Read a couple of books today, one of them, Schadenfreude: The Joy of Another's Misfortune by Tiffany Watt Smith offers a delightful exploration of the complex emotion that sees us derive pleasure in the failures or humiliations of others. And, by "others", I mean rivals, bullies, hypocrites, and runway models in impossibly high heels. Anyway,…
December 14, 2018: My Glorious Reading Year!
Not bad. Not bad at all. With roughly twelve reading days left in 2018, my goal of 365 books (Yes, a book a day) looks well within reach. Granted, roughly 25% of those books were graphic novels so purists could argue I attained a much less impressive 275 titles on the year but still -…
December 13, 2018: Japan Photos – Final Edition!
Pokeman-inspired offerings at Osaka cafe. Just a few of the Hello Kitty-themed phone accessories at the Sanrio store. Akemi snags a biscuit from some poor unsuspecting elderly shop mascot. I suspect this is an advertisement for some spa where you can get away from it all, enjoy a sumptuous buffet, and then enjoy a nice,…
December 12, 2018: Week’s Best Comic Book Covers!
There were my favorites... Spider-Man Worldwide, vol. 9 (cover art by Alex Ross) Doctor Strange: The Best Defense #1 (cover art by Greg Smallwood) Shadowman #10 (cover art by Tonci Zonjic) Star Wars, Vol. 9: Hope Dies (cover art by Travis Charest) Sword Daughter, vol. 1 (cover art by Greg Smallwood) Peter Parker: The Spectacular…
December 11, 2018: A cryptic text, going for 365, my Snow Monkeys, and the sun hog!
Hmmmmm. Received a most intriguing yet mysterious text this afternoon by someone with some very interesting news. But the number is not in my list of contacts and, while I can possibly guess the sender's identity (New phone number perhaps?), I can't be certain. My "Wait. Who is this?" response went unanswered and so, for…
December 10, 2018: Japan video journey!
Tokyo cityscape Awesome TV Asahi big screen commercial The streets of Osaka The streets of Nishi Azabu Akemi's conversation with Pepper-kun The decontructed/reconstructed truffled egg yolk
December 9, 2018: Japan Etc.
Some of the many highlights of our recent Japan trip that I didn't have time to upload while traveling... Our hotel was located close to the Takarazuka Theater which hosts nightly performances of an all-female musical theater troupe comprised of six groups numbering a total of 400 members (graduates of the esteemed Takarazuka Music School).…
December 8, 2018: Architecture of Japan!
December 7, 2018:
We cannot move to Japan. One in every three girls you find cute. Akemi (December 6, 2018 - Tokyo) Well, we're back home and settled. Ish. I fell asleep at 1:30 a.m. last night. Woke up two hours later, took a Benadryl, and slept in until 10:00 a.m. Hopefully, tonight, I'll be able to sleep…
December 6, 2018: Back in T.O.!
The trip back was surprisingly smooth sailing (in so far as we actually flew rather than sailed). The flight left on time, Akemi and I slept through the first 6-7 hours, then we woke up and watched a movie: Sex and the City and Three Identical Strangers. I leave you to figure out which of…
December 6, 2018: Homeward-bound!
A quickie blog entry today as we are in the airport, waiting to board, much relieved we got Akemi's PR card in time because it would have been a major hassle getting home without it. Our only other option would have been a 28 hours flight to Buffalo followed by a two hour drive to…
December 5, 2018: Tokyo Day #5!
With time running down on this Japan trip, I'm trying to make the most of the day and a half I have left. As a result, today was packed full o' fun. First up, was a trip to Roppongi and a visit to the Mori Art Museum where I took not one, not two, but…
December 4, 2018: Tokyo Day #4!
I woke up this morning feeling as though I'd gargled glass shards, leading me to believe either: a) I was coming down with something or, b) Someone had tampered with my bedside water bottle. After clearing the water bottle, it became apparent that I was, in fact, suffering from some sort of nose and throat…
December 3, 2018: Tokyo Day #3!
Another whirlwind day in Tokyo following yesterday's Osaka to Nara to Kyoto to Tokyo jaunt. We now have approximately two and a half days to squeeze in: Harajuku, Omotesando, Roppongi, Naka-Meguro, and Akihabara. Looks like Odaiba, Toyosu, and Kichijoji will have to wait until next time. Akemi has been hankering for some vegetables and so,…
December 2, 2018: Nara Day 1!
On our last night in Osaka, we met up for dinner with Akemi's old university friend, Ayaka, for some long overdue yakitori. The girls had a great time catching up while I just tried my best to KEEP up. Fortunately, on the occasions when the conversation went over my head, there was the food to…