Tsukiji Fish Auction, Tokyo, Japan

I'm in the middle of my two week visit to Tokyo and we finally got up at 5a to see fish being slung around and fought over during the morning tuna auction. Well, not literally. But, that's what I expected. In reality, it was a very civilized boys club-esque seeming experience. In a twenty minute visit I was able to observe the interactions of friends picking the best fishies, or monstrous creatures, for their needs--mostly for restaurants and grocery stores, I assume. I may have to go back before I head home to LA. So far, it's been the most exhilarating thing to photograph journalistically.

2009 Alt Build Expo

Did you make it to the Alt Build Expo at the Santa Monica Civic this weekend? 

Not only were there cutting edge, environmentally smart and responsible products on display, but the people were all so friendly. I made a lot of new friends and found a lot of things I want to apply to my home as soon as possible. I think I'll start with a tomato plant on my balcony. :))) Thanks City of Santa Monica and Platia productions for hiring me as the official event photographer.  

Here are some highlights...

These are doors and tables made out of salvaged wood.

Tons of green home building products at Discover Green in Hollywood.  They were a very popular booth...and so colorful too.

Now this was just cool...EcoSmart Fire, burns clean and is maintenance free.  It's fueled by ethanol and there are no hard connections so you can put it anywhere.  And, the kicker is that there's a $1500 tax credit when you purchase one.  

Want an alternative to real grass?  Synthetic grass.  Gotta love it.

Okay...I was so excited about this one...a recyclable mattress.  It was very popular.  And, I tried it.  It stacks up to the competition, for sure.  Unfortunate I don't have the company name off hand.  But I know that they are carried at Venare Design in West Hollywood.