Category Archives: Uncategorized

Madeleine

Posted on October 22, 2013 by spikekalashnikov

Japan is a country where you take your shoes off a lot – at the dentist, in many restaurants, certainly upon entering a home, yours or someone else’s. If you take off your shoes then usually you put them back … Continue reading →

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Cicero

Posted on October 20, 2013 by spikekalashnikov

I highly recommend Robert Harris’ novels on the life of Cicero. I am listening to one at the moment as I record the events of this day. Mainly birds I’m afraid. There are no less than 5 different species of … Continue reading →

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Green Stuff

Posted on October 14, 2013 by spikekalashnikov

The last 2 weeks or so have been very busy with no time to slob around or have adventures. Not so this weekend – no engagements, dinners and stuff, just stay at home and potter. Also planned 2 day boat … Continue reading →

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My Cup Runneth Over

Posted on October 9, 2013 by spikekalashnikov

    http://www.oist.jp/news-center/news/2013/10/7/oist-board-governors-present-future-plans-prime-minister-abe I don’t like to talk about my women but I’ll do it anyway. A bit of professional life, which I try to keep out of this blog, is going to creep in. Last Friday Jonathan and the … Continue reading →

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Afterwards

Posted on October 1, 2013 by spikekalashnikov

In these parts,when there is a death in the family, people let you know and you contribute some cash. After the funeral you receive a gift in recognition of your er gift. Today I got this. Afterwards When the Present … Continue reading →

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Got My Chips Cashed In

Posted on September 29, 2013 by spikekalashnikov

When at Stanford, I made the acquaintance of a ranching family who had kept cattle and horses on some of the huge swaths of land bought by Leland Stanford. They had been ranching for generations and they probably were there … Continue reading →

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The Road to Dundee

Posted on September 25, 2013 by spikekalashnikov

This is Andy Stewart singing the Road to Dundee, which has nothing to do with this post. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtltT7K_-pI I do however drive to work every morning on a road and I have become increasingly entranced by the flowerpower. All the … Continue reading →

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60 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Posted on September 23, 2013 by spikekalashnikov

One drawback of my boat is that it is difficult to get back into. Being very light, any attempt to mount from the side simply turns the boat over on top of you. I can just about mount over the … Continue reading →

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Swamped

Posted on September 22, 2013 by spikekalashnikov

Topher and I go diving too late. We arrive at 6:00 at a beach whereupon the boat is swamped by the er waves. We wisely decide not to wander into the rough sea to go scuba in the dark cos … Continue reading →

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Respect the Aged

Posted on September 16, 2013 by spikekalashnikov

“On Monday we have a holiday because of the Respect for the Aged Day. The purpose of the holiday is self-explanatory; it is to respect the elderly and to celebrate longevity. In Japan, the influence of Confucianism from the ancient … Continue reading →

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