Here’s a really cool implementation of Google Maps: incidentlog.com
Some examples:
Recent incidents in Los Angeles
Bizarre incidents (“Assault with a yoyo” is a classic)
Sex offenders in the state of California
I chose examples close to home, but the site covers all of the US.
Author: Justin
You say tomato…
The most confusing terminology discussion I’ve ever read to the very end (because it has to do with food, of course!): If an English biscuit is an American cookie, what is an American biscuit called in England?
Hint: It’s neither a lorry, a brolly, nor a faggot.
……………….
BONUS BAKED GOODS RECIPE: LINK
“Fanny would never have a Spotted Dick unless it had a nice big blob of nice hot custard on it”
Run, Dick, run!
I, Couples Therapist
Recently, after returning home from work I’ve been hiking up Mt. Magata, conveniently located just down my street. Right now, the cicadas are out in full force and their incessant cries drown out the sound of my own footsteps as I ascend the paved hiking trail. The heat under the (natural, not planted!) forest canopy is quite oppressive, and the mosquitoes dive bomb at fresh meat quite mercilessly, so I usually only hike up and back down again.
Yesterday, though, I was feeling spunky, and after descending halfway down the slope I turned around and jogged another circuit up the steps. I like exercising up there because it’s basically deserted; the only time I’ve seen people other than joggers up there is in the spring, for the majestic sakura bloom. Then it becomes crowded with the drunk and merry – basically the bane of my people-hating inaka existence. So it was with great disappointment that I spotted a young couple ascending the trail as I carefully made my final descent.
As I got closer, I realized that they were high school age, and that they were fighting about something. The guy was yelling at the girl in that ear-grating, wannebe-tough Japanese guy sort of way, and my feelings of resentment at them for invading my territory gradually gave way to pity for the girl for having an asshole boyfriend. More than anything, I did not want them to ruin my mountain vibe.
So as I passed them, I said in a friendly manner, “Hey, watch out – there’s a snake at the top of the stairs!”
The girl actually bowed and thanked me politely for the heads-up, and the guy said excitedly, “let’s go check it out!”
And with that, they bolted off, all worries forgotten.
………….
PS – The question you are burning to ask, it is not the point.
Marriage in Japan, redux
Found this interesting (and, as far as I can tell, accurate) node over at everything: How to marry a Japanese person
The author’s conclusion is that “international marriages do not work under Japanese law.” I think this a bit extreme, but some of the points outlined certainly defy all logic. Interesting reading, anyway.
Speed Tribes
Holy shit! I just read a supercritical review of Speed Tribes! By a real Karl Taro hater!
Karl Taro does drugs! Karl Taro ineffectively mixes fact and fiction! Karl Taro BAD!!!
Now, I can see why some think the book is overrated (it was covered in both Wired and Time back in the day; it is apparently required reading in some Japanese courses back in the states). I can see how some might not agree with the subject matter. What I fail to see is how this can be considered a book not worth reading.
………………….
As for the authenticity of it – did people like the characters in his book really exist in Japan? – I assure you, they still do, and in great numbers. If that doesn’t matter, have a fun time living in that wonderful bubble you’ve created, even as you accuse others of doing the same.
Worst nightmare
I have a hole in my bottom left molar, I assume from a cavity. I thought I’d wait until I go to Bangkok to get it worked on (medical care in Bangkok is excellent and cheap), but I spent a few minutes examining it in the mirror, and I basically think the tooth is being held together by a previous filling. It probably needs to be removed, or at least I’ll need a crown.
Going to the dentist in Japan is just a major pain in the ass – they make you visit multiple times for any work, sometimes even for routine cleaning. Nam had to get a couple fillings and a cleaning a couple years ago, and she ended up going every week for three or four months!
Plus, there’s the whole thing about me being a gigantic pussy about dental work.
Dog vs. Lizard
Nam sent a series of her crazy minpin mix, Gen, going after a lizard in our yard in Mahasarakham. (Click on any of the photos to open a larger version of it in a new window.)
Note the wild beady eyes of a predator on the hunt.
Can’t quite figure out who is attacking who in this photo.
Nature is cruel, but one thing is apparent – our side yard at the new house is a veritable Thunderdome (and I already have an idea of who the current champion is).
why I love my local baker
I walk into his store after not buying any bread for three months and he says, “thanks for coming by last night.” Which makes no sense coming from a normal baker, but this guy usually opens his store at 2 or 3 in the morning so I guess it’s possible, perhaps in a food-oriented bout of somnambulism…
One loaf of homemade bread and a heaping dose of self-puzzlement, coming right up!