.000-04:00

Can't do this for a while, not with shot credit at least. Which sucks, because I would love to. My mom wrote this on a chalkboard we have before Alex left for Ringling this year. I felt it fit the theme.

I. Can't.

2009-07-29T08:34:00.000-04:00

Understand Engrish or Japanese!

Shot 73: I. Can't.

2009-07-29T08:33:00.002-04:00

The last words before we finally fall. This is our back to the wall, our rope's end, the final breath. They are rare instances. Things that go beyond our means to control or mend. Sometimes we just need to crash and burn, rise from the ashes, and start things over.

Mislead

2009-07-26T20:52:00.000-04:00

It misleads me all the damn time!

Mislead

2009-07-26T18:22:00.001-04:00

Think Biblically!

Shot 72: Mislead

2009-07-26T16:35:00.002-04:00

People are misled every day. Though we might not literally stray from a path, or fall for a sweet lie, we do become distracted. For example, I let these posts fall behind nearly a week, and I'd rather take the time to catch up on them rather than read Shakespeare and write the paper that's due on Tuesday. 9_9 That being said, I'm going to end the description here. You shouldn't be misled much more either. Time to take some photos.

Obsession

2009-07-26T16:30:00.000-04:00

That's right folks! I have a healthy obsession with tea, which is why I have a terrible abundance of it!

Obsession

2009-07-26T16:29:00.001-04:00

Shopping... too addicting to even describe! ((Ginza?))

Shot 71: Obsession

2009-07-26T16:28:00.000-04:00

We all have it. Problem is, we don't realize it. Everyone else seems to though, long before we recognize it ourselves. So what do we obsess over? Collecting things, a favorite band, constantly straightening out our room or office. Maybe it's the need to know where your kids are and what they're doing at all times, or the never ending theme of chickens or cows in some people's kitchens. Not all obsessions are bad though, or I should say, "that bad." If you know someone with a talent for compulsive cleaning, it wouldn't be much of a bad idea to invite them over. 9_9

67%

2009-07-26T16:27:00.000-04:00

So I tried to fill it to 67% I used my best judgment, though it might not have been the best.

67%

2009-07-26T16:26:00.000-04:00

My friend Gal @ the Giant Gundam Festival ((Odaiba))

Shot 70: 67%

2009-07-26T16:25:00.001-04:00

Pending 67%... You know it's out there. Question is, is it 67% complete, or 33% to go?

Annoyance

2009-07-26T16:19:00.000-04:00

Sara... you know! This is the light in Logan's basement, and it attracts many things. Most are quite annoying!

Annoyance

2009-07-26T16:18:00.000-04:00

Construction... the ultimate annoyance... ((somewhere near Ginza))

Shot 69: Annoyance

2009-07-26T16:17:00.002-04:00

I'm not toughing you. I'm not toughing you. I'm not toughing you. Ugh... annoyance. It's not so much the action as it is the repetitiveness of the action. Dripping water, someone's laugh, or a continuous stream of asking "why?" It gets under our skin, an itching in our brains, and a finger up our spine. And of course, these feelings are only amplified if we're already annoyed before they begin. So, go be annoying today. I'm sure someone will love it.

Hero

2009-07-26T16:00:00.000-04:00

A postcard sent to me by Hero on my birthday! I figured this worked, and I am not going to comment on the postcard itself...

Hero

2009-07-26T15:59:00.002-04:00

B/c everyone loves Pikachu! He always defeats evil (Team Rocket) and saves the day (Ash)! ((Anime Center))

Shot 68: Hero

2009-07-26T15:58:00.002-04:00

(God, I'm getting to be as bad as you guys about keeping up with these, lol.)

What is a hero? It's a little something different to each of us, I reckon. A lot of people say their parents. Others, an actor or athlete. And for those of us still young at heart, the ever classic, comic book good guy. Just as there are as many heroes for everyone, there are just as many descriptions, but I think my favorite is this: "A hero is someone who will go beyond all, no matter the odds or consequences, to do what is right." Now, go off and save the day.

Drum

2009-07-21T23:42:00.000-04:00

... and Bass

Drum

2009-07-21T23:38:00.001-04:00

Since I already posted pictures of drums, I decided I'd get creative! If you've ever heard a train close-by you would understand why this is applicable. ((Under the train near Ginza))

Shot 67: Drum

2009-07-21T22:49:00.002-04:00

Drum, as an instrument. Snare, bass, bongo, steel, timpani, taiko. Drum as an action. Drumming your fingers, giving a drum roll, a drumming heartbeat. Drum as an object. A drum of oil, a barrel, even pots and pans. Each has it's own sound, each is an unique as the people that play them. Though drum may not be described as a thing, it can be a driving force that urges its listener to drive on. The results, victory, or madness. Keep on bangin' the drum.

Snow

2009-07-21T09:37:00.000-04:00

So, I have a mild obsession with clouds. Alas, yet another cloud picture, but this one really reminded me of snow clouds.

Snow

2009-07-21T09:36:00.000-04:00

There is snow in July in Japan! ((Mt. Fuji))

Shot 66: Snow

2009-07-21T05:54:00.003-04:00

I know what you're thinking. "Snow? In July??" Hey, there's snow somewhere. Snow needn't always be a precipitation in the form of ice crystals, mainly of intricately branched, hexagonal form and often agglomerated into snowflakes, formed directly from the freezing of the water vapor in the air. It all depends on where you look. Better yet, how you look. Snow is a word that is a noun, an adjective, and a verb. This can come in very useful. Something resembling a layer of these flakes in whiteness, softness, or the like, such as "the snow of fresh linen," could be an option. Flower petals, powder, dandruff, take your pick. Let it snow.

Horrific

2009-07-20T21:44:00.000-04:00

It could be! It's part of a horrific costume (might get done, probably not though)

Horrific

2009-07-20T21:34:00.001-04:00

((Guardian @ Thunder Gate in Asakusa))

Shot 65: Horrific

2009-07-20T20:04:00.002-04:00

Horrific. A word we may have used to describe something in our lives, but my not have gotten the full meaning of. It's far more intense than saying, "That was scary!" What's made your hairs stand on end, drained the color from your face, or chilled your blood to the bone?

City

2009-07-19T21:43:00.000-04:00

Straight out the city!

City

2009-07-19T21:33:00.002-04:00

Well... I thought this one was going to be easy, but it was hard to choose through all of the images ((near Imperial Palace looking @ Tokyo Tower))

Shot 64: City

2009-07-19T19:56:00.003-04:00

What constitutes a city? Is it tall buildings, filled with offices, apartments or galleries? Is it based on reputation? Well known for its parks, artistic lifestyle, or monuments? Maybe it's its people. Are they more industrious than others in that area, more economic, or just more in number? Whatever the answer is, couldn't the same be said about a colony of termites, or a flock of weaver birds? Much to do in the big city.

Do Not Disturb

2009-07-18T20:42:00.000-04:00

Yet another pic of Vinny. I woke him up to take this, and he really didn't want to be disturbed!

Do Not Disturb

2009-07-18T09:31:00.000-04:00

Homeless man sleeping under a train station ((somewhere near Ginza))

Shot 63: Do Not Disturb

2009-07-18T05:36:00.003-04:00

Let me guess. First thing you think of: sign on the handle of a hotel room door. Yeah, me too, but that's not our only option. No one said their had to be a sign involved at all. "Do Not Disturb" implies that there is some kind of dire consequence involved should we decide to. Usually there is. For instance, you wake a sleeping baby, good luck trying to get it back to sleep. You nudge a table with a castle of cards, time to clean up. You open a suspicious looking door in a seedy warehouse and find the mafia behind it, you're probably going to be shot. But not all are threatening. Some may just be a simple request, like asking not to be bothered while reading a book. Though, some readers can be extremist.

Voodoo

2009-07-18T05:31:00.000-04:00

lol we have our own voodoo dolls! woo hoo!

Voodoo

2009-07-18T05:30:00.000-04:00

Yes! Another crow! Good for many things... also annoying @ 4:00 AM! Still cool! Still creepy! Still mysterious! God I love crows! ((Imperial Palace))

Shot 62: Voodoo

2009-07-18T05:29:00.002-04:00

Honestly I'm not sure what to write about this one. So it's up to you two to figure out some crazy voodoo.

Fairy Tale

2009-07-18T05:19:00.000-04:00

Glinda... Oh yeah!

Fairy Tale

2009-07-18T05:15:00.001-04:00

I'm sure if Japanese girls are anything like American girls, they want to be princesses and live in a palace! Their palaces look a little different though... ((Imperial Palace))

Shot 61: Fairy Tale

2009-07-18T04:39:00.002-04:00

Unicorns, dragons, maidens, and knights. Fairy tales have been a part of our culture for hundreds of years. Though we shouldn't just limit fairy tails to these classic elements. While most of what we read in them are nonexistent, we can still find whimsy within the realistic of our daily world. It's these little glimpses from the corners of our eyes and shapes in the water that leave us left to question. It's not long before we catch ourselves looking under bridges for trolls.

Desert

2009-07-15T11:30:00.000-04:00

Artist block can lead to a deserted sketchpad. Not saying I have it, but it sure can lead to it : )

Desert

2009-07-15T11:22:00.000-04:00

Where is there less life than a cemetary? ((Yanaka))

Shot 60: Desert

2009-07-15T11:05:00.000-04:00

When we think of the desert, we think of sand, cacti, and no water. While this is true to definition, it is only in one sense. Not all deserts are sand. The Gobi desert is a frozen with ice and snow covered sands. The again, not all deserts are on land either. There are sections of ocean that cannot support marine life that are considered deserts as well. So what it really boils down to is a desolate place where there is little to no life. A barren area with little to no life. An empty sketch book... is a sad desert indeed.

No Way Out

2009-07-15T11:04:00.000-04:00

Our crawl space storage in my house. If you went in there with all the other junk, there might not be a way out!

No Way Out

2009-07-15T11:03:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I feel like I can't get away from all of the people. Especially living in Shibuya now... ((Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko Exit))

Shot 59: No Way Out

2009-07-15T11:02:00.004-04:00

Trapped. Hopeless. Terrified. An absolute end to your attempts and with an undoubtedly abrupt close. We've all been there, but hopefully not too long. In most cases, we do have an option, but for an unfortunate few, there is no way out.

Kick in the Head

2009-07-15T11:01:00.000-04:00

Bills and mail... A kick in the damn head.

Kick In The Head

2009-07-15T11:00:00.000-04:00

Overwhelming to say the least. Coolest arcade I've ever been to. ((Joypolis Arcade, Odaiba))

Shot 58: Kick In The Head

2009-07-15T10:59:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it just hits us... BAM! And before we know it, we're either overcome with overwhelming urgency, or complete stand completely stupefied. On the other hand, it's sometimes us that want to do the kicking of in the head. The kicker or the kickee. Which will you choose?

Sacrificial

2009-07-15T10:53:00.000-04:00

A yellow rose can be a friendship rose. Due to my work schedule, I feel my friendships are slowly being sacrificed. Nobody is on my schedule, and thus I've rarely seen my friends this summer. This isn't easy for me, considering they are like my family.

Sacrificial

2009-07-15T10:51:00.000-04:00

The average public servant. The name is pretty appropriate. However, greatly under-appreciated. They are what make everything in the city run smoothly, kept clean and working, and yet they are the nameless, easily forgettable individuals. Odd...

Shot 57: Sacrificial

2009-07-15T10:50:00.002-04:00

How often do we think of things as being sacrificial? Or better worded, how often do we give something away to pay a homage to something else? Last I can recall, it's been a long time since anyone I can speak of was invited to a lamb burning. But we do tend to make sacrifices here and there in our lives. Giving up favorite program to give transportation to friend. Giving up sweets for a month to shed a few extra pounds. Stopping your car at an intersection to allow a family of ducks to pass though. We don't often consider these good deeds sacrificial, but they are. What will you sacrifice?

Biohazard

2009-07-15T10:48:00.000-04:00

This is because I am a nerd. The name of the Resident Evil video game in Japanese is "Biohazard"

Biohazard

2009-07-15T10:46:00.000-04:00

Trains. Unavoidable and allegedly environmentally friendly. True they are a better alternative than cars, but look at what they do to the environment. ((Near Ikebukuro))

Shot 56: Biohazard

2009-07-15T10:45:00.002-04:00

At the mention of biohazard, we think of nuclear power plants, protective lead suits, and green glowing ooze. But let's break down the word to give us some more options. Bio means life. Hazard, unavoidable danger or risk. When looked at that way, technically picking a flower can be a biohazard. In fact, we commit acts of biohazardous doings on a daily basis! It's bioharzard time.

Need

2009-07-15T10:44:00.000-04:00

It's been a while... I go through anti internet stages, and sadly one struck! So now I upload : )
COFFEE I need it every day!

Need

2009-07-15T10:43:00.002-04:00

Money. It's what this city is built on. ((My friend Yuki holding everyone's money for all you cna eat Ookonomiyaki in Kamakura))

Shot 55: Need

2009-07-15T10:42:00.002-04:00

We all have needs. They usually go hand in hand with wants. Thing is, it would be wiser to invest in needs rather than wants. Needs are a necessity. Wants, eh... not so much. We can live without the wants... up to a certain time, lol. So, what will it be? Lunch, a hug, an extra five minutes, a breath of fresh air? What do you need today? I mean, really, really need.

Tower

2009-07-11T14:07:00.002-04:00

This shot reminded me of the Fellowship of the ring, when they are going down the river and pass the two towering statues. Jack = Nerdcore!

Tower

2009-07-11T14:06:00.001-04:00

Giant Gundam!!! ((Odaiba))

Shot 54: Tower

2009-07-09T11:34:00.002-04:00

Tower. A large building or monument of epic proportions, or to stand over someone, reasons being your own business. Towers stand everywhere and have many purposes. Energy, communication, transportation support, survey, etc. They are also can serve as structures of recreation and art. While they act as object to aid us in our endeavors, they can symbolize great tragedy and demise, such as the Tower of Bable or the Tower tarot card.

Desecrate

2009-07-08T13:59:00.000-04:00

This mighty monolith of decay was shot while driving through Detroit. This is a close up of the actual building (I think it was a factory) because this thing was massive!

Desecrate

2009-07-08T13:00:00.003-04:00

Baal Live @ Shinjuku Motion! B/c female Goth- Hardcore singers are amazing!!!

Shot 53: Desecrate

2009-07-07T23:40:00.002-04:00

Decay is part of the life balance. It's a point in a circle of life and death that is necessary for organisms to thrive. Both elements are partners and, when taken in its natural toll, keep life going. But when desecration comes into play, that circle is broken, the time for natural occurrence to take place is altered, and destruction is the end result. To desecrate is to intentionally destroy, be it out of jealousy, wrath, pride, rebellion, or envy. While the triumph of these actions may leave one with a feeling of gratification, it's only a momentary high before their own realization desecrates themselves.

Old

2009-07-07T22:59:00.000-04:00

So at AC, we went into a random hotel near the convention center, and managed to get lost in an unmarked door which lead absolutely nowhere with no exit O_O This is what the walls looked like back there, very old and neglected.

Old

2009-07-07T22:58:00.001-04:00

((Tanabata Festival in Hiratsuka))

Shot 52: Old

2009-07-07T22:27:00.002-04:00

Old seems like a turn off when mentioned. For some reason, we are fixed with the image of a snow haired woman, not a day past 112, barely peering over her steering wheel, as we putt-putt behind her going 45 on the highway. Irritating? Of course. But if we stop and think a moment... I wonder what things she's seen and been through in her life time. So what do we enjoy that is old? Books, wine, music, trees, and the list goes ever on. After all, the last whispered wish of age is to live it all again.

Sport

2009-07-07T22:16:00.000-04:00

What's with all the booze pics!! Just kidding. This was taken in the room of one of Alex's friends at AnthroCon. They had so much alcohol, you'd think they drank for sport!