The chip is said to send out the animal’s location and a distress signal when it simultaneously finds itself near a sack, a piece of sting, a heavy object, and a large body of water.
Or so I’m led to believe.
Photographs from a small group of islands
The chip is said to send out the animal’s location and a distress signal when it simultaneously finds itself near a sack, a piece of sting, a heavy object, and a large body of water.
Or so I’m led to believe.
The hype for Brad Pitt’s (or burapi’s) latest offering Troy, has recently moved into top gear. Or a gallop if you’ll allow me the indulgence of using some equestrian terminology. As below is photographic evidence of the most recent publicity stunt connected with the film.
Interestingly though, the movie arrives here at the same time as a potentially historic development between Japan and North Korea. As tomorrow (Saturday 22nd), Prime Minister Koizumi will travel to the reclusive nation to discuss (amongst other things) the release of former abductees family members. A positive outcome could have long reaching and beneficial effects not only on the two countries relations, but arguably on the stability of the region in general.
But what you may ask has this got to do with the movie Troy? Well, there have been whispers (most notably around my head) that the horse pictured above is in fact a gift from North Korea. And I don’t need to remind you what happened in the original story. Hmm, something to think about there eh?
So if the diminutive and bouffanted Kim Jong-Il leaps out of that giant horse on opening night, remember that you read it here first. On the other hand, if in the unlikely event that he doesn’t, just put it down to an over active imagination, and a harmless desire to make this lots-of-hype-about-troy-movie story slightly worth reading.
But hold on, could these be the little leader’s getaway horses that I spied whilst out and about this afternoon?
The U.S. based Space Adventures Ltd., which in the past has successfully sent non-professional astronauts into space, recently teamed up with Dentsu Inc. to help send a Japanese celebrity into orbit.
Space Adventures Ltd. had already concluded a deal with Russia’s space agency to send four non-professional astronauts to the International Space Station, but has now come to an agreement with Dentsu Inc. to allow one of them to be a Japanese national. The Japanese company seems delighted with the opportunity, and a spokesman was quoted as saying, “Traveling in space is everybody’s dream. We’ve decided to participate in the project to help make the dream come true.”
Who the lucky person will be has yet to be decided, but it has been confirmed that they will be a prominent public figure, as the cost of the deal will be offset by corporate sponsorship deals and advertisements. Rumours have already begun circulating as to who the person will be, with one unnamed (and frankly unreliable) source claiming it to be a two horse race. The favourite being model, actress, and K-1 fan Norika Fujiwara.
Whilst apparently others are touting naturalized citizen and ex-sumo wrestler Konishiki as the first choice.
My money is on the big man.
Six years ago today I arrived in Japan, and it would seem that my contribution to the local community has at last been rewarded. As believe it or not, I’ve had a curry named after me. A beef one at that.
I can’t tell you how proud it makes me feel to walk down the dried food aisle and see this awe inspiring sight. And just like me, LEE curry is hot and spic somewhat shoddily packaged, and despite its claims, rather bland.
Fugu (or blowfish) is arguably Japan’s most famous delicacy. For the simple reason that if the fish isn’t prepared correctly, the poison contained in its internal organs can quickly kill any unsuspecting diner. The toxin is so potent that 1 gram of the stuff can kill 300 people. And if that’s not enough, there’s no antidote.
Perhaps Fugu’s best known victim was a famous kabuki actor who was struck down in 1975, although every year the dangerous fish claims a few victims. In 2002 there were 6 fugu fatalities, but last year’s tally was reduced to just 3. A testimony to the strict regulations surrounding fugu preparation, and the issuing of licenses to those permitted to serve it.
But all this may be about to change. Scientists claim to have cultivated fugu that contain no poison, making the whole of the fish completely safe for human consumption. This news however has received a decidedly lukewarm response from fugu connoisseurs. Some claim that this focus on the potential danger of the fish detracts from how well it is prepared and presented. Whilst others say that producing safe fugu takes away the thrill of eating it.
Now I must admit to having never eaten fugu. Not for cowardly reasons of course, but simply because it’s so expensive (are you buying that?). But I can see where the fugu fanatics are coming from. Especially those who talk about the thrill of eating the fish. Take away even the slightest chance of being poisoned, and surely fugu becomes just your average run-of-the-mill fish. Arguably no different from a bit of salmon or cod. But put a bit of poison in there, and you’ve got yourself an exotic delicacy. One that garners a lot of attention, and perhaps most importantly for fugu restaurants, allows them to charge a ridiculous amount of money for a fish that apparently has very little taste.
Below is a picture of Noh actor Otoshige Sakai wearing a hannya demon mask.
Whatever its original meaning, that pained expression coupled with the actor’s hands clasped desperately to his temples, accurately depicts how I feel after a particularly heavy drinking session. One when the intensity of the headache is almost enough to induce tears, and lying in a darkened room remains the only option.
I hasten to add however that I used the word depict. In, ahem, noh way do I bear even the slightest resemblance to the hannya demon shown in the picture. Honestly!