iPod morning commute music: Jem, Finally Woken, 2004
Another attempt by my son, who is hot as hell in Thailand, to try to keep me up-to-date in the music world. Jem, from Wales, does have a nice voice, and her themes are better than a lot of what I hear in modern rock, but this is still a little too electronic for my everyday consumption. The title track is pretty cool, though. It's worth a listen.
It's another hot, humid day in Osaka, the kind of day that makes you feel lazy, not at all like working. Of course, I have 4 lessons, all different lesson plans, just to make my life happy. I'm really ready to go home now, but it isn't even lunchtime yet. Sigh.
Tatsu sent me an e-mail from Thailand. He says it's very hot...3 times in an eight line missive. And humid. However, the Prem Center where his class is staying is like a "college campus" and the food is "OK". It's just very hot. And humid.
This week is just dragging, and I really don't have that much to write about. Hopefully something exciting will happen to me between now and tomorrow's post, or I'm afraid both of my avid readers will fall asleep in front of the monitor, and we don't want THAT to happen!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Just Another Tuesday, Ruby
iPod morning commute music: Jeff Beck, Blow by Blow (1975)
Jeff Beck is one helluva guitarist, and this is a great instrumental album. My only other Beck album is a greatest hits, The Best of Beck, though he's of course on my Yardbird's compilation, Ultimate. Why don't I have more? I guess Beck's a little quirky for my taste. Regardless, Blow by Blow is a great set of songs, and a worthy addition to any collection.
I'm really feeling lazy in today's heat. I taught 4 so-so lessons, not bad but not great. The students' energy levels are down, too. Two student teachers observed my second period class, which was at least better than my first period class, when I taught the lesson for the first time and made adjustments to the lesson plan on the fly.
A friend of mine contacted me yesterday. He wants to talk about problems at work. I'll try to meet him this afternoon. Joe's a nice guy, and we rode the train into work together for years, but since April Japan Railroad changed their schedule, and suddenly my commute became hell. My solution? Change the commute. I'm now taking earlier trains, so haven't been able to meet up with Joe. Routines are meant to be changed, or they become ruts.
Jeff Beck is one helluva guitarist, and this is a great instrumental album. My only other Beck album is a greatest hits, The Best of Beck, though he's of course on my Yardbird's compilation, Ultimate. Why don't I have more? I guess Beck's a little quirky for my taste. Regardless, Blow by Blow is a great set of songs, and a worthy addition to any collection.
I'm really feeling lazy in today's heat. I taught 4 so-so lessons, not bad but not great. The students' energy levels are down, too. Two student teachers observed my second period class, which was at least better than my first period class, when I taught the lesson for the first time and made adjustments to the lesson plan on the fly.
A friend of mine contacted me yesterday. He wants to talk about problems at work. I'll try to meet him this afternoon. Joe's a nice guy, and we rode the train into work together for years, but since April Japan Railroad changed their schedule, and suddenly my commute became hell. My solution? Change the commute. I'm now taking earlier trains, so haven't been able to meet up with Joe. Routines are meant to be changed, or they become ruts.
Monday, May 29, 2006
100 Posts and Still Counting
iPod morning commute music: Jack Johnson, Brushfire Fairytales (2001)
My son, Tatsu, likes Jack Johnson a lot, and put a couple of his albums on my iPod. Today was the first time I actually listened to a whole album. I have to admit, he's good, but I think I prefer hearing his songs one at a time, in shuffle mode, then as a whole album. There is a sameness there. Still, it's good morning music, quiet and bluesy.
A short weekend, having worked on Saturday, where I read in the International Herald Tribune that the tax cut Congress extended and Bush signed into law increases taxes for ex-pats like myself (actually, it's hard to say if I will really be affected by this). It is unusual for an industrial country to tax its those living abroad, as we have to pay taxes in the country we live. In effect, we are being taxed twice on a single income.
Last night, Tatsu departed for Thailand for 8 days (returning next Monday evening). 15 students and 2 teachers went to a school called the Prem Center in Chiang Mai. They will do quite a bit of sightseeing, but will also spend 2 days in a tribal villiage doing community service, helping to build a road and a drainage system. The weather there doesn't look particularly great for their visit, but I'm sure they'll have a great time.
Finally, this is my 100th post. Amazing anyone is still reading them!
My son, Tatsu, likes Jack Johnson a lot, and put a couple of his albums on my iPod. Today was the first time I actually listened to a whole album. I have to admit, he's good, but I think I prefer hearing his songs one at a time, in shuffle mode, then as a whole album. There is a sameness there. Still, it's good morning music, quiet and bluesy.
A short weekend, having worked on Saturday, where I read in the International Herald Tribune that the tax cut Congress extended and Bush signed into law increases taxes for ex-pats like myself (actually, it's hard to say if I will really be affected by this). It is unusual for an industrial country to tax its those living abroad, as we have to pay taxes in the country we live. In effect, we are being taxed twice on a single income.
Last night, Tatsu departed for Thailand for 8 days (returning next Monday evening). 15 students and 2 teachers went to a school called the Prem Center in Chiang Mai. They will do quite a bit of sightseeing, but will also spend 2 days in a tribal villiage doing community service, helping to build a road and a drainage system. The weather there doesn't look particularly great for their visit, but I'm sure they'll have a great time.
Finally, this is my 100th post. Amazing anyone is still reading them!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Friday and the Dentist
iPod morning commute music: The Grateful Dead, Live/Dead, 1969
I was never much of a Deadhead. I got into their music when I was a student in the early '70s at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA (the place says a lot about why I would get into the Dead at that time). I saw them live once, at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, and it wasn't one of my most memorable concerts. But even for a quasi-Deadhead, once a Deadhead, always a Deadhead, and I certainly own a lot of their music, both albums and a box set. This still remains, with Workingman's Dead and American Beauty, (OK, and Dick's Picks, Vol. 4) one of my favorites. It was their first live album, and it still sounds great...er, grate...er...Grateful Dead.
Not much to write about today. Just a couple of observations. First, I have a dentist appointment today, the old routine checkup, only this guy wants to schedule them once every four months, not six like I grew up with in the USA. I don't really mind, as this is a vast improvement over most Japanese dentists ("Come in again when you have a problem.") and he actually does clean the teeth. Still, I wonder if this is the new norm, or just a way to get extra money out of me.
Finally, several months ago I posted about single spacing versus double spacing following the end of sentences. I want everyone to know, especially Ron, that I have pretty much mastered the art of single spacing. I've adapted to the computer age. Applause, please.
Tomorrow I have to come in to proctor one last mid-term test. Sigh...I hate coming in early on Saturdays. Actually, I hate coming in anytime on Saturdays, but this is Japan. 'Nuff said, to quote Stan Lee.
I was never much of a Deadhead. I got into their music when I was a student in the early '70s at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA (the place says a lot about why I would get into the Dead at that time). I saw them live once, at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, and it wasn't one of my most memorable concerts. But even for a quasi-Deadhead, once a Deadhead, always a Deadhead, and I certainly own a lot of their music, both albums and a box set. This still remains, with Workingman's Dead and American Beauty, (OK, and Dick's Picks, Vol. 4) one of my favorites. It was their first live album, and it still sounds great...er, grate...er...Grateful Dead.
Not much to write about today. Just a couple of observations. First, I have a dentist appointment today, the old routine checkup, only this guy wants to schedule them once every four months, not six like I grew up with in the USA. I don't really mind, as this is a vast improvement over most Japanese dentists ("Come in again when you have a problem.") and he actually does clean the teeth. Still, I wonder if this is the new norm, or just a way to get extra money out of me.
Finally, several months ago I posted about single spacing versus double spacing following the end of sentences. I want everyone to know, especially Ron, that I have pretty much mastered the art of single spacing. I've adapted to the computer age. Applause, please.
Tomorrow I have to come in to proctor one last mid-term test. Sigh...I hate coming in early on Saturdays. Actually, I hate coming in anytime on Saturdays, but this is Japan. 'Nuff said, to quote Stan Lee.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Cornerstone
iPod morning commute music: The Go-Betweens, 1978-1990, disc 1 (1990)
As many of you already know, Grant McLennan, half of the songwriting team (with Robert Forster)of the Go-Betweens (and, in their latest incarnation, just simply half of the Go-Betweens) passed away on May 6th of this year. He will be missed. One listen to this best-of CD and you will understand why.
For the past couple of days, construction workers had been jackhammering away at the main existing building of our school, just outside the window of one of our two language labs. It turns out they were opening around the cornerstone of our school, dated 1935, behind which were two time capsules filled with school memorabilia from that time. We had a small service at 4:00 yesterday afternoon, hymns and prayers, and then they opened the time capsules. It was strange to stand there holding photos of students who died in a typhoon that blew down one of the original buildings and newspapers (including one in English!), knowing that 70 years ago teachers from the school put them there. It really felt like holding history in your hands. Of course, part of it is knowing that we are creating our own history, with the new school building opening in August, followed by the raising of the building which housed the now-opened time capsules. In my 21st year here, I realize that I'm becoming part of the history of this school.
Today is the second day of mid-terms. I should be able to leave by noon today, maybe drop by Tower Records on the way home. It will be nice to have the afternoon off.
As many of you already know, Grant McLennan, half of the songwriting team (with Robert Forster)of the Go-Betweens (and, in their latest incarnation, just simply half of the Go-Betweens) passed away on May 6th of this year. He will be missed. One listen to this best-of CD and you will understand why.
For the past couple of days, construction workers had been jackhammering away at the main existing building of our school, just outside the window of one of our two language labs. It turns out they were opening around the cornerstone of our school, dated 1935, behind which were two time capsules filled with school memorabilia from that time. We had a small service at 4:00 yesterday afternoon, hymns and prayers, and then they opened the time capsules. It was strange to stand there holding photos of students who died in a typhoon that blew down one of the original buildings and newspapers (including one in English!), knowing that 70 years ago teachers from the school put them there. It really felt like holding history in your hands. Of course, part of it is knowing that we are creating our own history, with the new school building opening in August, followed by the raising of the building which housed the now-opened time capsules. In my 21st year here, I realize that I'm becoming part of the history of this school.
Today is the second day of mid-terms. I should be able to leave by noon today, maybe drop by Tower Records on the way home. It will be nice to have the afternoon off.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Mid Term Blues
iPod morning commute music: George Harrison, All Things Must Pass, disc 1 (1970)
This is, of course, considered Harrison's best album, and remains very listenable. This morning, I was struck (for who knows what reason) by how good the song Wah-Wah is. Most of the songs are leftovers from his Beatles days, but perhaps that was when his songwriting was at its peak, as he competed with John and Paul for disc space. He never made an album as consistant again, though he came close on his swan song, Brainwashed in 2002 (Cloud Nine from 1987 wasn't too shabby, either). Good morning music.
My wonderful half-day mid-term test period has gotten off to a lousy start with an emergency teachers meeting at 4:30 today. Instead of getting out of here by 1:00, I've been stuck in limbo.
Not stuck, exactly; I did get down to Nipponbashi (Osaka's main electrical appliance/computer etc. shopping area) after lunch and managed to pick up a used compact digital camera, a Canon S50 (their first 500 mega-pixel camera in 2003) for about $140 ($699 new, but these things depreciate in value almost as fast as my Japanese house). With Tatsu going to Thailand this weekend, and Alisa to DC/NYC this summer, we figured they need a small camera the could easily stash in their pocket.
Oh, I even got a 1-month guarantee on it! Whoopie!
On a serious note, my sister-in-law, Ann's, father died last week. I found out from my folks when I talked to them last Sunday. I called Ann and talked for awhile that same day. You could hear the sadness in her voice. I sent her a quote from John Steinbeck's To a God Unknown in which he writes quite movingly about death. She wrote back that she will read it at the service (or Mark will, if she's too sad). I wish I could be there.
This is, of course, considered Harrison's best album, and remains very listenable. This morning, I was struck (for who knows what reason) by how good the song Wah-Wah is. Most of the songs are leftovers from his Beatles days, but perhaps that was when his songwriting was at its peak, as he competed with John and Paul for disc space. He never made an album as consistant again, though he came close on his swan song, Brainwashed in 2002 (Cloud Nine from 1987 wasn't too shabby, either). Good morning music.
My wonderful half-day mid-term test period has gotten off to a lousy start with an emergency teachers meeting at 4:30 today. Instead of getting out of here by 1:00, I've been stuck in limbo.
Not stuck, exactly; I did get down to Nipponbashi (Osaka's main electrical appliance/computer etc. shopping area) after lunch and managed to pick up a used compact digital camera, a Canon S50 (their first 500 mega-pixel camera in 2003) for about $140 ($699 new, but these things depreciate in value almost as fast as my Japanese house). With Tatsu going to Thailand this weekend, and Alisa to DC/NYC this summer, we figured they need a small camera the could easily stash in their pocket.
Oh, I even got a 1-month guarantee on it! Whoopie!
On a serious note, my sister-in-law, Ann's, father died last week. I found out from my folks when I talked to them last Sunday. I called Ann and talked for awhile that same day. You could hear the sadness in her voice. I sent her a quote from John Steinbeck's To a God Unknown in which he writes quite movingly about death. She wrote back that she will read it at the service (or Mark will, if she's too sad). I wish I could be there.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Tatsu's Last Test
iPod morning commute music: Essra Mohawk, You're Not Alone (2003)
What, you don't know Essra Mohawk? Neither did I, but she's been writing, singing and recording since 1964. She was Uncle Meat in Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention (all this info is courtesy of allmusic.com). I'm not sure where I first heard of her, but I hit Tower Records looking for Primordial Lovers, recorded in 1969 and named as one of the top 25 albums of all time by Rolling Stone. What, you never heard of it? Neither had I, and Tower didn't have it in stock, but they did have this, her latest release. Pretty cool stuff, bluesy, reminds me of Bonnie Raitt a little. Her voice is excellent, though some of her lyrics grate on me a bit. Great guitar work throughout. Recommended, and it's always cool to have someone in your collection no one has ever heard of!
Today my son takes his last IB exam, in Japanese. This means he is essentially finished with school. Graduation is June 16th, but he has no classes between now and then. He will be going to Thailand at the end of next week on the Senior Trip, but basically, he's finished. Hard to believe.
I been over this theme before, and recently, but it is weird to feel something you know all caring, loving parents must feel at this stage in their child's life, when he is quickly leaving childhood: Helpless. I remember when I was his age and I thought I was so goddamn smart and my parents so goddamn stupid. I wish I could get Tatsu to understand how (mostly) wrong I was.
But it can't be helped. Hopefully, Tatsu's armed with the social and educational skills to go forth and succeed. I guess the final task of parenthood is letting go, and I'm sure I'm not the first parent to discover this.
His last test started at 11:00, and it's just after noon now. He's spent 13 years at the same international school, K-12. His life is just getting started. Godspeed.
What, you don't know Essra Mohawk? Neither did I, but she's been writing, singing and recording since 1964. She was Uncle Meat in Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention (all this info is courtesy of allmusic.com). I'm not sure where I first heard of her, but I hit Tower Records looking for Primordial Lovers, recorded in 1969 and named as one of the top 25 albums of all time by Rolling Stone. What, you never heard of it? Neither had I, and Tower didn't have it in stock, but they did have this, her latest release. Pretty cool stuff, bluesy, reminds me of Bonnie Raitt a little. Her voice is excellent, though some of her lyrics grate on me a bit. Great guitar work throughout. Recommended, and it's always cool to have someone in your collection no one has ever heard of!
Today my son takes his last IB exam, in Japanese. This means he is essentially finished with school. Graduation is June 16th, but he has no classes between now and then. He will be going to Thailand at the end of next week on the Senior Trip, but basically, he's finished. Hard to believe.
I been over this theme before, and recently, but it is weird to feel something you know all caring, loving parents must feel at this stage in their child's life, when he is quickly leaving childhood: Helpless. I remember when I was his age and I thought I was so goddamn smart and my parents so goddamn stupid. I wish I could get Tatsu to understand how (mostly) wrong I was.
But it can't be helped. Hopefully, Tatsu's armed with the social and educational skills to go forth and succeed. I guess the final task of parenthood is letting go, and I'm sure I'm not the first parent to discover this.
His last test started at 11:00, and it's just after noon now. He's spent 13 years at the same international school, K-12. His life is just getting started. Godspeed.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Confessions of the Barbecue King
iPod morning commute music: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 (1978)
I don't know why I don't give this band more respect. I like funk, and your don't get much funkier than this. I suspect it has to do with my general dislike of disco, though what I hated in the '70s I can tolerate today. Regardless, this album is pretty cool, but it only covers their early stuff, which may be good for me in a way. I probably should cough up the bucks and get a newer, more inclusive compilation such as 1998's Greatest Hits. Very good music to commute with.
This weekend centered around the barbecue. My local store stopped stocking American charcoal this (for years they had Kingsford Matchlight, which was great since you can't buy starter fuel in Japan), so a couple of weeks ago I broke down and bought some cheap stuff manufactured in Malaysia from the same shop. Awful stuff, just clumps of blackened wood, irregular sizes ranging from little chips to chunks of logs, impossible to create an even bed of coals. So on Saturday I headed over to Costco, where they had (note the use of the past tense) 2 large sacks of regular Kingsford charcoal bundled together. But not now. So I spent $200 on things other than what I wanted, and drove home, stopping at three more stores before finding something that looked vaguely like the charcoal Americans all know. They were cylinders, hollow in the middle, about 2-3" long.
Then on Sunday I became the Barbecue King. This is my major contribution towards dinners; I barbecue enough for four or five meals at a shot. First, I prepared two pork tenderloins, one seasoned with garlic and pepper, the other slathered with Dijon mustard, then marinated them separately in white wine, lemon juice, and olive oil. Next, I cut up 1 kilo (2.2 lbs) of boned chicken breasts and marinated them in tandoori sauce (Sharwood out of England makes a great tandoori base, 3 tbs. of which mixed with 3 tbs. of plain yogurt creates the marinade). I then made 4 hamburgers (450 g. [1 lb] of lean ground beef, 1 egg, some chopped onion, a quarter cup of dry bread crumbs, some Worcester sauce, salt and pepper). I then prepared 3 large top round steaks (Australian beef, American beef still banned)with salt and pepper.
I piled up the strange charcoal in the chimney starter, lit it, and then the problems began. The bottom charcoal burned up before the top charcoal caught, and they just were too big, meaning too few, to make an even bed of coals. It just wasn't hot enough. Tatsu ended up helping me break up the Malaysian charcoal into chunks, which we then put on top of the new charcoal. Finally I had enough coals to cook with. In the end, everything got done. It only took twice as long as it should have.
I don't know why I don't give this band more respect. I like funk, and your don't get much funkier than this. I suspect it has to do with my general dislike of disco, though what I hated in the '70s I can tolerate today. Regardless, this album is pretty cool, but it only covers their early stuff, which may be good for me in a way. I probably should cough up the bucks and get a newer, more inclusive compilation such as 1998's Greatest Hits. Very good music to commute with.
This weekend centered around the barbecue. My local store stopped stocking American charcoal this (for years they had Kingsford Matchlight, which was great since you can't buy starter fuel in Japan), so a couple of weeks ago I broke down and bought some cheap stuff manufactured in Malaysia from the same shop. Awful stuff, just clumps of blackened wood, irregular sizes ranging from little chips to chunks of logs, impossible to create an even bed of coals. So on Saturday I headed over to Costco, where they had (note the use of the past tense) 2 large sacks of regular Kingsford charcoal bundled together. But not now. So I spent $200 on things other than what I wanted, and drove home, stopping at three more stores before finding something that looked vaguely like the charcoal Americans all know. They were cylinders, hollow in the middle, about 2-3" long.
Then on Sunday I became the Barbecue King. This is my major contribution towards dinners; I barbecue enough for four or five meals at a shot. First, I prepared two pork tenderloins, one seasoned with garlic and pepper, the other slathered with Dijon mustard, then marinated them separately in white wine, lemon juice, and olive oil. Next, I cut up 1 kilo (2.2 lbs) of boned chicken breasts and marinated them in tandoori sauce (Sharwood out of England makes a great tandoori base, 3 tbs. of which mixed with 3 tbs. of plain yogurt creates the marinade). I then made 4 hamburgers (450 g. [1 lb] of lean ground beef, 1 egg, some chopped onion, a quarter cup of dry bread crumbs, some Worcester sauce, salt and pepper). I then prepared 3 large top round steaks (Australian beef, American beef still banned)with salt and pepper.
I piled up the strange charcoal in the chimney starter, lit it, and then the problems began. The bottom charcoal burned up before the top charcoal caught, and they just were too big, meaning too few, to make an even bed of coals. It just wasn't hot enough. Tatsu ended up helping me break up the Malaysian charcoal into chunks, which we then put on top of the new charcoal. Finally I had enough coals to cook with. In the end, everything got done. It only took twice as long as it should have.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Once a Fool, Always a Fool
iPod morning commute music: Buddy Holly, The Buddy Holly Collection, disc 2 (1993)
I ended yesterday's comments about disc one with a big, "Rave on!" Unfortunately, Rave On isn't on disc 1, so I just had to listen to disc 2 today. Everything I wrote about disc 1 remains true for disc 2. Except disc 2 has Rave On. As Stan Lee would say, 'Nuff said.
Last night I went to the Blarney Stone for my free beer and to meet with one of the authors of a new textbook I'm using. I get there and immediately run into an old friend, Robert H., who used to work for one publisher but who switched over to Macmillan several years ago. We started talking about the book I'm using in junior high, and he asks me a question about one of the components, a mini dictionary of sorts. I haven't used it, and said why, and offered my ideas for improvement. Robert then tells me the publisher will be coming into the pub in a few minutes, and would I pass on my comments to her.
So in she comes, and I get introduced. We start talking, and I broach the subject of the textbook when my mind blanks on the title of the damn book. All I can remember is blahblahblahStarter. The publisher (a really attractive woman dressed fine and smiling and looking right at me) was waiting for my incisive comments, so I blurted out the title, "Get Ready Starter", and she just looks at me. There is no such book. "You mean, Get Real! Starter" Euan, our local rep, helpfully corrects me.
I did. I blamed it on the beer. I blathered on. The expert. Can't even remember what book he uses.
Once a fool, always a fool.
TGIF
I ended yesterday's comments about disc one with a big, "Rave on!" Unfortunately, Rave On isn't on disc 1, so I just had to listen to disc 2 today. Everything I wrote about disc 1 remains true for disc 2. Except disc 2 has Rave On. As Stan Lee would say, 'Nuff said.
Last night I went to the Blarney Stone for my free beer and to meet with one of the authors of a new textbook I'm using. I get there and immediately run into an old friend, Robert H., who used to work for one publisher but who switched over to Macmillan several years ago. We started talking about the book I'm using in junior high, and he asks me a question about one of the components, a mini dictionary of sorts. I haven't used it, and said why, and offered my ideas for improvement. Robert then tells me the publisher will be coming into the pub in a few minutes, and would I pass on my comments to her.
So in she comes, and I get introduced. We start talking, and I broach the subject of the textbook when my mind blanks on the title of the damn book. All I can remember is blahblahblahStarter. The publisher (a really attractive woman dressed fine and smiling and looking right at me) was waiting for my incisive comments, so I blurted out the title, "Get Ready Starter", and she just looks at me. There is no such book. "You mean, Get Real! Starter" Euan, our local rep, helpfully corrects me.
I did. I blamed it on the beer. I blathered on. The expert. Can't even remember what book he uses.
Once a fool, always a fool.
TGIF
Thursday, May 18, 2006
The Blarney Stone's (Osaka) 3rd Anniversary
iPod morning commute music: The Buddy Holly Collection, disc 1 (1993)
This is great rock 'n' roll. Buddy Holly has to be, deserves to be, listened to. His music is timeless, his genius undeniable. There was a point in my life where I'd heard the various covers that I just needed to hear the originals. Fortunately, this double CD exists. Brilliant stuff. Rave on!
Tonight, The Blarney Stone Irish Pub celebrates it 3rd anniversary. Back in its first year, I threw myself (selfish, I know) a 20-years-in-Japan party there. Bob K., my late friend, egged everyone into buying my more beers than anyone should drink. Fortunately, I had arranged for my wife to pick me up at the station that night. And that was really only my second or third time in the pub; I usually drank in the Umeda Pig and Whistle, now closed, and to this day don't know why I chose the Blarney over the Pig for that party.
Now the Blarney has become an important meeting place in my life. Democrats Abroad Japan-Kansai holds both its monthly meetings and movie nights there. Book publishers hold events there (free beer!); Macmillan will be there tonight. And my co-worker, Martyn N., will be part of the Irish band playing there tonight.
So I guess I'll be dropping in myself after the teachers' meeting finishes. It's on the way home, I know the band, and the beer will be free. Life doesn't get much better than that.
This is great rock 'n' roll. Buddy Holly has to be, deserves to be, listened to. His music is timeless, his genius undeniable. There was a point in my life where I'd heard the various covers that I just needed to hear the originals. Fortunately, this double CD exists. Brilliant stuff. Rave on!
Tonight, The Blarney Stone Irish Pub celebrates it 3rd anniversary. Back in its first year, I threw myself (selfish, I know) a 20-years-in-Japan party there. Bob K., my late friend, egged everyone into buying my more beers than anyone should drink. Fortunately, I had arranged for my wife to pick me up at the station that night. And that was really only my second or third time in the pub; I usually drank in the Umeda Pig and Whistle, now closed, and to this day don't know why I chose the Blarney over the Pig for that party.
Now the Blarney has become an important meeting place in my life. Democrats Abroad Japan-Kansai holds both its monthly meetings and movie nights there. Book publishers hold events there (free beer!); Macmillan will be there tonight. And my co-worker, Martyn N., will be part of the Irish band playing there tonight.
So I guess I'll be dropping in myself after the teachers' meeting finishes. It's on the way home, I know the band, and the beer will be free. Life doesn't get much better than that.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Alisa's Birthday
iPod morning commute music: The Dixie Chicks, Home (2002)
Sometimes I feel like genres should be classically recognizable; jazz should sound like Blue Train, not Bitches Brew. This record is classically country in its sound and feel. Dolly Parton would own this. The lyrics are great as well. There simply isn't a bad song on the record. If you like country, you'll love this. If you think you don't like country, have a listen. It might change your mind.
Today my daughter, Alisa, turns 16. This is hard to believe. I guess when sons grow up, fathers don't feel so protective. It's more like, OK, go on out there, make your mark, and remember to use condoms. With daughters, though, it feels way different. I know part of this is the sexist in me, lurking behind the politically correct trees in my mental forest, but hey! I can't help it. I hate to see my little girl grow up.
Three or four years ago, we were in park, and Alisa got on a swing and asked me to push her. I thought for an instant, "You're too old for this," and then thought, "This might be the last time she asks me for a push." I pushed, and I was right; she never asked again.
I wish she would.
Happy birthday, Alisa. You're growing up in a way that makes Mom and me proud. And always remember, we love you very much.
You, too, Tatsu; just don't forget the condom.
Sometimes I feel like genres should be classically recognizable; jazz should sound like Blue Train, not Bitches Brew. This record is classically country in its sound and feel. Dolly Parton would own this. The lyrics are great as well. There simply isn't a bad song on the record. If you like country, you'll love this. If you think you don't like country, have a listen. It might change your mind.
Today my daughter, Alisa, turns 16. This is hard to believe. I guess when sons grow up, fathers don't feel so protective. It's more like, OK, go on out there, make your mark, and remember to use condoms. With daughters, though, it feels way different. I know part of this is the sexist in me, lurking behind the politically correct trees in my mental forest, but hey! I can't help it. I hate to see my little girl grow up.
Three or four years ago, we were in park, and Alisa got on a swing and asked me to push her. I thought for an instant, "You're too old for this," and then thought, "This might be the last time she asks me for a push." I pushed, and I was right; she never asked again.
I wish she would.
Happy birthday, Alisa. You're growing up in a way that makes Mom and me proud. And always remember, we love you very much.
You, too, Tatsu; just don't forget the condom.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Midterm Reflections
iPod morning commute music: Brian Eno, Another Day on Earth (2005)
After getting all hyped about Paul Simon's new album (see yesterday's post) with Brian Eno a major contributor, I decided to check out this disc. It's OK. Eno's moving away from ambiance: these songs have lyrics and form. But they just aren't as substantial as those on Simon's Surprise. Nothing grabbed me. He last worked this territory in 1975's Another Green World. If you're interested in Eno, I start off with that.
Busy days at work. Next week, midterm tests start, which will be good; I'll be on basically a half day schedule for a few days. Maybe I can get a bit ahead of things. One positive is that I like the new textbooks that I chose for 7th and 10th grade classes. Both seem to be working well for the students, and I like the challenge of working with new materials. Sometimes, teachers (myself included) get so used to a book that we can teach it on auto pilot. It's nice to change, to look again at the needs of the students. When it works, it feels great.
The reality of heading back to the States is beginning to slip in. I'm contacting people, and their contacting me. My friend, Nan, wrote that it was good I was coming back because I "need a break." The understatement of the year! It will be great to see her, and my all my other family and friends again.
After getting all hyped about Paul Simon's new album (see yesterday's post) with Brian Eno a major contributor, I decided to check out this disc. It's OK. Eno's moving away from ambiance: these songs have lyrics and form. But they just aren't as substantial as those on Simon's Surprise. Nothing grabbed me. He last worked this territory in 1975's Another Green World. If you're interested in Eno, I start off with that.
Busy days at work. Next week, midterm tests start, which will be good; I'll be on basically a half day schedule for a few days. Maybe I can get a bit ahead of things. One positive is that I like the new textbooks that I chose for 7th and 10th grade classes. Both seem to be working well for the students, and I like the challenge of working with new materials. Sometimes, teachers (myself included) get so used to a book that we can teach it on auto pilot. It's nice to change, to look again at the needs of the students. When it works, it feels great.
The reality of heading back to the States is beginning to slip in. I'm contacting people, and their contacting me. My friend, Nan, wrote that it was good I was coming back because I "need a break." The understatement of the year! It will be great to see her, and my all my other family and friends again.
Monday, May 15, 2006
90th Post
iPod morning commute music: Paul Simon, Surprise (May 9th, 2006)
This CD has knocked me for a loop. My brother put things in sarcastic perspective: "What a surprise. Paul Simon made a great album." True, he's made great albums throughout his career, but this just feels braver. Having Brian Eno add what the album refers to as "Sonic Landscapes", Simon seems to be taking a huge risk, but it all works so well! I can't seem to get enough of this disc. Beautiful, moving music.
I hope all of you mothers out there had a great Mother's Day. Kaoru has to wait till next weekend for her special dinner (the request was tandoori chicken), as I had a Democrats Abroad Japan-Kansai meeting last night in Umeda. The meeting was held in the Blarney Stone Pub, and went well. It looks like the place we'll be meeting in the future.
Oh, our cat is OK. She was actually in my son's room, sleeping in an opened drawer, unnoticed. Everyone is relieved.
Slowly I've been contacting people about my Seattle visit. I called my folks on Saturday (Japan time) to let them know. They were happy. I'm glad that everything worked out the way it did.
Finally, this is my 90th post. Not one of my better ones, but hey, it's a Monday! What can anyone expect?
This CD has knocked me for a loop. My brother put things in sarcastic perspective: "What a surprise. Paul Simon made a great album." True, he's made great albums throughout his career, but this just feels braver. Having Brian Eno add what the album refers to as "Sonic Landscapes", Simon seems to be taking a huge risk, but it all works so well! I can't seem to get enough of this disc. Beautiful, moving music.
I hope all of you mothers out there had a great Mother's Day. Kaoru has to wait till next weekend for her special dinner (the request was tandoori chicken), as I had a Democrats Abroad Japan-Kansai meeting last night in Umeda. The meeting was held in the Blarney Stone Pub, and went well. It looks like the place we'll be meeting in the future.
Oh, our cat is OK. She was actually in my son's room, sleeping in an opened drawer, unnoticed. Everyone is relieved.
Slowly I've been contacting people about my Seattle visit. I called my folks on Saturday (Japan time) to let them know. They were happy. I'm glad that everything worked out the way it did.
Finally, this is my 90th post. Not one of my better ones, but hey, it's a Monday! What can anyone expect?
Friday, May 12, 2006
Good news
iPod morning commute music: Badfinger, The Very Best of Badfinger (2000)
Why is it that Badfinger always sounds good? This greatest hits is a good compilation, covering both their Apple recordings and their later albums. Of course, their story is one of tragedy (two band members committed suicide), but their music is still great. Of course, their two classic albums No Dice (1970) and Straight Up (1971) are essential recordings, but this disc is thoroughly enjoyable.
The good news is that it looks like I'll be getting back to the States this summer even though the Canadian business trip fell through. I really think I need the break. My parents are getting older (both turn 80 this year), and the thought of staying in Japan for 6 weeks alone (the wife and kids will be stateside from July 4) just wasn't appealing. Fortunately, the school was generous and gave me permission to leave on the 22nd (I was told originally that I had to stay through the end of July), so I'll get in just over 3 weeks. I'll call my folks this Sunday (Saturday in the States) to let them know.
Maybe some bad news: our cat didn't come in last night, and wasn't to be seen this morning. Very unusual behavior on her part, and it has me concerned. Hopefully, she'll show up later today.
Back to work.
Why is it that Badfinger always sounds good? This greatest hits is a good compilation, covering both their Apple recordings and their later albums. Of course, their story is one of tragedy (two band members committed suicide), but their music is still great. Of course, their two classic albums No Dice (1970) and Straight Up (1971) are essential recordings, but this disc is thoroughly enjoyable.
The good news is that it looks like I'll be getting back to the States this summer even though the Canadian business trip fell through. I really think I need the break. My parents are getting older (both turn 80 this year), and the thought of staying in Japan for 6 weeks alone (the wife and kids will be stateside from July 4) just wasn't appealing. Fortunately, the school was generous and gave me permission to leave on the 22nd (I was told originally that I had to stay through the end of July), so I'll get in just over 3 weeks. I'll call my folks this Sunday (Saturday in the States) to let them know.
Maybe some bad news: our cat didn't come in last night, and wasn't to be seen this morning. Very unusual behavior on her part, and it has me concerned. Hopefully, she'll show up later today.
Back to work.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
A Muggy Tuesday
iPod morning commute music: Time Peace: The Rascals' Greatest Hits (1968)
I can never get enough of this album. The Rascals were a great blue-eyed soul band from the '60s, and this is a great compilation. My co-worker, Bob, has a double disc anthology that would flesh out the 14 hits here, but still, you can't go wrong with this set, which includes Groovin', Good Lovin', You Better Run, and Mustang Sally, to name a few of my favorites.
Warm, muggy weather has settled into Japan. Still, it's nothing like summer! One of the things I hate more than anything is getting stuck in Japan for the summer, with its heat and humidity. Doing anything is more of an effort than it's worth (with the possible exception of drinking ice-cold beer).
It looks more and more like the family's trip (sans Dad) is set. Kaoru, Tatsu and Alisa should all arrive on 7/4, with Tatsu staying for the long haul. Alisa will head to DC and NYC for her conference on 7/30, and then stay a few days with her cousins in NJ/PA before flying back to Japan on 4/14, the same day Kaoru leaves from the west coast. Now, if only I can get out of here!
I can never get enough of this album. The Rascals were a great blue-eyed soul band from the '60s, and this is a great compilation. My co-worker, Bob, has a double disc anthology that would flesh out the 14 hits here, but still, you can't go wrong with this set, which includes Groovin', Good Lovin', You Better Run, and Mustang Sally, to name a few of my favorites.
Warm, muggy weather has settled into Japan. Still, it's nothing like summer! One of the things I hate more than anything is getting stuck in Japan for the summer, with its heat and humidity. Doing anything is more of an effort than it's worth (with the possible exception of drinking ice-cold beer).
It looks more and more like the family's trip (sans Dad) is set. Kaoru, Tatsu and Alisa should all arrive on 7/4, with Tatsu staying for the long haul. Alisa will head to DC and NYC for her conference on 7/30, and then stay a few days with her cousins in NJ/PA before flying back to Japan on 4/14, the same day Kaoru leaves from the west coast. Now, if only I can get out of here!
Monday, May 08, 2006
Monday, Monday
iPod morning commute music: The Mamas and the Papas, Creeque Alley, disc 1 (1991)
Yes, I really did listen to Monday Monday this morning. I wrote about disc 2 of this greatest hits package before, so no need to repeat much. Good, happy music, perfect for a Monday morning commute.
Yesterday was spent finishing up two short papers for the Osaka Private Schools English Teaching Associations (OPSETA) in-house journal. The first, on the Japan Association of Language Teachers (JALT) conference which I attended last fall (and which, indirectly, led me to starting this blog), and the second on a lecture the OPSETA sponsored last spring on Extensive Reading. Both were late, but I really had been busy with the British visitors and the start of term.
This year's OPSETA lecture will be this Wednesday, on Immersion programs here in Japan. I met the speaker at last year's JALT Conference and recommended him to the group. I know he's a good speaker, and the topic is relevant, but it sounds like the program won't be very well attended. It's hard to get teachers out in the middle of the week, especially for an afternoon event.
Lunchtime! Have to run.
Yes, I really did listen to Monday Monday this morning. I wrote about disc 2 of this greatest hits package before, so no need to repeat much. Good, happy music, perfect for a Monday morning commute.
Yesterday was spent finishing up two short papers for the Osaka Private Schools English Teaching Associations (OPSETA) in-house journal. The first, on the Japan Association of Language Teachers (JALT) conference which I attended last fall (and which, indirectly, led me to starting this blog), and the second on a lecture the OPSETA sponsored last spring on Extensive Reading. Both were late, but I really had been busy with the British visitors and the start of term.
This year's OPSETA lecture will be this Wednesday, on Immersion programs here in Japan. I met the speaker at last year's JALT Conference and recommended him to the group. I know he's a good speaker, and the topic is relevant, but it sounds like the program won't be very well attended. It's hard to get teachers out in the middle of the week, especially for an afternoon event.
Lunchtime! Have to run.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
An Awful Saturday
iPod morning commute music: Not applicable. Coming off a 3-day holiday with having to work on a Saturday, all I wanted to do was sleep on the train. That said, I won't leave you without some musical reference. Neil Young's new album, Living With War, isn't on the shelves yet, but you can listen to it in its entirety streamed on the following site:
http://www.hyfntrak.com/neilyoung2/AFF23130/
I particularly like track 6, Flags of Freedom, but the whole album is vintage Neil.
Golden Week has pretty much come and gone for me. Today I had to come in to help escort students to a church service in the morning. I have a PTA (Perfectly Torturous Activity) in the afternoon. I'm wearing a necktie. It's awful.
Yesterday I washed and waxed my car before firing up the first BBQ of the season (steaks, tandoori chicken, burgers). A fitting end for the holiday. Now, I need to book my family's summer vacation flights, and I know I'm late and Ray, my travel agent, will moan about it, rightfully so. Of course, I still have no idea if I'll be sent to Canada by my school this summer or not, and if not, I don't get back (if they do send me, I'll be able to squeeze in a 2 week visit to Seattle). Old news, I know, but on my mind.
Better make that call to Ray.
http://www.hyfntrak.com/neilyoung2/AFF23130/
I particularly like track 6, Flags of Freedom, but the whole album is vintage Neil.
Golden Week has pretty much come and gone for me. Today I had to come in to help escort students to a church service in the morning. I have a PTA (Perfectly Torturous Activity) in the afternoon. I'm wearing a necktie. It's awful.
Yesterday I washed and waxed my car before firing up the first BBQ of the season (steaks, tandoori chicken, burgers). A fitting end for the holiday. Now, I need to book my family's summer vacation flights, and I know I'm late and Ray, my travel agent, will moan about it, rightfully so. Of course, I still have no idea if I'll be sent to Canada by my school this summer or not, and if not, I don't get back (if they do send me, I'll be able to squeeze in a 2 week visit to Seattle). Old news, I know, but on my mind.
Better make that call to Ray.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Ready for the Holidays
iPod morning commute music: Stan Getz/Joao Gilberto, Getz/Gilberto (1963)
Almost everyone of my generation knows of this great album ("Beyond essential" according to AMG) if only for the classic Girl from Ipanema. Bossa nova as jazz, whatever, this is stunning stuff. Getz on tenor sax, Gilberto on guitar, Antonio Carlos Jobim on piano, and with Gilberto's wife, Astrud Gilberto, providing the understated vocals for Girl from Ipanema, this is a masterpiece. Everyone should own it. Beautiful.
My house is in disarray. Tatsu is starting his IB exams today, and loses his entire Golden Week holiday. Kaoru is still suffering from a horrible cough which, when it hits, incapacitates her (and can wake me up in the middle of the night). Alisa came down the stairs this morning with a 38.1 degree fever, and is home sick. I'm ready for the holidays to begin.
Tonight, one of the publisher reps is taking me out for a beer. I switched over to his company's books this year for both my 7th graders and my 10th graders, a huge chunk of business. Anyway, Euan's a nice guy, and I'm looking forward to getting to know him outside of the professional sense.
And then, Golden Week starts. Hopefully, I can catch some extra sleep, watch a few Mariners' games (they won again today, 3 in a row now, an 8-2 over Minnesota, with Joel Pineiro pitching a complete game), and watch some DVD's. Drink some wine. Eat some food. Did I mention sleep?
Almost everyone of my generation knows of this great album ("Beyond essential" according to AMG) if only for the classic Girl from Ipanema. Bossa nova as jazz, whatever, this is stunning stuff. Getz on tenor sax, Gilberto on guitar, Antonio Carlos Jobim on piano, and with Gilberto's wife, Astrud Gilberto, providing the understated vocals for Girl from Ipanema, this is a masterpiece. Everyone should own it. Beautiful.
My house is in disarray. Tatsu is starting his IB exams today, and loses his entire Golden Week holiday. Kaoru is still suffering from a horrible cough which, when it hits, incapacitates her (and can wake me up in the middle of the night). Alisa came down the stairs this morning with a 38.1 degree fever, and is home sick. I'm ready for the holidays to begin.
Tonight, one of the publisher reps is taking me out for a beer. I switched over to his company's books this year for both my 7th graders and my 10th graders, a huge chunk of business. Anyway, Euan's a nice guy, and I'm looking forward to getting to know him outside of the professional sense.
And then, Golden Week starts. Hopefully, I can catch some extra sleep, watch a few Mariners' games (they won again today, 3 in a row now, an 8-2 over Minnesota, with Joel Pineiro pitching a complete game), and watch some DVD's. Drink some wine. Eat some food. Did I mention sleep?
Monday, May 01, 2006
Easing into Monday
iPod morning commute music: Roy Orbison, For the Lonely: 18 Greatest Hits (1988)
I didn't connect it until the music began, but choosing Roy Orbison after a day of listening to Bruce Springsteen is no great leap. The Boss has often claimed Roy as a major influence, a goal as it were, to sing like him. Not hard to see why. I didn't own any of Roy's music until I got The Traveling Wilburys, with Dylan, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Roy. Then, of course, he died, too young at 52 (I'm 52!) of a heart attack in 1988, the same year Rhino put out this great compilation.
It was an easy commute today, with many companies celebrating Golden Week (GW) even though the actual national holidays were this past Saturday, then Wednesday through Friday of this week (see my previous post). The crowds just weren't there. I can remember a time when I really resented having to come into work when others had the time off, but time has mellowed me. This is my job, and I just have to live with it.
Yesterday, I left the house with Kaoru to go shopping with the Mariners losing to Baltimore 4-2. The M's aren't off to a particularly strong start this year. The offense has been less than stellar. Even Ichiro slumped, though he appeared to be coming out of it. Beltre is a particular concern to me; he's being paid mighty big bucks to be batting under .200. Anyway, returned home to find they'd won 8-6. I could have kicked myself. And they did it again today, 4-3, handing Moyer his first win of the season (amazing, considering his respectable 3.55 ERA; as I said, there's been a remarkable lack of offensive oomph). Hopefully, they can catch some momentum out of this.
I didn't connect it until the music began, but choosing Roy Orbison after a day of listening to Bruce Springsteen is no great leap. The Boss has often claimed Roy as a major influence, a goal as it were, to sing like him. Not hard to see why. I didn't own any of Roy's music until I got The Traveling Wilburys, with Dylan, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Roy. Then, of course, he died, too young at 52 (I'm 52!) of a heart attack in 1988, the same year Rhino put out this great compilation.
It was an easy commute today, with many companies celebrating Golden Week (GW) even though the actual national holidays were this past Saturday, then Wednesday through Friday of this week (see my previous post). The crowds just weren't there. I can remember a time when I really resented having to come into work when others had the time off, but time has mellowed me. This is my job, and I just have to live with it.
Yesterday, I left the house with Kaoru to go shopping with the Mariners losing to Baltimore 4-2. The M's aren't off to a particularly strong start this year. The offense has been less than stellar. Even Ichiro slumped, though he appeared to be coming out of it. Beltre is a particular concern to me; he's being paid mighty big bucks to be batting under .200. Anyway, returned home to find they'd won 8-6. I could have kicked myself. And they did it again today, 4-3, handing Moyer his first win of the season (amazing, considering his respectable 3.55 ERA; as I said, there's been a remarkable lack of offensive oomph). Hopefully, they can catch some momentum out of this.
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