Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Springtime for Feitclub
OK, truth be told, it's still cold and miserable here in Albany but free ice cream means spring has come. Behold, a new video has bloomed for you!
つづく... (Click here to read more)
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The Pieces Fit
Wasting time between classes right now, so there's no better time to issue a challenge to my readers.
This Flash game is simple in concept: place the 50 states, one at a time, onto the map of the US. The game gives you a little leeway but if you're off by too much, it tells you so. How well can you do this? Some luck is involved, since the coastal states are a lot easier to eyeball than, say, Iowa. I haven't yet achieved a "perfect" score, but I get pretty close. Mako tried it once and managed around 75%, not bad for a foreigner. Surely all Americans can outdo her, right?
Right?
つづく... (Click here to read more)
This Flash game is simple in concept: place the 50 states, one at a time, onto the map of the US. The game gives you a little leeway but if you're off by too much, it tells you so. How well can you do this? Some luck is involved, since the coastal states are a lot easier to eyeball than, say, Iowa. I haven't yet achieved a "perfect" score, but I get pretty close. Mako tried it once and managed around 75%, not bad for a foreigner. Surely all Americans can outdo her, right?
Right?
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Monday, April 16, 2007
Back Burner Post
It frustrates me as much as anyone when I realize how often I neglect this little web project of mine. So all I can do is drop in from time to time and write something, however short, to keep a record of what's up.
School is school, without much emotional impact as of late. All of my attention is focused on the future. I suppose that's not the worst thing in the world, as I tended to get all worried about certain homework assignments. Call it "Senioritis" if you must but I'm kinda OK with it. Just this past week I completed a reasonably "long term" project for Japanese class. It was a presentation in Japanese (duh), more specifically a guidebook to the Albany area. I wasn't too thrilled with what I had written but I finished strong by showing a slightly-altered version of my natto movie. which drew some chuckles from the students and the teacher.
There was one crazy surprise at school this week. It was revealed to me that our school sends two students each year to Wenzhou to teach English for three weeks. It's a free flight with a free room and free food, so even though I don't speak any Chinese at all I couldn't help but sign up. I probably won't get picked but if I didn't write my name on that piece of paper I would have regretted it. Plus, it would be great experience for my upcoming job in Japan.
I went to a doctor for the physical/X-ray in order to get clearance for the JET Programme. There were no real surprises since I wasn't sick, and while I have gained weight since I returned from Japan last year, it actually wasn't nearly as much as I had feared. Sadly, I didn't get any taller. Certain people in my life (who will remain nameless) often insist that I continue to grow each time they see me. Deep inside I like to believe they can see something that I can't, but the facts don't lie.
I should use this video camera for more blogging segments. It's been too long. I get plenty of mileage out of it from chatting every morning (plus last night I actually chatted with my friends in Westchester) but the video logging side of it should not be neglected.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
School is school, without much emotional impact as of late. All of my attention is focused on the future. I suppose that's not the worst thing in the world, as I tended to get all worried about certain homework assignments. Call it "Senioritis" if you must but I'm kinda OK with it. Just this past week I completed a reasonably "long term" project for Japanese class. It was a presentation in Japanese (duh), more specifically a guidebook to the Albany area. I wasn't too thrilled with what I had written but I finished strong by showing a slightly-altered version of my natto movie. which drew some chuckles from the students and the teacher.
There was one crazy surprise at school this week. It was revealed to me that our school sends two students each year to Wenzhou to teach English for three weeks. It's a free flight with a free room and free food, so even though I don't speak any Chinese at all I couldn't help but sign up. I probably won't get picked but if I didn't write my name on that piece of paper I would have regretted it. Plus, it would be great experience for my upcoming job in Japan.
I went to a doctor for the physical/X-ray in order to get clearance for the JET Programme. There were no real surprises since I wasn't sick, and while I have gained weight since I returned from Japan last year, it actually wasn't nearly as much as I had feared. Sadly, I didn't get any taller. Certain people in my life (who will remain nameless) often insist that I continue to grow each time they see me. Deep inside I like to believe they can see something that I can't, but the facts don't lie.
I should use this video camera for more blogging segments. It's been too long. I get plenty of mileage out of it from chatting every morning (plus last night I actually chatted with my friends in Westchester) but the video logging side of it should not be neglected.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Back in the Fridge
Possibly the freezer; it's supposed to snow Thursday!
I have returned to Albany and I must admit, I have lost a lot of "oomph" as far as my academic responsibilities are concerned. Don't worry, I'm not foolish enough to endanger my recent job placement. I just can't quite commit the same amount of eagerness to tasks which I know to be unrewarding. I'm in the midst of writing some kind of "guidebook to Albany" in Japanese. The last time I explained this assignment to Mako she flatly looked at me like I was crazy, asking "Why would you do that?" I have no idea, frankly. But I've got to write something.
However, I'm always on the lookout for alternate ideas. Tonight I attended a speech from an alumnus in the State Dept who told us about employment opportunities abroad. It may prove to be a less-than-ideal position for me, as their officers apparently have to move every few years. Since I love Japan and the Japanese language, that would mean I'd spend a majority of my career dreaming of another country. But that's no reason not to listen to alternate ideas. Plus, there were free snacks!
つづく... (Click here to read more)
I have returned to Albany and I must admit, I have lost a lot of "oomph" as far as my academic responsibilities are concerned. Don't worry, I'm not foolish enough to endanger my recent job placement. I just can't quite commit the same amount of eagerness to tasks which I know to be unrewarding. I'm in the midst of writing some kind of "guidebook to Albany" in Japanese. The last time I explained this assignment to Mako she flatly looked at me like I was crazy, asking "Why would you do that?" I have no idea, frankly. But I've got to write something.
However, I'm always on the lookout for alternate ideas. Tonight I attended a speech from an alumnus in the State Dept who told us about employment opportunities abroad. It may prove to be a less-than-ideal position for me, as their officers apparently have to move every few years. Since I love Japan and the Japanese language, that would mean I'd spend a majority of my career dreaming of another country. But that's no reason not to listen to alternate ideas. Plus, there were free snacks!
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Sunday, April 08, 2007
What a Break!
To look at this blog, one might think I did nothing this week but revel in my JET success while sitting around the apartment alone in New York. That's not true; I left the building several times this week, and not just for food!
On Tuesday I had decided to check out the MoMA while I could still get in for free. In theory, I shouldn't have that option once I graduate, but it's not like my student ID says "Class of 2007" on it. Irregardless, I planned a museum trip and invited Hyde to join me. She agreed (she also gets in for free) and we spent a few hours there checking out the new exhibits. As always, the MoMA defies me to closely re-examine what I consider to be "art" but I definitely saw some intriguing works. One piece by Takashi Murakami caught my eye because it reminded me of the famous Hokusai print featuring a giant wave in front of Mt. Fuji.
After a few hours of modern art we went downtown for some ramen at Minca, my favorite spot (I was overdue for some real Japanese food), and then we just mulled around the neighborhood for a while. It wasn't until after I got back that I learned the good news had arrived. My joy kind of overrode the fun day I had already had and put me in full-on celebration/look-ahead mode. Dad and I had a celebratory meal over at Ariyoshi (Unadon!) which felt extra appropriate.
Wednesday was a rain-soaked waste of a day but Thursday was a busy day. As part of accepting the position with JET, I had to get my fingerprints taken and then I sent them to the FBI for a criminal record check. The funny part is, they say it will take 16-18 weeks to get the results. By that point I'll already be in Japan! Would they really ship me home prematurely if they discovered my horrible secret?*
In the evening Hyde and I met up again for dinner at Veselka followed by a late showing of the horror/comedy The Host. The movie was a lot of fun and sufficiently scary at the same time. I was impressed by the chances the filmmakers took as far as monster movies go. As a non-spoiler, I would point out their decision to clearly show the monster throughout the film in a complete reversal of conventions in the genre. You don't need to show creatures jumping out of dark corners to scare the audience, as Hyde will happily confirm.
But Friday was the real kicker of the week: I met up with my friends in Westchester and we caught the double feature madness of the Grindhouse. The film far and away exceeded my sky-high expectations, which is hard to believe. I won't get into details because anything I might reveal would make the movie that much less enjoyable. I strongly urge anyone at all interested in the film to see it soon with a crowd; the group response to the more outrageous elements of the picture(s) is worth the price of admission alone. It won't be the same if you rent it six months from now, I promise.
Saturday turned into a surprise outing to New Jersey when my sister gave me a lift. With my father otherwise occupied I suggested an impromptu visit to Mitsuwa across the river for a day of Japanese shopping and foodstuffs. Salena had never been and I hadn't made the journey in at least six years, so it was a great time. Lunch was great and being surrounded by Japanese products (and people) got me all the more jazzed about going back there this summer.
My break is nearly over. I knew the week would fly by, but did it have to be so cold? At least I got out of Albany for a stretch - imagine how much frostier it must be up there.
*Horrible secret not guaranteed to exist.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
On Tuesday I had decided to check out the MoMA while I could still get in for free. In theory, I shouldn't have that option once I graduate, but it's not like my student ID says "Class of 2007" on it. Irregardless, I planned a museum trip and invited Hyde to join me. She agreed (she also gets in for free) and we spent a few hours there checking out the new exhibits. As always, the MoMA defies me to closely re-examine what I consider to be "art" but I definitely saw some intriguing works. One piece by Takashi Murakami caught my eye because it reminded me of the famous Hokusai print featuring a giant wave in front of Mt. Fuji.
After a few hours of modern art we went downtown for some ramen at Minca, my favorite spot (I was overdue for some real Japanese food), and then we just mulled around the neighborhood for a while. It wasn't until after I got back that I learned the good news had arrived. My joy kind of overrode the fun day I had already had and put me in full-on celebration/look-ahead mode. Dad and I had a celebratory meal over at Ariyoshi (Unadon!) which felt extra appropriate.
Wednesday was a rain-soaked waste of a day but Thursday was a busy day. As part of accepting the position with JET, I had to get my fingerprints taken and then I sent them to the FBI for a criminal record check. The funny part is, they say it will take 16-18 weeks to get the results. By that point I'll already be in Japan! Would they really ship me home prematurely if they discovered my horrible secret?*
In the evening Hyde and I met up again for dinner at Veselka followed by a late showing of the horror/comedy The Host. The movie was a lot of fun and sufficiently scary at the same time. I was impressed by the chances the filmmakers took as far as monster movies go. As a non-spoiler, I would point out their decision to clearly show the monster throughout the film in a complete reversal of conventions in the genre. You don't need to show creatures jumping out of dark corners to scare the audience, as Hyde will happily confirm.
But Friday was the real kicker of the week: I met up with my friends in Westchester and we caught the double feature madness of the Grindhouse. The film far and away exceeded my sky-high expectations, which is hard to believe. I won't get into details because anything I might reveal would make the movie that much less enjoyable. I strongly urge anyone at all interested in the film to see it soon with a crowd; the group response to the more outrageous elements of the picture(s) is worth the price of admission alone. It won't be the same if you rent it six months from now, I promise.
Saturday turned into a surprise outing to New Jersey when my sister gave me a lift. With my father otherwise occupied I suggested an impromptu visit to Mitsuwa across the river for a day of Japanese shopping and foodstuffs. Salena had never been and I hadn't made the journey in at least six years, so it was a great time. Lunch was great and being surrounded by Japanese products (and people) got me all the more jazzed about going back there this summer.
My break is nearly over. I knew the week would fly by, but did it have to be so cold? At least I got out of Albany for a stretch - imagine how much frostier it must be up there.
*Horrible secret not guaranteed to exist.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
WIN
Words fail me.
I don't know what more to say about this. Just play the victory sound and mark your calendars - I leave on July 28th.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Congratulations! It is our great pleasure to inform you that you have successfully passed the second stage of the screening process and are now on the final short-list of Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) candidates for the 2007 JET Program. You are now scheduled for placement in a Contracting Organization, which is possible in almost all cases.I got the job. The job that will bring me back to Japan. The job I went back to college to get. The job I've wanted for the past five years.
I don't know what more to say about this. Just play the victory sound and mark your calendars - I leave on July 28th.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Monday, April 02, 2007
April Serious Day
We all know what this day means - it's my third anniversary on the blogosphere. No fooling.
Not a lot has changed this past year although plenty of things have happened. It's hard to imagine that it's been so long since I was in Japan since the memories are so vividly in the forefront of my mind. Reading back over my posts around this time last year, I noticed how anxious I felt about the immediate future of my relationship with Mako and how her family felt about us. One year later, I certainly feel much more secure in where we stand as a couple and I know her family is reasonably fond of me. At this point my anxiety has moved on to the distant future of our relationship as I await the results of my JET Programme interview. Will I get the job? If so, will I be near Mako or not? What will we do about that?
Eh, enough of that. I'm in New York for the week after a relaxing Westchester weekend with friends. Dylan and I had a long conversation today where we tried to put our finger on exactly what factors make social situations uncomfortable or enjoyable. Likewise, we wondered what qualities in people elicit those feelings. It proved harder to rationalize than I would have expected. In the meantime, I look forward to a week of great food, a possible trip to a museum, a kick-ass movie this Friday, and the long-awaiting start of another baseball season - all in my favorite city on Earth.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Not a lot has changed this past year although plenty of things have happened. It's hard to imagine that it's been so long since I was in Japan since the memories are so vividly in the forefront of my mind. Reading back over my posts around this time last year, I noticed how anxious I felt about the immediate future of my relationship with Mako and how her family felt about us. One year later, I certainly feel much more secure in where we stand as a couple and I know her family is reasonably fond of me. At this point my anxiety has moved on to the distant future of our relationship as I await the results of my JET Programme interview. Will I get the job? If so, will I be near Mako or not? What will we do about that?
Eh, enough of that. I'm in New York for the week after a relaxing Westchester weekend with friends. Dylan and I had a long conversation today where we tried to put our finger on exactly what factors make social situations uncomfortable or enjoyable. Likewise, we wondered what qualities in people elicit those feelings. It proved harder to rationalize than I would have expected. In the meantime, I look forward to a week of great food, a possible trip to a museum, a kick-ass movie this Friday, and the long-awaiting start of another baseball season - all in my favorite city on Earth.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
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