bucks with douglas
Aala Wi Jamaican Jerk Pork
In Ebisu, damn fine Jamaican jerk pork and chicken, with banana chips, rice and beans. Damn. Fine. Eats.
(un)exceptional
ex·cep·tion·al adj.
- Being an exception; uncommon.
- Well above average; extraordinary
me: I need you to do X.I think it is fair to say that he is, with no exaggeration, totally and completely unexceptional.
him: Standard policy is that we do not do X. We do A,B, and C.
me: Understood. But this is a special situation; high priority, rarely happens but when it does we really, really need X.
him: I understand that as well. But we have policies for a reason. We can't just go responding to every random request, can we? We'd never get anything done, stability would decrease, and we would be at serious risk.
me: Yes, of course, you should not just do any random request. But this is an exception. It is an extraordinary situation, of utmost importance.
him: Sorry, can't do it.
snow
OK, we're well into March and it is DUMPING snow. We have more snow now then we did at the end of December.
Uh, spring anyone? Maybe? Somewhere?
The photo above is my front yard (on the left) and walkway up to my front door (on the right.) No, the walkway isn't whited out from a flash or bright sunlight; it's cover in 2 centimeters of snow.
this place sucks
Superfriends animation + Office Space soundtrack = T.P.S. mashup: Absolutely. Brilliant.
my new sword
Been waiting since summer 2004, and it has finally arrived; my new sword.
2.3.5 (72.2 cm), 2 mekugi-ana, 1.8 cm sori, forged the first day of October, 16th year of Heisei by Takaba Hiroshi (signed Nyoshu Hiromune) in Gifu Prefecture.
eulogy
I couldn't get to my grandpa's funeral, but my dad read my blog about grandpa at the memorial service. Eulogy-by-blog. That's really cool, because it's almost like I was there.
test your travel iq
from my bro:
Monograms by Globus has a cool travel IQ test in nifty flash. I got 2 outta 5 correct, but my excuse is that none of the questions were about Japan.
Monograms by Globus has a cool travel IQ test in nifty flash. I got 2 outta 5 correct, but my excuse is that none of the questions were about Japan.
grandpa
Grandpa died. He'd been fighting Parkinson's for a while.
He died with a full head of salt & pepper hair, his harmonica in the drawer next to his bed.
I did my 6th grade family history project centered around him and all his WW2 adventures. Not sure how many of the stories I remember are true, but it doesn't matter.
He was the drummer in a band in high school, and he taught me how to play snare.
He was a grocer, and used to comment on the proper way to stack apples whenever we went to the supermarket.
He was a freedom fighter with the underground in occupied France, for the simple fact that he studied French in high school.
He stormed the beaches in Normandy. As soon as he hit land, a shell exploded right next to him, knocking him unconscious, stripping him naked, and leaving him for dead. He lay on the beach for a while, until the Red Cross started collecting bodies. When they got to him, they didn't know if he was German or American. They put him in a US hospital, and when he awoke, they asked him in German "Do you speak German?" Of course he spoke German, so he answered "Yes."
He couldn't remember his name or anything, so for a while they thought he was German, until they confirmed his identity as an American.
Another time on patrol in a field, he was checking in with the rest of the unit via radio. The other radio crackled and he heard: "All cl- ...[shuffle tumble rumble clang]..." and then a distinctly German accent said "All clear." Grandpa put his radio down and crawled 2 miles back to base. When he got there he was told that photos taken from an overhead spy plane showed an entire battalion of German troops not 100 meters in front of his position.
Another time he and some guys were eating, sitting around a tree. A random shell hit the tree, splitting it in two. The explosion killed one guy, the two halves of the tree killed the other two. Grandpa was ok.
He explained to me the superiority of German machine guns (snap in/out barrels, easier to change when overheated than the US screw in/out barrels) and how you always carry a piece of pipe so when you capture an enemy, you stick the pipe in his back and hold your pistol with your back hand. That way if he turns around and knocks your lead hand (which holds the pipe that he thinks is your sidearm) you still got him.
He was awareded two purple hearts and an oak-leaf cluster.
Most of his war stories are probably just a combination of him telling them when I was little, and my imagination spinning them over and over until he became the super war hero that I think he is. It doesn't matter. That's how I remember him.
He and grandma lived in the same apartment in Jackson Heights forever. They painted the walls the same color. They have all the original appliances.
The funeral is today. It's some annoying Jewish thing; you must bury the dead immediately. So of course I can't possibly make it in time.
Bye-bye grandpa.
amazon arbitrage
This is totally brilliant. Amazon has six websites globally, all in local currencies. I often bounce between .com and .jp trying to find the best price on a CD or book.
Pricenoia does all the heavy lifting for you. Search by author/title/etc., select the item, and then compare the prices, including shipping, from whatever locale you want, in your currency.
Pricenoia does all the heavy lifting for you. Search by author/title/etc., select the item, and then compare the prices, including shipping, from whatever locale you want, in your currency.
breakin' in the rain
From willnolan:
Gotta say one thing about Volkswagon; they got some badass advertising.
Low-tech explanation: no CG, just an actor who looks familiar and a rebuilt set.
Hi-tech explanation: seemless CG mapping of motion-captured body, original footage, facial scan.
Truth? Who cares!
Gotta say one thing about Volkswagon; they got some badass advertising.
Low-tech explanation: no CG, just an actor who looks familiar and a rebuilt set.
Hi-tech explanation: seemless CG mapping of motion-captured body, original footage, facial scan.
Truth? Who cares!
mama at the gates
Mama went to check out The Gates in Central Park. She is now officially a Patron o' The Arts.
many cutting
Had about 9 at cutting practice. A couple of folks brought their own swords, so we had two going at once, and managed to get everyone through 3-4 targets in just a couple of hours.
I broke in Urabe-san's new cutter. Cuts fine for me, but he needs to work on technique. Also tried Ohtsuka-san's monster cutter. That thing goes through double targets like it's cutting butter!
Like I told everyone: a good sword cuts well, but a good swordsman can cut with anything.
I broke in Urabe-san's new cutter. Cuts fine for me, but he needs to work on technique. Also tried Ohtsuka-san's monster cutter. That thing goes through double targets like it's cutting butter!
Like I told everyone: a good sword cuts well, but a good swordsman can cut with anything.
best damn gyoza, ever: nonho
Grungy little take-out Chinese place in Shinohashi. Couple plastic tables and folding chairs in the back. The most delicious gyoza ever. EVER. And stupid cheap. STUPID.
kaotan ramen
Still hungry after the kushikatsu, Hiroko wanted ramen. So we walked over to the ever-so-sketchy fire hazard that is kaotan ramen. This place is typical of what makes Tokyo awesome: the building itself is patchworked shacks lashed together with blue tarp and exposed wiring. The background music was bad Bollywood 80's hits, the staff Chinese and middle eastern. The menus scrawled on the walls included bad (not "cool" bad, just bad) random artwork about the various specials, the tables are low and cramped. The whole place is just grungy and dingy and nasty and dirty and greasy. Love it.
Hiroko got ramen with a double-yoke'd boiled egg and I went for a collection of sides: flavored beef, boiled wantons, and gyoza. It was all stupendously good, cheap, and perfect.
Tokyo is brilliant specifically because nasty little places like this on the ass-corner of Aoyama Cemetery, that have never even heard of health codes, not only spring up randomly on street corners, but in fact become veritable institutions that command near-religious followings and long lines of worshippers.
kushikatsu
Hiroko and I went to a kushikatsu bar in Nishi Azabu. It's really a bar first and foremost; all standing room downstairs, with a low-ceiling'd loft that can seat a few people. It was dead empty when we went in about 8pm -- always a bad sign. We bought tickets from the ticket machine and had a couple of assorted kushikatsu (breaded and fried foods on a stick): pumpkin, tomato, beef, tofu, asaparagus, shrimp. It was perfectly ok, but not really our scene.
moron with an opinion
Sorry, Mark Devlin, but you're just a moron. Not only are you singularly responsible for more animosity in the English press in Japan than any other individual, but your statements in this interview in the Japan Media Review demonstrate your idiocy.
Choice quote #1: "I think that blogs will die out soon."
Choice quote #2: "The tablet PC will be the catalyst for change."
Uh yeah, right. That killer device that everyone simply must have: the tablet PC.
Choice quote #1: "I think that blogs will die out soon."
Choice quote #2: "The tablet PC will be the catalyst for change."
Uh yeah, right. That killer device that everyone simply must have: the tablet PC.
gum
Proof that Japanese gum makers care more: large tumblers of gum, this one from Lotte called "Fruits Assort +X" (X = Xylitol), come with a small pad of sticky notes. No, not for noting how delicious the green apple, pink berry, and blue citrus (huh?) flavors are, but for conveniently disposing of one's chewed gum.
it's all in the hips
Class at honbu. The regular crowd, Matsushita, Miyasawa, etc. Maybe it's because I've been out for a week, but these guys are getting good.
Miyasawa had an epiphany and has stopped rotating so much; his cuts are much straighter and cleaner. I'll have to get him cutting from the draw on Saturday to see what happens.
Miyasawa had an epiphany and has stopped rotating so much; his cuts are much straighter and cleaner. I'll have to get him cutting from the draw on Saturday to see what happens.
summit day two
Same tasty breakfast, this time playing with various handheld toys and showing off my Japanese cell phone. Everyone (EVERYONE) has a Blackberry, but come on, is that as good as it gets? So 1999...
Interesting speeches this morning, including the CEO of Salesforce.com, and then the panel I moderated on wireless and mobility. Animated panel and engaged crowd, so it was easy.
And then more boarding -- same crappy snow, but it was a good time and I think I actually improved considerably. Makes me wish I had my own board and boots as the rental gear was really crappy.
And then 80 minutes of stretching and massage before dinner down the street at Snake River Lodge's Gamefish. I love having an elk steak right on the edge of the Elk Reserve National Park. But then bubble was burst when I learned that the elk are raised and shipped in from Australia!
Interesting speeches this morning, including the CEO of Salesforce.com, and then the panel I moderated on wireless and mobility. Animated panel and engaged crowd, so it was easy.
And then more boarding -- same crappy snow, but it was a good time and I think I actually improved considerably. Makes me wish I had my own board and boots as the rental gear was really crappy.
And then 80 minutes of stretching and massage before dinner down the street at Snake River Lodge's Gamefish. I love having an elk steak right on the edge of the Elk Reserve National Park. But then bubble was burst when I learned that the elk are raised and shipped in from Australia!
summit day one
Breakfast at 7am, meeting various CIOs and CEOs. They all seem to know each other, so I'm just keeping a low profile and stuffing my face with sausages, eggs, bagels, and good coffee.
First couple of panels are pretty interesting; IT governance and other trendy CIO topics. This is a tight crowd; they all know each other by first name, and I am easily the younger by near a decade.
But then it's time for the slopes.
Rental equipment sucks, but Brian Hackman is a ripping snowboard pro and takes us on a good tour of the mountain. Snow is unseasonably lame, though. Not much base this year, and no recent snowfall so plenty of rocks on the steeps and no powder. Still, I have a good time connecting turns and don't push too hard so don't end up falling much.
Dinner was downtown at the Snake River Grill -- damn fine eats, including the infamous monster onion rings.
First couple of panels are pretty interesting; IT governance and other trendy CIO topics. This is a tight crowd; they all know each other by first name, and I am easily the younger by near a decade.
But then it's time for the slopes.
Rental equipment sucks, but Brian Hackman is a ripping snowboard pro and takes us on a good tour of the mountain. Snow is unseasonably lame, though. Not much base this year, and no recent snowfall so plenty of rocks on the steeps and no powder. Still, I have a good time connecting turns and don't push too hard so don't end up falling much.
Dinner was downtown at the Snake River Grill -- damn fine eats, including the infamous monster onion rings.
to wyoming
Off to Jackson Hole I go. Ah, the joy of flying US domestic. I shall skip the post-9/11 Security Theater and suffice to say that Chicago Airport is quite lovely, Denver airport is even cooler, and there are far, far too many people wearing cowboy hats.
The Four Seasons, Jackson Hole is right on the slopes, damn big, and pretty sweet, by the way. No boarding today, thanks, I'll just have the Native Stone Massage.
The Four Seasons, Jackson Hole is right on the slopes, damn big, and pretty sweet, by the way. No boarding today, thanks, I'll just have the Native Stone Massage.
shootin'
Officer Little took us to the police firing range and I got first-hand instruction in a 9mm pistol as well a couple of machine guns. The sten is a nice WW2-era collection of auto parts. Not much aiming involved, just spray bullets at the bad guy. The tommy gun is a piece of Chicago history and I felt like Elliot Ness squirting lead into Prohibition-era baddies. The M-14 is huge and loud and heavy and no fun. The kick is so strong I could barely keep it aimed at the target.
Guns is fun. America is a great country.
do these jeans make me look fat?
Keith picked me up and we met Joanna for brunch at a Swedish diner that used to be funeral home. Nice stained glass. If I knew the Swedish meatballs and potato sausage were that good, I would have ordered nothing else. And DAMN the cinnamon rolls were good. Way, way too much food for any single human to consume in one day let alone one sitting.
Noticing the giant super-sized Vitamin Shoppe down the street I realized: Americans wouldn't need so many supplements and health clubs if they just didn't eat such crap in such ridiculously large quantities. Food is just too cheap in this country, it's silly.
I wanted some jeans (no I don't own a pair of jeans; never really needed them) and failed to purchase jeans in Japan because I'm not an androgynous, skinny little Japanese Boy.
So Keith and I head over to the Gap on the edge of BoyTown. And they have a wall of jeans. Light-dyed, pre-washed, boot cut, easy fit, loose fit, at waist, below waist, slightly below waist, flared, 1969-style, classic cut...can't I just some, y'know, jeans? Like, a pair of jeans? That fit?
Grabbed four different colored, different styled pair of jeans, all the same size, and tried them all on.
Found a pair that sort of fit; at waist, so when I sag them down to below waist to oh-so-fashionably show off my boxers, the crotch is properly mid-way to my knees. Pulling on those below-waist jeans reminds me too much of the wedgies my brother used to give me as a child. No need to relive such trauma in the name of fashion. For whatever reason, classic fit straight leg is baggier than loose fit boot cut. Or something like that. Anyway, $50 bucks and I got a pair of jeans. Hallejulah.
Went downtown and checked out the art museum gift shop. Got a couple of cool art neckties including a Keith Haring wolf-pattern tie, and some toys and stuff for whomever. Then went over to see Miller at his office, checked my mail, and grabbed a caffeinated bevvie before heading back to the dojo to do some cutting.
Miller showed up as we were setting up, and we got to it. Keith was using the cutters Neeley left at the dojo from last time, and Miller was using his Nyosudo 'steel iaito that cuts.' And damn, that thing could cut. Great work by all. And I gotta say that kotetsu that Tony hooked up with, that thing cuts like a light saber. I wish I could take it back to Japan with me. I have a custom-forged sword coming this month, but if it doesn't cut as well as that badboy, I'm gonna have to figure out how to get that blade to Japan, because it's a beauty and I love it.
After cutting they had an aikido class, and then I ran the iai class. We went late and managed to get through the first 10 kata, pointing out the details for everyone to work on. Most folks still using too much armage to swing, not pushing through with the hips, so that's homework. Noto, too -- gotta slow down and relax, take your time and control the sword at all times.
After class we went to Matsuya to get some Japanese food. I wowed the waitresses with my Japanese, but of course the sushi chef himself was Korean. I love America. Good sashimi, though. Refrigerated shipping is the modern world's greatest invention.
chicago seminar
Joanna and Keith picked me up and we got some good diner breakfast before heading to the dojo. Good turnout; about 20 people for an all-day seminar. Spent the first hour or so just moving and working on the theory of hips, shoulders, centerline. Then we ran though a bunch of basic exercises, basic cuts, lots of detail on each little movement. There were a couple of total beginners who needed lots of TLC, and in general everyone was doing ok.
Took a lunch break and got a burritto, and then continued on with some kata work. Only did a few kata but got really into each one of them; partnering up and drilling through the distance, timing, targeting. The trick is to really see the imaginary enemy in front of you; visualize how he moves, where he is, what he's doing. Hard when you're just standing there by yourself, but necessary.
After the seminar we went down the street to Jeanne's Chinese Food and I got my fill of American sweet & sour pork, broccolli beef, and bbq spareribs. It must be my upbringing, but nothing beats plain old American Chinese food.
Took a lunch break and got a burritto, and then continued on with some kata work. Only did a few kata but got really into each one of them; partnering up and drilling through the distance, timing, targeting. The trick is to really see the imaginary enemy in front of you; visualize how he moves, where he is, what he's doing. Hard when you're just standing there by yourself, but necessary.
After the seminar we went down the street to Jeanne's Chinese Food and I got my fill of American sweet & sour pork, broccolli beef, and bbq spareribs. It must be my upbringing, but nothing beats plain old American Chinese food.
After dinner we went to a cafe in an attempt to stay up a couple more hours so that I could force my system into Chicago Time. Had a damn fine latte and Keith's buddy Little showed some photos from Iraq and promised to take us shooting on the Chicago PD firing range on Tuesday. America's a great country.
united airlines
Nothing finer than flying on a bankrupt airline, eh. Got to Narita early (the bus from the ANA Hotel was flying) and grabbed a haircut and shave before the flight. Fairly painless straight shot into Chicago. At least they had a bento meal for me; I always forget to pre-order and they always run out. Joanna picked me up and we went straight to the dojo. I wasn't lagging too much, so we hung out at the dojo and then I ended up teaching the evening iai class. Couldn't make it after class though and had to get checked into the hotel for some beauty rest.
jenn!
Did a quick cutting demo at honbu tonight, and Jenn in town for a couple days again and Hiroko came by to check it out. After practice we went to Ninjin, like always, with Niina-gosoke, to get some greasy Chinese food: sweet & sour pork, chili prawns, gyoza. So damn good.
ebt reunion
Got the whole gang together at Pizzakaya. Moka engaged, Yuki still getting lost on her motorcycle, Chimi trying to get into fashion, Hani being The Man, Todd giving out baby stuff to Tomo and Spike about to have daughters...
Chimi's got the whole scoop, plus more photos.
it's official
I now work for Bid'ness Management. Actually, I started on Feb. 1 but it took a couple of days to get my head around the whole thing.
So instead of a lonely office I have a desk on the trading floor. I know I was bragging about how cool my office was, with the killer view and all, but it was lonely and boring. Now at least I'm surrounded by noisy traders and CNN and printers and copy machines and orders shouted into phones and ringing dealer boards, and I even speak to and interact with other human beings on a regular basis, both in person and on the phone.
Oh yeah, and I'm way busier now. But that beats the other option, which is unemployment.
So instead of a lonely office I have a desk on the trading floor. I know I was bragging about how cool my office was, with the killer view and all, but it was lonely and boring. Now at least I'm surrounded by noisy traders and CNN and printers and copy machines and orders shouted into phones and ringing dealer boards, and I even speak to and interact with other human beings on a regular basis, both in person and on the phone.
Oh yeah, and I'm way busier now. But that beats the other option, which is unemployment.
sore
Did some cutting this evening. Tried a slightly more doable draw, using both hands to turnover the sword and saya just as the sword is free, theoretically making it easier to grip properly as soon as the blade is out.
I still can't cut for beans though. Here's tonight's excuse: it was damn cold, near freezing outside, and the targets were hard and cold. Yeah, that must have been it.
I'm starting to wonder if I was ever able to cut...I sort of distinctly remember being able to cut much better when I thought about what I was doing considerably less. But now all I do is remember how bad my form was (is), and now I can't cut at all.
When in doubt, blame the equipment. Besides cold, hard targets, I should have a new sword sometime this month, so that'll give me something to anew.
I still can't cut for beans though. Here's tonight's excuse: it was damn cold, near freezing outside, and the targets were hard and cold. Yeah, that must have been it.
I'm starting to wonder if I was ever able to cut...I sort of distinctly remember being able to cut much better when I thought about what I was doing considerably less. But now all I do is remember how bad my form was (is), and now I can't cut at all.
When in doubt, blame the equipment. Besides cold, hard targets, I should have a new sword sometime this month, so that'll give me something to anew.
pramulator
Dude, I wanna have kids just as an excuse to push them around in The Pramulator! Actually, forget the kids, I wanna ride! Jorge, I command thee to buy one! Emi might be too big, but Maya will love it!
high school morons
Just as I've always suspected: the average high school kid in the US is a total moron. Thanks to a stunningly inconsistent education system bolstered by pop news media, I predict first amendment rights will go the way of Guantanamo Bay, but sales of spinner hubcaps and baggy jeans will continue to climb in lockstep with oil prices.
relax
Jujitsu practice at Shinbukan. Which means we spent the whole time playing "humans can't really do that?!" games. Push without pushing, pull without pulling, step without using your feet. Frustratingly fun.
Got home hungry and Hiroko and I chowed down a big pot of fish and veggies whilst watching a tv special on greedy oil-futures trading hedge fund bastards and the millions of dollars they make.
Got home hungry and Hiroko and I chowed down a big pot of fish and veggies whilst watching a tv special on greedy oil-futures trading hedge fund bastards and the millions of dollars they make.
ebisu date
Hiroko and I did some shopping for basic supplies at National Azabu, and given that the weather was sunny and not too cold, we decided to head over to Ebisu. We got lunch at Ippudo and walked over to Ebisu Prime Square. They were shooting a TV show or something, so there were camera crews and equipment trucks and gawkers all over the place. We went into B&B Italia to check out the cool, overpriced furniture. They have Jorge's awesome Charles couch. Would never fit in my living room, but damn it's a fine piece of furniture.
We then hit the Atre shopping mall at the station, bought a pot for the bamboo plant in the bathroom, looked at cool luggage and wallets, and relaxed with a 'bucks as the weather turned drizzly.
We then hit the Atre shopping mall at the station, bought a pot for the bamboo plant in the bathroom, looked at cool luggage and wallets, and relaxed with a 'bucks as the weather turned drizzly.
full workout
Gosoke ran us through all 28 kata tonight. I haven't done them all in forever. I quickly forgot how cold it was in the dojo as we tore through the first 15 in an hour. Next hour we did the last 13, and by the end my back and shoulders were pretty sore. It was good to go through them all, though. I haven't reviewed them in detail for a while.
After practice Gosoke and I went to Ninjin for the standard dinner: sweet & sour pork, chili prawns, gyoza. I was really tired and almost fell asleep on the train, but managed to make it home and plunged straight into the bath.
After practice Gosoke and I went to Ninjin for the standard dinner: sweet & sour pork, chili prawns, gyoza. I was really tired and almost fell asleep on the train, but managed to make it home and plunged straight into the bath.
socratic logic for the boardroom
Complete this logic proof:
1) CEO and Board are responsible for shareholder value.
2) Stock price has been stagnating/declining for years.
3) ?
(Here's a hint.)
1) CEO and Board are responsible for shareholder value.
2) Stock price has been stagnating/declining for years.
3) ?
(Here's a hint.)
dinner with amy
Had dinner in Hiroo with Amy and her Rudick parentals.
Damn but she is one cute little thing. Like most 2 year-olds, though, she does not stop moving. Ever. Well maybe she sleeps really soundly or something, but when she's awake, she's all over the place. Her giggles will melt your heart, but her cries will bring you to tears. There must be some explanation in quantum mechanics or something; how is something so small capable of generating so many decibals at will?
spin state
Chirs Moriarty's debut novel is a damn fine piece of sci-fi. Got just enough cyberpunk edge to keep it thumping, but also a strong undercurrent of almost plausible quantum physics, believable characters, and a good plot. I hope she writes more.
shinjuku revenge
Totally overcast and damn cold, but Hiroko and I braved the weather to head to Shinjuku. First we checked out the annual Actus sale. It was (not) surprisingly over-priced designer furniture and homestuff, more for looking at than actually using/sitting in. Porada is the worst. Stunnigly slick curved wood Italian design chairs and tables, absolutely none of which are worthy of use by mere mortals. Chairs bite into the spine, couches are lumpy, too wide, too low, too hard, made of impractical materials and sorrounded by unnecessary heavy and sharp corners or unwieldy curves that limit usefulness to "my that looks stunning!"
We then set out to find the kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi place that we orginally sought with Jen a couple months ago. We knew it was underground, and after stumbling about in Shinjuku's nether regions we finally found it. And it was good. The fish was fresh and big and thick and delicious. Between the two of us we put down 19 plates, and the total was less than ¥7000.
We then set out to find the kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi place that we orginally sought with Jen a couple months ago. We knew it was underground, and after stumbling about in Shinjuku's nether regions we finally found it. And it was good. The fish was fresh and big and thick and delicious. Between the two of us we put down 19 plates, and the total was less than ¥7000.
okuden naiden
I was the only one in class tonight, so Niina-gosoke ran me through the advanced kata, naiden and okuden. Them is some craziness. Fundamentals are the same, but they've got that some extra that makes them that much more difficult, and interesting.
After class we went to Ninjin (It of the Slippery Floors) and stuffed ourselves on cheap Chinese food. Chili prawns, sweet & sour pork, pot stickers. Miyasawa-kun's new student joined, and Niina-gosoke wanted to eat Tanmen (ramen) but couldn't eat a whole one, so he split it with her, despite her protests. Naturally, she ended up finishing it off, so I immediately gave her the unpleasant nickname "Tanmen-chan." I guarantee it will stick. I have that kinda magic.
After class we went to Ninjin (It of the Slippery Floors) and stuffed ourselves on cheap Chinese food. Chili prawns, sweet & sour pork, pot stickers. Miyasawa-kun's new student joined, and Niina-gosoke wanted to eat Tanmen (ramen) but couldn't eat a whole one, so he split it with her, despite her protests. Naturally, she ended up finishing it off, so I immediately gave her the unpleasant nickname "Tanmen-chan." I guarantee it will stick. I have that kinda magic.
not even close
Shock! Haven't really tried cutting in while, I mean on my own, for my own sake. I tried several half-rolls, slow and deliberate. Total disaster. Then again it is to be expected, for two reasons:
1) I have significantly changed the way I draw and cut. No windup, not overdone follow-through; just straight and clean to the target. Naturally, I'm no good, so it doesn't work.
2) My cutter is just too different than my iai sword. I'm used to draw a sword that's slightly longer, has far more curve, and different balance. Using my cutter is just totally throwing me off. Next month I should get my custom-forged, and I'll use it for both cutting and iai. Of course, it being a totally new sword with a different weight, balance, and size, it will probably take me another 3 months to get used to it.
So this year the theme is 'back to square one', every time I start.
1) I have significantly changed the way I draw and cut. No windup, not overdone follow-through; just straight and clean to the target. Naturally, I'm no good, so it doesn't work.
2) My cutter is just too different than my iai sword. I'm used to draw a sword that's slightly longer, has far more curve, and different balance. Using my cutter is just totally throwing me off. Next month I should get my custom-forged, and I'll use it for both cutting and iai. Of course, it being a totally new sword with a different weight, balance, and size, it will probably take me another 3 months to get used to it.
So this year the theme is 'back to square one', every time I start.
this isn't what i wanted!
There are a series of robot toys called "Kore jyanai Robo!" ("This isn't what I wanted Robot!")
You've got the female, the enemy, and the hero.
According to the explanation:
You've got the female, the enemy, and the hero.
According to the explanation:
How many times has the magic of Christmas morning been broken by a child tearing open a wrapped present only to explain "This isn't what I wanted!"Absolute genius. Collect the whole set!
But life ain't so simple that you can just get whatever you want without taking any risk. Isn't it worth teaching that in order to get what you want, you have to be willing to earn it, to sacrifice? This toy teaches the harshness of reality by inflicting such trauma with its blatant not-wantedness that any child will surely learn this lesson.
Consider it an educational toy.
more joys of japanese banking
I discovered a long-forgotten bank book and ATM card for my old Asahi Bank account. Last entry in the book said over ¥100,000, so I went down to the main Shibuya branch at lunch. Asahi is now Resona; yellow has been replaced by green, and the old bank uniforms seem to have been replaced by a casual dress policy as all the cashiers appeared to be wearing whatever the hell they wanted.
Standing at the counter in front of a big sign that said
And not once was I asked for any form of identification.
(Note: round-trip train fare = ¥380. Subtract ¥179 and I net lost ¥201.)
Standing at the counter in front of a big sign that said
"For Your Safety: In order to protect the important assets of our customers, we will require a valid photo identification for all withdrawal requests. Sorry for the inconveniece."I produced my ancient ATM card and bankbook, and in a few moments I was told that the remaining balance was, in fact...¥179! So I said I'd like to withdraw the money and close the account. I produced my hanko (seal) and in a few moments the account was emptied and closed, I had a pocketful of change.
And not once was I asked for any form of identification.
(Note: round-trip train fare = ¥380. Subtract ¥179 and I net lost ¥201.)
post rain sunset
Sometimes, usually after the rain, Tokyo is damn near beautiful. After a weekend of freezing rain, the winter air is crisp, cold, and clear. Everyone calls Japan the land of the rising sun, but the sunsets from my 20th floor office window ain't too shabby.
shinnen keikokai
We had our Official First Practice of the year. Miserably cold, rainy weather. But not cold enough to turn into snow. Nasty stuff, but practice was at Toritsudai; a wonderfully new and warm gym in the Meguro Citizen's Center.
Niina-gosoke ran everyone through basic practice in the morning, and then in the afternoon we broke into groups and I had the upper ranks. We drilled for a couple of hours on various details of the kata. Spent a bit of time pairing folks up to figure out where they're really aiming, what distance is reasonable, and other things that are tough to figure out on one's own.
By the end of the day I was pretty fried and tired, considering I got up at 7 and had to go to Honbu first thing in the morning to get my stuff and then trek all the way across Tokyo.
Yoshida-sensei trained in the morning; since she had her kid in March she's been out, but now that the little grommet's gotten to the point where it can roll about, she's going to start practicing again.
After practice I came home and had some udon with hiroko for dinner. Sunday night basic Japanese dinner is practically a religion in our house.
Niina-gosoke ran everyone through basic practice in the morning, and then in the afternoon we broke into groups and I had the upper ranks. We drilled for a couple of hours on various details of the kata. Spent a bit of time pairing folks up to figure out where they're really aiming, what distance is reasonable, and other things that are tough to figure out on one's own.
By the end of the day I was pretty fried and tired, considering I got up at 7 and had to go to Honbu first thing in the morning to get my stuff and then trek all the way across Tokyo.
Yoshida-sensei trained in the morning; since she had her kid in March she's been out, but now that the little grommet's gotten to the point where it can roll about, she's going to start practicing again.
After practice I came home and had some udon with hiroko for dinner. Sunday night basic Japanese dinner is practically a religion in our house.
motivated
Got up early so that I could get to practice in Saitama...but the weather was nasty cold and rainy, and then I called Todd to see what was up, and then I just couldn't bother. So I spent the day playing PS2 whilst Hiroko read and napped on the couch. Ah, rainy Saturday afternoon, how do I love thee.
choppie choppie
Cousin Dave cut together a wee little video clip of me cutting. Loverly. All it needs now is a Bassa-nova soundtrack and Angelina Jolie nekkid.
incredible
Hiroko and I went to see The Incredibles at the incredible roppongi hills theatre. About an hour before showtime on a 3-day weekend, so we got stuck in the middle of the second row. Luckily the seats recline and are fully padded, so there wasn't much neck crampage, but I kept spilling my caramel popcorn all over myself. Oh yeah, the movie is, in a word, incredible. If you haven't seen it yet you are either a moron, or my dad.*
We did some shopping in Roppongi Hills, having finally found the cool knife block that Hiroko wanted, and then bought a travel book on Bhutan before heading home. TV show about sushi motivated us to do so for dinner, and I felt like such a pawn of the marketing industry. But damn I do love sushi.
* My dad is famous for only going to the theatre to see horrible movies. My childhood traumas include being taken to see After Hours and The Tempest. Well okay he did also take me to see Raise the Titanic and Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl, too, so it wasn't all bad. But still, I was ten years old when I was forced to sit through The Tempest. If that's not child abuse, I dunno what is.
But then again I distinctly remember the first time I ever saw him sit down to watch something in English (aka not a French art flick in black & white, and watching women's figure skating doesn't count either) on tv: It was when we lived in LA, and I was in junior high school, so let's call it 1987. He double-checked the cable schedule before sitting down to watch...Starwars. He waited ten years for it to come on cable before he watched it. Ten. Years.
We did some shopping in Roppongi Hills, having finally found the cool knife block that Hiroko wanted, and then bought a travel book on Bhutan before heading home. TV show about sushi motivated us to do so for dinner, and I felt like such a pawn of the marketing industry. But damn I do love sushi.
* My dad is famous for only going to the theatre to see horrible movies. My childhood traumas include being taken to see After Hours and The Tempest. Well okay he did also take me to see Raise the Titanic and Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl, too, so it wasn't all bad. But still, I was ten years old when I was forced to sit through The Tempest. If that's not child abuse, I dunno what is.
But then again I distinctly remember the first time I ever saw him sit down to watch something in English (aka not a French art flick in black & white, and watching women's figure skating doesn't count either) on tv: It was when we lived in LA, and I was in junior high school, so let's call it 1987. He double-checked the cable schedule before sitting down to watch...Starwars. He waited ten years for it to come on cable before he watched it. Ten. Years.
china mieville's the scar
I forgive Kevin for getting me started on The Series That Gets Worse and Will Never End, because he also introduced me to My Man China!
The sort of sequal, but not really, to Perdido Street Station, The Scar is more of the same China brilliance. Wonderful world full of interesting humanoid lifeforms, the best blend of "science" and "magic", classically human politics, and a cool story, interesting characters, and vivid location.
The sort of sequal, but not really, to Perdido Street Station, The Scar is more of the same China brilliance. Wonderful world full of interesting humanoid lifeforms, the best blend of "science" and "magic", classically human politics, and a cool story, interesting characters, and vivid location.
100 year old color photos
Check them out. These are not black & white photos colored later. Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii (1863-1944) took these photos in the first decade of the 20th century. He took 3 photos in red, green, blue individually and combined them. Amazing what color does; it looks so real, but you're so used to seeing old photos in black & white, it makes you think they must be fake. So often I've seen old photos and thought "what color was her hat? That building? His belt?" And now we know!
strange dream
Woke up this morning and Hiroko asked me "You dream last night? You were flopping all over the place and I hardly slept." She was not happy, still trying to get over her cold.
And as a matter of fact, I did have a wonderfully wacky dream.
Big lasergun tag fight. I needed a weapon. Was in our house in LA. Go into my brother's bedroom and ask him for a gun. He pulls open the low drawers underneath his closet and takes out a big case. From the case he removes all sorts of weapons; swords and knives, rifles and pistols. He tells me to take what I need. I go through the goods and select a smallish firearm with green lasertag assembly. The cop on the beach just outside the window (never mind the fact that the bedroom is on the 2nd floor) is trying to look into the window, suspicious of what's going on inside the room. He is on the enemy team. I hastily grab my weapon, throw everything else back in the case, and shove the case back into the drawer, closing it under the closet. The alarm signals the start of the game...and it's my alarm clock waking me up.
Rudimentary dream analysis: the swords imagery must come from the fact that I went to pratice for this first time in a year, and also saw lots of cool swords on new year's. The green lasers are from all the silly news stories about terrorists using lasers to try and crash planes by blinding pilots. And that's about as much psychoanalysis as I am cabable of.
And as a matter of fact, I did have a wonderfully wacky dream.
Big lasergun tag fight. I needed a weapon. Was in our house in LA. Go into my brother's bedroom and ask him for a gun. He pulls open the low drawers underneath his closet and takes out a big case. From the case he removes all sorts of weapons; swords and knives, rifles and pistols. He tells me to take what I need. I go through the goods and select a smallish firearm with green lasertag assembly. The cop on the beach just outside the window (never mind the fact that the bedroom is on the 2nd floor) is trying to look into the window, suspicious of what's going on inside the room. He is on the enemy team. I hastily grab my weapon, throw everything else back in the case, and shove the case back into the drawer, closing it under the closet. The alarm signals the start of the game...and it's my alarm clock waking me up.
Rudimentary dream analysis: the swords imagery must come from the fact that I went to pratice for this first time in a year, and also saw lots of cool swords on new year's. The green lasers are from all the silly news stories about terrorists using lasers to try and crash planes by blinding pilots. And that's about as much psychoanalysis as I am cabable of.
first practice
First class of 2005. I came early because Nakayama-san wanted to practice kumitaci. I haven't done them in a while, but after an hour I got back into the groove. Was interesting to try and explain to someone else the things I've already struggled through and sort of figured out. Always a great learning experience to teach.
At 7 class started, and we did the really basic basics, like how to sit in seiza and how to stand up. Thing I've been focusing on lately is centerlines. Try to keep my pitch and yaw level when moving. Much much harder than you think. Try this: stand in front of a mirror, relaxed, feet together. Now take a step with your left foot. Watch how far to the left your head and whole body move. You transfer all your weight to your right foot, pick up your left leg, lean your body over to the left, and swing your foot out. Centerline is a mess. Do that while drawing your sword and your right arm gets cut off.
It's a wonderful ego-boost to teach a class full of beginners who are no where near my level...they must feel how I feel when I go to class and get totally flummoxed by Kuroda-sensei or one of his older students.
At 7 class started, and we did the really basic basics, like how to sit in seiza and how to stand up. Thing I've been focusing on lately is centerlines. Try to keep my pitch and yaw level when moving. Much much harder than you think. Try this: stand in front of a mirror, relaxed, feet together. Now take a step with your left foot. Watch how far to the left your head and whole body move. You transfer all your weight to your right foot, pick up your left leg, lean your body over to the left, and swing your foot out. Centerline is a mess. Do that while drawing your sword and your right arm gets cut off.
It's a wonderful ego-boost to teach a class full of beginners who are no where near my level...they must feel how I feel when I go to class and get totally flummoxed by Kuroda-sensei or one of his older students.
kashima jingu
Drove over to Kashima to go to the big shrine for hatsu-mode (first prayer of the year). It was packed, of course. Walked into the back, to the OLD shrine, to pay our respects, and then checked out the sword and armor display before getting some noodles and finally getting on the bus back to Tokyo station.
Here are some photos of the swords and stuff on display.
happy new year!
The Kuroda house is, like always, drafty and cold but toasty warm in the main room, legs stuffed under the kotatsu (which is broken and always stuck on high), food piled high. Bad New Year's TV, lots of tea, unending munchies...
Interestingly, this time it was Hiroko who got sick, her throat sore and nose stuffed. I was ok the first day, but finally the dry, cold, and boonies-ness caught up with me and my nose was stuffed and head was heavy.
much cheese on her sandwich
We went down to Hamamatsucho Station to take the highway bus, but as we're waiting in line, the bus drivers are talking about what detours to take around roads closed due to snow. So we slink out of line and get on the train.
snake eater
I got Hiroko Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. And I have been playing it all day. I dream about crawling through the jungle, sniping enemy guards with my tranquilizer gun.
fighting fitness party
Hiroko's Fighting Fitness Karate Dojo had it's year-end party at...a sports bar connected to a tanning salon. They served really good Chinese food, too. Explain that one to me.
x-mas bbq
In the tradition of our ancestors, we had a Japanese/Jewish X-Mas BBQ. Conan and the Smallwoods came first, with Conan immediately commandeering The Comfy Chair, quietly transfixed by his new Etch-a-Sketch and the cold medicine keeping his sniffles under control.
Amy and the Rudicks then showed up, with Amy happy to bound around the loft. The BBQ was fired up and the traditional pork loins were set upon the grill whilst we warmed up with slices of fine domestic beef. Kairi and Ericka came soon after, giving Amy a playmate and completing a fine collection of children's toy cellphones.
Others gathered and the food piled up. We made an extra beef run, complete with Alaskan King Crab legs, revived the BBQ for its Second Coming, and put away even more food. Complete and utter gastric destruction; no one went home empty-handed and the fridge is still packed with left-overs.
Amy and the Rudicks then showed up, with Amy happy to bound around the loft. The BBQ was fired up and the traditional pork loins were set upon the grill whilst we warmed up with slices of fine domestic beef. Kairi and Ericka came soon after, giving Amy a playmate and completing a fine collection of children's toy cellphones.
Others gathered and the food piled up. We made an extra beef run, complete with Alaskan King Crab legs, revived the BBQ for its Second Coming, and put away even more food. Complete and utter gastric destruction; no one went home empty-handed and the fridge is still packed with left-overs.
emperor's birthday
Happy 72nd birthday to Emperor Heisei!
Took advantage of the day off to accomplish three things:
Took advantage of the day off to accomplish three things:
- Went up to Saitama to practice at Shinbukan. More Kenjutsu. Everyone else was practicing iai and Kuroda-sensei asked me if I had my sword with me. I didn't bring it, assuming I wouldn't be doing iai for months. So all I had was my wooden sword. He figured good enough and started showing the first iai form. All the iai forms are from iaigoshi: fold your left leg under you, such that your left heel is in your butt, then put your right heel in front of your left knee, keeping your right knee off the ground. So yeah, you're sitting on your left foot. And yeah, it hurts. But wait, it gets better. From this position, rise up into a low stance, right foot forward, left knee off the ground. But don't stand up, you have to basically float up; ukimi. Literally "to float." Needless to say, the top of my left foot is nicely sore and swollen.
- Came back from practice and put the Cuisinart to use: made about 3 kilograms of Mama's Famous Fake Chicken Liver Pate (carmelized onions, string beans, walnuts.) Cuisinart, as you know, is French for "Kitchen Power Tool" and it is the single greatest invention since the Intelligent Meat Fork.
- At my request, Hiroko cooked her stunningly good fried chicken in sweet/sour marinade. Add in a spinach salad, miso soup, and fresh rice and we had us a meal.
go chimi!
Seems like it was just yesterday that I gave Yu-ching the really, really terrible nickname Chimichanga (now reduced to the much more tolerable Chimi-chan), but now she's been at Amazaon.co.jp for a while, and I'm at Deutsche, and she's run the Honolulu marathon for the 3rd time! Amazing. I can't even get up before 10am on a Sunday, and she flies to the other side of the world to run for hours on end.
Speaking of which, Ramesh now officially owes me money, as not only did he not run the marathon in under 5 hours, but he didn't even bother to go to Hawaii! Beers on him, but it's up to me to collect!
Speaking of which, Ramesh now officially owes me money, as not only did he not run the marathon in under 5 hours, but he didn't even bother to go to Hawaii! Beers on him, but it's up to me to collect!
andy
This is Andy. Andy came to Japan 18 years ago with a UK new wave pop band. Now he goes to the Tsukiji fish market every morning, buys up all the leftover good stuff, and sells it at Shin-hinomoto, right under the train tracks at Yurakucho station.
He is tall of height, quick of wit, and a damn fine chap who sells the best and cheapest seafood in the dingiest salaryman hangout.
crab!
Serious crab closeup. Plenty of crabs guts (brains, eggs, etc.) to eat after we powered through all the legs and claws.
jorge!
Jorge randomly appeared in Japan for a day, on his way back from a Samsung meeting in Korea. Hiroko and I took him to eat okonomiyaki and monjayaki across the street and then we goofed off as we generally do.
x-mas party
Research X-Mas party, so at the Tokyo American Club first we went bowling and my team came in 3rd! Woowoo!
Then we headed over to the banquet hall and had some food and bingo insanity.
After that we were singing karaoke up the street until I finally dragged myself home.
Check out the photos.
ako
Ako from the NY Japan desk is in town, so she and I and Scott went to Akihabara for uh, technology, um...research. Yeah, that's it.
We did the standard tour, checked out the cool TVs (Ako really needs to buy a new TV) and had a killer lunch at some hole-in-the-wall. The owner was showing off his festival photos and told us to come back in May.
shopping
Hiroko and I finally put on our motivational hats and went Holiday Season Shopping. Unlike yesterday, it was damn cold, so we were motivated to keep moving. Bussed to Shibuya and hit the Seibu Department Store and connected Loft to spend 4000 yen in gift certificates that Hiroko got from credit card points, then walked over to Harajuku up to Omotesando, and back down through Aoyama to Shibuya. It was surprisingly not too crowded, and once the drizzle sputtered out, it was pretty nice, though gray.
Saw a totally ridiculous protest march: a bunch of college students complaining about not having adequate health coverage and benefits as part-time workers. Um, maybe they're unclear on the concept: it's called 'part-time', as opposed to 'full-time', i.e. "I work for a living" versus "I leech off my parents and earn just enough spending money to keep me in Gucci and karaoke."
Sorry kids, no pity from me. Here's a novel idea: you are students, right? How about maybe studying something interesting and actually becoming a useful member of society?
Saw a totally ridiculous protest march: a bunch of college students complaining about not having adequate health coverage and benefits as part-time workers. Um, maybe they're unclear on the concept: it's called 'part-time', as opposed to 'full-time', i.e. "I work for a living" versus "I leech off my parents and earn just enough spending money to keep me in Gucci and karaoke."
Sorry kids, no pity from me. Here's a novel idea: you are students, right? How about maybe studying something interesting and actually becoming a useful member of society?
cutting
Had the last cutting session of the year at Honbu. There was a big Mochi-tsuki festival down on the street below, so we all assumed that after we cut we'd got some eats, but alas it was all gone by the time we were done. Most folks cut ok, and I demo'd some basics, but I'm so out of practice, I really need to get back into cutting every week.
work x-mas party
Had our company party at the lovely Hotel New Otani up the street. Check out the photos. For some reason, Emiko managed to get into just about every photo. And she was quite drunk, as many folks were. The food, of course, was top notch. Hats off to the chefs of the hotel; the did a spanking good job on the vittles, from the sushi to the stir-fry, fresh curries, and fantastic fruit and dessert assortments.
patents and pop
Patents are, in general, patently silly. Here's a good idea to fix the system.
And while we're talking, why is it I get all the good toys in Japan?
And while we're talking, why is it I get all the good toys in Japan?
bad apple (sauce)
Had my traditional breakfast this morning: some bread, some coffee. Also pulled a cup of apple sauce out of the fridge for some much needed fruit.
Went to work and spent the morning in the bathroom, doubled over in pain. Didn't eat much. Came home early, curled up fetal on the couch.
Haven't had white-hot-iron-poker-in-the-abdomen pain in months, and will be happy to never have it again. Must check expiration date on apple sauce...
Went to work and spent the morning in the bathroom, doubled over in pain. Didn't eat much. Came home early, curled up fetal on the couch.
Haven't had white-hot-iron-poker-in-the-abdomen pain in months, and will be happy to never have it again. Must check expiration date on apple sauce...
bid'ness illiteracy
My mom is religious in her pursuit of spelling and grammar errors on my blog (no I don't spell check it. What would mom do then?) But believe me, there is worse. The good news is email does not make you illiterate. The bad news is you can't hide your illiteracy anymore what with all the email you send.
heater
Bought me one of them groovy oil heaters from Electrolux. Has two timers to set the desired temp at one-hour increments. Has casters. Is totally silent. Gets warm slowly, cools down slower still. Very toasty. Speaking of which, finally broke down and bought a toaster, too. Convinced myself for the longest time that I didn't need one. I was wrong.
calf muscles
A stunningly warm and sunny day. Serious global warming problems when it's the beginning of December yet 24° outside.
Did kenjutsu today for the first time at Shinbukan. Actually, all I did was suburi, practicing one basic cut over and over. Elbow was tweaking, but didn't hurt nearly as badly as my legs. Try this: stand with your feet together, move the right foot way forward and face left, such that your toes and heels are all on one line. Now turn your left knee way, way in until you're facing forward again. And lower your left knee until your left calf and right thigh are parallel to the ground. And don't let either heel touch the ground. Hold that position with practicing basic cuts. For two hours.
Did kenjutsu today for the first time at Shinbukan. Actually, all I did was suburi, practicing one basic cut over and over. Elbow was tweaking, but didn't hurt nearly as badly as my legs. Try this: stand with your feet together, move the right foot way forward and face left, such that your toes and heels are all on one line. Now turn your left knee way, way in until you're facing forward again. And lower your left knee until your left calf and right thigh are parallel to the ground. And don't let either heel touch the ground. Hold that position with practicing basic cuts. For two hours.
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