The Shinkansen (otherwise known as the “Bullet Train”) is fast. Bloody fast. When we were travelling to Tokyo to take our flight to Canada I took this video to show how fast it really moves. Check it out!
The New Wagon R
Due to unfortunate circumstances, our old Wagon R finally had to be put out to pasture. That meant we needed a new car, so we went to the Suzuki dealership and bought a brand new 2009 Wagon R (which we received the day before we left on vacation).
It’s quite a bit nicer than the old one. Actually having four doors and cup-holders being major new upgrades.
It also has lots of futuristic features, like not needing any keys of any sort (just a key fob), including starting the car. It also has a CVT transmission for optimal gas savings. And yes those are real alloy rims (we actually didn’t even know that we had them until a week after we got the car)!
Below is a shot of the dashboard and front seat.
I really like the bench like seat, and empty floor. It makes it really easy to slide over and get out the other side when the parking situation is especially tight.
The backseat is especially spacious. The seat can slide forward and back, giving you more leg room or more trunk space as required without having to fold down the seats. I have to say the difference between the two cars is remarkable. I could really feel the progress cars had made in the past 16 years comparing the two. Check out my old post on our dear departed old Wagon R to see the differences yourself.
Remastered
Recently I’ve been listening to the recent remastering of the Beatles discography. The sound is so much more dynamic than the older CDs. Hearing stereo mixes of previously only mono mixed songs is great. It’s always amazing to me how these four guys could cook up so many consistently great songs and albums. Probably some of my favorite music of all time.
Filed under Music
Summer Cooler
I know it’s a little late to be posting about a special summer flavor, but I was lazy all summer (and on vacation in Canada), so now’s the time. I drank this a few times this summer. It’s Canada Dry “Summer Cooler”.
Basically nice crisp ginger ale mixed with a bit of orange.
It was so refreshing while it was hot. Unfortunately it has completely disappeared. Hopefully it’ll return for next summer.
Back From Vacation
Well I came back from vacation just a few days ago. I really enjoyed my time in Canada, eating lots of food, and shopping like mad. Lots of games, Blu-rays, clothes, and food were purchased. I was surprised to see how large the Blu-ray section had grown since I left almost a year and a half ago. I was not however surprised at much cheaper they were in Canada. All in all a good trip.
Filed under Japan
Poems On Cars
My co-worker recently bought a new used car.
On the side it had a little poem in strange Japanese English.
Click on the pic to enlarge. Enjoy!
I`m Ringo
I`ve been back in Canada just a couple days, but I`ve wasted no time catching up on some new video games. The biggest one being “Beatles Rock Band”. In which you can play guitar, bass, drum or sing.
Who knew it would be so fun to play drums! The presentation in the game is fantastic, and playing all of the Beatles songs is super fun.
Filed under Games
Let’s Go!!
Well, I’m off to Canada for almost two weeks tomorrow. It’s going to be nice to see friends and family, and also eat all the foods I’ve been missing. It’ll also be nice not to have people staring at me all the time, because I’m a foreigner. I’ll still try to do some posts while I’m away, so keep checking.
Filed under Canada
Modified
Japan is a strange country. It’s filled with tons of “what the hell!?” moments. Almost every hobby has been taken to an extreme by some over passionate person. Modifying vehicles is one of them, as is proven by the evidence of this photo I snapped.
Yes, under all of those fins and flares, that used to be a van!
Birthday Goodies
On Friday it was my birthday, so my lovely wife gave me these excellent gifts. A set of Dragon Quest slime stylus for DS.
While they look like a normal stylus, when you look at the ends you see the difference.
Two cute slimes staring back at you. It’s especially cute when they are put into the side of the DS.
The tiny slime poking out of the side.
My wife also got me this really cool Lego thing for my iPod.
It’s actually a portable speaker. The sound quality is actually pretty good for something so small. You can hear it in operation in the video below.
In Sendai 