January 2011
1 post
A Saturday Evening
September 2010
3 posts
I'm on Fire
June 2010
9 posts
Japan Day Eight
Today I had to wake up early to go to the embassy to get my new passport. By this point I was kind of a pro at the whole process, so it wasn’t too bad. This time I realized I could access the US Citizen line and probably avoided what looked like a two hour wait. I was in an out in probably ten minutes, now with two passports (though one has four giant holes through it and the word...
Japan Day Seven
Day Seven was a solo day and I went exploring in Ebisu/Daikanyama. I was on a mission to find the bracelet I had bought two years ago and lost in LA. It meant a lot to me when I got it — one of the only physical object reminders of my trip in 2008. I found the shop I bought it at instantly, like a bird on a long 2 year migration. They didn’t remember me but I knew exactly where the...
Japan Day Six
Day Six had us back in Tokyo, ready to walk some more and open up the second phase of our adventures. We started at the Imperial Gardens sometime around 11am. I really can’t overstate the importance of blackout curtains. I’m not used to getting more than 5-6 hours of sleep. We explored the gardens and were continually amazed at how frequently the other people exploring with us were...
Osaka Day Five
Ahh I’m trying to catch up! We are on Day 8 now technically, but my writing is a few days behind. Osaka. OK this in one ugly city. If Tokyo and Osaka grew up together as siblings, Osaka is the one that joined a gang and ran away from home. I have almost nothing positive to say about the appearance of this place. That said, I had a great time here. Today was a solo day, so I resumed my...
A Few Tokyo Travel Tips
1.) If you need a bank in Tokyo, find a 7/11. For some reason 7/11’s have the only international ATMs. 2.) If you need a trashcan, find a Starbucks. Apparently, Japanese people don’t generate trash on the go. It’s entirely possible to go your entire stay in Tokyo without seeing a public trashcan. 3.) If you need an internet cafe, find an Apple store. Free internet as long as you...
Japan Day Four
Today we took the train to Kyoto. I did this last time, but made the mistake of not buying a JR Rail Pass before leaving the US. The pass is an incredible deal; it allows you to travel on any JR line for 7 days for $300. Considering this is almost the price of one round trip ticket to Kyoto, it pays for itself almost instantly. You just have to remember to grab it before you head out.
The train...
May 2010
10 posts
Japan Day Three
Our third day in Tokyo began in Shinjuku with a brief walking tour of the red light district. Red light districts on Sunday mornings are more like yellow light districts, so there really wasn’t much to see. While looking for a arcade palace we did meander into a very bizarre Manga shop by accident. With a name like “Gamer Paradise” you would have thought an arcade might have been...
Japan Day Two
Day 2 started late because Day 1 ended really late. We went out in Shibuya last night and thankfully made it back to our hotel without a hitch. We went to Vounds (something like that), Gas Panic, and Womb. I’ve been to the Gas Panic in Roppongi and knew pretty much what to expect. The Shibuya version is a lot smaller with about the same amount of people packed inside. Womb was alright...
Japan Day One
First I should mention that upon arrival, the first thing that was spoken to me was: “Sir, have you ever heard of Interpol?” I was then promptly escorted to an interrogation room in Narita Airport. When I asked if I could go tell my friend what was happening, they responded, “Please cooperate”. I guess the issue was that my passport was ‘stolen’, despite the...
Japan V.2
Tomorrow I leave for Japan. This will be my second time to Tokyo (last time was in 2008). I you were a reader of the blog then, you’ll remember I wrote about the trip extensively; each day and each night was given a report and a few pics. I plan to do the same thing this time. We’ll see how that goes — I’ve gotten significantly lazier when it comes to writing for my own...
It's Not Mulholland. But it's close
April 2010
3 posts
Another HD Electric Guitar Fun Time
The Wave Speech
I really love this
by HST
Strange memories on this nervous night in Las Vegas. Five years later? Six? It seems like a lifetime, or at least a Main Era — the kind of peak that never comes again. San Francisco in the middle sixties was a very special time and place to be a part of. Maybe it meant something. Maybe not, in the long run … but no explanation, no mix of words or music or...
A New Shop Opens
My wee little online shop just opened up. You can buy a few prints (large format limited editions, so order soon to get low #’s) and a shirt or two. I will be adding some photographs in the coming weeks, so keep a look out. Check it out here.
March 2010
5 posts
Electric Guitar Finally Makes an Appearance
Instrumental by Justin King. Sums up this...
Sky Studios Day
Monday
On the occasion that I wake up hungover, I always want to go to the gym to clear my system. I picture my body being made of up a thousands of little workers that get two equally daunting construction projects passed down from above. In one case, they desperately trying to repair the damage from the previous night’s storm. They consider this a top priority. Meanwhile, they are being asked to...
Sunday
A separate version was recorded for this ISO50 mix CD. That one has a guitar solo! More excitement.
As usual, all my MP3s can be downloaded here for free.
February 2010
7 posts
Time for a John Mayer Cover
Shuffle
For some reason, if I hit ‘next’ on my iPod one too many times, I can’t go back and listen to the song I skipped over. If I already know which song will come afterwards in the shuffle, I can’t get past it and I have to skip it to get back to a place where I have no idea what will be next.
I was in charge of music on Friday night. I...
I just read and deleted an email about 20 seconds ago. I cannot tell you a word of what it said. It was from Youtube. Positive/negative comment, I have absolutely no idea.
Training Wheels
I have become very used to working on projects for school. So much so that I have to pretend my other projects are homework assignments and that there is a fictional teacher about to get on my case. One of my actual school projects right now is so open ended that I will never be able to think of anything to do ever again.
My laundry machine is very old and inconsiderate. It makes it sound like...
January 2010
1 post
“Walking on a Dream” Empire of the Sun...
December 2009
3 posts
RICK ROLL 2.0
Lemonade Stand (as imagined by an ambitious 9 year...
If I was wearing my red shirt this would be going much better. Yes, last time I wore the red shirt we sold at least 4 cups before noon. Or maybe if Timothy wasn’t here our profit margins would be greater. Timothy really needs to know when to stop saying innocuous things — the older people seem to find this very distracting. I think it’s best to get right to the point and say...
When a heart breaks it dont breakeven
November 2009
3 posts
Paris Morning by Justin King
I can sloppily and...
ISO50 Playlist 6
Beyond worth listening to. ISO50 Playlist 6 is terrific. Well done Sam.
Made me laugh
October 2009
3 posts
John Mayer "Who Says" Cover
“Forever Young” Cover by Alex Cornell
Aeolas International / Promo Spot
September 2009
6 posts
Google Japan
Not sure if I needed anymore proof about how cool Japan is, but just in case…
A Jay Z Cover