Posted on November 26, 2007 Categories: london.
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I may have said this before, but Pedestrians in London are the equivalent of Drives in Beijing = Insane.
They are quite happy to step in front of any oncoming traffic without even a glance, ignoring lights, and crossings that are only meters away. If the bus drivers weren’t so good I think there would be a lot more casualties!
In the past Week alone, I have seen 3 people take on a vehicle and argue their right-of-way. And I don’t mean small Cino’s, I mean a Van, a bus, and a BIG Wheeler. Literally standing in front of it trying to argue.. Umm, 3 tones vs 70kg game of chicken?? YOU WILL LOSE!!
I think the guy arguing with the Big Wheeler (Friday night..guessing he’d been to the pub) actually broke a finger, as it inched forward he was pointing at him and it struck it - he moved to the side of the road and was looking at his finger in pain.
Oxford Circus always has about a gazillion people on it anyways, add the Xmas rush and well I bet the guys watching the million security cameras around there see all kinds of shit next month.
Better not do something Ironic and get hit by a bus now eh…
Some more from the ATM guy. He does a few gigs where technology works against him.
Mario often makes an appearance. The first 2 have subs as well thanks to morizaemon
Posted on November 20, 2007 Categories: japan, travel, 日本語タグ.
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As of Today, ALL foreigners (except diplomats etc) will have their fingerprints and photo taken upon landing in Japan. This includes those already living there and returning from a holiday, even if they are married to a Japanese.
The reason behind this (not an opinion, the OFFICIAL reason) is that Japan sees Gaijin as potential criminals, and they think by building a database on foreigners it will help prevent crimes committed by foreigners within Japan. More so, Terrorist
As an Anti-Terrorist Tactic, the only advantage this can have is by scanning the prints against an existing database of potential terrorists (This would undoubtedly come from the US) and would take time to scan every person. Even the realistic CSI wonder machines take time. Other than this, I don’t think they’re going to be able to pull a print post-attack.
You might think what’s the big deal - but it is already putting people off going to Japan (was that their goal?).
Business men don’t want to go through such a process because of the “Mug Shot” Stigma, the time involved etc. It is apparently modeled on systems in the US (like their Visa system, ugh), and that alone is causing fear. America wasn’t on my top list of places to go anyway, but I don’t even want to transit through there now because of the headaches. Many people stop in Tokyo between London/Sydney/LA wherever, and spend a few nights. This will deter them.
I don’t know what happens on the second time you land in Japan after going through the process the first time, but I have technically gone through customs about 4 or 5 times in the last 2 years Alone. And I’m assuming this new feature will have an affect on someone say.. Juggling 2 passports.
But hey, I guess that 2% Foreign population was getting a tad high.
Audi R8 “Construct” @The Mill # Rotoscoping # FLAME
Both original 2D plates and 3D textures were used to create a slow, time-lapse streak effect of mechanics building the new beautiful Audi R8. I spent 2 weeks rotoscoping to help achieve this effect, as well as clean up.
Its a very nice looking car! and it cracks the 300km/hr mark.
Posted on November 10, 2007 Categories: london, travel.
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Jen had an Aussie themed party at her new place, and the fact she was sharing with other TM’s (Theater Media Students) meant they put in some effort for costumes and playing the character! (opposed to me who just put on all my Aussie fan gear from the Cup). The cast of Kath and Kim were outstanding. Jen transformed into an Aussie Flag, and Merv Huges made an appearance. There was even a good ol’ bonfire. (fueled by somebody’s old bed).
I need to get a hold of more photos but here’s a few for now!
The 5th of November..
Oh you know it?…I didn’t…V for Vendetta?…yeah….
Guy Fawkes night is an annual celebration about his plot to blow up the parliament using gun-powder was foiled as he was discovered, tortured for information, and eventually hung. So what better reason to remember his failed bombing by blowing something up, like fireworks! Some places also burn an effigy of him after the fireworks.
Well the 3rd aint quite the 5th, but a Saturday is better than a Monday night for most, so I went with Kota to his friends place right at the end of Central Line, which looked over Ealing Broadway Cricket Ground, where they were doing hanabi Guy Fawkes night. There were about 6 Japanese, me, and 2 French guys. Just like a Japanese party but in London! They set off a huge bonfire at the end but we couldn’t see it cause of a tree.
Then on the actual anniversary, the 5th, I met with Naeko (Mayuko’s friend) and we walked from Tower Bridge to Westminister Bridge! And later up to Wilsden Junction for more fireworks! They were quite good, but one misfired and sent some debris about 2m from us, and later showered little bits into the crowd! They looked good though. No burning man at the end.
The picture of the ride below is because it is the lamest ride i have ever seen. Forget that its for 2year olds, its a slow, slow train that just goes around in a small oval track about 20m on entirely flat ground.. A merry-go-round gives more of a rush.. hell the BUS does! Kids were still paying for it though..
