Stanford + Cupcakes

Palo Alto, here I come. Not only does the place have the world's top notch University, it also has the world's top notch Cupcakes. (My personal opinion.)

Here are the ladies who enjoyed a good afternoon worth of sunshine along the trip.

From the left, we have Michelle, Michelle's friend - Maxine, and Maxine's cousin - Jennie.

Arriving at the Stanford Mall getting the cupcakes that we all anticipated for.

look how happy they Maxine was.

This is it- Sprinkles. It's the only Sprinkles in Northern California. Total of 7 stores, only, across the Nation. (More will be open in the near future)

It was my first time trying. So did it worth a 45 minute drive from SF to have a taste of this cupcakes? Perhaps, if I loved sweets. It was definitely a fun experience, with the bonus vitamin D's.

I didn't take much picture of the store, but it was classy brown with some sprinkles of vibrant colors. Detail's the key.

I really liked the atmosphere within the shop.

Here's Michelle and her cupcake - Red Velvet.

Sidenote// doesn't it look like I photoshop'd Michelle's head into the picture?

Anyway, after we delighted ourselves the sweet goodness, we dropped by Stanford University.

The glorious Stanford Memorial Church. It stood extravagantly in the center of the University since 1903. The ladies were ants like compared to the massive mural painted in the front.

As we walk towards the Oval garden, we couldn't help but to pose around these sculptures.

They're the Burgher of Calais, by Auguste Rodin. Long story short, these are heroes that sacrificed themselves to save the port of France. And we were just silly people that felt like...posing.

No picture of the Oval Garden because there were simply too many people playing ultimate frisbee or rugby. Either way, we'd be Chinese style pizzas if we got in their way.

However, we did get a picture of my trying to make an illusion of me spitting out the tie like it was my tongue.

..and judging by me-have-to-explain-what-I-was-doing part, I failed. Nice composition, though, so props to Michelle.

Then, this is me trying to get a Michelle.


and Michelle trying to get me. Much more romantic, no?


This is Maxine taking advantage of Michelle on the left.

Michelle being "the man" on the right.

Jennie and her cousin.


Jennie and her imaginary friend.


This is me..dropping like its hot.


and finally, Hoover Tower.

Which wrapped up the day.

Amazing time with amazing people. Palo Alto's a good place and so is my seat in front of my Mac daddy.




-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

Something to think about

Nothing better than some good ol' philosophy on a Thursday afternoon.
If you can't see the video, click here.




-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

Chinese Calligraphy.

(The letters above came from my comp's font sets) It was how everything's written if we went waaaay back, but today, it's just a recreation to sooth one's mind, calm one's heart, and tell the world how Asian you can be.

I decided to rediscover my Chinese roots.

There are many tools to prep before even starting the writing process. Details' a beezy.
筆, 墨, 紙

We used to grind the ink stone with water for the black ink. Proper paper is needed to soak up the ink adequately. Pens/Brushes vary in sizes and types of hair used to create the pen, which give the pen different functionality from writing to painting. (Baby hair was supposedly the best out there for calligraphy writing.) I use 惠風堂 大長流, a common pen(most noobs use this) for writing.

帖

This is like encyclopedia for styles of Chinese Calligraphy. It has thousands of collections of styles, which includes almost every Chinese letter. It's heavier than a gallon of milk.

Gesture's crucial. Back straight, arms lifted, and the way a pen is held are all elements of proper writing.

Then I went on for a few hours.



After all that time, this is what I came up with.
It's not the most traditional writing, I tried deviating the ink drop to the word imagine, then wrapped it up with a zebra doodle. BEAT THAT.

How fun...and tiring.





-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

Where are my Ports?!

As you may have already known, I've recently converted myself from PC to Apple. I got the 15.4" Macbook Pro. So far I've been digging the change with the speed, graphics, slick interface, but except for one thing - the lack of USB ports.

People say Apple's a design oriented computer, which I find it quite ironic, with only 2 ports provided by a standard model(PCs laptop usually have around 4). Consider a designer that uses a mouse, an external hard drive. Ok, BAM, that was it, all the ports are filled. What about iPods? Printers? DSLR camera that doesn't use SD cards? Anyway, the list goes on and that didn't sound too unreasonable, did it?

Now I've got a few options - Upgrade it to a 17" with one additional hub, buy an EXTRA wired keyboard for 2 extra hubs and a lot more keys, getting a firewire making it an extra port, or purchase a USB hub for many external ports. Either way is to add extra mulah to the already expensive purchase.

I chose the last, most $$ conservative, alternative:

I got the Belkin Hi-Speed USB 2.0 4-Port Ultra Mini Hub. One long name with a decently good price(less than 10 bucks). And here's a quite review:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't recommend buying the hubs provided by Apple.

The design can be perceived differently throughout, but specs are all the same, and the price is almost 3 times as much. 見仁見智.

I received my purchase today.

The sealed plastic case is a death trap when opening it. Hardest packaging to open, ever.

There it is, I think it matches my Mac quite well with the silver casing, black bottom, and a red signal indicator that'd light up when plugged in.

The size is about the 3.5x the width of the USB plug itself, so it's quite MINI like the title of the product.

Here are the specs:

-4 USB ports added to the device.
-The new ports are USB 1.1, 2.0 compatible.
-Transfer data up to 480 megabits per second
-Weighs .24 pounds.

I've tested out:

Here are results:

Pros:
-Uploading about 50ish pictures from my Canon DSLR, as if the camera was plugged directly into the laptop.
-Mouse works fine.
-I hotsync my Palm centro with the device, it worked perfectly fine as fast ,too.
-The best deal I found was 8 bucks at Amazon (Shipping included)
-Slick and simple design, light weight and small size is easy to carry for traveling.

Cons:
-Transferring 32 Gb of music from my Lacie external hard drive, took 15 minutes. Then, the external hard drive started acting a little laggy. ( I recommend plugging the hard drive to the laptop itself)
-The cable connecting the hub to the laptop seems abit short, so it's hard to disguise the device.

Overall:
I'm really satisfied with it. People also used it for PS3 and other USB ports needed products.






-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

See you on the other end

Michelle's back to the States after a good month of touring around Japan and Hong Kong, it was my turn to plan the trip together. I stumbled upon this park when I searched for "beautiful places of San Francisco". It also happened to be 10 minutes away from Michelle's place. PERFECT.


It's right between Seal Rock Dr and El Camino del Mar.

Next to the beach with rocks. A lot of rocks.




Now, I'll let the photos to do the talking. It was poetic..and cold.



















and it's always pleasant to wrap the day up with some sweet cream french bread.



-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

Glowstring

Stars and streetlights are not the only things that illuminate the night.

Still images and drawings of light created by swinging a glowstick in a dark environment in front of a camera whose exposure is lengthened. (iso100, close Aperture as small as you could for best result.)


Sprint is particularly good at bringing this to the market.

And taking this to the next level and bringing it to the dance floor would be - Glowstringing. It's light painting gone berserk. It requires a very particular set of skills to pull it off.

Here's a courtesy demonstration of glowstringing by Kevin Chisaki


What made it even cooler is that he sported the TIZ cloud Tee at 2:01.





-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

J.RockIt x Paul Chan Photography x TIZ

J.RockIt representing The Imaginary Zebra through the lens of Paul Chan.

J.RockIt's a down to earth fella. He's been performing across the nation for over a decade now and have shared stages with Nas, Little Brother, Swollen Members, Blu, Dead Prez..etc. He will be launching 2 albums one under group name, Live Audible soul "Summer Soul Secessions LP" and my solo EP "Analog In a Digital World" aiming for this Summer 09. He's a man that's driven by passion. Good shit.

Paul Chan's the chill guy. You've seen his work throughout the entries of TIZ's blog. He's also the writer of Everyday Individual. More of his professional work can be seen here from his flikr account. Feel free to shoot him a msg on any photography questions, I just can't guarantee that he'll answer them.

The shoot took place at Vaillancourt Fountain, San Francisco. This is how it went down:

Special thanks to ARMs (Billy), Brian, Kevin, and Michelle.

woot.


-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

Sale now started

You've got 24 hours.

Click here to shop.




-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

TIZ: Sale

It feels good to be back. For the occasion, you'll have 24 hours starting 9 AM on 07/21/09 to get any item for $17. First come, first serve, so mark your calender.

Hope you're having a great summer so far.




-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

Business Cards Arrival

It doesn't matter if you couldn't see my eyes, because the business cards are here.




-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

Recovering my Zeeb plush

Still remember this guy? His first appearance was last year when I first visited Taichung (and still inputting entries with my own template, it was such a dumb decision).

The plush was completely hand made by ME. Image me with a few threads, a needle, some cotton, cloth, and a box of band-aid. The process was not delightful.

Anyway, shame on me, I've just recently rediscover this guy next to my pile of vinyls.


My bro and I's mini Gundam collections.


The zeeb didn't receive the treatment that it deserves. So I went to Michael's and got a shadow box that was on sale.


Then I began the whole shenanigan for this fella.


With all the tools ready.


At work:




BAM. Stored like an exotic butterfly, but cooler.


Oh yea, almost forgot to sign it.


There, now placed on top of my desk. Gloriously.


Make something cool everyday.




-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

Broskies

Last 7 hours to get My Broskies' limited shroom shirt.




-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

Jetlag does your body good

I'm heading back to United States, thanks for trip.
















-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

HK Trip pt.2

Oh boy, I checked out a beerfest hosted in Central. Nope, I didn't drink. I mean, either you're unemployed or a straight up alcoholic, who'd drink in the afternoon? Oh yea, that's right. Tourists do.

The streets were filled with ads various brand of booze.

Peeps with cameras

..and hot babes.


You could have plenty of fun without liquor.


This balloon guy looks like 小叮噹 阿福 on steroids with major eye bags.


Hong Kong's got the best cuisines. So it's been:


then..


after..


and more..




Ducks and goose, anyone?





I'm not a determined fatty, but I really can't help it when I'm surrounded by all the temptations.




-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

HK trip pt.1

The fourth week into the vacation, I've been lovin' it.(Except having multiple asthma attacks lately). Last destination before I head back to US is the land filled with skyscrapers and delectable foods- Hong Kong. Sounds like a time to get my grub on.

But first I must rest. The flight took only abit more than an hour from Taiwan.


In Asia, owning an automobile is not essential, unless your just trying to show off your wealth of owning double-priced european cars. I could get to anywhere from anywhere with their public transits.




Reflection shot. BAM, done.

Please do not confuse my brother with an evil spirits that was lurking behind my back. Sidenote//I've encounted many times in Asia where people thought we were twins. No, we are not twins.

Here are somethings I saw with my little eyes:

Due to the size contraints, many people dry their cloths up on other people's roofs.


Posting ads/logos next to buttons in one of the elevators.


Tall buildings next to taller buildings.




Big billboards next to bigger billboards.


Love their McDonalds. They now have Hello Kitties collaborations for only 20HK (less than 3 dollars US)

BTW, all their employees wear McDonald x RMC jeans. I wanted a pair. Really bad.

Here's the crew.

From the left, we have Allen, Jocelyn, Benson, and Michelle the mean mugger.

I'll show you our trip soon, bt for now:


Keep up the opened mind.



-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

The Zeeb Movement-Spread the Zeeb

Sydney, Australia. Check. Courtesy of Karen




-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

Good bye, Taiwan. Why hello, Hong Kong.

Nope, I'm not dead, yet, just haven't been able to find Internet access, again. I'm now in HK stuffing my face. There's no free-wifi connection so far, but once there is, I shall update you with all the interesting things here.




-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

Taichung Trip

There hasn't been any updates cuz I've spent the last few days being sick...and oh, chillin in Taichung. I've summed up most of the trip within the entry, that's 41 pictures, 9 people, and one smashing tour.

The orignal peep that came with:

Hannah(speaks fluent Mandarin), Jim(driver throughout the trip, props)

Yen(the shocker.)


Kevin(that just got a new haircut)


and I.


It was my second time visiting Taichung and Hannah's first time in 12 years. Basically, the original crew are not completely familiar with the fun spots in Taichung. Hence, the experienced tour guides:

It's their turf.

Wendy

Singing


and Albert.


Here was the plan: Took off Friday night, squeeze as much Taichung juice as we could on Saturday as we could, then head back Sunday. And so we did follow the plan, making the trip so magical...and exhausting.

Saturday morning, woke up at 9 for free breakfast. I had terrible stomach problem, which was brilliant for a trip that offers alot great food and desserts. Good thing it only lasted till lunch.


After breakfast, we left for 大坑.

a good amount of climbing..for us infrequent climbers.





Group pic:

Sign-less, subtle posing, is the way to go. The "V" sign will never fade.

The Dragon Ball kamehameha sign, in other hand, will not be seen again.



Next stop, 東東粉圓

Maybe the best dessert under the torching sun.





What did I say about the "V" signs. It'll never fade.


Then it was 一中街for more sidewalk desserts.


Kevin lost a bet, so the consequence is to pose 18 times in front of the crowded streets. WARNING: Please scroll through the following quickly if you couldn't handle the 120 degree hot-ness from Kevin. Look with your own risk.












For the win.

You see how people are backing away from this sexy beast?

Jim's grandpa's high school.


After all the good fun, we headed towards National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts:

It got Zeeb'd









Coudln't turn away from this golden opportunity.




Taichung has Taiwan's biggest night market.



Not much pictures here because it was flooded by people. I was both too sweaty to take out my camera and too compacted to lift my arms.

東海University was next.




The trip seemed too short, but incredible. Enjoy your breaks while it lasted.


hehe.






-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

MMH pole

Our companion My Mechanical Heart is having a poll on printing their first batch of Tees. Click here to vote!




-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website

We eat Brains + 50mm f1.8

This is my middle school friend -Sam 黃政翔. We had some good traditional cuisines at the night market and did some catching up.

Recommended by many, one of the best boba milk tea. It tasted just like any other ones to me.


Here's the infamous brain. I named today's title quite literally.

Pig brains, we had. Not much taste, but the texture's jello-y.

Earlier during the day, I picked up a 50 mm for my Canon XTi.

I struggled for quite a bit before the purchase. It's the most inexpensive lens for Canon DSLRs, but regardless, it's still a good amount of mulah. (I got it for $84 flat)





Some sample shots of the new lens:







Those are good shots of Fri-fri when we decided to sell him off on Craigslist.

and of course, the typical shots for those who first receive their lenses:






-Benson|| Follow me on Twitter || Join the movement|| Check the original website