Snaps

I've been trying to do writing exercises regularly. Sometimes I post them here. Lately I've been participating in Sarah Salway's "Snaps" over on her blog. The goal is to write a 50 word story based on a photo. It's been a good way to stretch the writing muscles, and I've really enjoyed Sarah's creativity while stirring my own. So take a peek over there if you haven't already! And if you've the inkling, try your hand at a Snap :)

Pigeon: Impossible

Supremely amusing. The curiosity of pigeons will ruin us all!

Healthy Eating

Most of us can agree that fresh fruits and veggies are a good thing. Here's a neat post I stumbled across today that gives even more incentive to indulge in natural goodness, as well as clue us in on how to remember the specific benefits of each.

The picture and explanation about figs made me giggle.

That is all.

Pocky!

Brother-dearest, you crazy zombie-lover, this is for you.

I don't know why, but this commercial amuses me to no end.

A Life Without Left Turns

Every once in a while, it’s nice to read a charming story of remembrance. A thanks goes out to my mother-in-law, who originally brought this article to my attention.

Mario Kart

This clip is for those of you who have fond memories of Mario Kart, whether it be nostalgic or consisting of fierce head-to-head combat in the bid for roommate superiority. I will never forget the sound of shells dropping, cries of outrage, and *ping*ing of airsoft gun pellets floating up from the basement of the Del Clair house in my attempts to drop in on my fiance-now-husband. It's clear that the spirit of competition lives on to this day.

Under the Sea

Now don’t get me wrong… I have nothing against cats. In all actuality, I’m rather fond of them. And as I hear tell, the person who owns a certain orange and white kitty also likes them. Nevertheless, this video is incredibly hilarious and makes me glad I haven’t yet had the dubious pleasure of washing a member of the feline persuasion. Make sure you read the member’s explanation of how this particular adventure came about before letting it offend your moral sensibilities.

Ninja Algorithm March

This has got to be one of my favorite things to watch on Mondays when the children’s show “Pitagora Suicchi” (also known as Pythagorean Switch) airs. It’s just fascinating.

The fact that this particular clip features ninjas just makes it that much better. I predict it will be forcibly taken down from YouTube before too long, so enjoy it while it lasts!

dangerous to talk to kyle about ninja it is, hooked you become

Taco Town

Oh SNL, you are brilliant.

I remember the lunch runs to Taco Bell during my college days, thanks to its winning combination of cheap, decent-tasting fare and a close location that made walking there, ordering, walking back to the Green Room, and eating in 50 short minutes possible.

And as strange as some of the combinations could be, the double-up menu was nice for those of us who couldn’t decide which lone pseudo-Mexican dish we desired that day.

From Iraq

I hardly care to read anything about the war in Iraq anymore. Just about everything I come across, be it an article or an interview, is too steeped in political angling (from both supporters and critics) to carry much credibility with me.

That’s why this TIME article is so refreshing. It’s an account by a Marine officer who is actually stationed in Fallujah, giving an honest glimpse into the life of the soldiers stationed there by one of their own. He does a good job of balancing humor with the seriousness of what’s going on.

Political agendas are so tiresome. I’m glad to be reminded about why I pray for the situation in that area of the world.

Thanks to Todd for linking to it on his blog.

Blip

Deleted a post. Didn't feel like it successfully communicated what I wanted it to, so I'll try again later.

Microcredit

If you have a moment, wander on over to this cool article about the winner of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

The best ideas are the ones born out of compassion.

Asp Accolades

After reading this post, I felt compelled to break my code of silence and encourage the author in his future writing endeavors. Once I did that, it only seemed right to bring what has become one of my favorite pieces to the attention of my own faithful readers.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The New Japan

I found an interesting article today about immigration in Japan. Although we personally have no plans to apply for naturalization, we have certainly seen the lack of foreign support inherent in the society as a whole. Things like signing up for cell phones and the internet, purchasing a car, even finding a place to live are incredibly difficult without the support of someone, be it friend or company, who is indeed Japanese.

I don’t mean to sound arrogant, as if the nation has to get down on its hands and knees and cater to foreigners. I believe those who move to a foreign country have a responsibility to spend time and effort learning the language, government processes, and rules of their new home. But I also think that it’s necessary to have structures in place that will assist these efforts, especially if the nation begins to rely heavily upon these immigrants for their economic well-being.

At the very least, pave the way in legislation that allows the immigrant groups themselves to support each other effectively and without governmental hindrance. It would be a step in the right direction, which is anywhere away from the "gaijin may be in Japan, but they're not part of Japan" mindset.

Sadly, second-class citizenship is not a thing of the past. It can even be found in the teacher's room of a junior high school.

Hokkaido & Sushi

Soon we will be embarking on a much anticipated vacation to the northern island of Hokkaido. We’ve been surprised at the number of people we’ve come across who, despite having lived their entire lives in Japan, have never visited a place that holds 6 national parks all by its lonesome.

Then again, the fact that traveling within Japan can easily be 2 or 3 times more expensive than going to a foreign country might have something to do with our findings. This might also explain why all of our friends almost seem more excited about our pending excursion than we are.

When we do find that rare person who has spent time in Hokkaido, we always ask what the best thing about their trip was. 9 times out of 10 the answer is, “The food!”

And so, in the spirit of Hokkaido’s reputation for excellent cuisine and insanely fresh ingredients, please enjoy this parody, er, introduction on how to properly eat sushi.

Let the hilarity ensue.

Funk'll Get'cha

Christopher Walken is the only Weapon of Choice.

He has taught us to never be ashamed to bust a move. I know I can’t be the only one out there who gets the urge to dance and leap down every hallway full of mirrors I come across.

McDonald's Girl

Dakara’s jingle is no longer stuck in my head, although I still periodically charm a “Waah!’ from my husband out of principle. He’s the one who ultimately lodged it there to begin with, after all. It’s been replaced by a much more annoying number. Thanks a lot, Harvard University a cappella choir group “Din and Tonics”. My eternal gratitude is yours.

Truth be told, they weren’t half bad (musically speaking… quite good really), while their over-the-top performance reminded me of just how easily I’m vicariously embarrassed for the sake of others. I ended up wincing a lot and not looking at the stage. It only stands to reason that you focus a lot more on the music when you’re staring at the back of your eyelids or the hair of the VIP sitting in front of you.

When songs are well done, that’s cool, but it also makes you susceptible to the planting of certain whimsical ditties on a subconscious level ‘til the day you realize what exactly you’ve been humming under your breath for uncountable hours.

Oh Barenaked Ladies, if only I’d attended one of your concerts, I’d have known about the existence of this McDonald’s girl long ago. Or, you know, used your search engine before now.

Dakara

This little gem was shown on the television incessantly for at least 2 weeks straight. Thankfully, its replacement isn’t nearly as charming, nor does it do the trademark song any justice whatsoever.

In case you’re wondering, the animation is from an old-school anime series called “Galaxy Express 999”, considered a classic in these parts and beloved by many.

And yes, the best part is the “Waah!”. Try singing it to your spouse* sometime. It’ll grow on them before too long, and eventually they might join in with you.

*This only works with a significant other, being too cute for other kinds of relationships. Just trust me on this.

Quench Your Thirst

... or something like that.

For all those interested in watching one of the coolest Gatorade commercials to occupy a microscopic portion of my still-functioning memory, this entry is for you.

If you're one of those people who would rather not see an actual sumo wrestler (as opposed to movie and WWF imitations), there is nothing for you here.

In other news, Asashoryu is Da Man. When you have 17 championship titles under your belt, which means you have successfully slapped, pushed, pulled, and thrown very large men out of the ring at least 221 times in your top-tier career, you need no other reason.

Dance Dance Evolution

Watch this. I promise it's entertaining and well worth sitting through the obligatory 30 second Netflix commercial.