Thursday, May 13, 2010
It's coming
Just as the Lost writers are busy unraveling the remaining mysteries on their show (or are they?), Tokushima's biggest head-scratcher looks like it will finally be resolved in the coming month. What could we possibly be getting that just about everyone else in the world already has? How this didn't happen sooner is something I will never be able to comprehend.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Lock n' loll
When I wasn't busy dodging burgers like the one below in Kyushu last week, I was off in Beppu finding the best bar on this side of the Pacific. A short walk from the port, Hit Parade is an intoxicatingly bizarre blend of Japanese and Western culture. 3600 yen (3000 for women) gets you in the door, which is a steal once you see what's inside. Waiting when you get to your table is a bottle of Suntory whiskey and a rockabilly waiter ready to show you to the all-you-can-eat buffet. Throw in several sets of live American 50s music from the house band The Hit Paraders, plus SEVEN HOURS of nomihodai (all you can drink), and you've found a recipe for a great night out in southern Japan.
Accurate delivery of American rock lyrics? Not so much. A fun time anyway? You betcha.
the joint
the grub
the tunes
Accurate delivery of American rock lyrics? Not so much. A fun time anyway? You betcha.
the joint
the grub
the tunes
Friday, May 7, 2010
Tall order
From the hall of all things that don't make sense in Japan, I present to you the Lotteria tower cheese burger:
I found this baby while strolling through Fukuoka in the north of Kyushu, and while the nutritional facts were nowhere to be found on the restaurant's website, I think the picture speaks for itself. That's ten beef patties, ten slices of cheese, and all the ketchup and mustard you can handle. All for the modest price of 990 yen. In fact, if cramming all that inside your mouth still isn't enough for you, you can even add fries and a soft drink for an extra 250 yen.
Another mega meal, courtesy of the land of small people.
I found this baby while strolling through Fukuoka in the north of Kyushu, and while the nutritional facts were nowhere to be found on the restaurant's website, I think the picture speaks for itself. That's ten beef patties, ten slices of cheese, and all the ketchup and mustard you can handle. All for the modest price of 990 yen. In fact, if cramming all that inside your mouth still isn't enough for you, you can even add fries and a soft drink for an extra 250 yen.
Another mega meal, courtesy of the land of small people.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The strange country
A friend brought my attention to this video a while back, and if it weren't made by a Japanese guy I might have thrown it into the "overgeneralization" bin. Take it for what it's worth, but I suppose you can't deny the production value.
(click to view in a new window)
Strange or not, I'm officially out of here July 22. Here's to a memorable last three months.
(click to view in a new window)
Strange or not, I'm officially out of here July 22. Here's to a memorable last three months.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Best movies of 2009
I may be four months late to the game, but now that I've more or less finished watching 2009's most talked about movies, I think it's about time I ranked them. Here are, in descending order, my favorite films of 2009.
10. Up in the Air
Cool, relevant, and surprisingly touching in spades. It’s a career-defining role for George Clooney, but I somehow doubt it will be his last.
9. Precious
A punishing film that, unlike fellow best picture nominee The Blind Side, highlights the struggle of one individual rather than the kindness of a few around her. The real meat is in the supporting acting, but make no mistake – this story is all about the triumph of its lead.
8. Zombieland
Call it surprise 1.5 on the list. Jessie Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson are hilarious as strangers brought together to fight zombies in post-apocalyptic America. Watch it for 2009’s best cameo alone.
a banner year for zombies, Nazis, and Woody Harrelson
7. 500 Days of Summer
The anti-He’s Just Not That Into You. A romantic comedy that forgoes box office muscle for actual acting talent with dazzling results. An endlessly charming movie that feels just right from start to finish.
6. District 9
An original story in a year full of re-makes. Treads a little too close to Michael Bay territory in its last half hour, but nevertheless gripping cinema that has me excited to see what Neill Blomkamp does next.
5. The Cove
The biggest surprise, for me, on this list. Thrilling documentary that had me cheering on the edge of my seat before its devastating final act. A must-see film.
4. Fantastic Mr. Fox
Two animated movies in the top five? You betcha. As funny as Up but with a few more winks and nods. It’ll make you think that all Wes Anderson movies ought to be animated.
big love for George Clooney's other role
3. Up
As close to a perfect film as 2009 had to offer.
2. Avatar
Like Star Wars but with a no-brainer environmental message. I suspect it’ll be even more well-received over time.
1. Inglourious Basterds
The best movie, with the best performance and the best single scene of any film this year. In fact, it may have had the three best scenes. It’s funny, scary at times, and perhaps Tarantino’s best work to date.
Christoph Waltz is thinking about how awesome he is
10. Up in the Air
Cool, relevant, and surprisingly touching in spades. It’s a career-defining role for George Clooney, but I somehow doubt it will be his last.
9. Precious
A punishing film that, unlike fellow best picture nominee The Blind Side, highlights the struggle of one individual rather than the kindness of a few around her. The real meat is in the supporting acting, but make no mistake – this story is all about the triumph of its lead.
8. Zombieland
Call it surprise 1.5 on the list. Jessie Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson are hilarious as strangers brought together to fight zombies in post-apocalyptic America. Watch it for 2009’s best cameo alone.
a banner year for zombies, Nazis, and Woody Harrelson
7. 500 Days of Summer
The anti-He’s Just Not That Into You. A romantic comedy that forgoes box office muscle for actual acting talent with dazzling results. An endlessly charming movie that feels just right from start to finish.
6. District 9
An original story in a year full of re-makes. Treads a little too close to Michael Bay territory in its last half hour, but nevertheless gripping cinema that has me excited to see what Neill Blomkamp does next.
5. The Cove
The biggest surprise, for me, on this list. Thrilling documentary that had me cheering on the edge of my seat before its devastating final act. A must-see film.
4. Fantastic Mr. Fox
Two animated movies in the top five? You betcha. As funny as Up but with a few more winks and nods. It’ll make you think that all Wes Anderson movies ought to be animated.
big love for George Clooney's other role
3. Up
As close to a perfect film as 2009 had to offer.
2. Avatar
Like Star Wars but with a no-brainer environmental message. I suspect it’ll be even more well-received over time.
1. Inglourious Basterds
The best movie, with the best performance and the best single scene of any film this year. In fact, it may have had the three best scenes. It’s funny, scary at times, and perhaps Tarantino’s best work to date.
Christoph Waltz is thinking about how awesome he is
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A kick and a smile
I'm currently feeling like I just escaped a fight with a bear, but it's worth it after a good weekend of competition at the Annual Awaji Spring Soccer Tournament. Three losses by a combined three goals put as at a modest 1-3-2 for the weekend, but the wins and losses can hardly be used to sum up two days of fun times with new friends.
closing down on the Predator
the opponent crying over his choice of uniform colors
Scott makes the turn
Team Shikoku
closing down on the Predator
the opponent crying over his choice of uniform colors
Scott makes the turn
Team Shikoku
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Stock watching
Yesterday marked the beginning of a new school year here, which for me meant a new desk and a whole mess of new teachers. While it's too early to judge this year's crop of English teachers, I have to admit I'm having a hard time adjusting to my new desk nearer the administration. Why is it so bad, you ask? Allow me to point to the LWP index:
The LWP, or "Lost Watching Potential" index, charts my ability to watch LOST during work hours. The far left part of the graph shows my LOST watching productivity during working year one, in which my desk was located in a far back corner of the staff room. The graph then dips as I was moved to a partially obstructed but high traffic seat next to the school lunch table last year, before finally taking a nose dive with this most current move to the front of the room.
Fair? Well that depends on who you ask. On one hand, one could argue that perhaps watching LOST is not the best use of one's time on the clock (although one could also argue that there is, in fact, never a bad time to watch Terry O'Quinn wrangle wild boar). On the other hand, with the school's high turnover rate, I've somehow found myself somewhere near the middle of the in-house seniority scale, which you'd think would land me a more choice desk location.
This little move may prove more productive in the long run, but it's guaranteed to be a whole lot less awesome.
The LWP, or "Lost Watching Potential" index, charts my ability to watch LOST during work hours. The far left part of the graph shows my LOST watching productivity during working year one, in which my desk was located in a far back corner of the staff room. The graph then dips as I was moved to a partially obstructed but high traffic seat next to the school lunch table last year, before finally taking a nose dive with this most current move to the front of the room.
Fair? Well that depends on who you ask. On one hand, one could argue that perhaps watching LOST is not the best use of one's time on the clock (although one could also argue that there is, in fact, never a bad time to watch Terry O'Quinn wrangle wild boar). On the other hand, with the school's high turnover rate, I've somehow found myself somewhere near the middle of the in-house seniority scale, which you'd think would land me a more choice desk location.
This little move may prove more productive in the long run, but it's guaranteed to be a whole lot less awesome.
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