8:30pm

That's what time I went to sleep last night. On Sundays, I am usually in dream land by 10pm, but 8:30pm is a first! I think it is a world record for the earliest time to go to sleep on a Sunday for a 35 year old guy. It is not so exciting, but thanks to that, I feel chipper this morning!

On Saturday night, I went to a great restaurant. Ms. T recommended it to me. It was perfect!! I owe her!
If you are interested, check it out. It is in Kyomachi-bori, a small place, good food, nice atmosphere, and nice staff. The name if the place is "Bistro Grits"
http://www.grits.jp/bistro/

Below is a photo I got from my brother. He drove to Toronto the other day in the snow.
Do you understand the sign "Yield to Pedestrians"?

I hope this week is sunny...

Tsunamis, Vancouver, and Egypt

First of all, can anyone tell me, what was that last Sunday?! When I woke up and turned on the tv, there was nothing but news about the Tsunami(a tidal wave)...coming to Japan...coming to almost all of the coasts of Japan from Okinawa to Hokkaido (I think the coasts connected to The Japan Sea and the Inland Sea were safe.) According to the news, this Tsunami was a result of the huge earthquake in Chili. So, there were constant warnings scrolling on the top of my tv screen, and also there was a big map of Japan on the bottom right corner of the screen. It was really annoying. Now, don't get me wrong, I understand that a Tsunami is very dangerous and can cause a lot of damage as well as even causalities, but come on...That news was overblown! Exaggerated! Haven't you ever heard of the famous tale, "The boy who cried wolf"?! I hope that the government and broadcasting companies use more common sense the next time! It's not good to induce panic!

Also, the Vancouver Olympics wound up on Sunday too.
The following are some interesting quotes about The Games.
"What will you remember about the Vancouver Olympics?"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20100302vf.html

I have a lot of memories.
First and foremost, I loved watching Takahashi. His skating and demeanor was impressive!
Next, I will remember the women's mogul's. Aiko was great!!! But the American Gold medalist winner was the best!!!
And I will also remember watching a Korean speed skater get disqualified for basically doing nothing. A similar thing also happened to another Korean speed skater in the Olympics before, when Ohno (an American) over-reacted and complained to the judges. I think the Koreans got robbed!!
I could go on and on, but I have to wrap it up and get ready for class.

Below are Mr. I's nice photos from his recent trip to Egypt. Check them out!

Taxes...and Kyushu and Plum Blossoms

Good morning. Welcome to March.
I liek March, and in March there are cherry blossoms and it gets warmer and spring comes. But there is one thing I don't like about March. It is Taxes!
Recently I have been busy preparing for my income taxes. I am almost finished. Just a few small minor corrections to make...Taxes are annoying, but like everyone else, it is my duty, so I have no choice. The deadline for filing taxes is March 15th, but I have already prepared everything, and I don't want to procrastinate and wait til the last minute, so I will go to the tax office and file my taxes and pay sometime this week. I am looking forward to putting this behind me, and moving on.

Last week I received a "happy email" from Ms. e about her trip to Kyushu. I was happy to hear she had a good time and I was also impressed with her photos this time. They were very clear and beautiful. I especially like the one of plum blossoms. Recently, at Osaka park there are many plum blossoms in bloom. Compared to cherry blossoms, not so many people go to see them, so the parks are not so crowded. And plums blossoms are lower than cherry blossoms, so you can smell them. Have you ever tried? If not, you should. They have a pleasant smell.

The following is Ms. e's "happy email" about her trip:
I went to Fukuoka and Kumamoto from last Friday.My main purpose was to see Kabuki at "Hakata-za"theater.On Friday,I flew to Fukuoka from Itami early morning.First,I visited to Dazai-fu Tenmangu Shrine.It was really famous shrine as A God of learning and plum trees.So many students visit there and pray their success of passing examination
or progress of study.
I was really surprised because most of the visitors were Korean!!There were no American and European tourists.I was back to the center of Hakata ciy and I ate Ramen for lunch.It was nice.I enjoyed Kabuki and after that I met my ex-division manager and ex-coworker.They took me to a nice sea food restaurant.The food was really nice especially row fish.And we went to two bars so I drunk too much.On Saturday,I watched Kabuki and I went to Kumamoto by JR express.Recently,I don't have a chance to take JR train in local area.The express train was stylish.On Sunday,I visited to The Kumamoto castle.I like to seeing castles so I was really excited.The castle is one of the best 3 excellent castle in Japan.It was amazing.I really liked it.I enjoyed hanging around the castle and watching inside buildings.
And I visited some places in Kumamoto city.Kumamoto city was a historical city ,so there were many famous places.At the Kumamoto airport,I ate Ramen for dinner! (and beer)Usual I don't eat Ramen but I ate twice during my trip!I have been to Kyushu many years ago,but I didn't go to Hakata and the castle.
so this trip was wonderful for me.

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.

Politics

That is the topic for today. Are you interested in Politics? I am, a little. Even if you are not interested in politics, you can't get away from it. In Japan, politics are everywhere, on tv, in the newspaper, every day. And this is the question of the week:
Should Democratic Party of Japan kingpin Ichiro Ozawa stay or go?
Read here for various answers to this question:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20100126vf.html

What is your opinion?

Below are some photos from my friend who is now in Vanvouver. It looks like a nice place.

Okinawa

Do you know the name of the fish, or is it an animal, or a mammal, below?
These photos are from Ms. T.

She went to Okinawa over the New Year's vacation with her family and said, except for the weather (it was cloudy), everything was magnificent.

Personally, her photos bring back great memories of my travels to Okinawa...ahhh, I can't wait to go to Okinawa again!

About current news, there isn't so much big economic or political news to report, so that is good.
As we say, "No news is Good news!"

So, today I will touch on sports a little. First, the Mongolian Yokozuna (Grand Champion)Asashoryu got off to a good start and won the first Sumo Tournament of the year last Sunday. However, Asa's day was spoiled and many fans were left with a bad taste in their mouth because on the last day of the tournament, which actually meant nothing because Asa had already wrapped up the tournament, he was defeated by his rival, the other Mongolian Sumo wrestler Hakuho. Nothing ever goes smoothly for Asa. I feel bad for him sometimes...

And, to change the subject, less than a month away is the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. I know one industry which is gonna reap benefits from this mega event. The TV manufacturing and sales industry!

First, did you know that in 2011 all TVs in Japan will become digital? This means that everyone with only analog tv will have to buy a new digital one or get a special antenna. Also, history tells us that there is a trend before big events like the World Cup or Olympics. The trend is people tend to buy new bigger and better TVs before these events so they can watch them in comfort of their living rooms.

Refer to this article, "Sports-filled 2010 looks to be a big year for TV sales," for more details.

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201001240181.html

Personally, if I can, I want to wait a little while longer, til the beginning of next year or maybe the summer of 2011, before I buy a new 50-something incher. But actually, the sound on my TV is recently a little strange...so I may have to get one sooner than I hope to, if it breaks...but, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Ebisu

On January 10th, I went to a shrine near Namba for the Ebisu festival, a festival for prosperity or business. I go every year and like it a lot, but this time was the first time in a while I went there at night. I forgot how crowded it is there at night.

It was packed. But I found my way to the alter(praying area) and threw some money in the area and prayed. After I prayed, I bought a good luck ornament, which I also buy every year. Some years I buy a big one, and some years I buy a small one. It depends on my mood. And my wallet. This year a bought a medium-sized one. The following is the dialogue when I bought it at the outside stall.

Me: What do you have for XXX yen?

Old woman clerk: We have this, and also this.

Me: How about for XXXX yen?

Old woman: Ah, well...we have this one.

Me: Anything else?

Then, she asked Old Man(=the boss), "What else do we have at XXXX yen?"

Old man: We got this one. It is special. It is usually more expensive, it is made of special wood (blah, blah, blah) but I will give it to you for XXXX yen.

Me: Ummm. Actually I prefer one with a "rake thing"...but, Ok. I'll take it.

Then, when the old man was putting it in a bag and writing my receipt,

the Old woman said to him: Give him a discount. Only 500yen discount...

Old man: (looking at the woman like she was crazy...he whispered) NO.

CHEAP!!!!!!!!!!!!



Then, I changed my mind!

Me: No, I changed my mind. I don't want that one. I want this one, with the "rake-thing"

That's all folks.

p.s. I have a question. There is a picture of the Ebisu God on the can/bottle of Yebisu beer, so why does the beer Yebisu begin with a "Y" and not an "E" like the speeling of the festival?

Spring-like

Yesterday, in the afternoon, it was like spring. However, when I woke up and went outside, I was surprised and thought　"Ah~, it's cold! It's not warm at all! The weather forecast was wrong again!!!" But, to my surprise, later in the day it quickly warmed up. And, just as the weather forecast predicted, the high temperature reached about 17 degrees Celcius. It was nice, to be honest I hope winter returns quickly. Because I am worried about the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect. In January, too much hot weather, too early, is definitely not good for the environment.

To change the subject, this week there was some big financial news. I am sure everyone heard about JAL. I know many people who have miles, or mileage, with JAL. They were worried that they would lose their miles. But fortunately, JAL will honor the miles. That means, the miles will not disappear and people can use the miles. That is good news!!

And the following is a question I want to pose to all of you:
"What are your hopes for Japan in 2010?"
Read below for the opinions of some folks living in Japan.
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20100119vf.html

Below are the photos from my annual End-of-the-Year Party with Ms. H and Ms. N. This year we did sushi. Unfortunately, it was a little short because of time(this was my fault), but they were kind enough to wait for me finish here, and we could eat delicious sushi and drink good beer and talk about and laugh about many things. It was fun! Thanks girls!!

January 17, 1995- 5:46AM

What were you doing at this time?
What were you doing when the enormous earthquake hit Kobe?

I was in Ithaca, New York, at Cornell University. Since there is a 14 hour time difference bewteen New York and Osaka, (New York is 14 hours behind Osaka=Osaka is 14 hours ahead of New York) it was actually January 16th, at 3:46pm. I was probably studying or watching a football game on tv. That was one year before I came to Japan. I came to Japan in July 1996.

Many people have told me there experiences on that day. And I have read many articles and seen many tv programs about it. And now, I live in the same area where the earthquake hit.
Many many people died...It was truly terrible...
Today is the memorial of that day, 15 years later.

And just the other day, another huge earthquake hit Haiti...

I wish everyone peace health and happiness...

I need a blow fish!!

That's right! I love blow fish!! Di you know that? The best blowfish I have ever gotten was a few year ago. Mr. and Mrs. K came to my house a prepared a full-course blow fish meal for me. That was the best blow fish I had ever eaten until then, and probaly will be the best blow fish I will ever eat in my whole life. I doubt I will ever eat such delicous and juicy blow fish again. And, now-the winter, is blowfish season. Do you have any plans to eat blowfish this winter? Or did you already eat it? If you can recommend a good blowfish restaurant, pleae let me know!

I have lived in the Kansai area for quite a while now...about 14 years. So I am obviously biased and of course prefer the Kansai area to the Kanto area. How about you? Which do you prefer? And what do you think are some of the differences between the Kansai and Kanto areas?
Read here for some opinions:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20091229vf.html

Shiro, thanks for the pics below. The blowfish really looks delicious!!

Vancouver

How was your 3-day weekend? Do anything exciting?

After going to a Shrine which I go to every year around this time, I ate yaki-niku, grilled beef, on Sunday night. It was good!! Sushi and yaki-niku are my two favorite Japanese foods. And, because the next day, Monday, was a national holiday, I could eat a lot fo garlic and not worry about smelling bad the next day. That was lucky!

Please read the following to hear about some people's resolutions. They are simple, but good for your study! "What are your New year's resolutions?"
Click here: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20100105vf.html

Last year, 4 friends of mine went to Canada to study English. One person went to Montreal. The other three people went to Vancouver. All of the people told me that both cities are very international and easy for Japanese people to live. The guy in Montreal told me that speaking French is a must there. I studied french for 4 years when I was in University.
Bonjour! Bonsoir!! BO-RA-GI-NOIRE!!! ;)
Do you get it?

Anyway, back to Canada. In about a month or so, the Winter Olympics will begin in Vancouver. Those guys and gals living in Vancouver are really lucky I think...because they can watch and experience all of the events and festivities live. I will have to settle for watching everything on my tv. Speaking of my tv. recently the sound is not so good...actually it is broken I think. So, I will have to buy a new one soon. What kind of tv do you recommend?

Enjoy the week!

(Below are pictures from my friends in Vancouver)

2010

Hey everyone. How was your winter vacation?

I took it easy and had a really good time. I did the following:

On the night of the 26th, to start off the vacation, I went out with a friend for a great dinner and drinks. We talked about many serious things as well as joked around. We went to Happy Hour, then to an Italien restaurant for dinner, then for drinks at an Irish bar. 3 Places! I can't remember the last time I went to 3 places in one night. I had a blast. Then, when we had no more gas left in the tank because we are both semi-old men, combined with the fact that we both had to wake up early the next day, we called it a night, and I took the last train home and passed out on my futon. My friend took a taxi home, because he is rich.

On the 27th, I met another friend, bright and early at 9:30am. We spent the whole day together, until about 4pm. We planned to also go to dinner but my friend's baby son got sick, so he had to go home to take care of his kid. That was a shame, but in general it was a very fun and lucky day.

On the 28th, I did BIG CLEANING. I cleaned my house and the classroom and then departed on the bullet train from Shin-Osaka bound for Kyushu at around 6pm. I ate a bento-box dinner, had two beers, finished one book, and started another book. It was a smooth and relaxing trip.

In Kyushu, I bought a 6-speed bicycle, went cycling for about 2~3 hours every day, and also went to a hot springs for about 3 hours a day. I ate good food and drank good shochu and talked to good people. The only negative thing that happened on the trip was...I hurt my back again. This time wasn't as serious as last year's disaster, so I think I am lucky. But, I have to be careful...

During the vacation I thought about making some resolutions. But in the end, I deicided to pass this year. Instead, I decided to strive for a bigger goal. 2010 will be a very challenging and difficult year, in many aspects I think. It will be an uphill battle. So like the picture of the rock-climbing wall below, it will be important to take slow and careful steps, one step, one peg, at a time. My goal of 2010 is to do my best and try to laugh through the difficult and challenging times. Laughing, being able to laugh, will be very important in 2010, the year of the Tiger.
(If you made any resolutions, please let me know!)

Hope everyone has a good 3-day weekend!