Friday August 15, 10:47 a.m.
Well, I'm back from that long-awaited physical. It'd been more than a couple of decades since my last checkup. I'm sure if I were in Ontario right now doing the same thing, those guys from OHIP would probably be giving me a ticker-tape parade and a red carpet in front of the clinic. As it was, I just walked almost a kilometre in searing heat (it's 35C outside as I type) to the Gyotoku Central Clinic without having had anything to eat or drink for 12 hours. Actually, despite a few grumbles from my stomach, I didn't feel too bad.
I got to the main reception area about a half-hour before the desk opened up. It was your typical waiting room in Japan...a lot of old people reading newspapers and talking to each other in very loud voices. The plasmavision was showing the NHK morning serial. Unfortunately, it would be another few hours before Olympic coverage started. I had to fill out an application form as a first-timer and then hand it in with my NHI Card and the voucher from City Hall telling me to go to the checkup in the first place.
It didn't take long for my name to be called. The staff there seemed to be divided into three castes. There were the doctors, the nurses and the admin staff. The last of the three were all women and decked out in Bank Teller Casual. One of them came up to me and asked me whether I would be going for the options such as having the scope inserted into one of my two main orifices. It didn't take me too long for me to decline their kind invitation. I filled out another form which had a questionnaire about my medical history.
And that seemed to be the theme for my one hour at the clinic. Paperwork and waiting. I had to fill yet another form while sitting in front of the examination room which concerned Hepatitis. Basically the rest of my time there consisted of waiting and then examining. The staff there were a well-oiled machine....they kept the tempo at a pretty jaunty rate; I didn't have a chance to get too bored. I gave my urine sample first followed by a quick EKG. Then, it was getting measured. My waist was wrapped around in that metabolic syndrome measuring tape...the one with the red zone; it's safe to say that I was safely in that zone. Getting that flyer afterwards labeled "For Metabolic Syndrome Sufferers..." pretty much iced my cake. I sometimes think that the tape should have a black zone at the very end with a death's-head.
Then, I gave them my blood along with a blood pressure reading. And after another 5 minutes of waiting, I actually met the doctor...all of other stuff was done by the medtechs and nurses. He showed me my EKG readings and the analysis of my urine. Nothing out of the ordinary, thankfully. And then after he checked my glands and did the stethoscope thing, he let me go. The doc was a young one with a full mane of hair who kinda reminded me of those young actors who regularly star as doctors in trendy dramas. I waited once more in the main reception before I finally got my official card from the desk. And that was all she wrote. I celebrated by having my first can of juice outside and then going for a zesty set at KFC by the station. The results of my checkup will be out in about a week.
And so now, I will try to relax for the next three days.
Just a place to deposit my thoughts on life here in the Kanto and about anything else that sticks to my walls.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Thursday August 14, 8:09 p.m.
Still no sign of him...Speedy is joking that Slim's decided that he's had enough of me. That may not be too far from the truth.
I've just been spinning my wheels here...I'm pretty sure that he won't show up but I'm sticking around until 9 p.m. I just read an article on "The Japan Times" website about the fact that Maid Cafes have now started to invade the continental United States...namely California (of course, it usually has to be The Golden State). What Tojo and his fanatics couldn't do in the early 40s can apparently now be done by a bunch of dark-frocked women. Of course, the format had to be tweaked for American tastes. For one thing, there isn't any of that cutesy song-and-dance and greetings of "Go-shujinsama" that's de rigueur in the original Akiba cafes. In fact, the American versions are much larger and come off as being a bit more art gallery-like. And the Maids will converse with you on their favourite anime or manga. There was even a statement from a junior high school teacher...kinda wonder how long he's gonna hold his job.
However, the United States isn't anywhere near being the first non-Asian country to import this recent addition to the bizarro world of J-Pop Culture. My own city of Toronto has a Chinese fellow who decided to jump the gun on the phenomenon about a couple of years ago and set up a Maid Cafe in the outer reaches of Scarborough. The Anime King and his court took me there one winter's eve. Basically, it was just any ol' Chinese coffehouse with a couple of waitresses decked out in frilliness. It still managed to get a lot of newspaper copy, though, according to the articles that had been framed and posted on the walls.
Will Maid Cafes take hold in America? I dunno....it really depends on how long J-Pop Culture continues to have a hold on the youth (and adults) there. But I can't really see cutesy meshing in with American culture. Cutesy is perfectly fine in Japan where most women can achieve only that and men feel less intimidated by it. But America is indeed the home of the brave and the beautiful...not really characteristics that Maid Cafes are known for. Maybe one of the key moments for this craze for all things Japanese will be next Spring when Hollywood's take on "Dragonball" will hit the big screen. "Speed Racer" certainly didn't do it.
Still no sign of him...Speedy is joking that Slim's decided that he's had enough of me. That may not be too far from the truth.
I've just been spinning my wheels here...I'm pretty sure that he won't show up but I'm sticking around until 9 p.m. I just read an article on "The Japan Times" website about the fact that Maid Cafes have now started to invade the continental United States...namely California (of course, it usually has to be The Golden State). What Tojo and his fanatics couldn't do in the early 40s can apparently now be done by a bunch of dark-frocked women. Of course, the format had to be tweaked for American tastes. For one thing, there isn't any of that cutesy song-and-dance and greetings of "Go-shujinsama" that's de rigueur in the original Akiba cafes. In fact, the American versions are much larger and come off as being a bit more art gallery-like. And the Maids will converse with you on their favourite anime or manga. There was even a statement from a junior high school teacher...kinda wonder how long he's gonna hold his job.
However, the United States isn't anywhere near being the first non-Asian country to import this recent addition to the bizarro world of J-Pop Culture. My own city of Toronto has a Chinese fellow who decided to jump the gun on the phenomenon about a couple of years ago and set up a Maid Cafe in the outer reaches of Scarborough. The Anime King and his court took me there one winter's eve. Basically, it was just any ol' Chinese coffehouse with a couple of waitresses decked out in frilliness. It still managed to get a lot of newspaper copy, though, according to the articles that had been framed and posted on the walls.
Will Maid Cafes take hold in America? I dunno....it really depends on how long J-Pop Culture continues to have a hold on the youth (and adults) there. But I can't really see cutesy meshing in with American culture. Cutesy is perfectly fine in Japan where most women can achieve only that and men feel less intimidated by it. But America is indeed the home of the brave and the beautiful...not really characteristics that Maid Cafes are known for. Maybe one of the key moments for this craze for all things Japanese will be next Spring when Hollywood's take on "Dragonball" will hit the big screen. "Speed Racer" certainly didn't do it.
Thursday August 14, 7:48 p.m.
Waiting for Slim...doesn't have quite the ring of "Waiting for Guffman" nor does it have the humour. Yep, this could be his third time of misinterpreting the time of his lesson. The ominous undertone here is that this is his last lesson on his current contract, and cynical me is thinking that he may be just throwing out his last one and just not showing up. He certainly didn't seem all that enthused the last time I saw him, although I chalked that up partially due to his jet lag from Germany. And besides the text that I have him looking at is basically a review of the previous ones...if I were him, I would be asking whether I should be paying good money for reruns. So I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last we'll see of Slim. In any case, his raison d'etre to be here was to prepare for his business trip to Munich; well, he's gotten that out of the way now. It's just too bad, though...if indeed he's gonna pull off this dotakyan...I didn't think he would be this way. I thought he was a bit more of a straight-shooter.
However, as for Miss Sedona, she's still good to go as the countdown to her trip to the States is now at one week. In fact, she's reserved one more lesson for next week, on the eve of her departure. The Carolinan came in as well and did her stint with me. We spoke on BC...she was kinda holding back on something about her but I just let it go. She also told me that she and her sis along with one other friend went out for The New Yorker's birthday last week to her favourite restaurant, The Hard Rock Cafe in Roppongi.
Well, coming up to the 8 o'clock mark now and still no sign of Slim. AK has phoned...or tried to, anyways, his cell but the signal is blocked. Not a good omen. I've just gone ahead and ingested my final meal before tomorrow's check. I'm well beyond the 10-hour hiatus on eating that I've been instructed on. Not quite sure what the purpose of fasting is before a checkup here. Maybe the doctors need us docile and easier to manage.
Waiting for Slim...doesn't have quite the ring of "Waiting for Guffman" nor does it have the humour. Yep, this could be his third time of misinterpreting the time of his lesson. The ominous undertone here is that this is his last lesson on his current contract, and cynical me is thinking that he may be just throwing out his last one and just not showing up. He certainly didn't seem all that enthused the last time I saw him, although I chalked that up partially due to his jet lag from Germany. And besides the text that I have him looking at is basically a review of the previous ones...if I were him, I would be asking whether I should be paying good money for reruns. So I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last we'll see of Slim. In any case, his raison d'etre to be here was to prepare for his business trip to Munich; well, he's gotten that out of the way now. It's just too bad, though...if indeed he's gonna pull off this dotakyan...I didn't think he would be this way. I thought he was a bit more of a straight-shooter.
However, as for Miss Sedona, she's still good to go as the countdown to her trip to the States is now at one week. In fact, she's reserved one more lesson for next week, on the eve of her departure. The Carolinan came in as well and did her stint with me. We spoke on BC...she was kinda holding back on something about her but I just let it go. She also told me that she and her sis along with one other friend went out for The New Yorker's birthday last week to her favourite restaurant, The Hard Rock Cafe in Roppongi.
Well, coming up to the 8 o'clock mark now and still no sign of Slim. AK has phoned...or tried to, anyways, his cell but the signal is blocked. Not a good omen. I've just gone ahead and ingested my final meal before tomorrow's check. I'm well beyond the 10-hour hiatus on eating that I've been instructed on. Not quite sure what the purpose of fasting is before a checkup here. Maybe the doctors need us docile and easier to manage.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Thursday August 14, 3:24 p.m.
The weather is getting unsettled out there. Heard a few rumbles of thunder in the distance but no rain as of yet.
The Yogist came in a few hours ago. It'd been about a couple of weeks. She had quite the busy schedule: plan a friend's wedding party, go up to Karuizawa and Mt. Fuji. It was the first time for her to scale Japan's highest mountain, and she paid a price for it in terms of altitude sickness and fatigue. But she did it make it up to the top and just 20 minutes before sunrise. I asked her if she would do it again and it was an unequivocal no which goes with the saying that if one goes up Mt. Fuji once, he's seen as a hero but if he goes up a second time, he's a fool.
Nearly halfway through the day. Miss Sedona should be on her way here in about half an hour. It could be her final time before her big trip to the States, although theoretically there is one more Thursday before she takes off next week.
I've had my second-last meal before the big physical tomorrow morning. Made the most of it with a pasta salad and chicken-cheese fingers. Got three tiny rice balls as my dinner after Slim's lesson tonight. Speedy reminded me that it's his last class before renewal. Will he do so? Not quite sure about that...we got onto a new text but I think it's basically the same as the one before.
The weather is getting unsettled out there. Heard a few rumbles of thunder in the distance but no rain as of yet.
The Yogist came in a few hours ago. It'd been about a couple of weeks. She had quite the busy schedule: plan a friend's wedding party, go up to Karuizawa and Mt. Fuji. It was the first time for her to scale Japan's highest mountain, and she paid a price for it in terms of altitude sickness and fatigue. But she did it make it up to the top and just 20 minutes before sunrise. I asked her if she would do it again and it was an unequivocal no which goes with the saying that if one goes up Mt. Fuji once, he's seen as a hero but if he goes up a second time, he's a fool.
Nearly halfway through the day. Miss Sedona should be on her way here in about half an hour. It could be her final time before her big trip to the States, although theoretically there is one more Thursday before she takes off next week.
I've had my second-last meal before the big physical tomorrow morning. Made the most of it with a pasta salad and chicken-cheese fingers. Got three tiny rice balls as my dinner after Slim's lesson tonight. Speedy reminded me that it's his last class before renewal. Will he do so? Not quite sure about that...we got onto a new text but I think it's basically the same as the one before.
Thursday August 14, 11:51 a.m.
Just about killed Grandma Dynamite by asking her to give directions to get to her house from the school. Didn't quite do it so it should make her stronger....and there were signs that I was able to accomplish something. Still, I'm feeling pretty tuckered myself. I guess I pulled off the English conversation equivalent of Mutally Assured Destruction.
Speaking about accomplishing something...the US may have Michael Phelps, but Japan is still making inroads in the pool. Kosuke Kitajima pulled off another Gold less than an hour ago. I wouldn't be surprised if the number of kids wanting to enter swim clubs skyrockets after these Olympics.
Just about killed Grandma Dynamite by asking her to give directions to get to her house from the school. Didn't quite do it so it should make her stronger....and there were signs that I was able to accomplish something. Still, I'm feeling pretty tuckered myself. I guess I pulled off the English conversation equivalent of Mutally Assured Destruction.
Speaking about accomplishing something...the US may have Michael Phelps, but Japan is still making inroads in the pool. Kosuke Kitajima pulled off another Gold less than an hour ago. I wouldn't be surprised if the number of kids wanting to enter swim clubs skyrockets after these Olympics.
Thursday August 14, 8:27 a.m.
Another hot one out there. Man, that heat was just spewing out of the concrete this morning. Luckily (or unluckily), I'm inside the school for pretty much the whole day. This is the Hump Day that was supposed to have been yesterday but wasn't. However, the next three days will be off, although tomorrow will be spent at the clinic getting my physical. Not quite sure how vigourous that will be. I'm sure it'll make for a blog exclusive, though...the Japanese Medical Check-up...film at 11.
Japan has been doing pretty well in its first week at The Beijing Olympics. 9 medals so far, including two yesterday for judo and fencing. And it's in the Top 10 in the medal count. As for my home country of Canada...well...I was searching the standings and I just couldn't find that Maple Leaf anywhere. Even Togo was up in the chart. According to cbc.ca, the Canadian Olympic Chief has been imploring some angry Canucks to calm down and smell the roses...and perhaps flop sweat. However, Japan feels Canada's pain. There is that rather pathetic performance in Turin, Italy for the Winter Olympics 2.5 years ago. Japan only got that one Gold for Figure Skating.
The Entrepreneur sent his weekly missive to me, The Dancer and The Doctor...the old guys from U of T. He and his missus enjoyed the Niagara Peach Festival...ah, must be nice to have all those desserts and fresh peaches. And I certainly envy the coolness over there. While we're sweltering in 30+ temps and humidity, Toronto has just been celebrating 20 degrees as a high. Is there really such a thing as air conditioning anymore over there? Also, my old friend mentioned that The CNE has started up again. I don't particularly miss Canada's oldest exhibition and symbol of late summer but there is a niggling sense of nostalgia.
I read the review of "The Dark Knight" in the METROPOLIS magazine (nope, no Superman pun intended here). Usually, the reviewer is pretty snarky...just like The Joker himself...about the movies he looks at (and not without reason), but he was pretty glowing though not gushing about this Batman. And from what I've read of the synopsis (yep, I've given up...I did see the Wiki entry for it), he is right...this is a real tragedy of a superhero story. Even he's gotten into the mania to nominate the late Heath Ledger for Oscar.
Well, let's just get through this day, shall we...? Those cicadas are already whining away out there.
Another hot one out there. Man, that heat was just spewing out of the concrete this morning. Luckily (or unluckily), I'm inside the school for pretty much the whole day. This is the Hump Day that was supposed to have been yesterday but wasn't. However, the next three days will be off, although tomorrow will be spent at the clinic getting my physical. Not quite sure how vigourous that will be. I'm sure it'll make for a blog exclusive, though...the Japanese Medical Check-up...film at 11.
Japan has been doing pretty well in its first week at The Beijing Olympics. 9 medals so far, including two yesterday for judo and fencing. And it's in the Top 10 in the medal count. As for my home country of Canada...well...I was searching the standings and I just couldn't find that Maple Leaf anywhere. Even Togo was up in the chart. According to cbc.ca, the Canadian Olympic Chief has been imploring some angry Canucks to calm down and smell the roses...and perhaps flop sweat. However, Japan feels Canada's pain. There is that rather pathetic performance in Turin, Italy for the Winter Olympics 2.5 years ago. Japan only got that one Gold for Figure Skating.
The Entrepreneur sent his weekly missive to me, The Dancer and The Doctor...the old guys from U of T. He and his missus enjoyed the Niagara Peach Festival...ah, must be nice to have all those desserts and fresh peaches. And I certainly envy the coolness over there. While we're sweltering in 30+ temps and humidity, Toronto has just been celebrating 20 degrees as a high. Is there really such a thing as air conditioning anymore over there? Also, my old friend mentioned that The CNE has started up again. I don't particularly miss Canada's oldest exhibition and symbol of late summer but there is a niggling sense of nostalgia.
I read the review of "The Dark Knight" in the METROPOLIS magazine (nope, no Superman pun intended here). Usually, the reviewer is pretty snarky...just like The Joker himself...about the movies he looks at (and not without reason), but he was pretty glowing though not gushing about this Batman. And from what I've read of the synopsis (yep, I've given up...I did see the Wiki entry for it), he is right...this is a real tragedy of a superhero story. Even he's gotten into the mania to nominate the late Heath Ledger for Oscar.
Well, let's just get through this day, shall we...? Those cicadas are already whining away out there.
Wednesday August 13, 7:51 p.m.
Finished off my smaller dinner of hot dog and peach nectar. I've decided to have my last junky dinner tonight instead of tomorrow night...just to be on the safe side before getting that physical. I'm not sure what it's like in other countries, but over here people have to go without food for 10 hours before a checkup...which is probably why many folks would like to get their checkups done in the morning. Since most of those 10 hours will be used up in sleep, the hunger pangs won't be nearly as bad.
Well, the international media is in its uproar mode on hearing that the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics may not have been as genuine as expected. What did you expect of a Communist country? Yep, so some of the fireworks were actually computer graphics. And yep, that little girl was really lip-synching a more talented but homelier lass, a la the two female stars from "Singin' In The Rain"...kinda figured something looked strange about her. But when it comes down to it, who really cares? It's not as if London is gonna do something chintzy as that in 2012, and the Opening Ceremonies are history now. Let it go.
Just got the lesson planning done for The Fashion Designer and the folks tomorrow. Thursday should be The Hump Day that today wasn't. Got 5 up to bat: Grandma Dynamite, The Yogist, Miss Sedona, The Carolinan and Slim. Then I head on home and get some sleep before schlepping off to the clinic.
Finished off my smaller dinner of hot dog and peach nectar. I've decided to have my last junky dinner tonight instead of tomorrow night...just to be on the safe side before getting that physical. I'm not sure what it's like in other countries, but over here people have to go without food for 10 hours before a checkup...which is probably why many folks would like to get their checkups done in the morning. Since most of those 10 hours will be used up in sleep, the hunger pangs won't be nearly as bad.
Well, the international media is in its uproar mode on hearing that the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics may not have been as genuine as expected. What did you expect of a Communist country? Yep, so some of the fireworks were actually computer graphics. And yep, that little girl was really lip-synching a more talented but homelier lass, a la the two female stars from "Singin' In The Rain"...kinda figured something looked strange about her. But when it comes down to it, who really cares? It's not as if London is gonna do something chintzy as that in 2012, and the Opening Ceremonies are history now. Let it go.
Just got the lesson planning done for The Fashion Designer and the folks tomorrow. Thursday should be The Hump Day that today wasn't. Got 5 up to bat: Grandma Dynamite, The Yogist, Miss Sedona, The Carolinan and Slim. Then I head on home and get some sleep before schlepping off to the clinic.
Wednesday August 13, 5:29 p.m.
Back from my little sortie out into Shinjuku. Had my lunch at that Chinese eatery in the basement of The Maynds Building. Actually, it only cost me 900 yen for that spicy little dish with bottomless amounts of rice, stir-fried veggies and dumplings...and of course, water.
As I made my way across from the building over to Takashimaya Times Square and Kinokuniya, there was an even longer lineup for Krispy Kreme....a 35-minute wait. Not nearly as long as those insane 2-hour snakes in the early days but I thought things had finally started to slow down to 25 minutes.
Only ended up picking up the issue of METROPOLIS from last week. The cover article is on the annual battle between the ultrarightists and leftists at Yasukuni Shrine on August 15th...the anniversary of the day of Japan's surrender in 1945. Perhaps I'm rather lucky that I'm going to be probed on that day in Gyotoku.
However, I did find out that Kinokuniya was having a sale of discounted foreign books on the 11th floor of Takashimaya. Didn't think I would buy anything since I only had a thousand yen on me, and sure enough, there was a reason that these books were discounted. Not much interesting there. At the same time, there was some sort of big carnival for some cartoon character next to the bins of books.
Went up to the next floor to take a look at HMV. In the classical section, some woman was doing English covers of J-pop songs...the song on the speakers just happened to be Yuming's oldie, "Sotsugyo Shashin" (Graduation Photo). There have been many Japanese covers of the tune, and even one other English cover by an interesting trio of African-American Yuming tribute singers named R.S.V.P. back in the early 90s. The song I heard today seemed to refer back to the very original version with that certain 70s jauntiness.
Then when I went into the main section, a CD of Studio Ghibli tunes done jazz-style was playing on those speakers. I guess it must've been "Tribute to J-Pop Day". Actually, it was Double Point Day. I also did notice...and just notice...there were some roman poruno DVDs being sold on the shelves; I would just love to know who would dare bring those discs up to a straight-faced female cashier.
Ended up doing the entire loop of the Oedo Line which took about an hour. It was still way too early to head on back. As Speedy just mentioned just now, I was still a little less than 4 hours away from my next and final lesson. I kinda wish that The Fashion Designer has a sudden fashion disaster to contend with so I can go home early. I do have another early start to the day tomorrow.
Looks like Japan's got another medal to add to its total. This time, it's a Bronze by another swimmer, Matsuda. However, the pool is a buzz about American superman, Michael Phelps, who's become the greatest medal winner in history thanks to yet another win. It's almost becoming boring to see this guy pump his arms in the air and whoop it up after a race now.
Speaking of both The Olympics and music, I gotta say that the theme songs for these Olympic Game broadcasts have become pretty limpid over the past several years. I'm not a huge Mr. Children fan (although I have CD single discs of "Tomorrow Never Knows" and "[es]" which are good tunes), so it's pretty easy for me to say that the band's contribution to the NHK telecasts is pretty narcoleptic. But then again, recent J-Pop contributions to Olympic broadcasts have been in the same vein: guitar-based ballads of solemn inspiration....more like solemn need to sleep. It would be nice to have something like, say, the official tune for the NHK broadcast of the Atlanta Games in 1996: "Atsukuninare" (Get Passionate!) by 90s singer Maki Oguro. I listened to that disc yesterday on the old Discman after having to go through another rendition of Mr. Children on TV, and Maki Oguro just blows everyone away with this rousing tune of synth, snares and brass seemingly driven by Michael Phelps and Kosuke Kitajima themselves. I distinctly remember the NHK editors getting in on the act whenever they played highlights of the events with the song playing in the background. Made for a great sports video. Mind you, when The World Cup had come to Japan and Korea in 2002, Vangelis did make a good theme song for the punters. I think NHK and J-Pop should think about something pretty driving for London then in 2012. Maybe something in the vein of Cool Britannia?
Back from my little sortie out into Shinjuku. Had my lunch at that Chinese eatery in the basement of The Maynds Building. Actually, it only cost me 900 yen for that spicy little dish with bottomless amounts of rice, stir-fried veggies and dumplings...and of course, water.
As I made my way across from the building over to Takashimaya Times Square and Kinokuniya, there was an even longer lineup for Krispy Kreme....a 35-minute wait. Not nearly as long as those insane 2-hour snakes in the early days but I thought things had finally started to slow down to 25 minutes.
Only ended up picking up the issue of METROPOLIS from last week. The cover article is on the annual battle between the ultrarightists and leftists at Yasukuni Shrine on August 15th...the anniversary of the day of Japan's surrender in 1945. Perhaps I'm rather lucky that I'm going to be probed on that day in Gyotoku.
However, I did find out that Kinokuniya was having a sale of discounted foreign books on the 11th floor of Takashimaya. Didn't think I would buy anything since I only had a thousand yen on me, and sure enough, there was a reason that these books were discounted. Not much interesting there. At the same time, there was some sort of big carnival for some cartoon character next to the bins of books.
Went up to the next floor to take a look at HMV. In the classical section, some woman was doing English covers of J-pop songs...the song on the speakers just happened to be Yuming's oldie, "Sotsugyo Shashin" (Graduation Photo). There have been many Japanese covers of the tune, and even one other English cover by an interesting trio of African-American Yuming tribute singers named R.S.V.P. back in the early 90s. The song I heard today seemed to refer back to the very original version with that certain 70s jauntiness.
Then when I went into the main section, a CD of Studio Ghibli tunes done jazz-style was playing on those speakers. I guess it must've been "Tribute to J-Pop Day". Actually, it was Double Point Day. I also did notice...and just notice...there were some roman poruno DVDs being sold on the shelves; I would just love to know who would dare bring those discs up to a straight-faced female cashier.
Ended up doing the entire loop of the Oedo Line which took about an hour. It was still way too early to head on back. As Speedy just mentioned just now, I was still a little less than 4 hours away from my next and final lesson. I kinda wish that The Fashion Designer has a sudden fashion disaster to contend with so I can go home early. I do have another early start to the day tomorrow.
Looks like Japan's got another medal to add to its total. This time, it's a Bronze by another swimmer, Matsuda. However, the pool is a buzz about American superman, Michael Phelps, who's become the greatest medal winner in history thanks to yet another win. It's almost becoming boring to see this guy pump his arms in the air and whoop it up after a race now.
Speaking of both The Olympics and music, I gotta say that the theme songs for these Olympic Game broadcasts have become pretty limpid over the past several years. I'm not a huge Mr. Children fan (although I have CD single discs of "Tomorrow Never Knows" and "[es]" which are good tunes), so it's pretty easy for me to say that the band's contribution to the NHK telecasts is pretty narcoleptic. But then again, recent J-Pop contributions to Olympic broadcasts have been in the same vein: guitar-based ballads of solemn inspiration....more like solemn need to sleep. It would be nice to have something like, say, the official tune for the NHK broadcast of the Atlanta Games in 1996: "Atsukuninare" (Get Passionate!) by 90s singer Maki Oguro. I listened to that disc yesterday on the old Discman after having to go through another rendition of Mr. Children on TV, and Maki Oguro just blows everyone away with this rousing tune of synth, snares and brass seemingly driven by Michael Phelps and Kosuke Kitajima themselves. I distinctly remember the NHK editors getting in on the act whenever they played highlights of the events with the song playing in the background. Made for a great sports video. Mind you, when The World Cup had come to Japan and Korea in 2002, Vangelis did make a good theme song for the punters. I think NHK and J-Pop should think about something pretty driving for London then in 2012. Maybe something in the vein of Cool Britannia?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Wednesday August 13, 12:10 p.m.
Just finished up with The Pessimist. Discovered that he's as much miha as I am. What's that, you might say? Miha? Miha refers to the state of being knowledgeable about all things pop cultural. He started mentioning things such as the fact that his old high school of Horikoshi, which is in the neighbourhood, is a place which has a better-than-average population of future showbiz types or geinojin. So, he did rub elbows (in passing; he didn't become buddies with them) with aidoru like Noriko Sakai and Shizuka Kudo (aka Mrs. Takuya Kimura).
Since we're on the topic, I was switching back and forth between The Olympics and regular TV last night and found out for the first time (since I'm always teaching at the juku 50-51 Tuesday nights a year) that there was a Shoko Nakagawa program...which was ironically on its final episode. Shokotan is that unique geinojin who's an absolute tarento (TV personality) and absolute otaku (geek) for all things anime, manga and Bruce Lee. And like The Pessimist and I, she's also quite miha. I also discovered that her father was an 80s rock singer who had died tragically early in life only in his early 30s.
To add further insult to my own injuries, I listened to the whole album of Genki Rockets last night. Gotta admit that while the songs hold together still, the writing still strikes me as being something from Teenage Songwriting 101. Neither Carole King nor Yumi Matsutoya need look behind their shoulders.
Well, I'm starting to get hungry but I'm gonna hold off until 1 p.m. since the lunch crowd is probably still scrumming in the restaurants. Not sure where I'm gonna go but since I've got the all-day commuter pass today, I may just head over to that Chinese eatery in Maynds Building in Shinjuku. They've got those filling 980 yen specials. Otherwise, the sky's the limit.
Just finished up with The Pessimist. Discovered that he's as much miha as I am. What's that, you might say? Miha? Miha refers to the state of being knowledgeable about all things pop cultural. He started mentioning things such as the fact that his old high school of Horikoshi, which is in the neighbourhood, is a place which has a better-than-average population of future showbiz types or geinojin. So, he did rub elbows (in passing; he didn't become buddies with them) with aidoru like Noriko Sakai and Shizuka Kudo (aka Mrs. Takuya Kimura).
Since we're on the topic, I was switching back and forth between The Olympics and regular TV last night and found out for the first time (since I'm always teaching at the juku 50-51 Tuesday nights a year) that there was a Shoko Nakagawa program...which was ironically on its final episode. Shokotan is that unique geinojin who's an absolute tarento (TV personality) and absolute otaku (geek) for all things anime, manga and Bruce Lee. And like The Pessimist and I, she's also quite miha. I also discovered that her father was an 80s rock singer who had died tragically early in life only in his early 30s.
To add further insult to my own injuries, I listened to the whole album of Genki Rockets last night. Gotta admit that while the songs hold together still, the writing still strikes me as being something from Teenage Songwriting 101. Neither Carole King nor Yumi Matsutoya need look behind their shoulders.
Well, I'm starting to get hungry but I'm gonna hold off until 1 p.m. since the lunch crowd is probably still scrumming in the restaurants. Not sure where I'm gonna go but since I've got the all-day commuter pass today, I may just head over to that Chinese eatery in Maynds Building in Shinjuku. They've got those filling 980 yen specials. Otherwise, the sky's the limit.
Wednesday August 13, 10:17 a.m.
Well, that Hump on my Hump Day has shrunken into barely a pimple. Actually, it's now a Donut Day. I've got The Pessimist in 45 minutes and then I'll have to wait over 9 hours before The Fashion Designer comes in. The Big Lug, 001 and The Diver have all cancelled their classes, and I'm not 100% sure about The Fashion Designer. So, I've got a huge hole in my schedule. Not gonna be hanging about at the school for 9 hours; I'm awfully tempted to catch "The Dark Knight" but I'm trying to be loyal to Movie Buddy.
There's another new heroine and group of heroes in Japan. Ayumi Tanimoto got herself another judo Gold last night with a classic ippon throwdown of her French opponent. Earlier in the day, the Men's Gymnastic Team earned themselves a Silver...which was pretty much the very best. China just had to get the Gold for this one. However, in every silver lining, there is a cloud. Japan's best chance in the Women's Marathon, Noguchi, has had to pull out of the Olympics due to injury.
Speedy's response to my letter concerning 002's parting of the ways with the school was pretty even-handed. He only expressed regret that we didn't just go to copies instead of the whole textbook. On the other hand, I would rather have her have a text instead of having her deal with a bunch of loose leaf copies. In any case, I've got her payment with me.
In any case, gotta get ready for The Pessimist.
Well, that Hump on my Hump Day has shrunken into barely a pimple. Actually, it's now a Donut Day. I've got The Pessimist in 45 minutes and then I'll have to wait over 9 hours before The Fashion Designer comes in. The Big Lug, 001 and The Diver have all cancelled their classes, and I'm not 100% sure about The Fashion Designer. So, I've got a huge hole in my schedule. Not gonna be hanging about at the school for 9 hours; I'm awfully tempted to catch "The Dark Knight" but I'm trying to be loyal to Movie Buddy.
There's another new heroine and group of heroes in Japan. Ayumi Tanimoto got herself another judo Gold last night with a classic ippon throwdown of her French opponent. Earlier in the day, the Men's Gymnastic Team earned themselves a Silver...which was pretty much the very best. China just had to get the Gold for this one. However, in every silver lining, there is a cloud. Japan's best chance in the Women's Marathon, Noguchi, has had to pull out of the Olympics due to injury.
Speedy's response to my letter concerning 002's parting of the ways with the school was pretty even-handed. He only expressed regret that we didn't just go to copies instead of the whole textbook. On the other hand, I would rather have her have a text instead of having her deal with a bunch of loose leaf copies. In any case, I've got her payment with me.
In any case, gotta get ready for The Pessimist.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Tuesday August 12, 1:27 p.m.
Well, she said it....as I figured ever since Speedy told me that her contract was up for renewal last week. 002 today informed me that she wouldn't be renewing for another year with the school. Actually, I'm not too disappointed since she wants to continue with me in a private capacity...ok, no snickering...just English lessons. I sent the bad news to the bossman via e-mail; it'll be interesting to see how he reacts.
I'm actually off for the rest of the day since the juku is on a week's hiatus, so I can actually take it easy. I've been reading those graphic novels that The Lens had kindly donated to me last Thursday. They were Batman's "Broken City" and Daredevil's "The Devil: Inside and Out". You couldn't get any noirish than these two. Great reads, both of them. One sign at how mesmerizing they are is that I almost regretted having to get off at my station last night; was thoroughly engrossed in them during the commute home.
Speaking of Batman, I accidentally came across the BIG spoiler about "The Dark Knight". But, it had crossed my mind when the media mentioned about a funeral in the movie. It had to happen.
The wide shows and newspapers have been ablaze with Kosuke Kitajima's scintillating world-record-breaking swim yesterday. Hiro Nakamura has nothing on this guy....Japan has got a true hero now. Strangely enough, Japan's total medal count thus far is 4 times as much as it was for the nation's count at the Winter Olympics in Turin a couple of years ago.
Well, she said it....as I figured ever since Speedy told me that her contract was up for renewal last week. 002 today informed me that she wouldn't be renewing for another year with the school. Actually, I'm not too disappointed since she wants to continue with me in a private capacity...ok, no snickering...just English lessons. I sent the bad news to the bossman via e-mail; it'll be interesting to see how he reacts.
I'm actually off for the rest of the day since the juku is on a week's hiatus, so I can actually take it easy. I've been reading those graphic novels that The Lens had kindly donated to me last Thursday. They were Batman's "Broken City" and Daredevil's "The Devil: Inside and Out". You couldn't get any noirish than these two. Great reads, both of them. One sign at how mesmerizing they are is that I almost regretted having to get off at my station last night; was thoroughly engrossed in them during the commute home.
Speaking of Batman, I accidentally came across the BIG spoiler about "The Dark Knight". But, it had crossed my mind when the media mentioned about a funeral in the movie. It had to happen.
The wide shows and newspapers have been ablaze with Kosuke Kitajima's scintillating world-record-breaking swim yesterday. Hiro Nakamura has nothing on this guy....Japan has got a true hero now. Strangely enough, Japan's total medal count thus far is 4 times as much as it was for the nation's count at the Winter Olympics in Turin a couple of years ago.
Monday August 11, 7:32 p.m.
Made it through the long wasteland of waiting between The Pessimist and The Full-Timer. The Full-Timer and her mother had their jaunt through Hong Kong and Macau last week. They had a good time there; got the usual omiyage in the form of Macau Cookies...the equivalent of Taiwan's Pineapple Cake. They actually did go to that Jade Garden Restaurant near the Peninsula Hotel where The Class Act and I had gone last October. It passed their taste test with flying colours.
Got nearly a couple of hours to go before Medicine Man comes by for the final class of the day. The Diver called in to cancel her class for Hump Day; said she's not feeling too well. However, tomorrow will be far from Hump Day. Just 002 and that will be all she wrote. If I'm lucky, I may be able to see some more Gold Medal-winning performances.
Made it through the long wasteland of waiting between The Pessimist and The Full-Timer. The Full-Timer and her mother had their jaunt through Hong Kong and Macau last week. They had a good time there; got the usual omiyage in the form of Macau Cookies...the equivalent of Taiwan's Pineapple Cake. They actually did go to that Jade Garden Restaurant near the Peninsula Hotel where The Class Act and I had gone last October. It passed their taste test with flying colours.
Got nearly a couple of hours to go before Medicine Man comes by for the final class of the day. The Diver called in to cancel her class for Hump Day; said she's not feeling too well. However, tomorrow will be far from Hump Day. Just 002 and that will be all she wrote. If I'm lucky, I may be able to see some more Gold Medal-winning performances.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Monday August 11, 12:28 p.m.
It's been a bittersweet weekend for Team Japan in these Olympics so far...well, the more accurate word would be tangy, actually, since the news has had more good than bad. On Saturday night, the perennial darling of the Japanese Olympic movement for more than a decade, Ryoko Tani (nee Tamura), aka Yawara-chan, lost her bid to get Gold for the 3rd Olympics in a row in Women's 48kg judo after losing to the eventual champion, a woman from Romania. She had to settle for Bronze. Basically, after losing that semi-final, the real drama was wondering whether she would be up for the consolation round for 3rd since her face looked very dark.
However, as I said, it's been more good than bad. One guy by the name of Uchishiba got his Gold in judo and a teenager was able to get a Bronze in her first try at The Olympics. But the other big win was just in the last couple of hours. Swimmer Kosuke Kitajima who got his first Gold in Athens 4 years ago did it again this morning in the 400 m. Not too bad for 3 days' work.
After seeing Tully and The Coffeemaker yesterday morning, I met up with Skippy at JR Shinjuku. We and one other fellow she knew from her old employer, IBM, were supposed to head on out to see some old folk houses at an outdoor museum in Kawasaki City. However, the other guy had to dotakyan that morning so it was just Skippy and myself. The museum is run by the Kawasaki City government and is known as a minka-en. It was plenty hot when we got there but we managed to survive as we wove in and out of these surprisingly large buildings from the 18th-century which not only housed people but also horses and equipment for farming. They had an almost Medieval European look to them....none of these thatched-tile roofs; these roofs were fully straw and the houses rose about 2 floors. One of the buildings seemed to have a medical purpose in mind. Despite it being 32 degrees C outside, there was a brazier inside burning away some incense liquid while visitors could step on a long row of green bamboo poles as a form of reflexology. I walked on them in my stocking feet and didn't feel much pain; hopefully, that will bode well for me when I go through my fully Westernized checkup this Friday.
Skippy and I then walked back to the station to have a bit of a snack at McDonalds, before we took the train back into Tokyo, specifically Ikebukuro, to have dinner. We ended up having a Chinese dim sum buffet at the top of the Tobu Department Store. Really filled myself up. Found out that Skippy enjoys going to karaoke boxes by herself to sing anime songs. The fact that she sings just anime songs explains why she goes alone. I would've volunteered to accompany her but I got the impression that she prefers the solitude. In any case, I think she and Shoko Nakagawa just have to meet each other.
Got home to find out from CNN that there were some propane explosions in Toronto the night before. I didn't expect to hear anything bad concerning my family, but just in case, I decided to drop a line to Mom. It turned out that the explosions took place in the west end of town. However, I did find out that there was a family emergency of sorts which had taken place about a week previously. Dad came down with some sort of bladder infection which necessitated a 911 call and an ambulance. Mom, however, la-di-da'ed it off as just a minor matter although Dad had to stay at Sunnybrook Hospital for a few days. The fact that I only found out about it a whole week after the fact kinda emphasized that all things were pretty much under control.
Was also surprised to find out from CNN that Isaac Hayes of "Shaft" and "South Park" fame had just passed away. And now Bernie Mac of the "Ocean's 11" crew has gone to that stand-up revue in Heaven.
It'll be one of those spread-out days today here at Speedy's. I've got The Pessimist in little more than an hour, followed by The Full-Timer (will be looking forward to her report on Hong Kong) and then Medicine Man in the very last slot of the night.
It's been a bittersweet weekend for Team Japan in these Olympics so far...well, the more accurate word would be tangy, actually, since the news has had more good than bad. On Saturday night, the perennial darling of the Japanese Olympic movement for more than a decade, Ryoko Tani (nee Tamura), aka Yawara-chan, lost her bid to get Gold for the 3rd Olympics in a row in Women's 48kg judo after losing to the eventual champion, a woman from Romania. She had to settle for Bronze. Basically, after losing that semi-final, the real drama was wondering whether she would be up for the consolation round for 3rd since her face looked very dark.
However, as I said, it's been more good than bad. One guy by the name of Uchishiba got his Gold in judo and a teenager was able to get a Bronze in her first try at The Olympics. But the other big win was just in the last couple of hours. Swimmer Kosuke Kitajima who got his first Gold in Athens 4 years ago did it again this morning in the 400 m. Not too bad for 3 days' work.
After seeing Tully and The Coffeemaker yesterday morning, I met up with Skippy at JR Shinjuku. We and one other fellow she knew from her old employer, IBM, were supposed to head on out to see some old folk houses at an outdoor museum in Kawasaki City. However, the other guy had to dotakyan that morning so it was just Skippy and myself. The museum is run by the Kawasaki City government and is known as a minka-en. It was plenty hot when we got there but we managed to survive as we wove in and out of these surprisingly large buildings from the 18th-century which not only housed people but also horses and equipment for farming. They had an almost Medieval European look to them....none of these thatched-tile roofs; these roofs were fully straw and the houses rose about 2 floors. One of the buildings seemed to have a medical purpose in mind. Despite it being 32 degrees C outside, there was a brazier inside burning away some incense liquid while visitors could step on a long row of green bamboo poles as a form of reflexology. I walked on them in my stocking feet and didn't feel much pain; hopefully, that will bode well for me when I go through my fully Westernized checkup this Friday.
Skippy and I then walked back to the station to have a bit of a snack at McDonalds, before we took the train back into Tokyo, specifically Ikebukuro, to have dinner. We ended up having a Chinese dim sum buffet at the top of the Tobu Department Store. Really filled myself up. Found out that Skippy enjoys going to karaoke boxes by herself to sing anime songs. The fact that she sings just anime songs explains why she goes alone. I would've volunteered to accompany her but I got the impression that she prefers the solitude. In any case, I think she and Shoko Nakagawa just have to meet each other.
Got home to find out from CNN that there were some propane explosions in Toronto the night before. I didn't expect to hear anything bad concerning my family, but just in case, I decided to drop a line to Mom. It turned out that the explosions took place in the west end of town. However, I did find out that there was a family emergency of sorts which had taken place about a week previously. Dad came down with some sort of bladder infection which necessitated a 911 call and an ambulance. Mom, however, la-di-da'ed it off as just a minor matter although Dad had to stay at Sunnybrook Hospital for a few days. The fact that I only found out about it a whole week after the fact kinda emphasized that all things were pretty much under control.
Was also surprised to find out from CNN that Isaac Hayes of "Shaft" and "South Park" fame had just passed away. And now Bernie Mac of the "Ocean's 11" crew has gone to that stand-up revue in Heaven.
It'll be one of those spread-out days today here at Speedy's. I've got The Pessimist in little more than an hour, followed by The Full-Timer (will be looking forward to her report on Hong Kong) and then Medicine Man in the very last slot of the night.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Saturday August 9, 4:34 p.m.
And another day is finished. Mr. TOEIC was OK though his usual slowness kinda brought my metabolism down to a crawl...digesting lunch at the same time didn't help. We did get some of that ubiquitious pineapple cake from his trip to Taiwan. The Dentist was pretty fun as usual. She told me that one of the customers at her regular oden shop nearby just happened to be one of the potential victims of that psycho Kato from The Akihabara Massacre about a couple of months ago.
I am feeling tired and am ready to head on home. Just one little peek into Facebook and I'll be done for the day.
And another day is finished. Mr. TOEIC was OK though his usual slowness kinda brought my metabolism down to a crawl...digesting lunch at the same time didn't help. We did get some of that ubiquitious pineapple cake from his trip to Taiwan. The Dentist was pretty fun as usual. She told me that one of the customers at her regular oden shop nearby just happened to be one of the potential victims of that psycho Kato from The Akihabara Massacre about a couple of months ago.
I am feeling tired and am ready to head on home. Just one little peek into Facebook and I'll be done for the day.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Saturday August 9, 1:37 p.m.
So far, so good. The first two students were very pleasant. The Businesswoman was at her understated best. Looks like her bossa nova guitar lessons are bearing fruit. She'll be helping at a concert in a couple of weeks. Then, PR's first official lesson went off to a good start...she's gonna be a sidetracker since she not only has a great interest in movies but she is in the movie business herself. I even got a free press kit in Japanese for "Get Smart". She remarked that noone less than 50 would know about the original TV series which came out as "Sore Ike Smart!" (Go For It, Smart!) in Japan decades ago. Well, I'm not exactly a spring chicken myself, but nowhere near 50.
So far, so good. The first two students were very pleasant. The Businesswoman was at her understated best. Looks like her bossa nova guitar lessons are bearing fruit. She'll be helping at a concert in a couple of weeks. Then, PR's first official lesson went off to a good start...she's gonna be a sidetracker since she not only has a great interest in movies but she is in the movie business herself. I even got a free press kit in Japanese for "Get Smart". She remarked that noone less than 50 would know about the original TV series which came out as "Sore Ike Smart!" (Go For It, Smart!) in Japan decades ago. Well, I'm not exactly a spring chicken myself, but nowhere near 50.
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...
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...
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.