#san jose art walk

[rubberpuckies]

sharks lost? dont cry. will and macklin visiting the monterey bay aquarium shark tank together, ok? ^_^

[allthingsfern]

My 2023 Top 5

Since early May, 2022, when I fractured my right arm (the humerus, right under the shoulder joint), my health, my physical well being, has deteriorated at a fast pace because I stopped being active. Part of that was my not taking pictures because, especially for the first 2 months after the break, I could not lift my camera. Then, this year, my cataracts got worst and I had my right eye surgery in early November, with my left eye surgery rescheduled for next April. (My cataracts in my left eye are not as severe as they were on my right eye and before my surgery scheduled for this month, December, I got a bad case of bronchitis.) It has been a year of deterioration and adjustment and retrospection (in 10 years I will be 80 years old) and of doing photography. Not so much of making pictures, but certainly of continuing my learning my beloved art form and going back and reworking some of my old photos.

So, with all that said, here are my Top 5 for 2023 and why I chose them and what, in some way, they have to do with my explanation above. The first 3 were captured this year and the last 2 are finds from past photos that I overlooked and that the newer, more powerful masking tools in Camera Raw helped me shape into what I think are stunning images. I am getting good at doing the Ansel Adams style manipulations and am also enjoying the process.

Oy vey.

Circles and triangles and shadows, oh my II. Oakland, 01-28-23.

I went to Oakland, which is a city I love and think is sadly overlooked because of San Francisco's grandeur. Had a great time walking around for a couple of hours and got a few solid photos. What more can I ask for.

Portrait II. Davis, 03-20-23.

Had dinner with this young man and got a couple of photos. zTHis was my favorite; captured him at his most comfortable because he was reacting to a comment by his roommate. Not the sharpest image, but I love the sense of motion and his expression.

Roses IX; Municipal Rose Garden. San Jose, 05-14-23.

For my birthday I went down to San Jose and stayed a couple of days. On my birthday, I visited the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden and had a wonderful time capturing gorgeous roses and enjoying the park's festive Mother's Day atmosphere.

The beauty of decay Vintage trailer: Crockett, 10-01-17.

Kinda creepy/post-Apocalyptic/SteamPunk, this photo came to life once I started editing it in Camera Raw recently. The masking, dodge & burn tools are excellent and its tools for manipulating color also helped immensely even though this is a B&W photo.

COVID wanderings Outdoor seating? Pier 1. San Francisco, 09-07-20.

While walking around a deserted San Francisco Bay promenade on the Embarcadero, I was struck by the hard, graphic lines and sharp B&W light/shadows of this, which showed that even in the midst of a terrifying pandemic, there was beauty to be found every so often, in the most unexpected, mundane places.

[goodluckclove]

Tell me about your suffering is art stance. I wish to know. Please and thank you. <3

Man you know I never thought I would openly talk about this part of my life because it was a nosedive that took me literal YEARS to recover from. But I'm seeing a close friend of mine go down the same path despite watching me almost sink into the void, so apparently this isn't universal information.

Storytime, dear ones. And it starts here. TW for mania, derealization, substance abuse, kind of parental abuse, and ultimately suicide related stuff.

This is an issue of Content magazine from 2016. It's a popular arts magazine from the Bay Area of California. Flip through it, it's neat! The arts scene in San Jose and around that area is small, but very dedicated.

Now go to page 56-57. The headline for the interview is "Miranda and the Young Outlaws". I did not choose the headline. I did not decide to have my photo be the only one in color. I was, at one point, Miranda, and at the time of that photo I am 19 years old.

I've been a novelist since 12, but at 16 I got into playwriting. It was instant validation. People thought I was good at it, and I was - though good in a way I don't believe applies anymore. Google my full dead name and you'll see some short plays of mine. Some short stories. I don't really mind putting my full dead name out there, mostly because I worked hard for all of that and would rather not let it die forever. So have at it.

If you read this interview you'd probably be impressed. Maybe envious at the depiction of independent creativity being validated at such a young age. A few notes from my present self:

- when Miranda referenced the rehearsal on the street outside the coffee shop, she neglected to include how once her actors finished the final scene, she laid down on the dirty sidewalk with no warning and began to weep from exhaustion. The cast, her friends from high school, most of them still IN highschool, gathered around her and struggled to calm her down.

- when she describes her "house of recovery" she doesn't mention that her "recovering addict" parents got her hooked on medical cannabis to stop her nightly, hyperventilating panic attacks. Not everyone who smokes weed is addicted. Miranda was for three years.

- "when you're young and you find an art form you're really passionate about it helps you emotionally..." The reporter misquoted Miranda here. It HURTS you. That's what she said. It. Hurts. You.

- I considered the other people in that group photo the most important people in my life. None of them talk to me anymore. I get it, though.

The Young Outlaws was my legacy at the time. We did The Muses, and it was one of the most profound experiences of my life. Then after that I had a complete, screaming mental breakdown the night before our Halloween show.

I was working five jobs at the time. I dropped out of school to focus on theater. I didn't eat much, and every other weekend I wrote a new full-length script in the span of less than two days. I was insane and miserable constantly, but that's what an artist is, isn't it? Someone who suffers? Isn't that what it means to put in effort?

It's crazy, but that brainwashing runs so strong that as I write this it's hard not to think that I was somehow STRONGER back then.

I didn't stop so my body stopped for me. I shut everything down over a video on the Facebook group for my troupe that I filmed while lying on the couch, and then I just kept lying on the couch for days. Then weeks. I have a memory of lying on the patio at dusk, looking up at the clouds pass and wishing desperately that I had enough energy to kill myself.

I didn't write. I didn't write for a long time.

But that's what an artist is...right?

It got better when I stopped smoking weed. As I kept going to therapy and adjusted my medication. Then my foundation broke again and I walked out of the show in Santa Cruz I was emceeing for and made an attempt that landed me in the psych ward for a week.

I did write a play there in the notebook they gave us. A friend I made in the unit gave me the title. If I ever make a Patreon or something I'll put it up there because it's good but it's too painful to ever hear aloud.

Listen. Please listen. Lean in close like we're children sharing a secret.

Suffering isn't cool. It is not helpful. It. Will. Not. Help. You. Not in relationships, not in life, especially not in art. Do not make an identity out of pain that you can get ease or erase entirely. If you are an artist with ANY sort of neurodivergence, you do not have the luxury to be the picture of the Tortured Artist.

Mania shows through artistic pursuit. Same with depression. Same with anger and delusion. But people expect artists to be weird and a little unstable and edgy, so what's the problem?

The problem is I'm dying. The problem is that I could've died. The problem is that so many other artists have.

Writing can still be hard. You can write something that's painful. But if your writing is always hard, always painful, always lonely and doubtful and you never walk away feeling proud of yourself - something is wrong. You need to reframe the way you think about yourself in relationship to your art. This is not an option. The alternatives are that you either don't make art, or you make a few works that some people might find so amazing that they talk about how much of a shame it was that you died early.

A few brave people have shared their writing with me and I've been thrilled and impressed. I'm seeing things that should be on bookshelves. I'm looking up short story journals and practically begging them to submit. To them, to you, to me, and to Miranda, I say this:

Your craft is your heart. It can feel, but it doesn't have to break to be worthy. People don't study the tragic greats because they were drunk and high and mean, they study them because they had a beautiful heart and it is an immense loss that it was shattered so soon. Please don't become another tragedy. Please find a way to listen to your craft and your body with sympathy and tenderness.

Please? For me?

[oolongxcha]

I'm catching up on old artworks I've forgotten to post for two years...

I call it "Twilight Yokai" based on themes that a friend, Monica, picked as she won the auction for JAMsj. In conjunction with the revival of Art Walk at San Jose Japantown, I spoke at a panel about local artists and how they got into the art and showed my work at the JAMsj exhibit.

Big thanks to San Jose Japantown for all the help and support on this piece!

[otdiaftg]

The Raven King - Chapter Two

Day: Wednesday, August 30th Time: 8:30 PM EST *Art used with permission by @ouijacine

"Why didn't Aaron know he had a brother?" Nicky winced, but Neil didn't know what bothered him more: the question or the rough edge in Matt's voice. "They're twins," Nicky said. He waited for them to catch on, looked from one blank face to another, and frowned disbelief. "Think about it for a sec, would you? Imagine you're my Aunt Tilda. How eager would you be to tell Aaron you gave up his brother at birth? She hoped that secret would stay buried forever." "But Aaron found out," Neil said. Nicky flashed Neil a tight-lipped smile. "Yeah, and that's why I believe in fate. See, Aaron was born and raised in San Jose. Apparently Aunt Tilda got bored of dating locally and started going to online matching sites. Right after Aaron turned thirteen Aunt Tilda hooked up with this new guy up in Oakland. Her boyfriend thought they should meet at a Raiders game, something nice and public and fun, so she stuffed Aaron in the car and off they went. Aaron said he was at the concession stand when this cop walked up, calling him Andrew and talking like they knew each other. Aaron thought he was either crazy or confused, but it didn't take the cop long to figure out something was wrong." "Higgins," Matt guessed. "Yeah. Soon as Higgins figured out he had the wrong brother he made Aaron take him back to where Aunt Tilda was. See, Higgins thought Aunt Tilda was another foster mother and that Aaron and Andrew had somehow gotten split up in the system. Higgins wanted to reunite them, so Aunt Tilda gave him her phone number to pass along and took Aaron home again. I don't know why she bothered. Maybe she was too embarrassed to say no or didn't want to explain to a cop what was going on. Either way, Andrew's foster mother called the next day to set up a meet-and-greet, and Aunt Tilda refused. She told the fosters she didn't want anything to do with Andrew, didn't want to know what he was like or how he was doing, nothing. She even made them promise to not contact her ever again." Nicky finished his second drink and mixed a third. "But Aaron knew who was calling, and he was too excited to wait on his mom to hang up to find out the details. As soon as she picked up in the kitchen, he ran to her bedroom and listened in on the upstairs phone. That's how he found out the truth." Nicky looked down at his drink. "Aaron said it was the worst day of his life."

"Jesus," Matt said. "I don't blame him. Did he tell her he'd heard her?" "Oh, yeah. Aaron said they had it out. But Aunt Tilda wouldn't budge, so Aaron went behind her back and called the Oakland PD. He found the PAL coordinators and gave them his information to give to Andrew. Two weeks later he got a letter in the mail that basically said 'Fuck you, go away'." Matt rubbed at his temples. "Yeah, that sounds like Andrew." "Some things never change," Nicky said. "So how'd Aaron change Andrew's mind?" Dan asked. Nicky gave her an odd look. "He didn't." "Wait," Dan said. "What do you mean, he didn't?" "I mean he didn't try again. I don't know who told Andrew's foster parents about Aaron, if it was Andrew or this Phil guy, but Andrew's foster mom wrote Aaron a letter. She wanted Aaron to try again in spring and said something about holidays being rough and there being a lot of changes at the house. So Aaron waited, but he waited too long. In March Andrew went off to juvie, and Aaron started rethinking this brother thing. Two months later Aunt Tilda sold the house in San Jose and moved Aaron to Columbia." Dan looked bewildered. "Then when did they meet?" "Dad found out about Andrew five years ago, so..." Nicky counted time on his fingers. "Four and a half years ago, give or take a bit. Dad went to California to interview Andrew's foster family and stop by juvie. A month later he flew Aaron out so Aaron and Andrew could talk, but I don't count that half-hour supervised session as a first meeting. They met for real when Andrew made early parole a year later and Dad bullied Aunt Tilda into bringing Andrew home." Nicky nursed his drink for a bit. "Weird when you think about it, right? They've only really known each other for three years." "That's messed up," Matt said. "Yeah, and that's the nice version of the story," Nicky said. "Anyway, that's how Aaron and Andrew know Higgins. I don't know why he's calling Andrew now, but I'm not going to ask. I kind of view Andrew's foster life as an off-limits topic. I don't bring it up until he does." "Is that really okay?" Dan asked. "It didn't sound like a 'Long time no see' kind of phone call. What if someone's dug up some past crime of his that could get him taken off our court? Maybe Phil was calling to warn him about an investigation." "Andrew will take care of it," Nicky said. "That's not comforting," Dan said, but she let it drop.

Art used with permission by Ouijacine.

[eric-the-bmo]

Blood and Silicon Episode 7: New Territory, Part Two (Your Cross to Bear)

[Summary: We explore the territory; Pauline heads to church, Blake chats with a friend, and Leo only has more questions.]

(Putting in a Content Warning for mention of religion, just in case.)

The coterie reaches the territory, parking in front of the San Jose Museum of Art. Blake trails behind the other two, certain that there's a catch to all of this; Pauline is keeping an eye out for any drug dealers, criminals, etc. Leo's headache is pretty bad, and he excuses himself, saying he needs to take care of something. Pauline tells him to be safe as he leaves, and Pauline heads off towards the church on the territory. Blake gets a text but doesn't check it yet, and heads off to one of the sports bars.

As he gets closer to one, he hears something knock over a garbage can- he doesn't get a good look at whatever it was, but it was too big to be a cat. He activates his Eyes of the Beast; there's the end of a fox tail. Blake enters the bar (turning off his eye ability beforehand), and orders a drink. Checking his phone, Blake sees the text is from Wes, a character we haven't met yet, saying that the two of them should talk since it's been a while.

Meanwhile, Leo goes till he's sure the coterie won't see or hear him, and ends up near this circle of palm trees with benches; there's a bit of a weird vibe going on. He uses Auspex to see what's up in the circle; there's a bit of power in the center, but he can check that out later. As he gets closer, he sees someone on a bench- it's Chris, of backstory fame. Leo freezes and wonders how she even got here, he has a lot of questions, but also- he's got shit to deal with. He avoids her, and finds a spot to contact Jeremiah. He tries to ask his sire questions, but Jeremiah is currently frustrated about something, and refuses to elaborate or even answer Leo's questions. They both seem to only agitate each other further; Leo ends the conversation, kinda pissed off, and lights a cigarette as he walks away.

As soon as Pauline gets onto the steps of the church she gets an uneasy feeling. With Eyes of The Unseen, she sees that the place has a bad aura. She looks through a window and sees flyers and the like, advertising Spanish and English services during the day; The latest is at 7-9:30pm. The church is grand inside with stained-glass windows. The giant cross makes her uncomfortable, and she holds onto her own for comfort. She looks at the other flyers; there’s Christmas events that will happen at midnight. Pauline takes a photo of the schedule, planning to come over on Sunday.

She sits on the steps on the church, smoking a cigarette when she sees Leo approach. She asks if he's okay; Leo sits down next to her and grumbles about how Jeremiah never answers. Pauline asks him what he even expected, given how he was sent away with only a coat.

Pauline tells him she was adopted by other Kindred after her sire left her, and that she was raised Protestant. She had a crisis of faith, but it's not that she doesn't believe, its just hard to with everything around them. She doesn't think we’re alone.  (Leo, however, says that he believes in the supernatural, but not in God.) While Pauline believes in God, she doesn't believe in the doctrine, saying how easy it would be for them to manipulate humans through the church, comparing them to dogs on a leash- She then adds that she has no intention of doing that, though.

She says that all Kindred are cut off from god, and that Jeremiah (her dislike of him is clear with how she said his name) cut Leo off from Heaven the moment he brought him back. She wishes she could spare him the pain, she tells him, and he admits that he thought he was going to go to Hell the night he was Embraced.

She asks to show him something, and leads him to the large cross she saw earlier. Leo feels the same unease as she did, and his Beast is afraid; he takes a small step back. Pauline almost reaches out to reassure him. Instead she quotes Leviticus 17:14, and tells Leo that partaking in the blood is the closest they'll ever get to divinity. Leo has a thought, but stays silent.

Meanwhile, Blake continues to text Wes- Wes mentions that unlike Blake, he needs to sleep, and Blake says his schedule recently freed up. They agree to meet the next night. Blake tips the bartender and sees which sports team wins before he leaves. He goes to the palm circle and sits down one or two benches away from Chris- her eyes are closed in meditation almost like she’s trying to focus. Blake sends a text to the group chat [Blake: "Sitting in this palm circle thing. Ready when you are."].

In the church, the Malkavians receive the message and make their way over to him. As they approach Blake at the Palm Circle, Chris finally opens her eyes and heads towards Leo. They both ask each other what the hell they're doing here- Blake looks up at this- and Chris asks what happened to him. She notices his coterie and seems a bit nervous at their presence. She tells Leo that the two of them should talk- but not here- and upon being asked, Leo tells her that Blake and Pauline are his acquaintances. Chris mentions how she doesn't like being as direct, but here, take this- and offers him a folded-up note.

As he goes to grab it, she snatches him by the wrist- he activates Blush of Life in a panic and his Beast whispers Chris is a liability, and she pulls him close and whispers: "You weren't you that month."

Leo gets a horrible feeling. She hurries off. [Blake and Pauline ask if Chris is going to be a problem; Leo tells them she's nothing to worry about. His headache is worse.] They other members once again remind Leo to keep people at an arm's length, and they make a note about predators- and speaking of predators, Blake mentions the fox. Pauline refers to it as a kistune, and Leo tries to explain what yokai are to Blake.

As Blake and Pauline discuss payment methods [Blake gets 400 bucks I think, I didn't get any of that], Leo checks Chris's note; it's a time and place to meet up with her. He writes this down in his notebook as well as other things, because he's connecting some dots in his brain, and scribbles down "We seriously need to fucking talk."

Leo tells the coterie he's going to feed; Blake directs him to the sports bar, and Pauline says if he messes up, just tell her and she'll use Dominate to make them forget. ["I don't want that." "Then don't mess up!" "I won't!"] So Leo heads off and mimics his sire's feeding method, feeding off a drunk man after offering to get him a ride home. His Beast is hyped about this, and he gets very intoxicated as a result of feeding from the guy. His headache lessens.

Leo stumbles his way back to the coterie, where Pauline seems disappointed in him. Blake is all "oh, he's drunk again?" which makes her suspicious. He lies, not wanting her to know about the failed Garage Heist, and says he saw Leo trail after some drunk people after he dropped him off once; Pauline doesn't fully believe this, but it works. Blake tries to find some footprints that could give clues about the fox; Leo is trying his best to ramble about yokai to Pauline. They hop in Blake's car so he can drop them all off home.

Drunkenly, Leo realizes he forgot to tell Pauline how he lost his faith, before realizing he doesn't quite remember how- he reveals to the coterie that J erased his memories a lot. Pauline says people shouldn't do that to those they allegedly care about, and a breath of air comes from Blake’s nose when he hears that. Leo looks conflicted and upset, and holds his hands together. Pauline stares at his shoulder from where she's sitting; she wants to comfort him.

-=+=-

The next night, Blake wakes up at the tattoo shop he stays at, and lets Wes know he'll be up after closing. When the time comes, Blake knocks at the basement door to wait for Wes to open it; Wes waits for Blake to open it ["Are you sure you don't need to be invited in?"]. Eventually the game of chicken ends with Wes opening the door, and the two of them get to cleaning the shop together, bantering along the way.

It turns out Wes is a ghoul, and Blake fills him in on what he's been doing, how the territory he's been given feels like a target on his back, and maybe Wes should stay out of the territory until Blake figures out what it's for. Wes says he has a bad feeling and whats to know if he's safe- he's not on anyone's territory, is he?- but Blake informs him the shop isn't on anyone's turf as far as he knows, but if it comes down to it he can see if Harrison can grab it- Blake claiming the shop as his own territory would be seen as a political thing, and he doesn't wanna deal with that. He catches Wes up on the coterie; Wes says Leo seems odd, and Blake says that it's Pauline he's a bit worried about. Blake also seems to invite Wes to a party, and also tells him to not visit the Asylum until Blake feels more comfortable going there himself; He says Seb is cool and around Wes’s age, but to keep an eye out. Blake adds that it's merely advice, since he cant really tell Wes what to do {“Yeah," Wes agrees, "I'm not your ghoul."}.

Blake closes up the shop and heads out.

Notes/Commentary:

So much is going on with Leo can this man catch a break /lh

Jeremiah seems to be going through something atm, what's up my guy

Literally yelled when Chris showed up btw

Pauline's player came prepared for the Church conversation!! it was insanely impressive, 10/10 dialogue

Leo mentioned he believes in aliens during the church, I love him dropping hints he's a conspiracy theorist it's so fun. Not-local man doesn't believe in God but believes in aliens

LETS GO ONE OF THE THEORIES IS SEMI-CORRECT!! [Context: Kev has a long-winded theory about Ancestral Dominion being used on Leo during that month]

I'm normal about Leo mimicking Jeremiah's feeding method. Like sire like childe [I dont think he likes it]

Not mentioned during the Blake and Wes conversation: Discussing if Pauline is a milf/ Blake learning wtf that means, and the whole entire Blake/Wes conversation being really homoerotic

Wes isn't Blake's ghoul?? Interesting,,,,

Also not seen is Leo waking up, gaining a point of Hunger, and Immediately flipping off his Beast [it grins and flips him off too]

[nikkotinamide]

Master List of BL Manga/Manhwa Read

All on this list made an impression - art style or storytelling or themes. I've definitely read more than this...

Japanese

Suzumaru Minta

Golden Sparkle

Kanshakudama no Love Song

Jyanome

Tasogare Outfocus

Yoiyoi Monologue

Zanzou slow motion

Sakura Rico

Thoroughbred wa Nabikanai

Thoroughbred wa Yuruganai

Niyama

Boku no Omawari-san

Goriyou wa Keikakuteki ni

Gohoubi wa Shitsuke no Ato

Yukue Moegi

Naked Sword and the Tree Peony of Black

Shinobeba Koi

Josee

Boku wa Shitteiru

Hayane Dento

See You Later, Mermaid

Born to Love you

Enzou

Mother's Spirit

Matsumoto Ayaka

Mitsuya Sensei no Keikakuteki na Edzuke

Tsuba Daeki

Hanagara Tsumi

Hasumi Hana

Remnant JUJIN Omegaverse

Usui Iroha

Oreshika Shiranai Karada 

Boku Wa Kimi Dake No Mono

Shikke

Pink Heart Jam

Harekawa Shinta

Senpai, Danjite Koidewa!

Syaku

Kujira no Oshitate-san

Marukido Maki

The End of the World, With You

Serizawa Tomo

Snow Fairy

Hayakawa Nojiko

Yozora no Sumikko de

Itsuki Makoto

Muri Marriage

Nanatsuno Wataru

Hatsukoi Encounter

Taka

Shitsuren Junky

Tokokura Miya

Life Senjou no Bokura

Akabeko

Shounen no Kyoukai

Harada

Color Recipe

Korean

Juns

Dark Heaven 😭

Boreum

Mom, I'm Gay

Ker

Sign

Park Ji Yeon

Wolf in the House

Momentum 🥲

Dorook

Keeper of the Pearl 😢

Bbong

Never Understand

Son Gae Pi & Charlie Charcot

Hell & High Water

Jaxx & Jang Mokdan

Walk on Water

Chilyong

Like a Tidal Wave

Solanine & Maki

Prince Bari

Milla & Yalgae

Oh! My Assistant

Fairytale

Inner Beauty

Chinese

Old Xian

19 Days

DJun

Here U Are

Lin Lang

Hyacinth

Choda

10 Years Where I Loved You the Most (adapted from 最爱你的那十年)

[niiikkii]

Spectacular Review: Unraveling the Country's Heart and Soul

Are you a first time traveler planning to travel around this year, as one of your bucket list? Are you a type of a person who loves or simply just wants to try different cuisine while traveling? Well, this is the opportunity that suits for you! And now, we feature the country’s heart and soul, the city of Manila. So what can we find out inside the city? Well, there is a lot of historical, instagrammable, and relaxing places inside the city.

And when I say a lot, what I totally meant is it really a lot. First stop, let’s nourished your mind and eyes with a bountiful of knowledge and artifact scenes at the National Museum of the Philippines, the thing I mean are the National Museums of Natural History, Fine Arts, and Anthropology that is located around Ermita Manila. If you are tired or somehow wants to take a rest and unwind, the most famous monument of our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, at the Luneta Park is a must place to go, it also located around near at the National Museum of Natural History, its Japanese and Chinese Gardens is a go-to place for picnics and unwinding, and I can literally rate it a 10 out of 10 for this beautiful places.

And we are not yet done, let’s go to the historical streets of Intramuros and made ourselves walk into the past. It has still a historical infrastructures and stories that are still standing nowadays such as the San Agustin Church, the Manila Cathedral, and the Fort Santiago. It will literally give you the Spanish vibes of gala, its instagrammable backgrounds are perfect for your social media postings.

For the best part of every travels, a nice comfort food and snacks are just around the corner of every streets of Manila, you name it from street foods, café shops, authentic Filipino, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines. If you want to try some Chinese foods and delicacies like their famous dumplings, mooncakes, noodles and etc. Chinatown at Binondo is just one jeepney ride away, and you may enjoy the taste of Chinese cuisines.

Spanish inspired ambiance cafés are just around the corner of Intramuros, every sip of the coffee of your choice will surely make your taste buds jump out of happiness. And now, if you crave for something more traditional, local street food vendors are side by side every streets and it will surely full not just your stomach, but also your eyes. And when the night time comes a walk at Binondo’s China town and city lights at Intramuros, will surely blow your Manila’s Travel experienced as it gives you the best ever city travels at the heart of our country’s capital.

Article Type: Food and Travel

Target Audience: First-Time Travelers

Topic: Manila’s Delectable Foods and Spectacular Review

[lifesarchive]

DEVIL HOUSE by JOHN DARNIELLE (REVIEW)

quickly: a true crimes writer moves into the building where the murders in his latest book took place (a writer questioning the ethics of his process / the past catching up with the present / lasting works of art / stories about stories / small towns outside of big cities / housing, drug, and mental health crises / mothers who love their sons / SATANIC PANIC! / swords, knights, and castle doctrines / the monsters are the people, but are the people monsters?)

This is not horror and hardly a thriller. There are no ghosts, demons, or spirits. There are indeed bumps in the night, but they come from the living. It’s a fresh take on mystery writing, but not really mystery either. It’s an exposition. We follow the main character, Greg, as he completes his latest true crime novel. The voices change throughout the story, so sometimes Greg is speaking to us, other times to someone else. The fun part of this story is the writing and the behind-the-scenes peek into the world of true crime. The not-so-fun part is the ending. 

John Darnielle’s writing spirals and descends. He takes his time moving around the subject, encircling it with details, getting closer and deeper at the end of every paragraph. Then, as you are rounding the last bend, the entire picture becomes clear from the inside out. It was like unraveling a beautifully woven ball of yarn, expecting a rare jewel at its center, but finding the end of a string instead. (Maybe, this is the entire meta point of this story�� life is just a series of strings ending. Nothing special.)

★ ★ ★ ★

more thoughts: SPOILERS

Some personal context… I came across this one because I was scouring the goodreads tag for “horror” and looking for interesting things that came out in the past year or two. The cover got me, as they tend to do. I rarely check the reviews before I read the story, but I always check after, just to see what there is I might have missed. I think I liked it more than most. As interesting as this book was to read, it didn’t deliver the THRILL I thought it would. It read like a poet writing a Wikipedia page… an intricate balance between truth and perception and the philosophy of cause and effect.

I recently read TROOP, and one of my gripes was the dialogue for the young teens that the story centered on. It felt so outdated and inauthentic. The dialogue, actions, and inner monologues for the teens at the center of DEVIL HOUSE were immaculate. Perfectly nuanced, and varied. The sophisticated unraveling of emotions and motivations is moving. He totally encapsulates the angst of aging. Now that I think about it, I actually would’ve loved to have seen John Darnielle do a version of TROOP.

The story is divided into 6 parts, and they each have different voices.

1: Chandler

We open with our good friend Greg Chandler, whose family lineage of kingship becomes a recurring thematic element in this story. He introduces us, right off the rip, to who he is, what he does, and his latest project. His agent has hipped him to the story of a couple of people murdered in an old porno shop in Milpitas, CA, outside of San Jose. 

He walks us through his process… one of immersion, invasion almost, that requires him to be in the places where these crimes took place. He, again with a nudge from his agent, devises a plan to purchase ‘DEVIL HOUSE’, which has been renovated, turned from a shop into a home, and is currently for sale. As he goes through the process of buying the house and moving in, he takes time to expound on the details of the case. He gives us an introduction to necessary persons and places, and at the end of Part 1, he tells us that what he discovered differs from the story that is told. He also tells us that he does not want to write the story he was sent there to write.

2: White Witch

Here, the story changes abruptly. Now, our narrator is no longer talking to us. Now, attention is directed to ‘The White Witch’, and we have become the ‘White Witch’ being addressed. (An interesting use of narration perspective, though I understand how some could find it jarring and confusing.) Eventually, we will come to know her life… a high school teacher who murdered two students while they were invading her home. Part 2 is a grand spiral around the details of her life leading up to the invasion and murder. In the open, she was just a school teacher. In the end, standing on the beach with bags of body parts, she has turned into the satanic WITCH living in the hills. Both in some real reality, but also in the minds of those always needing a villain to blame the evils of the world on.

3: Devil House

Our narrator returns to addressing us, and the White Witch’s story is paused. Now the focus returns to Milpitas, to Devil House before it was known as such. We get a grand historical overview of the influences that conspired to make the porno shop possible. This includes the history of the land and the landlord. However, the bulk of this part of the story is about the last occupants of Devil House, before our narrator Greg. 

We go back to it when it was MONSTER ADULT X, a porno shop on the side of the highway where 17-year-old Derrick works, unbeknownst to his parents who only want to best for him. MONSTER ADULT X (I’ll refer to it as MAX from here on out), is in its last days as the owner Anthony Hawley can’t keep up the rent payments.

Hawley closes the place down, but because Derrick still has his key, it is open to him. He hangs out there drawing and sketching. Then his friend Seth starts joining him. Then their homeless friend Alex, who’s been missing for some time joins them and lives there. Just at the tail end of things, Alex’s friend Angela pops in for some of the fun. 

This is their paradise, away from the impending world of adulthood and all its anxieties and broken promises. Things are fine until the landlord starts showing the place, in preparation to sell.

4: Song of Gorbonian 

A short and unexpected chapter, written in Olde English. Obviously, this is an imaginative prelude for some of the story’s later motifs and actions. Yet, it could just as well be a short story written during a reprieve Greg was taking from writing Devil House… or a rambling from one of MAX’s occupants during its last days… who’s to say? The Song of Gorbonian is a tale of a young king’s promise to avenge his father’s death and restore the gods of the old world.  

5: Devil House

In this part of the story, Greg updates us on the stories of MAX’s occupants. He catches up with modern-day Angela, Derrick, and Seth, all living different adult lives far away from Milpitas, having escaped any punishment, (but receiving tons of blame for the murders). The only one we don’t get an update on is Alex, who has managed to disappear. 

6: White Witch

Now we are back to the story of the White Witch, but not like before. Instead of standing in her place while Greg speaks to her, we are instead placed in the shoes of Jana, Jesse’s mother, one of the kids killed by Mrs. Crane, The White Witch. We are standing in Jana’s shoes as Greg reads (or summarizes rather) a letter Jana wrote. In reading this letter back to her, we come to understand the forces that shaped the life of the home invaders we met in Part 2.

In between the breaths of this letter, Greg is restoring Devil House to its former glory… breaking glass and pulling up carpets. 

7: Chandler

The perspectives change again. Now we are standing in the shoes of Greg’s childhood friend, as we reconnect with Greg after several years and he expounds on the new project he is working on, writing about a murder in Milpitas where he (we?) grew up. At the close of Part 7, we learn that this has all been a fabrication. Derrick, Seth, Angela, Alex… not one of them was real. At least, not in the form that Greg portrayed them to be in his book. The real culprits were likely men living on the streets, squatting for the night, running into the landlord, and reactions ensuing. 

Greg reveals his grand philosophy on what the public expects from true crime, and how the true story of Devil House would not satisfy the psyches of the consumers. Then the book fades out in a hazy memory of childhood, where the days were spent playing games.

Before I could complain too much about the ending, I had to remind myself that Greg told us exactly to expect: “What I learned contradicts the account I first read, which I understand to have sprung from the need for a certain sort of telling, a hunger for known quantities.” In other words, the salacious story of teens murdering to defend their clubhouse is something cooked up by the collective psyche, not by reality.

More than a fictional true crime book, this entire work seemed to be a rumination of the big machine of true crime itself and how we respond to these violent acts as a society. What do we want from these stories? Who do these acts of violence affect? At one end of a story, a person may look like a demon, but if we trace back all the influences and occurrences, we may find this person may have been someone else at some point… and if it is true that they were someone else, how much responsibility do we place on all the option-less choices people are forced to make, and on the uncontrollable forces that shape the boundaries of our lives?

[russmorris]

Red Earring.

Pentax *ist D, Sigma 28-135mm ƒ/5.6 Macro

East San Fernando Street, downtown San Jose, CA and not far from the art museum.

A sculpture or carving in the window of the bar at Gordon Biersch Restaurant & Brewery. A little google-fu reveals that this place has relocated to Japantown.

I was working at The Tech Museum at the time and walking around downtown at lunch was not only great exercise, but I always had a camera with me.

Finding little surprises like this was common.

[catfever7]

San Francisco has been good.

Got to spend quality time with my friend Nicole.

Also new things accomplished on this trip...

No Ubering in San Francisco, only walking or Bart-ing.

Checked out the modern art museum.

Went to San Jose! I liked it there.

I always feel sad leaving here. I feel like I belong here. :/

Let's see if I can get home now. My flight is good (I had got an email asking if I'm willing to possibly postpone my flight for a 250 credit (I signed up as a volunteer).

Becauseee 1 my ride - my parents snowed and iced in at our house.

2. Max is not running

3. Sooo I hope I can get an Uber to my house when I get back to Portland.

Thots and prayers yo!

[technomancer-01]

Retrowave San Jose - Flamingo Motel on Alameda (17 x 11 in)

Remember that piece I did of that retro-looking motel in my downtown back when our Cyberpunk campaign was still going on? I took a leap on catprints and gave them a try! I think it looks pretty nice with a Light Card Stock - Gloss. I’ll be selling these and other prints tonight and this weekend at the Oddfellows’ Lodge in Downtown Mountain View for an Art pop up. This is my first time delving into art prints so any feedback is appreciated! The gloss is nice with the colors, although the paper feels a tiny bit thicker than what I’ve usually found at the Art Alley for Fanime. I know it’s a little different from what I usually post these days. but I’m in the real mood for something more colorful, something more retrowave or lofi, which I’ve always wanted to do. It has been a hard week, but I’m hoping to end strong. To all the people I’ve met on art walks, hope to see you there! Other artists will be there too if you just wanted to check em out n chat : )

Etsy: techomancer01

Redbubble: technomancer-01

Instagram: @technomancer-01

[reprehensibletrash]

Today: my birthday and zine’s official release!

Step into my world for $10 (the zine). Your support means everything to me! Thank you. 🖤

Subject: art and much of what’s transpired since my last birthday.

My best guy friend’s testimonial on my zine: Your honesty’s so powerful. You walk a delicate line between vulnerability and confrontation. I know you well, so seeing your struggle is difficult, but I relate to it in my own way. Your work is chilling, even frightening at times and I’m excited to see where all of this leads.

I’m 49 now. The kiss of Judas was a refresher course in fragility! I wasn’t going to return here, nor anywhere where there’d be a front-row seat to my decimated spirit.

In San Jose, on my last night of my trip, I laid a fragment of myself to rest in a somber extinguishment, devoid of tenderness.

Art became unbearable! Overpowered by loathing of the most abysmal variety, I quit. Agony is a tenacious companion in a resilience test from Hell. Trust, it seems, requires self-trust. Maybe that’s the fragment that died?

Convalescence, and then transmutation. Amid despair, friends were saviors. Now a reservoir of stories/art demands tangibility. I’ve written more this past month than in the last two decades combined!

All else paled, save for my kids, recovery, art/music and fascination with speaking backward. Should I make more videos like this?

Thanks #yearsofdenial as your music was on constantly!

To those that witnessed my most ungraceful and downtrodden moments, sincere apologies. I was destroyed! Now I’m on the mend, rebuilding myself.

I’m so grateful for my pre-orders. To the local award-winning comic/bookshop that welcomed my zine pre-release, I’m elated you’re a new ally. 🙂

I couldn’t have done any of this without pain, but I leveled up instead of letting it kill me. What a phenomenal birthday gift. 🎂

My zine’s already on its way to L.A., Chicago, Austin, Sacramento, N.Y., S.F., Atlanta, Glasgow and Brisbane. Passport renewal is on the horizon! 🤯

#talkingbackwards #twinpeaksinspired

[chaletnz]

San Jose: The last day in San Jose before an afternoon flight. Walking around to see street art, city landmarks, and enjoy my final brunch and coffee in Costa Rica at Cafeoteca

[delightelementary]

When it comes to providing children with an enriching, hands-on education that fosters independence and a lifelong love of learning, Montessori schools are second to none. San Jose, the vibrant heart of Silicon Valley, is home to several exceptional Montessori institutions, including the Montessori Academy. These schools blend time-tested methodologies with modern educational needs, creating an environment where children thrive both academically and socially. If you’re searching for a Montessori school or summer program near you, the Montessori Academy in San Jose and its associated summer camps at Delight Elementary are excellent choices to explore.

Montessori Academy in San Jose: A Haven for Holistic Development

The Montessori Academy in San Jose is more than just a school; it’s a nurturing community where children embark on a journey of self-discovery and intellectual growth. Rooted in Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy, the academy focuses on fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Its carefully prepared environments encourage students to explore subjects at their own pace, promoting confidence and a genuine love for learning.

Key Features of Montessori Academy in San Jose:

Individualized Learning Plans: Each child’s learning journey is personalized to match their interests, abilities, and developmental stage. This approach ensures that every student reaches their full potential.

Hands-On Learning Materials: Montessori classrooms are equipped with specially designed materials that make abstract concepts tangible. Whether it’s math, science, or language, students engage deeply with the subject matter.

Focus on Life Skills: Beyond academics, the academy emphasizes practical life skills, social-emotional learning, and self-discipline, preparing students for real-world success.

Diverse, Inclusive Environment: The academy celebrates diversity and fosters an inclusive atmosphere, allowing children from various backgrounds to learn and grow together.

Parents in San Jose seeking an education that goes beyond traditional methods will find the Montessori Academy an ideal fit for their children.

Montessori Summer Program near Me: a Perfect Blend of Fun and Learning

Summer is a time for children to relax, explore, and expand their horizons. The Montessori summer programs offered in San Jose provide a unique opportunity to combine the joys of summer with the enriching principles of Montessori education. Delight Elementary summer camp is a standout option, offering a blend of creative activities, outdoor exploration, and skill-building projects.

Highlights of the Montessori Summer Program:

Engaging Themes: Each week of the summer program is centered on exciting themes such as science experiments, art exploration, gardening, and cultural celebrations. These themes keep children engaged and curious throughout the summer.

Outdoor Adventures: From nature walks to outdoor games, the program ensures plenty of time in the fresh air, helping children stay active and connected to their environment.

Montessori Principles: True to its roots, the program incorporates Montessori’s principles of self-directed learning, encouraging children to choose activities that interest them most.

Small Group Settings: With a focus on individual attention, the summer camp maintains small group sizes to ensure each child receives the support they need.

Skill Development: While having fun, children develop critical skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and independence.

Parents searching for a “Montessori Summer Program Near Me” will find that the Delight Elementary summer camp in San Jose is a perfect blend of education and adventure, ensuring a memorable summer for their children.

Choosing a Montessori School in San Jose: Why It Matters

Selecting the right Montessori School in San Jose is a significant decision that can shape your child’s future. The Montessori Method’s emphasis on nurturing a child’s natural interests and abilities sets it apart from conventional educational systems. It provides children with the tools to become independent thinkers and compassionate individuals.

What to Look for in a Montessori School:

Accreditation: Ensure the school adheres to authentic Montessori principles by checking its accreditation status.

Experienced Educators: Look for teachers who are certified in Montessori education and have a passion for guiding young minds.

Environment: The school should have a well-organized, inviting, and child-centric environment with plenty of natural light and open spaces.

Parent Reviews: Hearing from other parents can provide valuable insights into the school’s community and culture.

The Montessori Academy in San Jose checks all these boxes, making it a top choice for families in the area.

Embark on a Montessori Journey in San Jose

Whether you’re seeking a year-round Montessori education or an engaging summer program, San Jose offers outstanding options to support your child’s development. The Montessori Academy and Delight Elementary summer camp stand out for their commitment to fostering independence, creativity, and a love for learning. Invest in your child’s future by exploring these programs and unlocking the full potential of Montessori magic.

[sammonurtd]

Affordable Retirement Options in Alum Rock: Can You Retire on $4,000 a Month?

Introduction

Retirement is a significant milestone in life that many people look forward to. It's a time to relax, pursue hobbies, and enjoy the fruits of one's labor. However, it's important to carefully plan for retirement to ensure financial stability during this phase. One of the key considerations is choosing an affordable location to retire. In this article, we will explore the options for affordable retirement in Alum Rock and answer the question: Can you retire on $4,000 a month?

Why is San Jose so famous for its vibrant culture in Willow Glen?

San Jose, particularly the Willow Glen neighborhood, is renowned for its vibrant culture. The area is known for its diverse community and rich arts scene. The Willow Glen neighborhood hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including art walks, music festivals, and theater performances. The community actively supports local artists and encourages cultural expression.

Is San Jose a wealthy area, particularly in Downtown San Jose?

San Jose is indeed considered a wealthy area, especially in Downtown San Jose. The city is home to many high-tech companies and has a thriving economy. The presence of these industries has contributed significantly to the city's wealth, attracting talented professionals and entrepreneurs.

Why do people love San Jose, especially residents in Evergreen?

Residents of San Jose's Evergreen neighborhood are particularly fond of their community for several reasons. Firstly, Evergreen offers a serene and suburban environment while being conveniently located near major amenities such as shopping San Jose Concrete Contractor Pros LLC centers and schools. Secondly, the neighborhood boasts beautiful parks and recreational areas where residents can engage in outdoor activities. Lastly, Evergreen enjoys a strong sense of community spirit and camaraderie among its residents.

Is 100k enough to live in San Jose, specifically in Cambrian Park?

Living comfortably on $100,000 per year in San Jose, especially in the Cambrian Park area, is possible. While the cost of living in San Jose is relatively high compared to other cities, careful budgeting and financial planning can help individuals and families make the most of their income. It's important to consider factors such as housing costs, transportation expenses, and healthcare when determining if $100,000 is enough to live in San Jose.

Is San Jose a safe place to live, including the Downtown San Jose area?

San Jose is generally considered a safe place to live, including the Downtown San Jose area. The city has implemented various safety measures and initiatives to ensure the well-being of its residents. However, like any urban area, it's essential to exercise caution and be aware of one's surroundings.

What percentage of San Jose is white, including demographics in Alum Rock?

The demographics of San Jose are diverse and multicultural. The city has Residential Concrete Contractors San Jose a significant Asian population, followed by Hispanic and White residents. In Alum Rock specifically, the majority of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino. This diversity contributes to the vibrant cultural fabric of San Jose.

What salary do you need to live in San Jose, with a focus on the cost of living in Willow Glen?

The cost of living in San Jose, particularly in neighborhoods like Willow Glen, can be quite high. To comfortably afford housing, utilities, transportation, and other basic