tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377424952011-11-28T09:50:00.011+09:00A journal of my Chocolately (Choko) travels (tabi) with my trusty ferret (ChokkChebi) in Japan and Korea <br>yogaferretnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-63704746239881575402011-09-12T05:02:00.001+09:002011-09-12T05:04:48.498+09:00

Taking a break from the usual and enjoying the last vestiges of summer in these latitude I thought I would share an old family recipe. Old as in "Old Country" old. Zucchini/Pumpkin Flower Pancakes In general, zucchini flowers are more delicate.  We prefer the hardier pumpkin flowers but this recipe applies to both with the only adjustment being that you should use some more flowers if

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-73327882681795310312011-08-27T07:04:00.001+09:002011-08-27T07:06:40.261+09:00

I find it funny that I post something to my NON-profit Japan blog here and some major FOR-profit news agency prints a similar article a little later. Reuters talks about the rapid changeover of prime ministers Reuters takes about the aging population, amoung other things. Just saying is all ... Cheers! (^_-)-☆ Thanks again for stopping into my little corner of the 'net, and Happy

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-68761981522832777912011-08-24T04:47:00.002+09:002011-08-24T05:11:43.049+09:00

This article on the sad state-of-affairs in education and thought in the mainstream American culture reminded me that I really need to write about Japan's (in)famous Disappearing Prime Minister, as America is on the fast-track to this same type of information censorship. I had often made the joke that Japan has been going through a Prime Minister a year for the past 8 years. Although the truth

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-80766983049596181072011-08-19T10:09:00.004+09:002011-08-24T22:31:31.990+09:00

Shirley Jackson's THE LOTTERY. Brilliant, rather unsettling piece of work.  If you don't know it, go out and find it at your local library. If you don't feel like dealing with the traffic (or the people), you can download it for free. I used to joke that the Japanese make all their final breakthrough decisions with rock-paper-scissors.  If sumo is the national sport, rock-paper-scissors is the

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-27422699328715377872011-08-14T07:23:00.006+09:002011-08-14T08:16:34.530+09:00

I really try to not watch the Japanese news anymore. It's not because of the smothering censorship though. Being able to speak and read Japanese fluently I could find the information on what is really happening if I looked around for it. The fact is I already saw it coming. What I predicted back in April, low and behold, is happening now: * mass numbers of people suffering from heat exhaustion

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-22417200885993415512011-08-02T02:56:00.002+09:002011-08-30T03:05:56.549+09:00

So sad to see the extreme and increasing level of censorship transpiring in Japan since 3/11. Although the censorship is not as bad as the Chinese government that goes so far as to eradicate the sharing of "subversive" information or calls to gather by private individuals, the quick action to censor on the part of the media we saw in the Disappearing Prime Minister Incident was truly a portent

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-73483501357759436382011-07-26T07:33:00.196+09:002011-08-30T03:04:46.048+09:00

In sharing some of my recent experiences of the 3/11 events and in particular the ongoing aftermath, I heard an excellent summary, a prediction of sorts from my audience. They are heading into post-WW2 conditions...especially when winter comes around... They had nothing... (paraphrased) This sounds extreme to someone on the outside of the events, particularly given the highly censored news

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-36560159029224399682011-07-24T04:07:00.007+09:002011-08-24T22:31:31.997+09:00

Before the M9 in Northern Japan on 3/11 the research institutes in Japan were already predicting within the next 30 years, there will be an M9 in SOUTHERN Japan. That has not happened YET. And while I was still trapped in Japan, I was living in Southern Japan.  Living in Southern Japan afforded me the privilege of not only seeing first hand how poor the Japanese government responded to a

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-40175276858259624742011-07-23T02:43:00.004+09:002011-07-23T02:53:34.589+09:00

I so love the Old Time Radio stories. The GOLDEN ERA of Radio was truly a Golden Era not just of radio as a medium, but of creativity and thoughtful speculation.  A time when horror was creepy and haunting, not bloody and violent.  When science fiction was more than just special FX and CGI. By chance recently I found myself listening to an old familiar one I had not heard in five or more years.

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-27977887392821833802011-07-20T07:20:00.002+09:002011-08-30T03:03:19.726+09:00

Well, I can post all about the news censorship and information suppression in Japan. Boy, could I post about the things I know and saw. And STILL see and know even know that me and my fuzz are safely out of Japan. One just has to know where to look because you won't hear any of it on the official TV stations. The one time I did find something, not only did that video disappear when I went

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-81902846726733243742011-07-10T06:58:00.001+09:002011-07-10T07:28:29.444+09:00

Thank you. No, really. THANK YOU. If you're making any hard $$ off of my works or ideas, I salute you because I sure as he11 am not. Not that I started writing with the intent to make any money off of it.  That just happened to be a nice little bonus. A nice little bonus that google was soon to extinguish with its ever changing, ever burgeoning Ad(NON)Sense rules and addendums. HOWEVER, the

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-5831397741649860112011-06-18T18:28:00.007+09:002011-07-03T22:25:39.264+09:00

Life is filled with first's.First crush.First kiss.First baby...This was a first I could do without.I made my first call to the Japanese Police this past Monday! (The 13th, incidentally.)There were obvious signs that someone had been in my apartment while I was away at work. In other words, my very first actual case of breaking and entering. Not a very competent job fortunately as nothing was

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-8190309462967632992011-06-09T20:19:00.005+09:002011-07-03T22:20:23.043+09:00

I have decided that instead of being merely pumped for information by the a$$h01e$ at work, I am going to jump in the court and play with them.I could go into the details (and will later), but suffice it to say that at this current place, beyond a few early... mistakes? shall we call them? no one has actually ever spoken TO me. Mostly, they have talked AT me, always with the intention of pumping

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-68578422846983195532011-06-08T21:03:00.010+09:002011-07-03T22:25:39.267+09:00

I live in the Village of the DAMNED.Or maybe time has never passed beyond the eighties?Like 1984?An eternal Orwellian 1984.No, really, very creepy here.As in Big BROTHER is Watching creepy.As a non-Asian in Asia you live in the perpetual fish bowl. You get everything ranging from the outright GAWKING to most common yet only mildly offensive "Oh, look at the white person." "Oh, a foreigner." to

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-91074595533485104242011-05-25T21:53:00.004+09:002011-07-03T22:20:23.053+09:00

Another conversationUnwanted but overheard by the misfortune of being in the same room.And did I mention she basically runs the Buddhist preschool/kindergarten (or in this case, military academy for short people)?This was message delivered on behalf of nonpresent employee "A" by another of the staff, employee "B". Employee A had previously had a miscarriage. Traditionally there are specific

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-12120170612341321872011-05-17T18:47:00.004+09:002011-07-03T22:20:23.056+09:00

Well, not coming to a theater, but definitely coming to an ESL Blacklist in the near future.And it's just the tip of the ice berg of what this place is like.I was privy to a conversation tonight through the auspices of having my desk literally IN the VP's office.Another teacher walked in to give notice of vacation plans during summer vacation. The conversation quickly degenerated and came to a

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-50751739015954484622011-05-05T08:27:00.009+09:002011-08-24T22:31:32.001+09:00

I encourage all to send a request to this Minister to ask if he is seriously saying "It is the fault of the private (animal welfare) groups that pets can not be brought out of the no-go zone."Because that is the rumor being spread far and wide by this local vet.Is this true? Can someone in the government really be trying to place the blame on Humane welfare groups?Maybe and Maybe not.After all,

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-49261774420969031162011-04-16T15:52:00.002+09:002011-08-24T22:31:32.003+09:00

Finally got to the point where there is some real collective action being taken as there is now more information being collected and dessimated from stable sources.Where are they? Online, naturally.And just as naturally, in Japanese.To that end we dookfully request that if you want to help and have a twitter account to please please please retweet this information.Often.As often as you can.Please

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-34909847674931238122011-04-13T18:20:00.005+09:002011-08-24T22:31:32.006+09:00

Thank you CNN.As much as I have little regard for the current degenerated state of American journalism, that is not to deny that they still have their moments.In a sea of frivolous to downright useless information out there, my posts and similar posts by other organizations are surely being ignored, but the good news is the media isn't ignoring us. Or at least CNN isn't.What have we been engaged

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-1085119917702424302011-04-04T18:47:00.002+09:002011-04-04T18:49:31.295+09:00

Got a very nice list of donation sites worked up so reposting!(You repost and pass the word too. ;) )THE ANIMAL RESCUE SITE has direct and credible online donation abilities.The Humane Society International (HSI) is now prepared to accept donations for the welfare of animals affected by the recent disaster in Japan. Secure donations can be placed to their International Disaster Fund. (Paypal,

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-40999686780112203442011-04-03T08:15:00.010+09:002011-04-03T09:15:52.956+09:00

Back to something less heavy yet infinitely more caloric.Tirol is a traditional, much beloved chocolate in Japan. Often found in the convinence stores, it's not known so much for quality, but for it's compact size, quaint designs, and variety of unimaginable flavors. (Yes, it even puts Kit Kat to shame in this respect.)Allow me to introduce a few of the recent flavors.We'll start with the 'hits'

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-87781448417209409312011-04-01T18:56:00.004+09:002011-08-24T22:31:32.008+09:00

Just so no one feels bad, here's a curious(?) followup to this previous article. This article about the evac zoning was published in the Japanese equivalent to the Wall Street Journal. I posted it back on March 30 on my other major site, (Don't worry no one reads that either.) but as it has been brought up again, I will repost it here. I know most can't read this, but it said at the time that

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-1393240272480667652011-03-31T18:42:00.011+09:002011-08-24T22:31:32.011+09:00

I am rather tired of hearing about the latest American sensationalist news.Radiation over 100,000 times the normal limit?!?!When did minuscule become synomynous with 100,000?Or NINE even?Being very very distant from the site, I find the rampant fear-mongering and exaggeration to be far more frightening than the actual radiation itself. Did CNN or FOX bother to mention how much radiation you get

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-58515553925071563082011-03-29T20:02:00.003+09:002011-08-24T22:31:32.018+09:00

Tonight's CLOSE UP JAPAN was about the use and effect of twitter (and facebook) after the earthquake-tsunami disaster.reporting back later....Cheers! (^_-)-☆Thanks again for stopping into my little corner of the 'net, and Happy Browsing!!All translations copyrighted and owned by myself. All copyrights of their respective owners. No part of this web site may be produced, reproduced, stored in a

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-54535449325367708952011-03-25T17:55:00.004+09:002011-03-25T18:17:13.765+09:00

Forget TGIF, it's HANAKIN!花金Or "Flower Friday" if you prefer, the most blessed day of the week in any culture. Hanakin is also the day, for me in particular, to partake in 鯨飲馬食。Working at a Japanese preschool and kindergarten, you barely have time to have a decent meal yourself at any point during the day much less at lunch time. Morning is time to quickly wolf something down (usually while in

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-52095423011379263542011-03-20T19:35:00.011+09:002011-07-03T22:22:40.285+09:00

getting a paycheck ON TIMEand in the PROPER AMOUNT.(The way this place is I was naturally suspecting some funny business in this department too.)Of course, nothing but NOTHING beats a warm fuzzy tunneling through the covers to sleep on your feet at night, but a paycheck is not so bad either. Particularly when you had been balancing how to spend the last 500 yen (about 5 USD) for the past 2

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-63783940885596539032011-03-18T17:16:00.004+09:002011-08-24T22:31:32.020+09:00

I was called in for a little chat with the VP this morning AGAIN. (That woman seriously scares me.) Fortunately, it was a harmless session, but after reading this below, I have a feeling it was more for her to check on my emotional stability with the ongoing news of earthquakes, reactor failings, tsunamis, REACTOR FAILINGS.The U.S. embassy in Tokyo has urged citizens living within 80 km (50

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-27380841657299863132011-03-16T08:32:00.006+09:002011-08-24T22:31:32.022+09:00

Finally some donation sites poping up.THE ANIMAL RESCUE SITE has direct and credible online donation abilities.The Humane Society International (HSI) is now prepared to accept donations for the welfare of animals affected by the recent disaster in Japan. Secure donations can be placed to their International Disaster Fund. (Paypal, in addition to credit cards, are accepted.)The International

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-1873031701457794472011-03-15T19:05:00.001+09:002011-07-03T22:22:40.287+09:00

Maybe not exactly sunny skies lately, but no rain, no radiation warnings and temps above 10C.As a result, we're already in FULL BLOOM.(I'd love to know what these are.)And in the school yard, Shinsei's Flower.Cheers! (^_-)-☆Thanks again for stopping into my little corner of the 'net, and Happy Browsing!!All translations copyrighted and owned by myself. All copyrights of their respective owners.

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-68042818372660360642011-03-15T08:27:00.004+09:002011-08-24T22:31:32.024+09:00

People always wonder why I would rather more or less take my chances over here than in the USA. The comments you see below, it's what I keep telling people about Japan. Yeah, they definitely have their issues, but this, too, is all soooo true.The comments are updated regularly as new people post, but here is a sample of some of the most recent comments:I find it amazing how orderly the

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-23448341672528951442011-03-13T12:33:00.006+09:002011-07-03T22:22:40.290+09:00

After the rain, come sunny skies.This is Taka-chan.S/he hangs out on the roof of the building next to me.S/he doesn't live there (It's an elementary school.) but at 5-6 floors high it's the tallest building around making it very nice for survelance. I can usually spot her every morning and evening.Maybe it is just coincidence, but I distinctly recall thinking Friday morning, "No, Taka-chan?

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-31338908482886220532011-03-12T12:14:00.007+09:002011-03-13T19:44:47.379+09:00

Much to my disappointment, less than 20 hours after the first earthquake and tsunami waves, a reporter in the air reported spotting dogs left wandering around in the wreckage.Japan is by far the far-most advanced? modernized? Asian country in terms of its attitude to non-human family members, but much like with Hurricane Katarina, animal companions are being abandoned at home to fend for

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-17276390197184369062011-02-20T08:28:00.005+09:002011-02-20T08:44:08.552+09:00

I'm getting pretty damn disgusted with the rampant airline abuses.If DELTA had a human face, they'd be listed as a repeat offender and thrown behind bars where they belong!Have you guessed already?Yep, just to show they're not friends of cat-people either, DELTA KILLS another pet.As a refresher, you can find more travel nightmares in our previous posting, Planes, Trains, PETS!! But that one at

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-57959189010585425392011-02-01T01:21:00.002+09:002011-02-02T23:48:40.380+09:00

What could be better on a cold winter night than a union of two greats - Miso and Pizza!Mix miso sauce and set aside.[合わせみそ]2 TB White Miso2 TB Red Miso1 TB Sake1 TB Mirin (real not the imitation mirin-flavoring)2 TSP Sugar1 TSP TamariVersion 1:Spread the above miso sauce on a rice-based pizza shell.Sprinkle with red pepper flakes!Top with the following cheeses:1 layer provolone, 1 layer

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-8420495820974912232011-01-20T04:48:00.000+09:002011-01-29T05:02:18.861+09:00

Yeah, after working until 10PM at night 5 nights a week I want to come home and cook! and chop!♪ and slice!♪!As much as I personally enjoy experimenting in the kitchen...NO.However, given the hideous, suicide-inducing weather I thought I would introduce something to keep you a little warm er, inside and out. (Ginger is traditionally considered a warming food in several respectable ancient

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-32934043694553946882011-01-11T04:15:00.001+09:002011-01-11T04:15:00.464+09:00

This was recently going around with my friends on FB and it struck me immediately how this would be a great mini-game for the ESL classroom.Focus: sentence construction, vocabulary, months, (ordinal) numbersPractice: Use chart with sentences and have students read out loud using their own birthday.Practice + α: Interviewing.Students must ask each other, "When is your birthday?"Student A responds

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-15198163297776124142011-01-05T09:09:00.003+09:002011-01-05T09:09:00.215+09:00

It seems, looking back, that I have not shared with you my Korean pet transport nightmare.And I was using a pet transport company in going from Korea to America!!!!But it is the whole reason that regardless of cost I completely advocate employing a professional transport company. I can not imagine what would have happened if they were not there to oversee, redirect, and basically just pick up

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-17338536524799164712011-01-01T01:34:00.003+09:002011-01-01T01:37:39.956+09:00

Possibly my favorite card of all time.And particularly appropriate since this year is the year of the Bunny.☆.。.:*・Happy New Year☆2011・*:.。.☆For computer viewing: http://bit.ly/faoInN (RakutenGreeting)For cell phone users (simpler version): http://bit.ly/fOVL6H (RakutenGreeting)☆.。.:*・Happy New Year☆2011・*:.。.☆Cheers and we hope to see you again! (^_-)-♪All translations copyrighted and owned by

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-36186718628313218232010-12-28T03:40:00.004+09:002010-12-28T03:40:00.388+09:00

BRILLIANT little film found by a former co-worker in Korea.This really does the job of summing up the incredible instablity of life and work over there.And yet they don't even go into the nightmare of classroom teaching!If that doesn't warn you off enough or you are just feeling blessed (or lucky), at least remember to ALWAYS check blacklisted sites before accepting any job in Korea.Cheers! (^_-

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-70341625198151131282010-12-10T05:41:00.000+09:002011-01-29T05:02:18.863+09:00

Yummy , Quick, and very mild for an Indian dish.veggie oil, as needed 2-3 TB1/2 medium onion, chopped1+1/2 teaspoon garlic (chopped, not powder)2 teaspoons garam masala1/2 teaspoon saltPut all ingredients above into a deep cooking pot and cook until onions transparent, but not limp or soft.Then add, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes for flavors to absorb.1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-92139982790987783662010-12-05T05:53:00.001+09:002010-12-05T05:53:00.413+09:00

In preparing for another trip, I am once again desperately hoping to unload some stuff.I was using Ebay back in 1999 when people were still afraid of using their credit cards online. (Admittedly, those said people still feel that way today.)NOW is different though.Everyone wants to know the exact price it it to ship to their city, the price under several shipping options, how long under each

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-49155085540528423012010-12-01T21:18:00.002+09:002011-08-24T22:35:55.718+09:00

Windows is a piece of sh1t.Yes, it is.As someone who has worked with computers both professionally and personally since the late 1980s, I can say with confidence - Windoze u r a piece of overpriced sh1t.My latest beef with windoze is the fact that it on occasion, randomly and without warning, forgets the keyboard. As in can not recognize the keyboard that it even came with.Fert, I miss my linux

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-36309729868790811862010-11-24T02:41:00.006+09:002011-01-29T05:02:49.031+09:00

Yes, thank you.Someone qualified pointing out how harmful wheat (food) allergies are.Gluten Sensitivity and the Impact on the BrainWhat can one say?One of the reasons I hate living in the US is the blatant disregard for people suffering from wheat/gluten allergy. And at the same time, America is a wheat and meat based food culture. In other words, everything from chocolate to coffee (flavored)

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-13451807733671302952010-11-19T00:51:00.006+09:002011-01-29T05:02:18.865+09:00

As much as I scoff @ the whole concept of letting desserts sit for xxx minutes...blahblah before consumption, in this case you really DO need to let them sit at least 5 minutes before attempting or you are just going to get a handful of crumbs to eat. (The cookie will "settle" and hold together after the wait period though.)OR!You could just scoop one up really quick and toss it in the freezer

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-77819109025367156282010-11-11T04:17:00.006+09:002011-01-29T05:02:18.867+09:00

A traditional comfort food 4 most Americans - a piping-hot muffin fresh from the oven.This recipe is both simple and fast.AND works perfectly in those spiffy space-efficient micro+ovens popular throughout Asia.2 cups flour (regular or wheat/gluten free concoction)1/2 cup raw sugar3 teaspoons baking powder1/2 cup mini chocolate chips------3/4 cup milk (soy, cow, rice...)1/3 cup canola oil1

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-50483253725013485352010-10-13T00:02:00.000+09:002010-11-13T00:34:10.009+09:00

Remedies have been 'suggested' for the POSEF problem.My response?.In short--been there, DONE that, sadly DOES NOT WORK.Suggestions and my answers(?).*Use physical punishment like the Korean teachers:Yep. And pretty much from day 1, those students were so awful.There was my special stay-after room cleaning for the really bad table or group. Plus group or individual humiliation punishment of

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-21440454116931766772010-05-21T10:40:00.007+09:002010-05-21T11:11:47.290+09:00

POSEF rule #32:Stealing and defacing the foreign teacher's property is OK.We don't care and will do nothing about it.So if you are feeling frustrated and destructive, knock yourself out!Just get those scores up and we will turn a blind eye to it!Really, they don't care.What else should one think when one returns from the weekend to find their two sweater jackets missing? (weekend of 5/15-5/16)I

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-54233271423273646412010-05-13T15:21:00.009+09:002010-05-13T16:57:14.139+09:00

Well, I was going to post something different about why you want to avoid taking any ESL teaching post with POSEF in South Korea, but something better came up.(And, yes, I am being sarcastic.)My contract ends on May 31.However because I am traveling with a pet I can not leave until June 7.They are aware of this.Last week Ellen (Unyeong Lee, 2-fa[ed b1t[h-a13rt) assured me that "POSEF doesn't pay

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-87221441552430976872010-04-02T20:09:00.009+09:002010-04-02T21:46:03.291+09:00

Three words to describe the administration's and (to a certain degree) native teachers' level of awareness in Pohang Jecheol High School.I was informed today that like the other teachers, I would have to do some paperwork for my absence since "this process is what all teachers do when they are absent officially."That's reasonable.THIS is NOT:"what you need to do is write 2 pages(A4) about what

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-61396987766211649862010-02-03T13:50:00.003+09:002010-02-03T14:05:47.461+09:00

The biggest problem encountered in TESOL education overseas has been the new speaking part of the TOEFL. For once in the mostly passive educational environment of Asia, students are forced to not just speak, but THINK.As in think about something other than the latest movie, cell phone app, or trashy, vacuous trend.Materials to support such thinking activities (hence speaking) are notoriously

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-69499116622194976742010-01-25T10:32:00.007+09:002010-01-25T10:40:39.485+09:00

Since ancient times, chocolate has been tauted as an aphrodisiac.But coffee....?I'll just stick with chocolate, thank you.(click on picture to read the English "To Use" instructions.)Cheers! (^_-)-☆Thanks again for stopping into my little corner of the 'net, and Happy Browsing!!Ads make the world go around. Help us out!

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-60036362945977479972010-01-20T08:40:00.001+09:002010-01-17T08:50:41.432+09:00

There's always Bupo Beach if you are feeling to lazy to make the 2 hour trip to Busan.(I love the cliff-like crevice dug out by the waves. I have never seen that phenomena at any other beach.)But this will surely forever sum up the image of Korea for me.Cheers! (^_-)-☆Thanks again for stopping into my little corner of the 'net, and Happy Browsing!!Ads make the world go around. Help us out!

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-62595134707935252132010-01-17T08:07:00.016+09:002010-01-17T08:40:38.830+09:00

Around the neighborhood:And around my doctor's office:(In addition to the color, I love the puffy, fan-like shape, how they seem almost furry.)One thing I absolutely LOVE about Asia is the abundance of these flowers which I only know as 蓮の花 and 木蓮.蓮の花 in clay water pots are all over, particularly around hospitals.And 木蓮 flowers are giant and have the most amazing smell:Cheers! (^_-)-☆Thanks

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-6828626330288403342010-01-08T21:39:00.009+09:002010-01-08T22:09:50.338+09:00

While waiting for the taxi that never came I was accosted by two very nice (and hence very rare) girls that had attended camp.One peeked around the street post I was huddled against for shelter. "Teacher. Why are you standing here?""Waiting for a taxi.""You should take bus.""... Yeah, I'm thinking there's no more taxi." After 15 minutes in 2 degree weather it was long past time to give up

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-38321772742093996022010-01-01T11:58:00.008+09:002010-01-01T13:24:54.065+09:00

We start off the New Year (寅年) with the realization that we have reached the age level described as 'mature'.How can you yourself gauge if you have reached that esteemed level yet?Simple physically painless, possibility emotionally devastating Test:1. You sit amoungst your stash of Christmas gifts and gazing about a thought flits across your mind -Wait. No toothbrush?I didn't get a toothbrush?

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-60265648244914996542009-12-18T20:56:00.009+09:002009-12-20T21:50:33.884+09:00

Last day of class this semester before Winter vacation was a designated movie day. Anything else would be beyond impossible into the utterly unthinkable range.However, one enterprising table of girls in one class asked if they could play a game.～　There's actually two broken down board games from the 1980's - CLUE and SCRABBLE. Upon asking I was told there wasn't enough 'budget' to get another

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-79139449488444798782009-12-18T09:43:00.010+09:002009-12-18T10:28:41.227+09:00

was the title of today's 'mail'.Sent to me at 9:26.No really. Look.===========================================================[제목] : this is todays schedule. you start at 09:25!===========================================================[발신인] : 담임 이은영[수신인] : 어학실[수신인원] : 1명[수신일자] : 2009-12-18 09:26I compared what my clock was saying against the oddly empty classroom, and hurriedly replied back. "

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-28508437087986360092009-11-15T23:16:00.007+09:002009-11-16T16:24:20.625+09:00

Why do I hate Mondays?It's not for the usual reason, because of work. All in all I have quite the ideal Monday schedule, a gentle introduction to a hellish repeat of every other past week not unlike dipping your toes in the pool in the morning and allowing yourself to slowing adjust to the icy water. It's only 3 hours of 'classes' plus my morning "open office" time. And I had a really good day

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-28499388380419821632009-10-30T16:29:00.012+09:002009-11-16T16:26:42.288+09:00

What ever happened to "third times the charm"?Or "three strikes and you're OUT"?As of today, for Korea I'm up to FIVE times having encountered some form of sexual harassment. >.>Oh, how to count the ways in which you piss me off, Korea.Admittedly, in America, there was one time - an old guy (who happened to be a family friend) grabbed my face and tried to kiss me. Fortunately, he wasn't too

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-45533909014135597992009-10-21T14:07:00.009+09:002009-10-21T15:01:54.487+09:00

The Japanese have a saying, a brilliant bit of wisdom if I must say - "口は災いの元".Literally, "The mouth is the source of troubles."It's likely why I was unusually reticent as a child (I knew it then without actually knowing it.) and thereafter never developed any further skill with the spoken word.But as no one understands half of what I say here anyway, I naturally take advantage of this, throw all

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-27248574038989323292009-10-06T19:17:00.010+09:002011-07-03T22:25:39.269+09:00

heh??was the only logical response to my landlord's paniced accusation.I was pretty much on a roll today compared to the disaster of yesterday. (I didn't even get lunch I was striking out that badly.) Already I had found a random 10 won in the school parking lot only to follow it up with a whopping 20 won in the classroom! The kids always have money on hand. Maybe no pens or notebooks, but be

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-60343356239129436352009-10-02T18:17:00.010+09:002009-10-06T21:16:18.503+09:00

Surely it's a fleeting thing, but aside from the monster mosquitos and around 50% of the population being grotesquely unmannered, pompous, ignorant, over-sexed... I'll leave off there.I am NOT saying that I like it, but maybe Korea is not all bad? o.0☆ I have access to really great cosmetics lines - Tony Moly, DHC, the domestic brands SkinFood and Innis Free. They would be the best ever if they

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-89415302527443486412009-09-24T10:39:00.008+09:002009-09-24T14:33:40.331+09:00

sophomore girl's class:The worst class is the worst not because the students behave like rabid, undisciplined puppies (that better describes your normal all boy's class), but because it's the EARLIEST class of the day.I hate it.Everyone hates it.Most students straggle in in a semi-lucid state just at the bell, but for those that drop in earlier that's pretty much what they do - drop into their

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-78905825877909905182009-09-22T10:25:00.002+09:002009-09-24T10:39:28.607+09:00

Oops.One of my particularly naughty junior boy's classes got an unexpected peek at what's lurking beneath the big-eyed, pig-tailed harmless 草食動物 looking exterior.Unexpected from both ends as I hadn't meant to do it, it's just how these things happen.A whole table was MIA.An entire table!That's 5 students just GONE.I started offering suggestions, speculating as to where they had gone-Are they sick

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-34339623580099306662009-09-18T11:02:00.005+09:002009-09-18T11:14:59.957+09:00

Things I've only been forced to say (repeatedly) in what passes for a 'classroom' in Korea.*all delivered in the typically flat 'foreign teacher' tone of voice we all develop after 3 months.*1) “OK, if we can't sit, we can stand. Stand.”Sophomore boys class where several students were having trouble sitting in their seats without falling out.2)“OK, if we shut up for 5 minutes we can watch one of

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-57998114663852559822009-05-26T21:26:00.013+09:002009-05-26T21:43:07.253+09:00

Being too brain-dead to do anything else, I am actively avoiding all pressing and necessary labor by uploading pictures from my soon to be vacated apartment. (good riddance.)ROOFTOP pictures because you wouldn't want to see the inside of it anyway.Besides I know you people are tired of hearing me babble on and are just waiting to see the "goods"(^_~)Notice the mountains faintly in the background

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-42841070585597916852009-05-26T20:34:00.016+09:002011-07-03T22:25:39.272+09:00

We were dragged into the chairperson's office in the middle of our ONE real break between classes (a whopping ten minutes) to be incoherently informed that two teachers here had come into contact with some people diagnosed with SI and were forthwith confined to home for the next seven days.The whole time I'm thinking SI? SI? ...SI? and throwing questioning looks at the towering 'A' next to me -

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-22824356202322257492009-05-21T09:32:00.004+09:002009-05-26T15:45:34.185+09:00

When I lived in the glorious state of Maryland {regarding Ohio, no comment as always} I distinctly remember my mother having a very 1970's looking hardcover on the bedstand titled KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS.Yes, they do. Particularly in an ESL classroom."Why do you speak English?"~Student A asked me this recently in a conversation about my stamps.I have many, many. All of which are invariably

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-5007830724438892582009-05-18T09:29:00.004+09:002009-05-19T09:53:36.433+09:00

If you live in Japan or Korea you are obsessed with the weather. I have never paid so much attention to the weather in my whole life previous to living in these countries.I mark it up to reliance on public transportation - whether it's on foot, by bus or subway nothing like standing around at the office looking like a drenched rat.Japan was different though. I just flipped on a channel and

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-92054771489762486812009-05-13T08:38:00.005+09:002009-05-14T09:48:36.568+09:00

Ok, now I'm mad.Really irked.I'm finally about to escape this trashy shopping mecca and the local Dunkin Donuts {current haunt of choice} finally starts selling the original brew again!?I walk in Wednesday morning and there are boxes, nay CRATES, stacked high in the entranceway mostly blocking it, all snuggly stuffed with the ambrosia of modern man.WHAT THE HELL!?!This whole time I was being

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-78573114389483292092009-05-07T20:49:00.009+09:002009-05-07T21:11:44.331+09:00

Literally.As much as I love the shopping in Seoul, it still does not quite make up for the fact that Seoul is a stinking, flighty, trash-filled warren of spit-hacking snobs. {Service here even gives the hideously low quality of service in America a run for its $$ .}The air quality is so bad I've had breathing difficulties, a prepetually stuffed nose, and frequent fevers since the day I stepped

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-7903096852598402732009-05-03T20:42:00.009+09:002009-05-08T22:10:06.511+09:00

My current territory that I've acquired as my personal lair is the local Dunkin Donuts.Complete with balcony and a view.The view from MY chair: (Always the purple one by the window. Although if I'm lucky I get the orange set by the trees.)Of course, much like Japan it's not just a donut shop, it's an EXPERIENCE complete with chocolate mousse desserts and NY Cheesecake.Does that just not bring

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-40567493184713947182009-04-11T22:01:00.006+09:002009-04-12T16:26:49.797+09:00

As the clock swings towards midnight again I am left wondering...The Japanese have managed to master four writing systems without breaking a sweat.Yet how is it that after TWO THOUSAND YEARS they can still NOT master the art of indexing books?? And only six more days to produce research results.......Cheers! (^_-)-☆Thanks again for stopping into my little corner of the 'net, and Happy Browsing!!

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-43126725770696988172009-04-03T21:31:00.001+09:002011-07-03T22:25:39.275+09:00

Finders keepers!So who found it first?The eternal question of ownership between Japan and Korea.Is the island Takeshima {Japan} or Dokutou {Korea}?Is the tiny waterway the Japan sea or the East sea?Apparently, it depends on what country you live in.In the daily radio news about the military movements I heard an interesting word pop up that caught my attention immediately. It slipped by at first

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-88476154801601322392009-03-30T21:25:00.002+09:002009-04-07T21:29:16.087+09:00

QUICK!What do you do one week before payday with only one dollar sixty in change?Run out to the local grocery and buy the highest volume + cheapest chocolate available.Or that's what I do.It's all about priorities.Yes, I shouldn't have bought that twenty dollar imported magazine last week but I was irritated and really mad. And like most frustrated women in that state, I SHOP.I just don't buy

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-78269107484596041982009-03-27T21:05:00.000+09:002009-03-27T22:10:02.370+09:00

As the North Korean missles move into place - Japanese TBS news reports "Obviously preparing for countdown" - the US army moves into position in the Japan Sea and the Japanese are moving warships and army towards Northern Japan where I used to live and several of my friends STILL live.So what are the South Koreans doing?Apparently on vacation.I see one or two military personal every day as I walk

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-45879300019149658432009-03-26T17:27:00.000+09:002009-03-27T22:10:47.428+09:00

That's me. Why, you wonder? Why am I the choosen nice-teacher? What great thing did I do to inspire young minds to greater effort?!? I let them sleep. And, it only took me eight working days to institute this rule. Seriously. You finish the assignment – go to sleep. PLEASE. At first it was met with mystified expressions and tenative hopeful questionings - “Really?? We can sleep?“ „Yes,

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-45802493753579540732009-03-24T15:58:00.009+09:002009-03-24T21:40:34.178+09:00

or, 'is that a body in the road?'So that was the start of my Monday walk to work.Now we had just been joking – us newcomers – just last Friday about being careful about not getting sick or hit by a car since we did not have health insurance until we got our ARC (Alien Registration) card. That might sound overinflated, but the drivers here are ALL INSANE ASYLUM ESCAPEES. The road to my temporary

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-15409670355466177912009-03-17T15:09:00.002+09:002009-03-19T15:17:25.184+09:00

It goes without saying, no pets in class. Please, people.I walk into my rowdy, overcrowded {“never more then ten students per class” so why do I count fifteen?} but not unpleasant mid-day class today only to have “Di” jump up and proclaim loudly that “Ray” has snakes!“Snakes?” I feel my eyes bugle.“Yes, snakes! Snakes!” “Di” pronounces with that giddy, unhinged excitement only tattletales can

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-7542379129613422082009-02-26T23:57:00.010+09:002011-08-02T04:05:35.553+09:00

So I received an email from my contact yesterday that started out with this: I also wanted to let you know that I will be leaving Korea (to go back) on Monday March 2nd. Well this was certainly unexpected. Can't say I slept well last night after hearing that. Last time I "filled in" for someone returning, it was NOT a good position. Worst one to date including an occasionally drunken pervert.

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-35672827915531091022009-02-26T00:06:00.005+09:002010-11-14T21:32:21.443+09:00

Japan at least is a similar to the USA - runs alttle "slower' which always made my laptops work harder. Specifically, in the US, my laptops were cooler then in Japan. In Japan the internal fan ran ALL THE TIME the laptop was on probably accounting for the fact that inevitably. like clock-work, my laptops always died 2-3 months after returning to the states. >.>Korea apparently is much worse

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-267096316578129012009-02-24T23:35:00.006+09:002009-02-24T23:46:47.986+09:00

～READING TEA～In Japan there is a traditional belief with tea that if you find a leaf is floating upright in your cup that means good fortune is coming.This is what I found in the bottom of my tea cup late late last night.......Does this mean I am meant to find love on the otherside of the ocean?!?I wasn't particularly looking, but sure why not.Cheers! (^_-)-☆Thanks again for stopping into my

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-84189329203884235002009-02-22T00:02:00.011+09:002011-07-03T22:27:04.404+09:00

When I first went to Japan originally I had some basic language skills as backup. I was an exception. Most ESL teachers went blind and frankly did perfectly well. My family thought I was brave or whatever just for going to a foreign country, but I think THOSE teachers were the brave ones. Now is my chance to prove I too am brave.Not really. It's mostly that I'm just reckless. ^o^I snooped

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-77906494443247803792009-02-04T10:20:00.009+09:002009-02-04T10:56:12.773+09:00

So Korea it is!But before that, here's another company to avoid in Japan while your out hunting - tis the season and all.RCS Corporation RecruitingNot only are the benefits ATROCIOUS - frankly I told my friends in Japan the only benefit was it being IN Japan - but apparently they are not interested in qualified applicants. Just so much... work... to schedule... interview... *pass out*Seriously,

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-36514064141274110412009-02-01T23:44:00.005+09:002009-02-02T00:05:12.149+09:00

So now we're about to become the Complete JAPAN/SOUTH KOREA Guide?!?!?maybe....Looks like my next job takes me South Korea, NOT Japan. Although I intend to move back to Japan at some point hopefully. Heavy on the hopefully there.I have found that compared to when I first went in 2000 to Japan, the benefits and wages for Native English teachers have been steady declining. Imagine a plane in

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-14629087315840948552008-06-28T12:06:00.013+09:002008-06-29T12:01:00.787+09:00

I can't seem to find a single Forum Board *yet* that comprehensively addresses this topic so I've decided to start a series here.In this series I will introduce the places you absolutely want to avoid if you are looking to teach English in Japan.In this first installment, allow me to introduce the school I am currently at, MSE, Mizusawa School of English in Iwate prefecture. They apparently post

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-10105200684573396292008-06-10T11:29:00.001+09:002011-07-03T22:25:39.278+09:00

You thought European commercials were a hoot. They've got nothing on the Japanese. From naked women to singing business men... still I like this one the best so far:The Online interactive Laptop computer commercial where you can hang out with BUNNY-man!WHERE TO GO: http://www.fmworld.net/fmv/usataku/main.htmlHOW TO PLAY:There are a set of 4 boxes, usually at the bottom of the frame. One is a

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-72052019372143872842008-05-19T11:13:00.001+09:002008-06-29T12:02:23.973+09:00

I totally forgot about Great Japanese Food like...1) Aloe!You can eat it in yogurt! You can drink it with grape juice! It's even an alcoholic drink!2) Coffee Jelly!Yes! They do not just have the "wall of canned coffee" in every conceviable convience and grocery store in Japan, they have it in Jello form! And even better, several varieties boast- "Caffineless so your children can enjoy it without

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-4361326561556269792008-04-11T17:03:00.006+09:002008-04-15T10:55:46.618+09:00

With the recent move of the Japanese ISP's to ban P2P networks, many sites are not available for streaming in Japan!! It is not yet definite whether this IP ban will be permanent or temporary.But as always, the internet is on the move, like a kaliediscope--twisting and writhing its way into different shapes and disguises...Previously in dealing with country restricted services we introduced how

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-44836570064924025732008-02-20T11:22:00.001+09:002011-07-03T22:25:39.280+09:00

Apparently, most Japanese have never seen a real rainbow—there’s too much air pollution here.On the other hand, they get to experience their own little rainbow inside the grocery throughout the year.Take, for instance, KitKats:In the Spring, there is Orange.In the Summer, there is Blueberry and Lemon.In October I found Acorn Squash for Halloween.Again: There are no “pumpkins” in Japan. Some moron

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-8478256550200888642008-02-20T11:13:00.003+09:002008-02-20T11:20:25.365+09:00

As many times as I've traveled in and out of Japan, I've always felt their customs screening was rather open and non-offensive, downright 'friendly' even. Aka, LAX.This however was too funny.Mapplethorp was in the news!!! I was lolling in front of the computer half-listening to the news when the words "mapplethorp" and "waisetsu" (indecent) caught my attention. (Of course, the word "waisetsu"

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-38134761192817947862008-01-29T11:27:00.000+09:002011-07-03T22:25:39.283+09:00

Multi-tasking gone too far:Several years ago it was predicted that websites would exist everywhere for the purpose of advertising. You see them in the newspaper, on tv, in magazines, on billboards and the little hand-out kleenex packages at train stations. It is the "age" of the obiqutious website urls.But seriously, why did my roll of toilet paper have web addresses printed all over it?!I ask

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-8266034259574893252008-01-27T12:02:00.000+09:002011-01-29T05:02:18.870+09:00

No matter who I make this for, it always comes out a winner. Very simple, very few ingredients, but such a wonderful medly.1 teaspoon cumin seeds1 teaspoon crushed red pepper1/2 teaspoon coriander1/2 large vadalia onion, sliced3 tablespoons of butter (ghee best)1 teaspoon of salt (do NOT omit)1/2 teaspoon turmericCook the above ingredients together until the onions are slightly browned.Add1/2

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-47752270441234034062007-11-29T11:34:00.000+09:002008-06-29T11:37:52.358+09:00

What do you know? I was feeling inspired. ;) Some samples of modern Japanese "pop" by the famous Hitomi Shimatani. Her earlier music has a lot of Latin overtones that have grown into more widespread international feel. Enjoy! GARNET MOON ～ザクロ石の月 FLOWER OF THE SUN ～太陽の花 FALCO ～ファルコ Thanks again for stopping into my little corner of the 'net, and Happy Browsing!! Ads make the

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-50574414210770014752007-03-06T12:06:00.000+09:002011-01-29T05:02:18.872+09:00

Since I mentioned this recipe previously ">here and I do make it CONSTANTLY (I can't help it. It's really good and really quick to whip-up. ), I thought I would post my recipe for "Chicken" Chaat:400 grams of firm yaki doufu (or 200 grams each of momen and yaki doufu)200 grams of shirataki (optional, but highly recommended)3/4 tsp of salt3/4 tsp ground hot pepper1 tsp of ground garlic4 tsp of

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-82840674689996016462007-02-28T15:19:00.000+09:002010-12-24T09:13:03.945+09:00

The best advice is DON'T DO IT!Here's an example of why you don't want to:Barbaric conditions in the airline industry, by a shelter mom.DOMESTICIf you are forced to, if it is inescapable that you must travel with you animal companion, one of the very important things to remember is don't assume any thing. Many airplanes these days will not accept animal companions. The ones that do, accept only

yogaferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-12201337186074634982007-02-18T10:28:00.000+09:002010-11-14T21:30:51.852+09:00

LISTENING TO ONLINE RADIO LARGE VARIETY OF SERIES-OTR/modern/streaminghttp://www.archive.org/details/audioincludes the following subcategories: Audio Books & Poetry | Computers & Technology | Grateful Dead | Live Music Archive | Music & Arts | News & Public Affairs | Non-English Audio | Open Source Audio | Podcasts | Radio ProgramsLibriVox: over 1000 public domain books in audio book format

gypsyferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-42079509372067292032007-02-11T10:34:00.000+09:002007-02-15T10:03:53.105+09:00

If you watch a lot of movies, you have probably had this happen to you too:- Suddenly the image freezes but the sound kept playing.- Disoriented or coloured blocks of pixels distorting the image for a time.Then, Divx Repair is the program that you could use to fix the errors automatically. They even offer a forum for questions and help on their main site.Divx Repair is very simple to use. Just

gypsyferretnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-68913338123471474902007-01-29T10:53:00.000+09:002007-01-29T11:09:43.209+09:00

The problem with keepvid is that it only allows you to download in .flv format. And if you download a movie from the stage6 site, you get a .divx file.What's a person to do?Real Player can't handle it. And even if Windows Media Player could, why would you want to use it anyway?There is a FIX!! (of course)The VideoLAN Free Player, direct download here.CAPABILITIES:-can watch online streaming

gypsyferretnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37742495.post-69801390130733493072007-01-20T15:34:00.000+09:002011-03-21T08:47:52.419+09:00

Tofu...You can't swing a dead cat without here hitting a block of tofu. (Monty Python as a veg*n)I like Tofu, but I have discovered that the Japanese view of how to use tofu is very, very limited to the confines of their "shokubunka"-food culture. Frankly, I've made wonderful sweet potato pies, chocolate-pumpkin-goodness pies, tofu tacos, tofu italiano with red wine and maitake mushrooms,

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