Saturday August 9, 11:06 a.m.
The Businesswoman called in to say that she'd be about 10 minutes late so I'm back here. Actually, I did forget to mention that on the way from the station to the school, I ran into the Pessimist and his family at the bus stop. He was a very polite chap; his 6-year-old son looked at me with some trepidation...a common occurrence when it comes to kids and me. I'd like to think that they have good reason.
The Lens also contacted me yesterday asking if I I had time today to meet him and The Romantic for an early birthday dinner. I kindly declined since I frankly just wanted to veg out at home.
Ah, but The Businesswoman has arrived...
Just a place to deposit my thoughts on life here in the Kanto and about anything else that sticks to my walls.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Saturday August 9, 10:18 a.m.
First one here at Speedy's. Luckily, the AC kicked in via timer earlier this morning. When I left the apartment this morning, I was absolutely mugged by the humidity and heat. Yep, it looks like my air conditioner will be on high alert for this month.
The New Yorker was fine yesterday. Still low but no longer mute.
I enjoyed my rare Friday night off with some karaage bento and Pepsi...nope, not healthy in the least but I was happy. And I turned on the AC but at least I tried to stay within reasonable parameters by only setting at 26 C instead of the insane 15 C temps I'd done in past years.
I did catch The Opening Ceremonies on NHK. It was the usual redundant blather by the NHK folks...sorry, Yuko Aoki, you are a vision of loveliness but your statements on the obvious border on criminal. And for some bizarre reason, the special guest in the booth was folk singer Shinji Tanimura....is there some sort of lottery for celebs promising a trip to these ceremonies for the winning person?
As for the opening ceremonies themselves, it's kinda like going to a friend's house and being asked to watch his kid perform "I'm A Little Teapot" for the first time. It's awfully cute but really the only ones who are gonna go ga-fa for it are the parents themselves. Otherwise, it's the same ol', same ol' with the millions of people participating and the bland Olympic song. I was indeed switching between it and the Japanese TV premiere of "Batman Begins" on Fuji-TV. Of course, there was the usual slashing-and-cutting of the movie for it to fit in 2 hours but it was still enjoyable to watch. Having broadsided the opening ceremonies, it was still an interesting lesson in international relations during the 2-hour long parade of the athletes. Of course, the audience at The Bird's Nest went hog wild for the Chinese team but they gave very warm applause for Team Canada. As for Team Japan, there was merely muted polite applause and I swear that maybe there were even a few catcalls as well. And I have to admit that it was the first time I've ever seen an Olympic Flame-lighting ceremony done the way it was at close to 1 a.m. JST.
After "Batman Begins" finished, I still found myself switching but this time it was between The Opening Ceremonies and a far more dire drama happening via CNN between Georgia and Russia in South Ossetia. I saw both the Russian and Georgian Olympic delegations walking into the stadium; they had no idea what was happening. They really don't need any more pressure like this.
Then, this morning I found out that Senator John Edwards, the Richie Cunningham of the US Democratic Party, was really Eddie Haskell. He was caught with his hand in the cookie jar...or the honey pot (ouch!)...so to speak, when the truth came out about his little affair a couple of years ago. The guys in "The Situation Room" were wondering aloud what would have happened if he had been the Democratic nominee for President instead of Barack Obama. It was kinda lucky then that, along with good common sense, he also lacked a couple of other facts this election year: he wasn't African-American and he wasn't a woman. I think it's safe to say that his political future is pretty much in doubt.
Well, I've got a foursome today. I got The Businesswoman, then new student PR, followed by a couple of students that I haven't seen in a couple of months: Mr. TOEIC and The Dentist.
It was
First one here at Speedy's. Luckily, the AC kicked in via timer earlier this morning. When I left the apartment this morning, I was absolutely mugged by the humidity and heat. Yep, it looks like my air conditioner will be on high alert for this month.
The New Yorker was fine yesterday. Still low but no longer mute.
I enjoyed my rare Friday night off with some karaage bento and Pepsi...nope, not healthy in the least but I was happy. And I turned on the AC but at least I tried to stay within reasonable parameters by only setting at 26 C instead of the insane 15 C temps I'd done in past years.
I did catch The Opening Ceremonies on NHK. It was the usual redundant blather by the NHK folks...sorry, Yuko Aoki, you are a vision of loveliness but your statements on the obvious border on criminal. And for some bizarre reason, the special guest in the booth was folk singer Shinji Tanimura....is there some sort of lottery for celebs promising a trip to these ceremonies for the winning person?
As for the opening ceremonies themselves, it's kinda like going to a friend's house and being asked to watch his kid perform "I'm A Little Teapot" for the first time. It's awfully cute but really the only ones who are gonna go ga-fa for it are the parents themselves. Otherwise, it's the same ol', same ol' with the millions of people participating and the bland Olympic song. I was indeed switching between it and the Japanese TV premiere of "Batman Begins" on Fuji-TV. Of course, there was the usual slashing-and-cutting of the movie for it to fit in 2 hours but it was still enjoyable to watch. Having broadsided the opening ceremonies, it was still an interesting lesson in international relations during the 2-hour long parade of the athletes. Of course, the audience at The Bird's Nest went hog wild for the Chinese team but they gave very warm applause for Team Canada. As for Team Japan, there was merely muted polite applause and I swear that maybe there were even a few catcalls as well. And I have to admit that it was the first time I've ever seen an Olympic Flame-lighting ceremony done the way it was at close to 1 a.m. JST.
After "Batman Begins" finished, I still found myself switching but this time it was between The Opening Ceremonies and a far more dire drama happening via CNN between Georgia and Russia in South Ossetia. I saw both the Russian and Georgian Olympic delegations walking into the stadium; they had no idea what was happening. They really don't need any more pressure like this.
Then, this morning I found out that Senator John Edwards, the Richie Cunningham of the US Democratic Party, was really Eddie Haskell. He was caught with his hand in the cookie jar...or the honey pot (ouch!)...so to speak, when the truth came out about his little affair a couple of years ago. The guys in "The Situation Room" were wondering aloud what would have happened if he had been the Democratic nominee for President instead of Barack Obama. It was kinda lucky then that, along with good common sense, he also lacked a couple of other facts this election year: he wasn't African-American and he wasn't a woman. I think it's safe to say that his political future is pretty much in doubt.
Well, I've got a foursome today. I got The Businesswoman, then new student PR, followed by a couple of students that I haven't seen in a couple of months: Mr. TOEIC and The Dentist.
It was
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Friday August 8, 12:35 p.m.
It's another horrible scorcher out there. All memory of that deluge-level rain from earlier in the week has probably disappeared. I'll be guzzling down the soft drinks once again.
Just finished off with The Pessimist. He aced the test but he also took an accounting test which he's far less confident about. The problem is that he won't hear the results until Xmas time. I've got The New Yorker back in Ichigaya in another few hours. I've got a feeling that the 5 minutes for us to walk from the station to the Tully's will be a re-enactment of The Death March in Bataan.
And then after that, I've got the night off. Incredible as it may seem, The Ace will not be at the juku tonight and Jolly certainly won't be present so I get to hit home at the ungodly hour of 5 o'clock. It'll mean an increase in my air conditioning consumption but I'll be happy to just spend a rare nice evening at home. And my TV viewing choices will be split between the Opening Ceremonies on NHK or the national premiere of "Batman Begins" on Fuji-TV since the sequel opens wide tomorrow. The Chinese authorities made sure to schedule that first day of The Olympics on a very auspicious day: the 8th day of the 8th month of the 8th year of the 21st century. The number 8 is a lucky number in China and we can all hope that the date will augur some very good fortune for all concerned in Beijing. I really hope so, although my cynicism believes that there will be an incident of some sort somewhere in the other cities during the next couple of weeks.
Fuji-TV has already sent out one of its veteran announcers, Tomohiro Ogura, to Beijing to cover the festivities. Ogura has already made a reputation for himself as a "tell-like-it-is" guy; not one of those younger announcers who'll act all smiley and sycophantic. Even so, I did feel that he was being ingracious by already panning the Bird's-Nest and calling the swimming venue as just a gigantic mass of o-furo tiles.
It's another horrible scorcher out there. All memory of that deluge-level rain from earlier in the week has probably disappeared. I'll be guzzling down the soft drinks once again.
Just finished off with The Pessimist. He aced the test but he also took an accounting test which he's far less confident about. The problem is that he won't hear the results until Xmas time. I've got The New Yorker back in Ichigaya in another few hours. I've got a feeling that the 5 minutes for us to walk from the station to the Tully's will be a re-enactment of The Death March in Bataan.
And then after that, I've got the night off. Incredible as it may seem, The Ace will not be at the juku tonight and Jolly certainly won't be present so I get to hit home at the ungodly hour of 5 o'clock. It'll mean an increase in my air conditioning consumption but I'll be happy to just spend a rare nice evening at home. And my TV viewing choices will be split between the Opening Ceremonies on NHK or the national premiere of "Batman Begins" on Fuji-TV since the sequel opens wide tomorrow. The Chinese authorities made sure to schedule that first day of The Olympics on a very auspicious day: the 8th day of the 8th month of the 8th year of the 21st century. The number 8 is a lucky number in China and we can all hope that the date will augur some very good fortune for all concerned in Beijing. I really hope so, although my cynicism believes that there will be an incident of some sort somewhere in the other cities during the next couple of weeks.
Fuji-TV has already sent out one of its veteran announcers, Tomohiro Ogura, to Beijing to cover the festivities. Ogura has already made a reputation for himself as a "tell-like-it-is" guy; not one of those younger announcers who'll act all smiley and sycophantic. Even so, I did feel that he was being ingracious by already panning the Bird's-Nest and calling the swimming venue as just a gigantic mass of o-furo tiles.
Friday August 8, 12:13 p.m.
The group and I went to some sort of non-descript building in Ningyocho...a traditional commercial quarter near Suitengumae and The Royal Park Hotel. It's also home to the best burger place in Tokyo (so far...there have been so many of these burger joints popping up in the Big Sushi over the past couple of years), Brozers. However, the place that The Lens and I were taken was trad Japanese. The fact that it was located in an unremarkable building got me thinking that it must be a pretty exclusive place...which meant plenty of yen to lose. And sure enough, things were not helped by the fact that we were greeted by a kindly and pristinely polite middle-aged woman in a kimono. The Lens thought he felt quite underdressed for the occasion. I was in Cool Biz mode so all that I was missing was a necktie.
It was a Thursday night so things weren't too crowded but the 6 of us had to be seated at the counter instead of a regular table. As it turned out, that wasn't bad at all. It was 3 men and 3 women so it worked out perfectly...the girls could gab about what they wanted while The Lens, The Romantic and I gabbed on the heat, old times and kendo. The restaurant itself (at least, part of it) was on the 3rd floor and was a mix of old and new. Our counter was in front of where the sushi chef was plying his trade. But the ambience was distinctly 21st-century Modern. The walls were cream and the tables were Ikea-grade light brown...gave a distinctly light and bright air. And did I mention the automatic sliding door into the kitchen?
Going through the menu, I could see that this was no regular izakaya. The courses themselves started from 5,000 yen...exactly the amount I had in my threadbare wallet. The Pragmatist, in her businesslike way, was kinda pushing for that which got me knocking my knees a bit. However, The Romantic decided that the boys would go a la carte for which I sighed relief internally. We had some great dishes to go with our draft beer: the marinated maguro on rice was wonderful for The Lens and me while all three of us shared a large platter of sashimi. Then, there was grilled duck, a salad with shabu-shabu pork with a sesame dressing, and some sauteed cubes of steak. That last dish was incredibly tender and juicy....this was one fine cut of beef which summed up the experience of that restaurant. Unfortunately, I never did get the name of that place. And the wonderful thing is that The Romantic picked up the tab. He was just happy that the cost (22,000 yen for everyone) was so inexpensive. For a place like this, I could agree: that would come to approximately 3,600 yen per person...not bad at all. I just thanked my lucky stars that I did get the opportunity to partake in some fine dining.
We decided to call it a night then and there but we made a pit stop at the nearest conbini, since The Lens was interested in seeing if the place sold some sort of eel-based drink that he'd heard about before coming here. Alas, that drink wasn't there, but there were two other just-as-intriguing drinks: one based on royal jelly and something called White Coke (sounds suspiciously like something Cheech N' Chong would love), but it was actually what it was...a somewhat cloudy drink which tasted like a mix of regular dark cola and cream soda. The label was designed hair-breadth's close like a certain famous red-and-white label for a more auspicious drink, but the addition of a penguin has probably prevented any potential lawsuits.
The group and I went to some sort of non-descript building in Ningyocho...a traditional commercial quarter near Suitengumae and The Royal Park Hotel. It's also home to the best burger place in Tokyo (so far...there have been so many of these burger joints popping up in the Big Sushi over the past couple of years), Brozers. However, the place that The Lens and I were taken was trad Japanese. The fact that it was located in an unremarkable building got me thinking that it must be a pretty exclusive place...which meant plenty of yen to lose. And sure enough, things were not helped by the fact that we were greeted by a kindly and pristinely polite middle-aged woman in a kimono. The Lens thought he felt quite underdressed for the occasion. I was in Cool Biz mode so all that I was missing was a necktie.
It was a Thursday night so things weren't too crowded but the 6 of us had to be seated at the counter instead of a regular table. As it turned out, that wasn't bad at all. It was 3 men and 3 women so it worked out perfectly...the girls could gab about what they wanted while The Lens, The Romantic and I gabbed on the heat, old times and kendo. The restaurant itself (at least, part of it) was on the 3rd floor and was a mix of old and new. Our counter was in front of where the sushi chef was plying his trade. But the ambience was distinctly 21st-century Modern. The walls were cream and the tables were Ikea-grade light brown...gave a distinctly light and bright air. And did I mention the automatic sliding door into the kitchen?
Going through the menu, I could see that this was no regular izakaya. The courses themselves started from 5,000 yen...exactly the amount I had in my threadbare wallet. The Pragmatist, in her businesslike way, was kinda pushing for that which got me knocking my knees a bit. However, The Romantic decided that the boys would go a la carte for which I sighed relief internally. We had some great dishes to go with our draft beer: the marinated maguro on rice was wonderful for The Lens and me while all three of us shared a large platter of sashimi. Then, there was grilled duck, a salad with shabu-shabu pork with a sesame dressing, and some sauteed cubes of steak. That last dish was incredibly tender and juicy....this was one fine cut of beef which summed up the experience of that restaurant. Unfortunately, I never did get the name of that place. And the wonderful thing is that The Romantic picked up the tab. He was just happy that the cost (22,000 yen for everyone) was so inexpensive. For a place like this, I could agree: that would come to approximately 3,600 yen per person...not bad at all. I just thanked my lucky stars that I did get the opportunity to partake in some fine dining.
We decided to call it a night then and there but we made a pit stop at the nearest conbini, since The Lens was interested in seeing if the place sold some sort of eel-based drink that he'd heard about before coming here. Alas, that drink wasn't there, but there were two other just-as-intriguing drinks: one based on royal jelly and something called White Coke (sounds suspiciously like something Cheech N' Chong would love), but it was actually what it was...a somewhat cloudy drink which tasted like a mix of regular dark cola and cream soda. The label was designed hair-breadth's close like a certain famous red-and-white label for a more auspicious drink, but the addition of a penguin has probably prevented any potential lawsuits.
Friday August 8, 10:17 a.m.
Another potential foot-in-mouth moment for me yesterday. It's a disease that I seem to get more often than the common cold these days, regrettably. Speedy was given a disc of some sort of 20-minute documentary on Winnipeg being the Slurpee Capital of the world. My initial response at the bossman's invitation to watch it with him was to say that I would rather play my games on the computer...yep, snarky answer but then my personality has been approaching that of Jack Cafferty over the past few years. Unfortunately, I found out that it was Ray who'd given the disc to him thanks to her filmmaker sister. Well, I didn't exactly apologize since I didn't really know if I had to apologize, and we all actually did watch it together. It was a tongue-in-cheek documentary...faintly amusing to me, but like a Chinese dinner, something that I would forget an hour later.
Since I was finished for the day, I took off for Ginza. The concrete threw up all that heat into the pedestrians' faces. I bought a birthday card for my brother which I then promptly sent out via the post office next door to Ito-Ya, the stationery store. The pencilhead at the post office dweebily told me that I had to fill out a parcel form and pay 260 yen to have it sent...just a birthday card. Well, since I was in no mood for a fight with the government, I paid it and got out of there. But I'm gonna have to check that out at my local post office sometime.
I did the usual things in Ginza...checked out the music stores of Yamano Music and HMV Sukibayashi. I also noticed an ambulance on parked standby in front of the main police box...I guess it must be there just in case there are any calls for heatstroke victims...all too possible yesterday. I bought the latest EMPIRE magazine at HMV since it had that special feature on "Watchmen".
Then, I made my way over to Suitengumae Station where The Lens and his wife were staying at The Royal Park Hotel again. I got there a good 90 minutes early and since I didn't want to make hotel staff there suspicious about being sitting on their good lobby furniture for an hour and a half, I just cooled my heels for an hour at the neighbouring TCAT...that would be the Tokyo City Air Terminal which has limousine buses going to both Narita and Haneda Airports. I would've stayed there for the full 90, but then a few obnoxious gaijin women came by and started trash-talking with each other so I silently wished them extra roles as fodder for the next "Hostel" movie and walked over to the hotel.
At about 6:30, everyone met...The Lens and his wife, along with the Automan's sister, The Pragmatist and her husband, The Romantic, along with yet another acquaintance from the old days of university. I got the usual bag of Canadian newspapers and chocolates from The Lens as tribute, but I also kindly received a couple of graphic novels of Daredevil and Batman, two of the darkest superheroes there are. The Lens remarked at how he has been virtually melting from the heat...such as I when I first made contact with this city.
More on the night's events later.
Another potential foot-in-mouth moment for me yesterday. It's a disease that I seem to get more often than the common cold these days, regrettably. Speedy was given a disc of some sort of 20-minute documentary on Winnipeg being the Slurpee Capital of the world. My initial response at the bossman's invitation to watch it with him was to say that I would rather play my games on the computer...yep, snarky answer but then my personality has been approaching that of Jack Cafferty over the past few years. Unfortunately, I found out that it was Ray who'd given the disc to him thanks to her filmmaker sister. Well, I didn't exactly apologize since I didn't really know if I had to apologize, and we all actually did watch it together. It was a tongue-in-cheek documentary...faintly amusing to me, but like a Chinese dinner, something that I would forget an hour later.
Since I was finished for the day, I took off for Ginza. The concrete threw up all that heat into the pedestrians' faces. I bought a birthday card for my brother which I then promptly sent out via the post office next door to Ito-Ya, the stationery store. The pencilhead at the post office dweebily told me that I had to fill out a parcel form and pay 260 yen to have it sent...just a birthday card. Well, since I was in no mood for a fight with the government, I paid it and got out of there. But I'm gonna have to check that out at my local post office sometime.
I did the usual things in Ginza...checked out the music stores of Yamano Music and HMV Sukibayashi. I also noticed an ambulance on parked standby in front of the main police box...I guess it must be there just in case there are any calls for heatstroke victims...all too possible yesterday. I bought the latest EMPIRE magazine at HMV since it had that special feature on "Watchmen".
Then, I made my way over to Suitengumae Station where The Lens and his wife were staying at The Royal Park Hotel again. I got there a good 90 minutes early and since I didn't want to make hotel staff there suspicious about being sitting on their good lobby furniture for an hour and a half, I just cooled my heels for an hour at the neighbouring TCAT...that would be the Tokyo City Air Terminal which has limousine buses going to both Narita and Haneda Airports. I would've stayed there for the full 90, but then a few obnoxious gaijin women came by and started trash-talking with each other so I silently wished them extra roles as fodder for the next "Hostel" movie and walked over to the hotel.
At about 6:30, everyone met...The Lens and his wife, along with the Automan's sister, The Pragmatist and her husband, The Romantic, along with yet another acquaintance from the old days of university. I got the usual bag of Canadian newspapers and chocolates from The Lens as tribute, but I also kindly received a couple of graphic novels of Daredevil and Batman, two of the darkest superheroes there are. The Lens remarked at how he has been virtually melting from the heat...such as I when I first made contact with this city.
More on the night's events later.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Thursday August 7, 9:16 a.m.
The Opening Ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics are now a little over 24 hours away, and China is getting the final touches done: showing the athletes, journalists and other spectators in, touching up some of the venues, getting that final dress rehearsal in, and of course, beating up any wayward dissidents or foreign journalists into submission. Apparently, the Games have already started for some of the sports. Canada beat Argentina 2-1 in....something.
I was feeling pretty beat last night. It was the gauntlet of the three women. I was able to banter with 001 better than last time. She's not too sure whether she'll be able to make it out for this proposed Burger Tour thingamajig at the end of the month, but she'll send word out to The Baker. The Diver is indeed getting better at her English although she'll never fess up to it. She's been hitting other platforms to improve her language skills such as Nintendo DS. Good for her. And then I had The Fashion Designer for her first official lesson. I rather tuckered her out by the end of the night with all of the vocabulary that was thrown about. But I would rather have that situation than a student who was bored out of her brains.
BC actually did e-mail us from her Air Canada plane. Apparently, due to some scheduling snafu, she was part of a double-booking incident which had her bumped up to Business Class. Both Speedy and I were remarking that this could augur well for her fortunes in British Columbia. Believe me, I really hope that things are better for her over there than they were over here.
I'd been hoping for a bit of time off from teaching. Looks like The Temp may be helping me with that. She sent word that she's quit her job due to some differences there and she'll have to cancel the lessons with me for the time being. I have no reason not to disbelieve her since she was rather detailed about the reasons for her quitting, and I'm not particularly dismayed since she was only seeing me once a month....not exactly a regular.
The Lens has finally contacted me about getting together for dinner tonight. He and his wife are staying at their usual hotel in Tokyo. I was surprised to hear that there's absolutely nothing on the slate after the early afternoon...not even for Speedy. I guess the O-Bon holidays have finally started.
Shakespeare must be rolling over in his grave right now. I know some of the more snobbish critics are. But the sci-fi geeks are crowing with delight at the news that there has been a Bardian meeting of Captain Picard and Doctor Who. Or should that be more like Professor X and Doctor Who? In any case, Patrick Stewart and David Tennant are together doing "Hamlet" in London. Comic Book Guy and all of the other otaku are rubbing shoulders with the usual stage hoi polloi to catch these SF icons thesp. The folks at the theatre are taking no chances, though....they said that no TV-related paraphernalia will be signed.
The Opening Ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics are now a little over 24 hours away, and China is getting the final touches done: showing the athletes, journalists and other spectators in, touching up some of the venues, getting that final dress rehearsal in, and of course, beating up any wayward dissidents or foreign journalists into submission. Apparently, the Games have already started for some of the sports. Canada beat Argentina 2-1 in....something.
I was feeling pretty beat last night. It was the gauntlet of the three women. I was able to banter with 001 better than last time. She's not too sure whether she'll be able to make it out for this proposed Burger Tour thingamajig at the end of the month, but she'll send word out to The Baker. The Diver is indeed getting better at her English although she'll never fess up to it. She's been hitting other platforms to improve her language skills such as Nintendo DS. Good for her. And then I had The Fashion Designer for her first official lesson. I rather tuckered her out by the end of the night with all of the vocabulary that was thrown about. But I would rather have that situation than a student who was bored out of her brains.
BC actually did e-mail us from her Air Canada plane. Apparently, due to some scheduling snafu, she was part of a double-booking incident which had her bumped up to Business Class. Both Speedy and I were remarking that this could augur well for her fortunes in British Columbia. Believe me, I really hope that things are better for her over there than they were over here.
I'd been hoping for a bit of time off from teaching. Looks like The Temp may be helping me with that. She sent word that she's quit her job due to some differences there and she'll have to cancel the lessons with me for the time being. I have no reason not to disbelieve her since she was rather detailed about the reasons for her quitting, and I'm not particularly dismayed since she was only seeing me once a month....not exactly a regular.
The Lens has finally contacted me about getting together for dinner tonight. He and his wife are staying at their usual hotel in Tokyo. I was surprised to hear that there's absolutely nothing on the slate after the early afternoon...not even for Speedy. I guess the O-Bon holidays have finally started.
Shakespeare must be rolling over in his grave right now. I know some of the more snobbish critics are. But the sci-fi geeks are crowing with delight at the news that there has been a Bardian meeting of Captain Picard and Doctor Who. Or should that be more like Professor X and Doctor Who? In any case, Patrick Stewart and David Tennant are together doing "Hamlet" in London. Comic Book Guy and all of the other otaku are rubbing shoulders with the usual stage hoi polloi to catch these SF icons thesp. The folks at the theatre are taking no chances, though....they said that no TV-related paraphernalia will be signed.
Wednesday August 6, 5:47 p.m.
It's been a pretty quiet afternoon after Prissy's lesson. As for the lesson itself, it wasn't too bad but still some adjusting to do. Still not totally comfortable with the text. Basically, it's been a jaunt with Facebook and Wikipedia. Meanwhile, Ray still has a thing for playing with her hair. The bossman seems to be out somewhere.
Just waiting for 001 to show up. The Angels (001, 002 and The Baker) and I have been wondering about getting together for one of my favourite shops on the Burger Tour...namely, Baker Bounce in Tokyo Midtown. It may be scheduled for the end of the month, but The Baker is gonna be the wild card...her free time is rather precious.
It's been a pretty quiet afternoon after Prissy's lesson. As for the lesson itself, it wasn't too bad but still some adjusting to do. Still not totally comfortable with the text. Basically, it's been a jaunt with Facebook and Wikipedia. Meanwhile, Ray still has a thing for playing with her hair. The bossman seems to be out somewhere.
Just waiting for 001 to show up. The Angels (001, 002 and The Baker) and I have been wondering about getting together for one of my favourite shops on the Burger Tour...namely, Baker Bounce in Tokyo Midtown. It may be scheduled for the end of the month, but The Baker is gonna be the wild card...her free time is rather precious.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Wednesday August 6, 11:23 a.m.
Finished with The Nurse after 2 weeks' absence. Not too angst-ridden this morning but she was a little trepidatious about her and her husband's upcoming move to a new house in Shin-Koenji in September. Moving to new digs is a pretty big deal for any family anywhere, but especially in Japan which seems to revel in bureaucratizing everything, it can be downright traumatic. And that's especially so here since paying off the mortgage is often a multi-generational duty. I'm simply envious that the couple can even think of buying a house.
Finished with The Nurse after 2 weeks' absence. Not too angst-ridden this morning but she was a little trepidatious about her and her husband's upcoming move to a new house in Shin-Koenji in September. Moving to new digs is a pretty big deal for any family anywhere, but especially in Japan which seems to revel in bureaucratizing everything, it can be downright traumatic. And that's especially so here since paying off the mortgage is often a multi-generational duty. I'm simply envious that the couple can even think of buying a house.
Wednesday August 6, 9:24 a.m.
Well...got bumped out of the ol' Blogger with all of the Japanese lettering for about an hour; now I've been exposed to all this clean English.
Last night was apparently one to remember weatherwise. Tokyo got majorly flooded; the sewer system at one point became the world's largest Zoom-A-Floom ride. Unfortunately, for four or five sewer technicians, it would be the last ride they would ever have. One is dead, the other four are still missing. Urayasu was also given a good dousing around the 6-7 hour...basically during Suzanne's lesson at the juku, but by the time I got out at around 10 p.m., all was indeed quiet on the Eastern front. Although it seems to be clouding over right now, the forecast is considerably drier and sunnier for the next several days.
Jolly indeed did dotakyan, and the indication last night was that he wouldn't be coming for Friday night which means that I've got a very rare free Friday night off which would also mean that I can watch The Opening Ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics. Not that I particularly look forward to the overly gushing prose from the otherwise sober-sided announcers on NHK.
That model lesson student was a wide-eyed, soft-spoken and very low student. She couldn't even make full sentences although her comprehension is quite a bit better. I guess my Travel English lesson worked wonders on her. She will be signing up, but on conditions that I'm not too thrilled over. The juku boss contacted me about an hour later after I'd gotten home and told me that this new student, Bright Eyes (best name I could think of off the top of my head), wants to join a group lesson. The only group lesson I have is The Milds. I protested mildly that it would be a disaster in the making since The Milds, as soft-spoken as they are, are heads and shoulders above this girl. The business side of the boss came into this decision since this was Bright Eyes' request and she gave me an out by saying that if Bright Eyes is totally hopeless during her first class (pretty much a foregone conclusion), I should let the boss know lickety-split.
It's the 63rd anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, so I assume that NHK has given the live coverage of Peace Park including the speeches by the Mayor of the city and Prime Minister Fukuda. This morning, before I left my apartment at the way-too-early hour of 6:30 a.m., I saw a feature on the early morning NHK news about a 74-year-old hibakusha who's been doing his own kami-shibai (literally, "paper plays" in which a storyteller gives children tales via handmade paintings depicting various scenes) on that hot day in 1945 when the bomb hit. It was very poignant to watch since the children kinda made those blank-faced comments of the play being "scary". I very much doubt that they can truly feel or imagine what happened on August 6, 1945. And the thing is that the collective memory of the world's first nuclear attack and its aftermath is slowly dying off, much like the rest of the hibakusha. I'm pretty positive, for instance, that NHK was the only channel giving any sort of lip service to the anniversary; the other channels were probably covering The Olympics or the latest news on trendy restaurants. Not that I'm gonna get on my soapbox and tongue-lash everyone to always remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki; Japan and the world have organizations to do that far better than any individual, for one thing. And no matter how hard we try, even events as horrifying as 9/11 will, over time, be thrown into the dusty heap of history. We will remember these events but the true feelings of horror for them will slowly disappear. And so I'm left with that chilling adage about those not remembering their history being doomed to repeating it.
Well...got bumped out of the ol' Blogger with all of the Japanese lettering for about an hour; now I've been exposed to all this clean English.
Last night was apparently one to remember weatherwise. Tokyo got majorly flooded; the sewer system at one point became the world's largest Zoom-A-Floom ride. Unfortunately, for four or five sewer technicians, it would be the last ride they would ever have. One is dead, the other four are still missing. Urayasu was also given a good dousing around the 6-7 hour...basically during Suzanne's lesson at the juku, but by the time I got out at around 10 p.m., all was indeed quiet on the Eastern front. Although it seems to be clouding over right now, the forecast is considerably drier and sunnier for the next several days.
Jolly indeed did dotakyan, and the indication last night was that he wouldn't be coming for Friday night which means that I've got a very rare free Friday night off which would also mean that I can watch The Opening Ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics. Not that I particularly look forward to the overly gushing prose from the otherwise sober-sided announcers on NHK.
That model lesson student was a wide-eyed, soft-spoken and very low student. She couldn't even make full sentences although her comprehension is quite a bit better. I guess my Travel English lesson worked wonders on her. She will be signing up, but on conditions that I'm not too thrilled over. The juku boss contacted me about an hour later after I'd gotten home and told me that this new student, Bright Eyes (best name I could think of off the top of my head), wants to join a group lesson. The only group lesson I have is The Milds. I protested mildly that it would be a disaster in the making since The Milds, as soft-spoken as they are, are heads and shoulders above this girl. The business side of the boss came into this decision since this was Bright Eyes' request and she gave me an out by saying that if Bright Eyes is totally hopeless during her first class (pretty much a foregone conclusion), I should let the boss know lickety-split.
It's the 63rd anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, so I assume that NHK has given the live coverage of Peace Park including the speeches by the Mayor of the city and Prime Minister Fukuda. This morning, before I left my apartment at the way-too-early hour of 6:30 a.m., I saw a feature on the early morning NHK news about a 74-year-old hibakusha who's been doing his own kami-shibai (literally, "paper plays" in which a storyteller gives children tales via handmade paintings depicting various scenes) on that hot day in 1945 when the bomb hit. It was very poignant to watch since the children kinda made those blank-faced comments of the play being "scary". I very much doubt that they can truly feel or imagine what happened on August 6, 1945. And the thing is that the collective memory of the world's first nuclear attack and its aftermath is slowly dying off, much like the rest of the hibakusha. I'm pretty positive, for instance, that NHK was the only channel giving any sort of lip service to the anniversary; the other channels were probably covering The Olympics or the latest news on trendy restaurants. Not that I'm gonna get on my soapbox and tongue-lash everyone to always remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki; Japan and the world have organizations to do that far better than any individual, for one thing. And no matter how hard we try, even events as horrifying as 9/11 will, over time, be thrown into the dusty heap of history. We will remember these events but the true feelings of horror for them will slowly disappear. And so I'm left with that chilling adage about those not remembering their history being doomed to repeating it.
Tuesday August 5, 7:01 p.m.
The skies finally poured forth an entire menagerie of rain onto Chiba about an hour ago. It had the character of an Ark-level flood. Suzanne managed to get into the juku slightly damp but otherwise unbowed. I can only imagine what some of the unluckier commuters must've gone through. All is quiet on the Eastern front...for now.
Suzanne had one of our usual chat-lessons although we did get down to some business via TOEIC. She improved her score on the last test so she wants to go for the much vaunted 700 points which shouldn't be too difficult since she managed to reach 655. But I kinda wonder how much longer she'll last with me. Our lessons are pretty loosey-goosey...fun but not too sure whether they'll mean much in the long term. It was kinda similar to the case with Seven a couple of years ago; Seven was far lower in ability than Suzanne but she was more into the chat than anything else and chat will only take one so far before he/she decides that enough is enough. I may decide to propose a more structured approach.
Since Mild Jr. will be off tonight. I've got about an hour before his parents come in for their lesson. It'll probably be half a lesson, though, since they've got photos to show me of their trip through Germany last month.
Those Uighur terrorists are still making life tough for the Chinese security forces just a few days before the Beijing Olympics. A couple of them blew up some policemen and started stabbing the rest before they were finally taken down and arrested. Beijing, of course, is taking no chances and has clamped down even harder on the Olympic sites. I have no doub that the city itself will not suffer any incidents (unless there are some really deep moles underground), but the other regional cities such as Xian, Shanghai and even Hong Kong could be targets.
The skies finally poured forth an entire menagerie of rain onto Chiba about an hour ago. It had the character of an Ark-level flood. Suzanne managed to get into the juku slightly damp but otherwise unbowed. I can only imagine what some of the unluckier commuters must've gone through. All is quiet on the Eastern front...for now.
Suzanne had one of our usual chat-lessons although we did get down to some business via TOEIC. She improved her score on the last test so she wants to go for the much vaunted 700 points which shouldn't be too difficult since she managed to reach 655. But I kinda wonder how much longer she'll last with me. Our lessons are pretty loosey-goosey...fun but not too sure whether they'll mean much in the long term. It was kinda similar to the case with Seven a couple of years ago; Seven was far lower in ability than Suzanne but she was more into the chat than anything else and chat will only take one so far before he/she decides that enough is enough. I may decide to propose a more structured approach.
Since Mild Jr. will be off tonight. I've got about an hour before his parents come in for their lesson. It'll probably be half a lesson, though, since they've got photos to show me of their trip through Germany last month.
Those Uighur terrorists are still making life tough for the Chinese security forces just a few days before the Beijing Olympics. A couple of them blew up some policemen and started stabbing the rest before they were finally taken down and arrested. Beijing, of course, is taking no chances and has clamped down even harder on the Olympic sites. I have no doub that the city itself will not suffer any incidents (unless there are some really deep moles underground), but the other regional cities such as Xian, Shanghai and even Hong Kong could be targets.
Tuesday August 5, 4:31 p.m.
I had my lunch at the tonkatsu eatery after the I-cafe. The television was showing the latest in the Koshien High School Baseball Championships, a summer tradition in these parts. Keio High School won. As I was watching, the screen was surrounded by a blue frame...which always meant an ongoing bulletin. Sure enough, it was that Tokyo was being flooded again. The Weather Office has also given an alert for all of Chiba. It was spitting a bit but I was still in the clear...so to speak. However, for the past few minutes, I've been hearing rumbles like large furniture being moved above and there was the briefest moments of a squall. Not sure what it's gonna be like tonight. And will this affect the attendance of my students? The humidity is back, though. I feel like that wad of gum again.
Nothing from Jolly yet, but the boss had a rather unsure look on her face.
I had my lunch at the tonkatsu eatery after the I-cafe. The television was showing the latest in the Koshien High School Baseball Championships, a summer tradition in these parts. Keio High School won. As I was watching, the screen was surrounded by a blue frame...which always meant an ongoing bulletin. Sure enough, it was that Tokyo was being flooded again. The Weather Office has also given an alert for all of Chiba. It was spitting a bit but I was still in the clear...so to speak. However, for the past few minutes, I've been hearing rumbles like large furniture being moved above and there was the briefest moments of a squall. Not sure what it's gonna be like tonight. And will this affect the attendance of my students? The humidity is back, though. I feel like that wad of gum again.
Nothing from Jolly yet, but the boss had a rather unsure look on her face.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Tuesday August 5, 12:52 p.m.
When I left this morning to see 002, I felt not unlike a sticky wad of gum under a guy's shoe. It was really that humid. You couldn't have fit a piece of paper between my shirt and my skin. Not a pleasant commute although the subways were air-conditioned. Then, during the lesson itself, the thunderboomers sounded, the rains came and when I stepped out of her apartment, it was a different sensation. It was dry and cool(er). Such a difference, but by the time I got out to the I-cafe, that humidity was starting to insinuate itself into the air again.
I asked 002 about some terminology about that physical checkup that I'm due to take next week. She was kind enough to make the call to that clinic. It won't be closing over the O-Bon break over the next several days. It seems that I don't need to make an appointment; I just have to show up at 8:45 on that Friday morning....of course, with nothing in the tummy. That could be rough.
On Sunday morning, while MB and I were just laying about after seeing "I am Legend" on the DVD, we did some YouTube surfing. And I came across an old Morgan Freeman video during his early 70s gig on "The Electric Company". MB had never known about this "Sesame Street"-like show on phonics. It was an eye-opening experience for him, to say the least. He saw his Easy Reader character strutting, sashaying and singing to a funky beat. Several times, MB just gave me this "Are you kiddin' me?!" look. Yup, from some humble beginnings...
So it was with some surprise that I found out about Freeman's accident on "The Situation Room" this morning. His car apparently did a flip on a highway. Just glad that he's alive although his situation remains rather serious.
I've got the juku crowd tonight. Everyone with the exception of Mild Jr. will be there. And I've even got a quickie model lesson to do there as well. Just half an hour to convince the newbie. The boss told me that she wants to study Travel English so I'm bringing out the PASSPORT texts. I'm hoping that Jolly doesn't want to come out this Friday to make up a lesson. I'm starting to think that after well over a year of coming to my lessons, it may be time for him to leave the coop.
When I left this morning to see 002, I felt not unlike a sticky wad of gum under a guy's shoe. It was really that humid. You couldn't have fit a piece of paper between my shirt and my skin. Not a pleasant commute although the subways were air-conditioned. Then, during the lesson itself, the thunderboomers sounded, the rains came and when I stepped out of her apartment, it was a different sensation. It was dry and cool(er). Such a difference, but by the time I got out to the I-cafe, that humidity was starting to insinuate itself into the air again.
I asked 002 about some terminology about that physical checkup that I'm due to take next week. She was kind enough to make the call to that clinic. It won't be closing over the O-Bon break over the next several days. It seems that I don't need to make an appointment; I just have to show up at 8:45 on that Friday morning....of course, with nothing in the tummy. That could be rough.
On Sunday morning, while MB and I were just laying about after seeing "I am Legend" on the DVD, we did some YouTube surfing. And I came across an old Morgan Freeman video during his early 70s gig on "The Electric Company". MB had never known about this "Sesame Street"-like show on phonics. It was an eye-opening experience for him, to say the least. He saw his Easy Reader character strutting, sashaying and singing to a funky beat. Several times, MB just gave me this "Are you kiddin' me?!" look. Yup, from some humble beginnings...
So it was with some surprise that I found out about Freeman's accident on "The Situation Room" this morning. His car apparently did a flip on a highway. Just glad that he's alive although his situation remains rather serious.
I've got the juku crowd tonight. Everyone with the exception of Mild Jr. will be there. And I've even got a quickie model lesson to do there as well. Just half an hour to convince the newbie. The boss told me that she wants to study Travel English so I'm bringing out the PASSPORT texts. I'm hoping that Jolly doesn't want to come out this Friday to make up a lesson. I'm starting to think that after well over a year of coming to my lessons, it may be time for him to leave the coop.
Monday August 4, 10:49 p.m.
Well, Medicine Man was his usual button-down best. Man, when I showed him out, I was hit assaulted by a wave of humidity out there. It's gonna be a tough ride home tonight.
I have to admit that I was rather surprised that the actor who had played Porkins (Red Six) in "Star Wars", that G-man at the start and end of "Raiders of the Lost Ark", and the corrupt Lt. Eckhardt in Tim Burton's "Batman" back in 1989 were all played by the same actor, William Hootkins. There's always a surprise in Wikipedia.
Now for that long unpleasant commute home.
Well, Medicine Man was his usual button-down best. Man, when I showed him out, I was hit assaulted by a wave of humidity out there. It's gonna be a tough ride home tonight.
I have to admit that I was rather surprised that the actor who had played Porkins (Red Six) in "Star Wars", that G-man at the start and end of "Raiders of the Lost Ark", and the corrupt Lt. Eckhardt in Tim Burton's "Batman" back in 1989 were all played by the same actor, William Hootkins. There's always a surprise in Wikipedia.
Now for that long unpleasant commute home.
Monday August 4, 9:00 p.m.
Feeling truly tired after that model lesson. Model lessons really tucker me out. Not that this one was a hardcase. Far from it, she was a good egg. Got along quite well with her. She was quite interested in the fact that I was interested in dialects, Japanese and American. Speedy wasn't sure if she's gonna sign, though.
Still, I have one more lesson with Medicine Man. Shouldn't be much of a problem. Just have to fight fatigue.
Feeling truly tired after that model lesson. Model lessons really tucker me out. Not that this one was a hardcase. Far from it, she was a good egg. Got along quite well with her. She was quite interested in the fact that I was interested in dialects, Japanese and American. Speedy wasn't sure if she's gonna sign, though.
Still, I have one more lesson with Medicine Man. Shouldn't be much of a problem. Just have to fight fatigue.
Monday August 4, 5:32 p.m.
The scorching weather is back here. It was feeling mighty torrid as MB and I made our way to Jiyugaoka Station yesterday. It didn't help that I'd had stuffed into my bag, "The Making of Indiana Jones", that coffeetable book that I'd given him for his birthday. MB was generous enough to lend it to me.
We got over to Roppongi Hills within 30 minutes to catch "The Incredible Hulk" at the Toho Cinemas. We actually arrived a couple of hours before post time so we spent some of that time at the bookstore and then had some coffee at the local branch of Segafredo.
As for "Hulk", it did work so much better than the Ang Lee predecessor since there was none of that navelgazing artsy stuff. It was pretty much a chase picture from beginning to end. The opening credits even left me somewhat winded...giving me the entire origin of the big guy in about a minute. The romantic interludes were pretty much forced and about as thin as urine in a Petri Dish (love that quote by Montreal Canadiens coach, Bob Berry), but I didn't come to watch a Hulk romance. I wanted see Hulk smash...and that's what I got. When I saw some of those final scenes between him and The Abomination, I had some reluctance about the film since I thought the CG there didn't look too good. However, on seeing the whole deal, it strangely did work out. At least, it worked far better than seeing the big green guy go up against two Hulkified poodles and his father-turned-jellyfish in the first movie. And there was actually some humour to go with the Sturm und Drang....Stan Lee getting a bit of that Hulk formula, "You wouldn't like me when I'm...hungry" and mousy Betty Ross going medieval on a New York cab driver. And there was some interesting continuity points dealing with The Super-Soldier programme, Tony Stark's cameo and his little hint of putting together a team. I would actually like to see a sequel with Ed Norton now.
But the surprising thing about watching "The Incredible Hulk" was seeing that some of those battle scenes at Culver University actually took place right on the big lawn in front of my alma mater, the University of Toronto. Saw Med Sci and University College right then and there.
After a satisfying movie, MB and I decided to have a satisfying dinner at Tony Roma's in Roppongi. Yep, the whole dinner with the ribs and steak cost me 5,000 yen, but once in a while, you just gotta treat yourself. I've been a pretty good boy over the months since the financial crunch so I think I deserved this one. I did hold off on dessert, though. Even the apple pie would've ruptured my GI tract by that point.
MB talked about some of the exchange programmes that have been going on between his school and a girls' school in his native land, Australia. Looks like there have been a few examples of growing pains over the past few years. I would probably say that dealing with teenage girls themselves in any situation will entail pain.
Woke up this morning bathed in sweat. The big towel under me was pretty damp when I woke up, so I knew that this was gonna be a really hot day. And the high temp for today was 35 C. OUCH! No choice...had to activate the AC to remain sane. Since I only have a model lesson student (yep, they keep on rolling in) and Medicine Man tonight, I decided to take the risk of crisping myself and head on out for some lunch at Nathan's, the hot dog place in Shiodome, right under the headquarters of NTV. Had no choice but to eat al fresco since I couldn't see any access to the 2nd floor. Survived OK but left my handkerchief and wet wipes at home, so I was getting pretty salty.
Took the Yurikamome from Shimbashi to head over to Odaiba for the first time in a couple of years. It's been 13 years since I first took the chance of going over there for the first time and, although the computer-operated monorail had already been pressed into service, the place had looked like a giant Meccano set (that would still be Fuji-TV HQ) in the middle of a giant sandbox. Now, the place looks like a gigantic city on Tokyo Bay. There have been a few more modern buildings plunked down onto the area like a couple of additions in the future phase of a SimCity game. Visited the DECKS and Aqua City malls. The former has been continuing its morphing. One floor has become a place totally dedicated to esthetic and massage salons; very chic and totally unaffordable for idle English teachers. The Little Hong Kong mockups are still there, though. On the other side of the complex, another floor has become Muscle Beach, a playfloor for the kiddies.
Aqua City was filled with the families and teens since school is out. However, I still enjoyed walking through the area. I was surprised to see that Cinnabons with its wafting aroma of cinnamon was still there on the ground floor. Didn't fall prey to it, though. Braved the heat emanating from the concrete and filled myself up with pop from the vending machines. It would become the undercurrent theme for my day...I don't think I'll be eating any really substantial tonight since it's just too darn hot. Liquid nourishment will do me just fine.
I actually could walk across the half-kilometre with a pit stop at a conbini for some wet wipes to Palette Town and VenusFort. Not much has changed about this mall supposedly made for women (and apparently still strong enough for men). The interior was still made up to resemble faux-Italy. However, the powers-that-be have added a casino (!) into one of the nooks. The Village Vanguard still existed on the ground floor. This has no connection with the legendary jazz joint in New York, or, for that matter, the burger place up in Kichijoji. It's a shop filled with some of the strange knickknacks that would occupy an attic or bedroom of an otaku. For example, I did see some half-inflated Dutch Wives...and Husbands hanging (heheheh) up in the rafters of the shop, along with some Star Wars paraphernalia. The Perfume CDs were racked up while the video clip of their latest song was playing nearby.
I discovered that VenusFort was not only female-friendly but also dog-friendly as well. A couple of the restaurants actively encouraged the presence of the canines. I actually played a pinball machine (still some of those left over) which featured The Simpsons. As expected, I only lasted a few minutes....well, it only cost me a hundred yen.
Finally decided to come back to reality so I took the Rinkai Line over to Osaki Station before transferring to JR Yamanote Line and coming over to Speedy's. As I said before, I'm not all that hungry...just bought a so-men bento and yet another drink from the vending machine.
Had to make up one of the tests for 002 tomorrow since it apparently has yet to exist so that had taken up a good portion of my time before doing this entry. Lulu has been pretty much under Speedy's charge since she's taken times that I'm simply not available for. She came in today and flashed a slightly embarrassed smile.
Tomorrow will be another slower day since The Beehive is on hiatus for the summer. I've got 002 earlier in the morning and then it'll just be the juku bunch in the evening. Even so, Mild Jr. will not be there and Jolly continues to be the missing man in the formation.
The scorching weather is back here. It was feeling mighty torrid as MB and I made our way to Jiyugaoka Station yesterday. It didn't help that I'd had stuffed into my bag, "The Making of Indiana Jones", that coffeetable book that I'd given him for his birthday. MB was generous enough to lend it to me.
We got over to Roppongi Hills within 30 minutes to catch "The Incredible Hulk" at the Toho Cinemas. We actually arrived a couple of hours before post time so we spent some of that time at the bookstore and then had some coffee at the local branch of Segafredo.
As for "Hulk", it did work so much better than the Ang Lee predecessor since there was none of that navelgazing artsy stuff. It was pretty much a chase picture from beginning to end. The opening credits even left me somewhat winded...giving me the entire origin of the big guy in about a minute. The romantic interludes were pretty much forced and about as thin as urine in a Petri Dish (love that quote by Montreal Canadiens coach, Bob Berry), but I didn't come to watch a Hulk romance. I wanted see Hulk smash...and that's what I got. When I saw some of those final scenes between him and The Abomination, I had some reluctance about the film since I thought the CG there didn't look too good. However, on seeing the whole deal, it strangely did work out. At least, it worked far better than seeing the big green guy go up against two Hulkified poodles and his father-turned-jellyfish in the first movie. And there was actually some humour to go with the Sturm und Drang....Stan Lee getting a bit of that Hulk formula, "You wouldn't like me when I'm...hungry" and mousy Betty Ross going medieval on a New York cab driver. And there was some interesting continuity points dealing with The Super-Soldier programme, Tony Stark's cameo and his little hint of putting together a team. I would actually like to see a sequel with Ed Norton now.
But the surprising thing about watching "The Incredible Hulk" was seeing that some of those battle scenes at Culver University actually took place right on the big lawn in front of my alma mater, the University of Toronto. Saw Med Sci and University College right then and there.
After a satisfying movie, MB and I decided to have a satisfying dinner at Tony Roma's in Roppongi. Yep, the whole dinner with the ribs and steak cost me 5,000 yen, but once in a while, you just gotta treat yourself. I've been a pretty good boy over the months since the financial crunch so I think I deserved this one. I did hold off on dessert, though. Even the apple pie would've ruptured my GI tract by that point.
MB talked about some of the exchange programmes that have been going on between his school and a girls' school in his native land, Australia. Looks like there have been a few examples of growing pains over the past few years. I would probably say that dealing with teenage girls themselves in any situation will entail pain.
Woke up this morning bathed in sweat. The big towel under me was pretty damp when I woke up, so I knew that this was gonna be a really hot day. And the high temp for today was 35 C. OUCH! No choice...had to activate the AC to remain sane. Since I only have a model lesson student (yep, they keep on rolling in) and Medicine Man tonight, I decided to take the risk of crisping myself and head on out for some lunch at Nathan's, the hot dog place in Shiodome, right under the headquarters of NTV. Had no choice but to eat al fresco since I couldn't see any access to the 2nd floor. Survived OK but left my handkerchief and wet wipes at home, so I was getting pretty salty.
Took the Yurikamome from Shimbashi to head over to Odaiba for the first time in a couple of years. It's been 13 years since I first took the chance of going over there for the first time and, although the computer-operated monorail had already been pressed into service, the place had looked like a giant Meccano set (that would still be Fuji-TV HQ) in the middle of a giant sandbox. Now, the place looks like a gigantic city on Tokyo Bay. There have been a few more modern buildings plunked down onto the area like a couple of additions in the future phase of a SimCity game. Visited the DECKS and Aqua City malls. The former has been continuing its morphing. One floor has become a place totally dedicated to esthetic and massage salons; very chic and totally unaffordable for idle English teachers. The Little Hong Kong mockups are still there, though. On the other side of the complex, another floor has become Muscle Beach, a playfloor for the kiddies.
Aqua City was filled with the families and teens since school is out. However, I still enjoyed walking through the area. I was surprised to see that Cinnabons with its wafting aroma of cinnamon was still there on the ground floor. Didn't fall prey to it, though. Braved the heat emanating from the concrete and filled myself up with pop from the vending machines. It would become the undercurrent theme for my day...I don't think I'll be eating any really substantial tonight since it's just too darn hot. Liquid nourishment will do me just fine.
I actually could walk across the half-kilometre with a pit stop at a conbini for some wet wipes to Palette Town and VenusFort. Not much has changed about this mall supposedly made for women (and apparently still strong enough for men). The interior was still made up to resemble faux-Italy. However, the powers-that-be have added a casino (!) into one of the nooks. The Village Vanguard still existed on the ground floor. This has no connection with the legendary jazz joint in New York, or, for that matter, the burger place up in Kichijoji. It's a shop filled with some of the strange knickknacks that would occupy an attic or bedroom of an otaku. For example, I did see some half-inflated Dutch Wives...and Husbands hanging (heheheh) up in the rafters of the shop, along with some Star Wars paraphernalia. The Perfume CDs were racked up while the video clip of their latest song was playing nearby.
I discovered that VenusFort was not only female-friendly but also dog-friendly as well. A couple of the restaurants actively encouraged the presence of the canines. I actually played a pinball machine (still some of those left over) which featured The Simpsons. As expected, I only lasted a few minutes....well, it only cost me a hundred yen.
Finally decided to come back to reality so I took the Rinkai Line over to Osaki Station before transferring to JR Yamanote Line and coming over to Speedy's. As I said before, I'm not all that hungry...just bought a so-men bento and yet another drink from the vending machine.
Had to make up one of the tests for 002 tomorrow since it apparently has yet to exist so that had taken up a good portion of my time before doing this entry. Lulu has been pretty much under Speedy's charge since she's taken times that I'm simply not available for. She came in today and flashed a slightly embarrassed smile.
Tomorrow will be another slower day since The Beehive is on hiatus for the summer. I've got 002 earlier in the morning and then it'll just be the juku bunch in the evening. Even so, Mild Jr. will not be there and Jolly continues to be the missing man in the formation.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Sunday August 3, 1:38 a.m.
Currently at MB's getting ready to wind down; MB himself is taking a shower. It's pretty nice being in Jiyugaoka. There's a lot more going on here in this neighbourhood than there is in my little bedroom town. When we met up, I just saw The Sylph for just a few minutes before she had to take off for Osaka on business. Then, MB and I just went to the local Tsutaya and picked up the night's triple feature: "I am Legend", "Shooter" and "Good Night and Good Luck".
MB's new place has actually been lived in for well over 6 months ago. It's a comfy place...certainly roomier than my hole, and since it's all flooring, he and The Sylph don't have to deal with rotting tatami mats. We hung out for a couple of hours...he looked over the copy of "Total Film" I gave him while I perused that coffee book treatment of the Indiana Jones franchise that I'd also given him for his birthday.
Dinner was about 5 minutes walk away at Zats Sasebo Burger. MB had happened upon it just a few days ago. It must've been new since the lad has had his walks through the maze-like streets around Jiyugaoka Station but had never come across this burger eatery before. The proof was borne out with some of the acceptable miscues by the staff. Still working out the kinks, we saw. Still, it was a pretty big classy-looking place with friendly service. The Jumbo Sasebo Burgers were decent in the domestically de rigueur paper bags. MB noticed that the ketchup and cream were pretty chintzy though for our fries and coffee respectively. Sign of our inflated times.
Got home to watch "Good Night and Good Luck", that George Clooney film on Ed Murrow's battle with the fanatical Senator McCarthy. Great pic...very understated and classy with some nice jazz interludes by Dianne Reeves. There was none of the histrionics which would be common in an Oscar-level flick, and David Straithairn was absolutely perfect as the taciturn Murrow. Since we seem to be in the Year of the Superhero, it's interesting to note that there was a former Batman (Clooney) and a future Ironman (Robert Downey Jr.).
On the other hand, "Shooter", with one of the Wahlberg boys, screamed B-picture right from the stereotypical years-ago prelude with the death of a close friend, the frame-up by the psychotic army officer (that would be Danny Glover) and the amoral senator (that would be Ned Beatty), and the inevitable retribution by the hero. The problem was that the execution didn't quite click.
We've still got to see Will Smith's "I am Legend" later on this morning before we head on out to see "The Hulk". We'll be heading for Roppongi Hills since that's basically a straight line from Jiyugaoka via the Hibiya Line. We were surprised to find out that "The Dark Knight" was already playing there, but I discovered via The Internet Movie Database that it had been put out in limited release only in some of the major theatres. MB might be sorely tempted to make it a double-superhero day.
My day at Speedy's wasn't the best. Firstly, The Intellectual kindly admonished me for not correcting him so I quickly...and kindly...slapped him down with some corrections. Then, Slim came back not fully recovered from jet lag so he was just about as draggy as The Pessimist. Couldn't really wait to get out of the school.
Anyways, I should be hitting bed....or the sofa, in tonight's case.
Currently at MB's getting ready to wind down; MB himself is taking a shower. It's pretty nice being in Jiyugaoka. There's a lot more going on here in this neighbourhood than there is in my little bedroom town. When we met up, I just saw The Sylph for just a few minutes before she had to take off for Osaka on business. Then, MB and I just went to the local Tsutaya and picked up the night's triple feature: "I am Legend", "Shooter" and "Good Night and Good Luck".
MB's new place has actually been lived in for well over 6 months ago. It's a comfy place...certainly roomier than my hole, and since it's all flooring, he and The Sylph don't have to deal with rotting tatami mats. We hung out for a couple of hours...he looked over the copy of "Total Film" I gave him while I perused that coffee book treatment of the Indiana Jones franchise that I'd also given him for his birthday.
Dinner was about 5 minutes walk away at Zats Sasebo Burger. MB had happened upon it just a few days ago. It must've been new since the lad has had his walks through the maze-like streets around Jiyugaoka Station but had never come across this burger eatery before. The proof was borne out with some of the acceptable miscues by the staff. Still working out the kinks, we saw. Still, it was a pretty big classy-looking place with friendly service. The Jumbo Sasebo Burgers were decent in the domestically de rigueur paper bags. MB noticed that the ketchup and cream were pretty chintzy though for our fries and coffee respectively. Sign of our inflated times.
Got home to watch "Good Night and Good Luck", that George Clooney film on Ed Murrow's battle with the fanatical Senator McCarthy. Great pic...very understated and classy with some nice jazz interludes by Dianne Reeves. There was none of the histrionics which would be common in an Oscar-level flick, and David Straithairn was absolutely perfect as the taciturn Murrow. Since we seem to be in the Year of the Superhero, it's interesting to note that there was a former Batman (Clooney) and a future Ironman (Robert Downey Jr.).
On the other hand, "Shooter", with one of the Wahlberg boys, screamed B-picture right from the stereotypical years-ago prelude with the death of a close friend, the frame-up by the psychotic army officer (that would be Danny Glover) and the amoral senator (that would be Ned Beatty), and the inevitable retribution by the hero. The problem was that the execution didn't quite click.
We've still got to see Will Smith's "I am Legend" later on this morning before we head on out to see "The Hulk". We'll be heading for Roppongi Hills since that's basically a straight line from Jiyugaoka via the Hibiya Line. We were surprised to find out that "The Dark Knight" was already playing there, but I discovered via The Internet Movie Database that it had been put out in limited release only in some of the major theatres. MB might be sorely tempted to make it a double-superhero day.
My day at Speedy's wasn't the best. Firstly, The Intellectual kindly admonished me for not correcting him so I quickly...and kindly...slapped him down with some corrections. Then, Slim came back not fully recovered from jet lag so he was just about as draggy as The Pessimist. Couldn't really wait to get out of the school.
Anyways, I should be hitting bed....or the sofa, in tonight's case.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Saturday August 2, 10:30 a.m.
Looks like I've got more to say....I saw CNN report that a US submarine, The USS Houston, may have been leaking radioactive water during its ports of call in San Diego and a base here in Japan. I'm sure both sides in the decades-long dispute of having nuclear subs visit this country are collectively saying "AW, F**K!" right now.
There will be a couple of talking points with MB for sure today. For one thing, the next James Bond movie, "Quantum of Solace" has its theme song singers, Alicia Keys and Jack White. It's gonna be a duet (hmmmm to uh-oh is my reaction). I'm sure Simon Cowell is probably smacking his head against a very hard wall right now. Amy Winehouse was at one point attached to the movie soundtrack but it looks like she's been re-living her own "Live and Let Die" moment so nada to her. Then, there is the upcoming issue of EMPIRE Magazine with a special on "Watchmen"; looks darn good but so did "Dick Tracy".
I was looking at the new Fukuda Cabinet and apparently ol' Yasuo did change 13 out of the 17 ministers but I'm still not seeing anything particularly fresh out there. Still, I was struck by the Japan Times article assertion that Seiko Noda may be getting groomed for the Prime Ministership, although I very much doubt that she'll get it after Fukuda since she's gotten the relatively low-key portfolio of Consumer Affairs. Apparently, manga-loving Taro Aso has gotten his key position back in the shuffle, so he may be the next guy to take over.
Did get a final e-mail from The Full-Timer before she took off for Hong Kong with her mother today. Looks like she might try the Jade Garden Restaurant in Kowloon since her hotel is just behind The Peninsula.
Looks like I've got more to say....I saw CNN report that a US submarine, The USS Houston, may have been leaking radioactive water during its ports of call in San Diego and a base here in Japan. I'm sure both sides in the decades-long dispute of having nuclear subs visit this country are collectively saying "AW, F**K!" right now.
There will be a couple of talking points with MB for sure today. For one thing, the next James Bond movie, "Quantum of Solace" has its theme song singers, Alicia Keys and Jack White. It's gonna be a duet (hmmmm to uh-oh is my reaction). I'm sure Simon Cowell is probably smacking his head against a very hard wall right now. Amy Winehouse was at one point attached to the movie soundtrack but it looks like she's been re-living her own "Live and Let Die" moment so nada to her. Then, there is the upcoming issue of EMPIRE Magazine with a special on "Watchmen"; looks darn good but so did "Dick Tracy".
I was looking at the new Fukuda Cabinet and apparently ol' Yasuo did change 13 out of the 17 ministers but I'm still not seeing anything particularly fresh out there. Still, I was struck by the Japan Times article assertion that Seiko Noda may be getting groomed for the Prime Ministership, although I very much doubt that she'll get it after Fukuda since she's gotten the relatively low-key portfolio of Consumer Affairs. Apparently, manga-loving Taro Aso has gotten his key position back in the shuffle, so he may be the next guy to take over.
Did get a final e-mail from The Full-Timer before she took off for Hong Kong with her mother today. Looks like she might try the Jade Garden Restaurant in Kowloon since her hotel is just behind The Peninsula.
Saturday August 2, 10:15 a.m.
Back at Speedy's. It's gonna be back to the slow broil after a couple of days of relatively dry and pleasantly warm weather. The bossman himself is training the newest kid on the block, Violet. He made the requisite introductions. Sounds like she can handle the English language.
Last night, it was The Ace. Looks like he'd been on his very first business trip to Okayama over the past week. And he'll be away next week as well. It's possible I may have an early night off next Friday. Not too bad...may actually catch the opening ceremonies in Beijing.
I've got The Intellectual and Slim today before I head off to see MB in his neighbourhood. The Intellectual will probably be sweating like a sprinkler. As for Slim, it'll be his first lesson since coming back from his big German business trip. I'm sure he'll have tales to tell. I don't think it'll be quite as exciting as The Milds' brush with potential terrorism and Barack Obama, but he should have something to say.
There have been rumours buzzing from the psychics that Tokyo is due for The Big One this month, notably August 16th. Well, I'm taking the news with a huge grain of shio but perhaps luckily, the day will be my scheduled day off from Speedy. So, if the quake does topple concrete onto me, at least it'll be my home concrete.
That big shuffle in the Fukuda Cabinet didn't really strike me as anything dramatic. I've got a feeling that ol' Yasuo will have to think about retirement plans in another month or so.
Back at Speedy's. It's gonna be back to the slow broil after a couple of days of relatively dry and pleasantly warm weather. The bossman himself is training the newest kid on the block, Violet. He made the requisite introductions. Sounds like she can handle the English language.
Last night, it was The Ace. Looks like he'd been on his very first business trip to Okayama over the past week. And he'll be away next week as well. It's possible I may have an early night off next Friday. Not too bad...may actually catch the opening ceremonies in Beijing.
I've got The Intellectual and Slim today before I head off to see MB in his neighbourhood. The Intellectual will probably be sweating like a sprinkler. As for Slim, it'll be his first lesson since coming back from his big German business trip. I'm sure he'll have tales to tell. I don't think it'll be quite as exciting as The Milds' brush with potential terrorism and Barack Obama, but he should have something to say.
There have been rumours buzzing from the psychics that Tokyo is due for The Big One this month, notably August 16th. Well, I'm taking the news with a huge grain of shio but perhaps luckily, the day will be my scheduled day off from Speedy. So, if the quake does topple concrete onto me, at least it'll be my home concrete.
That big shuffle in the Fukuda Cabinet didn't really strike me as anything dramatic. I've got a feeling that ol' Yasuo will have to think about retirement plans in another month or so.
Friday August 1, 8:23 p.m.
Back at the juku. Of course, the boss asked me a little worriedly where I'd been...despite the fact that I was still 50 minutes before The Ace's arrival. Then again, I usually arrive at the place a full 2 hours beforehand. I was a little dismissive of her concern...unfortunately, a definite weak point in my personality. I can get easily dismissive of people if my mind is concentrating on something else or if I think their concerns are nothing to be concerned about. It's probably one of the reasons that I never got married...I'd go slightly mad at being asked about every little thing and my wife would just plain get mad.
In any case, that Fukuda Cabinet re-shuffle has apparently taken place but I've heard nothing anywhere on the Net yet. Even Wikipedia,which tends to jump the gun on these events, has nothing.
Something interesting I found out in the "It's a small world" category. 001's hometown of Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture and my own home of Toronto are sister cities.
Back at the juku. Of course, the boss asked me a little worriedly where I'd been...despite the fact that I was still 50 minutes before The Ace's arrival. Then again, I usually arrive at the place a full 2 hours beforehand. I was a little dismissive of her concern...unfortunately, a definite weak point in my personality. I can get easily dismissive of people if my mind is concentrating on something else or if I think their concerns are nothing to be concerned about. It's probably one of the reasons that I never got married...I'd go slightly mad at being asked about every little thing and my wife would just plain get mad.
In any case, that Fukuda Cabinet re-shuffle has apparently taken place but I've heard nothing anywhere on the Net yet. Even Wikipedia,which tends to jump the gun on these events, has nothing.
Something interesting I found out in the "It's a small world" category. 001's hometown of Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture and my own home of Toronto are sister cities.
Friday August 1, 5:28 p.m.
Speedy was feeling the need for some junk-y, so it was a run to The Golden Arches for a couple of Big Mac Sets. Ray politely declined the offer. I called up the juku boss. Jolly will not be showing up but The Ace will have to make up a lesson in any case so I'll be out of there at around 10.
Speedy will be showing yet another new staffer the ropes for Saturday. So, I'll have to put out the charm again since I'll be working with her pretty regularly.
I talked with MB. The Satyr will still be in England for the next few weeks so it'll just be the two of us at the Western HQ for DVD Night. He's looking around for a good burger joint for dinner tomorrow. It will make for a nice diversion from the usual pizza.
My old friend, The Entrepreneur, will be having his birthday this weekend so I sent him a card via Facebook. I never could remember when his b-day was so it was good that I got plenty of cues from him and The Dancer.
Speedy was feeling the need for some junk-y, so it was a run to The Golden Arches for a couple of Big Mac Sets. Ray politely declined the offer. I called up the juku boss. Jolly will not be showing up but The Ace will have to make up a lesson in any case so I'll be out of there at around 10.
Speedy will be showing yet another new staffer the ropes for Saturday. So, I'll have to put out the charm again since I'll be working with her pretty regularly.
I talked with MB. The Satyr will still be in England for the next few weeks so it'll just be the two of us at the Western HQ for DVD Night. He's looking around for a good burger joint for dinner tomorrow. It will make for a nice diversion from the usual pizza.
My old friend, The Entrepreneur, will be having his birthday this weekend so I sent him a card via Facebook. I never could remember when his b-day was so it was good that I got plenty of cues from him and The Dancer.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Friday August 1, 3:55 p.m.
Well, finished up with the lessons here at Speedy's. The Pessimist was again rather turtle-like in his answers. The EIC student wrapped up nicely though I was kinda winging it since she was such an advanced student (i.e. she really didn't need to take the lessons).
Ray is handling her new responsibilities all right, although I think she has the bad habit of playing with her hair.
I'll probably hang out here for another hour before heading out to Urayasu. Still way too early since The Ace has his classes at 9.
Well, finished up with the lessons here at Speedy's. The Pessimist was again rather turtle-like in his answers. The EIC student wrapped up nicely though I was kinda winging it since she was such an advanced student (i.e. she really didn't need to take the lessons).
Ray is handling her new responsibilities all right, although I think she has the bad habit of playing with her hair.
I'll probably hang out here for another hour before heading out to Urayasu. Still way too early since The Ace has his classes at 9.
Friday August 1, 10:31 a.m.
Back at Speedy's after a somewhat weird night here. It was the squished-in farewell pizza party for BC although the bossman still had a student to teach soon afterward. And he seemed a bit tense for some reason. However, he is back to his smiley self in the post-BC era. It's now Ray's beat. She should be coming in very soon. The Magician has arrived for her first lesson in a couple of months; she was out in Kentucky for a magic conference.
The countdown to The Olympics has begun in earnest with a week and counting. Of course, there is all that problem with the persistent smog in Beijing and now the world media is crying foul at China seemingly welching on that more open policy. Guys, it's a Communist country! By definition, China won't ever let media be free. I also saw on CNN an interview with these Olympics' oldest athlete, and he happens to be a Japanese equestrian. And pretty darn fluent in English.
PM Fukuda is planning to shuffle his Cabinet today or this weekend. But when he has a deck filled with jokers....I think the only true surprise would be if he shuffled himself out of office.
I've been reading about that psychopath who managed to kill and then saw off his seatmate's head on a bus in Manitoba to the horror of the other passengers. And here I thought Japan was having problems...
Anyways, I got The Pessimist in 20 minutes and then that EIC student in a few hours. So far as I know, I've got The Ace at the juku but I'm gonna call the boss there to see if Jolly is showing up or not.
Back at Speedy's after a somewhat weird night here. It was the squished-in farewell pizza party for BC although the bossman still had a student to teach soon afterward. And he seemed a bit tense for some reason. However, he is back to his smiley self in the post-BC era. It's now Ray's beat. She should be coming in very soon. The Magician has arrived for her first lesson in a couple of months; she was out in Kentucky for a magic conference.
The countdown to The Olympics has begun in earnest with a week and counting. Of course, there is all that problem with the persistent smog in Beijing and now the world media is crying foul at China seemingly welching on that more open policy. Guys, it's a Communist country! By definition, China won't ever let media be free. I also saw on CNN an interview with these Olympics' oldest athlete, and he happens to be a Japanese equestrian. And pretty darn fluent in English.
PM Fukuda is planning to shuffle his Cabinet today or this weekend. But when he has a deck filled with jokers....I think the only true surprise would be if he shuffled himself out of office.
I've been reading about that psychopath who managed to kill and then saw off his seatmate's head on a bus in Manitoba to the horror of the other passengers. And here I thought Japan was having problems...
Anyways, I got The Pessimist in 20 minutes and then that EIC student in a few hours. So far as I know, I've got The Ace at the juku but I'm gonna call the boss there to see if Jolly is showing up or not.
Thursday July 31, 8:24 p.m.
Well, the party's coming to a close...the pizza from Salvatore's has been devoured, the ladies BC, Mrs. Speedy, AK and newbie Ray are just chatting away nearby as women will. Meanwhile, the bossman himself is teaching his student right now. We managed to squeeze in the little farewell for BC between the hours of 7 and 8.
I'll probably take off for home in the next hour or so. Not too ready to leave quite yet since the rush hour is probably gaining strength. Just have The Pessimist and that final appearance by the EIC student tomorrow followed by The Ace and maybe even Jolly.
Well, the party's coming to a close...the pizza from Salvatore's has been devoured, the ladies BC, Mrs. Speedy, AK and newbie Ray are just chatting away nearby as women will. Meanwhile, the bossman himself is teaching his student right now. We managed to squeeze in the little farewell for BC between the hours of 7 and 8.
I'll probably take off for home in the next hour or so. Not too ready to leave quite yet since the rush hour is probably gaining strength. Just have The Pessimist and that final appearance by the EIC student tomorrow followed by The Ace and maybe even Jolly.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Thursday July 31, 12:23 p.m.
Grandma Dynamite was fine, although one can only expect so much from a septugenarian. It's BC's final day and she's doing some final training for Ray before leaving the school for the final time. Y'know, when she's busy training somebody, BC can be as sharp and competent as anyone; it's only when she's alone that we start to worry.
I ended up going off to Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku to get the farewell card for BC. Not too humid so far so it was quite bearable walking outside. My account is again quite a bit lighter after paying some of the month's bills, including the balance to Speedy for my air ticket back home this winter. Passed through the basement restaurant floor of the Maynds Building above Shinjuku Station and was sorely tempted by that Chinese eatery. However, lest there be some emergency at the school, I decided to pick up an udon lunch at the conbini near the school instead. In any case, we've got pizza coming later tonight, so I figure that I shouldn't be stuffing myself too much today...a concept that I wouldn't even have imagined a decade ago.
Grandma Dynamite was fine, although one can only expect so much from a septugenarian. It's BC's final day and she's doing some final training for Ray before leaving the school for the final time. Y'know, when she's busy training somebody, BC can be as sharp and competent as anyone; it's only when she's alone that we start to worry.
I ended up going off to Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku to get the farewell card for BC. Not too humid so far so it was quite bearable walking outside. My account is again quite a bit lighter after paying some of the month's bills, including the balance to Speedy for my air ticket back home this winter. Passed through the basement restaurant floor of the Maynds Building above Shinjuku Station and was sorely tempted by that Chinese eatery. However, lest there be some emergency at the school, I decided to pick up an udon lunch at the conbini near the school instead. In any case, we've got pizza coming later tonight, so I figure that I shouldn't be stuffing myself too much today...a concept that I wouldn't even have imagined a decade ago.
Thursday July 31, 8:10 a.m.
Another late night coming home. It seemed like a Friday night. I saw one middle-ager tumble over when my subway lurched a bit. He, of course, gave tacit apologies and stood back up as nonchalantly as he could. Then, apparently, the train was delayed a bit when one guy refused to get behind the yellow line which activated the conductor's speech about following the rules. As if people would really be listening at midnight.
And of course, I'm here at the unearthly hour of 8 a.m. after just 5 hours of sleep. The Patent Attorney should be coming in at any second, and Grandma Dynamite will be starting up an hour ahead of schedule. Gonna have several hours then before The Big Lug comes for his lesson so I will get some bills paid...I might get a card for BC. I believe today is her last day here before she takes off for Canada.
My missive to Skippy about "The Hulk" took its sweet time getting a response...which therefore meant that she wasn't going to come. Usually if it's a positive response, it would have arrived lickety-split.
Another late night coming home. It seemed like a Friday night. I saw one middle-ager tumble over when my subway lurched a bit. He, of course, gave tacit apologies and stood back up as nonchalantly as he could. Then, apparently, the train was delayed a bit when one guy refused to get behind the yellow line which activated the conductor's speech about following the rules. As if people would really be listening at midnight.
And of course, I'm here at the unearthly hour of 8 a.m. after just 5 hours of sleep. The Patent Attorney should be coming in at any second, and Grandma Dynamite will be starting up an hour ahead of schedule. Gonna have several hours then before The Big Lug comes for his lesson so I will get some bills paid...I might get a card for BC. I believe today is her last day here before she takes off for Canada.
My missive to Skippy about "The Hulk" took its sweet time getting a response...which therefore meant that she wasn't going to come. Usually if it's a positive response, it would have arrived lickety-split.
Wednesday July 30, 9:41 p.m.
And Hump Day is finally over. Fatigue has kicked in. I'm ready for bed. But I've got miles to go before I sleep. Prissy was just a matter of finding what her comfort level is but I'll be able to get a handle. The EIC student was fine and the model lesson student was also pleasant. Both 001 and I were pretty baked by that time so it was just a slow fade to black since we are both accustomed to just chewing the fat. However, The Diver got me back on track since she's still a low student who's got high drive. In any case, I'm done like dinner.
Looks like we've got a plan for BC's farewell. It'll be a bit of takeout pizza in-house since I've got nothing after Miss Sedona. Since I've got quite a bit of time between Grandma Dynamite and The Big Lug, maybe I'll use it to get a card for BC. Apparently, she'll be moving to Burnaby.
And Hump Day is finally over. Fatigue has kicked in. I'm ready for bed. But I've got miles to go before I sleep. Prissy was just a matter of finding what her comfort level is but I'll be able to get a handle. The EIC student was fine and the model lesson student was also pleasant. Both 001 and I were pretty baked by that time so it was just a slow fade to black since we are both accustomed to just chewing the fat. However, The Diver got me back on track since she's still a low student who's got high drive. In any case, I'm done like dinner.
Looks like we've got a plan for BC's farewell. It'll be a bit of takeout pizza in-house since I've got nothing after Miss Sedona. Since I've got quite a bit of time between Grandma Dynamite and The Big Lug, maybe I'll use it to get a card for BC. Apparently, she'll be moving to Burnaby.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Wednesday July 30, 1:10 p.m.
It was the usual slow-as-molasses lesson with The Pessimist. I'd say that he was a true Buddhist in his contemplation. However, he did ask me an interesting question at the end of the lesson concerning the concept of saying "I'm sorry." He asked for my opinion on how I felt about the Japanese apologizing. Well, I said that there are people who think that the Japanese doth apologize too much with their "Sumimasen" and "Honto ni moshiwakearimasen". The recent numerous scandals illustrate this to such a degree to really water down any true sincerity in their prostrations. If my last statement sounds like I'm passing the buck, I'm not. I know that apologizing is part and parcel of the cultural mores here, and I also give out my ton of apologies on a daily basis (being the size I am in a crowded train pretty much guarantees it).
I then asked The Pessimist how he felt about apologizing in American culture...which is what I think he was getting at. He felt that Americans don't apologize nearly enough. At that point, I explained how in Western countries, especially the extremely litigious United States, that apologizing publicly could be perceived as being tantamount to surrendering and showing how weak one is...which can open one to all sorts of lawsuits. So, one doesn't apologize unless absolutely necessary. Very interesting topic to finish up on.
I'm now awaiting Prissy...who is still about 25 minutes away. The new assistant, Ray, is coming along nicely although she seems to be going through a cold. As for the soon-to-leave staffer, BC, she said that Mrs Speedy suggested ordering in pizza into the school instead of going out to a restaurant to commemorate BC's departure for BC. BC had no problems with that, and to be honest, I think that's probably the best solution since Speedy will have a few more hours of lessons after BC and I have finished for the day. Both The Carolinan and The Temp have given their regrets.
It was the usual slow-as-molasses lesson with The Pessimist. I'd say that he was a true Buddhist in his contemplation. However, he did ask me an interesting question at the end of the lesson concerning the concept of saying "I'm sorry." He asked for my opinion on how I felt about the Japanese apologizing. Well, I said that there are people who think that the Japanese doth apologize too much with their "Sumimasen" and "Honto ni moshiwakearimasen". The recent numerous scandals illustrate this to such a degree to really water down any true sincerity in their prostrations. If my last statement sounds like I'm passing the buck, I'm not. I know that apologizing is part and parcel of the cultural mores here, and I also give out my ton of apologies on a daily basis (being the size I am in a crowded train pretty much guarantees it).
I then asked The Pessimist how he felt about apologizing in American culture...which is what I think he was getting at. He felt that Americans don't apologize nearly enough. At that point, I explained how in Western countries, especially the extremely litigious United States, that apologizing publicly could be perceived as being tantamount to surrendering and showing how weak one is...which can open one to all sorts of lawsuits. So, one doesn't apologize unless absolutely necessary. Very interesting topic to finish up on.
I'm now awaiting Prissy...who is still about 25 minutes away. The new assistant, Ray, is coming along nicely although she seems to be going through a cold. As for the soon-to-leave staffer, BC, she said that Mrs Speedy suggested ordering in pizza into the school instead of going out to a restaurant to commemorate BC's departure for BC. BC had no problems with that, and to be honest, I think that's probably the best solution since Speedy will have a few more hours of lessons after BC and I have finished for the day. Both The Carolinan and The Temp have given their regrets.
Wednesday July 30, 10:33 a.m.
Truly a Hump Day today...I've got 6. The Pessimist in less than half an hour. And then comes Prissy, who was my last completed EIC student, now a full-fledged regular starting her first official lesson, followed by a current EIC'er, then a model lesson student with 001 and The Diver to wrap up.
Yesterday, we had that final Beehive do at Mrs Perth's apartment. Both Perth and Mrs. Tulip were back for the special party that included Mrs. Alp, Mrs. Travel and Mrs Jade. Mrs. Tee was too busy with her work to come on out. For a spread that just had 10% meat, it was a pretty impressively savory meal. I really didn't need to eat all that much later on. I had some of the best potato salad I'd ever had by Travel, and Perth sliced up some fine cheeses from Hokkaido. She said that the relative cool and dry conditions in Sapporo have spoiled her; she would think hard about ever coming back to The Kanto during summer. It was pretty profitable for me, as well. Not only did I get a great meal, some souvenirs from Tulip and even my salary, but I also inherited a hardcase suitcase from her as well.
The juku classes were pretty full. Jolly once again dotakyan'ed but the boss still gave me the full rate. The Milds had a really exciting time in Germany....and I'm not just talking on the culinary level. At Frankfurt Airport, the couple along with hundreds of others were suddenly pushed back far from the waiting lounge when a suspicious bag was found all by its lonesome. It took an hour before the clueless idiot who owned it owned up. Then, they were in Berlin on the day that Barack Obama was in town. They'd seen the motorcade come through twice.
Meanwhile, Mild Jr. was having a new love in his life....of course, it is a secret from his parents for now. He was having me look at some of the English lyrics for various Disney songs before he serenades her with them at karaoke in early August.
MB contacted me about finally having that first Western Tokyo DVD Night in his neck of the woods of Jiyugaoka this weekend. I have those two classes at Speedy's on Saturday, but otherwise I'm good to go. We may even catch "The Hulk" on Sunday. I've sent word to Skippy, but I'm not sure if she's big on superheroes. Speaking of the hero, Ed Norton and Liv Tyler were in town to promote their film...the second night in as many nights that there has been a major Tokyo premiere for a superhero flick. Of course, Norton didn't hesitate to wow the local media with his knowledge of the Osakan dialect.
Weatherwise, it's been truly weird. We've been getting micro-storms, for the lack of a more accurate term. Certain neighbourhoods of Tokyo have been spared, but other places such as Shinjuku and Nerima Ward got majorly attacked by sudden localized downpours and lightning. There were even power outages and a qualifying soccer match between Japan and Argentina had to be cancelled midway. Urayasu got some spitting stuff and some rumbles but that was about it.
Back in Toronto, 2005 was known as The Year of the Gun because of all of the horrible gun shootings in the city. Well, I think 2008 will be known as Japan's Year of the Knife. We've had a fatal stabbing in Hachioji, a Tokyo hub, by yet another loner who snapped. And then, just a couple of days ago in another train station, a woman went nuts and started slashing commuters before she was wrestled to the ground. Her mug shot showed a haggard woman who looked far older than her 30 years would suggest. Along with the common quotation by the perpetrators that they would've killed anyone, there's a new quote about these psychos getting back at their parents for neglect.
Truly a Hump Day today...I've got 6. The Pessimist in less than half an hour. And then comes Prissy, who was my last completed EIC student, now a full-fledged regular starting her first official lesson, followed by a current EIC'er, then a model lesson student with 001 and The Diver to wrap up.
Yesterday, we had that final Beehive do at Mrs Perth's apartment. Both Perth and Mrs. Tulip were back for the special party that included Mrs. Alp, Mrs. Travel and Mrs Jade. Mrs. Tee was too busy with her work to come on out. For a spread that just had 10% meat, it was a pretty impressively savory meal. I really didn't need to eat all that much later on. I had some of the best potato salad I'd ever had by Travel, and Perth sliced up some fine cheeses from Hokkaido. She said that the relative cool and dry conditions in Sapporo have spoiled her; she would think hard about ever coming back to The Kanto during summer. It was pretty profitable for me, as well. Not only did I get a great meal, some souvenirs from Tulip and even my salary, but I also inherited a hardcase suitcase from her as well.
The juku classes were pretty full. Jolly once again dotakyan'ed but the boss still gave me the full rate. The Milds had a really exciting time in Germany....and I'm not just talking on the culinary level. At Frankfurt Airport, the couple along with hundreds of others were suddenly pushed back far from the waiting lounge when a suspicious bag was found all by its lonesome. It took an hour before the clueless idiot who owned it owned up. Then, they were in Berlin on the day that Barack Obama was in town. They'd seen the motorcade come through twice.
Meanwhile, Mild Jr. was having a new love in his life....of course, it is a secret from his parents for now. He was having me look at some of the English lyrics for various Disney songs before he serenades her with them at karaoke in early August.
MB contacted me about finally having that first Western Tokyo DVD Night in his neck of the woods of Jiyugaoka this weekend. I have those two classes at Speedy's on Saturday, but otherwise I'm good to go. We may even catch "The Hulk" on Sunday. I've sent word to Skippy, but I'm not sure if she's big on superheroes. Speaking of the hero, Ed Norton and Liv Tyler were in town to promote their film...the second night in as many nights that there has been a major Tokyo premiere for a superhero flick. Of course, Norton didn't hesitate to wow the local media with his knowledge of the Osakan dialect.
Weatherwise, it's been truly weird. We've been getting micro-storms, for the lack of a more accurate term. Certain neighbourhoods of Tokyo have been spared, but other places such as Shinjuku and Nerima Ward got majorly attacked by sudden localized downpours and lightning. There were even power outages and a qualifying soccer match between Japan and Argentina had to be cancelled midway. Urayasu got some spitting stuff and some rumbles but that was about it.
Back in Toronto, 2005 was known as The Year of the Gun because of all of the horrible gun shootings in the city. Well, I think 2008 will be known as Japan's Year of the Knife. We've had a fatal stabbing in Hachioji, a Tokyo hub, by yet another loner who snapped. And then, just a couple of days ago in another train station, a woman went nuts and started slashing commuters before she was wrestled to the ground. Her mug shot showed a haggard woman who looked far older than her 30 years would suggest. Along with the common quotation by the perpetrators that they would've killed anyone, there's a new quote about these psychos getting back at their parents for neglect.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday July 28, 10:42 p.m.
Just finished up with Medicine Man. He was a bit slower than usual on his answers. Certainly didn't help with the need to yawn at times, although I maintained my politeness. In any case, I'm ready to head home and get a bit of sleep. At least I'll have an extra hour to do so before heading out to The Beehive party at Ms. Perth's old apartment.
Just finished up with Medicine Man. He was a bit slower than usual on his answers. Certainly didn't help with the need to yawn at times, although I maintained my politeness. In any case, I'm ready to head home and get a bit of sleep. At least I'll have an extra hour to do so before heading out to The Beehive party at Ms. Perth's old apartment.
Monday July 28, 7:39 p.m.
Next Monday could be a very sparse day...The Class Act and SIL are on hiatus, and The Full-Timer told me that she and her mother are heading for Hong Kong next week. However, just when I thought that I may actually have a completely free day, there is yet another model lesson to do. Well, at least I can try out that jaunt back to Odaiba. I haven't been there in a couple of years.
I was watching CNN this morning with the international anchors of Anjali Rao and that Brit guy when they came across a feature on some retired fellow named Tokuda who now has a second career here in Japan...as porn actor. You couldn't nuke the smirks off of the anchors' faces as they switched over to the Japan bureau chief, Kyung Lah. Yes, Virginia, there is a porn genre here which caters to the elderly. The old guys can have their own way with not only women of their age but also with the young'uns. The surprising thing is that Tokuda's wife and daughter are grateful for the income although they don't want to get any details about the nitty-gritty of the job.
I finally read those two letters from The UL's friend. She was profoundly apologetic and I sent a similar counterpart to her just now. I kinda wish she had lived a lot closer in the Kanto.
Next Monday could be a very sparse day...The Class Act and SIL are on hiatus, and The Full-Timer told me that she and her mother are heading for Hong Kong next week. However, just when I thought that I may actually have a completely free day, there is yet another model lesson to do. Well, at least I can try out that jaunt back to Odaiba. I haven't been there in a couple of years.
I was watching CNN this morning with the international anchors of Anjali Rao and that Brit guy when they came across a feature on some retired fellow named Tokuda who now has a second career here in Japan...as porn actor. You couldn't nuke the smirks off of the anchors' faces as they switched over to the Japan bureau chief, Kyung Lah. Yes, Virginia, there is a porn genre here which caters to the elderly. The old guys can have their own way with not only women of their age but also with the young'uns. The surprising thing is that Tokuda's wife and daughter are grateful for the income although they don't want to get any details about the nitty-gritty of the job.
I finally read those two letters from The UL's friend. She was profoundly apologetic and I sent a similar counterpart to her just now. I kinda wish she had lived a lot closer in the Kanto.
Monday July 28, 5:42 p.m.
Looks like I've got another model lesson tacked onto Wednesday. Did I just say that I was slowing down into August? Met the student briefly. She looks to be one of those librarian types.
On "Mezamashi Terebi", that Fuji-TV morning news show, one of their reporters based in The Big Apple got to have an interview with The Piano Man himself, Billy Joel. Joel has definitely gone the way of Peter Gabriel...both have gone balding, portly and beardy. It's certainly different from Joel's look of a quarter-century back with nearly Eraserhead hair. He showed the reporter his collection of motorcycles, especially pointing out the Kawasaki. I was surprised to hear that he had been in Osaka on the day of The Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. He related his experience of being shaken in his hotel room and then telling his crew that noone will be going home and that the show would still go on. That's the Billy I know.
Incidentally, The Piano Man will having a one-night show at Tokyo Dome on November 18th. For a few minutes, I was tempted to ask the juku boss for the night off and head on over. But then again, it is Tokyo Dome...fine for sports events but it has all the acoustic clarity of hearing a string quartet on a platform of JR Shinjuku during rush hour. Still, maybe even that won't turn me off. I do have to listen to him at least once before he finally hangs up his piano stool.
Well, I got the OK from Speedy. I can bring The Full-Timer over here.
Looks like I've got another model lesson tacked onto Wednesday. Did I just say that I was slowing down into August? Met the student briefly. She looks to be one of those librarian types.
On "Mezamashi Terebi", that Fuji-TV morning news show, one of their reporters based in The Big Apple got to have an interview with The Piano Man himself, Billy Joel. Joel has definitely gone the way of Peter Gabriel...both have gone balding, portly and beardy. It's certainly different from Joel's look of a quarter-century back with nearly Eraserhead hair. He showed the reporter his collection of motorcycles, especially pointing out the Kawasaki. I was surprised to hear that he had been in Osaka on the day of The Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. He related his experience of being shaken in his hotel room and then telling his crew that noone will be going home and that the show would still go on. That's the Billy I know.
Incidentally, The Piano Man will having a one-night show at Tokyo Dome on November 18th. For a few minutes, I was tempted to ask the juku boss for the night off and head on over. But then again, it is Tokyo Dome...fine for sports events but it has all the acoustic clarity of hearing a string quartet on a platform of JR Shinjuku during rush hour. Still, maybe even that won't turn me off. I do have to listen to him at least once before he finally hangs up his piano stool.
Well, I got the OK from Speedy. I can bring The Full-Timer over here.
Monday July 26, 4:55 p.m.
The summer hiatus is about to descend upon me. The Beehive will be having its little party tomorrow, and The Class Act/SIL have announced their absences in August. It's gonna be a fairly sparse Monday and Tuesday for the next few weeks. Well, at least I can catch some Olympic coverage.
Well, as for yesterday's little farrago concerning The UL's friend, I got a call last night from The UL herself. She was profusely apologetic about the situation. I felt rather badly about involving her and told her so, but she insisted that I did the right thing. She relayed her friend's apologies to me about the situation and basically it turned out that despite her friend's fairly good writing skills, she couldn't really (supposedly) couldn't understand my phone message or the content of my e-mails. And to add insult to injury, she lost one of the key letters. Apparently, she works for MUFG (my bank, incidentally) and has been deeply involved in the transition between computer systems which has been responsible for those once-monthly shutdowns of the ATMs. So, she's been really busy but I still think one letter or phone call couldn't have killed her and may have facilitated things a lot better. Yup, I'm being stubborn. In any case, it looks like the steam has cleared. I'll probably send off an apology letter of my own to the friend, though.
Probably the biggest thing I learned from yesterday's incident was that I'm pretty much a pessimist. If I had been an optimist, I probably would have gone to Okurayama Station all the way in Yokohama...thinking that the woman would've shown up. Instead, I thought the worst-case scenario. Perhaps if I had been a little hopeful, things would've settled more nicely. However, experience has proven to be a harsh taskmaster in the past.
I still made some income yesterday. Cozy had sent me another short translation assignment which I've just sent over to him a full day before it was due.
It is fireworks season. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival was held on Saturday as usual. But I got my own natural version last night as the skies over Chiba interrupted into a grand version of flash photography of lightning bolts. It remained dry as a bone, though. Still hot here today but there could be some rain tonight. It would be very welcome.
The countdown to the Beijing Olympics has begun. A lot of the media, local and international, have started to spout on the various angles. CNN, of course, has been focusing on some of the dear prices that have had to be paid to get the venues all set up...such as bulldozing houses and residents. The wide shows have been covering some of the more puffy pieces such as The Olympic Village and Animal Hamaguchi, who's this ex-pro wrestler with a daughter, Kyoko, in the Women's Greco-Roman Wrestling event. He's definitely a character with his manic personality and his trademark cries of "Ki ai da! Ki ai da! Ki ai da!" to get everyone's mojo up in gear. He even caused a bit of a ruckus at the Athens Games 4 years ago when a judge supposedly didn't call a fault on Kyoko's opponent which caused him to scream and rant and almost get himself ejected. The father of Serena and Venus Williams has nothing on the Animal. I'm sure he'll add atmosphere during the coverage.
Apparently, the Canadian's rowing team is based in Narashino, Chiba City for a bit of practice and acclimatization before making the final jump to Beijing.
I've only got The Full-Timer and then Medicine Man tonight. So, it shouldn't be too crazy and since the Beehive party won't happen until later in the morning, I have a chance to get a bit more sleep.
On the way back to Shibuya Station after The Class Act, I saw the huge posters for "The Dark Knight" on the department store wall over the station. Can hardly wait to see that one.
The summer hiatus is about to descend upon me. The Beehive will be having its little party tomorrow, and The Class Act/SIL have announced their absences in August. It's gonna be a fairly sparse Monday and Tuesday for the next few weeks. Well, at least I can catch some Olympic coverage.
Well, as for yesterday's little farrago concerning The UL's friend, I got a call last night from The UL herself. She was profusely apologetic about the situation. I felt rather badly about involving her and told her so, but she insisted that I did the right thing. She relayed her friend's apologies to me about the situation and basically it turned out that despite her friend's fairly good writing skills, she couldn't really (supposedly) couldn't understand my phone message or the content of my e-mails. And to add insult to injury, she lost one of the key letters. Apparently, she works for MUFG (my bank, incidentally) and has been deeply involved in the transition between computer systems which has been responsible for those once-monthly shutdowns of the ATMs. So, she's been really busy but I still think one letter or phone call couldn't have killed her and may have facilitated things a lot better. Yup, I'm being stubborn. In any case, it looks like the steam has cleared. I'll probably send off an apology letter of my own to the friend, though.
Probably the biggest thing I learned from yesterday's incident was that I'm pretty much a pessimist. If I had been an optimist, I probably would have gone to Okurayama Station all the way in Yokohama...thinking that the woman would've shown up. Instead, I thought the worst-case scenario. Perhaps if I had been a little hopeful, things would've settled more nicely. However, experience has proven to be a harsh taskmaster in the past.
I still made some income yesterday. Cozy had sent me another short translation assignment which I've just sent over to him a full day before it was due.
It is fireworks season. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival was held on Saturday as usual. But I got my own natural version last night as the skies over Chiba interrupted into a grand version of flash photography of lightning bolts. It remained dry as a bone, though. Still hot here today but there could be some rain tonight. It would be very welcome.
The countdown to the Beijing Olympics has begun. A lot of the media, local and international, have started to spout on the various angles. CNN, of course, has been focusing on some of the dear prices that have had to be paid to get the venues all set up...such as bulldozing houses and residents. The wide shows have been covering some of the more puffy pieces such as The Olympic Village and Animal Hamaguchi, who's this ex-pro wrestler with a daughter, Kyoko, in the Women's Greco-Roman Wrestling event. He's definitely a character with his manic personality and his trademark cries of "Ki ai da! Ki ai da! Ki ai da!" to get everyone's mojo up in gear. He even caused a bit of a ruckus at the Athens Games 4 years ago when a judge supposedly didn't call a fault on Kyoko's opponent which caused him to scream and rant and almost get himself ejected. The father of Serena and Venus Williams has nothing on the Animal. I'm sure he'll add atmosphere during the coverage.
Apparently, the Canadian's rowing team is based in Narashino, Chiba City for a bit of practice and acclimatization before making the final jump to Beijing.
I've only got The Full-Timer and then Medicine Man tonight. So, it shouldn't be too crazy and since the Beehive party won't happen until later in the morning, I have a chance to get a bit more sleep.
On the way back to Shibuya Station after The Class Act, I saw the huge posters for "The Dark Knight" on the department store wall over the station. Can hardly wait to see that one.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Sunday July 27, 2:28 p.m.
Well, Murphy's Law has struck again, I see. In the last few days, I've contacted The UL's friend no less than 3 times by e-mail. No response. I finally called her up on her cellphone only to get a message machine last night. I dutifully left a message. No response last night or this morning. I checked my own messages twice, before and after seeing Tully. Nothing...I did leave my phone number.
Then, when I checked my e-mail, I suddenly get two stinkin' responses from The UL's friend stating that she couldn't get a cellphone signal in her house and that she has been busy all week. Well, so have I! What the hell was she doing that she couldn't send one lousy brief response? And she still didn't address the commuting distance. It was all La-di-da. Obviously, my response to her was more diplomatic...I just said that I sent all those messages to her without any sort of response so I (naturally) assumed that she was no longer interested and that I had decided to come back home.
A couple of minutes ago, I checked my e-mail again. I got the third response from her in less than 12 hours...whoa! Let's break out the champagne glasses! Her answer was "Does that mean you're not coming today?" DUH! If I only had a computer virus to send her...still, I was terse but polite and confirmed her question.
I didn't want to involve The UL but I just had to let her know the situation. It'll probably be somewhat embarrassing for her and may put some strain on our acquaintanceship but just in case her buddy decides to call her out on the carpet, I decided to give her full knowledge of the situation. Frankly speaking, I think I have to take partial responsibility as well...for leaping before looking. Well, they say one learns far more from bad experiences than good...and I think I learned a lot today. Just got a bad feeling that this isn't quite over yet. And the problem is that she has my phone number now.
As it turned out, it was just Tully today. The Coffeemaker got stuck at the office due to some mechanical problems. He'll be heading to Xian, China next month with a friend from that city for some vacation. It should be very interesting.
The first of the two telethons are on TV today. It's the Fuji-TV one which doesn't seem to have anything to do with any fund-raising. Last year, the theme was on all those wacko comedians; this year, it seems to be focused on one comedian....Akashiya Sanma, the obnoxious Osaka veteran with the horrible overbite. Even this year's logo has a smiley face implanted with a huge wall of upper teeth. I won't be seeing too much of him today, that's for sure.
Well, lousy mood. Just gonna go home and get some cleaning done before dinner.
Well, Murphy's Law has struck again, I see. In the last few days, I've contacted The UL's friend no less than 3 times by e-mail. No response. I finally called her up on her cellphone only to get a message machine last night. I dutifully left a message. No response last night or this morning. I checked my own messages twice, before and after seeing Tully. Nothing...I did leave my phone number.
Then, when I checked my e-mail, I suddenly get two stinkin' responses from The UL's friend stating that she couldn't get a cellphone signal in her house and that she has been busy all week. Well, so have I! What the hell was she doing that she couldn't send one lousy brief response? And she still didn't address the commuting distance. It was all La-di-da. Obviously, my response to her was more diplomatic...I just said that I sent all those messages to her without any sort of response so I (naturally) assumed that she was no longer interested and that I had decided to come back home.
A couple of minutes ago, I checked my e-mail again. I got the third response from her in less than 12 hours...whoa! Let's break out the champagne glasses! Her answer was "Does that mean you're not coming today?" DUH! If I only had a computer virus to send her...still, I was terse but polite and confirmed her question.
I didn't want to involve The UL but I just had to let her know the situation. It'll probably be somewhat embarrassing for her and may put some strain on our acquaintanceship but just in case her buddy decides to call her out on the carpet, I decided to give her full knowledge of the situation. Frankly speaking, I think I have to take partial responsibility as well...for leaping before looking. Well, they say one learns far more from bad experiences than good...and I think I learned a lot today. Just got a bad feeling that this isn't quite over yet. And the problem is that she has my phone number now.
As it turned out, it was just Tully today. The Coffeemaker got stuck at the office due to some mechanical problems. He'll be heading to Xian, China next month with a friend from that city for some vacation. It should be very interesting.
The first of the two telethons are on TV today. It's the Fuji-TV one which doesn't seem to have anything to do with any fund-raising. Last year, the theme was on all those wacko comedians; this year, it seems to be focused on one comedian....Akashiya Sanma, the obnoxious Osaka veteran with the horrible overbite. Even this year's logo has a smiley face implanted with a huge wall of upper teeth. I won't be seeing too much of him today, that's for sure.
Well, lousy mood. Just gonna go home and get some cleaning done before dinner.
Saturday July 26, 4:59 p.m.
Got through The Bostonian's lesson without so much as a scratch. The chapter itself wasn't exactly the most thrilling one but out came The Dancing Bear, and everything was all right.
Cozy has another assignment for me to be done by Tuesday. No problems. I've still yet to hear from The Circus about that translation assignment...maybe they found a professional translator to do that one.
Got through The Bostonian's lesson without so much as a scratch. The chapter itself wasn't exactly the most thrilling one but out came The Dancing Bear, and everything was all right.
Cozy has another assignment for me to be done by Tuesday. No problems. I've still yet to hear from The Circus about that translation assignment...maybe they found a professional translator to do that one.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Saturday July 26, 2:55 p.m.
3 down, 1 to go. Just have The Bostonian left on the agenda before finishing up today. The Businesswoman was in fine form; she's learning bossa nova guitar right now along with English. Never thought she would be the type. That new model lesson student is a movie publicist...just up my alley. Our talk was good enough so that she's signed up for 4 lessons. And she was pretty impressed by my meeting with David Cronenberg years and years ago. Right now, her project is "Hellboy 2". Then, there was The Intellectual...man, he's a sweater...I mean, he must be suffering in this heat..he was just sweating litres. Got to see The Manhattanite who's been scheduled with Speedy the last couple of lessons. She managed to eke by on her last test.
I've sent yet another missive to The UL's friend. This time, I'm asking her to call me tonight at home to confirm things up.
3 down, 1 to go. Just have The Bostonian left on the agenda before finishing up today. The Businesswoman was in fine form; she's learning bossa nova guitar right now along with English. Never thought she would be the type. That new model lesson student is a movie publicist...just up my alley. Our talk was good enough so that she's signed up for 4 lessons. And she was pretty impressed by my meeting with David Cronenberg years and years ago. Right now, her project is "Hellboy 2". Then, there was The Intellectual...man, he's a sweater...I mean, he must be suffering in this heat..he was just sweating litres. Got to see The Manhattanite who's been scheduled with Speedy the last couple of lessons. She managed to eke by on her last test.
I've sent yet another missive to The UL's friend. This time, I'm asking her to call me tonight at home to confirm things up.
Saturday July 26, 10:41 a.m.
Apparently, Gunma Prefecture got majorly hailed upon last night (never thought I'd see hail in this country...even on TV), and Saitama Prefecture got the buckets of precip while Chiba Prefecture remained as dry as a bone.
Back here at Speedy's. It's just BC and me for now. Speedy himself should be here during my lesson with The Businesswoman. Feeling pretty lethargic...kinda wish I was just vegging out in my apartment. But I've got four lessons today, including another trial lesson. I'm gonna try to keep my energies and my mood up.
Still nothing from the UL's friend. Hmm...
Apparently, Gunma Prefecture got majorly hailed upon last night (never thought I'd see hail in this country...even on TV), and Saitama Prefecture got the buckets of precip while Chiba Prefecture remained as dry as a bone.
Back here at Speedy's. It's just BC and me for now. Speedy himself should be here during my lesson with The Businesswoman. Feeling pretty lethargic...kinda wish I was just vegging out in my apartment. But I've got four lessons today, including another trial lesson. I'm gonna try to keep my energies and my mood up.
Still nothing from the UL's friend. Hmm...
Friday July 25, 8:08 p.m.
Well, Murphy's Law was back in session just now. Sure enough, just four minutes into the Witching Hour, Jolly called the boss up to say that by the time he got back from work, it would be past 10. Therefore, dotyakan. I'm now off...until tomorrow at 11 when it's back to Speedy's for four lessons.
I'll just hang about for another 20 minutes, then I'll be headed for home. I'll take one more check to see if that UL buddy did respond.
Well, Murphy's Law was back in session just now. Sure enough, just four minutes into the Witching Hour, Jolly called the boss up to say that by the time he got back from work, it would be past 10. Therefore, dotyakan. I'm now off...until tomorrow at 11 when it's back to Speedy's for four lessons.
I'll just hang about for another 20 minutes, then I'll be headed for home. I'll take one more check to see if that UL buddy did respond.
Friday July 25, 7:34 p.m.
Back at the juku. Keeping my fingers crossed about Jolly. The witching hour for him is usually between 8 and 9 in terms of dotyakan. I doubt that he'll forget this time since I'm sure the boss kinda boxed his ears last week for that little error. After my stint at the I-cafe, I ended up having dinner at The Colonel's. With all of the pop I've imbibed over the past few hours (2 Cokes at the I-cafe, a ginger ale at KFC and now the usual iced coffee here), I should be properly diabetic.
Still no word from The UL's friend. I may just give her a direct call tomorrow night when I get back from work.
Weatherwise, I guess Tokyo's heading toward a Meditteranean-type climate. Searing hot during the day but refreshingly cooler (but not cool) in the evening. Still, walking toward the juku, I can work up quite a sweat.
Back at the juku. Keeping my fingers crossed about Jolly. The witching hour for him is usually between 8 and 9 in terms of dotyakan. I doubt that he'll forget this time since I'm sure the boss kinda boxed his ears last week for that little error. After my stint at the I-cafe, I ended up having dinner at The Colonel's. With all of the pop I've imbibed over the past few hours (2 Cokes at the I-cafe, a ginger ale at KFC and now the usual iced coffee here), I should be properly diabetic.
Still no word from The UL's friend. I may just give her a direct call tomorrow night when I get back from work.
Weatherwise, I guess Tokyo's heading toward a Meditteranean-type climate. Searing hot during the day but refreshingly cooler (but not cool) in the evening. Still, walking toward the juku, I can work up quite a sweat.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Friday July 25, 3:48 p.m.
It's probably the hottest I've felt this year so far. Certainly didn't help that a lot of Akihabara consists of concrete. Managed to get up into the coolness of the gigantic Yodobashi Camera near the station. Since it was after 2 p.m., the lunch time crowd had all dissipated from the food floor. I got over to the kaiten sushi there and got an easy stool. Wolfed down 10 plates of sushi...not great in variety but a lot of chu-toro and o-toro for my liking. Even though I had a coupon slashing 777 yen from my bill, it still cost me about 2,000. Still, considering that the news has been proclaiming that Japan is running out of fish, I decided to get my fill before the sushi chefs start filling in the gaps with fake crab and soybeans.
As I sloshed my way from Yodobashi to the main drag of Akiba, the sidewalks were just flinging the heat right up in our faces. My handkerchief (a necessity in this weather) was permanently attached to my right hand. It was lucky then that I did try out three cologne testers at that duty-free shop before getting my new bottle. At least, if I'm fragrant, it'll be on the good side.
Heading back to my neck of the woods, I was wondering whether to just go home, veg out under the AC, and get some household stuff done or come here to the I-cafe. The latter choice obviously won out since the idea of doing the household stuff in this heat wasn't particularly appealing to me.
It's been several hours since I sent out my plea to The UL's friend's cellphone and still no response. Well, time to take the reins...if she doesn't respond by tomorrow morning, I'll just make up an excuse and call the deal off. I think it's been plain rude of her not to respond to any of my queries, and frankly I'm not really all that keen to head over to Yokohama in this heat.
It's probably the hottest I've felt this year so far. Certainly didn't help that a lot of Akihabara consists of concrete. Managed to get up into the coolness of the gigantic Yodobashi Camera near the station. Since it was after 2 p.m., the lunch time crowd had all dissipated from the food floor. I got over to the kaiten sushi there and got an easy stool. Wolfed down 10 plates of sushi...not great in variety but a lot of chu-toro and o-toro for my liking. Even though I had a coupon slashing 777 yen from my bill, it still cost me about 2,000. Still, considering that the news has been proclaiming that Japan is running out of fish, I decided to get my fill before the sushi chefs start filling in the gaps with fake crab and soybeans.
As I sloshed my way from Yodobashi to the main drag of Akiba, the sidewalks were just flinging the heat right up in our faces. My handkerchief (a necessity in this weather) was permanently attached to my right hand. It was lucky then that I did try out three cologne testers at that duty-free shop before getting my new bottle. At least, if I'm fragrant, it'll be on the good side.
Heading back to my neck of the woods, I was wondering whether to just go home, veg out under the AC, and get some household stuff done or come here to the I-cafe. The latter choice obviously won out since the idea of doing the household stuff in this heat wasn't particularly appealing to me.
It's been several hours since I sent out my plea to The UL's friend's cellphone and still no response. Well, time to take the reins...if she doesn't respond by tomorrow morning, I'll just make up an excuse and call the deal off. I think it's been plain rude of her not to respond to any of my queries, and frankly I'm not really all that keen to head over to Yokohama in this heat.
Friday July 25, 10:31 a.m.
Got home at a relatively more decent hour last night...11:30 p.m. My internal alarm clock was more on the ball, too. I woke up on the subway just before I reached my station instead of overshooting.
Well, I had to send over that final letter over to The UL's friend. I was trying to be subtle to get her answer in the past couple of e-mails to her about whether I would need to come over to Yokohama every Sunday to teach her (nay I say). Since I didn't get any hint about her feelings on that matter, I've finally had to ask her the question point-blank. Hopefully, that'll get a response coming over quickly. If not, well, I may have to think about giving her a pass.
Anyways, I've only got The Pessimist at Speedy's. And then, it's just Jolly tonight...maybe...The Ace cancelled his lesson again. I'll probably be heading over to Akiba, but not for anything electronic. There's one store that sells supposed cologne at fairly low prices. And considering the heat out there, I'll definitely need a new bottle since I'm almost out at home.
Got home at a relatively more decent hour last night...11:30 p.m. My internal alarm clock was more on the ball, too. I woke up on the subway just before I reached my station instead of overshooting.
Well, I had to send over that final letter over to The UL's friend. I was trying to be subtle to get her answer in the past couple of e-mails to her about whether I would need to come over to Yokohama every Sunday to teach her (nay I say). Since I didn't get any hint about her feelings on that matter, I've finally had to ask her the question point-blank. Hopefully, that'll get a response coming over quickly. If not, well, I may have to think about giving her a pass.
Anyways, I've only got The Pessimist at Speedy's. And then, it's just Jolly tonight...maybe...The Ace cancelled his lesson again. I'll probably be heading over to Akiba, but not for anything electronic. There's one store that sells supposed cologne at fairly low prices. And considering the heat out there, I'll definitely need a new bottle since I'm almost out at home.
Thursday July 23, 10:03 p.m.
Another day has gone by. Managed to survive the rest of my lessons. Miss Sedona was her smiley self. And that model lesson student was quite good. For a lowbie, she's got a pretty good handle on structure...and oh-so-polite. Not sure if she's gonna take the bait, though. Usually, Speedy comes right on out and asks about availability on my schedule but tonight, she's gonna think about it.
As for BC, not sure about if and how we'll get her farewell party together. Not even sure if she really wants one...knowing her mood.
Another day has gone by. Managed to survive the rest of my lessons. Miss Sedona was her smiley self. And that model lesson student was quite good. For a lowbie, she's got a pretty good handle on structure...and oh-so-polite. Not sure if she's gonna take the bait, though. Usually, Speedy comes right on out and asks about availability on my schedule but tonight, she's gonna think about it.
As for BC, not sure about if and how we'll get her farewell party together. Not even sure if she really wants one...knowing her mood.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Thursday July 24, 3:35 p.m.
Well, so far so good. I've gotten through 3 out of 5. Grandma Dynamite was her usual explosive self while The Yogist seemed to be even more ebullient. The new EIC student is so high that I wondered why she would even want to take the 3 lessons but Speedy just told me that she needed something to do during her summer vacation. There are some vocab holes that needed patching, though. She's now working for City Hall but used to work for the governing body of the JET Programme, CLAIR, a few years back. She was rather surprised to learn that I used to be a JET back in the day....probably couldn't believe that one of us dinosaurs would still be alive in the English teaching industry.
Well, Miss Sedona should be here in about half an hour.
Well, so far so good. I've gotten through 3 out of 5. Grandma Dynamite was her usual explosive self while The Yogist seemed to be even more ebullient. The new EIC student is so high that I wondered why she would even want to take the 3 lessons but Speedy just told me that she needed something to do during her summer vacation. There are some vocab holes that needed patching, though. She's now working for City Hall but used to work for the governing body of the JET Programme, CLAIR, a few years back. She was rather surprised to learn that I used to be a JET back in the day....probably couldn't believe that one of us dinosaurs would still be alive in the English teaching industry.
Well, Miss Sedona should be here in about half an hour.
Thursday July 24, 8:16 a.m.
Looks like I won't have to worry about acting as babysitter for The Patent Attorney this morning. He's apparently cancelled his lesson so I just have to wait for the bossman to show up.
It was one of those pissy nights last night. Since I had the late shift with Medicine Man and then Grandma Dynamite this morning, I had to rush on home to catch a bit of sleep...of course, I did that on the subway and ended up overshooting my station by a stop...which meant that I didn't get home until well past midnight. For a guy who has to be out of the apartment by 6:30 a.m., that's not good.
So, even a M6.8 earthquake off of Miyagi Prefecture in the north which sent some strong tremors through my area didn't break my bad mood. I figured something was up while I was shaving when I heard the silverware shaking like maracas all of a sudden. NHK was on the case within a minute and the other commercial stations followed suit...of course, after the funniest parts of the late-night variety shows were gotten through first.
I got sent a novel by Shard last night...a sci-fi called "Starquake"; should be interesting. The Entrepreneur thoroughly enjoyed "The Dark Knight". And DTE has been having her 15 minutes in the sun as an extra in "Shanghai", a film currently under production with John Cusack and Ken Watanabe. Apparently, she got recruited purely by accident.
That last book I leafed through, "Busting Vegas" was the first pageturner that I've gone through in some time. "Closing Time" and "Warped Passages" were just an ordeal, so it was refreshing that a book on The MIT Blackjack Team could read like a thriller. It just seems so strange that the recent flop, "21" with Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth (the new Tracy-Hepburn?) was based on the author's first book, "Bringing Down The House". I think "Busting Vegas" would've been a better base. I could even envision the actors who could've played the roles: Tobey McGuire and Kirsten Dunst/Gwyneth Paltrow as the romantic leads with Jake Gyllenhall as the team leader. And as the quietly terrifying Jack Galen, I could've seen a younger David Bowie (remember, this is just the Hollywood version of Fantasy Baseball here).
Looks like I won't have to worry about acting as babysitter for The Patent Attorney this morning. He's apparently cancelled his lesson so I just have to wait for the bossman to show up.
It was one of those pissy nights last night. Since I had the late shift with Medicine Man and then Grandma Dynamite this morning, I had to rush on home to catch a bit of sleep...of course, I did that on the subway and ended up overshooting my station by a stop...which meant that I didn't get home until well past midnight. For a guy who has to be out of the apartment by 6:30 a.m., that's not good.
So, even a M6.8 earthquake off of Miyagi Prefecture in the north which sent some strong tremors through my area didn't break my bad mood. I figured something was up while I was shaving when I heard the silverware shaking like maracas all of a sudden. NHK was on the case within a minute and the other commercial stations followed suit...of course, after the funniest parts of the late-night variety shows were gotten through first.
I got sent a novel by Shard last night...a sci-fi called "Starquake"; should be interesting. The Entrepreneur thoroughly enjoyed "The Dark Knight". And DTE has been having her 15 minutes in the sun as an extra in "Shanghai", a film currently under production with John Cusack and Ken Watanabe. Apparently, she got recruited purely by accident.
That last book I leafed through, "Busting Vegas" was the first pageturner that I've gone through in some time. "Closing Time" and "Warped Passages" were just an ordeal, so it was refreshing that a book on The MIT Blackjack Team could read like a thriller. It just seems so strange that the recent flop, "21" with Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth (the new Tracy-Hepburn?) was based on the author's first book, "Bringing Down The House". I think "Busting Vegas" would've been a better base. I could even envision the actors who could've played the roles: Tobey McGuire and Kirsten Dunst/Gwyneth Paltrow as the romantic leads with Jake Gyllenhall as the team leader. And as the quietly terrifying Jack Galen, I could've seen a younger David Bowie (remember, this is just the Hollywood version of Fantasy Baseball here).
Wednesday July 23, 10:32 p.m.
Well, another full day and night at the school. Managed to keep myself busy on lesson planning and browsing through Wiki. The Diver was pretty spot-on tonight although the giddiness remains and Medicine Man was his usual steady self. But I'll be back first thing tomorrow morning with Grandma Dynamite and the usual cast of characters for Thursday: The Yogist, Miss Sedona and then a new model lesson student.
Looks like my last EIC student is gonna stay on as a regular student. Gonna have to find a new code name for her.
Well, another full day and night at the school. Managed to keep myself busy on lesson planning and browsing through Wiki. The Diver was pretty spot-on tonight although the giddiness remains and Medicine Man was his usual steady self. But I'll be back first thing tomorrow morning with Grandma Dynamite and the usual cast of characters for Thursday: The Yogist, Miss Sedona and then a new model lesson student.
Looks like my last EIC student is gonna stay on as a regular student. Gonna have to find a new code name for her.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Wednesday July 22, 12:51 p.m.
Enjoying my cool cocoon at the school although I know that I'll have to go out sometime to get dinner. As for lunch, though, The Nurse took care of that by giving me a bowl of some rice with aburaage, flaked tuna and mushrooms. Not sure what the occasion was but I'm happy to know that things with her husband are going well...I'd been a bit worried for the last couple of weeks. And The Pessimist, though slow, is doing OK in class.
The new kid on the block, Ray, is a quiet one although I'm wondering if that could be because of BC's influence. She seems to be settling in OK. Not sure how good her English is, though. Now that I'm halfway through, I just have some stuff to prep for the evening classes and perhaps even for Thursday's lessons as well. Once again, since I'll be finishing here late with Medicine Man, it'll just be a quick 5 hours of sleep at home before I'm back at it tomorrow morning.
I got word from The Chipmunk for the first time in several months. She's just changed her cell number and address. She was asking about The Wild Thing.
Enjoying my cool cocoon at the school although I know that I'll have to go out sometime to get dinner. As for lunch, though, The Nurse took care of that by giving me a bowl of some rice with aburaage, flaked tuna and mushrooms. Not sure what the occasion was but I'm happy to know that things with her husband are going well...I'd been a bit worried for the last couple of weeks. And The Pessimist, though slow, is doing OK in class.
The new kid on the block, Ray, is a quiet one although I'm wondering if that could be because of BC's influence. She seems to be settling in OK. Not sure how good her English is, though. Now that I'm halfway through, I just have some stuff to prep for the evening classes and perhaps even for Thursday's lessons as well. Once again, since I'll be finishing here late with Medicine Man, it'll just be a quick 5 hours of sleep at home before I'm back at it tomorrow morning.
I got word from The Chipmunk for the first time in several months. She's just changed her cell number and address. She was asking about The Wild Thing.
Wednesday July 23, 7:57 a.m.
Well, the unusual scheduling at the juku continues. I ended up just teaching one lesson there last night, the one for Suzanne. I don't think I've ever finished that early on a Tuesday since I first started teaching there 4 years ago. It was another one of those half-English lessons, half-counselling sessions for her...a lot of talk on the ever-shrinking circle of friends over time but the deepening of those friendships that are left. Pretty deep talk with a 26-year-old woman who looks like a Shibuya gyaru (but without the lousy attitude). Yep, got home at the unprecedented time of 8 p.m. last night...Mild Jr. and Jolly got bogged down with work, and The Milds are out in Germany right now.
The heat is definitely on now. We've had a full week of temps in the daytime of over 30 C. And so, the weatherman has given the inevitable warning of conserving water but trying to drink in as much liquid as one can. I woke up this morning at the ripe ol' time of 5:30 and had to contend with an even riper towel under my head soaked in my sweat. Glad to have gotten out of there.
I did go off to Shiodome on the holiday Monday to see if I could grab a hot dog at Nathan's...made the mistake the other day of calling it Hansen's...but the place had a huge lineup. In a way, though, it was good to see since I had been worried that the place...now, perhaps the only branch left in Tokyo (I haven't checked the one at JR Shinagawa)...would leave us devoid of any decent franks but it looks like at least that branch was doing fine. Instead, I just bought something at my local supermarket for dinner. However, I did buy the latest CD by that kissing cousin of Genki Rockets, Perfume...that trio of mannequin-like girls who have taken the J-Pop world by storm this year. After that (backhanded) complimentary review of their "Game" album, I ended up buying their latest single, "Love The World". The techno beat is rather catchy, I have to admit, and it's probably closer to club music than the more teenage sound of Lumi. I think the song is almost a throwback to the eclectic sounds of the 80s band, PSY-S since the vocoder gets the girls' voices to resemble that of PSY-S' lead singer Chaka. Well, depending how soon I get my latest batch of cash, I may get that "Game" album pretty soon.
I have sent off that letter to The UL's friend...the one who wants me to come all the way to Yokohama for my dog-and-pony show this Sunday. Well, I just told her...politely...my conditions for teaching her, the main one being that I will teach her in Tokyo and not Yokohama. I sent the letter off when I was here on Monday. I have checked the inbox for the past couple of days but there has been no response....the fact that I sent it to her cellphone address means that she did get it. The fact that I've yet to get any sort of answer may mean that she's now musing very hard about my reluctance to commute to her neck of the woods. I'd be asking for a transportation fee along with the teaching fee in that case.
I've got word from The Lens that he and his wife will be coming back here again in a couple of weeks. Just about the worst time for them to come in terms of weather...if they're not weatherproofed for the hellish conditions, they'll probably be trying to look for every little nook and cranny of relatively cool shade.
Not quite a true Hump Day. I've got four on the floor today....The Nurse and The Pessimist in the morning, and then The Diver and Medicine Man in the evening. In between there will be 8 hours of downtime. I was actually thinking of going out into the city, but considering the heat and humidity, I may just enjoy being behind the monitor today.
Newswise, it's been split between two stories of sordidness. One is about the big scandal involving the prefectural board of education in Oita Prefecture in Kyushu. Apparently, some of the senior members have been involved in some influence-peddling and bribery in terms of getting promotions and padding examinations. And then, there's the case in nearby Saitama Prefecture where a junior high school girl apparently snapped and stabbed her father to death in the middle of the night. When this news broke late last week, the media had reported that the family was just one happy clan but now little bits and pieces of teenage angst and resentment are starting to ooze out of the woodwork.
This week is leading up to Doyo no Hi (The Day of the Ox)...but the food of choice is, of course, eel...preferably grilled in that savory-sweet sauce and placed on a hot bed of rice. Eating eel has that ability (true or not) of restoring stamina during the dog days of summer. And this is gotta be a true Only-In-Japan story...there have been cases of eel rustling...yep, bastards have been stealing some valuable squirmies from the eeleries to re-sell at top prices. Also, there has been the scandal of various eeleries mislabeling Taiwan-raised eels as Japan-raised squirmies. As slimy as that practice is, I think some of the blame has to be placed on the public as well for being so snobbish about how an eel should taste like.
The new kid on the block here at the school started her first day yesterday. Speedy called me up to tell me about a new model lesson in a couple of weeks, and he's kinda worried about how BC is training her. So far, it doesn't look like the newbie will be fleeing from us so that's a good sign.
Well, I guess with all the accolades that "The Dark Knight" has been getting, it just had to be inevitable that some bad luck would befall the movie. Nothing about the movie itself, but the star player...Christian Bale. Apparently, his mother and sister have accused him of assault at a London hotel. The headlines are already coming out with the terrible puns of "A Dark Night for The Dark Knight" and "Bale got Bail".
Well, the unusual scheduling at the juku continues. I ended up just teaching one lesson there last night, the one for Suzanne. I don't think I've ever finished that early on a Tuesday since I first started teaching there 4 years ago. It was another one of those half-English lessons, half-counselling sessions for her...a lot of talk on the ever-shrinking circle of friends over time but the deepening of those friendships that are left. Pretty deep talk with a 26-year-old woman who looks like a Shibuya gyaru (but without the lousy attitude). Yep, got home at the unprecedented time of 8 p.m. last night...Mild Jr. and Jolly got bogged down with work, and The Milds are out in Germany right now.
The heat is definitely on now. We've had a full week of temps in the daytime of over 30 C. And so, the weatherman has given the inevitable warning of conserving water but trying to drink in as much liquid as one can. I woke up this morning at the ripe ol' time of 5:30 and had to contend with an even riper towel under my head soaked in my sweat. Glad to have gotten out of there.
I did go off to Shiodome on the holiday Monday to see if I could grab a hot dog at Nathan's...made the mistake the other day of calling it Hansen's...but the place had a huge lineup. In a way, though, it was good to see since I had been worried that the place...now, perhaps the only branch left in Tokyo (I haven't checked the one at JR Shinagawa)...would leave us devoid of any decent franks but it looks like at least that branch was doing fine. Instead, I just bought something at my local supermarket for dinner. However, I did buy the latest CD by that kissing cousin of Genki Rockets, Perfume...that trio of mannequin-like girls who have taken the J-Pop world by storm this year. After that (backhanded) complimentary review of their "Game" album, I ended up buying their latest single, "Love The World". The techno beat is rather catchy, I have to admit, and it's probably closer to club music than the more teenage sound of Lumi. I think the song is almost a throwback to the eclectic sounds of the 80s band, PSY-S since the vocoder gets the girls' voices to resemble that of PSY-S' lead singer Chaka. Well, depending how soon I get my latest batch of cash, I may get that "Game" album pretty soon.
I have sent off that letter to The UL's friend...the one who wants me to come all the way to Yokohama for my dog-and-pony show this Sunday. Well, I just told her...politely...my conditions for teaching her, the main one being that I will teach her in Tokyo and not Yokohama. I sent the letter off when I was here on Monday. I have checked the inbox for the past couple of days but there has been no response....the fact that I sent it to her cellphone address means that she did get it. The fact that I've yet to get any sort of answer may mean that she's now musing very hard about my reluctance to commute to her neck of the woods. I'd be asking for a transportation fee along with the teaching fee in that case.
I've got word from The Lens that he and his wife will be coming back here again in a couple of weeks. Just about the worst time for them to come in terms of weather...if they're not weatherproofed for the hellish conditions, they'll probably be trying to look for every little nook and cranny of relatively cool shade.
Not quite a true Hump Day. I've got four on the floor today....The Nurse and The Pessimist in the morning, and then The Diver and Medicine Man in the evening. In between there will be 8 hours of downtime. I was actually thinking of going out into the city, but considering the heat and humidity, I may just enjoy being behind the monitor today.
Newswise, it's been split between two stories of sordidness. One is about the big scandal involving the prefectural board of education in Oita Prefecture in Kyushu. Apparently, some of the senior members have been involved in some influence-peddling and bribery in terms of getting promotions and padding examinations. And then, there's the case in nearby Saitama Prefecture where a junior high school girl apparently snapped and stabbed her father to death in the middle of the night. When this news broke late last week, the media had reported that the family was just one happy clan but now little bits and pieces of teenage angst and resentment are starting to ooze out of the woodwork.
This week is leading up to Doyo no Hi (The Day of the Ox)...but the food of choice is, of course, eel...preferably grilled in that savory-sweet sauce and placed on a hot bed of rice. Eating eel has that ability (true or not) of restoring stamina during the dog days of summer. And this is gotta be a true Only-In-Japan story...there have been cases of eel rustling...yep, bastards have been stealing some valuable squirmies from the eeleries to re-sell at top prices. Also, there has been the scandal of various eeleries mislabeling Taiwan-raised eels as Japan-raised squirmies. As slimy as that practice is, I think some of the blame has to be placed on the public as well for being so snobbish about how an eel should taste like.
The new kid on the block here at the school started her first day yesterday. Speedy called me up to tell me about a new model lesson in a couple of weeks, and he's kinda worried about how BC is training her. So far, it doesn't look like the newbie will be fleeing from us so that's a good sign.
Well, I guess with all the accolades that "The Dark Knight" has been getting, it just had to be inevitable that some bad luck would befall the movie. Nothing about the movie itself, but the star player...Christian Bale. Apparently, his mother and sister have accused him of assault at a London hotel. The headlines are already coming out with the terrible puns of "A Dark Night for The Dark Knight" and "Bale got Bail".
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Monday July 21, 1:20 p.m.
Well, it's been a full weekend since my last entry. I'm now doing this at Speedy's. I knew that finally getting de facto access to the school would pay dividends. I needed to get some copies done for 002 tomorrow so I came all the way here for that...and free Internet access. Meanwhile, the bossman and his wife are probably enjoying the hot springs.
Back on Friday, I was witness to something rather new...a double dotakyan. The Ace called in with an hour to spare to give his regrets. And Jolly just plain never showed up. The juku boss was quite apologetic but it was really no problem with me. I would've been far more annoyed if he did show up half an hour late than not at all. Besides, I could get free AC, free Net access, free iced coffee and even some experimental cooking from the boss in the form of bacon-wrapped asparagus spears...that, and I still got 1,600 yen just for showing up. Better than paying the 680 yen at the I-cafe.
I finally gave in to the Dark Side and headed out on Saturday to that Star Wars Convention in Makuhari Messe. As it has been for the past week, the heat and humidity were just crazy. And the fact that the convention complex is all done up in white concrete just raised both factors. It must've been 40 degrees C alone there without taking into effect the humidity. When I got to Makuhari Hongo Station on the Sobu Line, there was a pretty long line waiting for the bus. It turned out though that the vast majority of people there were waiting to catch the bus to Marine Stadium for the baseball game (the Chiba Lotte Marines scored 10 runs that day...and still lost since the other team managed to score 17), so it was a pretty empty bus just to Makuhari Station at the other end of the route.
Yup, it was as hot as Mos Eisley as I got off the bus. I didn't know exactly where the convention was taking place but I decided to have some lunch at the nearby Tony Roma's. Makuhari Messe is definitely a place for Western conventioneers. There were plenty of examples of good ol' American cooking. Tony Romas was there and across the street, there was an Outback Steakhouse and even the McDonalds had quite the few portly Americans. It'd been several months, if not a couple of years, since my last visit to the best known ribhouse in Tokyo. And Tony didn't disappoint. Had myself a Rib Lunch with what turned out to be a half-rack of Baby Backs with cole slaw and fries. Not too bad at all.
I approached the main convention centre and I knew I was coming to the right place when I saw folks going the other way carrying various Star Wars paraphernalia. It was interesting that the people carrying the stuff were the parents and not the children. As I entered the airport terminal-like building, I had still been wavering whether I should part with my 4,000 yen. Well, the conveniently positioned ATM and then the "Star Wars" fanfare playing on the stereo speakers finally crushed my hesitation. For my 4 bills, all I got was an ID collar. Then again, for that special audience with folks like Anthony Daniels and Mark Hamill, I would've needed to at least cough up another few more bills. Sorry, my economic status just wouldn't let me be that footloose and fancy-free.
The convention took up three full halls. As I went down the escalator, I descended into what would've truly been Mos Eisley if it had been transplanted into multiple airplane hangars. All it was missing was those bubbleheaded aliens playing "The Cantina" song from the original movie. There were plenty of the exhibitors and the exhibitionists....the former showing off their wares in the form of drawings and posters while the latter was represented by all sorts of Jedi, Imperial stormtroopers and one Princess Leia-as-the-slave-girl (rather too bad, I only saw one of those). There was even one Japanese fellow who had a very neatly trimmed beard and moustache to go with his Jedi robes...methinks, he's a big young Obi-Wan fan. And even the Gomp droid...that little walking box in that Jawa transport was ambling along, much to the little kiddies' delight. In addition, there were mockups of the Snow Speeder from "The Empire Strikes Back", the Speeder Bike from "Return of the Jedi" and that reptilian animal that the stormtroopers were riding in "A New Hope" set up for the kiddies and photo ops. Of course, the Lego guys were there with their more geometric versions of The Death Star, some other stands selling figures and even Tokyo Disneyland was still hawking Star Tours...the ride that I'd gone on almost 2 decades ago.
Of course, a Star Wars convention wouldn't be a Star Wars convention without the big guest appearances. I went to the autograph area and sure enough, I saw David (Darth Vader) Prowse and Ray (Darth Maul) Park taking pictures with the fans. I even brushed by Prowse as he was limping along on his walking stick so that I finally did get my brush with greatness (although it was with The Dark Side). Still, I kinda felt sorry for some of the other minor guests such as the woman who supposedly played one of the minor Jedi Knights and even Peter (Chewbacca) Mayhew; they were just fiddling their thumbs by their lonesome while Park was getting Krispy Kreme-like lineups. However, a major scrum developed in the centre of the hall, like one of those sudden thunderstorms that had been hitting us the week before when Anthony (C-3PO) Daniels just popped out of his autograph cubicle to meet-and-greet the masses. A sea of cellphone camera-toting fans was just clicking away like crazy. I could actually see the man through the outstretched arms by some miracle. As for the man-of-the-hour...Mark Hamill...a bunch of folks like me who didn't bother paying the huge tribute necessary to see him in the flesh just hovered outside the curtained-off sector as he was being introduced. I could barely recognize his voice through all the microphone reverb.
Not being a huge Star Wars fan anymore, I was a bit struck at how empty the convention was. I think the organizers could've easily fit everything into 2 halls instead of 3. Mind you, it was the first day...maybe yesterday and today have been a bit more crazier. I only went home with that ID tag as the souvenir. There really wasn't anything I wanted to buy from the merchandise. I could only imagine how The Stick would've reacted to all this stuff, though. However, she has probably grown out of her obsession as well.
Sunday was the day that I finally gave in and turned on the AC for the first time...but unlike previous years, I set the temp to 27 C and had it on for just 5 hours. Still, that 27 C felt like a freezer when compared to the 32 C temps that I'd almost gotten used to. GC called me up in what seems to be a return to those old night conversations that we'd done from time to time before an absence of several years. He told me about the "Watchmen" trailer which I caught on YouTube some minutes ago. Looks interesting. I hope it gets the buzz and acclaim next year that "The Dark Knight" has been catching like flypaper.
The Weather Office officially announced the end of the Rainy Season on Friday. Yep, the dog days of summer are here. I even heard a cicada buzzing away. But what is far more ominous is that food prices are going up yet again from August 1.
Well, I'm pretty much done here. May head over to Shiodome and grab myself a Hansens hot dog...that is, if the place still exists. I think the lowly frankfurter has lost the battle against the hamburger in this burg.
Well, it's been a full weekend since my last entry. I'm now doing this at Speedy's. I knew that finally getting de facto access to the school would pay dividends. I needed to get some copies done for 002 tomorrow so I came all the way here for that...and free Internet access. Meanwhile, the bossman and his wife are probably enjoying the hot springs.
Back on Friday, I was witness to something rather new...a double dotakyan. The Ace called in with an hour to spare to give his regrets. And Jolly just plain never showed up. The juku boss was quite apologetic but it was really no problem with me. I would've been far more annoyed if he did show up half an hour late than not at all. Besides, I could get free AC, free Net access, free iced coffee and even some experimental cooking from the boss in the form of bacon-wrapped asparagus spears...that, and I still got 1,600 yen just for showing up. Better than paying the 680 yen at the I-cafe.
I finally gave in to the Dark Side and headed out on Saturday to that Star Wars Convention in Makuhari Messe. As it has been for the past week, the heat and humidity were just crazy. And the fact that the convention complex is all done up in white concrete just raised both factors. It must've been 40 degrees C alone there without taking into effect the humidity. When I got to Makuhari Hongo Station on the Sobu Line, there was a pretty long line waiting for the bus. It turned out though that the vast majority of people there were waiting to catch the bus to Marine Stadium for the baseball game (the Chiba Lotte Marines scored 10 runs that day...and still lost since the other team managed to score 17), so it was a pretty empty bus just to Makuhari Station at the other end of the route.
Yup, it was as hot as Mos Eisley as I got off the bus. I didn't know exactly where the convention was taking place but I decided to have some lunch at the nearby Tony Roma's. Makuhari Messe is definitely a place for Western conventioneers. There were plenty of examples of good ol' American cooking. Tony Romas was there and across the street, there was an Outback Steakhouse and even the McDonalds had quite the few portly Americans. It'd been several months, if not a couple of years, since my last visit to the best known ribhouse in Tokyo. And Tony didn't disappoint. Had myself a Rib Lunch with what turned out to be a half-rack of Baby Backs with cole slaw and fries. Not too bad at all.
I approached the main convention centre and I knew I was coming to the right place when I saw folks going the other way carrying various Star Wars paraphernalia. It was interesting that the people carrying the stuff were the parents and not the children. As I entered the airport terminal-like building, I had still been wavering whether I should part with my 4,000 yen. Well, the conveniently positioned ATM and then the "Star Wars" fanfare playing on the stereo speakers finally crushed my hesitation. For my 4 bills, all I got was an ID collar. Then again, for that special audience with folks like Anthony Daniels and Mark Hamill, I would've needed to at least cough up another few more bills. Sorry, my economic status just wouldn't let me be that footloose and fancy-free.
The convention took up three full halls. As I went down the escalator, I descended into what would've truly been Mos Eisley if it had been transplanted into multiple airplane hangars. All it was missing was those bubbleheaded aliens playing "The Cantina" song from the original movie. There were plenty of the exhibitors and the exhibitionists....the former showing off their wares in the form of drawings and posters while the latter was represented by all sorts of Jedi, Imperial stormtroopers and one Princess Leia-as-the-slave-girl (rather too bad, I only saw one of those). There was even one Japanese fellow who had a very neatly trimmed beard and moustache to go with his Jedi robes...methinks, he's a big young Obi-Wan fan. And even the Gomp droid...that little walking box in that Jawa transport was ambling along, much to the little kiddies' delight. In addition, there were mockups of the Snow Speeder from "The Empire Strikes Back", the Speeder Bike from "Return of the Jedi" and that reptilian animal that the stormtroopers were riding in "A New Hope" set up for the kiddies and photo ops. Of course, the Lego guys were there with their more geometric versions of The Death Star, some other stands selling figures and even Tokyo Disneyland was still hawking Star Tours...the ride that I'd gone on almost 2 decades ago.
Of course, a Star Wars convention wouldn't be a Star Wars convention without the big guest appearances. I went to the autograph area and sure enough, I saw David (Darth Vader) Prowse and Ray (Darth Maul) Park taking pictures with the fans. I even brushed by Prowse as he was limping along on his walking stick so that I finally did get my brush with greatness (although it was with The Dark Side). Still, I kinda felt sorry for some of the other minor guests such as the woman who supposedly played one of the minor Jedi Knights and even Peter (Chewbacca) Mayhew; they were just fiddling their thumbs by their lonesome while Park was getting Krispy Kreme-like lineups. However, a major scrum developed in the centre of the hall, like one of those sudden thunderstorms that had been hitting us the week before when Anthony (C-3PO) Daniels just popped out of his autograph cubicle to meet-and-greet the masses. A sea of cellphone camera-toting fans was just clicking away like crazy. I could actually see the man through the outstretched arms by some miracle. As for the man-of-the-hour...Mark Hamill...a bunch of folks like me who didn't bother paying the huge tribute necessary to see him in the flesh just hovered outside the curtained-off sector as he was being introduced. I could barely recognize his voice through all the microphone reverb.
Not being a huge Star Wars fan anymore, I was a bit struck at how empty the convention was. I think the organizers could've easily fit everything into 2 halls instead of 3. Mind you, it was the first day...maybe yesterday and today have been a bit more crazier. I only went home with that ID tag as the souvenir. There really wasn't anything I wanted to buy from the merchandise. I could only imagine how The Stick would've reacted to all this stuff, though. However, she has probably grown out of her obsession as well.
Sunday was the day that I finally gave in and turned on the AC for the first time...but unlike previous years, I set the temp to 27 C and had it on for just 5 hours. Still, that 27 C felt like a freezer when compared to the 32 C temps that I'd almost gotten used to. GC called me up in what seems to be a return to those old night conversations that we'd done from time to time before an absence of several years. He told me about the "Watchmen" trailer which I caught on YouTube some minutes ago. Looks interesting. I hope it gets the buzz and acclaim next year that "The Dark Knight" has been catching like flypaper.
The Weather Office officially announced the end of the Rainy Season on Friday. Yep, the dog days of summer are here. I even heard a cicada buzzing away. But what is far more ominous is that food prices are going up yet again from August 1.
Well, I'm pretty much done here. May head over to Shiodome and grab myself a Hansens hot dog...that is, if the place still exists. I think the lowly frankfurter has lost the battle against the hamburger in this burg.