Blogger is turning Japanese on me. Kurappu!
In this week's news and goings on, looks like my company is in all kinds of poo - to put it mildly. The wife has had the "what will you do if you lose your job" chat with me tonight. Options are on the table, but I think we'll be staying put until things take a real nosedive... IF they do. I can tell you one thing, I will NOT be looking for work in another eikawa company if this site is anything to go by....
This was an interesting summary of the recent visit to Australia by the Finnish President, Tarja Halonen. She lowered our PM a rung or two by distancing herself from him over the nuclear power issue after he tried a bit of sucking up. The article has a good summary of all the good things about Finland. Doesn't mention the cold, six months of darkness, rampant alcoholism or the high suicide rate, but hey, since when did they matter!?
Has the USA already started down the road to a totalitarian government?
Are they lining up Iran when Iraq and Afghanistan are still mired in chaos?
Why are they so interested in pouring money into Africa when it just makes the poor poorer?
In lighter news...
Found an awesome site of 70s movie soundtracks.
Here's a weird site for you ex-Japanese dwellers out there (and here is the explanation in English!) - a 'shabu shabu' restaurant in Tokyo where you can have a waitress dressed as a nurse or an office lady ('OL') - ah, if I only had some money!
If you ever wanted to be like 'The Dude' from 'The Big Lebowski' then you can go through a step by step course in Duderonomy! (The Dude abides)
And finally, here is 'Full Metal Jacket' done as anime! (thanks bro!)
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Wow..... !
"ok, so imagine you live in portugal and your moving house. you find a lovely farm house set in a decent plot of land. the place has been empty for 15 years!
whilst exploring your new property you find a large barn in the trees. the door is padlocked shut and its all rusted solid. so you grind the padlock open.........
and this is what you find inside." (for Matt)
As the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse saddle up thanks to the triumvirate news stories of Anna Nichole Smith dying, Paris Hilton bringing Vienna to a standstill and Britney shaving her head, it was refreshing to find an article that sums up the stupidity that is "news". This article explains my state of mind much more eloquently than I ever could.
Today's scary news is that there is a report based on research that eating GM potatoes increases the risk of cancer. There's some controversy about its accuracy but the fact that the 'powers that be' have tried to keep this quiet speaks volumes....
whilst exploring your new property you find a large barn in the trees. the door is padlocked shut and its all rusted solid. so you grind the padlock open.........
and this is what you find inside." (for Matt)
As the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse saddle up thanks to the triumvirate news stories of Anna Nichole Smith dying, Paris Hilton bringing Vienna to a standstill and Britney shaving her head, it was refreshing to find an article that sums up the stupidity that is "news". This article explains my state of mind much more eloquently than I ever could.
Today's scary news is that there is a report based on research that eating GM potatoes increases the risk of cancer. There's some controversy about its accuracy but the fact that the 'powers that be' have tried to keep this quiet speaks volumes....
Friday, February 16, 2007
Scary news for Aussie prawn lovers....
A plate of prawns could soon cost A$100+ thanks to new import laws on raw prawn meat. Put simply, the new laws will bring in new food safety standards for imported raw prawn meat which will drive up the demand for locally caught and produced prawns.
The writer of the article compares the situation to what happened with bananas last year but with the chilling footnote, "The problem for us prawn aficionados is that it won't be temporary." Yoiks.
Put on your travelling shoes and come to Japan. Prawns will still be cheap here!
The writer of the article compares the situation to what happened with bananas last year but with the chilling footnote, "The problem for us prawn aficionados is that it won't be temporary." Yoiks.
Put on your travelling shoes and come to Japan. Prawns will still be cheap here!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Good news
Out of Africa this time.
The country of Niger is defying the odds, becoming greener and turning back the desert when the population is increasing exponentially. Why? The answer is so simple really; farmers are planting trees in their fields instead of uprooting them.
From the article: “This is something the farmers control, and something they do for themselves,” said Dr. Larwanou. “It demonstrates that with a little effort and foresight, you can reduce poverty in the Sahel. It is not impossible or hopeless, and does not have to cost a lot of money. It can be done.”
Something that should be emulated in Australia, for sure.
The country of Niger is defying the odds, becoming greener and turning back the desert when the population is increasing exponentially. Why? The answer is so simple really; farmers are planting trees in their fields instead of uprooting them.
From the article: “This is something the farmers control, and something they do for themselves,” said Dr. Larwanou. “It demonstrates that with a little effort and foresight, you can reduce poverty in the Sahel. It is not impossible or hopeless, and does not have to cost a lot of money. It can be done.”
Something that should be emulated in Australia, for sure.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Sad and shocking
Unfortunately, while Japan is a country where there are so many lovely and friendly people (and so many of them are my students and friends), there are some nasty types as well. Racists are the scourge of nearly every country in the world, and Japan is no exception.
The latest storm is over this book, 驚愕の外人犯罪裏ファイル(Gaijin [sic] Crime Underground Files), which contains a lot of racist propaganda.
Links to some translations and pictures are here, here, here and here.
The most disturbing thing about this book is not that it was produced, since you could buy similar books through underground publishers all over the world, but that it was being sold in Family Marts all over Japan. Family Mart have since pulled every copy from the shelves since the story broke.
The war against racism is never over. It's good to see that there are many warriors prepared to step up and fight though.
The latest storm is over this book, 驚愕の外人犯罪裏ファイル(Gaijin [sic] Crime Underground Files), which contains a lot of racist propaganda.
Links to some translations and pictures are here, here, here and here.
The most disturbing thing about this book is not that it was produced, since you could buy similar books through underground publishers all over the world, but that it was being sold in Family Marts all over Japan. Family Mart have since pulled every copy from the shelves since the story broke.
The war against racism is never over. It's good to see that there are many warriors prepared to step up and fight though.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
A response...
...to this article from the Sydney Morning Herald. I don't know where this writer, Penny Lake, gets her info, but it can't be from first-hand experience.
I'll go through her article point by point.
1. Penny says, "Pay more to fly direct if you have to." I say, "Why?" Sure, suffering through 3 or more stopovers to go somewhere would surely suck, but just one or two can break things up a bit, give you a chance to stretch the legs and freshen up. As for her assertion that you'll end up in, "some dodgy airport somewhere," the she's obviously never been to Singapore, Hong Kong or Dubai, which rank in the top airports in the world. As for her comment that you'll have to deal with, "airport staff speaking languages you don't understand," come off it woman. Most international airports have English-speaking staff. It's a legal requirement!
2. Penny says, "Travel off-season if you can, " which is fine and dandy if you can. But talk to a Japanese salary-man..... However her next phrase which is, "choose a time you know won't be busy at the airport," is where I must pick a bone. It's well and good if you CAN choose a flight which is not at a peak time, but if you're going along the road less travelled, you often don't have the choice. At least the off-peak flights will be cheaper, eh.
3. All about travelling for the disabled and pregnant (same thing?) and all good, I guess.
4. Check in. Penny says such gems as,
"Arrive about 45-60 minutes before take-off. Every airline has its own late arrival policy, so I tend to stick with airlines that don't mind you turning up when everyone else has cleared out." I think the late arrival policy goes something along the lines of, "You're late and you'll take the first damn seat we give you, if the gate hasn't closed already."
The rest of her commentary that you should ask for an upgrade, or you'll have your choice of seats is pure, drug-fuelled hallucination. I don't know of an airport in the world where you could waltz up to a counter, late, ask for an upgrade or window seat and expect to be greeted with a smile, handshake and friendly wave. Obviously she hasn't read Air Babylon.
"Late arrival for check-in is always smooth, with no wait and plenty of options." She is on drugs.
5. Penny says, "If you find there is not enough time, try to flag a free ride on one of those motorised buggies," HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Have YOU ever tried to flag a lift from one of those motorised buggies? This ain't Die Hard 2 lady!
6. Boarding. I, too, avoid the first call as well as striking up conversations. But then again, when you're as tall and dangerous-looking as I am, especially when I have my face in a book, and you're as tired as I am too, you probably wouldn't want to talk to me either.
7. Penny suggests taking sleeping pills. Yay, that'll really screw things up. I suggest a powerful combination of exhaustion, alcohol and an empty row, if possible. If not possible, then a neck-pillow and something to cover the eyes. She says having, "cosmetics such as toothbrush, paste, moisturiser, lavender spray, anything you'd normally have around to make you feel comfortable," is good. I say, "Where are you going to put all that stuff?" Any woman who starts spraying lavender spray around me while I'm trying to sleep is going to get 'accidentally' get an elbow to the skull. "Oh, sorry..."
8. "Avoid alcohol, " DO NOT avoid alcohol!
"Asking for low-fat or vegetarian options also means you .... can use the toilets before a queue forms," That's AFTER climbing over or past other passengers who are trying to eat. Fat also helps you sleep. Eat the beef woman.
9. "Get into soft comfortable clothes," she says. Has she ever tried changing in a toilet on a plane?! That would be a great way to calm down and relax before sleeping - NOT! I suggest you wear comfortable clothes all the time while you're on the plane. I guess Penny is like those Japanese women I see wearing cocktail dresses and high-heels on long-haul flights. Mad, bad and dangerous to know, especially when the ankles and feet start to swell up.
I agree with the stretching part, but I try to do that at regular intervals on a long flight - especially if I can't sleep or wake up abruptly. The cabin crew seating area near the emergency exits or the open space near the toilets is a good place I find. Usually there are a couple of other co-stretchees there to share the space and time with. Einstein would be proud.
10. "You've won!" What? A lot of pissed off airport staff and co-passengers? Penny concludes with 'Selfish Female Traveller 101' and I sign off with the simple advice; don't follow hers!
I'll go through her article point by point.
1. Penny says, "Pay more to fly direct if you have to." I say, "Why?" Sure, suffering through 3 or more stopovers to go somewhere would surely suck, but just one or two can break things up a bit, give you a chance to stretch the legs and freshen up. As for her assertion that you'll end up in, "some dodgy airport somewhere," the she's obviously never been to Singapore, Hong Kong or Dubai, which rank in the top airports in the world. As for her comment that you'll have to deal with, "airport staff speaking languages you don't understand," come off it woman. Most international airports have English-speaking staff. It's a legal requirement!
2. Penny says, "Travel off-season if you can, " which is fine and dandy if you can. But talk to a Japanese salary-man..... However her next phrase which is, "choose a time you know won't be busy at the airport," is where I must pick a bone. It's well and good if you CAN choose a flight which is not at a peak time, but if you're going along the road less travelled, you often don't have the choice. At least the off-peak flights will be cheaper, eh.
3. All about travelling for the disabled and pregnant (same thing?) and all good, I guess.
4. Check in. Penny says such gems as,
"Arrive about 45-60 minutes before take-off. Every airline has its own late arrival policy, so I tend to stick with airlines that don't mind you turning up when everyone else has cleared out." I think the late arrival policy goes something along the lines of, "You're late and you'll take the first damn seat we give you, if the gate hasn't closed already."
The rest of her commentary that you should ask for an upgrade, or you'll have your choice of seats is pure, drug-fuelled hallucination. I don't know of an airport in the world where you could waltz up to a counter, late, ask for an upgrade or window seat and expect to be greeted with a smile, handshake and friendly wave. Obviously she hasn't read Air Babylon.
"Late arrival for check-in is always smooth, with no wait and plenty of options." She is on drugs.
5. Penny says, "If you find there is not enough time, try to flag a free ride on one of those motorised buggies," HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Have YOU ever tried to flag a lift from one of those motorised buggies? This ain't Die Hard 2 lady!
6. Boarding. I, too, avoid the first call as well as striking up conversations. But then again, when you're as tall and dangerous-looking as I am, especially when I have my face in a book, and you're as tired as I am too, you probably wouldn't want to talk to me either.
7. Penny suggests taking sleeping pills. Yay, that'll really screw things up. I suggest a powerful combination of exhaustion, alcohol and an empty row, if possible. If not possible, then a neck-pillow and something to cover the eyes. She says having, "cosmetics such as toothbrush, paste, moisturiser, lavender spray, anything you'd normally have around to make you feel comfortable," is good. I say, "Where are you going to put all that stuff?" Any woman who starts spraying lavender spray around me while I'm trying to sleep is going to get 'accidentally' get an elbow to the skull. "Oh, sorry..."
8. "Avoid alcohol, " DO NOT avoid alcohol!
"Asking for low-fat or vegetarian options also means you .... can use the toilets before a queue forms," That's AFTER climbing over or past other passengers who are trying to eat. Fat also helps you sleep. Eat the beef woman.
9. "Get into soft comfortable clothes," she says. Has she ever tried changing in a toilet on a plane?! That would be a great way to calm down and relax before sleeping - NOT! I suggest you wear comfortable clothes all the time while you're on the plane. I guess Penny is like those Japanese women I see wearing cocktail dresses and high-heels on long-haul flights. Mad, bad and dangerous to know, especially when the ankles and feet start to swell up.
I agree with the stretching part, but I try to do that at regular intervals on a long flight - especially if I can't sleep or wake up abruptly. The cabin crew seating area near the emergency exits or the open space near the toilets is a good place I find. Usually there are a couple of other co-stretchees there to share the space and time with. Einstein would be proud.
10. "You've won!" What? A lot of pissed off airport staff and co-passengers? Penny concludes with 'Selfish Female Traveller 101' and I sign off with the simple advice; don't follow hers!
Good news
Now that caffeine is healthy again (at least for this week) it was with great delight I found this article on a bloke who's found a way to put caffeine into baked products. Nothing like a coffee with a doughnut, but how about the strength of two coffees IN a doughnut!? Yes, please!
Speaking of food, here was something about foods that help you sleep well at night.
Speaking of developments in technology, here was something interesting about someone who's developed a way to get water from thin air. No condensers on Tattooine needed, Young Skywalker. Also this was a very interesting article about a possible cure for cancer. It's so easy and safe it could be put in tap water. The reason why we haven't heard about it yet? The drug isn't patented so drug companies won't make any money off of it. Yay Capitalism!
I'm off to Vegas next week and I plan to do some shopping. Here is something interesting about how to annoy shops - primarily by minimizing your extra costs which they love to profit from.
Lastly, some horror retail stories from Something Awful. Don't become these people!!
Speaking of food, here was something about foods that help you sleep well at night.
Speaking of developments in technology, here was something interesting about someone who's developed a way to get water from thin air. No condensers on Tattooine needed, Young Skywalker. Also this was a very interesting article about a possible cure for cancer. It's so easy and safe it could be put in tap water. The reason why we haven't heard about it yet? The drug isn't patented so drug companies won't make any money off of it. Yay Capitalism!
I'm off to Vegas next week and I plan to do some shopping. Here is something interesting about how to annoy shops - primarily by minimizing your extra costs which they love to profit from.
Lastly, some horror retail stories from Something Awful. Don't become these people!!
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