Back in Business...

Well, I’m finally back online. After my laptop, which I kindly care for and often praise, took a major crap last week. I was once again facing the loss of major data, and wondering about my luck with computers. It turned out to be a manufacturing defect that Apple was willing to fix with few questions. Of course, like everything else here, it proved a bit difficult arranging for the actual repair in Japanese. Fortunately, a teacher looking to kill time at work was happy to help. So here I go with an attempt to update what’s been going down…

Big One

First, and most important news: I am now an uncle twice over! My brother and his wife welcomed an enormous baby into the world on March 24th. This brick shithouse weighed in at over 10 pounds. Needless to say my brother is already pumped about his son’s future pro wrestling career what with, in his words, “fists like soup cans”. I can’t wait to meet this guy, and I figure with some encouragement he’ll be able to take his dad in a few short years.




His name is Jackson. Unsurprisingly, being related to me, he’s a beaut!

Givin'r in Japan

Just before the big one’s birth we had a rather big week here. We hosted the Mike, Moose, and Derek show while they were touring west Japan.
This show featured 5 straight days of just givin’r. Upon arrival in Japan, the boys quickly discovered the ubiquitous availability of the kinger. These large beers fueled the proceedings contributing to some of my best times, and no doubt most laughs in Japan.



I think dubbing their tour “Shogunning Across Japan” is most appropriate. For those not in the know, Shogun is actually Japanese for shotgun or at least that’s what we figure. The art of shotgunning is a tricky one, but I know of no one else who has mastered it quite like Mike.



He only brings it out on special occasions of course. Wow, beautiful temple! Anyone got a pen?

Sumo & Song in Osaka

We kicked off our part of the tour when we met up with the guys in Osaka. We had plans to check out some sumo in the late afternoon, but I didn’t know when we’d actually see them figuring they’d be moving a bit slow after what I suspected was a big first night in Tokyo. We were just sitting down for lunch when we got the surprisingly early call: “Hey, it’s Mike. We’re in Osaka. Tokyo’s a pretty wild city. Moose got five staples in his head last night. Where should we meet?” From then on any doubts that this show would be rolling along at anything but full bore quickly dissipated. As Moose would later say, “I’ve got two speeds. Off and full f*cking bore!” It seems that Moose and his brother ‘borrowed’ some bikes somewhere past two in the morning, and somehow he took a spill. A visit to the hospital, five staples to the head later, and he was once again ready to rock.
And ready to rock in Osaka we were. After taking in a few of the sights…

(btw the crab is in motion)




And a requisite stop at the golden arches (I was informed it’s “the international symbol for delicious”) so the crew could fuel up on 100 yen McChicks…



We were off to Sumo!!



I’d checked out Sumo on TV before and found it somewhat interesting, but mostly for the novelty. I figured checking it out live in Osaka would be a cool cultural experience; however, I found it to be really captivating as a sport in it’s own right. The ceremony, suspense, and sheer force of the proceedings proved extremely exciting.





Following sumo the evening was young so we headed to a local Irish pub for a few pints. A guitar was quickly found and soon the five canucks (and only people in the place) had turned the joint into a raucous spot featuring live music. Lead by Moose & Mike, the pub was serenaded with originals, Neil Young covers, and other assorted material. Sarah hit with some Berner and soon the Irish lass tending bar was requesting the Cranberries. Of course with this kind of live entertainment the place filled up, but we were soon off for more fun in the Osaka night.






The rest of the night included heart shaped falafels and all us guys taking a bath together. Make with that what you will…