The Eki


Random Thought from 2004
February 4, 2008, 11:14 am
Filed under: wow

Random thoughts

 

Hey don’t you think avril lavigne is just a little too much like Madonna?

Her latest single is called DON’T TELL ME, released just 2 years after Madonna released the single DON’T TEL ME. They both have international sucuess…and they’re both…like…girls…

V2- yeah totally dood!

 

That’s one short segment or interruption of a skit or something .. haha good idea Jordon you’re a loser



I just checked…
January 19, 2008, 8:33 am
Filed under: wow

and I can click the button on my mouse 260 times in 60 seconds.

this would also be a good time to share the most awesomest youtube video ever:



And Here You Thought This Blog Was Dead…
January 19, 2008, 8:25 am
Filed under: wow

It took wordpress almost 60 seconds (that’s like hours in internet time) to load the “write a new post” for this blog, probably because I almost forgot about it.

I was thinking how great it would be to have a place on the net where I can catalog cool places I’ve visited in the city.

I had an interview with Icelandic electronic pop group Mum last week at a cozy cafe in Shibuya called Colabo Cafe.  It seemed like a great place to get lost in a book on a rainy day and escape things for awhile. It looks like you can rent the cafe for days at a time, so might not be the best place to just ‘drop in” to.  They have (what seems like) a frequently updated schedule on their website, so check it foo!

PS. Happy 2008!



#623,312 reason to love Tokyo
June 23, 2007, 3:04 am
Filed under: life, wow

“ROCKIN’ BLUES DISCOTHEQUE”
the last sunday afternoon of every month
@ THE BARON www.thebaron.jp
opens @ 3:00PM-7:00PM
FREE ADMISSON!!
plays 100% BONAFIDE ROCKIN’ BLUES!!

Not only does Big Bob hold great events around Tokyo (Club 45 being the most well known), he also has one of the most in-depth roots music podcasts I’ve ever heard. [podcast rrs link]

Big Ups BigBob Amemiya!

UPDATE: looks like his podcast is going through construction, but you can still listen to his archived past episodes. DO IT!



public erection
April 5, 2007, 9:49 am
Filed under: wow


arcade fire
April 3, 2007, 12:28 pm
Filed under: wow


melodies from my dreams
March 17, 2007, 3:31 pm
Filed under: wow


Find Nemo
March 10, 2007, 2:49 pm
Filed under: wow

via boingboing 



HYPE HYPE HYPE HYPE
March 6, 2007, 8:25 am
Filed under: wow

UPDATE: YOU MISSED YOUR CHANCE! Borrow, beg, or steal and get that album. Because Paris already did.



One of Those Tokyo Days…
March 3, 2007, 7:04 am
Filed under: life



8 and a Half Mile
March 2, 2007, 5:50 am
Filed under: wow

Gold!



February 24, 2007, 3:53 am
Filed under: wow

Today it’s crazy windy. Makes me wanna fly like this salaryman:

Mindless surfing can prove fruitfull! In a search for N-Tyce Entyce- Hush Hush Tip I found this crazy good mixtape. Sconeboy killed this shit:

http://users.warche.st/~pip/SconeboyOct05.mp3

l da head toucha – too complex (minus a couple of small hitches cause soundforge is kaka!)
de la soul – the bizness
quasimoto – microphone mathematics / microphone mathematics remix
peanut butter wolf feat. rasco – run the line / run the line lord finesse remix
artifacts – wrong side of the tracks
ghetto concept – deifitrec
n-tyce – hush hush tip
large professor – the mad professor
smif n wessun – bucktown
dj js-one feat. oc – beyond
dj krush – meiso (dj shadow remix feat. black thought)
ghost feat. verb-t and asaviour – exactly remix
red hot lover tone – 98
grand puba – i like it (buckwild remix feat. sadat x)
paula perry – extra extra
the wascals – the dips
beatnuts – get funky
jaylib – raw shit // masta ace – born to roll
blak twang – u know
mad skillz – the nod factor
biggie smalls – i got a story to tell
lg + biscuit – sonshine
outro: ramp – everybody loves the sunshine….



Shufflin’
February 23, 2007, 9:20 am
Filed under: wow

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that’s playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool… a lot of the songs fit with the setting

Opening Credits: The Clash – Train in Vain (Stand by Me)

Waking Up: Weezer – No One Else (Black Sessions)

First Day at School: De La Soul – Talkin’ Bout Hey Love

Falling in Love: Ryoji Ikeda – Zone 3

Fight Song: Modest Mouse – Missed the Boat

Breaking Up: Wilco – I am Trying to Break Your Heart

Prom: The Specials – Ghost Town

Life: Chain Reaction Records Comilation – No. 3 (Debit)

Mental Breakdown: Theoretical Girls – You Got Me

Driving: De La Soul – D.A.I.S.Y. Age

Flashback: Kai Japanese Language School – Conjugation Drill Vol. 2

Getting Back Together: The Slackers – Motor City

Wedding: Thee Head Coateese – Have Love Will Travel

Birth Of Child: The Strokes – Ask Me Anything

Final battle: De La Soul – WRMS’ Dedication to the Bitty

Death Scene: Slim Gillard – Make It Do

Funeral: Slow Hands – Interpol

Ending Credits: Kai Language School – Shadowing Vol. 1

 

—-

 De La Soul is good, but if itunes loves the hip hop so much where the hell is Eric B. & Rakim?



on my way home from work…
February 22, 2007, 4:17 pm
Filed under: wow



on my way home from work…

Originally uploaded by A Malchik!.

i almost died



Daddy Long Feet
February 17, 2007, 11:34 am
Filed under: wow



Daddy Long Feet

Originally uploaded by A Malchik!.

My favorite photo taken from last weekend’s Daddy Long Feet / Nanox event last weekend.



February 17, 2007, 9:55 am
Filed under: notes

It’s early to say,

but this could be an early contender for Album of the Year…

(click on the album for d/l link)



February 17, 2007, 7:25 am
Filed under: life, wow

My first post in awhile is a short film from Japanese film-maker Kosai Sekine called Right Place.

The style reminds me of Daren Aronofsky’s (π, Requim for a Dream) montages of really short shots (sometimes reffered to as a hip hop montage). I am a fan of this style. I see it as “cutting the fat” off obvious actions, most of the time one step ahead of your thinking process.

*pass the popcorn*

via TOKYOMANGO



Visits?
December 14, 2006, 3:13 pm
Filed under: wow

According to my blog stats, people are actually visiting here.

…..

but why?

I’ve been neglecting this site because I’m really good at neglecting things that I shouldn’t be neglecting.

The other week someone actually said to me “now isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black.” I went ecstatic. I must have heard that phrase a million times before, but it had never applied to me. It made me feel great!

Tokyo is wonderful this time of year. All the trees have turned golden brown, and sometimes in the evening there is a thick mist. I usually notice this after the first turn, walking from my office on my way home. It reminds me of when I started smoking in middle school. Sneaking out to underneath the footback fields’ score board to puff a fag and act tough.

Hangin’ Tough

(just get on the floor and do the new kids dance)



Shop 99
December 7, 2006, 2:33 am
Filed under: wow


recent roundup
November 11, 2006, 6:13 am
Filed under: wow

this guy is amazing!

charts to make sense of it all..



worlds largest vending machine
November 10, 2006, 8:51 am
Filed under: wow

via arbroath



Cardboard Characters
November 6, 2006, 8:38 am
Filed under: design/creative, tired of porn?, wow

OK. I’ll admitt it.

Some people like ‘effed up things: hello kitty sex toys, feet (ewwww), ’81-’81.5 Belgian mountain goth; some people even like George W. Bush!

Cardboard is almost impossible not like cardboard: it’s non-offensive, encloses personals sent over-seas, and will never call you while drunk. In fact, the only small flaw I’ve found with this brown wonder in my years of usage is it’s a bitch to cut with kitchen scissors. Then it’s no surprise I’ve made countless Halloween costumes from it:

from-glitterball.JPG

And today you couldn’t have wiped the smile off of my face when I came upon this site. 40+ original adorable characters, all drawn on a cardboard canvas.



naruhodo
October 23, 2006, 9:59 am
Filed under: wow

no wonder 80% of Japanese people are frightened of foreigners…




Snoop’s still the shiznit…
October 20, 2006, 3:54 pm
Filed under: wow

AllHipHop.com: So is the lyricism more a focus on this joint?

Snoop Dogg: Yeah. The song I like most out of all the records is a song I got called “Think About it” where I just lyrically I’m just gone on some other s**t. When Dre heard it he was like, “N***a, I ain’t never heard you rap like that. That’s some s**t!” [The song] pressed me to another level. See, what had happened was, me and my eldest son were riding in the car one night and we were listening to the radio to XM Satellite and Cassidy came on, that’s my lil’ homie. So I’m like, “You like cuzz?” And he’s like, “That’s my favorite rapper!” I was like, “What! That’s your favorite rapper??” So my littlest son in the back, I’m like, “Yo, who your favorite rapper, Lil’ Snoop?” He’s like, “You.” So [to] my oldest son, I’m like, “Yo, why I ain’t your favorite rapper?” He’s like, “I mean you cool. You flow but…you don’t be like, bustin’ like Cassidy and them.” So I went and made [“Think About It”], and I played it for him and he was like, “God damn Daddy! I ain’t know you did it like that!” And I was like, “Yeah n***a!”
[link]



Publicized!
October 11, 2006, 1:00 am
Filed under: live

KANPAI!

One of my photos of the New Order ’06 punk event that happened last month in Yoyogi Koen has ben published (with a Japanese review) in the current issue of super rock magazine DOLL.

The selected picture was the highlight of my day, irish/art-punk misfits ANGLiPOGACHAN’S.

The rest of the photos from that day can be found on my flickr stream here.



koenji awa odori
September 29, 2006, 12:39 pm
Filed under: life, live, wow

it’s never too late..right?

This year marked Koenji’s 50th Awa Odori. It was super. Street vendors filled the main roads and alley’s and dancers took over the streets. Oh god of energy!




Zuikin English
September 29, 2006, 12:14 pm
Filed under: tired of porn?


Little People website
September 29, 2006, 11:55 am
Filed under: tired of porn?

This is too good to not post:


little people 



0cm voices please
September 22, 2006, 7:29 am
Filed under: wow

Tokyo teachers win anthem fight



“i have tech knowledge but regrettably no boobs”
September 21, 2006, 2:45 am
Filed under: life, wow

David Pescovitz: From Craigslist SF Bay Area:

I’ll Fix Your Computer if You Let Me Feel Your Boobs – 26 (haight ashbury)

Cute/nice IT guy/PC specialist will fix your computer in exchange for a gentle feel of your boobs. I’m a totally non-creepy (really) professional who will repair your hard drive, back up files, install software and peripherals, whatever, for an innocent grope. I have a lot of tech knowledge in my life and regrettably no boobs. Serious inquiries only and thanks.

Link (this posting has been removed by Craigslist community) (Thanks, Jess Hemerly!)

via boing boing



How To Spot a Jap
September 20, 2006, 3:27 pm
Filed under: tired of porn?


1942 US Army & Navy’s HOW TO SPOT A JAP Educational Comic Strip (from US govt’s POCKET GUIDE TO CHINA, 1st edition)



Tokyo Ska (2-tone ska) at Shinjuku ACB
September 20, 2006, 10:22 am
Filed under: wow

Last night I went to a 2-tone ska show at Shinjuku’s ACB live house.

Yes:

  • every song almost sounded the same
  • by the end of the night the stage was a swamp thanks to brass excrements
  • I counted 14 pairs of loafers
  • almost all the billed bands start with “the”
  • the cutest girl in the club was a trumpeter
  • I would have felt under-dressed in just a shirt and slacks.

I had met Yuseke from The Laurels about 3 months ago in my neighbourhood and promised him I would go to the show. The Laurels played a tight set considering they came all the way from Nagoya that same day (later in the night they would drive back home – wow!). Just so happens The Spyzz, a fun Tokyo 2-tone band were also on the bill. Fun show…

BANDS:

1. Jumpin’ Boots (?)

2. The Spyzz (Tokyo)

3. The Scandals (Nagoya)

4. The Laurels (Nagoya)

5. The Clocks (?)

6. Skanky Old (Fukushima) Jumpin’ Boots





The NEF files I converted the above photos from look much richer in quality. Somewhere along the converting stream I fucked up. I exported the NEF images from photoshop to JPEG’s (quality=10), then resized them using FLICKR’s resizing tool. Can anyone see the flaw?

Technorati Profile



i hate myspace: reason #10,512
September 19, 2006, 1:56 am
Filed under: wow



Links
September 17, 2006, 3:00 pm
Filed under: tired of porn?

A collection of all the Web 2.0 sites:
oh, don’t forget…. free messaging service
study guides: ….
real life frogger:



Annoying Co-Workers
September 17, 2006, 2:32 pm
Filed under: tired of porn?

got an annoying co-worker?



Get off your ass Jordo!
September 17, 2006, 2:06 pm
Filed under: wow

I get in these podcast rutts where I listen to the same podcasts every week without searching for new content. Isn’t a like a sin to not keep up with the current programming? Every 3 months I realize this, search and find an interesting podcast (or single episode), then slap myself for lagging behind.

Last week I ventured out and found a gem of an episode (i have yet to listen to other episodes) from the creators of the Canadian Podcast Buffet. They interviewed Montreal-based podcast guru Julien Smith. Smith comes across arrogant, sometimes short, and unbelievably captivating. Here is a guy who sees the big picture, where even the small picture is so small most people barely see it. Check out the episode here.

After listening to the podcast I realized that some people take their “playtime” on the internet quite seriously. Listening to Julien; it’s quite obvious he’s making (or trying to) make a living out of this new form of media. Somewhat of a podcast consultant? The main reason I have yet to start my personal podcast is because it’s such a time consuming hobby. I even find holding up a blog is difficult. Social Networking sites like Myspace (Mixi in Japan), Friendster, www.mymatchiswaitingsomehwere.com, etc are time consumers like SUV’s are to gas. I consider myself a medium-heavy user of the internet, but still barely find time to keep up with email’s and my subscribed RSS feeds. I have never thought about a time manager for my internet time, but it sounds like I could use some help!



Rejected
August 23, 2006, 2:47 am
Filed under: wow

So I’m in a Hong Kong Starbucks and sitting next to me are a couple in their 40′s with their 9 or 10 year old daughter.

The little girl is not looking good: bag’s around her spaced out eyes, being held up by mom.

Then out of NOWHERE, she starts spewing this strong stream of chunks just like Stan fron South Park or even that girl from the exorcist – all over her dad. In my past I’ve always associated throwing up as a negative, holy crap I feel so bad I want to die, feeling. But the little girl’s face wasn’t even sad, just sort if indifferent. Come on, I’ve got better things to be doing here kids.

Here’s a photo of what they left behind:

photo-1.jpg



Boy George, the social worker…
August 18, 2006, 6:53 am
Filed under: wow

“You think you’re better than me?” Boy George yelled. “Go home. Let me do my community service.” [NBC5]



Metropolis Podcast
August 17, 2006, 4:02 am
Filed under: life


Metropolis Podcast host Kamasami Kong just finished up his two week summer vacation. While he was gone, I stepped up to the plate and (somewhat) held the podcast together..

Check out episode’s 646 and 647 for yours truly….



FUJI ROCK 2006
August 17, 2006, 3:23 am
Filed under: life, live, wow

130,000 people.

167 bands.

3 days.

fuji05.jpg

We arrived on Friday afternoon with one bag full of beer, the other full of nihon-shyou, and an impotent tent. Most people arrived Thursday night for prime tent location and the pre-party, so we had a little trouble finding a good spot. When we arrived all we could hear were praises for Flogging Molly who played earlier in the day…

(In order of appearance)
FRIDAY : Asian Kung Fu Generation, Gnarls Barkley, Blackalicious, Fireball with Jungle Roots, Jet, Zutons, Franz Ferdinand, Madnes, Tex and the Sunflower Seed, Moody Rudy

SATURDAY: Eastern Youth, The Hives, Ken Yokohama, Sonic Youth, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Rude Pressures feat. Rico Rodriguez, GAZ and the Rockin Blues DJ Showdown

SUNDAY: The Automatic, Fishmans, Broken Social Scene, Killing Joke, The Raconteurs, The Strokes

fuji06.jpgfuji04.jpgfuji07.jpgfuji08.jpg

Favorite Japanese Band: With the exception of Ken Yokohama, I would say the Japanese bands I saw were good. Straightner played their well written songs with energy the other Japanese bands didn’t show. Asian Kung Fu played well, but kind of boring. Eastern Youth was great. Fishmans were relaxed.

W-O-W: Yeah Yeah Yeah’s blew me away. Karen O is a born performer with strong characteristics of an early Patti Smith and just a joy to watch. Also, guitarist Nick Zinner is so much cooler than me.

You’re here?: Would have never expected to meet (internet-only?) popular photographer the Cobra Snake. Immediatly following Sonic Youth’s performance, I found him backstage looking stoned. He was a nice guy. He even took the chance at dilluting his hipster website with a picture of two similar-looking Tokyo-ites.

Finally: Yes. It took me about 4 years to see the Broken Social Scene. But I’m not sure I can say the wait was worth the while. How could you possibly translate off-target, masterpiece studio albums into a live environment? Well, at least I got a chance to howl like a dog when the guitarist ripped into the Canadian Anthem. I interviewed bassist/co-founder Brendan Canning for at least 15 minutes before their set, but of course my MD recorder crapped out on me. The good news was that I was able to salvage the 5 or 6 minutes of ambient noise before they go on stage. When I figure out how to share it, I will. Brendan said he would have preffered to have a full brass section play with the band, as today they only brought 9 members to the show. I chuckled when he said it (why do rock bands need more than 4?), but while they were playing I kept hearing hole’s and empty spaces where sounds were missing. Their set was 30% sloppy, 95% recognizable, and 80% fun. The crowd loved them so much they came back and played a new song as an encore (the only band I saw that weekend called back for an encore that wasn’t a headliner).

BEST MOMENT OF THE WEEKEND: Sunday morning, 03:03. The Rude Pressures featuring Rico singing Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World (with mood-melting trombone solo).

Wrap Up: My experience was close to a drug experience: exciting leading up to the “drop”, complete “high” for 3 days, and the two days after returning from the festival I experienced a huge “coming down” period.

Artists i missed: martha wainright / atmosphere / nightmare’s on wax / clap your hands

Photo’s are not mine



Groove is in the Heart
August 12, 2006, 7:18 am
Filed under: life, wow


Yes, Rob Birch from the Stereo MC’s is still alive.



smirk
August 4, 2006, 1:31 am
Filed under: life

Fat American looking for Sponsor – m4mw – 19


Reply to: pers-184402710@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-07-21, 10:39AM JST

I am a 19yo american male 6ft 5in and 375lbs (yes i know im big) looking for someone to pay for me to come visit and possibly teach me the language so i can stay. I am willing to do housework or “more” in exchange for getting me there and possibly staying there. I will send pics once you email me. If you have any question do not hesitate to ask.



Sober Hipsters
July 27, 2006, 1:36 am
Filed under: wow




Article 2
July 20, 2006, 2:20 am
Filed under: wow

OK, second article of the day.

This one’s TWO good to be not post.

The Hour has a great article about Roger Steffens. Bob Marley personally dubbed him “Ras Rojah” back in 1979 when they travelled together. He has chaired the Grammy Awards reggae committee for 22 years, hosted five radio shows on NPR, including the award-winning Reggae Beat that was syndicated to over 130 stations worldwide during the 1980s.

“The residual effect of all that publicity has harmed the careers of regular artists who do not harbour these feelings or sing these despicable lyrics. There are fewer [reggae concert] bookings around the world now because Jamaican music has been tarred with that broad brush of homophobia. It has pitted old artists against new artists. I think if Bob was still alive he’d be heartbroken because the music has been cheapened.”

The rest of the article can be found here.



Article 1
July 20, 2006, 1:56 am
Filed under: life

An exert from Ikuko Fukuda’s essay Communication Depends on More Than Words:

During the two weeks of my study in London, I found it quite hard to express myself in class. I was always hesitating to say what I wanted to do, or where I wanted to go. As a result of this, I seemed to be seen as a very shy person.

What I needed to communicate more comfortably with others in class was the courage to argue. It is often the case that the Japanese have the inclination to avoid arguments, which could possibly lead to conflicts. Therefore, they feel easier to agree with an opinion which has already been approved by the majority. Further, it can be argued that this tendency to avoid arguments makes the impression that Japanese people are very polite but reserved.

The rest of the article can be found here.



flickr widget sphinkter
July 14, 2006, 12:52 pm
Filed under: life

After finding out how easy it is to send cell phone photos to my blog, I decided to start taking a photo a day. I love it when things work together!

Let’s see how long this lasts :)



M-I-A
July 13, 2006, 2:59 am
Filed under: life

Been enjoying life outside the net recently but have been wanting to update for awhile now. What I’ve been running around with:

Zapzap is a new podcast directory project I have/will be contributing to on a regular basis. I will be in charge of the (as for now) bi-weekly podcast. I am really excited as I truly believe the site offers something that doesn’t exist and is much need on the net. Check it out and comment openly!

The MOL’LETs is band I’ve been playing with for at least a couple of months now. The group has just finished organizing our summer schedule and it’s looking hot. Multiple shows with ska band JOYRIDE, Japanese ska great the Rulings, Up and comers Too Rudy, and a sunset beach party gig in enoshima. If you’re in the Tokyo area, come check us out!
Lately I’ve had an itch to make a radio piece.

Last week I came up with a solid idea based on an inspirational family running a ramen shop that I frequently visit for lunch. I still have a lot of things to iron out, but the seed has been planted.

I also started jamming with a reggae group contributing some rough and tough bass lines. Our first live is scheduled for September, but I’m thinking of changing my name to avoid embarrasment. I forsee a train wreck!

Took 3 days off from work and headed to Hawaii with the office. Got a sunburn on my first day at the beach and staying in the shade for the rest. Got my re-fill on american culture (they serve spam and rice in mcdonalds!), had a photo shoot with a Freddy the druggy, met up with family friends, and had a great lunch in china town. I really wanted to catch some live shows while I was there, but the situations didn’t come to fruitition (Erykah Badu played one of the nights). A much needed break from Tokyo couldn’t have better (well, going home would have been nice)!

Was pretty bummed that I missed my friend Kyoko’s wedding last month. Last week I met up with Junko and she filled me in on what I missed. Boo-hoo!!

The InterFM show is still going strong. I can feel improvements in my transitions between ideas and also in the confidence of my delivery. Only one person I know of has admitted to listening to the show, and she said I sounded “fresh”. Thanks KRIS!

The weekend before leaving for Hawaii I went to 3 live shows in one weekend. I saw the Google A’s (GS sound rockers), Delisciuos Sweets (retro art theatrics), Daddy Long Feet, Joyride, etc. Unbeleivable live music!

xoxo

Jordon



Unloading the Keitai Inbox #1
June 15, 2006, 5:38 am
Filed under: life

(more…)



Things Aren’t What They Seem…
June 15, 2006, 5:24 am
Filed under: tired of porn?

Photographer Brian Dilg has really opened up my eyes to how ridiculous things have gotten in the world of imaging (digitally retouching images for web/print).

For the photo below he explains,

“This is a good example of some very tricky retouching for a very picky client – Polo Ralph Lauren. In addition to making the clothes fit better, they decided they wanted the blouse to be short sleeved. I ended up photographing an adult woman’s arms and compositing them in, as well as extending the background considerably. “

Scary shit. The rest of his gallery can be found here.



youtu – how much?
June 10, 2006, 9:51 am
Filed under: wow

I had no idea youtube pays $1,000,000 US a day in bandwidth charges to keep the site up.

Article here.



Nonesense Stuff
June 10, 2006, 9:47 am
Filed under: Uncategorized

I can't believe I've never heard of nonesense peotry. It's silly in it's own sense. Here is a self portrait from author Edward Lear, who popularized the style in 1867:

He reads but he cannot speak Spanish,
He cannot abide ginger-beer;
Ere the days of his pilgrimage vanish,
How pleasant to know Mr. Lear!

Another important nonesense poet is none other than Lewis Carroll,author of Alice in Wonderland.



it’s all about dick
June 3, 2006, 11:37 am
Filed under: life

Dick_Kaupf/Crap Fink has been a good friend for the past couple of years. In the relatively short time I've known him we've hadmultiple scooter adventures, musical/comic plans (so what they never took off), and one huge radio show proposal that we never got feedback from. Today I found this comic strip he drew from his DK Comics site that put a huge grin on my face:



The Aquatic Life
June 3, 2006, 10:16 am
Filed under: Uncategorized

I've never been one to think that people who talk to themselves need psychiatric help. You can often find me singing, arguing, agreeing, or commenting myself in public places. So despite most of my entries having little to comments, I will probably continue blogging until I run out of things to say (which might be fairly soon).

Last weekend I took my camera with me to play with my friends. Sunday found us snapping at Taka-chan's yet to be named nu-wave (is that how you spell it) band practice in Shinjuku. I was their first ever audience as they were rehearsing for their first show sometime in July. I thought they had some decent arrangements and catchy as hell hooks. I will post some audio if I ever get some…

That Monday Mariko and myself did like it was a Sunday and slowly but surely went about our adventures. On our way to the sea, we stopped by Koukyo (Emporer's Palace) for a quality sight-seeing extravaganza. It was a first for both of us. Next stop was the Tokyo Sea Life Park in Chiba prefecture. We must have seen over a couple hundred different species of aquatic life. When I asked the two women sitting at the information centre if the sharks would eat us if an earthquake shattered their tank, they shrugged and said no; not very assuring. Mariko was impressed that I asked them in (very, very poor) Japanese…



Super Mario Bros – live
June 1, 2006, 4:39 am
Filed under: life, live, wow

pure gold



Rainy Day in May
May 28, 2006, 7:16 am
Filed under: life

It's been so rainy this past week in Tokyo.

An early rain season means it ends earlier than usual right? Let's hope..



too much fightin on the dance floor
May 28, 2006, 5:17 am
Filed under: life

Last week begun the nationwide search for a new roomate.

RoomateN has been organzing interviews as RoomateM and myself have been workin like wow. Today I got to sit in on some of the interviews and meet some of the future candidates. What a tiring, painfull activity! Everyone from mustached women to extremely quiet Indian philosophy students someone found our to our humble abode. If anyone knows of a japanese girl looking for room to rent in Tokyo, please comment!

On a completely different note, I forecast a 2-tone obsession in the horizons….



Links
May 28, 2006, 4:56 am
Filed under: wow

my roomate calls him a "cyclone" – Roberto Benigni [.]

the best restaurant in the world [.]

mile high mayham R.I.P [.]

absolute madness [.] – just look at the bassist or keyboardist!



THANK YOU!
May 23, 2006, 10:18 am
Filed under: sarcasm

wow! I never thought my little space on the internet would become so popular..



Shibuya = Poutine + Rankin Taxi
May 23, 2006, 10:14 am
Filed under: wow

Yesterday met up with some friends in Shibuya.

Luckily Kris knew where the Maple Leaf pub was, a Canadian bar that serves poutine. I was somewhat dissapointed with the whole experience – the pout' stank, the service was horrible, and there was not a piece of plaid in the whole bar (lumberjack discrimination).

On the way to the bar I saw Japanese reggae legend Rankin Taxi walking down the street and asked for a picture.

rankin taxi yo

After the first picture didn't turn out, he's all like "come again".

big upz

EDIT: Turns out not even my Japanese friends know who Rankin Taxi is. I wonder if Rankin thinks I need help…



Rikai helps with Kanji
May 19, 2006, 3:11 am
Filed under: Uncategorized

For all of you interested in learning Kanji, the Rikai website is here to help!

When your mouse hovers over a kanji it gives you a pop up box with 1. hiragana 2.english definition 3.other kanji's 4. adjectives.

Even better, Polarcloud has a firefox extention for Rikaichan. Sugoi! 

Now to take on Mixi!



Free Magazines!
May 18, 2006, 3:13 pm
Filed under: tired of porn?

Spotbit is raping the magazine industry by posting full scans of english magazines for free in the PDF format.

Among the more popular downloadable magazines of Hustler and Playboy (more proof that internet was the best thing for porn), there is a great selection of Vanity Fair, National Geographic, Digital Creative Arts, and more.

I expect this site won't be up for long, so I suggest you waste no time and start downloading…



Metropolis Podcast
May 18, 2006, 3:03 pm
Filed under: tired of porn?, wow

The Metropolis Magazine is a weekly publication of events, arts, and current affairs in and around Tokyo. It's a pretty good rag (especially for visitors of Tokyo) who need to get filled in.

The company I work for, Orbitune, recently started making the Metropolis Podcast in partnership with radio DJ legend Kamasami Kong.

Every week I contribute by reading a section called the "Small Print"; strange, interesting, and sometimes quirky news about Japan.

This week sees me taking the reigns as producer because the regular producer is on vacation.

Please have listen to episode #634 and comment if you feel so inclined.

Thanks!



How Starbucks Saved My Life + Product Placement
May 14, 2006, 11:12 am
Filed under: wow

Is a movie Gus Van Sant is working on. It stars Tom Hanks as a recently laid off ad exec who learns life lessons making latte's.

I am not a huge fan of Tom Hanks, but am curious as to why he still makes blatant ad movies. You would think that once you became an accomplished actor you would leave the heavily product-placement movies to the rookies and make your own films. Was The 2 hour advertisement that is Cast Away not painful enough? It all reminds me of that scene in Wayne's World with the Pizza Hut and Pepsi parodies. Did you know that when they show Wayne's World on TV, they cut that part out of the movie? That's one of the funniest parts…
Commercial Alert's is an organization co-founded by Ralph Nader. It's mission is to keep the commercial culture within its proper sphere, and to prevent it from exploiting children and subverting the higher values of family, community, environmental integrity and democracy. 



Down Beat Ruler + Golden Week
May 9, 2006, 4:38 am
Filed under: live

This past week was Golden Week (GW) in Japan – 3 consecutive national holidays paired with a weekend, which when combined with comfortable May weather means a (potentially) great long weekend.

Two days before GW I was thinking at how I hadn't gotten sick in Japan yet. I guess I didn't touch wood because I was bed ridden with my book for my first half of the long holiday. Now that I think about it I've heard one of the symptons of a workaholic is getting sick when stopping work. I've always joked I work too much, but maybe I should just quit and join the circus – for medical reasons of course. I'm sure my mama would be proud.

I'm pretty sure I caught some sort of asian bird flu last Wednesday at the Down Beat Ruler show in Yebisu. Down Beat Ruler is the ruling sound system in Japan who is known to throw great parties. The amount of people that showed up was proof Japan loves jamaican music. The Ska Flames headlined with special guest Rico Rodriguez and surprised guest Kouzunaoyoshi (ex Determinations vocals). The critically acclaimed Ska Cubano were also on the bill and completely blew me away with their energy, colorful get-ups, and ska-ecellent tunes. There were three different stages in the Yebisu Garden City Hall: one big hall and a small stage on the 2nd floor, and a sound system in the basement. The basement was were I spent most my time dancing to new roots booming from 4 stacks of speakers. The DBR Sound System in the basement had both the Jah-Light and the Pressure High sound systems driving the tables. This was my first time seeing the Ska Flames. While they were playing I couldn't help but think that a little of the solid ground the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra paved has been stolen by the Ska Flames. The kids went crazy. This is not to say the Ska Flames don't deserve the attention: I think they're a fantastic band with wickedly talented musicians and fresh arrangements. On wednesday they played a tight hour set full of songs from their most recent CD, Real Step.







.



Come .. . . in . … . T.o.k.y.o…
May 2, 2006, 5:39 pm
Filed under: Uncategorized

I'm ecstatic to let you know that my first show on Inter FM will begin airing this Saturday, May 6th!

The Saturday Sunrise runs every Saturday morning from 5-7 – I'll be talking about events happening around Tokyo, what I had for breakfast, the dangers of swimming after you eat, and the wonders of "corn". Unfortunately, no internet radio yet – but keep your fingers crossed for a podcast!



Reality…
May 2, 2006, 11:37 am
Filed under: Uncategorized

Paul Notzold's Txtual Healing project uses a cell phone a computer and a projector to create a mobile public performance by posting a person's text messages into speech bubbles that are strategically placed on the facades of buildings.

[Wooster Collective]



ABC’s
May 2, 2006, 5:28 am
Filed under: life

Everyone Poops
Taro Gomi

Admit it, we all do it.

Some, enjoy it more than others (Sarah). Whatever the case Taro Gomi takes a beautiful approach explaining the obvious: all living things eat, so everyone poops. Originally published in Japan in 1977 under the title Minna Unchi, the book was translated into English in 1993 and published by Kane/Miller Book Publishers.

I first heard of this book while reading the last known interview with Elliott Smith. It was found, among others, scattered around his living room. Maybe his copy somehow made it's way to the used book shop in Daikanyama, where I got my copy?

The interview can be found here.



Daddy Longfeet @ Morgana, Asagaya
May 1, 2006, 9:38 am
Filed under: live

Last night's show was like a big deep breath of dirty, dirty air.

I hadn't been to a punk show in quite some time – almost forgot how much fun they are. I definately missed the blatant i-don't-give-a-fuck feeling always present in the air at shows. Had some fun taking pictures of Haruto's band Daddy Longfeet, among others.







Daddy Longfeet website can be found here (sometimes)

xox from tokyo



Misc’s….
May 1, 2006, 7:02 am
Filed under: tired of porn?

Tired of Porn?

The last two nights were filled with great live shows. I'll post some pics from last night's show in a bit. I recorded both shows and am in the process of registering with archive.org. Hold on to your pants!



Natooo!
April 29, 2006, 11:09 am
Filed under: wow

I have always had a soft side for the Japanese delicacy of Natto (fermented soybeans). As revolting as it is to some, I've never had a problem chowing down. Maybe it's the disgusting odor, maybe the vinigar/soy sauce packet, maybe the stringy texture. Whatever it is, it keeps me healthy and happy.

A couple of months ago roomate-N told me that true natto fans believe the more stringy-er the natto, the more healthier it is for you. So yesterday when my co-worker showed me this internet site, I had to share (sorry, Japanese only).

Challenging the 400 stir "deep vesel", this woman has mixed a bowl of natto 10,000 times. After 1 hour and 40 minutes of mixing (which gave her finger blisters) she was pleasantly surprised the natto looked like peanut butter and tasted a little like crab brains. She encourages you to try it yourself.



Baron and Friends
April 28, 2006, 10:43 am
Filed under: aitsu no uwasa, live

Last night Baron and friends held up Aitsu No Uwasa not for cash, but a damn good show.


On my way to the show I must have been wiggling my ass a little too much as my wallet dropped out of my back pocket. This of course launched a “Comb the Area” (a-la Spaceballs) search attempt, to no luck…..

As per usual Baron was amazing. Same ruitine as when I saw him last with a couple minor changes to his performance. During his second act he did a short performance as a cockroach caught in a sticky trap. Applause to Baron, but I think the other band on the bill stole the cake. The Super Jam Blues Band is a three piece (2 guitars + wood bass) new orleans doo-wop, jump and jive, boogie-woogie, “mama-put-down-that-chicken” hot shiat. Strong vocals, tight harmonies, funny banter, and zoot suit style to boot.

I’m working on a mini “podcast” of the show, so stay tuned. For now, here are some photos…




To enjoy a show is great, but to completely forget about a lost wallet is, ‘scuse the pun, priceless.



Introduction
April 26, 2006, 6:42 pm
Filed under: Uncategorized

I've always wanted to create a blog at 3 in the morning…

Hi -

I could be your friend, co-worker, brother, father, priest, pizza boy, or other. I could be in a dog suit flying to mars. I could also be sitting cross legged on a cheap back support cushion, drinking green tea smelling my stinky ass feet. I could be a beautifully rotting painting hidden deep in an attic while my owner sins indelibly. I could be the person you briefly connected with but brushed by today in the train station. I could be an annoying greyhound companion. I could be the pillow you drool on at night. I also could be the scent of pine.

"Sensei, it is my belief that in such troubled times as these, kids* must learn to value something more tangible than those pleasurable things that disappear with the morning light. It is not necessary that artists always occupy a decadent and enclosed world. My conscience, Sensei, tells me I cannot remain forever a kid* of the floating world." — Kazuo Ishiguro

But in the end I am just a kid of the floating world.

Let's be internet friends!
* changed used without permission from the author



Hello world!
April 26, 2006, 5:09 pm
Filed under: Uncategorized

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!




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