tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-108693482024-03-14T16:36:15.573+09:00Japan Rider: The BlogA blog of two passions - riding mountain bikes and life in Japan.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.comBlogger1030125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-7839609826965024822016-04-17T06:27:00.003+09:002016-04-17T06:27:42.472+09:00New BlogThis blog is now an archive. For any new posts, or to see what I|'m up to these days, check out <a href="http://bright-suburbanite.blogspot.ca/">http://bright-suburbanite.blogspot.ca/</a>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-83539217579755655072013-11-14T07:38:00.000+09:002017-06-25T19:58:15.051+09:00An Old Friend Visits!I've been back in Canada now for just over three years. The first year I spent just recovering from the change, relaxing, finding a light job. The second year, I continued to work, and to think ahead and start planning how to rebuild my life properly. The third year, I moved away from my home-town of Montreal again, leaving behind my friends, again.<br />
<br />
Now, I'm not far away at all, but still - I don't get to just go take a walk or have a chat any more. So, when <a href="http://bernicky.com/blog/">Denis (Bernicky)</a> and his daughter decided to come spend a day in Aylmer and Ottawa, I was thrilled.<br />
<br />
The idea was to go on a proper photo safari - to go out specifically to make photos.<br />
<br />
Well, the best laid plans and all that - the weather was cold and far too rainy to have the cameras out. But the visit was not a waste; after a brief trial run at photographing the marina, we went to the Byward Market area and did some touristy things, like eating Beaver Tails (fried bread with sweet stuff on it...hmm...not too healthy, but a tradition, I think.).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n86t3uPKNwQ/WU-XGv7wPiI/AAAAAAAAYoM/D5Njl_JMnCcj-qK5RXj8CMT63J3N9sIQgCLcBGAs/s1600/Denis-Visit_0555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n86t3uPKNwQ/WU-XGv7wPiI/AAAAAAAAYoM/D5Njl_JMnCcj-qK5RXj8CMT63J3N9sIQgCLcBGAs/s320/Denis-Visit_0555.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TpB4YiYPGUE/WU-XGlAyhqI/AAAAAAAAYoI/AyQESHVp17c3sTzRPvgTH0JoSZ9wzzP0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Denis-Visit_0558_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TpB4YiYPGUE/WU-XGlAyhqI/AAAAAAAAYoI/AyQESHVp17c3sTzRPvgTH0JoSZ9wzzP0gCLcBGAs/s320/Denis-Visit_0558_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
Following our outing there, we ate hot dogs and poutine, and warmed ourselves up in the hot tub back at my place.<br />
<br />
All too soon, my friends had to get back on the road and head home themselves.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OWGcomLJQNY/WU-W01nPBEI/AAAAAAAAYoE/zssIN3Cp33w8pm_06fFt2U0IblNE1dd8QCLcBGAs/s1600/Denis-Visit_0553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OWGcomLJQNY/WU-W01nPBEI/AAAAAAAAYoE/zssIN3Cp33w8pm_06fFt2U0IblNE1dd8QCLcBGAs/s320/Denis-Visit_0553.jpg" width="320" /></a>A short visit, but really, really enjoyable! Can't wait for the next visit...Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-53482471389062714272011-08-23T04:03:00.000+09:002017-06-25T20:02:47.937+09:00風力発電機 (Fuuryokuhatsudenki)I recently had the pleasure of escaping my office and working in an 'isolated location' for a few days. The hotel room was away from the actual office, but beside the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station (which was ordered to idle since the recent unpleasantness, and to review nuclear plant safety). I was surprised to find that the area has sprouted lots of wind turbines since my last visit, two years ago.<br/><br/>Here is my gas-guzzler contemplating a sustainable energy future:<br/><br/><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvjULVGpIFc/WU-YSQeYaKI/AAAAAAAAYoY/4QhvbHdZ2pU5BouNfLprgewMW4slkTh-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Legend-and-turbines-at-Hamaoka-Aug-2011-Medium1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvjULVGpIFc/WU-YSQeYaKI/AAAAAAAAYoY/4QhvbHdZ2pU5BouNfLprgewMW4slkTh-gCLcBGAs/s320/Legend-and-turbines-at-Hamaoka-Aug-2011-Medium1.jpg" width="238" height="320" data-original-width="571" data-original-height="768" /></a>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-89211330591249382212011-07-10T16:28:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:41.892+09:00Blowtorch BreakfastIt is still rainy season here, so not 'summery' hot yet, but hot enough that turning on the stove for more than a minute can push morning apartment temps to uncomfortable heights. Experimenting with ways to cook more quickly led me to the blowtorch; it works for my sous vide steaks, gives the local bacon a bit of a crisp, and makes short work of eggs, as seen here:<br/><br/><iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OO1Vh-Q-a1Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-24949903234442352662011-07-06T03:39:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:41.832+09:00Beauty of the Early MorningStarting yesterday, I am now working days rather than evenings. While at first I had been a bit disappointed at the idea, as I had really been enjoying the evening shift and found that I was, overall, much more energetic and productive in my personal life, already, only on day two, I am happy with the day shift, happy being back to normal.<br/>What is normal? Well, for one thing, I am up today, with no alarm, at 5:20 a.m. And one thing Montreal and my Japan city have in common is that they are both ethereally quiet at this time of the morning. There is a kind of peace over the land that makes this time of day special for me.<br/>Other normalities that have already returned include being active in the evenings rather than the day time.<br/><br/>Yesterday after work, I sat in the yard and read my book, I went roller-blading for an hour, ate a good dinner and prepared a good lunch. This evening I've got plans to see friends and be social. So - maybe the day shift is a good shift!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-52359282633948045592011-07-05T14:38:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:41.866+09:00Beauty of the Early MorningStarting yesterday, I am now working days rather than evenings. While at first I had been a bit disappointed at the idea, as I had really been enjoying the evening shift and found that I was, overall, much more energetic and productive in my personal life, already, only on day two, I am happy with the day shift, happy being back to normal.<br/><br/>What is normal? Well, for one thing, I am up today, with no alarm, at 5:20 a.m. And one thing Montreal and my Japan city have in common is that they are both ethereally quiet at this time of the morning. There is a kind of peace over the land that makes this time of day special for me.<br/><br/>Other normalities that have already returned include being active in the evenings rather than the day time. Yesterday after work, I sat in the yard and read my book, I went roller-blading for an hour, ate a good dinner and prepared a good lunch. This evening I've got plans to see friends and be social. So - maybe the day shift is a good shift!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-2756487911497238412011-06-08T19:33:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:41.838+09:00Where Are the Vending Machines??Some things you start to take for granted once you settle in somewhere. For example, I had begun to take car ownership for granted since I'd had a car for most of my Japan years. Moving back to Montreal, I had been car-free for several months, and finally gave into the need for wheels.<br/><br/>The car is something that was in my power to remedy. Other things are out of my hands, however. Other things, such as the dire lack of vending machines. Yes - I who may once have thought the ubiquitous "jidou-hanbaiki" (vending machine) a blight in nature, found even at the peak of Mt. Fuji, had certainly grown dependent on and appreciative of their presence. And now, with summer and humidity finally here in Montreal, I rue the loss of the "ji-han-ki" (short for jidouhanbaiki, aka vending machine).<br/><br/>As I walked to a workshop downtown this morning, I quickly became parched, having forgotten to bring my bottle of water. I found myself casting hopeful -even expectant - glances around street corners, having to remind myself several times that, no, I would not find any vending machines here. I would have to wait until I hit the city centre, and then I would have to join the hordes of trendy city-ites in long lines at Tim Horton's...<br/><br/>Perhaps this is not out of my hands...perhaps I can start a petition. Would anyone consider signing a plea to have vending machines places every few hundred feet across the country??<br/><br/>Next post - Lack of any 24 hour convenience stores. This may be a Canadian or a Quebec phenomena, but there are no 7-11's, no Circle Ks, no Family Marts... A person could starve or die of dehydration right here in the middle of so-called civilization, just for the want of vending machines and convenience stores!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-50259008734724266152011-05-25T16:45:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:41.857+09:00Another Year of Britannica!Once again, we are very fortunate here at Japanrider.com, because, as web authors, we have qualified for another year of free access to Britannica Encyclopedia online. Our free subscription includes the ability to share full articles with our readers. So, for today's perusal, you can check out Britannica's information on the earth quake and tsunami of 2011...<br/><br/><a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1761942/Japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-of-2011">http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1761942/Japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-of-2011</a>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-8143295298077649872011-05-13T05:10:00.000+09:002017-06-25T20:05:23.755+09:00Rolling Thunder?As a fun project, I decided to try to fine-tune my bike's power curve while keeping an ear out for change or improvement in the tone and timber.<br />
<br />
With less than $2 in hardware, I put together an adjustable lollipop baffle, and now have a wide range of tunability:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zfdybcXHSY/WU-Y2LDjonI/AAAAAAAAYog/9jG5Vl8174M7kvwqnyauay7ai6bj6ueHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Biking-stuff-baffle-1_edited-1-Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zfdybcXHSY/WU-Y2LDjonI/AAAAAAAAYog/9jG5Vl8174M7kvwqnyauay7ai6bj6ueHQCLcBGAs/s320/Biking-stuff-baffle-1_edited-1-Medium.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For tight mountain rides, a 45 degree angle is ideal as the torque noticeably increases allowing fewer shifts with stout pull under steep but relatively short sections.<br />
<br />
Turning the baffle to 180 degrees still creates some back pressure and improved torque, while allowing the engine to spool up quickly in longer sections of road and straightaways.<br />
<br />
The sound is improved, a little lower tone over the rpm range and a little quieter, too. Still wakes the neighbors tho!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-35122530174603820032011-05-11T06:58:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:41.846+09:00What I Did TodayBecause I often feel that I'm doing nothing, I have decided to write a bit about things that I HAVE accomplished.<br><br>Wrote two emails<br>Attended a workshop at La Passerelle about harnessing the power of Linked In for a job search<br>Walked my dog<br>Cleaned the yard<br>Did groceries<br>Set up my D90 for the first time in ages and did some self portraits for my Linked In profile<br><br>Ok-not much, but not bad either!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-70840552991786558942011-05-10T01:09:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:41.878+09:00TimeI just cruised here to post, and saw that I haven't posted in two weeks. Where does the time go? Why is it that when I should have so much more free time, I seem to have less?<br/><br/>This weekend, at least, went by in a blur. I played in a dart playoff tournament, and then enjoyed the post-game party. I spent Sunday morning recovering, then spent some time with my mother on Mother's Day. Then dinner with a friend. Then time to crash early so I could wake up early to go paint doors and baseboards...<br/><br/>Now home again, and posting here in order to kick-start my creative juices again!<br/><br/>I will be quite busy all this week with painting, and then maybe get out of the city for the weekend...<br/><br/>And so it goes.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-28843130682805403342011-05-08T01:05:00.000+09:002017-06-25T20:01:36.673+09:00Planting SeasonAlthough I've sworn off rice and other seed-based foods, there is no doubt that Japanese society has necessarily relied on wet paddy agriculture to sustain its population on an otherwise mountainous island, lacking non-seafood game.<br />
<br />
The resulting planting traditions continue today, and in my area it is now time to plant the most common rice varieties. While this can be mechanized, many farmers rely on family and friends' manpower to plant.<br />
<br />
I caught this scene behind my apartment yesterday morning, including the flooded paddies, hardworking planters, and even an egret. (The egrets and ducks flock to the newly flooded fields for the frogs, fish, leeches and bugs that suddenly abound when warm and wet!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6H9KSg7lS8/WU-X7zuChxI/AAAAAAAAYoU/jXz5kuV_qYYHLmgj3UpfpRtPP0YgMMJdgCLcBGAs/s1600/Planting-season-2011-May-3-Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6H9KSg7lS8/WU-X7zuChxI/AAAAAAAAYoU/jXz5kuV_qYYHLmgj3UpfpRtPP0YgMMJdgCLcBGAs/s320/Planting-season-2011-May-3-Medium.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="575" data-original-height="768" /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-47469734872340646392011-05-05T23:36:00.000+09:002017-06-25T20:07:39.540+09:00Tiger Beetle (ハンミョウ 斑猫)It is possible to take great photographs with any camera, but it's definitely easier with better equipment! I haven't been carrying my DSLR around like I used to, especially since switching to a motorbike (no windows to roll up if it rains, etc.). While the iPhone camera isn't primitive, it puts the challenge back into snapping even acceptable images, and I have yet to capture anything 'great' with it.<br />
<br />
On a recent outing, I stopped for a quick dip at a mountain stream 'swimming hole', and found a tiger beetle that must live nearby. It would sit still long enough for me to consider taking a picture, but would run away if I got too close for too long, and then return as soon as I looked away. It also wouldn't let me look it in the face, always turning away... I really wanted to see its sabre teeth!<br />
<br />
I finally got one picture that was acceptably focused and exposed:<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l26WiPZNI2s/WU-ZPBRL6EI/AAAAAAAAYok/LSJLvS98ZbkB9OY4grG7klvQ5fTOtIrzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Freak-Beetle-Blue-Spotted-Tiger-Beetle-Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l26WiPZNI2s/WU-ZPBRL6EI/AAAAAAAAYok/LSJLvS98ZbkB9OY4grG7klvQ5fTOtIrzwCLcBGAs/s320/Freak-Beetle-Blue-Spotted-Tiger-Beetle-Medium.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="575" data-original-height="768" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I found out later that these can live for three years, eat ants and other insects, and 'can bite if mishandled'. The full Latin name is Cicindela chinensis japonica.<br />
<br />
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-50819789209682744412011-04-30T01:59:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:41.861+09:00Spring BluesNot sure if it is missing Japan, the inability to find any kind of job, even a crappy kind, still sofa-surfing at my mother's house, or just the crazy, changeable weather of spring. But the spring blues are in full force this week...Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-54216530310698633192011-04-30T01:56:00.000+09:002017-06-25T20:09:02.181+09:00Dexter's Spring HaircutDexter is doing quite well, although he (like me!) is slightly overweight still. He does look very cute with his new haircut, though.<br/><br/>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZbbHr1R5KY/WU-ZwWIYrEI/AAAAAAAAYow/6E5-64fy6lMvHkgPPuTAAMYoNyzWGLORwCLcBGAs/s1600/dexter1-e1304110527782.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZbbHr1R5KY/WU-ZwWIYrEI/AAAAAAAAYow/6E5-64fy6lMvHkgPPuTAAMYoNyzWGLORwCLcBGAs/s320/dexter1-e1304110527782.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="480" data-original-height="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6U6hUyeHrM/WU-ZwVqVVrI/AAAAAAAAYos/UbAy-84FI3kDRD4mP9Xb6dzoGUOcZ0_ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/dexter2-e1304110581558.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6U6hUyeHrM/WU-ZwVqVVrI/AAAAAAAAYos/UbAy-84FI3kDRD4mP9Xb6dzoGUOcZ0_ZgCLcBGAs/s320/dexter2-e1304110581558.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="480" /></a>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-23191886885068756582011-04-26T04:31:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:41.829+09:00Mountain ride on VRXMy bike isn't really good for touring with its stock pair of upswept exhaust pipes, which interfered with any saddlebag options. My first big change then was to switch to a two-into-one header, and then a single muffler. <br/><br/>After playing around with the silencers, I found better sound and more hp (above 5000rpm!) with the silencers installed, and unchanged torque. I captured some of the testing with my iPhone and GoPro.<br/><br/>With some time on the last rainy Saturday morning, so I assembled some footage and sound files into a bite-sized video:<br/><br/><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DwnZymTSkvM?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DwnZymTSkvM?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-79953369401521763412011-04-23T22:05:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:41.887+09:00Brevity of TimeEaster is here. This is the first time in about thirteen years that I have been in a pre-dominantly Christian country, and where Easter is even acknowledged. For me, I find it pleasant enough just to have a reason for people to be off work (I, of course, am off just about every day!). My mother has gone to Ottawa to enjoy some time with my brother and sister-in-law, and will very likely have a nice dinner. I will be going to my friend's place for a ham and pineapple - neither of which I have eaten in a very long time.<br/><br/>While Easter is associated with spring and with re-birth, in Japan we celebrate hanami - the lovely sakura (cherry blossoms) that bloom only very briefly before blowing off into th spring breeze. People go out and sit under the trees, sing songs and drink lots of beer. It is the Japanese way to acknowledge the brevity of life, and to appreciate what is present, even if only very briefly.<br/><br/>While I too, am appreciating the day, I am also pleased to have a rebirth. Spring is a great time to start fresh, to make spring resolutions, and get healthy.<br/><br/> Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-51445817784216991872011-04-22T04:47:00.000+09:002017-06-25T20:10:01.231+09:00Inaugural Bike RideAlthough the weather the past few days has been cold, windy and rainy, last week was actually bright, sunny and warm. Beautiful enough, in fact, that I took out my 29er single-speed bicycle, a custom Clockwork Bicycle, out for the first ride in at least a year.<br/><br/>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gN8ehnCN52M/WU-Z_Ow3A7I/AAAAAAAAYo0/IvqAmhkbTAofu57yT2MrBvPam71MU-A7wCLcBGAs/s1600/P12-04-11_14-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gN8ehnCN52M/WU-Z_Ow3A7I/AAAAAAAAYo0/IvqAmhkbTAofu57yT2MrBvPam71MU-A7wCLcBGAs/s320/P12-04-11_14-29.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-28302123268559764252011-04-22T01:52:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:17.324+09:00What I've been doingMostly, I've been spending my time actively seeking to get back into the workforce here. Lack of French is an obstacle, but I'm confident that I can overcome it!<br/><br/>I've been attending a Career Transitions program at a place called La Passerelle. It is, happily, a government-sponsored program and I, even more happily, qualified to participate. It is a twelve week program, and has so far provided me with more confidence, and a deeper understanding of myself and the job market, than I had previously had.<br/><br/>Who knew that all the other participants felt so similarly to me? The disillusionment caused by the former job, the feeling of being a bit lost, not knowing where to go next, avoiding looking for work... these are all common feelings to newly unemployed professionals in their forties and upward.<br/><br/>So - this has been good, and keeping me busy.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-34369950669090105432011-04-21T06:13:00.000+09:002017-06-25T20:11:25.209+09:00Ich bin satt...I remember this phrase from my study of German years ago, and it really made an impression... it was contrasted to the alternative (but considered vulgar) Ich bin voll...<br />
<br />
Until recently I had forgotten about these phrases and their distinction, especially as I didn't really understand the difference, and filed away the distinction as just polite rather than technical.<br />
<br />
I now completely understand the difference.<br />
<br />
The short story is that I found myself living in an ever-tightening cycle of eating, and needing to eat. I would wake up hungry, eat, run or bike, eat again, go to work and endure an irritable itchiness that could only be satisfied with a sugary snack, eat a 'healthful' large lunch, snack again, and be starving again by dinnertime.<br />
<br />
This continued for years, until the cycle tightened to me waking up twice a night to either eat, or drink, something and sleep again, or stay awake and suffer from fidgety dissatisfaction.<br />
<br />
After eating, I could count on a one or two hours of focus and concentration, but that yielded to irritability if I couldn't quickly get a cookie, rice-ball, can of cold beer or hot cocoa. Exhausting.<br />
<br />
For the last eight weeks, I have eaten nothing but meats, fats, and vegetables, completely avoiding sugars, carbs and grains. Within 4 days I was in ketosis, and I haven't faltered, or been tempted to falter, yet.<br />
<br />
Ich bin satt..<br />
<br />
Since then, after my meals of eggs, beef or pork and some veggies sauteed in butter or coconut oil, a sense of well-being... satiety,... washes over me. I can think. I can concentrate. Not only don't I crave snacks, I can skip meals without even noticing. When I am 'satisfied', I am done eating.<br />
<br />
Actual differences that I should have recorded are many, but I entered into this as a trial, not really a test, so I didn't record or measure hard data. What I can report though, are these:<br />
<br />
1) My body temperature is spot-on 36.6 deg now. It has always been a full 1 degree Centigrade lower unless in a fever state.<br />
<br />
2) I can sleep through the night, and wake with a rested feeling. Previously I woke only to jump up in search of a sweet danish or coffee.<br />
<br />
3) Now, no need to snack: I usually needed to eat sweets, or drink a beer, several times a day to maintain a calm disposition. If I couldn't carry something sweet / carby with me, I'd do anything to get to a shop and buy something.<br />
<br />
4) I wasn't worried about my weight or skin, but once cutting carbs and sugar, I immediately lost all my belly fat (pants are loose) and my skin has cleared up completely.<br />
<br />
I don't plan on giving up on this regimen; it will become my lifestyle instead of just a temporary experiment. Here is a pic of my now usual breakfast (taken on a particularly sunny morning, so with good light!); bacon and eggs, with the pumpkin, string bean, asparagus and broccoli glistening with coconut oil. Satisfying!<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rApVecmURk0/WU-aS2b8X0I/AAAAAAAAYo4/T1C7QVbNI5k8ryXmx3yrdUpkQIQRONu8wCLcBGAs/s1600/Paleo-breakfast-Medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rApVecmURk0/WU-aS2b8X0I/AAAAAAAAYo4/T1C7QVbNI5k8ryXmx3yrdUpkQIQRONu8wCLcBGAs/s320/Paleo-breakfast-Medium.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1023" data-original-height="768" /></a>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-15707760010930996582011-04-14T06:10:00.000+09:002017-06-25T20:13:42.242+09:00Rock and Roll?The earthquakes and aftershocks (and ensuing public announcements) have been relentlessly constant. Yesterday, for example, Japan endured 23 earthquakes, releasing 537 Tera-Joules of energy. Some of those were quite noticeable here in Shizuoka, but many were felt as a swaying or rolling motion, just slightly dizzying.<br />
<br />
Here is a snapshot of a graph of the energy release since the big one, March 11th. The interactive version is <a href="http://www.japanquakemap.com/dailyEnergy">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nuvQ328ph_Y/WU-av16GV-I/AAAAAAAAYo8/wVQ4LWUtqx0siq2nIt4K1_KK9HaUNeeuACLcBGAs/s1600/Energy-release.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="963" height="135" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nuvQ328ph_Y/WU-av16GV-I/AAAAAAAAYo8/wVQ4LWUtqx0siq2nIt4K1_KK9HaUNeeuACLcBGAs/s320/Energy-release.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<br />
Another interesting graphic depiction of the seismic events has been compiled, with the interactive version <a href="http://www.japanquakemap.com/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLKkY8gxR2I/WU-av-kJosI/AAAAAAAAYpA/E9X3vxoJ9agirIVV9327lIEZxMF0-2kcQCLcBGAs/s1600/frequency-snapshot.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="1129" height="145" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLKkY8gxR2I/WU-av-kJosI/AAAAAAAAYpA/E9X3vxoJ9agirIVV9327lIEZxMF0-2kcQCLcBGAs/s320/frequency-snapshot.jpg" width="320" /></a>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-76570162669199832992011-04-13T06:36:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:17.361+09:00The Brighter Side of JapanMy 10-minute commute to and from work under the cherry blossoms!<br/><br/><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xGP9CryxjPQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-49673586403362602952011-04-06T05:10:00.000+09:002017-06-25T20:14:50.320+09:00Rad, rem, gray, seviert, becquerelThe media, government and industry here are quite cozy, and this reality is a tolerated aspect of Japanese society that is widely acknowledged and seldom criticized. There is wisdom in leaving big decisions to experts with a benevolent long view, and not loudly second-guessing with only arm-chair qualifications.<br />
<br />
It may seem outrageous to Western minds, for the Japanese public to continue trusting these entities considering the continuous series of embarrassing missteps. However, this may be the very reason that Japan's history is measured in 1000's of years, even with limited and fragile resources, typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, and even atomic bombings.<br />
<br />
I'm not an expert, but I would counter that the Japanese accept that there may be immediate hardship, but will endure rather than panic.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, it is interesting to witness the variety of confusing, contrary, or just nonsensical information being released to the public. None of it is sufficient, accurate or whole enough to actually quantify the threat of the radiation leaking from the Fukushima reactors.<br />
<br />
I've done the math, and based on official reports, my 30-minute jog tomorrow morning will be as dangerous as three ripe bananas, a Winston menthol, and a mammogram. Whew.<br />
<br />
Outside sources of information are an interesting contrast. This projection from the German Meteorological Service isn't something being shown here, for sure. (This is based on the weather conditions that would spread the radiation; the actual intensity can't be certain as it is based only on the Japanese officially released measurements.):<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qvuBtmcFYk/WU-bGP6ZnqI/AAAAAAAAYpE/FQ4vqivtTGwmZDYEs9Mqa8Q8yLX6NAewQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sonderbericht_loop1.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="910" height="211" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qvuBtmcFYk/WU-bGP6ZnqI/AAAAAAAAYpE/FQ4vqivtTGwmZDYEs9Mqa8Q8yLX6NAewQCLcBGAs/s320/Sonderbericht_loop1.gif" width="320" /></a>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-16447853899656791702011-03-31T18:35:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:17.315+09:00Daylight Saving TimeAs I have mentioned in other posts, somewhere, I've been going to bed later and waking up later here than I used to do when in Japan. Part of this is likely because I am still not working, and therefore have no need to be up at 6 a.m. But part of it is just that, here, people go to bed at 11 p.m., not 9 or 10 like I used to do. And they certainly never EVER get up at 4:30 a.m. on a sunny, Sunday morning.<br/><br/>And now I see why. The sun does not rise here early in the morning, even now in spring. But, I noticed for the first time last night, even though it is still March, the sky was still light even just before 8 p.m. So - when you can ride your bike or go jogging at 7 pm and not be in the dark, it makes sense that you go to bed later and wake up later.<br/><br/> Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10869348.post-69384525118842749182011-03-24T05:58:00.000+09:002014-07-03T21:42:17.353+09:00Is the Genie out of the Bottle?Despite the incredible devastation, suffering and loss of the earthquake and resulting tsunami, Japan is in full-steam-ahead mode. People, families, companies and cities are cooperating to share the sacrifices and inconveniences, which are obvious but trivial at the same time when considering the scope of this disaster.<br/><br/>Immediate relief efforts and the anticipated recovery and rebuilding of the affected areas are underway, and there is serious progress in those areas, which is great news.<br/><br/>A frustrating complication, besides the unseasonably cold weather and continuing earthquakes, has everyone on edge: the uncontrolled reactors in Fukushima. The news media is reporting progress and setbacks in real time, creating a palpable emotional roller-coaster for the normally-reserved citizens. I am monitoring the situation as well, trying to make sense of the changing outlook. This isn't a real-time resources, but here is an interesting graphic that shows what is on everyone's mind:<br/><br/><script src="http://www.targetmap.com/JS/topup/javascripts/top_up-min.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="http://www.targetmap.com/JS/topup/javascripts/topUpUtilsMapgenia.js" type="text/javascript"></script><a id="rep4870" style="width: 554px; height: 423px; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.targetmap.com/viewer.aspx?reportId=4870&embed"> </a><br/><div style="width: 554px; height: 423px;"><a id="rep4870" style="width: 554px; height: 423px; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.targetmap.com/viewer.aspx?reportId=4870&embed"><object id="test" width="554" height="423"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="FlashVars" value="titleReport=Japan Radiation Maximum by Prefecture" /><param name="FlashVars" value="imageUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.targetmap.com%2Fdata.aspx%3Fmethod%3DgetThumbMap%26reportId%3D4870%26big%3D1" /><param name="FlashVars" value="anchorId=" /><embed id="test" width="554" height="423" src="http://www.targetmap.com/MiniAplicacionEmbed.swf" name="miniApp" flashvars="titleReport=Japan Radiation Maximum by Prefecture&imageUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.targetmap.com%2Fdata.aspx%3Fmethod%3DgetThumbMap%26reportId%3D4870%26big%3D1&anchorId=rep4870" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object></a></div><br/><a id="rep4870" style="width: 554px; height: 423px; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.targetmap.com/viewer.aspx?reportId=4870&embed"> </a><br/><br/><a id="rep4870" style="width: 554px; height: 423px; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.targetmap.com/viewer.aspx?reportId=4870&embed"></a>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587408709457240972noreply@blogger.com1