3.27.2004
And She's Off, Way Off
From washingtonpost.com...it's just funny, that's all. I think this passes as a human interest story, or horse interest, or something like that. The rest of this post will only make sense if you at least skim it first.
It's really a rather interesting perspective. There are constantly these irritating articles in Japan Times and Daily Yomiuri about Japanese culture, but they're practically unreadable most of the time because they're so rife with stereotypes and the constant debunking of stereotypes. Not to mention the abundance of first-person garbage. That stuff should be out there in blogs or so people can read it in context. In the newspaper it just gets too much legitimacy but loses most of it's punch. Some of it is interesting, I'm not knocking all of it, but there's really not much of a standard.
What does that say about me that I prefer the American newspaper? But then I suspect the readership of the Washington Post is a little higher, than the English version of JT or DY, so naturally it's better written.
I did think this was more to the point--people in some crazy way associating with a well-marketed-lucky-not-to-be-dinner horse. I mean, there's something natural and normal about people seeing these symbols. There's something compelling about how the horse was saved, and there's something a little twisted about how it became a tourist marketing ploy.
Now I don't really think there's a lot new in the analysis of Japanese egalitarianism (to a fault some would say), or the "zany" angle, meaning stuff that seems overboard from an American perspective (i.e. giving a losing racehorse this much attention).
But there is something interesting in the fact that people are latching onto something purely symbolic with such fervor (while the poor horse doesn't know any better and would probably rather be back in Hokkaido). But the symbolism is well needed in terms of the disabled fans.
I am constantly amazed by how inaccessible places can be. There's tons of stuff to help the blind (though sometimes the streets are hazardous for the sighted), but I *never* see wheelchairs. I mean, they are surely out there, but either I am taking the least accessible most stair-intensive route (probably) or they're all at home. Actually the stations seem okay, although whenever someone needs to get on a train it takes two conductors, but I don't know if there is a better way or how this works elsewhere.
Of course there is no end of old women hunched at right angles from calcium deficiency during WWII. But aside from their perpendicular perspective, they're pretty powerful, especially when they put out fresh fish at the local market. I get out of the way, but that's another story.
Another random thought about the school children racing together. I wonder if this is the direction American society is headed in. Seems like it with schools having so many valedictorians and parents making such a legal fuss anymore.
But is there a message in it? Is it good like the teacher says, because the winners know, or is it bad because the losers have it delineated that they are holding other people back. I wouldn't have been one of the fast kids, not when I was little anyway. I wouldn't mind trying and losing, as long as I didn't get called down for it. Seems like half the US is suing somebody because they weren't treated fairly and the other half is shrugging it's shoulders as to why people can't just cope.
And here, you know, some my students won't even admit to doing their homework when they did, because they don't want the slackers to feel bad. And if I have some luck my coworkers will praise me to the point of embarrassment. I can see why people don't celebrate their victories.
It's really a rather interesting perspective. There are constantly these irritating articles in Japan Times and Daily Yomiuri about Japanese culture, but they're practically unreadable most of the time because they're so rife with stereotypes and the constant debunking of stereotypes. Not to mention the abundance of first-person garbage. That stuff should be out there in blogs or so people can read it in context. In the newspaper it just gets too much legitimacy but loses most of it's punch. Some of it is interesting, I'm not knocking all of it, but there's really not much of a standard.
What does that say about me that I prefer the American newspaper? But then I suspect the readership of the Washington Post is a little higher, than the English version of JT or DY, so naturally it's better written.
I did think this was more to the point--people in some crazy way associating with a well-marketed-lucky-not-to-be-dinner horse. I mean, there's something natural and normal about people seeing these symbols. There's something compelling about how the horse was saved, and there's something a little twisted about how it became a tourist marketing ploy.
Now I don't really think there's a lot new in the analysis of Japanese egalitarianism (to a fault some would say), or the "zany" angle, meaning stuff that seems overboard from an American perspective (i.e. giving a losing racehorse this much attention).
But there is something interesting in the fact that people are latching onto something purely symbolic with such fervor (while the poor horse doesn't know any better and would probably rather be back in Hokkaido). But the symbolism is well needed in terms of the disabled fans.
I am constantly amazed by how inaccessible places can be. There's tons of stuff to help the blind (though sometimes the streets are hazardous for the sighted), but I *never* see wheelchairs. I mean, they are surely out there, but either I am taking the least accessible most stair-intensive route (probably) or they're all at home. Actually the stations seem okay, although whenever someone needs to get on a train it takes two conductors, but I don't know if there is a better way or how this works elsewhere.
Of course there is no end of old women hunched at right angles from calcium deficiency during WWII. But aside from their perpendicular perspective, they're pretty powerful, especially when they put out fresh fish at the local market. I get out of the way, but that's another story.
Another random thought about the school children racing together. I wonder if this is the direction American society is headed in. Seems like it with schools having so many valedictorians and parents making such a legal fuss anymore.
But is there a message in it? Is it good like the teacher says, because the winners know, or is it bad because the losers have it delineated that they are holding other people back. I wouldn't have been one of the fast kids, not when I was little anyway. I wouldn't mind trying and losing, as long as I didn't get called down for it. Seems like half the US is suing somebody because they weren't treated fairly and the other half is shrugging it's shoulders as to why people can't just cope.
And here, you know, some my students won't even admit to doing their homework when they did, because they don't want the slackers to feel bad. And if I have some luck my coworkers will praise me to the point of embarrassment. I can see why people don't celebrate their victories.
A fond farewell
It's a sad day for Kansai since Travis is moving to Chiba. Why Lord, Why?Who will do the arm trick, teach us the lyrics to "At a Medium Pace", enlighten us on the health benefits of turkey, wait slyly for his moment to interject wry witticism, or give me an excuse to embarass myself freestyling karaoke? For that matter (and most importantly) who, pray who, will sing Genghis Khan with hand motions?
Of course we have to realize the selfishness of wanting him to stick around. We may never know the answer to what his ever-changing email address has become. We may never learn why in his madness he decided to leave Kansai, our Valhalla. But we wish him luck. We know he must spread the gospel of Travis elsewhere for now. And we are glad to have a place to crash if we ever make it to Chiba. We wants Travis to stay but the Chibans stoled him from us, they did.
3.26.2004
Clarification
It was the smoking I was doing by myself. Not so much the drinking. And that was in the olden days. Now?
Well the other evening I decided to go out on a limb and check out the dart bar that just opened around the corner. It took a little doing. See, it used to be a hostess bar (aka snack) but now the windows are open and there was hip-hop on so I wandered by umbrella in hand and tried to peek in. Just a couple of people. But the bartender girl ran over and invited me in sooo...
A real little dive place but cheap beer and just around the corner. And evidently my Japanese is good enough I can carry on a conversation although I'm trying not to do too much Osaka-ben at the moment. I'd like to be able to speak politely at work and not get confused.
But that's why I was thinking about second hand smoke. Just one guy smoking but I came home an hour later smelling like a factory and thinking, if I go back I'm not wearing my wool coat again. Yech!
At least I can practice my darts. That'll be fun.
Well the other evening I decided to go out on a limb and check out the dart bar that just opened around the corner. It took a little doing. See, it used to be a hostess bar (aka snack) but now the windows are open and there was hip-hop on so I wandered by umbrella in hand and tried to peek in. Just a couple of people. But the bartender girl ran over and invited me in sooo...
A real little dive place but cheap beer and just around the corner. And evidently my Japanese is good enough I can carry on a conversation although I'm trying not to do too much Osaka-ben at the moment. I'd like to be able to speak politely at work and not get confused.
But that's why I was thinking about second hand smoke. Just one guy smoking but I came home an hour later smelling like a factory and thinking, if I go back I'm not wearing my wool coat again. Yech!
At least I can practice my darts. That'll be fun.
33 Definitive positions about second hand smoke.
Okay they're neither reasons, nor definitive. But that's another story.
1 - second hand smoke is tolerable outdoors
2 - on a rainy day it is even pleasant
3 - or nostalgic
4 - and somewhat sympathetic (?)
5 - or on a cold day
6 - in fact, on a very cold day
7 - it is positively aromatic
9 - (not tempting...
10 - except to take one more...
11 - little
12 - drag...?)
13 - I am not a smoker,
14 - because I always thought smoking in the morning was gross
15 - I don't get it.
16 - but I did smoke
17 - mostly by myself
18 - after about 5 beers, american size,
19 - not like this one here.
20 - but second hand smoke in coffee shops
21 - with no smoking section
22 - when you're trying to study
23 - will drive you to pay 300-yen for a orange juice
24 - at the Starbucks, next door.
25 - do you drink soup when it's too hot
26 - because you like blisters on the top of your mouth?
27 - that's why i like second hand smoke
28 - in open spaces
29 - on cold days
30 - or, yeah, rainy.
31 - other than that
32 - it just means
33 - i have to do dry cleaning.
Meanwhile Frank says luck be a lady. So while I'm communing with myself (mmmm blisters) let me tell you about Glenn Gould as told by me to a video clerk one (confused) day:
1 - second hand smoke is tolerable outdoors
2 - on a rainy day it is even pleasant
3 - or nostalgic
4 - and somewhat sympathetic (?)
5 - or on a cold day
6 - in fact, on a very cold day
7 - it is positively aromatic
9 - (not tempting...
10 - except to take one more...
11 - little
12 - drag...?)
13 - I am not a smoker,
14 - because I always thought smoking in the morning was gross
15 - I don't get it.
16 - but I did smoke
17 - mostly by myself
18 - after about 5 beers, american size,
19 - not like this one here.
20 - but second hand smoke in coffee shops
21 - with no smoking section
22 - when you're trying to study
23 - will drive you to pay 300-yen for a orange juice
24 - at the Starbucks, next door.
25 - do you drink soup when it's too hot
26 - because you like blisters on the top of your mouth?
27 - that's why i like second hand smoke
28 - in open spaces
29 - on cold days
30 - or, yeah, rainy.
31 - other than that
32 - it just means
33 - i have to do dry cleaning.
Meanwhile Frank says luck be a lady. So while I'm communing with myself (mmmm blisters) let me tell you about Glenn Gould as told by me to a video clerk one (confused) day:
Do you have 33 Short Stories about Glenn Gould?Badda bing. I slay me.
You mean 32.
You haven't seen the hidden track?
3.25.2004
All right y'all
All right. My previous post (now deleted) didn't make any sense to anyone but me. It linked to an article about the Nick Lachey Jessica Simpson variety show which will feature Kenny Rogers, the Muppets and Jewel. I guess I was the only person who saw this as one of the seven sign of the apocalypse.
But since it elicited nothing but confusion and what I hope was not a sarcastic comment from my father, my very own father, "Is this the right link" and since that was the first thing I saw this morning I took drastic action and blasted the sucker. I'm sure that's bad form, but I am a woman of action and I'm not looking back. Onward!
But since it elicited nothing but confusion and what I hope was not a sarcastic comment from my father, my very own father, "Is this the right link" and since that was the first thing I saw this morning I took drastic action and blasted the sucker. I'm sure that's bad form, but I am a woman of action and I'm not looking back. Onward!
3.23.2004
Still time to buy!
No freakin way
Egocentrism/girl talk warning...proceed with caution
So on this ski trip I weighed myself because they had a scale. Well just now I thought oh well I'll look up the conversion (becase it was in kilograms, right, and being an American I have no idea what that means). It would seem that without a thought I am down to my wieght when I entered college. How about that? I guess the beer diet works.
So on this ski trip I weighed myself because they had a scale. Well just now I thought oh well I'll look up the conversion (becase it was in kilograms, right, and being an American I have no idea what that means). It would seem that without a thought I am down to my wieght when I entered college. How about that? I guess the beer diet works.
Chechnya's Literary Pyre
Wondering what Chechens are reading? Of course you are.
People in Grozny don’t read as much as they did before the war. Nowadays, they prefer escapist reading.You would too.
Antiwar books don’t reach the territory at all, and possessing books on Chechen aspirations for independence can be life-threatening. We received reports of people being executed when Russian soldiers found such books or video materials.I wonder if they can read this article?
...With telephone lines in Chechnya virtually nonexistent, most Chechens cannot go online anyway—and in the computer room of the university, students are greeted by a sign prohibiting access to Chechen sites produced abroad.So what to read?
Young Chechens make painstaking efforts to acquire books by Japanese author Haruki Murakami and Brazilian novelist Paolo Coelho.I don't know the latter but you can believe I'm going to go find it. Holy moses.
3.22.2004
Warm fuzzies
Just arrived back on the night bus and I've got this warm fuzzy feeling because I came home to a bunch of swell emails from friends and lots of IM pings from little cousins and sister and friends. Yay.
I am sore from snowboarding. First time, more on that but let us just say that in mere hours I was able to do such feats as standing, moving, stopping without falling...sometimes, and even a little turning. What a thrill. I want to go again. I was always scared before but I had fun.
That's as complex as my thinking goes at the moment, having spent the last three hours just getting from Kyoto to Ibaraki, waiting for trains to start running, getting rained on, but I don't care. Sigh. Off to bed as the sun is rising...
I am sore from snowboarding. First time, more on that but let us just say that in mere hours I was able to do such feats as standing, moving, stopping without falling...sometimes, and even a little turning. What a thrill. I want to go again. I was always scared before but I had fun.
That's as complex as my thinking goes at the moment, having spent the last three hours just getting from Kyoto to Ibaraki, waiting for trains to start running, getting rained on, but I don't care. Sigh. Off to bed as the sun is rising...
3.19.2004
Mystery Of Madurai's 'Missing Lorry'
I'm heading to India and one place I'll be in Madurai so I've been looking for relevant news. This is the most exciting thing I've come across thus far. Looks like Madurai's a happenin place.
Sex, alcohol and motorbikes killing hundreds of tourists in Thailand
Looks like going to Cambodia was actually the safe part of Justin over at waterunderground's trip. Then again, I have a hard time believing a hard-core Burning Man-goer can be in much danger anywhere.
3.18.2004
Beware helpful people / Another obnoxious American
I got irrationally peeved at a friend the other day for helping me to find her when I was lost. I'm a navigation maniac. Which is to say I wasn't really lost, just homing in. It's weird, ever since I got back to Japan it's like (and I know to say it jinxes it...knock wood) my internal GPS got switched on.
Probably it has to do with the fact that I read maps and look for landmarks more than I used to.
Actually, that rather reminds me there was an interesting piece on TAL (I think) a few years back about how men and women navigate differently. Evidently women have a greater tendency to use landmarks and men, spacial relationships. I think I lean toward the latter, which is good in Osaka. But I do, sometimes get turned around and then I have to start looking for landmarks.
I'm terrible at spacial relationships when it comes to driving, but then, I'm not the best driver ever either.
This is all the long way of saying I got lost today because I foolishly accepted the (unrequested) assistance of a stranger. I was in Shin-Tennoji with a very limited amount of time, attempting to get to the immigration bureau to get my re-entry permit in order to get my India travel visa.
I'm outside the subway station, a bit confused and looking at my map when a smart-looking businessman asks where I need to go. I barely start to say, showing the map, when he says, oh it's this way I'll take you I'm going that way anyway.
And a-waaay-we go. I'm still not oriented (no it's not a pun dork) but (a) I was told it's difficult to find and (b) I'm in a hurry so...
It's drizzling but I'm not using my umbrella because I'm a geek from Oklahoma/Texas and it never occurs to me to use it till I'm half drenched by the permeating mist. We don't have rain like this in Texas and unless there are actual raindrops, anyone who pulled out their umbrella would probably raise a few eyebrows. Can't take a little rain, eh?
So he's not talking to me, just walking and I'm walking and he's trying to keep the umbrella over both of us and I'm just looking out for henchmen wondering if this is their scheme, wait for foreign women to come out of the subway near immigration and look at their map then lead them off to the slave traders (see mom, I do listen, I just don't act on it). Of course I mostly think this to amuse myself, but I prepare to whip out some martial arts moves just in case. Ha.
And it seems to me we're both going in the wrong direction. I try to mention this once or twice without being too rude and I get a polite but mildly annoyed "I know where I'm going". So yeah, I'm looking at landmarks and wondering when I can safely make a break.
We come to a major street and he points up the road--it's two lights up and to the left. Thanks.
Two lights up and to the left I find the International House Hotel where the staff are kind enough to look at my map and point me in the right direction.
By the time I got to the Immigration Bureau I was fried and what's more, out of time. Besides being in a rather inconvenient location (an hour from where I live), the woman denies the ability to speak English. Now this is a question I never ask, to tell the truth. I would rather spend an hour misunderstanding someone in Japanese than let that first word escape my lips, but today, oh today.
I need the visa for India, I'm going skiing tomorrow and I don't even own a pair of gloves yet. I'm at immigration and I figure the woman behind the sign that reads "information" in English might, might be able to help.
So before I know what I'm doing I hear myself asking in Japanese, do you speak English? What a horror. Then before I know it random short phrases in English start interjecting themselves into my query. She does, it turns out, understand, she's just not going to play that game and I'm thinking I have to be at work in 40 minutes and it's an hour trip but I'm here so...
Sooo...say thanks, take the form, grab a better map in Japanese this time and run to the subway. I somehow magically fly through the gate and onto an already departing train, run barrels through Umeda and land on a rapid express. I sigh and turn to the David Rakoff book I'm reading in the desperate search for something more critical than me. 20 minutes later I arrive with time to buy a pastry and waltz casually into the office.
Good morning! How are you!
Great thanks! How about you!
I confess I did kvetch to my coworker about it and she pointed out that the immigration bureau in Los Angeles doesn't offer service in Japanese either.
But they should! There must be a false economy in not employing people who can actually help immigrants. And surely they offer service in Spanish, they must, right? I'm very into false economies.
Yeah, today I'm an ugly American. But that's okay, tomorrow's Groundhog day according to me because I'll be doing it all again. Hopefully I'll get it right this time.
Probably it has to do with the fact that I read maps and look for landmarks more than I used to.
Actually, that rather reminds me there was an interesting piece on TAL (I think) a few years back about how men and women navigate differently. Evidently women have a greater tendency to use landmarks and men, spacial relationships. I think I lean toward the latter, which is good in Osaka. But I do, sometimes get turned around and then I have to start looking for landmarks.
I'm terrible at spacial relationships when it comes to driving, but then, I'm not the best driver ever either.
This is all the long way of saying I got lost today because I foolishly accepted the (unrequested) assistance of a stranger. I was in Shin-Tennoji with a very limited amount of time, attempting to get to the immigration bureau to get my re-entry permit in order to get my India travel visa.
I'm outside the subway station, a bit confused and looking at my map when a smart-looking businessman asks where I need to go. I barely start to say, showing the map, when he says, oh it's this way I'll take you I'm going that way anyway.
And a-waaay-we go. I'm still not oriented (no it's not a pun dork) but (a) I was told it's difficult to find and (b) I'm in a hurry so...
It's drizzling but I'm not using my umbrella because I'm a geek from Oklahoma/Texas and it never occurs to me to use it till I'm half drenched by the permeating mist. We don't have rain like this in Texas and unless there are actual raindrops, anyone who pulled out their umbrella would probably raise a few eyebrows. Can't take a little rain, eh?
So he's not talking to me, just walking and I'm walking and he's trying to keep the umbrella over both of us and I'm just looking out for henchmen wondering if this is their scheme, wait for foreign women to come out of the subway near immigration and look at their map then lead them off to the slave traders (see mom, I do listen, I just don't act on it). Of course I mostly think this to amuse myself, but I prepare to whip out some martial arts moves just in case. Ha.
And it seems to me we're both going in the wrong direction. I try to mention this once or twice without being too rude and I get a polite but mildly annoyed "I know where I'm going". So yeah, I'm looking at landmarks and wondering when I can safely make a break.
We come to a major street and he points up the road--it's two lights up and to the left. Thanks.
Two lights up and to the left I find the International House Hotel where the staff are kind enough to look at my map and point me in the right direction.
By the time I got to the Immigration Bureau I was fried and what's more, out of time. Besides being in a rather inconvenient location (an hour from where I live), the woman denies the ability to speak English. Now this is a question I never ask, to tell the truth. I would rather spend an hour misunderstanding someone in Japanese than let that first word escape my lips, but today, oh today.
I need the visa for India, I'm going skiing tomorrow and I don't even own a pair of gloves yet. I'm at immigration and I figure the woman behind the sign that reads "information" in English might, might be able to help.
So before I know what I'm doing I hear myself asking in Japanese, do you speak English? What a horror. Then before I know it random short phrases in English start interjecting themselves into my query. She does, it turns out, understand, she's just not going to play that game and I'm thinking I have to be at work in 40 minutes and it's an hour trip but I'm here so...
Sooo...say thanks, take the form, grab a better map in Japanese this time and run to the subway. I somehow magically fly through the gate and onto an already departing train, run barrels through Umeda and land on a rapid express. I sigh and turn to the David Rakoff book I'm reading in the desperate search for something more critical than me. 20 minutes later I arrive with time to buy a pastry and waltz casually into the office.
Good morning! How are you!
Great thanks! How about you!
I confess I did kvetch to my coworker about it and she pointed out that the immigration bureau in Los Angeles doesn't offer service in Japanese either.
But they should! There must be a false economy in not employing people who can actually help immigrants. And surely they offer service in Spanish, they must, right? I'm very into false economies.
Yeah, today I'm an ugly American. But that's okay, tomorrow's Groundhog day according to me because I'll be doing it all again. Hopefully I'll get it right this time.
Melt like lemondrops...
You know the whole thing about how some people think happiness is "somewhere else". Well sometimes it's true. I am so much happier here, even when I have crappy days like today, than I ever was in Austin. Maybe I'm just more easily satisfied here, I'm not sure that's a bad thing.
Unfortunately there's another big "somewhere else" out there and I'll never be totally happy till I get to India (which I will in April). So after April I will know exactly where I'm supposed to be in the world. How about that? Then I'll just have to figure out how to get there (if it's not here), what to do there, and ultimately who (if anyone) to do so with. Well the last is a footnote if I ever get around to it I suppose...
Unfortunately there's another big "somewhere else" out there and I'll never be totally happy till I get to India (which I will in April). So after April I will know exactly where I'm supposed to be in the world. How about that? Then I'll just have to figure out how to get there (if it's not here), what to do there, and ultimately who (if anyone) to do so with. Well the last is a footnote if I ever get around to it I suppose...
Muppets in Oz
Sci Fi Wire (of the Sci Fi Channel) reports that (I didn't know) Disney (aka ABC) bought the Muppets, and that they're remaking the Wizard of Oz for TV.
When will we learn? Maybe it's just because I'm listening to ye olde Leonard Cohen song "Everybody Knows", but yeah, everybody knows the scene is dead people. Or rather, Henson is. Only celebrity I ever cried for to memory.
The Muppets haven't done anything worthwhile since...which was later? Great Muppet Caper or Muppets Take Manhattan? Anyway, nothing ever bested The Muppet Movie, not to mention the show.
Norah, you may now do the dance. (Only Norah can do the Kermit/Fozzie dance as a live-action non-muppet human).
They were probably smart to sell to Disney, the image is so watered-down already, it's not even the same creature. Muppets used to be a great characiture of Vaudeville with the worlds greatest cameos. Even if they are funny now, remakes are never going to cut it--especially Oz. I mean why? Can we watch it to Dark Side of the Moon? I think not.
When will we learn? Maybe it's just because I'm listening to ye olde Leonard Cohen song "Everybody Knows", but yeah, everybody knows the scene is dead people. Or rather, Henson is. Only celebrity I ever cried for to memory.
The Muppets haven't done anything worthwhile since...which was later? Great Muppet Caper or Muppets Take Manhattan? Anyway, nothing ever bested The Muppet Movie, not to mention the show.
Norah, you may now do the dance. (Only Norah can do the Kermit/Fozzie dance as a live-action non-muppet human).
They were probably smart to sell to Disney, the image is so watered-down already, it's not even the same creature. Muppets used to be a great characiture of Vaudeville with the worlds greatest cameos. Even if they are funny now, remakes are never going to cut it--especially Oz. I mean why? Can we watch it to Dark Side of the Moon? I think not.
3.17.2004
A warm welcome and open letter to Daniel Loyd
A warm welcome to an old friend, now and henceforth to be known as Sugar & Splice - Film Editing in LA. I guess that means I can call you Sugar? No? Well I guess not...
You pinged me on Friendster once upon a time, then disappeared back into the abyss. That's okay, I was glad to get the ping, and I've been known to disappear into the abyss myself.
Thanks for the old days! You always forgot to lock the window on your house, so I apologize for the times I broke in and drank your booze, but it was so good. It wasn't easy getting in though you know. That window was a good four feet off the ground and the paint made it stick. But thanks all the same.
Now I am older and wiser so I wouldn't do that anymore. Plus I don't know anyone whose window I could safely pry open...
Say, did you know that untill recently the Rare Creations web site was still out there with a picture of me? $20 to anyone who finds it. I think it's a goner.
Happy blogging! Give us the inside scoop on the DVD's.
P.S. is Raf really working in porn?
You pinged me on Friendster once upon a time, then disappeared back into the abyss. That's okay, I was glad to get the ping, and I've been known to disappear into the abyss myself.
Thanks for the old days! You always forgot to lock the window on your house, so I apologize for the times I broke in and drank your booze, but it was so good. It wasn't easy getting in though you know. That window was a good four feet off the ground and the paint made it stick. But thanks all the same.
Now I am older and wiser so I wouldn't do that anymore. Plus I don't know anyone whose window I could safely pry open...
Say, did you know that untill recently the Rare Creations web site was still out there with a picture of me? $20 to anyone who finds it. I think it's a goner.
Happy blogging! Give us the inside scoop on the DVD's.
P.S. is Raf really working in porn?
3.16.2004
Constitutional
Okay, it wasn't a run. More like a "morning constitutional". And read the news before heading out, but did see two white herons, three blue, and about 60 ducks. Now definitely getting bird flu. But at least four or five old men walking dogs said "ohaiyo gozaimasu".
Look out world!
(No "I's", not as easy as it looks. Must try to do it without the obvious telegram-speak).
Look out world!
(No "I's", not as easy as it looks. Must try to do it without the obvious telegram-speak).
3.15.2004
An I for an I
Lying liars and me
I didn't go to Nara. I went to Osaka and a friend and I went to LOTR ROTK. Actually before that we wandered around Namba and I felt better. After all, I am the Osakatomebaby. I love Nara, but as LOTR observed, you can't go back. I know.
Nara will always be there. Now it's time to be in Osaka, and I like Osaka. I like the people and the little nooks and crannies I know. And I like getting lost, or trying to.
Yeah, LOTR was good. But you already know that.
More than anything I think what put me back on my feet was just the long sober human contact. Seems like a long time since I sat and had a cup of coffee with someone and just chatted without having to be somewhere. Is it possible to live a lazy life with friends? Now that would be a nice place to be. Just to chill with a friend...sounds like I need to slow down.
I have a lot of rules in my quest to imitate an obsessive compulsive. I figure I'm so far from that, I should just overshoot and maybe I'll be a little more A-type. I have, at this time, about three meaningless habits and self-imposed idiosyncracies I enjoy, plus a few simple neurotic rules. One of which I guess I haven't followed through successfully of late:
When I'm tired I have to act energetic, like run up the stairs at the station two at a time, stuff like that.
When I'm in a hurry I have to meander. I'm not allowed to rush. It sneaks up on you and before you know it you're zipping through the crowd on your day off to meet a friend you're not late for yet anyway. Knowing you're not allowed to rush means you have to be on time.
That one's tougher. What I ought to do is get up at 7:00 and run. It's too nice out not to and when I do that, the rest of the day is a peice of cake. Well shoot, I'm all talk, so I'm off to set the alarm and go to bed.
Nara will always be there. Now it's time to be in Osaka, and I like Osaka. I like the people and the little nooks and crannies I know. And I like getting lost, or trying to.
Yeah, LOTR was good. But you already know that.
More than anything I think what put me back on my feet was just the long sober human contact. Seems like a long time since I sat and had a cup of coffee with someone and just chatted without having to be somewhere. Is it possible to live a lazy life with friends? Now that would be a nice place to be. Just to chill with a friend...sounds like I need to slow down.
I have a lot of rules in my quest to imitate an obsessive compulsive. I figure I'm so far from that, I should just overshoot and maybe I'll be a little more A-type. I have, at this time, about three meaningless habits and self-imposed idiosyncracies I enjoy, plus a few simple neurotic rules. One of which I guess I haven't followed through successfully of late:
When I'm tired I have to act energetic, like run up the stairs at the station two at a time, stuff like that.
When I'm in a hurry I have to meander. I'm not allowed to rush. It sneaks up on you and before you know it you're zipping through the crowd on your day off to meet a friend you're not late for yet anyway. Knowing you're not allowed to rush means you have to be on time.
That one's tougher. What I ought to do is get up at 7:00 and run. It's too nice out not to and when I do that, the rest of the day is a peice of cake. Well shoot, I'm all talk, so I'm off to set the alarm and go to bed.
Anti-SAD
I walked past a sneezing pigeon a few minutes ago. I'm probably going to die of bird flu.It's a gorgeous day which means that I'm starting to feel a little melancholy. I'm happy all miserable winter and giddy in the sweltering heat of summer. I thrill in the autumn when everything starts to whither and die. But come spring I get melancholy. What is this strange reaction? Something to do with being fair-skinned and Irish? I could belt out a good dirge on a windy cape somewhere in bliss, but strolling under blossoms I feel my shoulders start to hunch. What do you call that? I used to get it all the time, but not in years.
Actually, at the moment I think it's probably due very specifically to th fact that the pretty weather elucidates my inability to partake in it due to pressing obligations (yet here I sit, writing). Moreso, it drives home the fact that I'm living in the concrete jungle.Well perhaps not, there are well-kep perfectly-trimmed azalias and trees making a comeback from the over-enthusiastic pruning they suffer (branches are fully chopped off at times to maintain the look). But as I walked along, trying to think of the best way to goof off and avoid doing whatever it is that's making
me melancholy, I realized I just want to be in Nara. This place is so soulless and I miss Nara. I loved it there even if it was isolated. I could just head to Nara park or walk to Nigatsudo whenever I felt like it and excape.I know I'm going to move in Japan eventually, and it's expensive and time-consuming to commute and all, but at the moment, I'm feeling very tempted to move to Nara. It's beautiful in the spring and I like living in a tourist town off-season when the weather's cold and gloomy too. If I were in Nara today I'd be
sitting by the pond like my friend Jo and I did this day long ago, eating o-bento sushi and doing nothing. As long as I'm giving the old shout-outs Joanna Karukchi (I don't even remember how to spell it, hopeless) if you're out there in the universe, I miss you too, you crazy Warab.Jo is half-Iraqi and half-Welsh, hence Warab. Lost touch with her after I left Japan and all googling has left me with nothing. Sigh. She would have gone back to London and graduated a pharmaceutical researcher, but I don't know what happened after that, or to her family, if they were in Bagdad or London. London I would imagine but rather a complicated situation.
Oh, heck. I'm going to Nara. I can get there with enough time to say hi to some deer and watch the sun set from Nigatsudo anyway.
speecherific
Friday was the closing luncheon of my free (well there is a nominal fee) city Japanese class. I thought I was going to have to make a speech, but no, it wasn't on the schedule. Alas! And my cute not gay fireman is moving to Tokyo so I may not see him again unless I have a chance next time I'm there.
So I had written this speech about how funny he is and how I just had a great old time chatting with him every week. Well I tell you what, I decided if I wrote and practiced my speech I was going to give it anyway so I did. They called him up and I got 75% through before I forgot a word, but by then it was forgivable. He pretended to cry and I pretended to whack him and it was very cute.
Then he gave me some chocolate which was white so I think it was white day chocolate. I'm pretending it was anyway.
So now I guess he's going to start charging into burning buildings for a living. How neat.
Thanks Kanamoto-san!
So I had written this speech about how funny he is and how I just had a great old time chatting with him every week. Well I tell you what, I decided if I wrote and practiced my speech I was going to give it anyway so I did. They called him up and I got 75% through before I forgot a word, but by then it was forgivable. He pretended to cry and I pretended to whack him and it was very cute.
Then he gave me some chocolate which was white so I think it was white day chocolate. I'm pretending it was anyway.
So now I guess he's going to start charging into burning buildings for a living. How neat.
Thanks Kanamoto-san!
3.14.2004
Robot Falcon Alert
Daily Yomiuri On-Line: "The product looks and moves like a peregrine falcon. Its speaker generates a sound that scares off wild birds. Light-emitting diodes flash in its eyes. "
Like me.
Hey Melbotis--do any of your superheros have a robot falcon? Was wonder-woman's plane an invisible falcon or amd I conflating that with some old anime?
Like me.
Hey Melbotis--do any of your superheros have a robot falcon? Was wonder-woman's plane an invisible falcon or amd I conflating that with some old anime?
3.11.2004
We've got Avian Flu!
I guess I'll stop eating crow. Or so I told a friend today and she said, yes you eat crow all the time. Now I wonder if she knows what that means. Pa-ra-no-oi-oi-ya.
McEnglish
The Japan Times Online follows up on last month's article on McEnglish.
Okay I'm going to apologize for drinking the koolaid as usual, but I think my students are learning English. SOME eikaiwas are a racket, but there is a big difference even between the Big 5 schools. I can't believe they can be lumped in together...especially with the odd examples. Everybody could think of something dumb their manager did, in any job, in any industry. That's what employees do sometimes, grouse and make fun of management. It doesn't usually qualify as news.
The work schedule and professionalism varies drastically from school to school (I mainly mean from company to company). Granted there are a lot of foreign teachers who have no previous job experience which makes it quite hard to sort out what is and isn't acceptable or reasonable. But schools with more Japanese teachers are better off because the FT's can get more inside information, help, and just an example if they happen to be clueless.
And as for the teachers' cynicism in the article about whether and why students want to study English, well, the more professional schools probably have the more professional students--i.e. the ones who study and have goals to achieve, or at the very least an intellectual streak that keeps them motivated.
It took me a while when I started teaching to realize you really can't "teach" people. I mean to say, you can't "train" people. You can just be a good facilitator of learning, the students are really the ones doing the work. Respecting your students means teachers can focus on facilitating an effective environment--the right level, right interests, lots of opportunities to work the synapses into a new shape.
What can I say? This is part of my new "sympathy for the world" persona.
The more interesting question is how the business works. I hadn't heard about the 3-year provision for permanent employment. Interesting.
I have always wondered about the economy of having new teachers. Recently a fellow teacher opined (to use a Jim-ism) that it was the school's way of saying, "Look, we've got this great new product for you! A Neeeeeeew teacher!"
I don't know about that. It seems to me there would be less student turnover and fewer problems for management/recruiting/training by having teachers stay longer. I guess it comes down to numbers, but I wonder if there aren't a few false economies here. I also have the notion that offering more support to both Japanese and Foreign Teachers in terms of professional training or in the case of the latter, learning Japanese, would encourage people to renew and stay on.
But the idea that the turnover is intentional because schools fear having to permanently employ teachers is a new one on me. And I wonder how much a concern it really is? If a teacher wasn't up to par, the school could simply refuse the third-year contract. That would still increase the retention rate. And apparently some schools have already got contracts that fall just short to enable this.
But even if they were put in this position, what would happen? Most people would not want to teach at an Eikaiwa forever. For one thing most of us come from a culture that encourages us to change jobs frequently. A number of people are here not just as tourists, but to get some Japanese business experience which they want to use in other industries. And if the teachers were worth renewing for three years they must be an asset and worth employing.
As for the age-old quibble about Eikaiwas as profit-making ventures, so are ballet schools, piano lessons, and no matter what you say, universities to a degree.
I have students who need TOEIC scores to get promotions, who need to work or study abroad or deal with international clients, who want to be better teachers themselves, and yes, some who "just" want to travel, make friends or watch movies. Why shouldn't they broaden their horizons? Why _not_ do it in a friendly, social, educational environment? I suppose you could learn at home, but only to a certain level. You need someone to correct you and that doesn't happen in any other setting (sorry, your SigOt's not going to do it honey, neither are your friends). Besides, why not enjoy your studies?
(I've been reading David Sedaris' Me Talk Pretty One Day and I just realized I'm turning into one of his vignettes about a craft book he had when he was a kid, "Why not construct ghost out of leftover gift wrap?...Why not decorate your desktop with a school bus made from a brick?")
I've had a number of teachers in my Japanese lessons and I can say I've learned a lot in addition to the Japanese. First of all, being a student is a lot more work than I remembered. Second, the amount of work a teacher puts in is really apparent, but what's more effective isn't what they cover in the lesson but how they make me use it. Finally, I've observed some different ways teachers motivate me. Some motivate me by being friendly and encouraging. This is necessary because the student ego is so easily deflated. At least mine is. Some motivate me by sneaking up on me and challenging me. It's a little scarier, but appreciated in small doses. Some motivate me by being cute. Well sorry but it's true, I don't want to disappoint the cute ones.
The things that are unmotivating are when the teacher doesn't take the time to prepare well, isn't confident, seems annoyed or is patronizing. There are, no doubt, a number of foreign teachers at various schools who get this way because they feel isolated and they just get wired. They treat people in a way they wouldn't at home. Yet another reason for schools to encourage teachers to study Japanese.
Finally, there's management. I gotta say, I think this one can be cured with a little moxy and sympathy as well. Anywhere you can't pick your boss you're going to run into some duds, but most of the staff at eikaiwas are just trying to keep their job. There's some turnover there too because it's stressful--doing sales and working in two languages. Most management problems would go away with a little respect. Of course, I'm the fruitcake who hangs out with her managers and ex-managers on the weekend so feel free to hate me.
I wonder if I'll make any friends on the blogring this week...hmmm...
Okay I'm going to apologize for drinking the koolaid as usual, but I think my students are learning English. SOME eikaiwas are a racket, but there is a big difference even between the Big 5 schools. I can't believe they can be lumped in together...especially with the odd examples. Everybody could think of something dumb their manager did, in any job, in any industry. That's what employees do sometimes, grouse and make fun of management. It doesn't usually qualify as news.
The work schedule and professionalism varies drastically from school to school (I mainly mean from company to company). Granted there are a lot of foreign teachers who have no previous job experience which makes it quite hard to sort out what is and isn't acceptable or reasonable. But schools with more Japanese teachers are better off because the FT's can get more inside information, help, and just an example if they happen to be clueless.
And as for the teachers' cynicism in the article about whether and why students want to study English, well, the more professional schools probably have the more professional students--i.e. the ones who study and have goals to achieve, or at the very least an intellectual streak that keeps them motivated.
It took me a while when I started teaching to realize you really can't "teach" people. I mean to say, you can't "train" people. You can just be a good facilitator of learning, the students are really the ones doing the work. Respecting your students means teachers can focus on facilitating an effective environment--the right level, right interests, lots of opportunities to work the synapses into a new shape.
What can I say? This is part of my new "sympathy for the world" persona.
The more interesting question is how the business works. I hadn't heard about the 3-year provision for permanent employment. Interesting.
I have always wondered about the economy of having new teachers. Recently a fellow teacher opined (to use a Jim-ism) that it was the school's way of saying, "Look, we've got this great new product for you! A Neeeeeeew teacher!"
I don't know about that. It seems to me there would be less student turnover and fewer problems for management/recruiting/training by having teachers stay longer. I guess it comes down to numbers, but I wonder if there aren't a few false economies here. I also have the notion that offering more support to both Japanese and Foreign Teachers in terms of professional training or in the case of the latter, learning Japanese, would encourage people to renew and stay on.
But the idea that the turnover is intentional because schools fear having to permanently employ teachers is a new one on me. And I wonder how much a concern it really is? If a teacher wasn't up to par, the school could simply refuse the third-year contract. That would still increase the retention rate. And apparently some schools have already got contracts that fall just short to enable this.
But even if they were put in this position, what would happen? Most people would not want to teach at an Eikaiwa forever. For one thing most of us come from a culture that encourages us to change jobs frequently. A number of people are here not just as tourists, but to get some Japanese business experience which they want to use in other industries. And if the teachers were worth renewing for three years they must be an asset and worth employing.
As for the age-old quibble about Eikaiwas as profit-making ventures, so are ballet schools, piano lessons, and no matter what you say, universities to a degree.
I have students who need TOEIC scores to get promotions, who need to work or study abroad or deal with international clients, who want to be better teachers themselves, and yes, some who "just" want to travel, make friends or watch movies. Why shouldn't they broaden their horizons? Why _not_ do it in a friendly, social, educational environment? I suppose you could learn at home, but only to a certain level. You need someone to correct you and that doesn't happen in any other setting (sorry, your SigOt's not going to do it honey, neither are your friends). Besides, why not enjoy your studies?
(I've been reading David Sedaris' Me Talk Pretty One Day and I just realized I'm turning into one of his vignettes about a craft book he had when he was a kid, "Why not construct ghost out of leftover gift wrap?...Why not decorate your desktop with a school bus made from a brick?")
I've had a number of teachers in my Japanese lessons and I can say I've learned a lot in addition to the Japanese. First of all, being a student is a lot more work than I remembered. Second, the amount of work a teacher puts in is really apparent, but what's more effective isn't what they cover in the lesson but how they make me use it. Finally, I've observed some different ways teachers motivate me. Some motivate me by being friendly and encouraging. This is necessary because the student ego is so easily deflated. At least mine is. Some motivate me by sneaking up on me and challenging me. It's a little scarier, but appreciated in small doses. Some motivate me by being cute. Well sorry but it's true, I don't want to disappoint the cute ones.
The things that are unmotivating are when the teacher doesn't take the time to prepare well, isn't confident, seems annoyed or is patronizing. There are, no doubt, a number of foreign teachers at various schools who get this way because they feel isolated and they just get wired. They treat people in a way they wouldn't at home. Yet another reason for schools to encourage teachers to study Japanese.
Finally, there's management. I gotta say, I think this one can be cured with a little moxy and sympathy as well. Anywhere you can't pick your boss you're going to run into some duds, but most of the staff at eikaiwas are just trying to keep their job. There's some turnover there too because it's stressful--doing sales and working in two languages. Most management problems would go away with a little respect. Of course, I'm the fruitcake who hangs out with her managers and ex-managers on the weekend so feel free to hate me.
I wonder if I'll make any friends on the blogring this week...hmmm...
A suspicious mind
The English-language media love writing about racism in Japan. I know, I know. But If I believed all this stuff about 30% of this and that...well it doesn't matter because apparently I'm acceptable.
But if the article is really about how Japan lags in foreign tourism, why don't they address the obvious issue, the cost? Why would Asian tourists (I mean from other Asian countries), come to Japan when it's so much cheaper to go a million other places? Or if they're going to go somewhere expensive, they could go somewhere more exotic, like say, Lansing Michigan.
And what about Western tourists (or whatever the proper non-Orientalist term is...could someone fill me in on that?). It's really not as expensive as everybody thinks to live in Japan, because you learn the ropes. But it's pricey to be a tourist. I mean, I'd love just to have my family and friends visit, but let's be realistic. The airfare is twice that of a trip to Europe.
Besides, businesses may want more tourism, but in what country in the world will you find average people (not employed in the industry) who will say, "yes, please send more foreigners"?
As far as foreign investment. That's a toughie. The Business culture is very different than in the States and I assume Europe. More thoughts on this later...gots to do some reading on this topic anyway since I'll be spending more time at Honbu (head office).
Regardless, I think everybody needs to get the chip off their shoulder about Japan. Let's be forward thinking people. Too much of what people think of Japan is wrapped up in the past, whether romanticised or genocidal. Time to move on!
Of course, everybody has to play ball here. The government should take down the site for reporting suspicious foreigners.
But if the article is really about how Japan lags in foreign tourism, why don't they address the obvious issue, the cost? Why would Asian tourists (I mean from other Asian countries), come to Japan when it's so much cheaper to go a million other places? Or if they're going to go somewhere expensive, they could go somewhere more exotic, like say, Lansing Michigan.
And what about Western tourists (or whatever the proper non-Orientalist term is...could someone fill me in on that?). It's really not as expensive as everybody thinks to live in Japan, because you learn the ropes. But it's pricey to be a tourist. I mean, I'd love just to have my family and friends visit, but let's be realistic. The airfare is twice that of a trip to Europe.
Besides, businesses may want more tourism, but in what country in the world will you find average people (not employed in the industry) who will say, "yes, please send more foreigners"?
As far as foreign investment. That's a toughie. The Business culture is very different than in the States and I assume Europe. More thoughts on this later...gots to do some reading on this topic anyway since I'll be spending more time at Honbu (head office).
Regardless, I think everybody needs to get the chip off their shoulder about Japan. Let's be forward thinking people. Too much of what people think of Japan is wrapped up in the past, whether romanticised or genocidal. Time to move on!
Of course, everybody has to play ball here. The government should take down the site for reporting suspicious foreigners.
Grindstone?
I'm wondering about the sanity of listening to the this song from the Basketball Diaries Soundtrack at my ripe old age. I don't think I will grow up thank you very much. I am semi-permanently trapped somewhere between corporate drudge and disaffected youth.
The former because in lieu of enjoying my spring I've decided to work an ungodly extra number of hours on my off days. There is some method to my madness. Got to support my Japanese habit. School's really reasonable--works out to less than $20 and hour. Still I have to put some controls in place if I want to maintain my dedication, one of which is limiting my extracurricular activities. Trust me. It's very easy for me to let them win, and they have of late. Besides that I'm going to India and who knows whatall else. I'll still have one day off a week to check out the cherry blossoms.
Speaking of school, we have a lot of tests it seems and it's easy to fall behind. Still I managed this morning's test at last. Shoulda/coulda/woulda taken it sooner but I had to catch up on my kanji. Well I did, but it's still nose to the grindstone time.
What am I talking about? I'm going skiing in two weeks. Honestly, I can't keep up with myself. Anyway, it's nice enough now to think about running in the morning. What the heck. Maybe I will...think...about...it...
The former because in lieu of enjoying my spring I've decided to work an ungodly extra number of hours on my off days. There is some method to my madness. Got to support my Japanese habit. School's really reasonable--works out to less than $20 and hour. Still I have to put some controls in place if I want to maintain my dedication, one of which is limiting my extracurricular activities. Trust me. It's very easy for me to let them win, and they have of late. Besides that I'm going to India and who knows whatall else. I'll still have one day off a week to check out the cherry blossoms.
Speaking of school, we have a lot of tests it seems and it's easy to fall behind. Still I managed this morning's test at last. Shoulda/coulda/woulda taken it sooner but I had to catch up on my kanji. Well I did, but it's still nose to the grindstone time.
What am I talking about? I'm going skiing in two weeks. Honestly, I can't keep up with myself. Anyway, it's nice enough now to think about running in the morning. What the heck. Maybe I will...think...about...it...
3.09.2004
You may now bow and weep
I am back. Sorry to have been MIA for almost 2 weeks. I'm not sure I still know how to ride this bike.
The news: Spaulding Gray on the other hand is no longer MIA. This makes me sad. That's all I'm going to say on that.
Visited the German bar again but neglected to bring my camera to add to the beer photos. Oops.
What else? Oh had a smashing birthday party. My adorable gay fireman teacher came to it. He's probably not really gay, I just like saying that because the first time I met him our conversation was about his trip to Mardi Gras in Australia. My Japanese was nonexistent and the only words I could understand were "Australia", "gay", "festival." So he became the cute gay fireman, he's 25 I should add.
Who else? Most of my training group. It was such a good group we still hang out periodically. Friends from Japanese class. An old college friend.
Gosh Molly, it sounds like aside from the gay fireman you're not making much of an effort to hang with Japanese friends. Hmmm...good observation self. On the other hand, I'm not picking up too many strangers at bars these days, so that's a step in the right direction. I just haven't fallen in with a group so yeah yeah, flower to flower.
Well for blog postings, this one rates in the dumps but I promise I'll remember how to fall off this log again by tomorrow. I'm really just avoiding my take-home Japanese test.
By way of apology, I offer you this.
The news: Spaulding Gray on the other hand is no longer MIA. This makes me sad. That's all I'm going to say on that.
Visited the German bar again but neglected to bring my camera to add to the beer photos. Oops.
What else? Oh had a smashing birthday party. My adorable gay fireman teacher came to it. He's probably not really gay, I just like saying that because the first time I met him our conversation was about his trip to Mardi Gras in Australia. My Japanese was nonexistent and the only words I could understand were "Australia", "gay", "festival." So he became the cute gay fireman, he's 25 I should add.
Who else? Most of my training group. It was such a good group we still hang out periodically. Friends from Japanese class. An old college friend.
Gosh Molly, it sounds like aside from the gay fireman you're not making much of an effort to hang with Japanese friends. Hmmm...good observation self. On the other hand, I'm not picking up too many strangers at bars these days, so that's a step in the right direction. I just haven't fallen in with a group so yeah yeah, flower to flower.
Well for blog postings, this one rates in the dumps but I promise I'll remember how to fall off this log again by tomorrow. I'm really just avoiding my take-home Japanese test.
By way of apology, I offer you this.
