j-brandon

15-Year-Old Girl Charged with Sexually Abusing Herself

2007-02-07T12:29:00.000+09:00

I always wondered what would happen if you put nude photos of yourself online before you turned 18. I think this is ridiculous. She's being charged with sexual abuse of children, and I'm not sure how you abuse yourself. I can understand the charge about dissemination of underage pornography, but c'mon, there self-pics.

read more | digg story

New blog.

2005-10-24T08:43:00.000+09:00

Head on over here to see what I'm doing now.

I'm back.

2005-08-25T04:45:00.000+09:00

I'm back in the 'Nati. I'm moving everything over to my new blog.

My last meal in Japan...

2005-08-24T08:40:00.000+09:00

...is niku man. That's steamed pork buns for most of you out there. It's a fitting last meal, considering I ate this for breakfast most of time in Japan. I'm really sad to leave this place. I know I'll be back in the near future.

Christopher Walken in 2008!

2005-08-20T11:01:00.000+09:00

I don't know whether to believe this website or not, but there is supposedly an official Christopher Walken for President website. Click here to see Walken 2008. You know where your daddy kept this Presidential bid? Up his ass. He hid this uncomfortable Presidential bid up his ass, for four long years. There was no way he was gonna let those Republicans get their greasy hands on it.

P. Diddy changes name again to Faggy...just kidding.

2005-08-18T17:56:00.000+09:00

Seans "Puffy" "Puff Daddy" "P. Diddy" Combs is apparently adding a new name to the already long list. He would now like to be known simply as "Diddy". He told NBC's Today Show hosts that "The P was getting between me and my fans." Just like R. Kelly.

read more | digg story

One more going away party.

2005-08-18T01:55:00.000+09:00

We had Sanjay's going away party tonight. It seems like the parties never end. By the time it comes to mine, there won't be many people left. I guess I'll have something, but it won't be very big. I guess I don't feel like saying much else. It's not that I don't have something to say, cause Lord knows I do, but I'm far too tired to type it all out right now. On a side note, for not being Christian, I use a lot of Christian-inspired phrases.

It's been a while..

2005-08-17T17:28:00.000+09:00

...since I've gone and done a post. I have a lot to talk about. I will try to get around to telling them on here soon, since I got my plane ticket to come back to the U.S. today. I will be leaving in 7 days.

Mike Tyson turns Porn star; To Film Porn with Jenna Jameson

2005-08-04T23:42:00.000+09:00

Mike Tyson is reportedly set to star in a porn film - with Jenna Jameson. The former boxing World Heavyweight Champion claims he is desperate for cash, after being hit with a tax bill for several million dollars, and a porn career is a tempting offer.

read more | digg story

Sappy Korean movies...

2005-07-25T01:31:00.000+09:00

...and my love for them. I almost cried again. I almost cried during Il Mare. And I did cry at the end of Orange Days. I'm a softie.

I have an addiction...

2005-07-24T04:05:00.000+09:00

...to j-doroma. This is sick. I've watched eight hours of Orange Days in the past 12 hours, with only a short five hour break to go see hagane no renkinjutushi: the gekijou version. I'll update you later.

Microsoft Windows Vista Official Site Launched!

2005-07-23T01:42:00.000+09:00

This is the official site for Windows Vista that was recently launched along-side the announcement of the final name.

read more | digg story

Friday.

2005-07-23T01:37:00.000+09:00

I had platonic sex. Just imagine a Japanese girl, who got in trouble with pornographers because she built up a huge debt from buying Chanel products. And somehow, you wind up getting her pregnant, she has an abortion, and in the end, you're not better off. In fact you're destroyed because of her. But this is just a movie. Platonic Sex. See a 16 year old koukousei fake a porn scene.

Urinal that analyzes your urine

2005-07-22T02:14:00.000+09:00

The Pistake Urinal takes samples of your urine, analyses them for sexually transmitted diseases, and sends the results to your cell phone via Bluetooth.

read more | digg story

Drivers Licenses soon to become National ID

2005-07-20T21:16:00.000+09:00

Drivers Licenses will soon become more expensive as states must implement changes to meet new REAL ID requirements, including including biometric identification (fingerprint, retinal scan, etc.).

read more | digg story

Ruining movies.

2005-07-16T23:32:00.000+09:00

In 2006, Old Boy, a great Korean movie, is going to be remade in the U.S. I'm disappointed. Justin Lin's doing it, and I loved his Better Luck Tomorrow, but as great as Old Boy is, I don't think they can improve upon it. Also, Lin's the director of The Fast and the Furious 3, and it's set in Japan. So, in true American fashion, they'll make Japan look ridiculous. After living in Japan, and being exposed to a lot of Korean stuff by the Koreans I've met at Nagoya University, everything the Americans touch will be a disappointment.

Marriage maintenance

2005-07-14T17:25:00.000+09:00

After opening his own clinic and bagging a wife 10 years his junior, 39-year-old Katsuhiro Takada’s life seemed to be sailing along quite nicely. That is until relations between the acupuncturist and his bride began to sour. The young woman constantly sniping at her always-at-work husband, berating him with numerous not so niceties as “Never come home!” and “You’ll never succeed!” Confronted with this problem, Takada did the only thing he knew how to – he began reading his large collection of how-to business books. Yet as preposterous as it sounds, this unusual approach actually worked. Yes, business management models it seems are applicable to unhappy partners, as Takada-san’s wife is now the model loving and supportive spouse. The practical practitioner was so enamoured with this soar away success that he began dispensing advice to an online magazine, his suggestions becoming so popular that he now has his own web space that has a regular readership of around 3,000 people. So what exactly did Takada glean from his business books? Well, the secret to a happy marriage can apparently be broken down into seven manageable points: 1. Listen to your wife attentively at least once a day without asking her to hurry up or get to the point. 2. Share the housework. 3. Do not forget to say “Thank you” and “You are kind.” 4. Never look down at your wife. 5. Do your work together with your wife if you are self-employed. 6. Do not fight. Listen to your wife patiently at first, even if you think she is completely wrong. 7. If there is something you really need or want to buy, persuade your wife daily so that she will come around to understanding why you want it. All sound advice, but remarkably the list makes no mention of the perennial lavatory seat up/down conundrum. Although Takada’s final piece of advice may allude to such toilet trouble. “If you want your wife to change, you need to change, too.” And that’s basically all there is to it.

Currently listening to The Shins.

2005-07-13T00:40:00.000+09:00

It's 12:35, and I'm about to watch a Korean flick. I don't have much time left here. I can't decide where I really want to be. I'm kind of excited to be going home, but I'm sad to leave. It feels like I'm just starting to get really used to living here, and now I've gotta leave. I wish I could go home for a couple months, and come back. I really don't know if I want to stay anywhere for very long. But, I've gotta go back, finish school, and hopefully move onto something bigger and better.

ISP's lobbying against municipal wifi.

2005-07-12T13:20:00.000+09:00

Using “mesh” networks that run on the Wi-Fi wireless standard, cities can deliver the Internet affordably to everyone within their boundaries. Such a service can cover an entire city for a fraction of the cost of traditional Internet providers, which tend to focus excessively on the affluent. The telecom and cable giants that sell broadband Internet, such as SBC, Verizon, and Comcast, have mobilized with lobbying and massive political “donations” to stop supporter of municipal Wi-Fi. Click here to read the whole story.

Enjoyable Show Number One

2005-07-08T09:35:00.000+09:00

Our first show. Listen to us talk about Jon appearing in Dawson's Creek, Japanese gyms, and make fun of Tom Cruise. I know, everybody picks on the guy lately. Click here to listen to the mp3.

2005-07-04T16:54:00.000+09:00

Jon joins me for a podcast.

2005-07-04T00:25:00.000+09:00

Click here to hear about 12 year old pinup girls.

The Girlfriend Application

2005-07-03T21:22:00.000+09:00

"By having a girl fill out this form you'll find out all the relevant information you need to know in order to decide whether she's your type of girl or not." But good luck trying to find a girl who will actually fill it out.

read more | digg story

podcast number 02

2005-07-03T21:12:00.000+09:00

Click here to download podcast number 02.

Podcast announcement.

2005-06-29T23:57:00.000+09:00

So, I'm gonna try my hand at podcasting. First I need to figure out where I'm gonna host these files, but I'm gonna try to put out a weekly show. Here's the first little test. Click here to download the first j-brandon podcast.

Sunday night report.

2005-06-26T20:27:00.000+09:00

Well, it's time once again to have our little Sunday night report. This week, I'm doing it at a reasonable time. It's only 8:19. I completed working on a presentation earlier, and Jon and I went to play Naruto 3 at Raiburari. I don't have much to report on, except I found a great podcast today. If you like gross humor, check out The Distorted View Show. I enjoy, but a lot of you might think it's gross. But, he's from Ohio, and it furthers my theory that the craziest people in America come from Ohio. Also, he mentioned Skyline on June 6th, and I had Skyline today. それじゃ

Flickr Scavenger Hunt #5

2005-06-21T16:06:00.000+09:00

Picture 6
Originally uploaded by bpittman.

The dog's enjoying itself, right?

どっちがいい？

2005-06-21T15:56:00.000+09:00

The answer: neither. I keep flip-flopping on where do I really want to live. Neither Japan or the U.S. give me what I want. Cause I don't know what I want. I don't think my life is that much better than back at home. Or vice versa. This is somewhat unfortunate for me. If nothing's good enough, how are you supposed to enjoy life? I really had nothing important to say. Just babble.

Pakkun

2005-06-20T00:37:00.001+09:00

Pakkun
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

This is my boy...er, dog.

Pepsi Energy Cola

2005-06-20T00:37:00.000+09:00

Pepsi Energy Cola
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

Tastes like it's got rum in it. What a kick it has!

Kirin Honey Brown

2005-06-20T00:36:00.001+09:00

Kirin Honey Brown
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

Brewed with a kiss of honey to get you drunk.

Corn Frosties

2005-06-20T00:36:00.000+09:00

Corn Frosties
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

Check out Star Wars Frosted Flakes! Darth Vader attacked my milk!

Sunday night.

2005-06-19T23:59:00.000+09:00

I'm listening to an acoustic version of The Scientist. I just finished watching 僕の彼女を紹介します, (I'll Introduce My Girlfriend). It's a Korean flick, but I watched it with Japanese subtitles. I figure I can understand Japanese pretty well when just reading it can make it cry five times. I thought it was just gonna be this cute love story, and it wound up being this really sad love story. But it was a beautiful film. I'm always impressed by the stuff that comes out of Korea. I really need get around to learning Korean. So, yesterday, I organized a trip for a bunch of us to go to the Asahi Beer factory in Moriyama-ku. It was a nice place, and we got 20 minutes to drink as much as we could. I got down five in 20 minutes. Maintaining a drink every four minutes with little in your stomach gets you tipsy pretty quickly. Later that evening, I saw Batman Begins with Jon and this girl named Sachiko. I think Christian Bale was a good Batman, and I like the direction they're taking Batman this time. And in other movie related news, I'll finally be seeing Episode III this coming Saturday. Every other country in the world's already got it, now time for Japan to get it. Today, I finally did some research. I did what's probably enough for all of my Japanese Education presentation. Next on my agenda is my Japanese Politics presentation, and then Socio-legal Perspective. Follow that up with three papers. And then I'll be spending the rest of my summer doing my thesis. Okay, nearly time for bed. See you in the next life.

reality : Real time messaging

2005-06-19T20:28:00.000+09:00

This is an interesting site...It shows a monitor located in some random location, and the monitor shows real time messages people send, all you have to do is send a message and it'll show up on the monitor? Its hard to explain...check it out yourself, its pretty cool

read more | digg story

I can't speak freely.

2005-06-17T10:36:00.000+09:00

I have to censor myself on my own site. =(

Afraid of coming home.

2005-06-14T23:52:00.000+09:00

I'm scared of life back in Cincinnati. I've gotta go back to living under the thumb of my parents cause I can't afford to support myself. Or maybe I'm too scared to try to support myself. This experience in Japan has shown me that I can take care of myself. Granted that I have the money. I feel like I really missed out on moving away from home to go to school. Even staying at UC, I should've at least lived in the dorms. Just another mistake.

I've been linked.

2005-06-14T21:19:00.000+09:00

If you search for brandoninjapan here you'll find a link to me.

Sending e-mail to yourself.

2005-06-13T00:26:00.000+09:00

This site is designed to send messages on certain date, to yourself. Although, I'm sure you could use it to send to other people as well. Send mail to yourself.

Sunday night post.

2005-06-13T00:12:00.000+09:00

Here's attempt #2 at this post. I guess my Sunday night post has become somewhat of a regular thing. The week's ending, a new one's beginning, and I'm in my room feeling pensive. Right now I'm thinking about choices. I'm thinking about how choices I've made in the past alter the choices that are presented in front of me in the future. Furthermore, have the choices I've made in the past closed doors for me in the future? There are things I'd love to do right now, at this very moment, but maybe I can't because whatever it is that I have done in the past precludes me from doing something that I want to do now, or that people see me differently because of something I've done, and now won't give me that opportunity. Anyhow, I'm stuck in that there's a path I wish I was on, the path I should've tried to walk all along that I don't think I can walk down anymore. I would just like to know if that path is closed off because of the roads I've been down before. And here's my site of the week: This is where the beautiful people go.

Pressing the PAUSE button.

2005-06-08T18:47:00.000+09:00

Ever since I came to Japan, I've had this feeling that I've put my life on hold. That I'm not forward. My time here feels like a 外伝, a side-story. Like this isn't part of the main story line. Japan is my B-plot. I have changed, but how much, and is it for the better. I've become more independent from my parents. But I feel like I need more human contact now. The same destructive forces keep reappearing. I have a knack for getting involved with people who can't give me what I really need. It's not like I'm not enjoying life. It's just that I'm not really doing what I should be doing. I chase the things that I want but don't need, and push away the things I do need. I know I'm being vague, and I meant that. ごめん。

This makes me laugh.

2005-06-07T00:47:00.000+09:00

Jeff kickin' it with Clyde Gray.

The iPod train.

2005-06-06T15:41:00.000+09:00

The iPod train.
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

Solid Snake tried to kill me !!

2005-06-06T00:23:00.000+09:00

050605_1747~01.jpg
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

It even says no pictures. But I guess I can feign ignorance. I am a gaijin after all.

久しぶりだな

2005-06-03T18:04:00.000+09:00

It's been a while since my last substantial blog post. So I'll fill you in on the important things. I've gotten working on my thesis. I got the prosposal accepted, although I need to make a slight revision. I've also set up a local number in Cincinnati that you can call me. It goes to my computer. If I can't get the call, there's a voicemail system. I'd post the number, but I'm somewhat hesitant about posting that on the web for all to see. Anyway, I'm sure you can a hold of me someother way, and I can let you know.

Deal of the Week

2005-05-25T22:17:00.000+09:00

I went to the store tonight, and the cashier screwed up and only scanned a can from a six pack, and I got six beers for a dollar.

It's gotta be a sign of the times.

2005-05-22T04:00:00.000+09:00

mcdonalds_lovinit
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

Ronald's doin' it fo da kidz.

Just another Friday..

2005-05-20T15:53:00.000+09:00

Well, I'm at work right now. They have nothing for me to do, so I get to dick around on the Internet. I've got Bush playing on the iPod Shuffle and I've been looking at bars and restauraunts online. I had made these plans with someone for tonight, and I'm afraid the plans are gonna fall through. Hell, I'm afraid the whole thing's gonna fall through. That's how things usually work. If it's too good to be true, it probably is. I'm not sure what it is. I mean, I know what I want it to be, but it can't entirely be the way I want it to be. Now Korn's coming out of the Shuffle. I wish there was a way to output that backwards R in Unicode. I really don't mind this whole no work thing. It's kind of nice to come sit on my ass and get minimal pay for it.

Real ID Passes Senate Facism Committee

2005-05-12T15:18:00.000+09:00

Privacy advocates' efforts to stop legislation that would create a federally-approved electronic ID card failed today. A military spending bill which contained the so-called Real ID Act driver's license reform passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate.

read more | digg story

I love being around when drunk Cincinnati people get online.

2005-05-12T15:03:00.000+09:00

14:57 me: hey drunk girl: hey me: what's going on? drunk girl: not just for back fromthe bar drunk girl: we has a date paryty drunk girl: had* me: you're hammered me: I'm posting that sentence on my website 15:00 drunk girl: lol me: you're so funny when you're drunk? drunk girl: i knwo i tery

How to tie a neck tie

2005-05-12T08:29:00.000+09:00

How to tie a neck tie. For them dam job interviews. Something guys my age should know.

read more | digg story

Learn UNIX in 10 minutes: this is for the geeks.

2005-05-11T23:55:00.000+09:00

"The purpose is to have on one page the basics to get started using the UNIX command line" Great read for those of you interested in *NIX. Schlomo knows UNIX.

read more | digg story

Hanging out on Humpday.

2005-05-11T15:17:00.000+09:00

So, I'm sick. I skipped class. I left work early. I feel like crap. But I did get around to changing my site template and I added a javascript for my digg news. Digg is a news service when you get to pick what news stories go to the front, instead of some editor picking what floats to the top.

Check out experimental gameplay. Recommended by Schlomo.

Longhorn's Red Screen of Death

2005-05-11T01:09:00.000+09:00

The good ole blue screen of death appears to have gone red.

read more | digg story

More photos of the iPod Vending Machine!

2005-05-10T22:38:00.000+09:00

[via tuaw.com] I've seen the iPod vending machine in San Francisco International Airport. Apparently there's also one on Concourse A of the Atlanta International Airport. I have yet to see one in JFK or LaGuardia, but I suppose it's just a matter of time before iPods become as common in vending machines as beef jerky.

read more | digg story

site recommendation

2005-05-10T00:57:00.000+09:00

boxed thoughts http://boxedthoughts.com/index.php

月曜日の報告

2005-05-09T18:31:00.000+09:00

Well, it's Monday. Mondays are my long days. I was up before 8, and I didn't get back to my room till 6. I had Japanese, American-Japanese Communication, a long line to wait in for lunch, Education in Japan, and Intro to Japanese Politics. Then I biked out to Yagoto station because my usual barber took the day off. I got my hair cut. That always makes me feel better. あばよう。

Here are the beginnings of facism.

2005-05-06T22:12:00.000+09:00

I swear I'm voting Democrat next time around. http://news.com.com/FAQ+How+Real+ID+will+affect+you/2100-1028_3-5697111.html?tag=st.num

My little reminder.

2005-05-06T17:42:00.000+09:00

So, now that I have Tiger. I've got Dashboard operating in the background. I downloaded this little countdown widget, and I've got it counting down to the day I return to the U.S. August 24th, most likely. I don't know if it counting down is a good thing, or a bad thing. I have my days where I wish I was back in the U.S. There are days that the thought of going back scares me. I don't know what I'm gonna do. I should be graduating soon, but I keep putting off my senior project, and even though my grades are good, I don't really feel all that smart. I don't know what I'm gonna do for a job. I can always go back to Best Buy, but the thought of being stuck there as a lifer scares me too. I know I want to go to grad school. But I forgot about out of state tuition costs, so San Diego's cost is kind of scary. I need to get funding. I need to get my GREs done. I need to finish my damn paper. I need to find a good job. And I barely know what I wanna do with the rest of my life. I'm not sure what I'm gonna eat for dinner, let alone do for a career. And this little countdown widget is a constant reminder of my impending doom.

I hate rainy days.

2005-05-06T14:34:00.000+09:00

In Japan, when it's supposed to rain on a certain day, it rains all day. With no breaks, and magically in the morning, it stops. Today is one of those days. It's the end of vacation, and I'm just not feeling up for anything. I just want to hole up in my room and hide from the world. ...oh, and play with iLife 05 and Tiger! Freakin' sweet!

Boozin' for chicks.

2005-05-04T21:10:00.000+09:00

I totally stole that from Tony. Anyway, so it's Golden Week here in Japan. It's a week of made up holidays. Kami-sama bless the Japanese government; no matter what the Chinese say. And to celebrate, Jon and I hit up the clubs. It's always a good time going to iD Bar. Nice to be reminded that there are so many Brazilians in Nagoya. NIKKEI POWER GO! We also saw near perfect artificial women. I've seen my share of cross-dressers and transexuals, but the three we saw Friday night take the cake. If it wasn't for their voices, they could probably pass for women with no trouble. They looked plenty feminine. They must've had a lot of work done and taken a lot of hormone supplements. So, I can now add danced on stage with flawless transexuals on the trance floor of iD to my list of accomplishments.

The Origin of Duke Shugo

2005-04-20T11:38:00.000+09:00

So, at the beginning of the month, all the new Japanese freshman moved into the Omeikan. That's my dorm's name for those of you that are a little behind. Everyone on my floor decided to make up joke names. I was traveling while they came up with these ideas. Like one guy's was Iichiko Suki. That means I like Iichiko. That's a brand of shochu. Which is a type of liquor. My nickname was Duke Shugo. Shugo means master drinker. And Duke, well they thought that was a common American name. Anyway, for about two weeks, everyone was calling me shugo-san, including the helpless ichinensei. (freshmen) So, as I have adopted the moniker of Bentoman, I have now also acquired Duke Shugo. I think that will be my pen name.

まだ、夢を見てる

2005-04-08T12:34:00.000+09:00

Ex-boy/girlfriend It is very common for people to dream about ex-partners. Individuals that have been an important part of our lives continue to take up a part of our mind and heart. It is impossible to very dramatically shut the person out of thoughts and feelings. Just because the relationship ends does not mean that all is finished. As we go through relationships we learn and at times pick up "battle wounds." You will continue to dream about your ex-girlfriend or boyfriend until you "let go" of them on a very important level, or until you learned your lessons from that relationship. Either way, dreaming about your ex-romance does not predict future involvement. It may be wish-fulfillment, reliving memories, or working out old issues. Dreams are very rarely prophetic. I found that on a dream interpretation site. I only mention it cause I keep having these dreams. It's about twice a month I guess. I'm always reliving some moment from an old relationship, but in a new setting. In the dreams, I'm always trying to fix something. In my dream, the both of us are fully aware that we're reliving something. Sometimes, it works out, sometimes it doesn't. I'm haunted by the past. I don't want to sound overdramatic, but that's how I feel at times. I'm constantly trying to move forward, but I can't seem to get past certain things. I'm starting another "new me" phase. I'm lifting again. I'm thinking more about my diet again. And this time around, I'm thinking about the inside of me too. There are a lot of things I need to work on. I want to be better. I can't be perfect, but I can be better. I guess that's all I have to say for now. あばよう

Kodak moments: Part One

2005-04-05T01:05:00.000+09:00

IMG_2332
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

It just isn't a vacation without a picture with Sonic the Hedgehog.

Me, Nijo Castle, and an empty bottle of orange soda.

2005-04-05T01:03:00.000+09:00

IMG_2153
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

I'm so money and I don't even know it.

Heian Jingu

2005-04-05T01:01:00.000+09:00

IMG_2212
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

Biggest shrine in Kyoto. That's about it.

I'm sure Ben won't mind.

2005-04-05T01:00:00.000+09:00

IMG_2172
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

That I'm sharing the image of him stuffing his arm into a glory hole at Nijo Castle.

BOZU

2005-04-05T00:59:00.000+09:00

IMG_2255
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

Here we have a monk begging for change in front of Kiyomizudera in Kyoto. He'd do better off charging for photo opportunities.

Osaka Castle

2005-04-05T00:57:00.000+09:00

IMG_2321
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

It's barely a castle. It's more like a museum. It's definitely not original. It's sweet on the outside, but oh so sour on the inside.

I love this pic.

2005-04-05T00:55:00.000+09:00

IMG_2200
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

The only redeeming value of this photo is that Bill looks like such a goon. Looks like a troubled closet homosexual from My So-Called Life.

Obligitory geisha shot!!! GO KICKY FAST!!!

2005-04-05T00:52:00.000+09:00

IMG_2277
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

I missed the photo op with the young and attractive geisha. So here are the old bags.

Toji

2005-04-05T00:49:00.000+09:00

IMG_2296
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

This is Toji. I was told it's the tallest pagoda in Japan. It's neat. But it isn't worth the five dollar admission.

Living in bunkers.

2005-04-05T00:47:00.000+09:00

IMG_2146
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

This was taken from my bed at the hostel in Kyoto. I hadn't stayed in a proper youth hostel before, and I was surprised at the communist feeling of the place. It didn't help that there were ads for the Japanese Communist party plastered all over that neighborhood.

I would've been executed for being in this place a couple hundred years ago probably...

2005-04-05T00:43:00.000+09:00

IMG_2242
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

...that's because it was taken inside the Emperial Palace in Kyoto. The place itself has no remarkable features, so instead I just decided to to show the gonaitei. It means honorable inside garden. Pretty sweet if you ask me.

Instead of a happy meal toy, you get a cell phone charm.

2005-04-05T00:39:00.000+09:00

IMG_2136
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

I know some of you might remember the "Bentoman" post from a few months back. Here's a picture of the infamous place. It's between my dorm and school, making it an easy place to grab a tasty meal. You can get cell phone charms with your sets. There's a new one every month. My favorite thing about that place is that like the barbershop I go to, there are porno mags in the lobby as reading material. I just get a little uncomfortable when there's an old lady (obasan/おばさん） waiting next to me.

The greatest dollar store in the world.

2005-04-05T00:33:00.000+09:00

IMG_2139
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

This is Shop 99. It's pronounced Shop Kyu Kyu. It's got pretty much everything you need for daily life. It's a grocery store, a home goods store, and you can get a cheap umbrella if it starts raining. It has its own theme song as well. You can purchase that too for 99 yen.

Vacation complete.

2005-03-28T21:08:00.000+09:00

I spent the last five days traveling around Kyoto and Osaka. I've been wanting to spent some time in Kansai, and now I have. I liked it a lot. In both cities, they had music for departing subway trains, unlike in Nagoya where there's no special music. I spent two nights in a youth hostel in Kyoto, and two nights in a family lodge in Osaka. I had a good time for the most part. I finally went to a Universal Studios. I also finally ate at a Hard Rock Cafe. And got my first Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt.

Yes, some Japanese probably hate you cause you're American.

2005-03-20T22:25:00.000+09:00

Go here: http://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/qanda.html or click the title above, and you should be able to see how horrible you are because you're American. Look closely, I'm sure you'll see what I mean.

Jabbbing an icepick into my head.

2005-03-20T19:40:00.000+09:00

I was about to bitch and moan, but I stopped myself because I'd be no better than the people I was about to lay into.

It's like Japan's two dollar bill!

2005-03-17T03:00:00.000+09:00

In the United States, we have the two dollar bill. It's rarely seen, but when you get a hold of one, you almost don't want to use it to buy anything. Japan doesn't have the exact equivalent of the two dollar bill, but they have something worth 10 times as much, but of nearly equal rarity. It's the two-thousand yen bill. But seeing as it's worth more, I can't see myself holding onto them. Maybe as the piece of Japanese currency I bring home for posterity, I'll make it a two-thousand yenner. It is the most beautiful of all the bills. And just for fun, this is my favorite little piece of crap I've ever bought. This thing doesn't really have a name, though it ought to. I saw a white one at Osu shopping district once, and I found this blue one at a Toys R Us a month afterwards. It's solar powered, and when I open the curtains in the morning, his little head just bobs from side to side. Completely pointless, but I love it just the same.

Big Brother AOL

2005-03-14T11:43:00.000+09:00

http://www.benstanfield.com/thrash/2005/03/aol_eavesdrops_.html

記憶...

2005-03-06T16:43:00.000+09:00

Whenever I'm not somewhere, I remember it fondly, and build it up to be something that it really isn't. When I first left the U.S., I had this vision in my mind about how wonderful it would be when I returned. When I got back to the U.S. though, it wasn't what I had in my head. It wasn't amazing, and I wasn't the person I thought I was. So while I was there, I thought about coming back to Japan. I built Japan up in my mind to be more wonderful than it really is. But truthfully, it's not so. I'm not happy here, or in the U.S. I'm not happy anywhere. I keep hashing out entries like this all the time, but I don't know what to do. At least in the U.S., I had a few decent friends. Here, my best friend's gone, and I don't feel like I have anyone to lean on for support. Every time I get my hopes up about something or someone, I'm inevitably let down. I'm tired of feeling that way, but it seems like every chance I get to latch onto something, I try, but I can't get a hold of it. I realize that I never make paragraphs in these entries because it feels more like the rambling going on inside my head. But on a brighter note, I finally got Hirai Ken's SENTIMENTALovers, which is without a doubt my new favorite album. The song, 思いがかさなるその前に is my new favorite song. I just keep listening to it over and over. Funny thing is, it was originally written for a Toyota commercial. It's just a sweet, simple song. I guess that's why I love it so much. Most of my life has been just looking for something sweet and simple. I just keep winding up with complicated and bitter experiences. Oh well. Also, yesterday I went biking downtown. I spent over four hours just riding around town. I took the long way, and I found a few interesting things. Number one of which was this odd, imperial-looking structure somewhere between Kawana and Fukiage.

夢を見た

2005-03-03T10:05:00.000+09:00

I fell asleep at 9:30 last night. I didn't finally get up until 9:30 this morning. I had three distinctive dreams. The first one was about a girl I know now. We went to Vegas. It seemed the bleakest of all of them. She slept with me, but wound up with someone else in the end. In dream number two, I was going to prom with a girl I don't know. But it was a girl from a previous dream. She genuinely seemed to like me, but I rejected her in the end. She had a pretty face, but she had backne. I probably created her out of fear of a woman I had met just a few weeks ago. Interesting sidenote, it wasn't unitl I was trying to weasel out the date that I remembered I didn't even buy prom tickets. And then I realized that I couldn't buy them because I'm not even in high school anymore. Dream three, that was a blast from the past. I relived most of a previous relationship. Only this time, I was in Japan, and I was concious of the fact that I was reliving it. She wasn't though. I knew what mistakes not to make. I knew which things to dodge. But her mother was still there. Being a bitch. Oh well, somethings you can't escape. Death, taxes, and girlfriend's mothers. Oddly enough, it was the dream that turned out the best. I was really happy in the dream. But, it's only a dream.

名古屋 2.0

2005-03-02T10:33:00.000+09:00

I'm back in Nagoya. Thus begins the second leg of my stay. I had a nice little vacation, and I was glad to see my friends and family back in Cincinnati. It feels a little weird being back, but it's nothing like the first time I came here. Anyway, I've got a bunch of things to do today. I'll check ya' later.

Communicating to Japan.

2005-02-22T04:31:00.000+09:00

Apparently, skype has become all the rage with the NUPACERs lately. My name on skype is brandonpittman . You can download skype at skype.com . I would like to mention that I've had skype for I don't know how long. It's just that nobody seemed to care. I've been reading everyone's journals in Japan, and I feel so alienated. If I thought I had a hard time with friends while I was there, I feel completely forgotten about now. Life goes on without me, and the realization of that hurts a bit. Nobody went with me to the airport, and I have my doubts about anyone coming to meet me. But oh well.

Growing up.

2005-02-16T10:24:00.000+09:00

I talked with a teacher-turned-friend today. It's always nice to get a little bit of advice and perspective. It's great to be told that I'm a good person, and that I'm special. Since I left Cincinnati last September, I think I've changed a bit, and I have a greater appreciation for the things that I've learned during my time here. At the same time, it wasn't just going to Japan, but coming back here to see this place for what it really is. It's not the place I want to be. It's time for change in my life, and moving to Japan was the best thing that I could have done. New scenery is beautiful. It's so wonderful to see things that are brand new. I've come back to Cincinnati and I've come to the conclusion that I feel stagnant here. I'm back to the same rut that I was in before. Everything is the same, and it's boring me to tears.

flickr.com scavenger hunt part 4!

2005-02-15T07:26:00.000+09:00

Drunken Elegance
Originally uploaded by jonathanallen.

I find this scene rather sweet.

Guess who's back.

2005-02-10T02:02:00.000+09:00

I'm back. Most of you already know this. And for my friends in Japan, I'm here. The plane didn't crash.

Mama, I'm coming home.

2005-02-07T18:52:00.000+09:00

I leave for the United States tomorrow afternoon. I'll be touching down at 1:04 PM on Tuesday afternoon. I get my whole day back. When I land in Detroit, I'll actually have gone back in time. If it weren't for the hour layover, I'd still be in the past when I land in Cincinnati. I'm staying up all night tonight. With any luck, I'll sleep through most of my flight. I can only hope. Staying up on a half-day flight like last time would suck again. Well, next message on here will be for those in Japan keeping up with me while I'm in the U.S. See you soon. For once, that's a true statement. So while I'm back, don't forget to say hi.

Goodbye Carl

2005-02-04T23:05:00.000+09:00

singing with carl
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

Ben and I with a GIANT DOLPHIN!

2005-02-04T23:04:00.000+09:00

giant dolphin
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

There's not much to say about that one, now is there?

Somebody told me that you had promotion, that looked like a promotion that I had in February of last year.

2005-02-04T01:33:00.000+09:00

The new Pepsi/iTunes promotion is in full swing, and thanks to help from home, I'm enjoying it from Japan. I got some Faultline and The Killers tracks. I hope somebody got the reference in the title of this post. Currently listening to "Your Loves Means Everything Pt. 2" by Faultline w/ Chris Martin of Coldplay. Just beautiful.

R.I.P. LiveJournal

2005-02-02T04:03:00.000+09:00

After leaving that awful livejournal.com journal far too long after its usefulness passed, it's gone. They said that I have 30 days to undelete it, but I don't see that happening. So if Liz, Carl, or Ben ever wanted to see it, it's gone. For good. New life, new blog. Rant time: I look at some blogs on the Net, and I wonder if I should put more thought provoking content into this, and have something of value on it. But I guess since the whole purpose of this thing was to make it easy for the three friends I have to read about me with relative ease, it serves its purpose. Maybe after I return and there's no need for anyone to check up on me, I'll make a site that people other than those that know me would want to look at. Pittman out. P.S.-oh, and it snowed.

Weird shit on flickr.com Part 3!

2005-02-02T01:01:00.000+09:00

College: In one photo or less.
Originally uploaded by PJZ.

Doesn't this guy look a lot like Carl? He looks scared.

Apple Store Nagoya Sakae. It's finally open.

2005-02-01T23:58:00.000+09:00

Apple Store Nagoya Sakae
Originally uploaded by Nobuyuki Hayashi.

The beauty of the warm glow of the Apple logo is surpassed only by the beauty of the store inside.

Flying Mexicans in Japan.

2005-02-01T23:12:00.000+09:00

I was looking through the "Go To UC" info book thingy at school here, and I found a few wonderful pics of Phi Taus. Aaron and Brent. Aaron just happened to be the most retarded looking one. I salute you buddy. But next time you're in UC promotional material, smile for God's sake.

...and why do you look like you're trying to fly? ...and I'm sorry if this chick gets mad I used her pic. It's not her fault. It's Aaron's.

Being at peace with myself.

2005-02-01T20:13:00.001+09:00

I'm working on a paper for Intercultural Communication currently. I'm supposed to look at myself, and talk about what defines me and what attitudes I think are important. In looking at myself, I can see that at this point in my life, I'm happier with myself than I've ever been before. That's not happiness, mind you, but happiness with myself. I feel like a more complete human being now than ever before.

I will see you in the next life.

2005-02-01T20:13:00.000+09:00

White wine and sleeping pills Help me get back to your arms Cheap sex and sad films Help me get (back) where I belong I think you're crazy, maybe I think you're crazy, maybe Stop sending letters Letters always get burned It's not like the movies They fed us on little white lies I think you're crazy, maybe I think you're crazy, maybe I will see you in the next life

Drunk in the subway.

2005-01-25T01:47:00.000+09:00

Drunk in the subway.
Originally uploaded by brandoninjapan.

Just got in this wonderful picture from November. On our way to iD Cafe.

Karaoke, and getting too much of it.

2005-01-24T01:41:00.000+09:00

I did karaoke for 8 hours this weekend. On Friday night, a bunch of gaijin went to a karaoke joint in Kawana. It was only 8 bucks for 6 hours. The catch is, it's till 6 in the morning. I sang JPOP, BritPop, rap, and I sang the Disney songs to myself because I can't let anyone else know that I secretly enjoy them. The original plan was to go downtown, and then just stay down there for the grand opening of the Apple Store in Sakae. I couldn't stay up any longer, so I bailed on that idea, and Kevin and Jon went down, only to be disappointed in that there were no "lucky bags" and all the 1 gig iPod shuffles got bought up. Fast foward to later that evening, I'm back at it again. I'm singing karaoke in Fushimi. I was the only foreigner though. That was thankfully only a 2 hour excursion, cause by the end of it all, I was worn out and I just wanted to go to bed. So what have I learned while doing karaoke? That I'm much better than everybody else. There's a couple people that are pretty decent as well, but in general, it's pretty bad. Screechy voices can make even the best tune a piece of shit. Me singing Michael Bolton is still better than a whinny girl singing The Beatles.

Well, I felt an earthquake.

2005-01-09T23:53:00.000+09:00

And my earthquake made the news. Click the link above. For anyone who hasn't felt an earthquake, it's a weird sensation for sure. It was a 4.4 out of 7, and my room kind of shook from side to side. Nobody seemed too bothered. Not a big deal, apparently.