I haven't been following most of the drama about steroids recently in baseball. Basically, I think my sister Lynn puts it best. Congress should have a lot more to spend precious time and money on than this. But with that said, I couldn't help but feel a wave of despair upon seeing that McGwire chose to plead the 5th all the way down the line. Since 1998, I considered one of the most memorable moments of my life the experience of being at the game when he hit #67 and 68 at Busch Stadium. Jim Caple at ESPN pretty much summed up my feelings on the Congressional hearings yesterday.
If you are in the states then you know, March Madness is here. I paid even less attention to college basketball this year than I normally do. I followed the Billikens' disappointing season, but that was about it. However, I was very surprised and delighted to see the Washington Huskies get a #1 seed. They are of couse led my SLU's former head coach Lorenzo Romar. In his debut season coaching the SLU Billikens in 1999, he was responsible for yet another pantheon moment for me. The Billikens entered the C-USA Tournament that year with a record near .500 and low expectations. Here's what happened (from espn.com):
Twice during the 2000 regular season, Saint Louis got crushed by Cincinnati -- including, about a week before the Conference USA tourney, an 84-41 pasting against the then-No. 1 Bearcats.
But when Saint Louis -- 15-13 in the regular season and 7-9 in the conference -- faced Cincinnati again in the tournament quarterfinals, they won 68-58, a huge upset even when you take into consideration that Cincy's Kenyon Martin went down in the game with a broken leg.
Then the Billikens won two more -- four wins in four days against higher seeds -- to gain the conference title and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Of course, I was the Billken Mascot for those 4 frantic games. After Cincy's upset and the win in the C-USA Final against DePaul the band and cheerleaders rushed the court. I was in the middle of it, of course. Proudly, it was the closest I have ever come to hyperventilation/asphyxiation. So good luck to LoRo and the Huskies!
Friday, March 18, 2005
Monday, March 14, 2005
The Professor's Triumphant Return
Yesterday, I returned from the Pearl Line Marathon 20k race feeling exhausted. I checked my e-mail as usual and found out some awesome news. Professor Quintana, aka Joe Debiec is triumphantly returning to Kumamoto City! He was a teacher here from 2002-2004 and was an integral part of the Kumamoto Hash scene and just general enjoyment. He is coming from Vail, CO to take a position teaching English at a local language school. He is coming in early April, just in time for Hanami. Kumamoto welcomes back The Professor.
In Joe’s honor, I want to post a fine picture taken after his own Kyokushi Hash in local pub Sanctuary. The title of the picture is Unbridled Debauchery and I think it’s one of the finest shots ever captured with my camera.
From left to right: Alana, DJ Chu-hi, Muppet, Leslie, Katie Norris and Professor Quintana.
In Joe’s honor, I want to post a fine picture taken after his own Kyokushi Hash in local pub Sanctuary. The title of the picture is Unbridled Debauchery and I think it’s one of the finest shots ever captured with my camera.
From left to right: Alana, DJ Chu-hi, Muppet, Leslie, Katie Norris and Professor Quintana.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
How to wreck your body
This past Sunday, I took part in the city-wide teachers' soccer tournament. I joined about 9 other teachers for the 2 game extravaganza at a local junior high school. I joined the tournament the past 2 years with mixed results. This year yielded about the same results.
Our first game, we were down 2-1 at the half. Then the second half started. The soccer club coach knocked in 2 more and I hit a laser shot from the right wing to make it 4-3 before the time ran out and we came away victorious. The second game, we faced a pretty tough match up. Although I managed to net a hat trick, including a header from a beautifully centered ball from the right side, we couldn't stop their high-powered offense. We lost the game 5-3. After a nice soak in a hot bath with 50 strangers, I headed downtown for the celebration party. At the toast, the soccer coach handed me a gold medal and informed me I was one of two MVPs in the tournament. I was pretty surprised considering our 1-1 record that day, but I appreciated it. We proceeded to eat like crazy and drink heavily before calling it an evening by 8:30pm due to school the next day. I was presented with the medal (again) formally the next morning at the teacher’s meeting.
I was incredibly sore the day after and I continue to have some pains. I only hope they go away before this Sunday and the 20k race I foolishly signed up for.
Our first game, we were down 2-1 at the half. Then the second half started. The soccer club coach knocked in 2 more and I hit a laser shot from the right wing to make it 4-3 before the time ran out and we came away victorious. The second game, we faced a pretty tough match up. Although I managed to net a hat trick, including a header from a beautifully centered ball from the right side, we couldn't stop their high-powered offense. We lost the game 5-3. After a nice soak in a hot bath with 50 strangers, I headed downtown for the celebration party. At the toast, the soccer coach handed me a gold medal and informed me I was one of two MVPs in the tournament. I was pretty surprised considering our 1-1 record that day, but I appreciated it. We proceeded to eat like crazy and drink heavily before calling it an evening by 8:30pm due to school the next day. I was presented with the medal (again) formally the next morning at the teacher’s meeting.
I was incredibly sore the day after and I continue to have some pains. I only hope they go away before this Sunday and the 20k race I foolishly signed up for.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Wise words from Japanese 14 year olds
So I recently checked some papers of some soon to be graduating 3rd year students at my junior high school. The students were given a chance to write a message to myself after learning the finer points of english for almost 3 years. You can tell how great of a teacher I was (yellow is all students' original work):
It is sad for me to said good-bye, but I want to enjoy high school life.
Thank you for speaking a lot of interesting story. I learned many things for Mirk.
Mark's speech very interested.
I'm grald to see you.
I understand tought by you English class. (by 2 different students)
No more cry.
English is difficult.
And finally, a special message from a male student: How I long to be Mark!! I long for you! Sanobabith you love!!
Wow, pure genius. Where do they learn these things?
It is sad for me to said good-bye, but I want to enjoy high school life.
Thank you for speaking a lot of interesting story. I learned many things for Mirk.
Mark's speech very interested.
I'm grald to see you.
I understand tought by you English class. (by 2 different students)
No more cry.
English is difficult.
And finally, a special message from a male student: How I long to be Mark!! I long for you! Sanobabith you love!!
Wow, pure genius. Where do they learn these things?
Monday, February 28, 2005
random bites
Just watched "Ray" last night and then saw tonight that Jamie Foxx won the Oscar. That is awesome, definitely deserved it.
Not much is new here:
I'll be taking part in the teacher's soccer tournament on Sunday, it's my favorite time of year to show off my skills in front of a bunch of old teachers who put down their cigarettes and coffee long enough to play a few games.
And a week from Sunday, i'm gonna try to run 20km over the 5 bridges of Amakusa in the Pearl Line Marathon. Better start getting in shape.
I booked a trip in early May to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Don't know much about either, but that's never stopped me before.
Spent Saturday night and Sunday driving around northern Kyushu with Manami in a rental car thanks to a small accident. Her rental has a navigation system. It was amazing taking all back roads to avoid traffic and actually be able to get where you wanna go. We hit up Saga (purgatory of a city) and Dazaifu Temple near Fukuoka.
I'm reading Rising Sun by John Toland right now. Just an amazing book so far, it really explains the causes of Japan's involvement in World War 2. So much to think about and process...
Got ahold of the new 50 Cent joint, The Massacre. Worth a listen if you a fan of Mr. go-ju sento.
And finally on a more serious note. If you are in a America and you have a choice, don't drive late at night. Events in St. Louis in the past year involving people I know and other people that weren't thinking to say the least... What the hell is wrong with my country? Nevermind, don't answer that. I'm gonna go bang my head into the wall.
Not much is new here:
I'll be taking part in the teacher's soccer tournament on Sunday, it's my favorite time of year to show off my skills in front of a bunch of old teachers who put down their cigarettes and coffee long enough to play a few games.
And a week from Sunday, i'm gonna try to run 20km over the 5 bridges of Amakusa in the Pearl Line Marathon. Better start getting in shape.
I booked a trip in early May to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Don't know much about either, but that's never stopped me before.
Spent Saturday night and Sunday driving around northern Kyushu with Manami in a rental car thanks to a small accident. Her rental has a navigation system. It was amazing taking all back roads to avoid traffic and actually be able to get where you wanna go. We hit up Saga (purgatory of a city) and Dazaifu Temple near Fukuoka.
I'm reading Rising Sun by John Toland right now. Just an amazing book so far, it really explains the causes of Japan's involvement in World War 2. So much to think about and process...
Got ahold of the new 50 Cent joint, The Massacre. Worth a listen if you a fan of Mr. go-ju sento.
And finally on a more serious note. If you are in a America and you have a choice, don't drive late at night. Events in St. Louis in the past year involving people I know and other people that weren't thinking to say the least... What the hell is wrong with my country? Nevermind, don't answer that. I'm gonna go bang my head into the wall.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Kitago Village Hash, Feb 19, 2005
On Saturday, Februaury 19, the 28th running of the Kumamoto Hash House Harriers was run in cooperation with the Miyazaki HHH in the hills of rural Miyazaki. The host and hare for the weekend was one Derrick Simpson, aka Stiffulis Hige of Kitago Village.
Simon and myself (Disco Ass) made the trip from Kumamoto Friday night in a rainstorm and dreaded the thought of running around in the woods in this. The rain continued the next morning. About the time Christian (Bitchiro) and Emily arrived after the trek from Miyazaki City, the miracles began. Stiffulis Hige, after setting the trail and the beer nears in the morning, emerged from his domicile, raised his massive arms to the sky and thus spoketh: "Be gone!" and pretty much just like that, the clouds cleared, the sun emerged and the temperature threatened to climb into the low 20s (c). We stripped all our jackets and rain gear and headed for the box. (See, all you fair weather hashers, it all works out somehow...)
The hash began and 2 Kumamoto hashers and 2 Miyazaki hashers set out after the Stiffy man. We headed up over a mountain, down into a nice valley and past a Sumo dohyo, site of the village Sumo contest the next day, of which S.H. would play an integral part. We wound around some roads and spent 45 minutes lost in brambles on top of a hill. Finally, we circled back into town (well, Bitchiro tried making it back to Miyazaki City on foot before he thought better of it and got a ride back). Simon cruised first into the finish at a nice waterwheel and we held a very chilly religion. Many down-downs were awarded and due to the success of the day, weather and all, the Miyazaki hashers earned a sacred chalice presented on behalf of Kumamoto HHH. The last order of business was to immortalize Simon, first finisher of the last 2 hashes, his first 2. This being the year of the Cock, Simon being a knowledgeable Australian and a damn fast runner, the immortals met and decided on the name--not Croc Hunter, not Croc Sprinter, but this: Cock Sprinter. We partied the night away at a disco party in nearby Hinokage Village.
After a hearty breakfast to cure most of the hangovers, we adjourned to the aforementioned Sumo dohyo and got ready for Stiffulis Hige to dominate the locals:
He then proceeded to do just that. He tossed several poor men like he so often tosses salad in his kitchen...
It was an amazing weekend to experience. The secluded mountain valleys of Central Kyushu paired with legendary Miyazaki hospitality made for a perfectly executed hash as well as a terrific Sumo exhibition. Next time, come on out…Stiffulis Hige promises to lose those green boxers.
Simon and myself (Disco Ass) made the trip from Kumamoto Friday night in a rainstorm and dreaded the thought of running around in the woods in this. The rain continued the next morning. About the time Christian (Bitchiro) and Emily arrived after the trek from Miyazaki City, the miracles began. Stiffulis Hige, after setting the trail and the beer nears in the morning, emerged from his domicile, raised his massive arms to the sky and thus spoketh: "Be gone!" and pretty much just like that, the clouds cleared, the sun emerged and the temperature threatened to climb into the low 20s (c). We stripped all our jackets and rain gear and headed for the box. (See, all you fair weather hashers, it all works out somehow...)
The hash began and 2 Kumamoto hashers and 2 Miyazaki hashers set out after the Stiffy man. We headed up over a mountain, down into a nice valley and past a Sumo dohyo, site of the village Sumo contest the next day, of which S.H. would play an integral part. We wound around some roads and spent 45 minutes lost in brambles on top of a hill. Finally, we circled back into town (well, Bitchiro tried making it back to Miyazaki City on foot before he thought better of it and got a ride back). Simon cruised first into the finish at a nice waterwheel and we held a very chilly religion. Many down-downs were awarded and due to the success of the day, weather and all, the Miyazaki hashers earned a sacred chalice presented on behalf of Kumamoto HHH. The last order of business was to immortalize Simon, first finisher of the last 2 hashes, his first 2. This being the year of the Cock, Simon being a knowledgeable Australian and a damn fast runner, the immortals met and decided on the name--not Croc Hunter, not Croc Sprinter, but this: Cock Sprinter. We partied the night away at a disco party in nearby Hinokage Village.
After a hearty breakfast to cure most of the hangovers, we adjourned to the aforementioned Sumo dohyo and got ready for Stiffulis Hige to dominate the locals:
He then proceeded to do just that. He tossed several poor men like he so often tosses salad in his kitchen...
It was an amazing weekend to experience. The secluded mountain valleys of Central Kyushu paired with legendary Miyazaki hospitality made for a perfectly executed hash as well as a terrific Sumo exhibition. Next time, come on out…Stiffulis Hige promises to lose those green boxers.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Nagasaki Lantern Festival
Last Sunday, Manami drove her fat Honda to Nagasaki and we attended the annual Nagasaki Lantern Festival. Nagasaki has a very rich history, including Dutch traders in the 17th century, Christian missionaries, expulsion of said missionaries, massive Chinese immigration, and of course its unfortunate role in WW2. This makes for a very interesting walk around the downtown area, viewing the many sites vital in the city's history. This particular time, the Chinese tradition of creating huge sculptures from wire, fabric and light bulbs was in full effect. There were many different lanterns, everything from huge dragons, giraffes, samurai characters, japanese temples and of course, ornate lanterns. Also, we were able to see the world champion of handstanding balance himself on 6 chairs about 30 feet above a gasping audience. Let your eyes do the walking:
The Bridges of Nagasaki (Sounds like a pretty good title for a book...)
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Mac be wastin' my flava'
I saw this ad for the new Powerbooks on the Mac web site. They have opted to use Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture as their sample picture for the new computers. The photo on the right is one I took when I was there in December. They could have at least asked me for my permission.
The Almighty Goya
Ladies and Gents, meet your new friend, the Goya. This is a fruit that is very popular in Okinawa, Japan. When sliced and eaten raw, it has a very slimy texture. The taste is seriously bitter. It becomes less bitter when cooked. I have had it in a stir-fry with other vegetables, with eggs, raw and even goya gyoza. I only mention it because the 2nd graders at my school just got back from Okinawa and I was given the gift of Goya from one of my teachers. Not just regular Goya: Goya Chips!!!
My friend Adam, a former resident of Kumamoto's Ubuyama Village has this to say about cooking with Goya. He even posted a recipe if you can get your hands on some. Check it out.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Fingerhut for Senate
It's only natural to google your name once in a while to see who shares it, so I was aware of this guy. Apparently he's a Sanator in Ohio who's taken advantage of a well known name to further his career. It's not that common of a name so perhaps he's related somehow...but I know politics ain't in my blood.
The Professor in Colorado
After all of the wedding festivities in St. Louis, I opted to wind down with a nice week of snowboarding in Vail, CO. My friend Joe, aka Professor Quintana, has been working at a ski school for kids out there, so he was gracious enough to host me for the week. He was previously a teacher with me in Kumamoto before getting his diving master's license in Thailand then getting a job in CO.
We boarded all day on the endless terrain of Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek, then spent the evening as true ski bums do, partying at various bars, clubs and residences in the valley. I managed to survive cheaply by using Joe's brother's snowboard and eating the leftover crap that the kids at the ski school ate for lunch every day. We were powered by dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets.
After 6 sold days of boarding and a missed flight, I finally made the 2 hour journey back to Denver, then on back to Japan via LA. I don't think my body, especially my liver, could have taken much longer in Vail, but it was a blast while I was there. Thanks, Profe.
We boarded all day on the endless terrain of Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek, then spent the evening as true ski bums do, partying at various bars, clubs and residences in the valley. I managed to survive cheaply by using Joe's brother's snowboard and eating the leftover crap that the kids at the ski school ate for lunch every day. We were powered by dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets.
After 6 sold days of boarding and a missed flight, I finally made the 2 hour journey back to Denver, then on back to Japan via LA. I don't think my body, especially my liver, could have taken much longer in Vail, but it was a blast while I was there. Thanks, Profe.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
$pring Garden $how
This afternoon, I strolled up to the town graden show being held on the banks of the Shirakawa, about 10 minutes from my house. They set up huge greenhouses and display elaborate gardens and sell quite a bit of foliage every year. This year was the first time I checked it out. A lot of it is really beautiful.
The garden you see here is a typical on on display. Near the display is a small sign with the price and a stack of business cards. A garden like this, fully installed in your yard, only about 250万円　or about 25,000 smacks.
If you click on the picture and check out some other merchandise, you can see some award winning bonsai trees (2 ft tall, about $2,500) or some nice Koi for the backyard pond (from $100 each).
The garden you see here is a typical on on display. Near the display is a small sign with the price and a stack of business cards. A garden like this, fully installed in your yard, only about 250万円　or about 25,000 smacks.
If you click on the picture and check out some other merchandise, you can see some award winning bonsai trees (2 ft tall, about $2,500) or some nice Koi for the backyard pond (from $100 each).
Merry Setsubun to you
On Thursday, the people of Japan celebrated the traditional holiday of Setsubun. I think traditionally it marked the beginnning of spring. But anyway, the tradition is to drive away the demons for the rest of the year. So people do this by (what else) throwing small nuts or beans at people dressed up as demons. I had the pleasure of doing this at an area elementary school. All the kids were very competetive as to who would get to wear the little cardboard demon mask. Then each kid got a handful of peanuts still in the shell, then at once, proceeded to launch the peanuts at the 2 poor kids from point blank range. Nothing was off limits. Shots to the face, eyes, mouth, ears persisted thanks to some juvenile adults in the room...ah hem. It was a little strange that the girl who wanted to be the demon so badly ended up in tears due to a laser guided peanut missile to her ear. Was that me? oops.
It's rather bizarre, they showed other celebrations on TV where an elaborately dressed demon walked into a classroom of nursury students and proceeded to grab them and get in their face until the kids scream in terror and fear for their lives. Fantastic stuff.
Pictured here is a Setsubun demon constructed from bread and presented to me by a Keitoku Elementary teacher. I thought the eyebrows were mini-sausages at first, but they turned out to be a sweet pastry roll. It was a pretty delicious demon with a little strawberry jelly.
It's rather bizarre, they showed other celebrations on TV where an elaborately dressed demon walked into a classroom of nursury students and proceeded to grab them and get in their face until the kids scream in terror and fear for their lives. Fantastic stuff.
Pictured here is a Setsubun demon constructed from bread and presented to me by a Keitoku Elementary teacher. I thought the eyebrows were mini-sausages at first, but they turned out to be a sweet pastry roll. It was a pretty delicious demon with a little strawberry jelly.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
2 Families
Hey folks, I added a few pictures from Joe and Michiyo's wedding in the Lou from January 15th. I didn't take that many, I'm sure the pro's pics will be nice, and I didn't take any at the reception as I was indisposed. Hope you understand. But feel free to enjoy what I have up here so far. I made it back to Japan yesterday after some long flights and a night stranded in an Osaka airport hotel. Vail, CO pics to follow...
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Matsumoto and Hakuba
From December 25 to Jan 1, I travelled to Nagano Prefecture. I flew into Matsumoto Ciy (on a sweet propeller plane) then trained it up to the village of Hakuba where the olympics were held in 1998. For 5 days, I snowboarded at 3 different resorts: Hakuba 47/Goryu, Happo and Tsugaike. It was pretty cloudy most of the time (if not dumping snow) so I wasn't able to get any shots from the slopes. Plus I was too busy tearin' it up. Nevertheless, here is a selection of shots from the trip. A few shots of the aforementioned aircraft, Matsumoto Castle and downtown area, and a snow sculpture of some kind...
I will return to St. Louis, MO in 4 days. Jf and Michiyo's wedding is the 15th. I am looking forward to it and also helping Michiyo's family feel comfortable in the Midwest. Sort of a real life test for my Japanese/translation skills. Then from around the 21st, I will spend another week snowboarding, this time in Colorado, graciously hosted by the former Kyokushi ALT and legend, Professor Quintana. Promises to be a busy few weeks.
I will return to St. Louis, MO in 4 days. Jf and Michiyo's wedding is the 15th. I am looking forward to it and also helping Michiyo's family feel comfortable in the Midwest. Sort of a real life test for my Japanese/translation skills. Then from around the 21st, I will spend another week snowboarding, this time in Colorado, graciously hosted by the former Kyokushi ALT and legend, Professor Quintana. Promises to be a busy few weeks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
