iPod morning commute music: Ray Davies, Other People's Lives (2006)
My birthday present to myself, this is Ray Davies' first true solo studio album. It couldn't be finer! One of my very first iPod morning reports dealt with a Kinks greatest hits album, and this has gotten me listening to that again, along with my favorite of their mid-sixties albums, Face to Face, Something Else by the Kinks, and The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society. But I digress...Other People's Lives is very good by any standard. Davies is a writer's songwriter, and his wit and observations come through clearly here. Musically strong as well, Alisa, my 15-year-old, said she couldn't believe Davies was 62. My friend Brad G. also commented that his voice sounds as young as ever. If you are a Kinks fan, you will love this CD.
And it was a very good weekend indeed. I turned 52 with a bullet. Kaoru got me a new wallet, Tatsu bought me Rickie Lee Jones's first CD (Chuck E's in Love) and Alisa got me a small birthday teddy bear that could hang in my car if I wanted to be cute.
On Saturday, Alisa and I joined my friend Aaron for a professional basketball game (The Basketball Japan League, unfortunately known as the BJ League) The Osaka Evessa vs the team from Niigata. The father of Matt Lottich (sp), a point guard out of Stanford and a team leader, was in attendance, and Aaron got some free tickets courtesy of his father-in-law to give to other Americans to keep the dad company, which we did. He was sitting directly behind Alisa. The hightlight for us came before the game started. I guess the team also throws out 4 autographed team balls to the crowd, and Alisa managed to snag one. Needless to say, she was thrilled. The game was excellent, fun, exciting, really noisy, with our team winning. I would love to go again!
When we got home, Kaoru had made my birthday dinner, lasagnia, and a delicious chocolate birthday cake.
Sunday was spent just kicking back, watching the Olympics, sipping beers. Tatsu, unfortunately, couldn't watch much because of several school papers all due on March 1st. It appears he finished his Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay, but still needs to work on the final draft of his Extended Essay. Reading over the TOK, I have to admit I was impressed with his writing and thinking skills. Of course, there were a lot of small mistakes, but overall, it was pretty well done. As a dad, I am pleased.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006
Birthday Boy
iPod morning commute music: Keren Ann, Not Going Anywhere (2003)
I bought this on a hunch based on a review I read somewhere and gave it to Kaoru as a birthday present. It's one of the quietest CDs I own. She reminds me of Nick Drake. Beautiful, laid back music, perfect for early morning commutes.
And yes, today is my birthday. Not much to report. My ESS Club members bought me a Beanie Baby Birthday bear, which Alisa will put with all of her Beanie Bears, and a small box of chocolates. I'm meeting my family for an okinomiyaki dinner in Kawanishi tonight, with the proper b-day dinner and cake coming tomorrow, after Alisa and I get back from the basketball game. I think I'll buy myself a new CD.
Happy birthday to me.
I bought this on a hunch based on a review I read somewhere and gave it to Kaoru as a birthday present. It's one of the quietest CDs I own. She reminds me of Nick Drake. Beautiful, laid back music, perfect for early morning commutes.
And yes, today is my birthday. Not much to report. My ESS Club members bought me a Beanie Baby Birthday bear, which Alisa will put with all of her Beanie Bears, and a small box of chocolates. I'm meeting my family for an okinomiyaki dinner in Kawanishi tonight, with the proper b-day dinner and cake coming tomorrow, after Alisa and I get back from the basketball game. I think I'll buy myself a new CD.
Happy birthday to me.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Jobs That Just Aren't There
Yesterday's iPod morning commute music: Jackson Browne, The Next Voice You Hear: The Best of Jackson Browne [Japan] (2001)
Today's iPod morning commute music: James Taylor, Sweet Baby James (1970)
Jackson Browne and James Taylor were the top of the sensitive singer/songwriters of the 1970s and '80s. Both wrote (and I guess continue to write) great songs. The Jackson Browne best of just doesn't compare to Taylor's second, and probably best, album. Sweet Baby James, Steamroller, and especially Fire and Rain are simply killer cuts. Fire and Rain will forever put me back in high school, where my friend Nan, here friend Mary B. and I participate in a 26 mile (I think) Walkathon to raise money for some worthy cause or another. It was brutal, and as we crossed the finish line we were singing the chorus. I was stiff and sore for at least a week afterwards.
We're in the midst of conducting job interviews for a part-time native teacher. The people we're interviewing are very qualified, almost overly qualified. You can tell that they would make excellent full-time teachers, but the full-time jobs just aren't there anymore. The new reality is two or three year non-renewable full time contracts, especially at the university level. You're almost better off (almost; full-time still pays better than part-time, particularly when you consider the Japanese bonus system which most part-timers don't get to participate in) landing several part-time jobs at good schools, as part-timers are NOT subjugated to non-renewable contracts. It's a sad situation. My co-worker, Bob, and I were lucky to both get hired in the '80s. Qualified teachers were few and far between back then, and there was at least a small demand for full-time native teachers (I interviewed at 2 schools, and was offered a position in both). Now you have teachers with Master Degrees and teaching qualifications from their home countries unable to find full-time work. It hardly seems fair.
Today's iPod morning commute music: James Taylor, Sweet Baby James (1970)
Jackson Browne and James Taylor were the top of the sensitive singer/songwriters of the 1970s and '80s. Both wrote (and I guess continue to write) great songs. The Jackson Browne best of just doesn't compare to Taylor's second, and probably best, album. Sweet Baby James, Steamroller, and especially Fire and Rain are simply killer cuts. Fire and Rain will forever put me back in high school, where my friend Nan, here friend Mary B. and I participate in a 26 mile (I think) Walkathon to raise money for some worthy cause or another. It was brutal, and as we crossed the finish line we were singing the chorus. I was stiff and sore for at least a week afterwards.
We're in the midst of conducting job interviews for a part-time native teacher. The people we're interviewing are very qualified, almost overly qualified. You can tell that they would make excellent full-time teachers, but the full-time jobs just aren't there anymore. The new reality is two or three year non-renewable full time contracts, especially at the university level. You're almost better off (almost; full-time still pays better than part-time, particularly when you consider the Japanese bonus system which most part-timers don't get to participate in) landing several part-time jobs at good schools, as part-timers are NOT subjugated to non-renewable contracts. It's a sad situation. My co-worker, Bob, and I were lucky to both get hired in the '80s. Qualified teachers were few and far between back then, and there was at least a small demand for full-time native teachers (I interviewed at 2 schools, and was offered a position in both). Now you have teachers with Master Degrees and teaching qualifications from their home countries unable to find full-time work. It hardly seems fair.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Another Tired Monday
iPod morning commute music: Fairport Convention, Meet on the Ledge: The Classic Years (1967-1975), disc 1 (1999)
A great band in their heyday, Fairport Convention featured great guitarist Richard Thompson and the perfect vocalist in Sandy Denny. Disc 1 of this double greatest hits covers the time both were in the band. The highlight for me is A Sailor's Life, a traditional British folk song extended by the band into 11 glorious minutes. Thompson's subtle lead guitar work is a constant in the background, and Denny's voice was never lovelier. The same song can be found on their (arguably) best album, Unhalfbricking (1969), which I also have.
The Koreans arrived safely on Friday, and we got the students off with their host families without incident. Then the Korean teachers, our international committee members, and the higher ups at our school went out for a traditional Japanese dinner of shabu shabu, which is basically cooking vegetables, tofu and paper thin strips of Kobe beef in a soup stock. Shabu shabu represents the sound the meat make as you swish it around the ceramic pot with chopsticks. It was delicious.
On Saturday and Sunday my ESS (English Speaking Society) Club took part in the Osaka Private Schools' English Festival's World Quiz Competition (whew!). Seven schools' ESS Clubs participated. This is the major event of the year for these clubs. This year, the quiz was about the UK. Each school takes a topic (ours was Literature) and writes 20 questions, 10 multiple choice and 10 open-ended, in English of course. The schools then exchange questions, research to find the answers, and memorize them. At the actual competition, held last Sunday (Saturday was a prep day) each school takes a turn asking a question, and whoever raises their hand the fastest gets to answer. In the first half, each question (usually multiple choice) is worth 1 point; in the second half, 2. My school came took 5th place, with awards going only to the top three schools. However, the contest was terrific, the students using English only. All of the teachers were really pleased with the result.
Finally, today I was able to take a tour of the construction site of our new school. Only a handful of teachers joined in, but it was cool to walk through the buildings. It will be a beautiful school when completed.
A great band in their heyday, Fairport Convention featured great guitarist Richard Thompson and the perfect vocalist in Sandy Denny. Disc 1 of this double greatest hits covers the time both were in the band. The highlight for me is A Sailor's Life, a traditional British folk song extended by the band into 11 glorious minutes. Thompson's subtle lead guitar work is a constant in the background, and Denny's voice was never lovelier. The same song can be found on their (arguably) best album, Unhalfbricking (1969), which I also have.
The Koreans arrived safely on Friday, and we got the students off with their host families without incident. Then the Korean teachers, our international committee members, and the higher ups at our school went out for a traditional Japanese dinner of shabu shabu, which is basically cooking vegetables, tofu and paper thin strips of Kobe beef in a soup stock. Shabu shabu represents the sound the meat make as you swish it around the ceramic pot with chopsticks. It was delicious.
On Saturday and Sunday my ESS (English Speaking Society) Club took part in the Osaka Private Schools' English Festival's World Quiz Competition (whew!). Seven schools' ESS Clubs participated. This is the major event of the year for these clubs. This year, the quiz was about the UK. Each school takes a topic (ours was Literature) and writes 20 questions, 10 multiple choice and 10 open-ended, in English of course. The schools then exchange questions, research to find the answers, and memorize them. At the actual competition, held last Sunday (Saturday was a prep day) each school takes a turn asking a question, and whoever raises their hand the fastest gets to answer. In the first half, each question (usually multiple choice) is worth 1 point; in the second half, 2. My school came took 5th place, with awards going only to the top three schools. However, the contest was terrific, the students using English only. All of the teachers were really pleased with the result.
Finally, today I was able to take a tour of the construction site of our new school. Only a handful of teachers joined in, but it was cool to walk through the buildings. It will be a beautiful school when completed.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Coincidences
iPod morning commute music: Emmylou Harris, Wrecking Ball (1995)
By the time I started listening to this this morning, I realized that it was the final piece in a series of coincidences. More on this below. First, Emmylou Harris is an artist underrepresented in my collection. I bought her second album, Elite Hotel (), when in first came out, and again when I started buying CDs. I also own Trio (), recorded with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt and a greatest hits. Of course, she sang back-up and duets with Graham Parsons. But Wrecking Ball is special. First, it's not country. Produced by Daniel Lanois (U2, Bob Dylan), it is full of atmosphere. Second, Neil Young is helping out a bit, always nice. Mainly, though, it is a mature set of songs that sends shivers up the spine. A masterpiece, different and daring, especially for a singer just approaching 50.
Today, students and teachers from our sister school in Korea will be arriving for a 5-day visit. The students will be in home stays, with the teachers in a hotel near the school. This is a great program we run, as the common language is English, with all the students being non-native speakers (as opposed to our British sister school program and our summer home stay/study program in Australia). My involvement this year is minimal: I'll be one of the teachers meeting them at the airport this afternoon, will join the teachers for dinner tonight, and will help out with Monday's in-school program. Two years ago, though, I escorted students to Korea and was heavily involved in their visit here. One of the best parts of my job is my work with the international programs.
Yesterday, a friend in Seattle wrote that they were having trouble with the Korean home stay student they have hosted for at least a couple of years. I couldn't believe it, because this family is one of the most liberal, progressive and laid-back family I know. If a home stay student can't make it with them, they couldn't make it with anyone.
Then, this morning, I decided to listen to Emmylou. A few minutes into it, I realized the one time I saw Emmylou and her Hot Band live, around 1980, was with the same friend having problems with the Korean student. I was a student in Eastern Washington working on my second degree at the time, and a group of us drove over to Seattle for the concert, I believe at the Paramount Theater. Asleep at the Wheel opened the show. When Emmylou came out, we all shouted "Emmylou, we know someone who would drink your bathwater!" in reference to a mutual friend who couldn't make it to the concert. It was a great time, a great show.
And a weird feeling on the train at the coincidence of it all.
By the time I started listening to this this morning, I realized that it was the final piece in a series of coincidences. More on this below. First, Emmylou Harris is an artist underrepresented in my collection. I bought her second album, Elite Hotel (), when in first came out, and again when I started buying CDs. I also own Trio (), recorded with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt and a greatest hits. Of course, she sang back-up and duets with Graham Parsons. But Wrecking Ball is special. First, it's not country. Produced by Daniel Lanois (U2, Bob Dylan), it is full of atmosphere. Second, Neil Young is helping out a bit, always nice. Mainly, though, it is a mature set of songs that sends shivers up the spine. A masterpiece, different and daring, especially for a singer just approaching 50.
Today, students and teachers from our sister school in Korea will be arriving for a 5-day visit. The students will be in home stays, with the teachers in a hotel near the school. This is a great program we run, as the common language is English, with all the students being non-native speakers (as opposed to our British sister school program and our summer home stay/study program in Australia). My involvement this year is minimal: I'll be one of the teachers meeting them at the airport this afternoon, will join the teachers for dinner tonight, and will help out with Monday's in-school program. Two years ago, though, I escorted students to Korea and was heavily involved in their visit here. One of the best parts of my job is my work with the international programs.
Yesterday, a friend in Seattle wrote that they were having trouble with the Korean home stay student they have hosted for at least a couple of years. I couldn't believe it, because this family is one of the most liberal, progressive and laid-back family I know. If a home stay student can't make it with them, they couldn't make it with anyone.
Then, this morning, I decided to listen to Emmylou. A few minutes into it, I realized the one time I saw Emmylou and her Hot Band live, around 1980, was with the same friend having problems with the Korean student. I was a student in Eastern Washington working on my second degree at the time, and a group of us drove over to Seattle for the concert, I believe at the Paramount Theater. Asleep at the Wheel opened the show. When Emmylou came out, we all shouted "Emmylou, we know someone who would drink your bathwater!" in reference to a mutual friend who couldn't make it to the concert. It was a great time, a great show.
And a weird feeling on the train at the coincidence of it all.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Back in the Saddle Again
iPod morning commute music: Elvis Costello, King of America (1986)
As I've mentioned before, I had my son, Tatsu, dump all the music off my iPod and put in his choice of playlists. He has always been appalled that I hadn't put any Elvis Costello onto the computer, a problem he rectified when programming his own iPod at Christmas. King of America is supposedly Costello's personal favorite. I can see why. It's low-key, personal, and explores country, folk and blues. The lyrics are terrific as well. I believe I have the British version with a bonus disc, but I need to check it out when I get home to be sure.
Sorry I haven't posted of late. We had our senior high entrance exam on Friday and Saturday, and our 9th grade students who didn't do well had to come in of Monday to be scolded (the rest of the school had the day off, as this was considered part of the entrance exam). Yesterday was graduation for our seniors, at an auditorium outside our school. Both Monday and Tuesday were half days, so Kaoru was happy that I could cook dinner two nights in a row (meat loaf and honey-mustard chicken, nothing too fancy).
We've been watching the Winter Olympics (for my kids, anything is better than CNN, and they know I can't complain about the Olympics, as I do when they are watching Japanese MTV or, even worse, quiz shows). Yesterday I got home early and watched, of all things, Curling, Japan vs Russia, as I decided on and started dinner. I actually got into it. I enjoyed the slowness of the sport (I'm a big baseball fan, so perhaps that makes sense), the fact that the team members could take the time to talk about and decide strategy. I felt sorry that the Japanese women lost, but it was a good match.
Japan basically shows only events which have Japanese competitors. I guess that's to be expected. I generally root for Americans first and Japanese second. While it's pretty much a given that the US will do well, Japan is a bit more problematic. They've been getting a lot of 4th place finishes it seems to me. Hopefully they'll do better in figure skating.
As I've mentioned before, I had my son, Tatsu, dump all the music off my iPod and put in his choice of playlists. He has always been appalled that I hadn't put any Elvis Costello onto the computer, a problem he rectified when programming his own iPod at Christmas. King of America is supposedly Costello's personal favorite. I can see why. It's low-key, personal, and explores country, folk and blues. The lyrics are terrific as well. I believe I have the British version with a bonus disc, but I need to check it out when I get home to be sure.
Sorry I haven't posted of late. We had our senior high entrance exam on Friday and Saturday, and our 9th grade students who didn't do well had to come in of Monday to be scolded (the rest of the school had the day off, as this was considered part of the entrance exam). Yesterday was graduation for our seniors, at an auditorium outside our school. Both Monday and Tuesday were half days, so Kaoru was happy that I could cook dinner two nights in a row (meat loaf and honey-mustard chicken, nothing too fancy).
We've been watching the Winter Olympics (for my kids, anything is better than CNN, and they know I can't complain about the Olympics, as I do when they are watching Japanese MTV or, even worse, quiz shows). Yesterday I got home early and watched, of all things, Curling, Japan vs Russia, as I decided on and started dinner. I actually got into it. I enjoyed the slowness of the sport (I'm a big baseball fan, so perhaps that makes sense), the fact that the team members could take the time to talk about and decide strategy. I felt sorry that the Japanese women lost, but it was a good match.
Japan basically shows only events which have Japanese competitors. I guess that's to be expected. I generally root for Americans first and Japanese second. While it's pretty much a given that the US will do well, Japan is a bit more problematic. They've been getting a lot of 4th place finishes it seems to me. Hopefully they'll do better in figure skating.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Grammys
iPod morning commute music: U2, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004)
When I read that U2 had dominated the Grammys, I decided to listen again to the CD that won it all. It's good music, but I don't think it's their best. Vertigo is a great song. Anyway, good music, but I was hoping McCartney would win for Chaos and Creation in the Backyard.
I was surprised to read that American Idol won the ratings war over the Grammys. I guess since I can't see them live, I imagine most people who could, would. The reality shows I've seen have all been pretty horrible in my opinion. Granted, I'm pretty conservative in my viewing habits (CNN, sports, movies, a couple of TV shows such as Lost, West Wing, Six Feet Under), but I miss the Grammys and the Oscars. For a while the Oscars were on sort of live in Japan, but they were constantly being interrupted by Japanese 'talents'; pretty awful stuff (particularly the transvestite, but let's not go there...).
Our high school entrance exam is underway, and I need to start psyching myself up for marking (the candidates are sitting for the English test now). The marking takes 8-10 hours, brain-numbing work. Each teacher is responsible for a section, and you just mark that section over and over and over. Then you have to check it again to make sure no mistakes were made. We'll work over 2 days, with a long staff meeting to decided which candidates will be invited to join our school. As I mentioned when discussing the junior high entrance exam, many of the students are taking our test as a back-up, in case they can't enter the public school of their choice, so the trick in selecting is to invite the right number of students, expecting many won't come.
Enough for now. I need to get ready to mark.
When I read that U2 had dominated the Grammys, I decided to listen again to the CD that won it all. It's good music, but I don't think it's their best. Vertigo is a great song. Anyway, good music, but I was hoping McCartney would win for Chaos and Creation in the Backyard.
I was surprised to read that American Idol won the ratings war over the Grammys. I guess since I can't see them live, I imagine most people who could, would. The reality shows I've seen have all been pretty horrible in my opinion. Granted, I'm pretty conservative in my viewing habits (CNN, sports, movies, a couple of TV shows such as Lost, West Wing, Six Feet Under), but I miss the Grammys and the Oscars. For a while the Oscars were on sort of live in Japan, but they were constantly being interrupted by Japanese 'talents'; pretty awful stuff (particularly the transvestite, but let's not go there...).
Our high school entrance exam is underway, and I need to start psyching myself up for marking (the candidates are sitting for the English test now). The marking takes 8-10 hours, brain-numbing work. Each teacher is responsible for a section, and you just mark that section over and over and over. Then you have to check it again to make sure no mistakes were made. We'll work over 2 days, with a long staff meeting to decided which candidates will be invited to join our school. As I mentioned when discussing the junior high entrance exam, many of the students are taking our test as a back-up, in case they can't enter the public school of their choice, so the trick in selecting is to invite the right number of students, expecting many won't come.
Enough for now. I need to get ready to mark.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Schedules
iPod morning commute music: Buffalo Springfield, Box Set, disc 4 (2001)
Buffalo Springfield was a great band of the '60s, folk rock at its best. Featuring Stephen Stills, Neil Young and Richie Furay, the band had great vocals and guitars. They only made 3 albums together, so the box set contains a lot of rarities, demos and alternative versions of their songs. Disc 4 is probably the most boring of the discs for fans as it contains only their first 2 albums in their entirety. But that's what I like about it. Always a great morning listen.
Today was spent teaching a couple of lessons and working on next year's native teachers' schedule. Not to go into detail, but it's a pain in the butt to try to fit everyone in. The rough draft is finished, which is good.
Tomorrow is our senior high entrance exam. My ninth grade students have to take the test, and we're expecting them to do poorly. I hope we're wrong. It seems like a joke because they'll all be accepted no matter how horrible they do on the tests. We'll just have to give them extra lessons, study halls, worksheets, whatever. Of course, the marking is pure hell.
Buffalo Springfield was a great band of the '60s, folk rock at its best. Featuring Stephen Stills, Neil Young and Richie Furay, the band had great vocals and guitars. They only made 3 albums together, so the box set contains a lot of rarities, demos and alternative versions of their songs. Disc 4 is probably the most boring of the discs for fans as it contains only their first 2 albums in their entirety. But that's what I like about it. Always a great morning listen.
Today was spent teaching a couple of lessons and working on next year's native teachers' schedule. Not to go into detail, but it's a pain in the butt to try to fit everyone in. The rough draft is finished, which is good.
Tomorrow is our senior high entrance exam. My ninth grade students have to take the test, and we're expecting them to do poorly. I hope we're wrong. It seems like a joke because they'll all be accepted no matter how horrible they do on the tests. We'll just have to give them extra lessons, study halls, worksheets, whatever. Of course, the marking is pure hell.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Wednesday, and Recovered from the Stupor Bowl
iPod morning commute music: Brinsley Schwarz, Nervous on the Road/The New Favourites of Brinsley Schwarz (1975 on record, I'm not sure on CD)
Brinsley Schwarz was the name of a British pub-rock band that recorded in the '70s. I first learned about them clicking on links at allmusic.com. I was checking up on Nick Lowe, and they linked him to this band. I liked what I read, and bought this, a single CD combining 2 of their albums, from 1972 and 1974, respectively, and a greatest hits (Surrender to the Rhythm, 1991). After they split up, Lowe went on to help form Rockpile with Dave Edmunds before embarking on a solo career. He also produced much of the early Elvis Costello. A couple of other members, including Brinsley himself (guitar) joined up with Graham Parker's backup band, The Rumour. All of what I've mentioned is great rock 'n' roll.
And while I may be doing better, I'm still not much in the mood for talking football.
Brinsley Schwarz was the name of a British pub-rock band that recorded in the '70s. I first learned about them clicking on links at allmusic.com. I was checking up on Nick Lowe, and they linked him to this band. I liked what I read, and bought this, a single CD combining 2 of their albums, from 1972 and 1974, respectively, and a greatest hits (Surrender to the Rhythm, 1991). After they split up, Lowe went on to help form Rockpile with Dave Edmunds before embarking on a solo career. He also produced much of the early Elvis Costello. A couple of other members, including Brinsley himself (guitar) joined up with Graham Parker's backup band, The Rumour. All of what I've mentioned is great rock 'n' roll.
And while I may be doing better, I'm still not much in the mood for talking football.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Stupor Bowl
iPod morning commute music: N/A (damn battery was dead this morning)
Well, it was interesting to watch the Seahawks implode at the Super Bowl. I understand that some are blaming the officials, but hey, the officials didn't drop those passes or get called for holding to negate a key play. The Hawks just made too many mistakes.
It was nice to watch the game live at my buddy, Dave's house (from 8:00 am on Monday morning). I can't remember the last time I drank beer before noon! We made up a batch of chili, and had as good a time as one can watching one's team implode.
Today has been pretty low-keyed.
Well, it was interesting to watch the Seahawks implode at the Super Bowl. I understand that some are blaming the officials, but hey, the officials didn't drop those passes or get called for holding to negate a key play. The Hawks just made too many mistakes.
It was nice to watch the game live at my buddy, Dave's house (from 8:00 am on Monday morning). I can't remember the last time I drank beer before noon! We made up a batch of chili, and had as good a time as one can watching one's team implode.
Today has been pretty low-keyed.
Friday, February 03, 2006
The Refreshed iPod
iPod morning commute music: shuffle mode
Recently, I've realized how bored I was becoming with my iPod musical selections. I've basically had the same core music on the machine for 4 years. I have done some editing...I dumped 10 of the 15 Elvis CDs from the 3 box sets (I mean, for a while every third song was The King, and that was never my intent). The problem was a lack of variety. My CD collection has a lot of artists represented by a single CD, but they weren't on my iPod...every Beatles album was, my entire Dylan collection, and a whole lot of Grateful Dead, not to mention the Stones. Hell, I had every Nick Drake CD on it.
Last night, I met Tatsu at our station, drove him home, and thought about things. When I found out he didn't have any homework, I asked him if he'd mind taking my iPod, deleting all the music from it, and fill it up again with a wider variety of music. Of course, 95% of the music in iTunes comes from my collection, and Tatsu has excellent taste in music, so I reckoned I was safe.
And I was. This morning, for the first time in years, my own music took me by surprise. Richard Ashcroft, Fairport Convention, the Small Faces, Steely Dan, Ella Fitzgerald are just some of the new artists which weren't on before and are on now, and were listened to in shuffle mode. Tatsu did a great job, and I realized once more how lucky I am to have a son who isn't into hip-hop or J-Pop.
On a sad note, my cousin Stephanie's father passed away yesterday in hospice. We're keeping her family in our prayers.
Also, Alisa had some orthodontic surgery yesterday, and is looking a little beat up around the face. She took today off from school, but other than appearance, she seems to be holding up OK. Also, she finally got her information packet from the Global Young Leaders' Conference a couple of days ago, and there will be 360 students attending, representing 100 countries. She's pretty hyped.
Finally, I'll be watching the Superbowl live over at my friend Dave's house. I'm taking a personal day from work (I have no classes and no meeting on Monday). The pre-game stuff (in Japanese) starts at 8:30 am, so we'll start a batch of chili which should be ready by halftime. I don't usually drink beer before lunch, but somehow I feel an exception might be made. Go Seahawks! I've been waiting years for this day.
Recently, I've realized how bored I was becoming with my iPod musical selections. I've basically had the same core music on the machine for 4 years. I have done some editing...I dumped 10 of the 15 Elvis CDs from the 3 box sets (I mean, for a while every third song was The King, and that was never my intent). The problem was a lack of variety. My CD collection has a lot of artists represented by a single CD, but they weren't on my iPod...every Beatles album was, my entire Dylan collection, and a whole lot of Grateful Dead, not to mention the Stones. Hell, I had every Nick Drake CD on it.
Last night, I met Tatsu at our station, drove him home, and thought about things. When I found out he didn't have any homework, I asked him if he'd mind taking my iPod, deleting all the music from it, and fill it up again with a wider variety of music. Of course, 95% of the music in iTunes comes from my collection, and Tatsu has excellent taste in music, so I reckoned I was safe.
And I was. This morning, for the first time in years, my own music took me by surprise. Richard Ashcroft, Fairport Convention, the Small Faces, Steely Dan, Ella Fitzgerald are just some of the new artists which weren't on before and are on now, and were listened to in shuffle mode. Tatsu did a great job, and I realized once more how lucky I am to have a son who isn't into hip-hop or J-Pop.
On a sad note, my cousin Stephanie's father passed away yesterday in hospice. We're keeping her family in our prayers.
Also, Alisa had some orthodontic surgery yesterday, and is looking a little beat up around the face. She took today off from school, but other than appearance, she seems to be holding up OK. Also, she finally got her information packet from the Global Young Leaders' Conference a couple of days ago, and there will be 360 students attending, representing 100 countries. She's pretty hyped.
Finally, I'll be watching the Superbowl live over at my friend Dave's house. I'm taking a personal day from work (I have no classes and no meeting on Monday). The pre-game stuff (in Japanese) starts at 8:30 am, so we'll start a batch of chili which should be ready by halftime. I don't usually drink beer before lunch, but somehow I feel an exception might be made. Go Seahawks! I've been waiting years for this day.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Poor Sports Day
iPod morning commute music: The Beatles, 1 (2000)
Actually, I've been in a Beatles mood since Monday, when I listened to Revolver (1966) on my way home. Yesterday, it was Abbey Road (1969) during my morning commute, and Past Masters Vol. 2 (1988)on the evening run. The Beatles are the cornerstone of my CD collection as well as my musical taste. 1 is a pretty good place to start, but one really needs to hear the individual albums. Rock and pop music is where it is today because of the Beatles. They can still send shivers up my spine.
Yesterday, my school had an in-school junior high sports day. One of the 9th grade classes decided they were being screwed over, not getting any breaks, and walked out of the competition. Of course, they were being treated the same as everyone else. They just couldn't accept losing because other teams were better. They lost because the refs had it in for them.
I keep reading in the paper about sport stars getting busted for doping, or complaining for no reason (T.O.), or beating up on their wife or girlfriend. Of course, none of this is their fault.
The Winter Olympic games are starting up soon. I hope the players and the public can remember sportsmanship, courtesy and grace. And may I be forgiven for whatever boorish behavior I show during the Superbowl.
Go Seahawks!
Actually, I've been in a Beatles mood since Monday, when I listened to Revolver (1966) on my way home. Yesterday, it was Abbey Road (1969) during my morning commute, and Past Masters Vol. 2 (1988)on the evening run. The Beatles are the cornerstone of my CD collection as well as my musical taste. 1 is a pretty good place to start, but one really needs to hear the individual albums. Rock and pop music is where it is today because of the Beatles. They can still send shivers up my spine.
Yesterday, my school had an in-school junior high sports day. One of the 9th grade classes decided they were being screwed over, not getting any breaks, and walked out of the competition. Of course, they were being treated the same as everyone else. They just couldn't accept losing because other teams were better. They lost because the refs had it in for them.
I keep reading in the paper about sport stars getting busted for doping, or complaining for no reason (T.O.), or beating up on their wife or girlfriend. Of course, none of this is their fault.
The Winter Olympic games are starting up soon. I hope the players and the public can remember sportsmanship, courtesy and grace. And may I be forgiven for whatever boorish behavior I show during the Superbowl.
Go Seahawks!
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