Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Sweet Hooha



Updated! This is the awning over the door to the "Sweet Pole." It appears to be some kind of restaurant attached to a hotel. Very classy. Wonder who gave them the ace name idea.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Randy Ransels


Foooookin-a. Our daughter starts first grade this spring (the Japanese school year is coordinated with the business year). Although they tell you public education is free in Japan, this isn't quite true. You have to buy certain school-designated supplies, including a Ransel. A Ransel is basically an evil Dutch mailbox that straps to your hapless kid's back. Why did they import a dutch mailbox-backpack to go with their Prussian scholastic model? Eh. The point is, you have no choice but to buy your kid one. If you don't he/she will be burned at the stake like a witch on the first day of school. Because it's tradition, damnit. The manufacturers, knowing they have a captive audience, set the prices however they damn well please, meaning these things start at around $100 US and just go up from there. You can get Ransel that literally cost thousands of dollars were you so inclined. We got a "modestly" priced one for about US$180. Ransel are also a fixture of Japanese cosplay porn, but you really don't want to go there....well, maybe you do. I won't stop you. Go ahead. Google "Randoseru porn." See if I care when your IMMORTAL SOUL IS SUCKED INTO HELL.