Monthly Archives: September 2004

Wendy's

Posted on September 30, 2004 by

Out of all of the American fast food franchises in Japan, I prefer to go to Wendy’s because it is relatively cheap, and their burgers are more palatable than the other option (McDonalds). I rely on the 150 yen menu, … Continue reading →

Posted in School of Rice (archives) | Leave a comment

All Dressed Up But Nowhere to Whore

Posted on September 28, 2004 by

I’m on another business trip. It’s late, I’m sweaty. In a suit. Wasted from a day of picking up on the subtle nuances of Japanese corporate doublespeak, flipping the sentences backwards and into another language, then funneling it down the … Continue reading →

Posted in Work | 5 Comments

Deja Vu

Posted on September 27, 2004 by

Well not quite, but the civic that I spotted on the streets of Osaka seemed pretty close to the one in True Crime: Streets Of LA (this game is pretty fun, and mixes genres from GTA and Max Payne pretty … Continue reading →

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Buckets, ducats

Posted on September 26, 2004 by

Bill hit it big at pachinko today – this is only half.

Posted in Moblog (archives) | 1 Comment

Kobe License Plates

Posted on September 25, 2004 by

Today I changed my car’s registration from Nara to Kobe. I don’t like the new number plates as much as the old ones – Kobe plates are a kind of status symbol in Kansai, much as Shinagawa plates are in … Continue reading →

Posted in Exploits | 2 Comments

How to Rice

Posted on September 25, 2004 by

The official guide to rice is posted in front of the rikuun (equivalent of DMV) in Kobe. I was there today to change my Nara plates to Kobe ones. It was a major pain in the ass.

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Norwegian Cedar

Posted on September 25, 2004 by

He loves the Beatles.

Posted in Moblog (archives) | 1 Comment

No Birdie in Japan

Posted on September 25, 2004 by

There is no middle finger taboo in Japan; this makes for some pretty funny moments and I was lucky enough to catch this one by accident.

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Shakoshomei

Posted on September 23, 2004 by

Even though I’ve lived here on Awaji Island for nearly five years, I was registered at my friend’s house in Nara until last month. Basically, there was no reason to change my address officially until this year, when the immigration … Continue reading →

Posted in Cars, Exploits | 2 Comments

Daihatsu Microbus

Posted on September 22, 2004 by

In Japan, there is a micro-subcompact class of cars known as “keijidosha,” or simply, “K.” Under current regulations their engine size is restricted to 660cc, and their appeal in this land of super expensive gasoline and narrow roads is fairly … Continue reading →

Posted in School of Rice (archives) | 1 Comment

Unleashing Your Inner Loser

Posted on September 22, 2004 by

This proves that just about anybody can publish a book these days: How to Date a White Woman: A Practical Guide for Asian Men This is so pathetic on so many levels, I don’t know where to start. I think … Continue reading →

Posted in Web | 6 Comments

Bass Otaku

Posted on September 21, 2004 by

An excellent article on Takahiro Omori and the pro bass fishing scene in the US and Japan: Bass Fishing in America

Posted in Web | 3 Comments

I, Mexican't

Posted on September 21, 2004 by

This weekend, when asked to describe a burrito to a SE Asian man (probably my future father-in-law, if such things matter), I described it as a “Mexican springroll.” Sometimes I just have my moments. That got me hungry, so I … Continue reading →

Posted in Chillin' | 4 Comments

Staremaster

Posted on September 19, 2004 by

Is it just me, or is this artwork on a stepping exercise machine kinda disturbing?

Posted in Moblog (archives) | 3 Comments

Adventures in Soy

Posted on September 16, 2004 by

What is Nigari? Nigari is a liquid extract left over from the processing of tofu. Nigari is rich in minerals and is claimed to be an excellent dietary supplement. Supposedly, the high magnesium content of nigari works in the intestines … Continue reading →

Posted in Work | 4 Comments

Reporting for Duty

Posted on September 15, 2004 by

CBFTW is back blogging in a big way. For those of you who don’t know, he’s running the best stationed-in-Iraq blog since Just Another Soldier got shut down (IMHO). Link: MY WAR: Fear and Loathing in Iraq

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Jalisco Smiles

Posted on September 15, 2004 by

Next round of shooters is on me: Mexican tequila set to flood Japanese market under FTA If I ever see another bottle of that Suntory-branded tequila stocked at a bar again, I’ll bitch slap the barkeep. At least spring another … Continue reading →

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Instapundit on CNN Japan

Posted on September 15, 2004 by

Watched the Professor Reynolds interview on the international version of CNN this morning. It was kind of short, but he ended by saying that CBS should own up to their mistake – it was a milestone for bloggers, IMHO. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Web | 1 Comment

This is not an endorsement

Posted on September 14, 2004 by

In my inbox today: “I think I’m going to vote Republican this year. The Democrats left a bad taste in my mouth.” – Monica Lewinsky Now that’s just crude. More, please.

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Primary Cause: "30 minutes or it's free"

Posted on September 14, 2004 by

USMC cargo helicopter crashes and explodes in crowded Okinawa city; three crewmen injured. Most significant backlash? Marines are criticized for allowing pizza deliveries through while blocking “Japanese police detectives, local political leaders and diplomats from Tokyo.” Well, duh. US Marines … Continue reading →

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