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.
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