bakuhatsu

two days ago, a spa in shibuya exploded because of a methane leak, killing three people. today, spas all around japan are reviewing their technology to ensure the public that this centuries old pasttime is indeed safe. i think in america, people would be too busy trying to place blame on someone and filing lawsuits and all that instead.

just a thought.

quick updates

i've come to the sad realization that after nearly nine months in japan, i've managed to completely neglect this blog. i will regret that when i ultimately move home and want to relive my experiences out here. so what have i been doing?

1. went home mid-may to watch a warriors playoff game against the jazz. my dad scored some luxury suite tix. they lost. otherwise, my trip home was amazing and everything i could've ever hoped for.
2. my company is currently under government imposed sanctions for its shady business practices. however, i still have a job, am still getting paid, and will soon be transferred, most likely to shimbashi.
3. lots of friends out here are moving and stuff. slightly sad, but good to see them going places with their lives.
   
4. went to the budweiser bar in shimbashi. very weird, in that creepy japanese way. the geek side of me tells me that it may be one of the most interesting places in tokyo to do an ethnography.
   
5. babysat my dad for two weeks. fun but exhausting. got re-interested in golf.
   
6. studying almost daily for the GRE's, which i will take in august. i'm also trying to do some more recreational reading since i realized how not ready i am for the verbal section.
   
7. finalizing where i will apply for phd programs for fall 2008 admission. all in california. and i've made a firm decision to move home around june 2008.
8. went to ashes & snow out in odaiba last weekend. the building was awesome. the photography was...stunning seems like the most correct word. still trying to organize my thoughts though about the entire exhibit. something about it was just a bit too...exotic.
9. still loving japanese food. but starting to branch out. found a pho restaurant. and the indian food here is bomb.
   
10. will visit home again in september. see you in vegas.