Welcome 2009!

A new year has begun and, as usual, it feels like a good time to make some changes in my life. A good time to think about the previous year and learn from my mistakes. It's also a good time to remember the good things I did and try to do the same or better this year.

I'll remember 2008 as my first full year in Japan. I've learned many valuable things from Japanese people (such as being respectful to others at all times and in many ways), but I've also learned to avoid other not-so-valuable things that I've detailed in another post.

2008 was a difficult year at the beginning since my wife didn't come to Japan until May, but, on the other hand, it was wonderful to explore Tokyo together once she got here.

Why Japan? Why???

HELP! I don't understand! After being in Japan for more than a year, I still can't make heads or tails of some things Japanese people do.

I realize there are several cultural differences between Japan and “the West”, but...

True or False About Smoking

How much do you know about the cigarettes and the effects of smoking them?

Read the following statements and select whether they're true or false to reveal the (perhaps shocking) answer.

90 Millas

Last night my wife and I watched a movie called 90 Millas (90 Miles). It was about the shocking reality of Cuban immigrants to US.

In the movie, a Cuban family (including an 80-year-old grandpa and a baby) sets out in a tiny raft...

Super Obama

Does the world expect too much of Barack Obama?

According to a recent poll on CNN.com, 76% of the site's visitors said Yes. Barrack Obama has shown the world what great leadership he has by overcoming many hurdles and now...