Apologize! What are you kidding me!

Last week there were two big news stories, Kameda and Nova. As many of you in Japan know, Kameda is a story about boxing. The Kameda family consists of a father and three sons. The father is also the boys` boxing trainer. They are from deep south Osaka, and their image is like a "Big Mouth", dirty, bad-ass type. They are real flashy, wear flashy clothes, have crazy haircuts, say crazy things....pretty normal for boxing. The media also has hyped them up A LOT. Last week the 2nd brother had a world titile fight, got whooped(=lost=beaten badly) and in the process committed 3 fouls, one of them a pro-wresling suplex, and thus lost the fight. After the fight, the media and many commentators went ballistic(=got very angry) on the family, especially the father, demanding the father should apologize for some stuff, the main thing being he was recorded on tv at the end of the 11th round as saying "You know you lost, it`s over, hit him in the balls!" Now, "hit him in the balls" is not the nicest thing in the world to say. BUT, this is boxing, not chess! Professional Boxing is probably the dirtiest sport in the world, all about the money. And what people say is not always the literal meaning, sometimes there is a figurative meaning, like "hit him in the balls"="go all out, let it all hang out, give it all you got, give it your best shot, just do your best and don`t regret anything..." Personally I don`t like or dislike Kameda, honestly I just think they are funny.

But what disturbs me is tha the Japanese media is really strange and pathetic. THIS, this little boxing story, was by far the number one news story in Japan from last Friday to maybe Sunday...BUT, another story, NOVA, the former biggest english school in Japan, was the second biggest story last friday. BUT nobody demanded that the NOVA president, or manager, or secretaries should come out in public and apologize, Nobody pleaded for this. But not only the president, MANY PEOPLE from the top to the bottom all knew that NOVA`s ship was going down, EVERYBODY knew that, but the secretaries and staff still kept selling and selling and selling packages to students...I have watched many of these Japanese students on tv since last week saying "Ah, I paid 600,000 yen and I have 300,000 yen left of classes to take..." And these students, ...who all liked the pink rabbit and fancy commercials and "in front of the station study abroad slogan"..., say this with a normal calm facial expression. In America, good or bad I don`t know, but if you steal 5000$ from a normal person, they are going to be quite upset! And you can use your imagination if you want, but THERE WOULD BE A PROBLEM, a BIG PROBLEM! Foreign teachers have not been paid for months, 300,000 or more students lost A LOT of money. Not really lost, the money was basically stolen. FRAUD! Including the teachers and japanese staff who also have not been paid their salaires, hundreds of thousands of people had money STOLEN from them! Millions of dollars!!! But this was the second biggest story in Japan on friday. I could go on and on for hours about different points of controversy about Kameda and NOVA and the Japanese media, but I will stop here...Absolutely Ridiculous!
I think I need to go back to Ireland, go to the oldest distillery(whiskey making factory in the world) and have a drink...

The weather...

This year the weather has been pretty unusual in Japan. It was a crazy hot and longggg summer, and probably we will have a very short fall. In America now, there is a big natural disaster: wildfires or forest fires, in the San Diego area of California. I told some people this and some people said "It`s not a big deal...there are those fires every year in America." Actually, I thought the same thing when I first heard the news. But according to the news in America, this time is a little different, bigger, more serious. Already some people have died and thousands of people have evacuated the area...

Speaking about weather, I really think that a weather man`s job is the best! If a weather man makes a mistake, forcasts the wrong weather, every day, it`s OK! The weatherman will still have a job, won`t get fired (if they have a cute/good face). There is no other job in the world where you can make a mistake every day and still have a job. Unbelievable!

3 3

That`s how many years since I came out of the womb. Thanks to everyone and everything who helped me get here...

Oregon continued...

Recently I listen to an Irish music CD my friend gave to me. It is really soothing and peaceful music. It goes great with the fall season coming, and also goes well when looking at the Oregon photos. I wonder if the leaves have changed color in Oregon yet...In Osaka, not yet, but I am sure that in Kyoto and Osaka, the whole western japan=Kansai are, the foilage will be full of red and orange and yellow colors soon. Summer is my favorite season, my fall is OK too I guess...
The above photo is really unbelievable! Is it the shadows of two GIANTS (NOT the Tokyo Giants who will lose the Classic series to the Chunichi Dragons in a day or so) or is it the shadows of a small Japanese couple? Guess!
This farm picture is also pretty cool. But sorry, I don`t know what the farmers are growing on that farm..wheat? corn? something else...I wish I knew. I am really interested in farming. In the future, or my next life, I want to be a farmer I think. It seems like very hard work, physical labor, outside in the hot or cold or rain every day of the year, but it also seems like a rewarding and fulfilling life. I could wear jeans every day, a tee-shirt every day (basically the same as now ;) )and a cowboy hat maybe too ;)

Hope yall have a good weekend!

Oregon, a great trip to the beautiful country

Mr. H, a travel agent, recently went to Oregon with his wife. He has been all over the world on business as well as pleasure. Every year he tried to take a trip with his wife abraod. This year he almost gave up because recently he spent a lot of money on the inspection of his car, but luckily he decided to go. In general, Mr. H and his wife enjoy nature, just like me. Last year they went to Boston and drove around the New England area. I like and admire his way of traveling. In general, he seems to go to remote, less-traveled places. I think it is exciting because you really never really know what to expect or what you will see when you travel to the country. That photo above of the flower is pretty good I think. It takes a good camera man and a good camera to take one of those photos!
Oregon...I don`t know too much about Oregon, but I have two images of the state. The first is the Oregon Ducks, the names of the team of the University of Oregon. The next is NATURE. Only, and All, nature. My cousin lives near that area and he told me that he has gone on a few trips in the Oregon area. He always says it is really beautiful and peaceful and calm and quiet. Because I really like nature, it is one place in America which I would like to visit one day.

Mr. H showed me a bunch of photos in his nicely-organized album. But I think my favorite is the one photo above. I don`t know why, but this photo portrays my total image of Oregon. Quiet, secluded, a lake with a small dock surroudned by forrests. Nice, real nice...

Enjoying Ireland...and fire trucks

I really like Irish music. The mixing of all of the instruments, a fiddle, flute, guitar, and many other is all kind of neat. About music, I like basically all kinds. The only music I don`t like is hard-core heavy metal and hard-core rap. Everything else is OK. Especially I like Jazz I guess. But since I was a child, of course my tastes have changed a little. Also, I like some Japanese artists very much. However, in general, I think the quality of japanese music is very low. It is too main stream, with too many just cute faces.
Fire trucks. Many kids in America dream of being a police man or a fire man. This is a small fire truck on the runway at the very small airport in Aran Isaland. By regulation, maybe a fire truck is required at an airport. Both in America and in Japan, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes after the fire alarm goes off for a fire truck to reach the scene of a fire. That`s pretty fast if you ask me. In Japan though, there are many tall and narrow buildings, like a matchbox. Many of these buidling also have no windows, many bars, restaurants or karaoke shops. Also, there is usually only one set of stairs and also no fire escape door or stairs or ladder. This is pretty dangerous I think. There is no way to escape if there is a fire. So I want the city government to make stricter regulations for these types of buildings.

Shirakawa, the baseball season is officially over

Good morning! All of these photos are from Shirakawa in Japan. Shirakawa is a traditonal town for sightseeing in Japan, with a good mix of nature and scenic views and old-fashioned architecture like the roof in the photo above. I have never been to Shirakawa, but I would like to go there one day soon. It looks like a town which I would like.
Last night I watched the ball game with my friend. As I expected, the Tigers lost. That means for me the baseball season is officially over...It`s a long time til next spring training...
Last week I read in the newspaper that Al Gore, the former Vice-President of the United states, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I wrote about his environmental movie before on this blog I think. From that movie I saw that he has been involved in the Environment for many years. I was surprised to learn that, but I also enjoyed and learned some things from the movie. I recommend it again.

Yesterday was also the Midosuji Parade. I go to this Parade every year for about an hour to just check it out. There are many interesting floats. It reminds me of my childhood when I went to "The Mummer`s Parade" in Philadelphia. "The Mummers" are a famous parade group in Philadelphia. They were extravagant costumes and dance all around the street. Speaking of costumes, Halloween is coming soon...

Potato Picking

Potato picking...Not a bad idea for a way to spend a Saturday or Sunday I think. Mr. F, (aka The Doctor) took his daughter potato picking last weekend. He said it was a sunny day and loads of fun! In total they picked about 12 or so Potatos, so they have been eating potatos all week...

I like sweet potato very much. But a few years ago I ate one BIG one, it was only 100 yen, and I got heartburn. So I haven`t eaten so many sweet potatos since then. And if I do eat one, I am very careful not to eat too much.
Actaully the Doctor`s daughter was given a choice: go potato picking, or go to an amusement park. I was surprised, but she chose Potato picking. Maybe she wants to be a farmer in the futre ;) But honestly, I think it is great for her and everyone to go out into nature as much as possible. Nature is a beautiful thing.
It`s Sunday...I wonder if The Doctor is potato picking again today...

Ireland notes continued...The Spire

Can you see the needle sticking out into the sky in the above picture. That is called, "The Spire"!? Personally, I didn`t like it nor think it fit in the city, Dublin. Dublin is an old city, and looks a little run-down. Most of the buildings that I saw are not tall buildings. Most of them are about 4 stories high. In general the buildings are low, and so are the clouds...so the city feels small. But The Spire, only The Spire, points up wat into the sky. I read it was built as a millenium project, like modern art, but I just didn`t see the point to it and I didn`t like it. But it does have one good point. It is a good place to meet if you are a tourist because it is very easy to see and find from anywhere in the city.
I took this photo to show two things. First, the rain. It rained at one time at least every day. Two, the yellow and blue double-decker buses. They were everwhere, tons of them...I watched dozens and dozens every morning pass by my hotel`s window. But I never saw so many people in them, so I don`t understand why the City of Dublin needs so many of these buses.
The Temple Bar area is an area filled with bars, all different types of bars. Old ones and new ones are all mixed together. The architecture of many of the old ones is pretty cool, old and nostalgic. The guy in the black pants and jacket is the bouncer. That means that he is the security for the bar. He usually stands outside the bar and checks all the patrons coming in. Usually bouncers and big and not so friendly.

I took this photo during my layover at the airport in Amsterdam. This is a plane of the Irish company. I forget the exact name of the airlines. But the clover on the wing of the plane is neat!! Inside the plane, it was a normal cabin, nothing special, though.

The excursion to The Guiness Beer Factory and museum was great. From the top of the factory, we drank one delicious, creamy, Guiness while looking at the city of Dublin. It was a great view. But as my cousin said, "This is the ugliest city I have ever seen."

Have a good weekend!

The Biggest Steak Ever!!

This was the biggest steak I have ever seen in my life!!! It was 16 to 18 ounces big, I don`t know exactly, but that`s what it said on the menu. I have eaten some pretty big steaks in my life, and always finished, but not this time. The steak beat me. I lost!!! Honestly, on the night of that dinner I felt a little like I had a cold, and I had a little jet lag, and ate a big delicious appetizer, and when I ordered the steak I didn`t know that it would be that BIG! So I wasn`t in my best condition to try to tackle this monster of a steak. I am not making any excuses for not finishing the steak, but if I was in my best condition, I think that maybe I could have finished it. But I would have had to work, work very hard, sweat, to finish it. It was HUGE! And it was a little tough. I prefer more tender steak. Also, it was cooked well-done. I prefer my steaks rare or medium rare. How about you?
This was the appetizer. Some delicious mussels! But I don`t think this is traditional Irish food. You can eat good mussels any place near the ocean I think. But these mussels were really good. Usually mussels are served with red sauce or white sauce. I like both. It was a good starter! And dipping the bread in the sauce was also delicious!

Some traditional Irish food or drinks which I saw or tried are the following: Irish stew, Boloxy(fish or beef or chicken wrapped in a pancake), Fish and chips, Irish coffee...That`s all that I can think of right now.
The portions overseas, especially in America, are really just too big. That`s one of the reasons many of the people are overweight. In Japan, the portions are small. So I think that`s one of the reasons people are small. What do you think?

Ireland notes...

The nature in Northern Ireland was really something! On one hike, I think it was a national park, we had to cross this rope bridge. Even though I am scared of heoghts, I crossed it no problem! But my father was a chicken and too scared to cross it so he decided to wait with all the children and babies as I explored the other side. Situated next to the ocean, the cliffs provided a great view and a pleasant cool breeze.



Speaking of rope bridges, have you ever crossed the high and long and narrow rope bridge in Totsukawa town? I have! That is scary!!! Compared to that, the bridge from Ireland was Nothing!!



Besides heights, I am also scared of tight places=I am claustrophobic. Do you have any phobias?



Norman, the Guide! Norman was a great guy! He was retired, about 65 years old, and very friendly and informative. He really made the tour more interesting with his tid-bits of knowledge. He spoke a lot, but not too much...He was perfect.
The pilot! :) I rode the above plane...a 6-seater propeller plane!!! Above I already said that I am claustrophobic...well, guess what, I am also scared of heights, so being in a small tight plane very high in the sky is not my idea of a good time. But that was the only way I could get to the Aran Islands. So I guess the 15 minutes or so of misery in the plane was worth it...because the Aran Islands were truly beautiful!

It`s a rainy day in Osaka today...Have a good one!

IRELAND-THE COUNTRY, NATURE, AND CULTURE

The above picture might just sum it all up, the original reason I wanted to go to Ireland. GREEN. I wanted to see the green of Ireland, the grass, hills, farms. I took the above pic on the way from Dublon to Northern Ireland. For some reason, the above scenery (the grass, the hills, the blue sky, the houses) just struck me as amazing...
This is my favorite pciture of all. I can`t explain why, but just because it portrays a "normal" life in the country of some family in Ireland. There is a garden, a clothes line, clothes hanging on the line, a little shed, some bushes. Actually the was a big-whitehaired old man in the yard too, and I took a picture, but the picture didn`t come out so well, so I put this one on the blog.
This photo was taken in Northern Ireland at "The Giant Causeway." It might be a worl heritage site, I am not sure. But I walked(light hiking) for about 90 minutes around the cliffs, hills, shore. It was peaceful and calm, truly beautiful.
This photo was taken from Aran`s Island. This area, I forget the name, was unbelievable, breath-taking!! I walked for about 2 hours all around the area, which included cliffs next to the coean and a wide grasslands. The wind was crazy strng, like a typhoon. I will never forget the little time spent there!

My favorite photo of the town. I took this in Galway, a small town/city, on the way back from the Aran Islands to Dublin. A regular passerby, a fiddler, and an old man on a bike. It was quiet, in a small alley off the main strip...

Next week I will put up some more pics from my Ireland trip. Hope you all have a good 3-day weekend!

Airport and Wine

On Friday afternoons I teach at Kansai Airport. It takes a little over and hour to get there door to door, it`s a little bit of a long trip, but it is definitely worth it because all of the students are really enthusiastic and willing, wanting, and ready to learn. Soon many of the students will be bust because the opening of Beaujoulais Nouveau is coming. Every year they are really busy at this time because huge amounts of this wine are imported from France for this day! I like wine and I especially like this wine!! It is a little fruity and every year a like to drink a bottle or two during this season. Luckily for me this wine is red, and I prefer red wine to white wine. I heard that many French people or Europeans drink a glass of wine every day. I also heard that drinking a glass of wine every day is healthy, good for the heart. Now I am thinking to add one glass of red wine to my daily drinking menu...It`s a good idea I think.

October

It is Ocotber. The month of my birthday...I will be 33 years old. Actually many people I know have birthdays in October. Because I travelled last month, I just want to take it east in Ocotber and hopefully train a little for the marathon I plan to run in November. In October, now in Japan, finally it is a little cooler, less humid, so when I go to work every day I don`t have to change clothes every time I go outside. This is good because I don`t have to do so much laundry now, so I will have more time to run :) But if I run more, I will have to wash my running clothes more, so in the end, the quantity of laundry is the same ;( I know a couple that will get married on October 7th. I want to wish Mr. and Mrs. Kosuda a very happy marriage full of smiles and laughs!! :) Good luck!!! Also in October is the playoffs of American and Japanese baseball, also the Japan series and the World Series. I want to watch as many games and highlights as I can, because I am a huge baseball fan and after the season ends it is a long time before spring training begins...And in the end of October, there is also Halloween! Now I am thinking about whether or not I will dress up or not this year.

The Grand Canyon, and the Phillies!!

These are pictures from the Grand Canyon, one place in America where I really want to go. Last week, Ms. R went to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon with her friend for a vacation. (I was jealous!!) In Vegas she said she didn`t gamble so much, but she saw two shows. She said they were good, but it was too cold in the theater, like winter, because the air conditioning was too strong. About the Grand Canyon, she said it was truly unbelievable, a MUST see for everyone!!

Near the Grand Canyon is the Rocky Mountains. I went skiing there many times when I was a child. The mountains and scenery in that area are magnificent. Speaking of the Rocky Mountains today theColorada Rockies, a baseball team in America, will play the San Diego Padres in a one-game playoff to go the Playoffs. The winner of the game will play the Philadelphia Phillies, my team!!!
The Phillies were champions of the Divisin this year! Congrats!! It is the first time in 14 years!! A longgggggggggggggggggg 14 years! Iguchi, a japanese player, now plays for the Phils! He is good and will be a key player of the Phils are to go all the way! Little Matsui plays for the Rockies. I hope the Rockies win today, so then Iguchi and Matsui can play against each other. Either way, I will be busy in October watching many Phillies games on TV ;)