With a few minutes to spare, and a familiar rumbling in my bowels, I headed into the bathroom in the building next to the train station (behind the bread store...what do all buildings-next-to-train-stations have a bread store?)
The stall was occupied, so I patiently waited my turn. When the door finally opened, out stepped a man who was either homeless trying really hard to never, ever bathe.His skin and ragged clothes were covered in a thick coating of grime and he smelled...homeless. He nodded and smiled a yellow-tooth'd grin and stepped out, passing completely by the sink and out the door.
I entered to tiny stall. It was, like most bathrooms behind the breadstore in the building next to the train station, a Japanese toilet. Small enough to begin with, the door to the stall opened inwards, leaving very little room to maneuver. I stepped in carefully, put my stuff on the hook behind the stall door, and noticed it.
Seems the previous user had a healthy lower intestine, but bad aim. He was about 6 inches too far back when he squatted, and his flush, alas, did little good. I now had several options: find another stall (risky given my current state), somehow motivate the airplane into the hangar, if you know what I mean, or stoicly ignore, adapt, and overcome.
I decided for the US Marines-like option, adapting quickly to my situation by squatting WAY forward, my forehead resting on the cool front wall, gripping the Jesus Pipe for all hope in heaven (the pipe that sticks up out of the wall and goes immediately into the floor just in front of the recepticle -- there for no other reason than to give you something to hold onto whilst squatting.)
My aim was truer than contestant number one, and I managed to achieve the objective and extract with no casualties.
growling
Niina-gosoke's practice was fun as always, but with my throat still sore I could barely manage more than growls and coughs, which made for an interesting time when I had to call the opening and closing bows.
the great yiddish debate rages
dad:
Shtick is not spelled "schtick".
Hammer:
Tell him that Websters' dictionary lists "schtick" as a variant of "shtick".
Todd:
That doesn't sound right:
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?db=*&q=schtick
All the sh/sch stuff in Yidish have the duel spellings:
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=schmuck
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=schlemiel&r=2
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?db=*&q=schmear
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=schmooze
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=Schtick
etc. etc.
Shtick is not spelled "schtick".
Hammer:
Tell him that Websters' dictionary lists "schtick" as a variant of "shtick".
Todd:
That doesn't sound right:
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?db=*&q=schtick
All the sh/sch stuff in Yidish have the duel spellings:
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=schmuck
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=schlemiel&r=2
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?db=*&q=schmear
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=schmooze
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=Schtick
etc. etc.
my father is beyond geek
In response to The Geek Test. (FWIW I scored "Major Geek")
He took his undergrad finals with a slide rule.
He got his PhD in chemistry when there were only 104 elements.
The calculations for his PhD (thickness of soap bubbles) were run on the one computer on campus. A whole box of punch cards.
He got his MBA before the Internet.
He now teaches an "Internet MBA" course, which includes lectures on supply chain theory, modern business management, and Photoshop for website graphics.
His one pair of glasses are older than me.
His one pair of hard contact lenses are older than me.
He makes the barcode haircut cool.
He took his undergrad finals with a slide rule.
He got his PhD in chemistry when there were only 104 elements.
The calculations for his PhD (thickness of soap bubbles) were run on the one computer on campus. A whole box of punch cards.
He got his MBA before the Internet.
He now teaches an "Internet MBA" course, which includes lectures on supply chain theory, modern business management, and Photoshop for website graphics.
His one pair of glasses are older than me.
His one pair of hard contact lenses are older than me.
He makes the barcode haircut cool.
sushi
Had lunch with Hiroko; she treated me to sushi. We each had 1.5 person's worth (a single serving just isn't enough) and it was good. And just to remind me how cool Hiroko is, she gave me her last and only piece of salmon, because she know's it's my favorite, and she wouldn't even accept one of my tuna pieces in exchange. She's such a babe.
After lunch we grabbed some icecream from the MiniMart. My mint-choco melted nicely and dripped onto my white shirt and heinous flower tie. The tie stain is indiscernible, and I did a decent job of dabbing the melted chocolate out of the shirt, but still.
After lunch we grabbed some icecream from the MiniMart. My mint-choco melted nicely and dripped onto my white shirt and heinous flower tie. The tie stain is indiscernible, and I did a decent job of dabbing the melted chocolate out of the shirt, but still.
world competitiveness yearbook 2003
Is out, and Japan once again misses the top ten. Sixth out of the G7 countries, Japan beat Italy, but I bet Italians aren't complaining. Would rather be as competitive as Japan, or as relaxed and well-fed as Italy?
is that a frog in your throat or are you just glad to see me?
Hoshina-san couldn't come to class so she asked me to cover. Only two guys showed up, so we drilled hard on the basics and then focused on the kata for the upcoming competitions. My throat was feeling pretty bad, and by the end of practice I'd basically lost my voice. Niina-gosoke showed up about 8, as well as Orita-san and Tanaka-sensei, but by 8:30 I was toast, and didn't stick around for Niina-gosoke's Hour of Power.
We did, however, get the Pelican cases delivered after some minor confusion about the address. Very slick, these are. My swords will be quite comfortable on the trip to the US and Canada this summer.
We did, however, get the Pelican cases delivered after some minor confusion about the address. Very slick, these are. My swords will be quite comfortable on the trip to the US and Canada this summer.
behold: mold!
Guy from Ken Corporation came this morning to check the apartment. Showed him the mold above the window in my room, as well as the crack in the bathtub, the sketchy bedroom door, and the crappy display on the apartment intercom. Cool guy, but he just reports back to the owner, so we'll see what ends up getting fixed. It's a buyer's market, so I have a bit of room to play hardball. Hiroko and I can give them the standard good cop (Japanese wife) / bad cop (foreigner husband) schtick.
i am a steak
Just finished Wall Street Meat by Andy Kessler. Almost makes me wish I was born 10 years earlier so that I could have seen the fun on Wall Street, instead of just catching the tail end of it from Tokyo when I joined Morgan Stanley 5 years ago. Oh well, maybe it's best that I missed it. Great read, though. Gives me a new perspective and more ammo for my cynicism.
sleep
Slept for 14 hours. Came home about 5pm feeling nasty, hit the bed, woke up at 7 this am. Still not feeling great, but getting a bit better. Hiroko feels just fine, for what it's worth.
yu-ching is cooler than me
Yu-Ching not only has a blog that's cooler than mine because hers is bilingual, she saw Keanu Reeves live and in person, shopping in Omotesando.
ugh...
Hiroko is finally getting over her cold...by transferring it to me. Throat is sore, head's a bit thumpy, body aches...
east?
I am considering renaming The Mightier Steed "east".
There is a small compass attached to the front of The Mightier Steed, just above The Speedometer Than Knows Nothing Over 60.
Whenever I look at the compass, it invariably says I am facing east. There are two possible reasons for this:
1) By some innate sense of direction, I subconsciously know when I am facing east, and only then do I actually look at the compass
2) It's broken
I'm leaning towards #2, but I do have a pretty good sense of direction, so you never know...
There is a small compass attached to the front of The Mightier Steed, just above The Speedometer Than Knows Nothing Over 60.
Whenever I look at the compass, it invariably says I am facing east. There are two possible reasons for this:
1) By some innate sense of direction, I subconsciously know when I am facing east, and only then do I actually look at the compass
2) It's broken
I'm leaning towards #2, but I do have a pretty good sense of direction, so you never know...
meat
Went to practice in Akabane in the morning because one of the new guys said he was coming. Didn't get a chance to do much other than teach, but did have a few words of wisdom from Naganuma-sensei -- some day I'll be as amazing as he, but not anytime soon.
In the evening over to Jeff and Ericka's for Yet Another Meat Fest BBQ. Ericka is bigger with child, the upstairs neighbors still scoff unpleasantly when we fire up the BBQ, the building across the way pounds on the window when we make too much noise at 8:30pm on a Saturday, and Jeff's pork loin is still to die for. Zareen had more than some red wine (that never happens, really) and we all watched 8 Mile, a lovely flick methinks.
In the evening over to Jeff and Ericka's for Yet Another Meat Fest BBQ. Ericka is bigger with child, the upstairs neighbors still scoff unpleasantly when we fire up the BBQ, the building across the way pounds on the window when we make too much noise at 8:30pm on a Saturday, and Jeff's pork loin is still to die for. Zareen had more than some red wine (that never happens, really) and we all watched 8 Mile, a lovely flick methinks.
fast=good
Got the scooter from Will yesterday after some initial confusion over which train station to meet at. It's a Suzuki Address. Supposedly 50cc, but the body is the same size as the 100cc Suzuki Address, which means it nice and long and stable and smooth and FAST. The spedometer pegs at 60 (kilos/hour) but there's plenty left in the throttle and the engine has a wicked squeal of combustion as it revs ever higher. The Angel of Death sticker on the back suggested a possible name, but I think for now, and in honor of the original Mighty Steed, this scooter is hereby named:
The Mightier Steed
Technically it's not quite mine yet. Will has to go to the Meguro Ward Office, unregister it and turn in the license plate, then transfer it to me and then I have to register it in Minato Ward and get new plates. (Actually, legally I'm wondering if the scooter was ever transferred to Will from the previous owner, but whatever...)
The Mightier Steed
Technically it's not quite mine yet. Will has to go to the Meguro Ward Office, unregister it and turn in the license plate, then transfer it to me and then I have to register it in Minato Ward and get new plates. (Actually, legally I'm wondering if the scooter was ever transferred to Will from the previous owner, but whatever...)
will nolan
He blogs. He geeks. He is also selling me his scooter. Not sure what to call it. Mighty Steed 2? Guess I'll have to get a feel for it before naming.
rain and pain
Truly stunningly mad hard rain tonight during practice. I was teaching the students' class and explaining to a new guy and the thunder is thundering and the lightning is lightninging (?) and the gym roof sounded like it was going to collapse under the pressure of the rain. Kinda neat.
We've started cranking hard for the tournaments coming up -- I'm not going to practice anything other than the forms inchuyo, yochuin, musogaeshi, migi-no-teki, and shiho for the next few months.
We've started cranking hard for the tournaments coming up -- I'm not going to practice anything other than the forms inchuyo, yochuin, musogaeshi, migi-no-teki, and shiho for the next few months.
Gasshuku
Got on the Odoriko 105 from Tokyo station and made it to Ajiro in Shizuoka Prefecture in about an hour and a half.
Ajiro is a dinky little seaside town known for its seafood and not much else.
We headed straight for the practice hall and started practice with about 75 people.
Practice lasted a couple of hours, and then the three people testing for 4dan and 5dan did the cutting portion of their test before we called it a day and headed back to the hotel, Ajiro Daiichi. Trying to beat the rush I dropped my stuff in the room, grabbed my towel, and headed down to the bath. Tanaka-sensei and Naganuma-sensei where already there, and Sano-sensei showed up a moment later. The water was nice and hot and kind of salty -- maybe they were using sea water.
Changed into our hotel yukata and headed to the dinner hall. Speeches, food, huge quantities of beer and sake, some karaoke, and more beer and sake.
Dinner ended promptly at 8, and most folks headed down to the bar in the basement for more drinking and karaoke. Most of the students headed back to their (my) room and proceeded to wage their own war against sobriety (a rousing victory.) Somewhere after midnight I dragged a futon across the hall into Otsuka-san's room and attempted to sleep, but Yokoshima-san was bellowing his trademark giggle up and down the hall and the students across the way were in full swing. Yokoshima-san, in his drunken stupor, stumbled into the room in which I was attempting to sleep and commented, in his thunderous voice "Someone's trying to sleep in here!" Trying is the operative word, thanks.
Later in the evening, just as I was embracing the sweet cloud of slumber, someone stumbled in and knocked the shoji sliding screen down. On top of me. I remember a feel of distinct heaviness, not from the lightweight paper screen, but from the body on top of it squishing the sleep from my skull.
After a couple of hours of sleep we got up and headed down from a 7:30 breakfast. I managed to get back into the bath to wash and wake up, and then we headed back to the hall for more practice. By now most folks were completely sleep-deprived, hungover, and/or voiceless from too much karaoke. We attempted to practice, I leading the students group, while Niina-gosoke ran everyone else through the basics and Naganuma-sensei ran the promotion exams.
The students were uninspiring to say the least. Most of them were so hung over they could barely stand, let alone swing a sword, but they gave it their best effort, and Shiokawa-gosoke watched and smiled.
When we finally ended in the afternoon, everyone was dead and hungry. We headed into town for a lovely meal of fresh seafood before getting the 2:17 train back into Tokyo.
Ajiro is a dinky little seaside town known for its seafood and not much else.
We headed straight for the practice hall and started practice with about 75 people.
Practice lasted a couple of hours, and then the three people testing for 4dan and 5dan did the cutting portion of their test before we called it a day and headed back to the hotel, Ajiro Daiichi. Trying to beat the rush I dropped my stuff in the room, grabbed my towel, and headed down to the bath. Tanaka-sensei and Naganuma-sensei where already there, and Sano-sensei showed up a moment later. The water was nice and hot and kind of salty -- maybe they were using sea water.
Changed into our hotel yukata and headed to the dinner hall. Speeches, food, huge quantities of beer and sake, some karaoke, and more beer and sake.
Dinner ended promptly at 8, and most folks headed down to the bar in the basement for more drinking and karaoke. Most of the students headed back to their (my) room and proceeded to wage their own war against sobriety (a rousing victory.) Somewhere after midnight I dragged a futon across the hall into Otsuka-san's room and attempted to sleep, but Yokoshima-san was bellowing his trademark giggle up and down the hall and the students across the way were in full swing. Yokoshima-san, in his drunken stupor, stumbled into the room in which I was attempting to sleep and commented, in his thunderous voice "Someone's trying to sleep in here!" Trying is the operative word, thanks.
Later in the evening, just as I was embracing the sweet cloud of slumber, someone stumbled in and knocked the shoji sliding screen down. On top of me. I remember a feel of distinct heaviness, not from the lightweight paper screen, but from the body on top of it squishing the sleep from my skull.
After a couple of hours of sleep we got up and headed down from a 7:30 breakfast. I managed to get back into the bath to wash and wake up, and then we headed back to the hall for more practice. By now most folks were completely sleep-deprived, hungover, and/or voiceless from too much karaoke. We attempted to practice, I leading the students group, while Niina-gosoke ran everyone else through the basics and Naganuma-sensei ran the promotion exams.
The students were uninspiring to say the least. Most of them were so hung over they could barely stand, let alone swing a sword, but they gave it their best effort, and Shiokawa-gosoke watched and smiled.
When we finally ended in the afternoon, everyone was dead and hungry. We headed into town for a lovely meal of fresh seafood before getting the 2:17 train back into Tokyo.
more for your money
Explain to me how this is going to help the US economy, even remotely...
Senate Passes $350 Billion Bush Tax Cut
John Breaux, D-La., failed in his attempt to repeal a tax increase on Americans working abroad. Those workers would no longer be able to exclude the first $80,000 of their foreign income from U.S. taxes, but they could claim a credit against any foreign taxes paid.
Senate Passes $350 Billion Bush Tax Cut
John Breaux, D-La., failed in his attempt to repeal a tax increase on Americans working abroad. Those workers would no longer be able to exclude the first $80,000 of their foreign income from U.S. taxes, but they could claim a credit against any foreign taxes paid.
rain rain go away
Getting a bit chillier these days, with a steady rainy drizzle. Went to practice and ended up teaching as Hohsina-san ran a mock-promotion exam for those testing this weekend. At the end of class two people ran through a mock exam in front of everyone, and at the end of the first one Niina-gosoke promoted him on the spot, after correcting some basic points about etiquette.
The Niina-gosoke ran the upper-ranks through his traditional hour of torment as we all got reminded just how lame we are.
The Niina-gosoke ran the upper-ranks through his traditional hour of torment as we all got reminded just how lame we are.
once again the magical joy that is the local japanese bureaucracy
So I finally got the police report filed correctly for my stolen Mighty Steed, and went to the local ward office to file an application for termination of taxes on the scooter I no longer own.
I had the form filled out already, including the police report number. Handed in the form and was out in a couple of minutes. Simple! I was half-way out of the office when I heard the guy running after me shouting my name:
him: Mr. Kuroda! Mr. Kuroda!
me: yes?
him: You forgot to turn in your scooter registration.
me: Registration? I don't have it. It got stolen with the scooter.
him: Your scooter was stolen?!
me: Uh yeah. That's why I have a police report for a stolen scooter referred to on my application to stop charging me taxes for a scooter I no longer have...because it got stolen.
him: [deep thought, furrowed brow] Oh...right...could you come back here for one second?
So we went back to the desk. I discovered something at this point through Socratic Logic:
He was a desk head because the other people in the office called him "Kakaricho" (Leader of a subsection/division; middle-to-low-level management)
Deskheads spend all their time Heading their Desks instead of actually Doing Work, so he was totally incompetent
All Deskheads are incompetent
Not the most beautiful logic but you get the idea. First he had to cancel the previous Mystery Transaction. Then he had to verify my police report by calling the police station. (At this point I realized that anyone can call the police station, claim to be a bureaucrat in a government office, and get all kinds of supposedly private information about anyone by inquiring into matters of police activity). Next he had to input a new transaction to process my application, then correct the date from the default (today) to the day the stealing took place, according to the police report. Then he had to print the transaction confirmation.
All along he had problems and the lovely part-time housewife with the blue apron and the nice smile kept coming over and going "Remember you have to hit the enter key here..." or "The second page gets stamped, the first page initialled..." Our belov'd kakaricho couldn't get the paper into the printer. She dropped it in and got it to print on the first try. Our hero couldn't go back to the previous screen. He called the helpdesk (5209, if you're ever in the ward office on an internal phone) and stared at his keyboard, befuddled, going "F 1? OK I'll try..." and attempted to hit both the 'F' and '1' keys at the same time with his left hand, while his right hand held the phone to his sweaty ear. I could see the F1 key, I could just reach out and hit it myself, I could just run away and put all this behind me, I could just wrap the phone cord around his splotchy neck and pull until his eyes bugged out even more...
I had the form filled out already, including the police report number. Handed in the form and was out in a couple of minutes. Simple! I was half-way out of the office when I heard the guy running after me shouting my name:
him: Mr. Kuroda! Mr. Kuroda!
me: yes?
him: You forgot to turn in your scooter registration.
me: Registration? I don't have it. It got stolen with the scooter.
him: Your scooter was stolen?!
me: Uh yeah. That's why I have a police report for a stolen scooter referred to on my application to stop charging me taxes for a scooter I no longer have...because it got stolen.
him: [deep thought, furrowed brow] Oh...right...could you come back here for one second?
So we went back to the desk. I discovered something at this point through Socratic Logic:
He was a desk head because the other people in the office called him "Kakaricho" (Leader of a subsection/division; middle-to-low-level management)
Deskheads spend all their time Heading their Desks instead of actually Doing Work, so he was totally incompetent
All Deskheads are incompetent
Not the most beautiful logic but you get the idea. First he had to cancel the previous Mystery Transaction. Then he had to verify my police report by calling the police station. (At this point I realized that anyone can call the police station, claim to be a bureaucrat in a government office, and get all kinds of supposedly private information about anyone by inquiring into matters of police activity). Next he had to input a new transaction to process my application, then correct the date from the default (today) to the day the stealing took place, according to the police report. Then he had to print the transaction confirmation.
All along he had problems and the lovely part-time housewife with the blue apron and the nice smile kept coming over and going "Remember you have to hit the enter key here..." or "The second page gets stamped, the first page initialled..." Our belov'd kakaricho couldn't get the paper into the printer. She dropped it in and got it to print on the first try. Our hero couldn't go back to the previous screen. He called the helpdesk (5209, if you're ever in the ward office on an internal phone) and stared at his keyboard, befuddled, going "F 1? OK I'll try..." and attempted to hit both the 'F' and '1' keys at the same time with his left hand, while his right hand held the phone to his sweaty ear. I could see the F1 key, I could just reach out and hit it myself, I could just run away and put all this behind me, I could just wrap the phone cord around his splotchy neck and pull until his eyes bugged out even more...
kaily
Erikacchi brought her 2 year-old bundle of energy Kaily over to play. We bought a bubble-blowing duck at the toy store in Azabu-jyuban, then went up to the kid's playground in Roppongi Hills. She wasn't crazy about the woodchips on the ground, but she loved all the slides, so I had to carry her from the bottom of the slide to the platform. She had no problem walking up the long stairs from the bottom of the hill, as long as I walked behind her and she held onto my fingers.
We came home and made pizzas (note to self: if reborn as a chef, open a pizza restaurant; I'm that good) and drew pictures and ate blueberries and played hide-and-seek and watched tv and at crackers and drew pictures and jumped on the couch and ate strawberries and ran around and drank juice and drew pictures and ate a banana and played hide-and-seek and ate pizza and watched tv...
It was late so they stayed over (Kaily borrowed Hiroko's Crocodile Hunter t-shirt), and the next morning they were already up by the time Hiroko and I got up. Hiroko made scones and I fed Kaily a kiwi fruit and she wasn't too crazy about the tomatoes and eggs or the scones so she ate another kiwi fruit and then after playing with the mirror in the bedroom one last time they went home.
I went the iai in the afternoon and I was already damn tired. We had a seminar for kumitachi (paired forms) and Kiyokawa and I pummeled each other, but he had a black oak sword and my measely pine was no match for it, so Otsuka-san lent me an extra-thick (and heavy) wooden sword and Kiyokawa and I pummeled each other some more.
We came home and made pizzas (note to self: if reborn as a chef, open a pizza restaurant; I'm that good) and drew pictures and ate blueberries and played hide-and-seek and watched tv and at crackers and drew pictures and jumped on the couch and ate strawberries and ran around and drank juice and drew pictures and ate a banana and played hide-and-seek and ate pizza and watched tv...
It was late so they stayed over (Kaily borrowed Hiroko's Crocodile Hunter t-shirt), and the next morning they were already up by the time Hiroko and I got up. Hiroko made scones and I fed Kaily a kiwi fruit and she wasn't too crazy about the tomatoes and eggs or the scones so she ate another kiwi fruit and then after playing with the mirror in the bedroom one last time they went home.
I went the iai in the afternoon and I was already damn tired. We had a seminar for kumitachi (paired forms) and Kiyokawa and I pummeled each other, but he had a black oak sword and my measely pine was no match for it, so Otsuka-san lent me an extra-thick (and heavy) wooden sword and Kiyokawa and I pummeled each other some more.
three hours
Long practice again. Two hours of iai; Oki-san was there because he got of work early. Everyone else in the class were beginners so Oki-san and I ran ourselves through as many kata as we could. New handle on the sword feels pretty good. Not used to the thickness yet, but I like the silk better than the old leather wrap I had. But I should have gotten he tsuba (swordguard) fixed. I swing pretty hard, and it loosens up just hair, enough to let the tsuba rattle about. The whole in the center of the tsuba, through which the sword passes, had been widened sometime in the past (probably for some other sword) and it's too big for this blade. I guess I'll get it fixed some day, and also replace the seppa (washers) -- replace the brass and silver with dull copper or something that matches the rust color better. Might as well get a new silver habaki (sword collar) too.
So anyway after two hours of hot and sweaty practice (it was REALLY humid) Niina-gosoke runs us through another hour just like last week. Needless to say my back is sore, but I love it.
So anyway after two hours of hot and sweaty practice (it was REALLY humid) Niina-gosoke runs us through another hour just like last week. Needless to say my back is sore, but I love it.
4dan
Niina-gosoke called me this morning to tell me that since I didn't totally screw up in Kyoto, as of today he's promoting me to 4dan...I didn't deserve the promotion to 2dan last year, so how long will it take me to get to the point where I am worthy of 4dan?
This also screws ANY chance of placing will in the upcoming tournaments -- I'll be up against my own instructors!
This also screws ANY chance of placing will in the upcoming tournaments -- I'll be up against my own instructors!
x-men 2
Saw X-Men 2 at the shiny new Virgin Theater in Roppongi Hills, with Hiroko, Kevin, Z., Ericka (3 months pregnant) and Jeff.
The movie was a treat -- plenty of explosions and action, and the theater is what going to the movies should be: all seats in the theater are reserved, so no battling or waiting in line. Bought the tickets in advance (the day before), with a credit card. The armrests have cup holders, and also fold up for couple-friendly cuddling. The seats are big and comfy, with plenty of room to the seat in front of you, and the whole theater is properly sloped so that even the shortest person can see over the head of the guy in front of you. Add to that a good screen and Dolby THX, plus a giant bucket of caramel popcorn and every high school kid from the American School in Japan, and it's just like America!
If you could pick your seats and buy more than four tickets at once online I'd use the web all the time, but since the theater's up the street from my house, I'll just pop over to the box office when necessary.
The movie was a treat -- plenty of explosions and action, and the theater is what going to the movies should be: all seats in the theater are reserved, so no battling or waiting in line. Bought the tickets in advance (the day before), with a credit card. The armrests have cup holders, and also fold up for couple-friendly cuddling. The seats are big and comfy, with plenty of room to the seat in front of you, and the whole theater is properly sloped so that even the shortest person can see over the head of the guy in front of you. Add to that a good screen and Dolby THX, plus a giant bucket of caramel popcorn and every high school kid from the American School in Japan, and it's just like America!
If you could pick your seats and buy more than four tickets at once online I'd use the web all the time, but since the theater's up the street from my house, I'll just pop over to the box office when necessary.
oops
You'll notice some broken links on the right, specifically anything that was hosted at twics. I've had my twics account since I first came to Japan 10 years ago, and they've been through several buyouts, until finally being subsumed into the monolith that is inter.net. I assumed all my web stuff would be moved over automatically, but obviously that's not the case...where o' where have my web files gone...?
minor problems
Some blogger problems recently, sorry about that folks.
And yes, it is a fine and sunny day, and here sit I in the office. Joy.
And yes, it is a fine and sunny day, and here sit I in the office. Joy.
pop goes the shoulder
For some reason everyone showed up to practice: Naganuma-sensei, Yasuda-san, Sano-sensei, Orita-san, even Niina-gosoke!
Gosoke changed clothes, pulled out his sword, and practiced by himself for a while as Naganuma-sensei drilled us through some kata and got my brain all twisted trying to figure out how to make my cuts faster and yet not try too hard.
When the 2 hour practice was over and everyone was packing up to leave, Gosoke bellowed "Ren, NOW practice starts!" and with a smile sat down in a chair in the middle of the room. For another hour he had me and Orita-san and Hoshina-san do shin, the first form. "Stop cutting what's in front of you; cut bigger, cut farther, reach, extend! Ren, you've been cutting what's right before your eyes too much ! Cut through the wall on the other side of the room!"
Now my shoulder is killing me, but at least I'm more confused!
Gosoke changed clothes, pulled out his sword, and practiced by himself for a while as Naganuma-sensei drilled us through some kata and got my brain all twisted trying to figure out how to make my cuts faster and yet not try too hard.
When the 2 hour practice was over and everyone was packing up to leave, Gosoke bellowed "Ren, NOW practice starts!" and with a smile sat down in a chair in the middle of the room. For another hour he had me and Orita-san and Hoshina-san do shin, the first form. "Stop cutting what's in front of you; cut bigger, cut farther, reach, extend! Ren, you've been cutting what's right before your eyes too much ! Cut through the wall on the other side of the room!"
Now my shoulder is killing me, but at least I'm more confused!
Butokusai
We drove a few minutes to the Kyubutokuden (Traditional Martial Arts Hall)
on the west side of Heian Jingu and got set up. After various opening speeches and some other demos, we were up. The whole thing was over pretty quickly; I cut jinrai, Tanaka-sensei did jinrai and yu, and Naganuma-sensei did a couple of double roll cuts and ended with shofu.
In the afternoon the driving group left, I and Ohtsuka-san and Kiyokawa-kun had lunch with Kiyokawa's parents, and then the three of us got back on the bullet train and were in Tokyo by 5:30.
on the west side of Heian Jingu and got set up. After various opening speeches and some other demos, we were up. The whole thing was over pretty quickly; I cut jinrai, Tanaka-sensei did jinrai and yu, and Naganuma-sensei did a couple of double roll cuts and ended with shofu.
In the afternoon the driving group left, I and Ohtsuka-san and Kiyokawa-kun had lunch with Kiyokawa's parents, and then the three of us got back on the bullet train and were in Tokyo by 5:30.
kyoto
The Nozomi 700 series Super Express Bullet Train: Tokyo to Kyoto in 2.5 hours. Smooth, quite ride. Reclining seats. Cup holder.
Got to Kyoto about 3 in the afternoon, checked into the hotel, and immediately got lost in Kyoto. Finally found my way back to the hotel and hooked up with everyone who had driven in. We had dinner at some place along the river, then back to the hotel and to bed early.
Got to Kyoto about 3 in the afternoon, checked into the hotel, and immediately got lost in Kyoto. Finally found my way back to the hotel and hooked up with everyone who had driven in. We had dinner at some place along the river, then back to the hotel and to bed early.
the miracle of modern japanese banks
Or: Why Not To Use Checks In Japan
So I got sent a 15,000 yen check from the Bank of Bali, written against the Japanes Bank UFJ.
First, I take it to the Citibank in Hiroo. Where, besides being condescended to, I am told it will cost 1500 yen, TEN PERCENT of the face value of the check, to deposit it. Their attitude sucks and they pissed me off, so I walk across the hall to Shinsei Bank, and am treated with respect and courtesy, but unfortunately they are unable to process a yen check. Dollar check, no problem, but not a yen check.
I wander aimlessly looking for a UFJ, and for the fun of it pop into the various banks I pass, seeing what the reaction is to a Japanese yen check from Indonesia. I am quite certain that one teller had absolutely no idea why I assumed she should give me actual yen money for the piece of paper I brandished. I might as well have shown her crayon doodles.
Finally found myself by Ebisu station in front of a big UFJ branch office. After taking a number (51, the board showed 40) and waiting twenty minutes, I was told I'd have to go upstairs to the foreign currency counter. It's a YEN check, I said. Much bowing and apologizing and sucking-of-air-through-the-teeth and checking with The Boss, and once again I was told to take it upstairs to the foreign currency desk.
So I went upstairs and handed the check to a woman who reacted as if I just handed her a piece of rotten meat. She immediately took it to The Other Boss, who made some phone calls, mumbled alot, and finally came towards me with much bowing and apologizing and sucking-of-air-through-the-teeth.
He said straight up, and I appreciate his candor, that I had three options:
1 -- go back to Citibank and pay the 1500 yen
2 -- send the check back and tell whomever sent it to do a direct international wire transfer instead (his personal recommendation)
3 -- open a UFJ account, deposit the check, wait 3 days for it to clear, and pay for the privilege 3000 yen (his begrudingly second recommendation)
By now I was simply fascinated by the education I was getting. Ten years in Japan and yet so much I didn't yet know.
Since I was in already in Ebisu I just hopped on the Yamanote line and went to Shibuya up to Citibank, gave them the check, and deposited 13,500yen into my account. So simple! So convenient!
So I got sent a 15,000 yen check from the Bank of Bali, written against the Japanes Bank UFJ.
First, I take it to the Citibank in Hiroo. Where, besides being condescended to, I am told it will cost 1500 yen, TEN PERCENT of the face value of the check, to deposit it. Their attitude sucks and they pissed me off, so I walk across the hall to Shinsei Bank, and am treated with respect and courtesy, but unfortunately they are unable to process a yen check. Dollar check, no problem, but not a yen check.
I wander aimlessly looking for a UFJ, and for the fun of it pop into the various banks I pass, seeing what the reaction is to a Japanese yen check from Indonesia. I am quite certain that one teller had absolutely no idea why I assumed she should give me actual yen money for the piece of paper I brandished. I might as well have shown her crayon doodles.
Finally found myself by Ebisu station in front of a big UFJ branch office. After taking a number (51, the board showed 40) and waiting twenty minutes, I was told I'd have to go upstairs to the foreign currency counter. It's a YEN check, I said. Much bowing and apologizing and sucking-of-air-through-the-teeth and checking with The Boss, and once again I was told to take it upstairs to the foreign currency desk.
So I went upstairs and handed the check to a woman who reacted as if I just handed her a piece of rotten meat. She immediately took it to The Other Boss, who made some phone calls, mumbled alot, and finally came towards me with much bowing and apologizing and sucking-of-air-through-the-teeth.
He said straight up, and I appreciate his candor, that I had three options:
1 -- go back to Citibank and pay the 1500 yen
2 -- send the check back and tell whomever sent it to do a direct international wire transfer instead (his personal recommendation)
3 -- open a UFJ account, deposit the check, wait 3 days for it to clear, and pay for the privilege 3000 yen (his begrudingly second recommendation)
By now I was simply fascinated by the education I was getting. Ten years in Japan and yet so much I didn't yet know.
Since I was in already in Ebisu I just hopped on the Yamanote line and went to Shibuya up to Citibank, gave them the check, and deposited 13,500yen into my account. So simple! So convenient!
Hammer
I love my job. There are many reasons why I love my job, and one of those reasons is the man who runs my department: Hammer.
The fun folks at work decided to give Suven a rousing send-off, so after much drinking at Excelsior Cafe, there was much drinking at Zest
, and then there was much drinking at 911 in Roppongi.
I left early. Others weren't so lucky.
Evening highlights:
The fun folks at work decided to give Suven a rousing send-off, so after much drinking at Excelsior Cafe, there was much drinking at Zest
, and then there was much drinking at 911 in Roppongi.
I left early. Others weren't so lucky.
Evening highlights:
- Hammer about to give his send-off speech -- realizing that all the beer pitchers are empty -- bellowing, as only Hammer can, "Beer!" and having four waiters arrive immediately, each with a full pitcher of beer, as coordinated via wireless headset by the manager watching from the balcony above.
- Hammer calling the name of some guy he recognized, causing said guy to stop crossing the street and swivel-head frantically trying to find who called his name, as Hammer mumbles "Green light...green light..gimme a green light...come on..." and finally laughing triumphantly as we cross the street in the other direction, leaving a swivel-heading thoroughly confused helpless pedestrian in the middle of the street as the light changes against him.
- Hammer (who is not a short man) running full speed down the street in Roppongi, pedestrians parting before him like the Red Sea.
rain
"When it rains...the roads get wet."
One of those quotes from high school. Can't remember who said it, where, when, or why. But it sticks in my head.
One of those quotes from high school. Can't remember who said it, where, when, or why. But it sticks in my head.
ropponjin
Roppongi Hills, the massive Mori Building construction project opens to the public today. Office buildings, sculptured landscapes...whatever. What I'm most thrilled about is the Virgin Cinema. THX sound, wide screen, and online ordering for all-reserve tickets. Matrix: Reloaded is playing there in June. So there. So completely there.
r.i.p.
Came out of practice last night and The Mighty Steed was fell'd. OK not fell'd, exactly, just not. As in gone. As in stolen. As in I left the damn key in the ignition.
Oh well, I'm figuring some high school kid thought it was too good to pass up and is enjoying his newfound motorized freedom. I did enough bad stuff when I was in high school that I'm sure karma-wise it all balances out in the end. But still, I miss my ride...
The Last Great Ride of the Mighty Steed. May The Mighty Steed's new owner appreciate it's buck and brawl.
Oh well, I'm figuring some high school kid thought it was too good to pass up and is enjoying his newfound motorized freedom. I did enough bad stuff when I was in high school that I'm sure karma-wise it all balances out in the end. But still, I miss my ride...
The Last Great Ride of the Mighty Steed. May The Mighty Steed's new owner appreciate it's buck and brawl.
free software
Just attended a lecture and Q&A with Richard Stallman of the Free Software Foundation.
Interesting points of view on the importance of freedom.
Interesting points of view on the importance of freedom.
beastie boys
Got up fairly early after going to bed late and had a productive morning; dry cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping (hit Nissin which we haven't been to in a while -- much nicer now that they moved the booze upstairs and expanded the grocery store.) Also cleaned out my closet, got rid of all my moldy comic books (150 yen and the used book shop!), threw out 2 bags of junk that's been sitting in the closet forever, and filled another bag with old clothing and jackets and stuff for the Good Will Donations drive at work.
Met Kev in Shibuya and we headed out the Maihama, met Stevie and Joel, got on the Disneyland monorail, and sped out to NK Hall to see the Beastie Boys close out the Free Tibet concert. They were great. Mix Master Mike is amazing, but they seemed a bit out of practice; kept dropping beats and missing intros, but it was fun and I got drenched in sweat crushed up at the front of the pit.
Coming back to Tokyo was a trip, too: half the train is Beastie Boys and Free Tibet freaks, the other half is Disneyland die-hards who stayed until closing and had bags of goodies and armloads of sleeping children.
Met Kev in Shibuya and we headed out the Maihama, met Stevie and Joel, got on the Disneyland monorail, and sped out to NK Hall to see the Beastie Boys close out the Free Tibet concert. They were great. Mix Master Mike is amazing, but they seemed a bit out of practice; kept dropping beats and missing intros, but it was fun and I got drenched in sweat crushed up at the front of the pit.
Coming back to Tokyo was a trip, too: half the train is Beastie Boys and Free Tibet freaks, the other half is Disneyland die-hards who stayed until closing and had bags of goodies and armloads of sleeping children.
friday fun
Went to iai -- last practice to be taught directly by Niina-gosoke, and it was wonderful as always. Afterwards Gosoke took us out to sushi under the train tracks, and during dinner we convinced him to not cancel the friday class!
Headed back to homebase, hit three gas stations before finding one that was still open (Eneos @ Tengenjibashi Crossing), then went up to Roppongi's Hobgoblin because Jen was in town again and heading back home tomorrow.
After a few minutes we went over to Sputnik in Omotesando for Chiori (and other)'s birthday party. Just got home with a scratchy throat from shouting over the noise, smoke-stinky clothes, and lots of pineapple juice. Neat place, though, and fun folks.
Headed back to homebase, hit three gas stations before finding one that was still open (Eneos @ Tengenjibashi Crossing), then went up to Roppongi's Hobgoblin because Jen was in town again and heading back home tomorrow.
After a few minutes we went over to Sputnik in Omotesando for Chiori (and other)'s birthday party. Just got home with a scratchy throat from shouting over the noise, smoke-stinky clothes, and lots of pineapple juice. Neat place, though, and fun folks.
head cold
Slept for 14 hours and feel much better.
Also found a great quote from an article by Max Tegmark in Scientific American:
"But an entire ensemble is often much simpler than one of its members. This
principle can be stated more formally using the notion of algorithmic
information content. The algorithmic information content in a number is, roughly
speaking, the length of the shortest computer program that will produce that
number as output. For example, consider the set of all integers. Which is
simpler, the whole set or just one number? Naively, you might think that a
single number is simpler, but the entire set can be generated by quite a trivial
computer program, whereas a single number can be hugely long. Therefore, the
whole set is actually simpler."
Also found a great quote from an article by Max Tegmark in Scientific American:
"But an entire ensemble is often much simpler than one of its members. This
principle can be stated more formally using the notion of algorithmic
information content. The algorithmic information content in a number is, roughly
speaking, the length of the shortest computer program that will produce that
number as output. For example, consider the set of all integers. Which is
simpler, the whole set or just one number? Naively, you might think that a
single number is simpler, but the entire set can be generated by quite a trivial
computer program, whereas a single number can be hugely long. Therefore, the
whole set is actually simpler."
ugh
The weather was beautiful on Sunday, so it of course dropped 10 degrees and was rainy and miserable all day Monday.
Monday evening both Hiroko and I were feeling a bit sick, and by this morning we both had sore throats and headaches. I stayed home and alternated between working on the PC and napping on the couch. Of course I had to teach iai, so I went to class in the rain, ran a couple of the beginners through the basics for two hours, and came home (did I mention it was raining?), got on a conference call, had dinner, hit the bath, and slept.
Nyquil is the nectar of the gods!
Monday evening both Hiroko and I were feeling a bit sick, and by this morning we both had sore throats and headaches. I stayed home and alternated between working on the PC and napping on the couch. Of course I had to teach iai, so I went to class in the rain, ran a couple of the beginners through the basics for two hours, and came home (did I mention it was raining?), got on a conference call, had dinner, hit the bath, and slept.
Nyquil is the nectar of the gods!
chop chop
Cutting practice, and things actually went reasonably well (click on the file called 'jinrai'; 4MB avi.) Amazing what soft rolls will do for the ego!
kouseikai
Cruised up to Minami-Hatogaya in Saitama to practice at Tanaka-sensei's Kousei-kai.
Oki-san showed up first, and then Tanaka-sensei came and we started practice in the loft area above the gym floor. Exposed I-beams on a low ceiling in a narrow room made distance a key factor in all techniques. Kanai-san and Yokoshima-san showed up later, and with five of us on the floor it was just right. Good two hours of practice; basic warmups and all 20 kata five times each. Wasn't too hot nor too cold, and by 9pm my arms were tired and I was feeling good. Also had a mirror on one wall, so I could see, first hand, just how lame I am.
Oki-san showed up first, and then Tanaka-sensei came and we started practice in the loft area above the gym floor. Exposed I-beams on a low ceiling in a narrow room made distance a key factor in all techniques. Kanai-san and Yokoshima-san showed up later, and with five of us on the floor it was just right. Good two hours of practice; basic warmups and all 20 kata five times each. Wasn't too hot nor too cold, and by 9pm my arms were tired and I was feeling good. Also had a mirror on one wall, so I could see, first hand, just how lame I am.
rain and wind
Miserable weather, and no one showed up to practice. So I had the whole place to myself and spent it in front of the mirror, trying to figure out how use more hips and less arm. Needless to say, I continue to fail miserably, but sometimes it's nice to have a chance to practice with no one around.
After practice met Hiroko and folks for dinner at Lucky. Laurie, friend of pa, is in Japan this week, so we saw that she was well fed.
After practice met Hiroko and folks for dinner at Lucky. Laurie, friend of pa, is in Japan this week, so we saw that she was well fed.
inner techniques
I got my Okuirisho and practiced the okuden and naiden (advanced "inner" and "secret" techniques) for the first time. Wow, those are some neat forms and they give a glimpse into the skill of truly gifted swordsmen. Someday I might be able to do one of two of them without cutting off my own foot...
Jorge is in town this week, so we had dinner at Bo in Nishi Azabu. Cool Japanese place, reasonably priced and very stylish architecture. Modern concrete and black stone mixed with traditional wood and good food on cool plates. Nice bathrooms, too.
Jorge is in town this week, so we had dinner at Bo in Nishi Azabu. Cool Japanese place, reasonably priced and very stylish architecture. Modern concrete and black stone mixed with traditional wood and good food on cool plates. Nice bathrooms, too.
demographics
Went to Tsutaya (Americans, think Blockbuster) to rent some DVDs, specfically, Clerks. I knew what I wanted to rent, the problem is Tsutaya is organized into sections like "Actors", "Actresses", "Human Drama", "Still Popular", and New Releases". I wanted Clerks. Is that still popular? Who's in it...that guy, Kevin-something, Silent Bob of Jay And fame...so I ask at the counter, but don't notice that I've asked the dude with the "In Training" badge. So eager to be helpful, he doesn't close his register as he searches on the computer for Clarks? Cloaks? Clerks? Finally he finds it, and we go over to the "Comedy/Life" section and...can't find it. I wander about looking at Japanese Yakuza movies, and finally he comes back with the tape. Lovely, how about the DVD? So back to the computer and yes, they have 2 DVDs, neither of which are rented. Problem is, where are they? Listed under Kevin Smith? Nope. Human Comedy? Nope. Young Life/Comedy? Nope...finally we find them under the "Hot Writers/Directors Older Works" section.
So I give him my membership, my third, because I have to sign up for a new one every year. Which means I get a brand new membership ID, and fill out all the information from scratch, again. I wonder, why don't they just keep using my first id number? That way they can build up a nice big, juicy file of my rental habits and profile me to perfection?
As I'm showing Hiroko the DVDs and spouting off about the above two points, she answers them:
1) They don't arrange DVDs and videos in order by title because in Japan often the titles are slightly different or even totally changed, and people tend to say "That one with Kevin Smith, the old one, about the dude working at the convenience store" instead of "Clerks". Besides which, the more time you spend wandering looking for your movie, the more likely you are to go "Oh Kevin Smith was also in..." and end up discovering more movies to rent.
2) Tsutaya might not know my personal total rental history, but they have the trend data for my demographic, and that's who they market to: 30 year old males who rented Clerks and live in Minami Azabu. Amazon needs to know me personally to give me my recommendations, but Tsutaya just needs to know the general trends of my demographic to push specials and move merchandise. Very "Japanese" if I may say so, in that the individual information is less important than the general trends and patterns of the larger group.
Damn, but Hiroko is a smart girl.
So I give him my membership, my third, because I have to sign up for a new one every year. Which means I get a brand new membership ID, and fill out all the information from scratch, again. I wonder, why don't they just keep using my first id number? That way they can build up a nice big, juicy file of my rental habits and profile me to perfection?
As I'm showing Hiroko the DVDs and spouting off about the above two points, she answers them:
1) They don't arrange DVDs and videos in order by title because in Japan often the titles are slightly different or even totally changed, and people tend to say "That one with Kevin Smith, the old one, about the dude working at the convenience store" instead of "Clerks". Besides which, the more time you spend wandering looking for your movie, the more likely you are to go "Oh Kevin Smith was also in..." and end up discovering more movies to rent.
2) Tsutaya might not know my personal total rental history, but they have the trend data for my demographic, and that's who they market to: 30 year old males who rented Clerks and live in Minami Azabu. Amazon needs to know me personally to give me my recommendations, but Tsutaya just needs to know the general trends of my demographic to push specials and move merchandise. Very "Japanese" if I may say so, in that the individual information is less important than the general trends and patterns of the larger group.
Damn, but Hiroko is a smart girl.
lunch
Had lunch with Ben Miller. Curry in Meguro, coffee surrounded by salarymen. Only blogging about it so that Ben can be a part of the great blogosphere. Then he'll be so grateful to me he will be driven to buy his girlfriend something nice.
cherry blossoms
This week the sakura are in full bloom.
Of course, the cold rain last night did its damage, and most blossoms won't last until this weekend, but as the old saying goes "The cherry blossom is most beautiful as it falls from tree."
Of course, the cold rain last night did its damage, and most blossoms won't last until this weekend, but as the old saying goes "The cherry blossom is most beautiful as it falls from tree."
lack of g.y.m.
Note how GiveYourMeat is decidedly absent from this list of expat bloggers in Japan. I guess I'm just not prime time yet.
In other news, Lee finally got a job. He's Global Head of somethingsomething over at Deutsche Bank. Now if only Stevie could get a job...
In other news, Lee finally got a job. He's Global Head of somethingsomething over at Deutsche Bank. Now if only Stevie could get a job...
nice weather
I hereby officially acknowledge the beginning of spring by wearing, for the first time this year, a linen shirt.
mugairyu videos and text
Lovely folks over at The Iaido Newsletter did a review of our videos and text. Damn fine of them.
reality check
Down and Out On Wall Street
I guess they don't seem to understand; just because you're pretty smart and went to Harvard Business School doesn't mean you actually DESERVE to get paid a million bucks a year. The fact that your timing was wonderful for a couple of years such that straight outta biz school you raked in big money doesn't mean that's what you should be getting, and it certainly doesn't mean you're worth it. A three-legg'd dog with a Blackberry and an expensive suit could have closed a dot-bomb IPO deal in 2001, so what makes you so special? You think there's a premium on being smart? You think living beyond your means makes you special? Here's some career advice, repeat after me: "We also carry that in a loafer, and suede is so in this summer...let me get you some socks so you can try these on."
I guess they don't seem to understand; just because you're pretty smart and went to Harvard Business School doesn't mean you actually DESERVE to get paid a million bucks a year. The fact that your timing was wonderful for a couple of years such that straight outta biz school you raked in big money doesn't mean that's what you should be getting, and it certainly doesn't mean you're worth it. A three-legg'd dog with a Blackberry and an expensive suit could have closed a dot-bomb IPO deal in 2001, so what makes you so special? You think there's a premium on being smart? You think living beyond your means makes you special? Here's some career advice, repeat after me: "We also carry that in a loafer, and suede is so in this summer...let me get you some socks so you can try these on."
slim?
I have been called many things, but never slim. I remember when Banana Republic had a jeep crashing through the front display window, and sold Israel Army Surplus bags and other cool stuff. Back then then the GAP was cheesy; it had just gotten over "Fall In To The GAP" but still wasn't as cool as it is now. Back then the GAP sold baggy pants. I mean baggy. They had names like "loose fit" "extra size" and, of course, "baggy."
Nowadays, I tried to replace my 6 year-old chinos with a modern pair, and I got "Classic Straight Leg Mercer", "Flat Front Semi-Low Rise", and "Pleated Natural". All of these are shaped assuming I enjoy wrapping my ass in form-fitting plastic wrap, wear moon boots, and have no need to allow blood to actually circulate into my legs. And forget about acutally putting anything in the pockets.
The same designers who invented the show-your-bellybutton-low-rise and coupled it with the show-your-ass-tight-leg and successfully sold it to every female on the planet (disclaimer: I'm a big fan) had the brilliant idea to make GUY's pants the same way. Huge mistake. I guess it works here in Japan, where the skinny guys and the skinny girls are basically shaped the same, but it doesn't work for me.
Finally one of the sales dudes suggested I try the Slim Fit, because he claimed they were the baggiest in the seat and leg. And damnit he was right. Explain to me how in the 21st century Slim Fit chinos are the baggiest thing the GAP makes?
Nowadays, I tried to replace my 6 year-old chinos with a modern pair, and I got "Classic Straight Leg Mercer", "Flat Front Semi-Low Rise", and "Pleated Natural". All of these are shaped assuming I enjoy wrapping my ass in form-fitting plastic wrap, wear moon boots, and have no need to allow blood to actually circulate into my legs. And forget about acutally putting anything in the pockets.
The same designers who invented the show-your-bellybutton-low-rise and coupled it with the show-your-ass-tight-leg and successfully sold it to every female on the planet (disclaimer: I'm a big fan) had the brilliant idea to make GUY's pants the same way. Huge mistake. I guess it works here in Japan, where the skinny guys and the skinny girls are basically shaped the same, but it doesn't work for me.
Finally one of the sales dudes suggested I try the Slim Fit, because he claimed they were the baggiest in the seat and leg. And damnit he was right. Explain to me how in the 21st century Slim Fit chinos are the baggiest thing the GAP makes?
haircut
Got me a haircut. Nozawa-san over at UR is a madman. So much fun going there I forget that it costs 6000 yen.
Hiroko and I grabbed some dinner at the Thai noodle place that used to be a South Western hotdog diner.
Hiroko and I grabbed some dinner at the Thai noodle place that used to be a South Western hotdog diner.
more madness
Let's Learn English!
The weather, by the way, is finally quite fabulous; sunny and warm with a light breeze. Tons of pollen to feed my hayfever, but handfuls of drugs helps.
The weather, by the way, is finally quite fabulous; sunny and warm with a light breeze. Tons of pollen to feed my hayfever, but handfuls of drugs helps.
what is taiyaki?
My mom asked, so here's he answer:
http://japanesefood.about.com/library/pictures/bltaiyaki.htm
http://japanesefood.about.com/library/pictures/bltaiyaki.htm
it all depends...
From my dad:
"So five weeks ago, during the week between academic quarters, I gave a general lecture to a number of professors and graduate students who had not yet taken my core course. I did my usual business "shtick" [I was told I was quite impressive]. I asked a lot of questions about current events and asked for responses "from a business perspective" (e.g., What will be the effect on the economy of a war in IRAQ?). Of course, the answer to most questions was, "It all depends."
So two weeks later was the first night of class in the Spring Quarter and these same graduate students came to my classroom ALL WEARING THE SAME TEE SHIRT... emblazoned with the words, "It all depends..." - Myron Feinstein, on any topic."
"So five weeks ago, during the week between academic quarters, I gave a general lecture to a number of professors and graduate students who had not yet taken my core course. I did my usual business "shtick" [I was told I was quite impressive]. I asked a lot of questions about current events and asked for responses "from a business perspective" (e.g., What will be the effect on the economy of a war in IRAQ?). Of course, the answer to most questions was, "It all depends."
So two weeks later was the first night of class in the Spring Quarter and these same graduate students came to my classroom ALL WEARING THE SAME TEE SHIRT... emblazoned with the words, "It all depends..." - Myron Feinstein, on any topic."
sunday slicing
By some miracle I managed to get up early and head to Minami Hatogaya for iai. After a warmup with everyone, I got a half the room, a stand, and six rolls, while everyone else did forms.
Had 2 successful cuts, some close calls, acouple of stunning failures, and as my shoulder got tired I got more sloppy until Naganuma-sensei told me to take a break and stop stressing. Took 15 minutes, cleaned up a bit, oiled up my sword, and finished off the leftover bits. I think I'll be ok for Kyoto, as long as I don't totally stress out in front of everyone. Of course tomorrow at practice there is no chance I'll be able to do forms worth a damn, but that's the price I pay for cutting.
Came home at noon and the kitchen was ablaze; burrito fixings, white stew (with soy milk; damn creamy and kind of a corn flavour!), boiled spinach...looks like it's a week of eating well!
Had 2 successful cuts, some close calls, acouple of stunning failures, and as my shoulder got tired I got more sloppy until Naganuma-sensei told me to take a break and stop stressing. Took 15 minutes, cleaned up a bit, oiled up my sword, and finished off the leftover bits. I think I'll be ok for Kyoto, as long as I don't totally stress out in front of everyone. Of course tomorrow at practice there is no chance I'll be able to do forms worth a damn, but that's the price I pay for cutting.
Came home at noon and the kitchen was ablaze; burrito fixings, white stew (with soy milk; damn creamy and kind of a corn flavour!), boiled spinach...looks like it's a week of eating well!
saturday shopping
Met Kevin and Zareen at Aux Bacchanales in Harajuku for some French lunch; vegetable soup, pork fat on bread, and many many fries. Z. went to swim to so the three of us walked over to Oriental Bazaar, battled our way through the expat housewives paying too much for cheap Chinese rip-off dishware, and got some cool wedding giftage for Packy's wedding next week.
Tried to get some new chinos at the Gap, too, but everything is low-rise, tight-thigh, too-trendy and just damn silly-fittin'. Now I'm really losing my keen fashion sense; when I was in high school you could count on the Gap to have hella baggy everything, but now it's all low and tight and bell-bottom'd.
We met Z. again and hit Bic Camera so Kev could get a link taken out of his new Omega watch, and then we headed over to Kenbokke for dinner. Z. got the serious spicy stuff and was sweating up a storm, but exchanged smiles and nods with the owner chef, so it's got Official Indian Princess Approval.
Tried to get some new chinos at the Gap, too, but everything is low-rise, tight-thigh, too-trendy and just damn silly-fittin'. Now I'm really losing my keen fashion sense; when I was in high school you could count on the Gap to have hella baggy everything, but now it's all low and tight and bell-bottom'd.
We met Z. again and hit Bic Camera so Kev could get a link taken out of his new Omega watch, and then we headed over to Kenbokke for dinner. Z. got the serious spicy stuff and was sweating up a storm, but exchanged smiles and nods with the owner chef, so it's got Official Indian Princess Approval.
friday focaccia
National holiday (first day of spring!) and Hiroko had a bunch of flour so we decided to make focaccia. Pretty easy, actually. Mix flour, water, olive oil, yeast and a dash of salt. Knead. Put in a bowl and stick it under the quilt on the electric carpet for an hour until it rises nicely. Knead again, then squish into a flattish shape, top with whatever, and bake in the oven for say 12 minutes or so. Successful toppings: sesame, basil, garlic, oregano and spices, sea salt. Failed toppings: dried tomatoes (turned into little black bits of charcoal after 12 minutes in the oven.)
We had some nice prosciutto and fresh ground parmesan cheese to top them off, as well as a spinach salad.
While shopping for the focaccia toppings and other stuff we went through Azabu Jyuban to grab some taiyaki 2 hour wait, as always, but being locals we got the system down. I could have sold the taiyaki we got for 1000 yen each to the poor tourists who figured they could roll up on a bus and grab a box to take home.
While waiting we grabbed some lunch at Miyagawa. Hadn't had unagi in forever, and I really grooved on the sixties decor.
We had some nice prosciutto and fresh ground parmesan cheese to top them off, as well as a spinach salad.
While shopping for the focaccia toppings and other stuff we went through Azabu Jyuban to grab some taiyaki 2 hour wait, as always, but being locals we got the system down. I could have sold the taiyaki we got for 1000 yen each to the poor tourists who figured they could roll up on a bus and grab a box to take home.
While waiting we grabbed some lunch at Miyagawa. Hadn't had unagi in forever, and I really grooved on the sixties decor.
the last dragon sequel
The Last Dragon, made in 1985, was the best combination of 80s pop and chop-suey Kung Fu ever!
Badass Sho'Nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, pop star Vanity, and Bruce Leroy star in this ass-whuppin' disco-boppin' fantastiplex.
And now, we need your help to see that the sequel gets made! Show your support and sign the petition!
Badass Sho'Nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, pop star Vanity, and Bruce Leroy star in this ass-whuppin' disco-boppin' fantastiplex.
And now, we need your help to see that the sequel gets made! Show your support and sign the petition!
schwing
Tanaka-sensei didn't come to practice last night, and we had a large turnout, including Andrew who came up from the Navy base, so Kanai-san had me run everyone through the kata as she took the beginners. Still not very good at teaching, so I just tell everyone to be careful of all the things I always screw up. Came home and cooked up a kilo of pasta (lunch today as well!) to go with the grilled chicken that's been waiting for me to eat it, and watched the news with Hiroko as Bush gears up to save the free world and kill all the bad people.
emi
Jorge and Corr took Emi out to play. I couldn't come, because they live in San Francisco and that's kind of far. I think she missed me, but had fun anyway:
shibuya date
Hiroko and I finally saw Lord of the Rings: Two Towers. Liked it (sorry Todd!) And since I'm the only dude who still hasn't read the books, I can't wait to see the third one and find out how it all ends!
After the movie we went to Nishi Azabu for some French food. Harmonie is the quaint little sister to Marche Aux Vins Yamada in Aoyama. Exposed dark wooden ceiling beams, stunning foie gras, and my yearly glass of red wine. A damn fine dine.
After the movie we went to Nishi Azabu for some French food. Harmonie is the quaint little sister to Marche Aux Vins Yamada in Aoyama. Exposed dark wooden ceiling beams, stunning foie gras, and my yearly glass of red wine. A damn fine dine.
shiho
Is the 20th of the 20 kata. It means "4 Directions"; you cut opponents in front, behind, left, and right. It should be called "four times harder" -- I can't seem to get my hips into any of the cuts, flail madly whenever I turn, have no power, and am basically slow. Did I mention I'm not very good at this form?
left hip
Working on the left hip at practice last night. Then I went over to Suidobashi, where they were taking photos for the kumitachi (paired forms) manual we're writing. After than Gosoke and a few of us went to dinner, during which Oki-san talked about all the various happenings he's experienced as a subway employee, including: suiciders who keep trying and failing, thighs sliced in half like ham, foreigners speaking a language that is as unidentifiable as it is incomprehensible, peopling getting things caught in train doors including themselves, bags, and umbrellas, and the drunk, unconscious dudes covered in their own vomit in the corner of the last train of the evening.
learn to teach
Had a shidoin (instructor) seminar yesterday -- doing is one thing, teaching is a whole 'nother. Lots of fun, as Niina-gosoke went over all the forms and what specific points we should be careful about when teaching different ranks. Also kind of neat to see Gosoke ripping into us all, young and old, high and low ranked...a room full of novices getting our butts whipped!
Afterwards Todd and Narumi came over with Amy -- she doesn't hate me nearly as much as she did before. Now she only screamed whenever I got near her for the first 3 hours. Then I guess she gave up and got used to me. Tried the feed-her-a-banana-and-win-her-love-forever trick, but that failed. We hung out for a bit as Narumi and Masa did girlie make-up things, then we all went to Lucky for dinner. Being with small baby, the gave us a room upstairs, and Amy kinda fell asleep, though everytime the waiter would come up he made a huge, loud show of announcing the dishes and Amy would wake up and cry and then go back to sleep.
Afterwards Todd and Narumi came over with Amy -- she doesn't hate me nearly as much as she did before. Now she only screamed whenever I got near her for the first 3 hours. Then I guess she gave up and got used to me. Tried the feed-her-a-banana-and-win-her-love-forever trick, but that failed. We hung out for a bit as Narumi and Masa did girlie make-up things, then we all went to Lucky for dinner. Being with small baby, the gave us a room upstairs, and Amy kinda fell asleep, though everytime the waiter would come up he made a huge, loud show of announcing the dishes and Amy would wake up and cry and then go back to sleep.
akihabara
The old gang was in full swing. With Jeremy in town from LA, Kev and I and Jer met up and did Electric Town just like the old days. Many buildings have changed, but we still got the traditional doner kebab (from a proper street vendor stall not a truck these days), checked out the junk and latest toys, and enjoyed the fine weather.
That's not ramen!
That's not ramen!
stuff'd
Too much BBQ'd meat! Niina Gosoke treated the gakuren (student's federation) to an all-you-can-eat buffet; mostly meat but also Chinese, sushi, icecream, cakes, and lots of drinks. Stuffed myself silly whilst Gosoke talked about his days in South America, wandering alone around the Amazon doing research for construction sites or something. Everyone else was getting mugged and kidnapped by rebels, but in all his time no one ever messed with him. Must be that vibe he has!
hips
Ando-sensei gave us some detailed grilling on using the hips, drawing back deep with the left hand to get the blade out quickly, and cutting without leaning forward off balance. Tough to get the hip and shoulder to work together, even tougher to do it at any reasonable speed. Out of a couple hundred tries, I think I had one that felt almost right, but was so slow...gotta start somewhere, though.
more cold, less talk.
Once again a freezing practice with the students. Feet went numb, and since there were two fairly new kids, I spent alot of time on basic with them and left the others to run through the kata themselves. Cold practice is no fun when you're not practicing much.
antiques
On Kevin and Zareen's recommendation, we rode the monorail to the Antique Fair at the Ryutsu Center at Heiwajima.
Very cool! I love old Japanese furniture. Looked for some sword parts but didn't see anything to thrilling. Also saw many a cool tea cup, but all the nice ones are thousands of dollars -- a bit pricey for something I'm most likely to drop and break!
Very cool! I love old Japanese furniture. Looked for some sword parts but didn't see anything to thrilling. Also saw many a cool tea cup, but all the nice ones are thousands of dollars -- a bit pricey for something I'm most likely to drop and break!
got my meat
Hiroko and I headed over to Jeff & Ericka's last night for a regularly scheduled bbq. Ignoring the pissing rain, Jeff ignited the napalm and had white-hot coals in a matter of minutes, and putting his Intelligent Meat Fork to use, we soon had grilled chicken, pork, and cow. Together with some famous mash'd potatoes and a nod to greenery with a salad, the feast was on. Nancy managed to only stick her finger in the potatoes once, and actually left some for the rest of us to eat. Kevin and Zareen talked about the cool antique dresser they bought at an antique fair, Ollie and Chiori showed up, with The Guy Behind The Guy Behind The Guy Jeremy in town for a week on bid'ness. Stevie showed up after hitting a job fair with Kyle:
[at the Porsche booth]
Porsche dude: So we're looking for accounts, finance guys...
Kyle: You need any stunt drivers? I can drive real fast!
At least he got the phone number of the chick at the Porsche booth.
Stevie got some leads but we'll see. In the mean time Nancy is the guarantor for his apartment, but if things don't go well for Stevie we figure he can just move in with Nancy!
For desert Hiroko busted out the now infamous Strawberry & Blueberry with Balsamico Sauce and Vanilla Ice, and we finished they evening by holding our expanded stomachs and groaning pleasantly while trying to catch a cab in the rain.
[at the Porsche booth]
Porsche dude: So we're looking for accounts, finance guys...
Kyle: You need any stunt drivers? I can drive real fast!
At least he got the phone number of the chick at the Porsche booth.
Stevie got some leads but we'll see. In the mean time Nancy is the guarantor for his apartment, but if things don't go well for Stevie we figure he can just move in with Nancy!
For desert Hiroko busted out the now infamous Strawberry & Blueberry with Balsamico Sauce and Vanilla Ice, and we finished they evening by holding our expanded stomachs and groaning pleasantly while trying to catch a cab in the rain.
ma-ai
It's all about distance. Someone came to check out iai last night, so Yasuda-san had three of us run through all 20 of the forms. Man, lemme tell I suck!
Afterwards, Ando-sensei gave us some drilling, mostly on distance. Visualizing the opponent, picking the target, and hitting it. Extending is all well and good, but not when you go blasting past your opponent! Also gotta keep working on my horizontal cuts; the timing's all wrong.
Afterwards, Ando-sensei gave us some drilling, mostly on distance. Visualizing the opponent, picking the target, and hitting it. Extending is all well and good, but not when you go blasting past your opponent! Also gotta keep working on my horizontal cuts; the timing's all wrong.
#26
Went to Dr. Suzuki, my belov'd dentist today. Had my teeth cleaned, and the one molar on the upper left turns out to be a receding gumline exposing a wee bit of tooth root. Not fun, but not too painful. It's tooth #26: the top right teeth are 10s (10-17), top left are 20s, bottom left 30s, and bottom right 40s.
Also went to Zennittoko (Zen Nihon Toko) to buy a new scabbard and had a lovely chat with the crazy old man who runs the place. Got me thinking about changing all the fittings on my sword...
Taught the student's practice for the first, official time. Worked hard on the basics; slow and careful, focusing on where the opponent is, hands and hips, and only two kata. I ended up talking too much (as I always do) and it was COLD. Everyone was shivering, so next week, less talk, more movement; will try to run through basics in less than an hour, and then get through at least 10 kata.
Also went to Zennittoko (Zen Nihon Toko) to buy a new scabbard and had a lovely chat with the crazy old man who runs the place. Got me thinking about changing all the fittings on my sword...
Taught the student's practice for the first, official time. Worked hard on the basics; slow and careful, focusing on where the opponent is, hands and hips, and only two kata. I ended up talking too much (as I always do) and it was COLD. Everyone was shivering, so next week, less talk, more movement; will try to run through basics in less than an hour, and then get through at least 10 kata.
the ends justify the means
That's what I was told when I finally successfully cut jinrai. My first 2 attempts where pretty sad, as I was really nervous. But Naganuma-sensei told me to take a deep breath, keep my hands where they should go, and then I finally nailed it.
The day was spent practicing and then in the afternoon a bunch of testing, including 4th and 5th dan testing.
Then everyone went to a local bar/restaurant and got rallyingly tanked; Tanaka-sensei and Naganuma-sensei having a grand time, and everyone having fun with Andrew, trying to set him up with the various drunk females.
The day was spent practicing and then in the afternoon a bunch of testing, including 4th and 5th dan testing.
Then everyone went to a local bar/restaurant and got rallyingly tanked; Tanaka-sensei and Naganuma-sensei having a grand time, and everyone having fun with Andrew, trying to set him up with the various drunk females.
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