Wedding Anniversaries

Today is my parent's wedding anniversary. They have been married a very long time.
I haven't spoke to them yet so I don't know for sure, but I imagine they will go out to dinner to celebrate. In addition, maybe they will exchange cards or presents, and my father will probably give my mother flowers.

In Japan, I often hear that many married men don't even remember their wedding anniversary. Needless to say, if they forget the actual date, then forget about getting some flowers, a card, or a gift for their wives....That is a big NO-NO, and unacceptable in America.

There are many cultural differences regarding how Americans and Japanese celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and various other holidays like mother's day or father's day.

To change the topic, many students often tell me that they go to Nagoya on business trips. I have never actually been to Nagoya, but I have driven though the city once.
Have you ever been to Nagoya? If yes, what's it like?

Nagoya: What's the best reason to visit Nagoya?
from "The Japan Times Online"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20110726vf.html

Below are some photos from Ms. e's day trip to Northern Hyogo. After looking at these shots, this area is now also on my "Must go to" list.

Borneo

Have you ever been there? I haven't. But after seeing these photos, Borneo is definitely on my "Want to Go Places" list.
Ms. K went there the other day on a one-week vacation. She went snorkeling, and saw many wild animals in the jungle. She said she had a great time! I am very happy for her!! But I am also jealous of her...

I want to go...

Especially after a long couple of days, I really want to go...

TV Ratings

I was surprised. When I was talking to Mr. M in class the other day, this was our dialogue about the big Soccer Match:

Glenn: "What do you think the tv ratings will be for the game on Monday night?"

Mr. M: "Maybe about 30%."

Glenn: "Really?! I don't think so. The game is going to be on at 3:45 am. I think the tv ratings will about 10%, and maybe reach 20% around 5am."

Mr. M: "Glenn, you are still a novice. You have only been in Japan for 15 years. I have been in Japan over 40...Take my word for it, and watch and learn from the master.

According to the article below, it looks like the Master was correct, and the Novice was wrong.

"World Cup draws 27% viewer rating"
from "The Japan Times Online"

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20110720a7.html

To change the subject, about the rest of my 2-day vacation last week, at night on Sunday I went to Hankyu Department store with my wife and used some of the gift certificates I got because of "eco-points' to buy dinner. After tasting a lot of samplers, I finally decided what I wanted to buy for dinner...Dumplings!! And they were delicious!!!

On Monday, cause it was raining and I was a little sun burnt (again) from the day before, I just stayed at home and took it easy all day. Around 4pm, my wife and I watched a movie, "176 hours" (I think that is the title but I am not sure.) This movie is based on a true story and actually I heard about it from Ms. e a while back, so I already knew the whole story, but I enjoyed it and the time with the Mrs. However, I don't recommend it. It is not for everyone.

Mr. T gave me a recipe and told me how to make dumpling the other day. Instead of buying dumplings, next time I think I am going to try to make them. Check out Mr. T's dumpling photos below.

And, I almost forgot. I woke up naturally, without using an alarm clock, at around 5am on Monday. Right after I woke up, I switched on the tv and the women's soccer game was on. It was 2-2, in the end of extra time. So I watched the penalty kicks, and watched Japan win, and then went back to sleep. It was fun.

FYI, many people always ask me: "What does your wife look like?"

Final Answer: She looks a little like Sawa, the MVP of the World Cup. But, she can not play soccer, and is a little shorter, and has bigger, rounder eyes than Sawa.

3-day weekend

Good morning. How was your 3-day weekend? Did you go anywhere or do anything special?

I had Sunday and Monday off. I was really looking forward to going to Awajishima and chilling on the beach, but due to unforeseen circumstances(=something came up), I had to cancel the trip. But like Nadeshiko Japan, I also believe in "Never give up/ Don't give up!!!". As long as you don't give up, something good will happen. That is one of my mottos!

So, after a semi-slow morning of reading the paper while drinking coffee, I had some toast for breakfast and then headed out to Mukogawa River with my new shiny blue "Sun Shelter." Do you know what a sun shelter is? Well, if not, let me explain. It is like an umbrella, or a cabana, that provides shade and protects you from the sun.

I found a great place by the river, and set up the sun shelter. It was easier to assemble(=put together) than I thought it would be, but one of the pieces was broken. A defect. However, I made the best of it and found a way to make it work for the day. And everything was swell!! After laying back in the sun shelter for a few hours, playing in the river, reading a book, and dozing off for a few minutes, I decided to go to my favorite waterfall in Nigawa. It is a little difficult to get there, you have to walk through the forest a little and climb a few rocks, but once you get there, it is definitely worth it. Because it was a Sunday, there were many people-kids, and teenagers mostly already there. I fit in perfectly because my heart and mind are much younger than my actual age ;) But many of the young and wild and rebellious teenage guys, jump off the cliffs into the water. The jump from two places, one is about 3 meters high, and the other is about 7 meters high. I pass on that activity. I am, and never have been, so young or rebellious. Anyway, I swam in the water, sat under the waterfall, basked in the sun. It was a great feeling!! I felt alive!!!

It was about 2pm at this time. I will write about the rest of that day, as well as the National Holiday(See/Ocean Day) which was on Monday, sometime later this week.

Update: The typhoon didn't come to Osaka...

The Women's World Cup Finals

The Finals, between Japan and The United States, will kickoff at 3:45am on Monday Japanese time. Are you going to wake up and watch it? I wouldn't miss it for the world!

And everyone is asking me, "Glenn, who are you rooting for?" So please let me set the record straight. I am rooting for Japan. But if America wins, I will also be happy. So, for me, it is a Win-Win situation. And I was really excited to just sit back and watch the game just for the sake of pure enjoyment. But then, last night while I was eating dinner, my wife suddenly blurted out, "Hey baldie, you wanna bet on the game? I want America." She is a gambler. Usually I refrain from such sketchy activity, but this time I obliged, because I want to make her happy. So, I said "Sure, I'll take Japan, what do you want to bet?" And she said "If America wins, you have to give me a one hour massage. And if Japan wins, I will give you two bottles of Awamori(=Okinawan Shochu). OK?" So I said, "Sure. It's a deal."

As of now the odds in Las Vegas are 2:1, America is favored to win the game. On a side note, did you know that Japan has never beaten American in women's soccer? They have played over 24 times...Well, there is a first for everything!!! I hope...

And, the other day when I spoke to Luis, he brought up an interesting point. He said
"Why do you think everyone was so excited for the men's world cup soccer, but everyone is not so wild about the women's soccer. It sure seems like there is a big difference of 'excitement level' don't you think?" I replied, "Yeah, you are right. I guess it is just because it is women's soccer..."

And the latest news from ESPN( a major sports network in America) is that " the Japanese Team is playing for all of Japan", and that "the workers at TEPCO are watching the game and getting inspiration from each victory", and that "the Finals will be a battle of a difference in culture as well as soccer styles..."

As they say, "may the best woman win!"

My two heroes

5 Similarities between the two fellas.

1. The both love golf.

2. They both love their families.

3. They both have an injured knee.

4. They both like Las Vegas.

5. 2012 could be their "Comeback Year"

Cool!!

Here is an update on the battle versus the horrendous summer heat.
It is still early but so far, I am winning 1-0.

First, I got a fan. Actually, I should better say that "I could get a fan." Because as many of you might have seen on the news, almost all of the electric fans were sold out!! But, I was lucky(=fortunate) , cause I went to Midori Electric store exactly when it opened, 10AM sharp. After I arrived and entered the store, I took the escalator to the second floor and asked a staff member "Excuse me, could you tell me where the electric fans are?" The staff member replied, "They are over there, in the corner. You better hurry before they are all sold out!!" After I heard that, I hustled my little fanny over as quick as I could. And just as the staff member said, the fans were selling like hot cakes. So I grabbed the first one I set my eyes on!! Now, in my place, I have my own fan which is directly aimed at me all of the time. It is the first time I have ever experienced such a delicacy. It is a real treat!

Next, a few weeks ago I saw Luis wiping his body with a "wipey thing" before class. And it also had a nice smell (=fragrance, odor). So, I asked him "What is that? And where did you get it? What company makes it?" And he replied, "These are 'wipies.' I don't know exactly where you can get them cause my wife got them for me, but I recommend the "ICE wipies". They are a must for the summer in Osaka!! And I think the company that makes them is Gatsby."

And then, by coincidence, when I went to the restroom in between the sets of a Jazz performance I was watching two nights later, there they were, right next to the sink. They were placed there for the customers to use. So, I tried it...and WOW!! It was great!! My body felt clean and refreshed and also a little "stingy" from the "ice effect." The next day I immediately ran out to the drug store and got my hands on a few packs. Since then, I have been using them every day. Have you ever tried one? If not, you really should!!

And last, my wife and I got some "cool sheets" and also some "cool gel pads." You can put both in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect if you want. Actually, I recommend to do so. With these two items, plus the extra fan, my room is about 4 degrees Celsius cooler than before. That makes a world of a difference, and is what we call a WINNER!!

Below are some photos of the porch and deck and garden from my brother's beautiful house.

A Flash Back

The below blog is a blast from the past: a blog that I wrote in July of 2006.
"Today is July 4th, Independence Day, in America. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, which used to be the capital of the United States before Washington D.C. Did you know that? There are many historical places in Philadelphia, for example, The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and much more... Every year in Philadelphia there are huge fireworks on the 4th. I like fireworks and I am looking forward to the summer fireworks in Japan soon. Where do you recommend to see the fireworks in Japan? If you know any good places, please tell me!"

Speaking of flash backs, recently I am watching "LOST," which was a very popular TV Series in America. Many of the characters have flash backs throughout the show. These flashbacks are quite interesting. The Doctor lent me Season 1, 2, and 3. I am almost finished Season 3. After that, I want to borrow Season 4 from him too, if he doesn't mind.
Have you ever watched "LOST"? How about any other American TV shows. My wife is really into "Glee"...she records it all of the time. I have watched a few episodes, but unfortunately I can't get into it. It is just not my cup of tea.

The dog days

Welcome to July, and welcome to the dog days of summer! If the past week is any indication, this summer is gonna be on of the hottest ever!! in June this year, the thermometers already reached 33 and 34 degrees Celsius. What highs are in store for us in July and August...I don't even want to imagine.

So, since I am sweating buckets every night when I sleep, I am planning to go out and buy a new electric fan this weekend. As many of you know I don't like the AC, so one of the rules of my house is "The AC is prohibited!" (Do you have any "rules" in your household?) But of course electric fans are allowed. The electric fan which is in my house now works fine, and it is not broken. The problem is that it is aimed directly on my wife, every night, all night. She monopolizes that fan. So I need a new and better one for ME!

Also, I am on a mission to find "cool" sheets and a "cool" pillow. Do you have any suggestions?

Moreover, I know I have written about "daylight savings" before, but I found an interesting article so I want to share it with everyone.

"Daylight saving: Is it finally time to convert?"
from "The Japan Times Online"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20110628i1.html