Three quick thoughts

1. Have you ever seen an athlete make an unbelievable play and think to yourself, "I had no idea they were capable of that"? That's how I feel about Paolo Nutini's new album, Sunny Side Up. There's nothing in his previous catalogue to suggest it, but with twelve songs the Scotsman has established himself as a polished and sophisticated songwriter with an old soul and a knack for writing lush melodies. In fact, the first four tracks collectively form the strongest opening quarter of an album I've heard in a long time. You'd be doing yourself a great injustice if you didn't give it a listen.

2. A $299 PS3 Slim? Yes please. Looks like I'll be entering the world of HD gaming come September.

3. Am I the only Wisconsinite not pissed about Brett Favre returning to the NFL with the Vikings? Here's a random smattering of facebook status updates I came across this morning:

- "Brett Favre you have to be kidding."
- "I couldn't care less about brett favre anymore."
- "Minnesota is where Packers go to die, so go ahead and get your purple jersey of a fallen star poised to confirm his everlasting status as king douche."
- "I can feel the collective gloom from Wisco. Cheese does nothing but mold once it leaves WI"
- "I literally have no respect for Favre now."
- "Glad i'm getting out of minneapolis right when Brett is getting here."
- "Brett Favre is a piece of shit"
- "Good to see Favre was wearing Athletic shorts today when working out and not the khaki cargo's that he was wearing all summer."

Truth be told, I'm not sure if the last one is negative or not, but I found it funny nonetheless. Seriously, did people really not see this coming? And furthermore, can anyone really say that the NFL's not a more interesting place with him in it? Personally I can't wait to see what Favre can finally do with an elite running back behind him. Here's to having a hell of a lot of fun cheering against him on October 5th.

3.0

The drums and sounds of shamisen have gone, but the good vibes stemming from Tokushima's Awa Odori festival linger on. If this was indeed my last obon in Japan, then what a way to go out. Perhaps these pictures can't do it justice, but maybe if you start flailing around wildly in a hot room surrounded by the smell of fried chicken and the sound of several hundred drums you'll catch my drift.


new friends and old prepared to dance


still maturing at 25


this guy's excited


and this guy likes to drink


a dance circle on the bridge


bye bye Awa Odori

Pankun and James

My new favorite TV show.

Playlist for a quiet August night

Perfect night for sitting on the roof with some tunes and taking a long deep breath. Next July 31 has officially put my days in Japan on the clock, but between you and me I'm no nearer ready to leave now than I was the day I touched down in Tokyo. A little more eager maybe, but certainly none the readier. These days I'm excited and in love and unfocused and a probably looking a little weary, but at the end of the day I'll take it all and then some. Hello to my last year in Japan, and thank you to the songs that get me through.

Imogen Heap - First Train Home
Ortopilot - Use Somebody
Band of Horses - I Go to the Barn Because I Like The
David Gray - Please Forgive Me
Iron & Wine - Love Vigilantes
Martin Sexton - Hallelujah (live)
Ryan Adams - When The Stars Go Blue
City and Colour - As Much As I Ever Could
Coldplay - The Scientist
Ray LaMontagne - Let It Be Me

Back to the airport

The welcoming by committee continued today as we greeted the second new Tokushima City ALT, Melissa, at the airport. Today's theme? Mildly famous Canadians.


the office gang


The Great One drives on the left

One more from the box

feat. the very talented Josh McClain on cello

Mid-summer break

What do English teachers do in Tokyo when given a month off of teaching? They hop on the train and go to the beach, of course.


Baba trying to get the fire started


success!


new friends


with John and our host, Shin