I want to squeeze out one more post for February just so I can preserve the 'February 29' for posterity.
It's a well-known maxim that one should try to not get arrested in Japan. The condition of the prisons and the treatment of the prisoners are infamous internationally. This article is a good summary of the current situation in regards to (in)justice in Japan and is well worth the read, even if you're not planning to visit this otherwise amazing country.
I have some more ideas for places to go.
And if you're going to the Olympics, in addition to your toilet, bring good walking shoes just to make it out of the terminal.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
So... much... stuff!
With my PC buckling under the weight of so many neat, interesting, and downright weird things from around the world, I need to post to keep it from crashing spontaneously.
In no particular order.
Lindsay Lohan sets a new record for the number of Razzies! Well done Lindsay!
With the impending death of HD-DVD, it's time to cast our eyes back 30 years to the death of Betamax. Beta-what?
So what is on the high-speed panoramic pan across Springfield in the opening of The Simpsons anyway?
Want a long life? Move to Andorra.
Some guys who like digging found something quite old.
The Iraq War has always been about bringing democracy to those who need it most. Really. It's never been about making money from over-valued contracts. Really.
It's been a cold winter.
Japan, in one aspect anyway, is thinking of joining the 21st Century.
If you're planning of going to the Olympics in China this year, plan to bring your own toilet.
A recent comment about the state of the US elections. Scroll to the bottom for a juicy summary of why Obama is dangerous. Hint: it isn't his fault.
All hail Svalbard! Saviour of us all!
A Japanese city will pay 10,000 yen to senior citizens if they can stay healthy for a year. In other news, the death rate in a Japanese city spikes in 2008 due to senior citizens refusing all medical treatment in order to make a lousy 10,000 yen.
We're screwed whether we like it or not. You've gotta die of something...
Girly-men who wear make up are the future? Chuck Norris would not be happy.
Hong Kong has cheap booze!!
Slavery is not dead in the USA.
Living with Egyptian Coptic Christians is a great way to lose weight and fulfil your desire for self-loathing.
And I'm spent.
In no particular order.
Lindsay Lohan sets a new record for the number of Razzies! Well done Lindsay!
With the impending death of HD-DVD, it's time to cast our eyes back 30 years to the death of Betamax. Beta-what?
So what is on the high-speed panoramic pan across Springfield in the opening of The Simpsons anyway?
Want a long life? Move to Andorra.
Some guys who like digging found something quite old.
The Iraq War has always been about bringing democracy to those who need it most. Really. It's never been about making money from over-valued contracts. Really.
It's been a cold winter.
Japan, in one aspect anyway, is thinking of joining the 21st Century.
If you're planning of going to the Olympics in China this year, plan to bring your own toilet.
A recent comment about the state of the US elections. Scroll to the bottom for a juicy summary of why Obama is dangerous. Hint: it isn't his fault.
All hail Svalbard! Saviour of us all!
A Japanese city will pay 10,000 yen to senior citizens if they can stay healthy for a year. In other news, the death rate in a Japanese city spikes in 2008 due to senior citizens refusing all medical treatment in order to make a lousy 10,000 yen.
We're screwed whether we like it or not. You've gotta die of something...
Girly-men who wear make up are the future? Chuck Norris would not be happy.
Hong Kong has cheap booze!!
Slavery is not dead in the USA.
Living with Egyptian Coptic Christians is a great way to lose weight and fulfil your desire for self-loathing.
And I'm spent.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
And so it goes...
Here's an addendum to the last post concerning tourists to Japan. It seems that the workers in the Tsukiji Fish Markets are tiring of the constant influx of tourists coming through, disrupting auctions and handling the fish.
I've found the perfect place for a drink the next time I'm in Sydney.
Droooooool!
I've found the perfect place for a drink the next time I'm in Sydney.
Droooooool!
Friday, February 22, 2008
It's all happening
This time tomorrow I'll be in Hokkaido.... Kowai so! It's gonna be cold!
Tonight Sonic Youth are playing Daydream Nation in Adelaide as part of their Don't Look Back tour. I wish I was there! (Have a great time, Matty!)
With more tourists and visitors coming to Japan recently (and perhaps wanting to stay), it seems a bit odd that the Japanese government are looking for ways to tighten their grip on immigrants. Seems a bit foolish given that Japan is going to need to grow its tax base as the native population ages and decreases over the next decades. Then again, with 31% of the population thinking that increasing the amount of immigrants will lead to social instability of some kind, it looks a lot like pandering to the jingoists - or just business as usual in Japanese politics...
It's hard to imagine me coming back to Australia soon with news like this filtering through the ether...
Things in Iraq are really getting better according to the US government. Mmmm 'kay.
Some good old fashioned hard science for you amateur pundits (like myself). Firstly, a missing link has been found in Sydney Harbour - and it wasn't from someone's shirt. Also, someone's been hard at work sleuthing through the human genome, and turning up some interesting tidbits of info. Also, if you were ever interested in how much punishment the human body can take, here's something that will answer a few questions for you.
In today's nice bit of dodgy science, the headline says that studying on tatami mats makes kids smarter. After reading the article it just looks like kids will do better anywhere other than a classroom!
In case you didn't see this - this is (only one reason) why Michael Jackson should be sent to a nuthouse - stat!
Tonight Sonic Youth are playing Daydream Nation in Adelaide as part of their Don't Look Back tour. I wish I was there! (Have a great time, Matty!)
With more tourists and visitors coming to Japan recently (and perhaps wanting to stay), it seems a bit odd that the Japanese government are looking for ways to tighten their grip on immigrants. Seems a bit foolish given that Japan is going to need to grow its tax base as the native population ages and decreases over the next decades. Then again, with 31% of the population thinking that increasing the amount of immigrants will lead to social instability of some kind, it looks a lot like pandering to the jingoists - or just business as usual in Japanese politics...
It's hard to imagine me coming back to Australia soon with news like this filtering through the ether...
Things in Iraq are really getting better according to the US government. Mmmm 'kay.
Some good old fashioned hard science for you amateur pundits (like myself). Firstly, a missing link has been found in Sydney Harbour - and it wasn't from someone's shirt. Also, someone's been hard at work sleuthing through the human genome, and turning up some interesting tidbits of info. Also, if you were ever interested in how much punishment the human body can take, here's something that will answer a few questions for you.
In today's nice bit of dodgy science, the headline says that studying on tatami mats makes kids smarter. After reading the article it just looks like kids will do better anywhere other than a classroom!
In case you didn't see this - this is (only one reason) why Michael Jackson should be sent to a nuthouse - stat!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Hey ho, let's go
Another week of work coming up...
Yes, I had a bit too much to drink at the party the other night. Will not be doing that again for a while! But then again, no more parties coming up for a while either...
This weekend I'm off to Hokkaido to try skiing on real snow for the first time. (The indoor skiing venue in Adelaide doesn't count, I'm sure!) I'm told that the snow up there is the proper 'powder' stuff, so it should be nice and soft to cushion my many falls!
So I bought a new camera (the SD-7) last week and not only did the screen break on the first run, but also the memory card doesn't like my computer! So I have a card of pix but no way to view them. Grrr. I have my eye on a USB reader, which I just have to find. The camera is being changed over next week.
For a busy person's guide to the recent goings on in Kosovo, scroll to the bottom of this page for the Q and A. Interesting times for the Kosovans. I hope things don't get worse for them before they get better.
If this wasn't real, it'd be a good joke.
People who know me well would know I'm not a fan of theme parks at all. If I wanted to pay $50 to stand in queues for 75% of the time I was at a place, I'd.... well, I wouldn't do it! However, here are some I might make an exception for.
This article had some interesting things to say about the death of mass culture. That could be a good thing - or a bad thing - depending on how you look at it. I always find it interesting to come back home and listen to people talk about things like TV, music and movies since I just don't get the same thing up here. It's like I exist in a cultural vacuum (insert joke about Japanese pop culture here) but on the positive side it means I get to talk about more meaningful and personal things with my friends. Cut through the small talk and get to the meaty stuff.
Here's some more interesting fodder about the US elections and Iraq.
Time to go fax details to the NOVA administrators in Osaka and try to get some money. It'd make a nice bonus!
Yes, I had a bit too much to drink at the party the other night. Will not be doing that again for a while! But then again, no more parties coming up for a while either...
This weekend I'm off to Hokkaido to try skiing on real snow for the first time. (The indoor skiing venue in Adelaide doesn't count, I'm sure!) I'm told that the snow up there is the proper 'powder' stuff, so it should be nice and soft to cushion my many falls!
So I bought a new camera (the SD-7) last week and not only did the screen break on the first run, but also the memory card doesn't like my computer! So I have a card of pix but no way to view them. Grrr. I have my eye on a USB reader, which I just have to find. The camera is being changed over next week.
For a busy person's guide to the recent goings on in Kosovo, scroll to the bottom of this page for the Q and A. Interesting times for the Kosovans. I hope things don't get worse for them before they get better.
If this wasn't real, it'd be a good joke.
People who know me well would know I'm not a fan of theme parks at all. If I wanted to pay $50 to stand in queues for 75% of the time I was at a place, I'd.... well, I wouldn't do it! However, here are some I might make an exception for.
This article had some interesting things to say about the death of mass culture. That could be a good thing - or a bad thing - depending on how you look at it. I always find it interesting to come back home and listen to people talk about things like TV, music and movies since I just don't get the same thing up here. It's like I exist in a cultural vacuum (insert joke about Japanese pop culture here) but on the positive side it means I get to talk about more meaningful and personal things with my friends. Cut through the small talk and get to the meaty stuff.
Here's some more interesting fodder about the US elections and Iraq.
Time to go fax details to the NOVA administrators in Osaka and try to get some money. It'd make a nice bonus!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Really.
This is for you, Winter.Seriously, I've had it with the freezing cold and the random bursts of snow. I don't know how you people from where it's colder than this for half a year deal with it. I am truly a child of the sun-kissed beaches of southern Australia.
Some booze will warm me up though - and tonight will be a booze-laden affair at the Sports Bar as it shuts its doors.
Some interesting stuff that grabbed my attention...
I'm not the only person who thinks Australia is a good place to go.
With the Iraq quagmire getting worse day by day, here was some good analysis of how insurgencies have faired through the ages - pretty darn well!
In case you haven't noticed, but the world's economies are in a pretty chaotic state of late. With the US sphere falling out of favour, Asia is poised to become ascendant - with some potentially interesting, if not traumatic results...
Analysis seems to be the order of the day, with a good summary of how a European/North African union could shake things up globally.
Scary Quote of the Day: "They propose the first use of nuclear weapons must remain "in the quiver of escalation as the ultimate instrument to prevent the use of weapons of mass destruction" Gotcha. Using nuclear weapons prevents the use of weapons of mass destruction. Wuh?
The good news is we will all likely live longer. The bad news is, why?
And we're not going to live longer because they've found a cure for AIDS by the looks of it. Rubber up boys and girls!
I have to admit, for a right-wing nutjob, this makes surprisingly good sense... kinda... Another reason to rubber up.
Yay Japan! Drunk men? Check! Naked drunk men? Check! Naked drunk men running through the streets? Check! Naked drunk men running through the streets of Tokyo at 9am on a weekday? Check!
Catchyas tomorrow when I announce my stunning hangover.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Serious stuff
I am adrift on a raft made exclusively of giri-choco...
The girls in Japan need to know that what a guy really wants is steak!
At least one radio station has got on the Valentine's Day bandwagon in style - offering the grand prize of a free divorce!
The cops are going after Saruhashi, the ex-CEO of Nova - at last!
What was the number one song when you were born? It could reveal a lot about yourself! (No more than the whirling of the celestial spheres, dealing cards or blood types might....)
Mine were:
Australia - "Amazing Grace", Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
USA - "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face", Roberta Flack
UK - "Metal Guru", T Rex
So there you have it - make of THAT what you will!
Japan isn't the rich country you thought it might have been. Wages haven't risen for years, and now with prices starting to rise due to the commodity boom, it's starting to really affect people. This article touches on a number of facets of the issue.
Here's how to live your life - by following your principles. We should all be so committed to them...
Quote of the Day: "She has made a movie so incredibly bad that Berlin festivalgoers were staggering around yesterday in a state of clinical shock, deathly pale and mewing like maltreated kittens."
And finally, ladies and gentlemen, for your pleasure, William Shatner.
The girls in Japan need to know that what a guy really wants is steak!
At least one radio station has got on the Valentine's Day bandwagon in style - offering the grand prize of a free divorce!
The cops are going after Saruhashi, the ex-CEO of Nova - at last!
What was the number one song when you were born? It could reveal a lot about yourself! (No more than the whirling of the celestial spheres, dealing cards or blood types might....)
Mine were:
Australia - "Amazing Grace", Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
USA - "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face", Roberta Flack
UK - "Metal Guru", T Rex
So there you have it - make of THAT what you will!
Japan isn't the rich country you thought it might have been. Wages haven't risen for years, and now with prices starting to rise due to the commodity boom, it's starting to really affect people. This article touches on a number of facets of the issue.
Here's how to live your life - by following your principles. We should all be so committed to them...
Quote of the Day: "She has made a movie so incredibly bad that Berlin festivalgoers were staggering around yesterday in a state of clinical shock, deathly pale and mewing like maltreated kittens."
And finally, ladies and gentlemen, for your pleasure, William Shatner.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
February 13th - Sorry Day
Well, at last it's finally happened. It took a change of government to get there, but the government has apologised to the Aboriginal people of Australia for the stolen generations, as well as for what's happened to their culture since colonization more than 200 years ago.
Like or hate Kevin Rudd, but you have to admit that he knows how to make a speech. This one may go down in history. Excellent words.
The reaction so far has been positive. Some people were taken aback that the leader of the Opposition was allowed to make a speech supporting the apology (since their government and leader - who was conspicuously absent today - were firmly against making any kind of apology) but I feel it's fair to recognise that the will of the people must be done, and to resist that is plainly ridiculous. Also to resist common sense is also plainly ridiculous. At least with Mr. Howard consigned to the knackers the Opposition can get on with developing some kind of intelligent response to the needs of the nation.
I wonder if this will become a public holiday in response? A bit like Martin Luther King Day in the US, this could be our time to reflect on the kind of society we're making and to re-focus our efforts on making it a free and fair one for all citizens.
There was an interesting article on how Obama ended up becoming the darling of the establishment after being against them for so long, and how Clinton has become the voice of the worker, after being against them for just as long! Now that's spin in motion.
The US military is against countries targeting children for military service. So how do they explain this?
The rest is just silly crap.
Beer is now cheaper than water in Scotland, so my dream of having a beer bath in my home just became a step closer to fulfilment.
This guy will kick your ass! Probably not, but you have to admire his drive and desire. Onya!
The stories behind some of the most famous toys are just as interesting as the toys themselves.
And there's hope for me yet!
Also, a Japanese friend last night called me 'pure and innocent'!! Well, if I'm pure and innocent then the rest of you are all descended from angels! Black as the driven tar, I am....
Like or hate Kevin Rudd, but you have to admit that he knows how to make a speech. This one may go down in history. Excellent words.
The reaction so far has been positive. Some people were taken aback that the leader of the Opposition was allowed to make a speech supporting the apology (since their government and leader - who was conspicuously absent today - were firmly against making any kind of apology) but I feel it's fair to recognise that the will of the people must be done, and to resist that is plainly ridiculous. Also to resist common sense is also plainly ridiculous. At least with Mr. Howard consigned to the knackers the Opposition can get on with developing some kind of intelligent response to the needs of the nation.
I wonder if this will become a public holiday in response? A bit like Martin Luther King Day in the US, this could be our time to reflect on the kind of society we're making and to re-focus our efforts on making it a free and fair one for all citizens.
There was an interesting article on how Obama ended up becoming the darling of the establishment after being against them for so long, and how Clinton has become the voice of the worker, after being against them for just as long! Now that's spin in motion.
The US military is against countries targeting children for military service. So how do they explain this?
The rest is just silly crap.
Beer is now cheaper than water in Scotland, so my dream of having a beer bath in my home just became a step closer to fulfilment.
This guy will kick your ass! Probably not, but you have to admire his drive and desire. Onya!
The stories behind some of the most famous toys are just as interesting as the toys themselves.
And there's hope for me yet!
Also, a Japanese friend last night called me 'pure and innocent'!! Well, if I'm pure and innocent then the rest of you are all descended from angels! Black as the driven tar, I am....
Monday, February 11, 2008
All sorts of stuff
Yup, it was quite a weekend for the old internets: all sorts of interesting stuff to read and archive for future reference.
I'll need a new passport in a couple of years. Of course the rules might change by then, but it's important to keep up with things - especially costs for replacement passports - ouch!
On the US election front, it looks as though the tide has turned truly in favour of it becoming a McCain vs Obama finale. This article discusses if Mrs. Clinton can lose with style, this also looks at the Obama / Clinton endgame and this one looks at what happens to Republican candidates the closer they get to becoming president. Interesting!
Good news on the biofuels front is that more and more media are picking up on the fact that they produce more greenhouse gases then they save.
Also, there might be some interesting news on the power generation front. But maybe it's another case of smoke and mirrors or snake oil. Time will tell.
Now this man lived a life! And he had a good beard.
This guy also is living quite a life. At least now we know who wins all the contests...
Brian May is an idiot. A rich and famous idiot with a doctorate, but still...
The rest I'll try to sum up in two words...
Rotten Tomatoes
RIP Polaroid
Anchors Aweigh!
"Euros Accepted"
European Creationist Morons (I know it's three - give me a break!)
Rainy Sydney
Horse Surfing
Garlic Chocolates
We had more snow here last Saturday. The ground was nicely covered all day! Thankfully driving wasn't a problem though.
Next weekend will be a biggie. I have deliveries on Saturday morning - including a new TV, followed by dinner with four hot women and then the Sports Bar will be having it's closing down party! Sunday will be spent recovering!
I'll need a new passport in a couple of years. Of course the rules might change by then, but it's important to keep up with things - especially costs for replacement passports - ouch!
On the US election front, it looks as though the tide has turned truly in favour of it becoming a McCain vs Obama finale. This article discusses if Mrs. Clinton can lose with style, this also looks at the Obama / Clinton endgame and this one looks at what happens to Republican candidates the closer they get to becoming president. Interesting!
Good news on the biofuels front is that more and more media are picking up on the fact that they produce more greenhouse gases then they save.
Also, there might be some interesting news on the power generation front. But maybe it's another case of smoke and mirrors or snake oil. Time will tell.
Now this man lived a life! And he had a good beard.
This guy also is living quite a life. At least now we know who wins all the contests...
Brian May is an idiot. A rich and famous idiot with a doctorate, but still...
The rest I'll try to sum up in two words...
Rotten Tomatoes
RIP Polaroid
Anchors Aweigh!
"Euros Accepted"
European Creationist Morons (I know it's three - give me a break!)
Rainy Sydney
Horse Surfing
Garlic Chocolates
We had more snow here last Saturday. The ground was nicely covered all day! Thankfully driving wasn't a problem though.
Next weekend will be a biggie. I have deliveries on Saturday morning - including a new TV, followed by dinner with four hot women and then the Sports Bar will be having it's closing down party! Sunday will be spent recovering!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Arrrgh
The slow Internet is continuing. Looks like the problem is with my ISP. Hopefully we'll get it sorted out in the next 10 seconds before I throw something around the study!
The Super Tuesday thing happened and the fallout is getting interesting, with McCain looking like becoming the Republican frontrunner. The possibilities stemming from that don't look good for him getting elected president - but we'll see! If he's up against Clinton then he might be in with a chance.
With my internet choices pretty slim at the moment, thankfully the Aussie newspaper pages have been loading up reasonably successfully. Thankfully there were some interesting stories.
One was about the next generation of passenger jets zooming across the earth at five times the speed of sound, powered by hydrogen. Could be fun! Another was an interesting piece about what's happening in Papua New Guinea where there's a tussle going on between those who want to preserve the Kokoda Trail, and those who wish to develop it. Lastly, it looks like the revolution for democracy in Iran could be started by... CHRIS DE BURGH!?
Say it isn't so!
It looks like the writer's strike is paying off with some comedy gold unfolding on US tv the past couple of weeks. Wish I'd been able to see that one.
Also there was this... make of it what you will.
The Super Tuesday thing happened and the fallout is getting interesting, with McCain looking like becoming the Republican frontrunner. The possibilities stemming from that don't look good for him getting elected president - but we'll see! If he's up against Clinton then he might be in with a chance.
With my internet choices pretty slim at the moment, thankfully the Aussie newspaper pages have been loading up reasonably successfully. Thankfully there were some interesting stories.
One was about the next generation of passenger jets zooming across the earth at five times the speed of sound, powered by hydrogen. Could be fun! Another was an interesting piece about what's happening in Papua New Guinea where there's a tussle going on between those who want to preserve the Kokoda Trail, and those who wish to develop it. Lastly, it looks like the revolution for democracy in Iran could be started by... CHRIS DE BURGH!?
Say it isn't so!
It looks like the writer's strike is paying off with some comedy gold unfolding on US tv the past couple of weeks. Wish I'd been able to see that one.
Also there was this... make of it what you will.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
An exercise in frustration
Is it just me or has the Internet slowed to a crawl?? Many websites are taking a reeeeeeally long time to load - if at all. Very annoying. Maybe the fact that four undersea cables being cut this week has had something to do with it, but maybe it's something else...
One of the things that makes me smile about Japan is that you can sit an exam and get a qualification in almost anything. The latest one to make the press is a test to become a 'mobile phone sommelier'. The article also references other stupid tests, such as one to become an accredited expert in snow crabs of all things... Completely useless, but great money makers apparently!
Japan is a place where a lot of old-world attitudes remain, especially about women. Things are bad enough when a politician can call women "baby making machines" and not be punished, sacked or even demoted by his party, but now even the pop stars are weighing in. Koda Kumi, who is famous for jumping around, making noises (some call it singing) while not wearing very much (the Japanese Britney Spears / Xtina / Fergie / whatever) has gone on the record saying that the wombs of 35+ year-old women are 'rotten'. Of course SHE'S being publicly shamed, losing contracts and blah blah... if a man said it he might be promoted!
Break out your tin hats, kids. Soon everything will be tracked and they will know everything about us.
Interesting quote from an interesting article about Obama, "Obama has become a symbol for something larger than himself. And that is why is he so dangerous." But, as you know, they're all a bunch of crooks. Really.
With the Superbowl played and won (quite thrillingly, I might add) it's time to reflect on what the Superbowl means... and did they slip in another phallus into the half time show?
In other news, heaven IS a place on earth.
One of the things that makes me smile about Japan is that you can sit an exam and get a qualification in almost anything. The latest one to make the press is a test to become a 'mobile phone sommelier'. The article also references other stupid tests, such as one to become an accredited expert in snow crabs of all things... Completely useless, but great money makers apparently!
Japan is a place where a lot of old-world attitudes remain, especially about women. Things are bad enough when a politician can call women "baby making machines" and not be punished, sacked or even demoted by his party, but now even the pop stars are weighing in. Koda Kumi, who is famous for jumping around, making noises (some call it singing) while not wearing very much (the Japanese Britney Spears / Xtina / Fergie / whatever) has gone on the record saying that the wombs of 35+ year-old women are 'rotten'. Of course SHE'S being publicly shamed, losing contracts and blah blah... if a man said it he might be promoted!
Break out your tin hats, kids. Soon everything will be tracked and they will know everything about us.
Interesting quote from an interesting article about Obama, "Obama has become a symbol for something larger than himself. And that is why is he so dangerous." But, as you know, they're all a bunch of crooks. Really.
With the Superbowl played and won (quite thrillingly, I might add) it's time to reflect on what the Superbowl means... and did they slip in another phallus into the half time show?
In other news, heaven IS a place on earth.
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