The duck

The other day, my bicycle got a flat tire. So after riding around on the flat tire for a day, I decided to get it fixed. I went to the bike-repair shop which I always go to. It is right around the corner and the onwer is a friendly guy. In about 5 minutes, he fixed it for me and off I went...

Last week it really warmed up. I am happy and excited for spring. And the cherry blossoms!!

This is the last blog of February...Unbelievable...2 months in 2010 have already passed. Time flies...too fast.

I haven't had the opportunity to go see this duck yet. Have you? I heard it is really cute...

Go Mao!!

Today is the day everyone has been waiting for. The beginning of the Women's Figure Skating! First the short program, and then on Friday the finale! You can bet that all people in Japan and Korea will have their eyes glued to the tubes for this one! Mao, the Japanese star, has been a media-phenom in Japan since she was 15 years old. And Kim, the Korean star, is a huge star in Korea and the favorite to win the Gold. Who do you predict will win? I predict _____ to win. (Please fill in the blank with your prediction.) Predictions aside, I am rooting for Mao. Who are you rooting for? If Mao wins, it will be a historic event in Japan. Almost the same as when Japan beat Korea in the World Baseball Classic. I am psyched for it!

This article should get you ready for the festivities:

"Favorites don't always come through, warns Ando" http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/so20100222a2.html

In December I saw the car below every night when I walked home. It was nice. I hope next year Midosuji is lit up again

Cars, Licenses, and Tolls

Do you have a car?
I don't. But in the future, I plan to buy one. But I haven't decided what kind of car to buy yet. If you have any good advice, please tell me.

Many guys are fascinated with cars. Some like sports cars, others prefer SUVs or convertables. What kind of car do you like?
Personally, if I am driving, I prefer a big-type car like a jeep or SUV. But, if I am sitting in the passenger's seat, then I don't care. Anything is OK.
When I was in high school I drove my grandfather's old Toyota. After that, I drove my father's old-beat up Honda. Recently, Toyota recalled many cars because of a defect in the pedal as well as some other problems. But I think Toyota makes the best cars in the world, so I hope they can fix the problem soon and get back on track.

About driver's licenses, in America it is much cheaper to get one. In Japan, I heard it costs about 3000$ to get a driver's license...That is absurd! Ridiculous! If it cost 3000$ in America to get a driver's license, NOBODY would get one. In that case, everyone would drive illegally without a driver's license. I know that is bad, but it is true.
I have an American driver's license. Also, I have an international driver's license. But I don't have a Japanese driver's license. So, I have to get one before I buy a car.

And about tolls. Are tolls still only 1000yen? Please tell me.

Below are photos which Mr. M took at the Osaka Motor Show last year.

Snow and the Olympics

In Philadelphia last week, there was an enormous snow storm. Did you hear about it? Did you see it on the news? Below are pictures from outside my parent's house. It looks like a winter wonderland! I can't imagine having to shovel all of that snow. Both of my parents said, "I have seen many big storms in my life, but this is by far the biggest! Without a doubt, this is the biggest snow storm I have ever seen in my life!!"

While on the topic of snow, I am sure many of you have been watching the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. When I can, I watch it live, but usually I just catch the highlights. So far, I have enjoyed watching The Games. And I have an advantage, which is: I can root for two countries, America and Japan. Below I will write some "Olympic English." Let me know if you don't understand anything.

1. The Opening Ceremony was held indoors for the first time ever.
2. Kokubo, the young snowboarder, was criticized and reprimanded for not tucking in the shirt of the Japan National Team's uniform. Later, when asked about his appearance, he half-heartedly apologized.
3. Aiko finished in fourth place in the Mogul Competition. It was her 4th Olympic appearance in a row.
4. Mr. X qualified for the final round. Mr. Y didn't make the finals.
5. Mr. W was disqualified.
6. Ms. A won the gold/silver/bronze medal.
7. I can't believe she missed that easy jump. She choked!
8. She did it! She beat all odds! She's the champ.
9. "I ski for myself, not for tv, or the fans, or my country."
10. You think of one!

Nabe

Thankfully, winter is coming to an end. In the past, my hands and feet were always cold. However, this year was a little different. I don't know if it was because I bought new "heat-tech" long johns, or if it is because of my new heater, or maybe something else...But this year, I was so cold. I admit that there were a few freezing days, but all in all, this wineter was not so cold I think.
However, in my hometown, Philadelphia, it was a different story. Philly got loads of snow this year. I like snow if I am skiing. And snow is beautiful to look at. But shovelling snow is no fun at all. Have you ever shovelled snow?
And the end of winter, means the end of "Nabe (Hot Pot)" food. I ate Nabe a few times this winter. It was good. And healthy! Nabe food always warms up the room and the body.

This topic is a little old but please read. It is good study.
What do you make of yokozuna Asashoryu's shock announcement that he will retire?

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20100209vf.html

Nabe(Hot Pot)

Sashimi(Raw Fish)

Valentine's Day

Valentine`s Day in America and in Japan are very different.

In America, Valentine`s day is a day only for couples. Couples usually go on a date and exchange gifts.

The TOP 5 gifts that men give women are:

1. A dozen red roses

2. Jewelry

3. Lingerie

4. Chocolate * I don't recommend giving chocolate though. The reason: many women are on a diet, thus are not interested in chocolate.

Some popular gifts for me are:

1. Clothes (a shirt, neck-tie, etc.)

2. Cologne

3. Silk boxers

In Japan, Valentine's Day is a totally different story.

Basically, only women give chocolate to men. And in Japan, there is something called "Giri- chocolate", which loosely translates to "duty chocolate." Women give this chocolate to friends, co-workers, or bosses who are men. This is unheard of in America.

And, in a month or so there is "White day." On this day, men reciprocate and give chocolate gifts to the women who gave them chocolate on Valentine's Day.

In America, there is no "White day."

In Japan, Valentine`s Day is great for the chocolate industry. I heard that they make 70% of their yearly profit on February 14th. That`s crazy...

I was lucky again this year and received some lovely chocolate and beer from a few people.

Thank you all so much!

However, every year the number of people who give me something seems to decrease...Sad ;(

Skiing

Hey, how was your weekend?

Look at the below fabulous photo. Mr. Mak sent it to me. He went skiing with his wife and friends the past two weekends. Two weekends in a row. The first weekend he went to Nagano. Then the second weekend, he went to Gifu Prefecture. I have never been to Gifu. And I have not been skiing in a long time. The last time I skied was maybe 15 years ago in Vermont. As I have gotten older, I have grown to dislike the cold mroe and more. This is one of the reasons I have not gone skiing for so many years. I guess, if I have a vacation, I prefer to go to the beach. But after looking at the photo below, I got a little inspired and I though that some day, I want to go skiing again. The scenery looks magnificent! Thanks for the inspiration Mr. Mak!

Takoyaki-"Octopus Balls"- in Philadelphia

That's right! I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the below article which my father sent to me. A Takoyaki shop will open right in the middle of Philadelphia, downtown. For all the details read below:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_klein/
table_talk/20100121_Table_Talk__

A_Japanese_street_food_comes_to_a_Phila__street.html

I like Takoyaki, but I don't eat it so often. I eat it about two times a year. How often do you eat Takoyaki, which are loosely translated to "Ocotopus balls" in English.
Japanese people also like to have "Takoyaki House Parties." They invite a bunch of friends over their house, and everyone sits around and talks and makes takoyaki. I have been to a few of those parties, and they are fun. But to be honest, I don't like making takoyaki. I have two reasons. First, it is not fun and tiring. Second, I am not good at making takoyaki, so the balls I make always are burnt or the shape is strange. Are you good at making takoyaki balls?

Barefoot running and "Setsubun"

On my days off, usually I spend time outside. In particular, I like rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean. I like to walk, jog, cycle...basically anything is OK, as long as it is outside. About running, the other day Mr. M sent me an article about jogging barefoot. According to the below article, as well as other well-respected research institutes, barefoot running is actually better for the body, especially legs, than running with sneakers. Can you believe that?! Well, it is true.
When I was in high school, I used to run barefoot on the beach. I liked it very much. When it gets warmer this spring, I want to try to run barefoot again.
However, there is one problem. In Japan, where feet are a very touchy topic and everyone takes off their shoes before entering their homes, I wonder if barefoot running can be accepted? What do you think?
This is the article:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/

news/science/biology_evolution/article7007116.ece

Below are pics of me and my "training ground"

And did you know that today is a special day in Japan.
Today is a festival in Japan, called "Setsubun" in Japanese.

"Sestubun" is a ritual in Japan, and always held on February 3rd every year. In Japan, people do a few unique (some people may think strange) things on this day. First, you must eat soy beans on this day. And you must eat the same number of soy beans as your age plus one. For example, I am 35 years old, so I have to eat 36 beans tonight. And before you eat the beans, you have to throw many beans outside the house yelling "Get out of here bad luck!!!" . And at this time, someone=this is my role, must wear a demon mask and go otuside and all of the beans are thrown at and hit this masked demon guy. After that, you have to throw many beans inside the house saying "Come in good luck!!!" Then, when everything is all finished, someone has to clean up all the beans on the floor. Usually this is my job too. ;(
The next activity is eating rolled sushi. Here are the rules for when you eat the roll sushi.
First, you must face the lucky direction while eating.
I am not sure what the lucky direction is this year, sorry.
And while eating it, you should say a wish, or pray for something or many things.
And don't forget, while eating it you can not talk at all. Complete silence.