31 December 2010
review the year 2010 part 2
The beginning of the year 2010, I declared 5 resolutions that I would do in 2010. It's final day of the year 2010, then I think it's good time to look back all these things. So, here's my 5 resolutions.
1. I will read over 100 books in this year!
Last week, I could clear this resolution. Finally, I've read 103 books in this year. Including one written in English ("The Pursuit of Happyness") and 11 e-books. I could get interested in to Japanese history these days. So, I might read much more about history next year.
2. I will new things!
Fortunately, I could start many things in this year. I could join the art event that I'd never joined. I could learn about photo printing, another programming and so on. I'm still working on this such as Kinect and iPhone app.
3. I will improve my language skills!I think, it's tough to measure it. But I could marked the highest score on TOEIC in September. And I could read many many Japanese books. So, I think I could do this in this year. Of course, I need to keep doing this.
4. I will be morning person!
I think, I could do this until my summer vacation. But now...
I'm so lazy right now. I hope I will be able to become morning person...
5. I will keep posting this blog!
Well, I'm writing this article so... That means I'm keep posting my blog yet.
I think, I could do 5 of 4 from my 2010 resolutions. And I felt I need to specify more. Then I will declare my resolutions for the year 2011 more specified one, I believe.
Well, I could enjoy the year 2010, because I had a lot of exciting things. I could met many powerful and ardent people in this year. Also, these people could boost my motivation, and I could start and keep things that I want to do.
The summer was hot, but it was not only the weather, I felt. I hope I could be a person who have good influence to many people. So, I should learn a lot, try hard and so on.
How did you spend your year 2010?
Thank you and have a great new year!
良いお年を！
30 December 2010
review 2010
Well, I had a lot of things this year. And I had really nice year. I've already posted 231 articles this year until yesterday. As I wrote last year, I'm still using Google Analytics to check visitors, popular posts, where visitors came from and so on. Today I'll write about TOP 5 articles that earned pageviews this year (1st January to 29th December), and TOP 5 countries/territories the visitors came from.
TOP 5 articles of 2010
1. "I installed google's input support system"
2. "1Q84 book3"
3. "illy's canned coffee"
4. "Toshocard"
5. "Pokemon Shinkansen"
5. "life in additional time"
5. "ryomaden final"
Of course, the highest pageviews of landing page was top page and marked 2,898 pageviews in this period.
TOP 5 countries/territories the visitors came from
1. Japan
2. United States of America
3. India
4. Canada
5. South Korea
Totally, visitors came from 91 countries/territories. Thank you so much.
29 December 2010
Go overseas
Seriously, I need to submit my graduation thesis until Feb., then I cannot go abroad until then. Now, I'm planning to go trip in Feb. or in March. I'm planning to go Seoul. And after that I will go London.
Unfortunately, I couldn't take much time to check some tours yet. I wish I can reserve these trips as soon as possible. I took my passport in 2006, so there's no problem to take much time to take passport anymore. If you have any suggestion, please tell me.
Thank you
28 December 2010
4-color ballpoint pen
Last year, my friend suggested me one multicolor ball point pen. That was LAMY's Lamy 2000. I was thinking about this pen about a year. I wish I could buy it, but it's expensive for me... The price was about 6,000 JPY (about 73 USD) at that time.
But I felt the time has come. I ordered this one on Amazon.co.jp as my Christmas present for me. lol
I've received this ballpoint pen before noon. So, I couldn't take much time to use this one, but I felt it's useful and cool. There's only one cap, but control all 4 colors in this cap. It's really cool. But I felt it's bit thick to write in limited area. I think, I can change this one into thinner one. Anyway, I like this multicolor ballpoint pen.
Thank you.
27 December 2010
Cycling with friends
It was wonderful weather today, but it's so cold. I was planning to go cycling today with my friends. We were planning to start from our college, over a pass and get to lake. Then came back to our college in different way. We started at about 11.30 and came back to the college at about 15.30. Of course, we took rest at the cafe near the lake. I think, we stayed there more than an hour.
I forgot to record how long it was, but I think the cafe near lake was about 17 km (about 10.6 miles) away from our college. Totally, we ride our bicycle about 43 km (about 26.7 miles) today, I think. (I should reset my cycle computer before we start...)
So, it was really interesting day. I didn't have a chance to go cycling these days, so it's good for me. Also, I felt I should change my tire when I go cycling to such place. Now I'm using 700x32c tire which means 700mm diameter of wheel and 32mm width of the tire. The problem is the tire's width is 32mm. It's too wide for road bike, and not suitable for over a pass, I felt. I wish I can change my bicycle tire as soon as possible. But I like this tire because it's suitable for my daily use. My friends were using 700x23c.
Anyway, I also forgot to take some photos during my cycling today. Then I couldn't upload them... The photo on top is our bicycles, but the photo include jiggle. I think, it's not good photo... I'll take more photos next time.
Thank you.
26 December 2010
The final M-1 Grand Prix
The week before last, Yoshimoto Kogyo(吉本興業) and Asahi Broadcasting Corporation (朝日放送) announced the "M-1 Grand Prix" would end in this year. So, this year's "M-1 Grand Prix" is final M-1 Grand Prix.
Of course, I watched this. I was rooting for Waraimeshi (笑い飯), because it was their 10th challenge for M-1 Grand Prix. They have listed in the final since 2002. Which means they nominated to the final for 9 years. But they couldn't win until this year. I felt their performance that they performed last year was so great, but they couldn't win.
So, this year's result...
Waraimeshi (笑い飯) won the final M-1 Grand Prix! They finally did it! I'm so happy. But I miss the M-1 Grand Prix because we cannot see the 11th M-1 Grand Prix forever...
Thank you.
25 December 2010
This is it
The programme started at 7pm. According to the TV programme lists, the programme would end at 11pm. I felt it's too long for "this is it". But I started to watch it from 7pm.
So, first 90 minutes was not "this is it". It was just show. There were some cast and they were talking about Michael Jackson. I think, they should be dancers or musicians, but they were not dancers nor musicians...
Well, first 90 minutes was so boring for me because I know most of the stories that they were talking.
Anyway, I felt the film was great. But if I could I wanted watch his live! Of course, we cannot do that forever...
Thank you.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
24 December 2010
Let's track Santa Claus!
It's Christmas Eve! Tonight Santa Claus works so hard to deliver gifts to children all over the world, I think. Anyway, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) have been tracking him since 1955.
I think, they are great because they are treating children's fancy story in earnest. Last year, Google and NORAD teamed up to track him. And this year too. They teamed up once again.
They will start to track him from 16.00 (JST). You can check where Santa Claus is on google maps, google earth and NORAD Tracks Santa page. I heard we can check where Santa Claus is on you mobile devices using mobile google map. Search "Santa" on google maps. Let's enjoy their tracking! lol
Thank you.
23 December 2010
Winter holidays
Well, I'm thinking about my blog. And I decided that I will change my update days. I was updating my blog every weekday of Japan as I wrote on "about MaSaYa's days" page. But I change this into "update almost everyday" that means I will update my blog much more than before. But I think, I cannot update everyday because sometimes I had a lot of things to do and I cannot prepare my time for my blog. Then I wrote update "almost" everyday. I hope I can update my blog as many as possible.
Thank you.
21 December 2010
Raining on the total lunar eclipse
I heard some people in Sapporo (札幌) could enjoy the astronomical show. They say that the lunar turned red.
I hope I can enjoy that astronomical show in next time.
Thank you.
20 December 2010
examination
I'm studying in unique college, I think. Many people even Japanese don't know about this. It's a little different from usual universities and colleges. I need to pass the examination that about my major to earn the bachelor's degree. Before the examination I needed to send report for review. They will make an examination based on the report.
I was so nervous before the examination because I didn't know how difficult the examination is. But after I started the examination, I felt it's OK because the examination looked not so difficult for me. I think, I could do the examination well. I need to wait the result for several months. I hope the result will be good for me.
Thank you.
10 December 2010
暑
BTW, I have an important news today. I'll have very important examination on 19th December. And now I'm preparing for that examination. I'm studying for that examination, but I want to focus on that examination much more than this week. So, I decided that I'm not going to post next week. I will be back on 20th December, maybe...
Thank you.
09 December 2010
Welcome to unhealthy world?
So, we will be able to order burger from our house such as pizza. But I think it's not good for our health...
Thank you
08 December 2010
ustream
Do you know Ustream? It's online video streaming site. I could know about this web site at the beginning of this year. I made my channel, but usually I don't broadcast from that channel...
Anyway, some musicians started to use Ustream, and stream their live performance via Ustream. For example, Ryuichi Sakamoto (坂本龍一) who is Japanese musician are now streaming his live performance "UTAU tour 2010" with Taeko Onuki (大貫妙子). I sometimes watch their performance via ustream, and I wish I could go their live someday.
Another musician Hikaru Utada (宇多田ヒカル) will stream her live performance via Ustream from 19.00 (JST). So, she will perform in Yokohama Arena and stream it via ustream within 30 minutes. You can watch her performance at "http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wl1". So if you have a time, you should watch it! Of course, I will watch it!
Thank you.
07 December 2010
Ebizo
But after the bar brawl that happened on 25th November, Shochiku which provide most of Kabuki performances in Japan decided that he will be in unlimited suspension. That means I need to wait his back. I heard he has already gotten out of the hospital, then I wish he will come back to the Kabuki world and perform again soon!
Thank you.
06 December 2010
NHK meets YouTube?
Good news from NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). According to some news sources, NHK started to upload some of their programmes to YouTube officially. Well, their were no such TV stations in Japan that to upload their own programmes to YouTube officially. I think, it's good news because we can watch their programmes online for free.
I hope other stations will upload their programmes to web. I don't think these fee must be free, but I hope they will upload their programmes at affordable price and user-friendly way.
Oops, I found that NHK now providing their programmes that uploaded to YouTube are viewable only in Japan...
Thank you.
03 December 2010
World Cup 2018 and 2022
Anyway, Russia will host 2018 FIFA World Cup and Qatar will host 2022 FIFA World Cup. I hope Japan national team could win and get the ticket to both World Cup!
Thank you.
02 December 2010
Grammy nominees
Well, I just surprised when I heard that Japanese musician Tak Matsumoto nominated to 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.
He is guitarist of Japanese hard rock duo "B'z". I like their music, but I like his guitar play so much. I took much time to check which award that Tak Matsumoto nominated, but he nominated to Best Pop Instrumental Album. I hope he would win that award!
Thank you.
01 December 2010
buzzwords 2010
"いい質問ですね〜(Ii shitsumon desune)" It's a nice question!
The Japanese journalist Akira Ikegami(池上彰) got popular in this year. He told viewers news simply on TV. Many TV stations invited him to give an explanation about news on their TV stations. At that time, he used to use "It's nice question!" when someone asked him the good question.
"イクメン(Ikumen)" men who actively take care of their children
Japanese corporate employees are rarely to take absence for their children. The Japanese government think this problem seriously and aim to increase corporate employees (male) who take absence for their children until 2017. The word is similar to the word "イケメン(Ikemen)" which means nice looking guy.
"AKB48"
AKB48 is Japanese idol group. All of the members are female and they are produced by Yasushi Akimoto.
"女子会(Joshi kai)" Girl's party
The party which hold with girls. (there's no boys...)
"脱小沢(Datsu Ozawa)" except Ozawa
Ozawa is Ichiro Ozawa. After the presidential election that hold in September, Ichiro Ozawa's political power got decreased because the Kan cabinet don't want to bring his political power to their cabinet.
"食べる辣油(Taberu Rayu)" chunky chili oil
The chunky chili oil got popular and huge hit in Japan.
"ととのいました(totonoimashita)" it's set
Japanese comedian W colon got popular. They got famous with word "It's set". It's a canned word of Japanese riddle(謎掛け:なぞかけ) they say this word when they are ready.
"〜なう(〜now)" Now, I'm -ing/at somewhere.
I don't think many people are using this word, but according to their judgement Twitter users tend to use word "〜なう". They use this word when twitter user want to declare where he/she is or what he/she is doing.
"無縁社会(muen shakai)" unrelated society
It's the title of NHK's campaign programmes. The programmes were about missing aged people. You can check more about this problem from my old post "What's going on Japan?". Well, I didn't watch that programmes, and I heard this word first time...
And the grand prix was...
"ゲゲゲの〜(gegege no~)" Gegege's something
I know that NHK's morning drama "ゲゲゲの女房(Gegege no nyobo: Gegege's housewife)" earned audience rate, but I've never met people who are using the word "ゲゲゲの(Gegege no)" in usual. Well, I don't think it's buzzwords...
Thank you.
30 November 2010
The eco-points
Well, I don't have any plan to buy something that are selling in these electronics retailers, then I didn't go to these shops these days... There were many customers in electronics retailers, because the eco-points will be down by half from tomorrow.
The eco-points is the Japanese government's policy to boost the purchase of eco-friendly home electronics goods such as digital TVs and air-conditioners. I think, many people bought these electronics goods and got the eco-points.
Thank you.
29 November 2010
Ryomaden final
Ryomaden is the story about Ryoma Sakamoto(坂本龍馬) who realised Taiseihoukan(大政奉還) which Tokugawa shogun returned his political power to the emperor. It was the story in end of Edo era(江戸時代), in 1867. I think, he is one of the most famous contributor who made modern Japan.
BTW, I think I watched all of episodes of the Ryomaden (of course, I sometimes recorded when I had another schedule). This is my first time to watch whole story of the period drama. I was not interested in history before, but these days I could change my mind. Now I'm so interested in history especially between end of Edo era and end of World War 2. Then I could enjoy the period drama for this year.
Yesterday, they broadcasted the final episode of Ryomaden. Of course, I watched it on TV. Some people say the breaking news telop that about the election was really annoying, but I think it's all right because there are no choice. They are national public broadcasting organization, and that was their duty, I think.
Anyway, I hope the period drama for next year will be interesting one.
Thank you.
26 November 2010
AOZORA photo aid exhibition
Last Saturday, I visited Yoyogi park (代々木公園) to see AOZORA photo aid exhibition. I didn't know this event until my friend told me in October. AOZORA photo aid exhibition is out of doors photo exhibition that started in 2006. The photo exhibition hold twice in each year, I heard.
They are selling post card and work, the sales of exhibition is donating to several organizations such as Friendensdorf international. I visited 9th AOZORA photo exhibition. There were many photos and I could meet some photographers there.
I could talk a little with organizer of this photo exhibition. Now, I'm planning to join this event next time. If you interested, please visit their web site from http://www.aozora.us
Thank you.
25 November 2010
the Tsukuba challenge 2010
Last Thursday and Friday, I joined the Tsukuba challenge 2010. It's the real world robot challenge. Autonomous robots run in the real world and to access the goal.
Well, I didn't join the event as developer of the robot, but I joined the event as supporter. My friend developed the robot and optimized it to this event.
This year's course was 1.1 km long. The robot must run whole course safely. There are many pedestrians in the course, then the robot must steer not to collide these pedestrians.
On Thursday's challenge, the robot must pass the check point at 240-meters point to join the Friday's challenge. We had 2 challenge to pass the 240-meters point. Our robot could pass the point at the second challenge. That means our robot could join the Friday's challenge.
On Friday, our robot couldn't pass even the 240-meters point that the robot could pass on Thursday. Our robot couldn't run out, but we could enjoy it. There were many robot with humor and great decoration. Also, 7 team could run out finally. I think, they are great!
If you want to apply the challenge next year, the organizer would hold the Tsukuba challenge again I think, so you should check their web site. You can check these information from http://www.ntf.or.jp/challenge/index.html.
Thank you.
24 November 2010
Too busy to write
Yesterday, I could take time. Then I changed my blog design. How do you think about that?
Thank you.
15 November 2010
Crash
So, I needed to rebuild some code and run them. I spent this weekend to rebuild some codes, run them and gather these data. Mostly I could do that until today's meeting, but I think I needed to gather more data.
Anyway, I've got that I should save some data and codes into external storage as many as possible. Because I cannot access to my codes while I wrote in this two weeks. Also, I should choose 'right' PC. 'Right' PC means not cheap one. I seriously think so now.
Thank you.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
12 November 2010
movie movie movie
I was waiting that the iTunes movie rental will start in Japan. And finally they started their services in Japan too. I've never rental or purchase the movie on iTunes yet. But I will do that soon, I think.
I felt the price is a little expensive than other rental services (not online) such as TSUTAYA (the most famous rental service in Japan). But I think, I will use that because I can watch it anywhere with my iPhone and my MacBook. Maybe, I should buy Apple TV to watch these movies on TV too. lol
I think, I'm swaying by the promotion of Apple. lol
Thank you.
11 November 2010
11th November
11th November is the day of Pocky and Pretz. Pocky and Pretz are both Glico's snack. They are promoting that 11th November is "day of Pocky and Pretz". Well, my junior fellows started to collect money to buy Pocky and Pretz. According to them, they want to domino topple and need more Pocky and Pretz.
Finally, they collected more than 10,000 JPY (about 121 USD). They bought 50 boxes of Pretz and 75 boxes of Pocky. That's crazy! lol
You can check the domino topple with these boxes on top. Well, it's funny and I took and edited the video with my iPhone 4.
Also, you can check the video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBSF3ZRBZqc.
Thank you.
10 November 2010
Cocoa vs hot chocolate.
Please tell me the difference, if you know.
Thank you.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
09 November 2010
Design Festa vol.32
Yesterday, I couldn't write about "Design Festa Vol.32" because I couldn't take much time to organize my photos that I took at Design Festa Vol.32. Now I'm ready to post about the "Design Festa Vol.32". Then I'll write about that.
It was first time to join such an art event and I could learn a lot of things. Also, I could talk with many talented people there. I'm studying in electronics engineering at the college and I've never studied about design or art seriously. And I didn't have any chance to talk or meet with these people until this weekend.
There were many people. Illustrators, photographers, performers, singers, craft potters and so on. I could enjoy to watch these people's works, and talk with these people.
It was first time to join the event, but I felt it's like high-quality giant school festival. Of course, it's not school festival, but there are some college students. Especially, there were some students of art schools. I was so stimulated from these works and now I'm thinking to start something related to these works. Also, if I have chance, I wanna join such events.
Thank you.
08 November 2010
Lotte
Well, I want to write about this, but I couldn't take much time to organize my photos that I took during the event. So, I'm going to write about another thing. "Japan Series".
I wrote about "Japan series" and you can check about that from my last month's article "Nippon Series(http://masaya-09-11.blogspot.com/2010/10/nippon-series.html)". So, if you want to know about that, please check the article.
This weekend game 6 and game 7 were hold in Nagoya dome. Fortunately, both games were broadcasted by Fuji TV. But I couldn't watch both game because I was on the train. I was checking the game on my iPhone while I was waiting for train and while I was riding on the train.
The result was Chiba Lotte Marines won game 7 and became the champion of this year's Japan Series. Well, I'm happy because I was rooting for Chiba Lotte Marines during Japan series. I hope I can watch exciting games next season too!
Thank you.
05 November 2010
Design Festa
The event will be hold in Tokyo Big Sight. And entrance fee is 1,000 JPY (one day pass). If you are in Tokyo and if you have extra time, please visit the event!
More information, please visit Design Festa's official web page from here.
Thank you.
04 November 2010
Tokyo Big Six Baseball League
The final game was Waseda University vs Keio University and that was the first time in 50 years. They are rival and attract the most attention, we call it Sokei-sen (早慶戦). In Waseda University, there is the famous pitcher Yuki Saito (斎藤佑樹) aka the Handkerchief Prince (ハンカチ王子). So, the game attract more attention than just the Sokei-sen(早慶戦). A sell crowd of some 36,000 packed in Tokyo's Jingu Stadium(神宮球場) to watch the game. I felt the game attract more attention than the game of Nippon series that now holding in Chiba.
Well, the Waseda University won the game and became the champion of this season's Tokyo Big Six Baseball League. Anyway, Yuki Saito will play in Nippon Ham Fighters from next season.
Thank you.
02 November 2010
Organizing photos
There are many many printed photos that I took in past several years. Mostly they are photo that I took with my Canon AE-1 old fashioned SLR camera. (of course, it's not digital camera)
When I started to use Nikon's D60 DSLR camera, I became a person who don't print out photos. Because I can check these photos easily with digital devices such as MacBook, iPhone and my camera itself. So, there are not so many printed photos that I took with my DSLR. Then most of printed photos that I have are taken with my SLR camera.
These days, I got some invitations related to art events. (I'll announce one of them on Friday) In such situation, I need to choose photos from my entire photo library. But sometimes, I want to share these printed photos.
There was one big problem that I had.
I didn't organize these printed photos these years... And I felt I need to organize these printed photos. (If I can, I want to digitalize these printed photos, someday)
I believed that I could finish organizing these printed photos soon, but... I started to do that from 21.00, but I'm still working. Well, I need more time to organize all of these photos...
Thank you.
01 November 2010
College festival under the storm
This weekend was my college's festival. I couldn't join the festival on Saturday due to other event, but I heard the festival was halt at noon because of typhoon attack. I went the festival on Sunday. It was raining temporarily, but all of events were hold on schedule, I think.
It was the 42nd college festival, and I heard it was the first time to halt in the history.
Anyway, I could enjoy the festival. The photo on top is the curry that I ate on Sunday. The left one is normal curry and right one is "challenge" curry. The "challenge" curry was extremely hot. I couldn't eat them all... (My friend ate this.) I don't want to try that again... lol
Thank you.
29 October 2010
Nippon Series
I like baseball.(both play it and watch it) But these days many famous players go and try in MLB. Then I don't watch Japan's baseball games these days. And many TV stations are now not broadcasting baseball games even the game of Giants (the most famous Japanese professional baseball team based in Tokyo: aka Yomiuri Giants).
This year's champion of the Pacific League is Chiba Lotte Marines(千葉ロッテマリーンズ) and champion of the Central League is Chunichi Dragons(中日ドラゴンズ). And the Japan Series will start from tomorrow, but there is one big problem. There are no nation-wide TV stations that will broadcast some games. 1st game will start on Saturday in Nagoya Dome, but I don't have any way to watch it on-time. Also the 2nd game too. But 3rd and 4th game will be broadcasted by nation-wide TV station. 5th game will not broadcasted by nation-wide TV stations. 6th and 7th game will be broadcasted by nation-wide TV station.
Well, 3 of 7 games will not be broadcasted by nation-wide TV stations and that means I cannot watch these 3 games on-time...
I heard this is the first time, that there are no nation-wide TV stations that will broadcast the Japan Series...
Well, I don't like Chunichi Dragons, then I will root for Chiba Lotte Marines.
Thank you.
28 October 2010
Mont Blanc
So, it's time for PEPSI's new flavor for limited time in Japan. I tried "Baobab", "Azuki", "Shiso", "White coke" and "Ice cucumber" for this series. Now they made new flavor "Mont Blanc" or I should say "Marron".
I post some articles about PEPSI's new flavor for limited time before and you can check those articles from links below.
"What is Baobab" in June 2010 (PEPSI Baobab)
"PEPSI Azuki" in October 2009 (PEPSI Azuki)
"Pepsi's new taste" in June 2009 (PEPSI Shiso)
"White coke" in October 2008 (PEPSI White)
"Ice cucumber" in June 2007 (PEPSI Ice Cucumber)
Wow, I tried many flavors... But I don't want to try them again.... lol
Anyway, about Mont Blanc. Well, it's not look like pen of course, but it's flavor like mont blanc. In fact, the smell of this one is too sweet and too strong for me... The taste is PEPSI coke.
I think, it was better than I expected, but I don't want to drink it again. I prefer usual one. lol
If you have a chance to try it, you should try it!
Thank you.
27 October 2010
Winter begins?
When I came back yesterday, it was really cold. The weather changed so rapidly, Autumn days went away, and now winter came to us!
Yesterday, Japan Meteorological Agency announced that they observed first cold blast in Tokyo. According to them, the first cold blast in October is for the first time in a decade. The highest temperature of today was nearly 15 degrees (Celsius) and tomorrow it will be 11 degrees (Celsius). Wow, I need jacket for winter.
Thank you.
26 October 2010
Are they serious?
I didn't know that but I found the article that about crazy project. The article released by Japanese constructor Shimizu corporation in March. Shimizu corporation, Super Collaborative Graduate School(スーパー連携大学院) and Nomura securities started to boost the development of Green float. They are planning to build an environmental island floating on the Equatorial pacific in 2025.
I don't know whether such a futuristic island would be realisable. But if they would realise it, I wanna visit there. (not stay for a long time...)
You can get more information about this project from the link below.
Thank you.
25 October 2010
Dear Tokyo Sky Tree
In Tokyo, the new tower building is under construction. "Tokyo Sky Tree" It's located in Sumida, Tokyo. And it will be the world's highest tower building 634m high.
Today, I heard the news that the construction reached the highest point of main tower. I wish I could go there before the construction would be completed, but I couldn't take much time to visit that place yet.
But I accidentally passed around there when I rode the highway with car. I hope I can take photos of Tokyo Sky Tree, not from car soon.
Thank you.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
22 October 2010
Time to change?
Well, I could successfully re-installed Mac OS X into my MacBook, and I think it's working better than before. But sometimes my MacBook still in trouble when connect to the internet via Wi-Fi network. I think, I should bring my MacBook to Apple Store and ask about this problem. And I don't know why, but some software such as Aperture 2 (photo editing software) crashed at start-up. (I should ask about this at Apple Store too)
In such situation, I've got an e-mail from Apple. That's says new MacBook Air unveiled!! First time I saw the price, I surprised. It's 83,800 JPY for students in Japan! I might buy it when I would give up on my MacBook...
Thank you.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
21 October 2010
Haneda became international airport again
So, I need to go to Narita International Airport to go abroad until today. But I think, Narita is really far away from Tokyo and need much money for train fees. On the other hand, Haneda is near (you can get to Shinagawa in less than 20 minutes by train or monorail) and cheaper fees than Narita.
I welcome renewal open of Haneda Airport! Also I hope these two airport connected with linear motor car. If it could be realised, we can get more comfortable and easy to use airport.
Thank you.
20 October 2010
Electronic money on iPhone
Every time I ride train, I use Suica(a rechargeable contactless smart card that can use in Japan). But because my driver's license card contain IC inside them, I cannot use Suica with my wallet. I need to bring another pass case for my Suica when I ride train. I think, it's totally ridiculous.
There are many mobile phones that contain FeliCa chip(contactless smart card system) in Japan. We call them "おサイフケータイ(The Osaifu-Keitai)". And I was using one of them before I bought iPhone 3G in 2008. At that time, I was using "mobile Suica" (Suica system for mobile phones).
But iPhone don't have such features because it's not only for Japanese market. These days, I found another good answer to solve my problem. That is the photo on top.
Yeah, iPhone's case with pocket! Let's make my own "Osaifu-keitai" with this case! I inserted my Suica card into the pocket and tried to pass the gate.
But I couldn't pass it... Totally, I tried 4 times but I could pass the gate only 2 times. I expected that result before I try it.
iPhone is phone and it's using radio signals. Suica is also using radio signals and these signals interfere each other, but Suica's signal is so weak (I think) then the gate couldn't identify my Suica card. Then I bought prevention seal for interference.
I put the seal on back of my iPhone like photo. And tried again. I forgot how many times I tried, but I could pass the gate every time until today. So, I don't have to bring additional pass case for my Suica card any more! I'm so happy now. :)
FYI, I bought "Case-Mate CM011678 ID Cell Phone for iPhone 4" and flux's "PIT Mobile".
Thank you.
19 October 2010
radiko
I'm one of heavy users of "radiko" since they started their service. "Radiko" is the service of IP simulcast radio that is offering in Japan. They started their trial service in this March and they were planning to end the trial service by the end of August at first. But they announced to extend trial service until the end of November.
Today, I found wonderful news article that about radiko. According to that, they will start their service from next December and it's not trial service. It's wonderful news for me, because I can listen to radio on my iPhone after November!!
Also, I have 3 hopes for them.
First of all, I hope they will ease their limitation of location that they will service.
I think, they set their limitation too tight. Sometimes I cannot connect to radiko well. Now they are offering their service in 2 areas. One of them is Tokyo, and the service for Tokyo is offering in Tokyo, Kanagawa prefecture, Saitama prefecture and Chiba prefecture. Another one is Osaka for Osaka prefecture, Kyoto prefecture, Hyogo prefecture and Nara prefecture. I hope they will expand their service area.
Second, I want to listen more radio stations' broadcast via "Radiko".
Well, to tell the truth, it's not my hope. It's my friend's hope. Mostly I'm listening to "J-WAVE" on radiko, so it's not big problem for me because I can listen to that station. But there are more radio stations. There are 7 radio stations (J-WAVE, TOKYO FM, InterFM, Bunka hoso(Nippon Cultural Broadcasting), TBS radio, Radio Nikkei and Nippon hoso(Nippon Broadcasting) ) that are offering their broadcasts on "radiko". But there are more radio stations and my friend told me to listen one of these radio station on his iPhone. Well, it's not for me, but some people want them to add more radio stations on their service.
Finally, I want them to offer more stable service.
If you are living in such areas, you can listen to some Japanese radios from "http://www.radiko.jp". But service is only available in Japan now...
Thank you.
18 October 2010
8,072 days old
I found interesting web site. According to that site, I'm 8,072 days old. And I'm approximately 193,744 hours old... I can check more about things on this web site. All you need is type your birthday.
I like these kind of useless trivia sites. lol
You can try this site from "http://www.dayofbirth.co.uk/". You should try it, if you like.
Thank you.
15 October 2010
Blog Action Day 2010: Water
On the other hand, many people in the world cannot to reach safe water.
I've got an email from Blog Action Day on 8th October. And I could know 5 water facts that we should know. I want to write about that but I changed a little bit because I'm not American (some numbers were written for Americans).
1: Unsafe drinking water and lack of sanitation kills more people every year than all forms of violence, including war.
I just surprised when I heard this, and I could know how important water is.
2: More people have access to a mobile phone than to a toilet.
There are more than 2.5 billion people lack access to toilets!! There are more than 4 billion mobile phone users in the world and 110.4 million Japanese are using mobile phone. Also it's growing so rapidly.
3: Every day, women and children in Africa walk a combined total of 109 million hours to get water.
What will they do if they can save such a long time in every day?
4: It takes 24 litters of water to produce just one hamburger.
Well, we should not eat them...
5: The average Japanese uses 320 litters of water every day - more than twice the average person in the world.
Also, the average Japanese imports 1,460 litters of water every day from the world if we think about "virtual water". (this is because Japan's food self-sufficiency is really low)
What do you think about these facts? I decided to share these facts via my blog on Blog Action Day 2010. Then what will you do?
14 October 2010
Reinstall
If I can, I would like to buy new MacBook or MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. But I'm not in such situation. I don't have much money to buy it because I'm planning to go abroad next Feb. as my short trip.
So, I decided to do everything that I can do for my comfortable Mac life. Well, I'm in a process. About 30 minutes ago, I started to reinstall Mac OS to my MacBook. I need several hours to finish it, I think. And I hope my MacBook will be faster than before.
Thank you.
13 October 2010
The day of moving out
I heard this last week. I didn't know who decide it but I searched it and found who decided it. In 1989, the National Federation of Moving Co-operative Association made 14th October as the day of moving out.
Thank you
12 October 2010
Tosho card again
Sometimes I check data that about visitors of this blog. I cannot identify who are visiting, but I can know how the visitors came. According to that data, some of visitors came from the result of google search and that search word was "tosho card".
Well, I wrote about "tosho card" long time ago, I think. I forgot when I posted it, but I did it. Last week, I've got tosho card. I joined the college's event as staff then tosho card was small gift for my work. I think, it's one of the best gift/present for such situation.
Also, I found more than 70% of visitors came from outside Japan. Then I need to write about tosho card, I think.
Tosho card is prepaid card that can use only for books and magazines at book shop. You can use this card at most of book shops in Japan. I've never used that at convenience stores, but I heard we cannot use it at convenience stores... There are 6 values of card 500 JPY, 1,000 JPY, 2,000 JPY, 3,000 JPY, 5,000 JPY and 10,000 JPY.
I've never tried that, but we can make our own designed tosho cards from their web site. Unfortunately, they are not supporting English ver. on their web site. But if you interested in please visit their web site from "http://www.toshocard.com".
Thank you.
08 October 2010
Zaccheroni's first game
Football Japan national team’s head coach is Alberto Zaccheroni. Today Japan national team had a friendly match against Argentina. I didn’t think they would win the game, because Argentina national team is really strong and there are many great players such as Lionel Messi.
Today’s game was the first game that team led by Alberto Zaccheroni. I heard he could join team’s practice only 4 days. But I also heard he could teach his style to players.
the game: I think, they were doing nice and Okazaki could earn the goal. I was so surprised because I didn't think that they can earn the goal from Argentina before the game. But they could and they could shut out Argentina's offense whole game.
Then they won against Argentina. It's the first time for Japan national team to win against Argentina, I think. I hope they will be able to become last 4 in next World cup!
Thank you!
07 October 2010
The Nobel Prize
I don't know much about bonding carbon atoms. (I think, I should study more about Chemistry.) But I know that their achievement is great. I just want to say "congratulation and great job!" to three winners of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
I'm so glad to hear the news that two Japanese researchers won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in this year!!
Thank you.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
06 October 2010
HDR photos
Do you know the word "HDR"? It means High-Dynamic Range photo. It is one of the photo technique and the photo that combined several exposure photos into one photo. I was not so interested in this technique because it's difficult produce these kind of photos, I felt. I sometimes change contrast on photos and I like it. But now I sometimes take HDR photos with my iPhone.
Apple has introduced it to latest iPhone. On iPhone the camera app automatically produce 2 different exposure photos, and combine them into one photo simultaneously. So, it's really easy!
These days, I tried to take some HDR photos with my iPhone 4 and upload some of them into my facebook account. The photo on top is one of them. I think, the photo on top is one of the most easy to understand how effective HDR is. Because of HDR technique, we can see clouds through the window. I think, it's quite interesting. If you have time, you should try it!
Thank you.
05 October 2010
TOEIC; once in a year
Well, I was thinking that I would do my best to get more than 850 when I applied it. But I felt I couldn't get it and I might lose my score when I took it on 13th September.
Yesterday, I've got an email from TOEIC and I could find that I can check my score online from Monday. Then I checked my score.
I couldn't get more than 850, but I could earn much score than before. I think, I should study more. I don't know when I take TOEIC test next time. But I will take it sometime in next year! Until then I will study for it!
Thank you.
And sorry for my poor English...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
04 October 2010
exciting weekend
On Saturday, and Sunday, I was looking for something bottle like photo on top. I need it next week, but I couldn't find the best bottle on this weekend. So, I will keep searching these kind of bottles. Also, I attended 2 meetings on Sunday.
These meetings were about events that I might attend. It is not good time to write about that yet. But I will write about these event soon, I think. We could talk a lot at these meetings, and I was so stimulated because they have different backgrounds.
Thank you.
01 October 2010
Population census
Today is the day of population census. We call it "国勢調査" in Japanese. Japan have started population census since 1920. And they are holding it every 5 years (except 1945). So, this year is the year for population census.
We must fill in report that we receive near the end of September. We answer some questions such as age, job, number of family member and address. In Tokyo, we can do it online, but most of other prefectures cannot do so...
The population census is duty for all of people who are staying in Japan more than 3 months. So we should not miss it!
Thank you.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
30 September 2010
Tax hike on cigarettes
From 1st October, tax on cigarettes will be increased. Now they are selling a pack of cigarettes at about 300 JPY (about 3.6 USD), but after the tax hike, it will be raised to about 440 JPY (about 5.3 USD). I heard this is the highest tax hike on cigarettes ever.
Because of tax hike on cigarettes, 58% of smokers decided to quit smoking according to the survey. On the other hand, many people are buying more cigarettes to stock at cheaper prices. My friend found the person who bought 10 cartons of cigarettes at cigar shop. So, he spent 30,000 JPY (about 360 USD) for cigarettes!!
Well, I'm not smoker, so this tax hike will not effect to my usual life. Some of my friends are smoker then some of them decided to quit it, but mostly they will not quit it...
I'm not anti-smoking activist, then I'm not going to force to quit it but I think they should quit it for their health.
Thank you.
29 September 2010
new year's mail
Well, it's end of September that means we have 3 months until the end of 2010. And I think, it's too fast to get ready for new year's mail.But I've got the flyer that Japan post started to accept orders for new year's mail.
I think, many Japanese people will send new year's mail (not email), and most of them want Japan post to deliver mails on 1st January. According to the flyer, we should post new year's mails until 25th December if we want Japan post to delivery mails on 1st January.
I heard many young Japanese people tend to send new year's mails via emails. (like me)
These 7 years, I've never posted new year's mail before the beginning of new year. (Of course, I posted them after I've got them from my friends.) But I'm planning to send new year's mails (not emails) to some of my friends. So, I'm going to buy them after 1st November. (I could know that they will start to selling new year's mails from 1st November, because I found the date that they will start to selling it on the flyer! Wow, we have a month more to get it...)
Thank you.
28 September 2010
Waiting for weather recovery
I want to ride my bicycle so I hope weather will recover soon.
Thank you.
27 September 2010
My final semester
Well, I felt it's not perfect weather as the beginning day of new semester. It's raining here... But I will go from today.
Thank you.
24 September 2010
A life without the internet
I think, I'm using too many things that related to the internet. Twitter, Facebook, RSS, MMS, email, flickr, Foresquare, Skype, Evernote, Instapaper, iTunes store, YouTube, mixi, and my blog. Of course, these services that I raised are just example, so there are other services that I'm using, I think.
I think, these services are quite useful if there are the internet connection. But I realised that I'm spending much time with these things. And I believed that I must re-think about them. For instance, I was following 138 users on Twitter (maximum) and I tried to read all of their tweets, but it's waste of time I felt. Then I decided to unfollow some of them. Now I'm following 67 users, and I'm planning to unfollow more.
I used to search or watching some site while I'm writing an article, then I took much time to post an article. In this week, I decided to write an article without the internet. Of course, I'm not connecting to the internet right now. I will connect to the internet after I wrote all of this article and post it. I think, it's better to disconnect to the internet while I'm writing an article because I can concentrate on it more and also I can think about it more. That means I can post article in short time and the article would be better one.
I should shorten the time of using the internet like I wrote. But it's tough to not to use them for a long time. For instance, there are many important emails. Not only that if I want to know about something, the internet is the fastest and most useful tool to know them. (especially about coding)
I felt a life without TV is easy for me, but a life without the internet seems to be difficult. But I should shorten the time of using the internet, I felt.
Thank you
22 September 2010
3D cam
Yesterday, I went to electric goods retail shop. I just wanted to check some camera, especially lens for my DSLR camera. But I found some compact cameras that can take 3D photos and 3D videos.
The photo on top is the catalogue of Finepix real 3D W3. I think, it's the most famous compact camera that can take 3D photos and 3D videos. The camera can take 3D photos/videos because it has 2 lens on right side and left side. It also has 3D capable screen on back.
I could check this camera at the shop, but I felt glassless 3D LCD monitor is not suitable for me. I've got sick a little. I didn't know that but I found Sony's cyber shot can also take 3D photos and 3D videos. Of course, there were no 3D LCD monitor on it.
Well, I don't have 3D capable something such as 3D LCD that means I cannot enjoy these 3D videos without this device. But according to the catalogue, Fujifilm is now offering 3D printing! So now we can share 3D photos. Unfortunately, it's really rare for me to print out photos that I took.
I think, there are really many 3D products in this year. How do you think about that? Do you need it?
Thank you.
21 September 2010
Silver week
Why we call "Silver week", because this week include "Respect for the aged day" and it's like "Golden week".
Well, I should write about "Silver". I couldn't find out any article about "aged person" when I searched "silver" on Oxford English dictionary. We sometimes use the word "silver" as "aged person", for instance, "silver seat" is the seat for aged person. But I think it's totally Japanese-English word.
I heard some reasons why we use the word "silver" as "aged person", I'll write about one of the reason now. The "silver" came from the hair color of aged person.
Thank you.
17 September 2010
Bicycle
Well, I injured because of that, but it was tiny. Also, my bicycle needed to repair, but according to the bicycle shop mechanic, they can repair it shortly.
But I took a month because I needed to solve some insurance issues. Then now, my bicycle came back!!
I'm just looking forward to going somewhere with this bicycle!!
Thank you.
(Thanks Minji)
16 September 2010
Season change
I woke up early this morning, because it's cold with short-sleeves... I wear my jacket before washing my face this morning. The season changed rapidly. I think, last week was truly summer, but now it's autumn.
The temperature of this morning didn't reach 20 degrees (celsius). The temperature of last week's morning didn't become below 25 degrees (celsius), I think.
Now I need hot coffee, not iced one.
How about in your place?
Thank you.
15 September 2010
Go wireless
These days, I felt that the wire of the earphones is a bother. Especially when I use my Audio Technica's earphones with my iPhone 4.
Well, I cannot connect that earphones to iPhone 4 well, when it's wearing bumper case. And long wire of the earphones is really bother when I touch my iPhone.
So, I was looking for Bluetooth wireless earphones. I wanted to buy the bluetooth wireless earphones that satisfy following my hopes.
1: I can control everything from receiver.
I was thinking to use that device with my iPhone, so I wanted to talk via that device.
2: I can change my earphones easily
I like my Audio Technica's earphones, so I wanted to keep using that earphones.
3: Compact and lightweight
I was planning to use that outside, so I didn't want to bring big and heavy device.
4: Affordable price
Because I'm new to Bluetooth wireless earphones, I just wanted to "try" it. So, I didn't want to spend much money for that.
I was planning to use that device outside, noisy world, so I was not thinking about sound quality seriously. (Also, it's for iPhone.)
I could find some earphones that satisfies these hopes, then I decided to buy Sony's bluetooth wireless earphones. "DRC-BT30"
I think, it's useful, but I felt that I need "hold" button. It's easy to control with switch but it also means it's easy to make error operation when the switch touched with something. So, I need "hold" button on it.
I felt that sound quality and battery life are enough for me. And I'm so happy that I could be free from wire! You should try that, if you've never tried that.
Anyway, I hope the power supply would be able to be wireless soon. Like Nikola Tesla's system.
Thank you.
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