Reading materials left in men's bathroom

1031 01 Toilet Drinks
Originally uploaded by cloneofsnake.

This happened at my office in NYC. I sent the following email to our social alias.

Just wanna say thanks to the guys who are always so enthusiastic in sharing their reading materials in the bathroom. I’ve enjoyed your Sports Illustrated and ESPN articles by spreading the pages on the floor with the bottom of my shoes. However, please note that nobody likes to touch another person’s belongings in the bathroom, so can you please refrain from stuffing your print outs into the toilet seat cover bin? I just want to sit on the toilet covers, not toilet covers that had contact with papers that you’ve touched.

Today however, when I turn to grab a sheet, to my horror, there was a cup of black liquid sitting there, blocking the way. I was stunned for like 5 seconds. I think this was the first time I’ve seen drinking beverages inside a bathroom stall… I just couldn’t associate the 2 together, I didn’t know what to do! Anyhoo, to the guy who left his beverage in there today… WTH man?! 99.999% of the human population don’t drink while they are sitting on the toilet! But if you like to do that, that’s fine, I respect that… but can you NOT leave your drinks in there for the next person to enjoy? That’s just disgusting

Thanks!

Nick

FIFA World Cup 2006 - Italy 1-1 USA

The last football fan in Italy
Originally uploaded by Fabio Sabatini.

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060617/1/7rsl.html

June 17th, 2006, what a day in World Cup football! First, Ghana beat Czech Republic 2-0, then Italy tie it with USA 1-1.

Both the Czechs and the Italians played phenomenally in their first matches, Italy played their best game I've seen for a while and taught Ghana a football lesson, winning 4-2. The Czech slaughtered the USA "standing around-ers" 3-0.

I never really liked watching the Italians because I don't like their "heavy defense + counter attack" style... especially when they don't play it very well a lot of times. But on June 12th, the Italians opened my eyes! It was THE best game in this World Cup so far. With such high expectations, everybody expected them to kick the USA's ass today.

Why did the Italians played so poorly today? The USA did a good job disrupting Italy's pace in the beginning, still, the Italians scored a beautiful goal first. Then, an unfortunate own goal tied the game again... and from this point on, you can see the Italians getting impatient. The flagrant foul with the elbow to the face! WTF was that?! The coach was so scared that Totti would do something stupid he had to pull Totti out of the game!

Nothing against the US, but I really don't want them to advance to 2nd round. When I was watching the game at the restaurant, there were quite a few tables that rooted for the US. I really don't understand these people. It's not like they know the game or even their own US players!! To me, and probably to a lot of other people, (including the Italian players on the field), the World Cup is one of the most special (if not THE most special) event in the world! We want to see good games, so we want only the best teams to go through. Now, to be fair, even the old powers like Italy or Germany can play pretty poorly sometimes, but we should look at their best games. When they play well, they're really fun to watch. The USA, however, even at their best, they still look like child's play. I mean for fuck's sake, near the end of today's game, one of the US player fucking used his hand to touch the ball! LOL... Reminds me of a comment I read somewhere, someone said "soccer isn't a real sport because their players don't use their hands". ROTFL!!! Sigh... So please, ignorant Americans blindly supporting the US of A, STOP!

Only the strong teams go through, please!

Travel Blog - 2006/03/28 - Hakone, Japan

P1000618
Originally uploaded by cloneofsnake.

Woke up 5:30, check out 6:15, (phone charge ¥90), Oedo-sen opens at 6:30, we had to wait for gate to open. To Shinjuku (¥170 x 2), found Odakyu-sen (at South Gate) but needed lockers for our luggages. Asked Odakyu's staff and he said their lockers are inside but couldn't fit our luggages, told us to go to JR next door. Asked JR dude if I can go in to use the lockers, got in, bought milk (¥110) at conbini to get ¥1000 change for lockers (¥500 x 2). 7:00am, we still have time for breakfast, went out Southwest exit to Yoshinoya 吉野家, got 2 納豆定食 (natto ¥340 x 2), surprisingly, it was pretty good! Perhaps I've finally gotten used to the taste. (Compare this to the packaged natto we get from Family Mart in NYC, this was pretty good!)

Rode 7:30 Romance car to Hakone, a Taiwanese family sat behind us, Taiwanese are so much better than tourists from mainland China... they didn't talk loud or make a scene. Arrived at 9:02, switched to Gora tozan densha 強羅登山電車 platform 4, up to Miyanoshita 宮ノ下, out and took a small walk (早川(堂ヶ島)遊歩道) down to the river. Nice and quiet, no one else came down here, strange thing about the traffic on the main street though, nobody would stop to let u cross the street!

Took the next train up to gora 強羅, soooo many people! It's a lot different from the last time we came... (5 pm in mid Feb., dark and foggy, it was like Silent Hill!) I saw Onsen Manjuu at the shop right outside the gates and I bought 1 for ¥105, turns out if we had walked outside first, other shops were selling them at ¥105 for 2!! That bitch!

Queenie wanted to go to the Little Prince museum (Museum of SaintｰExupery and The Little Prince), so we took a really cramped #2 Hakone tozan bus toward Sengokuhara 仙石原. The curves were wild and I don't know what the fuck the old lady behind me was thinking, but she really stuck herself to my ass! (She was like about 4'8").

Cute place, this Little Prince Museum... (Lockers ¥100, entrance ¥1350 x 2), miniature European buildings, like a fake Disneyland,except this is Japan and they have full copyrights! (The merchandise stated you can only sell these in Japan.) Afterwards, took bus toward kowakidani 小涌谷 back to Gora.

Hakone tozan cablecar up to Sounzan 早雲山, nothing to see or do here except for the stamp. Hakone ropeway to Owakudani 大涌谷, famous for their ﾞBlack eggs" 黒たまご, it was about 3pm and we were hungry, bought sweet bun, こんにゃく, milk (¥640) and 6 black eggs (¥500). We were lucky enough to run into 5 tourbus of mainland Chinese tours, what a plague! I doubt any of my pictures came out good b'coz there were so many of them. I asked a Japanese Dad to take a picture of Queenie and me in broken Japanese, and he was clearly annoyed at it! This was the first time I had encountered such a reaction, normally they are really friendly and curtious, they would take your picture and then ask you if the picture was OK! Sigh... that's why I hate those mainland Chinese, I'm proud of my Hong Kong Chinese culture, but I hate to be associated with those Chinese from the mainland.

Rode ropeway gondola down to Togendai 桃源台, then pirate ship to Hakone machi. One weird thing about today, I saw at least 3 pairs of Japanese men with white girls... normally it's the other way around. Is Hakone a center for "reverse inter-racial couples"? Walked left and saw the sign for our ryokan - Yugiriso, walked in and was slightly surprised by the extremely curtious service! The old lady explained everything from onsen time and family bath to Karaoke room and food. She took 6 yukata for Queenie to choose from, then helped her dress up. Dinner was at 6 but she had to come in 1/2 hr early to prepare. We had an hour before dinner time so we went for a quick onsen as we were both very tired. Fell asleep afterwards, woke up at 9:30, the TV was playing a scary program, which reminded me of that kid from Juon, I was expecting to see some dead white faced kid to come out and scare me. More onsen at 11pm, then write diary and sleep.

(Just saw a Suica commercial with penguin and cell phone, really cute, reminding myself to try to find it online when I get back.)

Travel Blog - 2006/03/27 - Tokyo, Japan

P1000592
Originally uploaded by cloneofsnake.

Woke at 8, that sleeping pill was so strong! Called Jackie at 9, will meet in Akiba at 10. Out and bought bread and yogurt at ampm [¥252]. Ginza sen to Suehirocho [末広町] [¥190 x 2]. Wait for Jackie into front Sega world. Called him to confirm location [¥20]. Ate at 松屋 ¥390, walked behind Sega world to try to find the 2nd hand PDA store that Danny Choo talked about. Failed. Checked out the Softmap 2nd hand PDA store, which I had been last year (2005) Feb. They only have 2 SL-c3100 and they cost ¥54800!! Good thing I continue to search, went to e-trend and then PC-Bomber. Bought at PC-Bomber for ¥59800. [had to borrow ¥10000 from Jackie.

P1000594
Originally uploaded by cloneofsnake.

Walked around Akiba trying to find a maid cafe... Found one but it was packed. So finally ate at 定食 place [Jackie treat coz I had no money.]

P1000596
Originally uploaded by cloneofsnake.

銀座線 to 渋谷 [¥570], 東横線 2 stations to Nakameguro (中目黒), I originally thought we'd be shopping there, but instead of shops, we found beautiful Cherry Blossoms along meguro river.

P1000607
Originally uploaded by cloneofsnake.

Took out my new Zaurus and used its Tokyo map software, walked up North through 代官山 to 渋谷. Walked to Bic Camera. Jackie left for work, we went to Citibank to get cash [¥35000], sat down at Segafredo to rest our legs. [Coffee ¥710]. Went to ドン。キホーテ, bought DS cover film [¥649], Book 1st, couldnt find good illustration books. QQ bought Animal Crossing stickers. Walked thru Center Gai to Loft. Bought 温泉たまご　maker [¥1029]. Decided to go home early. Stopped by Sakuraya on the way, bought sreen cover for my Zaurus [¥367].

P1000623
Originally uploaded by cloneofsnake.

半蔵門線 to 青山一丁目 ¥160 x 2. Ampm bought instant noodle for dinner [¥295]. Back to hotel, eat, rest, watch TV (though not the paid channel even though "it sticks in 1 night, and it is ¥1,000 yen.) :D

Travel Blog - 2006/03/26 - Tokyo, Japan

P1000581
Originally uploaded by cloneofsnake.

Arrived 16:15, watched a JPN movie - Always 三丁目の夕日 (Sunset on 3rd Street), about life in post war Tokyo in the 50's or 60's, during which time the Tokyo tower was built. It's typical Japanese - slow paced, funny, sweet and touching.

Got ¥80,000 from Citibank ATM, Queenie had motion sickness (乗物酔い), bought vitamin drink at conbini ¥147 for her to take medicine. Keisei Skyliner 17:14 to 上野 (18:15) ¥3960.

P1000580
Originally uploaded by cloneofsnake.

銀座線 to 青山一丁目 ¥190 x 2, The area was really quiet, it was hard to imagine seeing such a quiet area in the midst of Tokyo... the only thing was the exits of this station were quite confusing. Once we found a point of reference, we followed the map and walked to Hotel Asia Center. Lots of gaijin staying here, the staffs all spoke good English. Checked in and called Jackie, 銀座線 to 渋谷 ¥160 x 2, met Jackie in front of Hachiko at 8:30.

P1000591
Originally uploaded by cloneofsnake.

Shibuya has so many gaijins now, 50 million of them standing right in front of Hachiko! Jackie doesn't look like a gaijin ABC no more, he was full on Japanese!! :) He was too camera shy though... Dude! U need to take mo pics of yourself! Your sisters would love to see you in Jap mode. LOL.

Ate at にんにく屋, afterwards went to buy motion sickness medicine and cosmetics at マツモト キヨミ 薬 ¥6257. Walked around in Center Gai, bought drink at ドン。キホーテ (Don Quijote, or Don Quixote) ¥92, then stood in Excelsior cafe to chat (no seats, everywhere was full!), left at 11:00, 半蔵門線 home ¥160 x 2. Took sleeping pills and Zzzzzz.

6 Days 5 Nights Tokyo Hakone Detailed Itinerary ^_^

0218_03_Ghibli
Originally uploaded by cloneofsnake.

Copied from:
(also listed on my Yahoo! Trip Planner - http://travel.yahoo.com/trip?pid=479780&action=view )
(TripAdvisor.com Japan forum - http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g298156-i860-k488783-6_Days_5_Nights_Tokyo_Hakone_Detailed_Itinerary_-Kanto.html )


OK folks, thank you so much for all the info by everybody, especailly edokko and Route246! Here's my detailed itinerary:


Mar. 26th, arrive Narita at 6pm, Keisei Skyliner to Ueno, Ginza-sen to Aoyama Icchome, check in at Asia Center Hotel. ( http://www.asiacenter.or.jp/ )
Meet up with Jackie, Oedo-sen to Roppongi for food and drinks. ( http://www.roppongihills.com/en/access/ )

Mar. 27th, morning - rush to Akihabara to get DS Lite (if they're in stock, but most likely they won't) and a Sharp Zaurus C3100 PDA. Eat lunch at a maid cafe? :P (Which one is good/famous?)
Afternoon, Shopping in Shimokitazawa / Daikanyama / Nakameguro. ( http://metropolis.japantoday.com/tokyo/421/feature.asp , http://www.shimokitazawa.org/ )
Dinner w/ friend(s) in Shibuya? ( http://www.bento.com/ra-shib.html )

Mar. 28th, Odakyu railway from Shinjuku to Hakone. (Need to buy tickets earlier to reserve seats, also may need to store luggages in lockers at Shinjuku)
Odakyu Hakone Free Pass ( http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_008.html )
Hakone classic round course ( http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5210.html )
Check in at Yugiriso Ryokan (夕霧荘) at 3 pm. Relax, Onsen, Eat, Relax, Onsen, Sleep... Onsen ( http://www.jalan.net/jalan/jweb/yado/YADS_331833.HTML )

Mar. 29th, Check out at 10 am. Visit Ancient Cedar Avenue (major checkpoint along Tokaido, the highway which connects Edo and Kyoto during the Edo period.) ( http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5205.html )
Odakyu train back to Shinjuku. Option to walk around Shinjuku, else can go to Harajuku. (Meet with Ariko, Tina and Kaori?)
Check in at Yoyogi Youth Hostel at 5 pm ( http://www.jyh.or.jp/english/kanto/yoyogi/index.html )
Meet up with Ariko, Tina and Kaori for dinner in... anywhere.

Mar. 30th, Hanami (Cherry Blossom viewing) at Shinjuku Gyoen, then shopping again (Harajuku, Aoyama, Shibuya? Queenie's choice.)

Mar. 31st, Check out early, Hanami at Ueno Park. Then visit the Ameyoko market. ( http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3012.html )
Keisei Skyliner to Narita at err... 2 pm? Whatever. Done!


Shopping related links:
http://www.japanesestreets.com/jsnews/article/49/ - Great Tokyo shops for used clothing
http://www.tokyoessentials.com/shopping.html
http://www.tokyoessentials.com/ - This site has good maps for most popular areas like Shibuya & Shinjuku.

The View from Taiwan: Taro Aso: Japan's Answer to Pasuya Yao?

Japan's Foreign Minister, Taro Aso's offensive remarks on Taiwan

Actually read this on Japundit first and got linked here. Interesting read on both sites. I think what needs to be said are already said in all the comments in those 2 sites. I am just going to write down a little of my own family history. (This is an online record of my memory afterall.)

My mom's father is Cantonese, but was born in Shanghai and for some reason, studied in American school. Hence he doesn't read/write Chinese! During the 2nd world war, he worked for the US Navy as a airplane mechanic on board of US's carriers! Pretty cool huh?! After the 2nd WW, there was the civil war (I think... Hey, I suck at Chinese history) and the fucking communist party won. My grandpa was offered 2 relocation choices by the US government. 1) Japan 2) Taiwan. He chose Taiwan obviously, because he was fighting the Japanese and he hated them. I guess this can particially explain why when the KWT(?) invaded Taiwan, they uprooted many Japanese establishments... (did they?) They fought agianst the Japanese for 8 yrs in China, and then lost their home to the fucking communists. Of course they're pissed! XD LOL (So, my mom grew up in Taiwan during the 1950's & 60's, and doesn't hold any grudge toward Japan.) I hold great respect for my grandpa. :)

My father is Shanghai-an (? No such word as Shanghai-nese?) His father and mother were both from wealthy Shanghai families. Grandpa even went to study abroad in Germany when he was young, and so did my father's eldest brother. Their entire family had to flee from Shanghai when the fucking communists started taking away everyone's money & possessions and beating / killing the wealthy and educated. They moved to Hong Kong, where my grandpa opened an unsuccessful stationary shop business and slowly depleted all of his family's fortune. :( Naturally, my grandpa hated the fucking communists... but he also hated the Japanese. His reasoning was that, if it wasn't for the Japanese, the communists party wouldn't have been born.

My father doesn't admit that he "dislikes" the Japanese, I don't really know what his reasons are... but he likes to buy China made electronics. He often say that "Nowadays, China made electronics are pretty well made, they can compete with Japanese made electronics." (My Dad is also a mechanic and an electrician, so whenever things broke, he goes and fix it himself!) :P

Isn't my family sweet? :P

I think on everyone's personal level, there's no point to hold grudges against a certain race or country for what their ancestors did in the past. These things are only used on a political level to manipulate people. There are too much beauty and love all over the world to stop one from travelling and meeting new people.

Enlightened, ain't I?

I still fucking hate communists Chinese though! :D LOL