Author: admin

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Own Less . Part 1

I obviously throw away things once in a while, but as I officially launch my project this is the first time I document it.

Yesterday, May 11, I threw away:

  1. Levi’s T-Shirt. Had a small hole. Shirt was purchased in San Francisco several years ago and was used quite extensively.
  2. 4 Books. 3 are Japanese language books which I do not use anymore. 4th is a “Digital Image Processing” book I used more than 20 years ago while studying for my second degree in Tel Aviv University. Knowledge in the book and techniques are interesting, but in today’s machine learning period, it is considered outdated. I actually did not purchase the book, but it was given (loaned) to me by a friend (Ran Makavy). Did not contact him about throwing away this book, but I assume it is ok.

Another good aspect of this project:
I have 6 more Japanese language study books which I now plan to use to study. Once I finish with a book it will be thrown away as well.

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Less is more. Reducing ownership project

Been thinking about this for a while and finally reached a conclusion to start this project.

Goal: Reduce ownership . Own only things I really need and use

Method: Work in progress . I have my own ideas and also read ownless tips.
Two decisions I already made are:
1. Throw away things I do not use and do not expect to use
2. Clothing related. Do not increase the number of items I own. At least “One in, One Out”

Looking at my home working space I realized I have too many.

Bags:
1. Camera bags – 2
2. Suitcases – 5. different sizes and usages, too many
3. Casual bags, some hand made – 5
4. Golf bag
5. Work related – 3

Ink bottles: 4 – I definitely do not use enough of these
Notebooks: 3 on my table
Cameras: 4

Could continue and write more about books I own, leather I bought for my hobby, but I will stop here.

I think it is clear that we live in a period which encourages ownership. That we buy to own, to show and sometimes just “to feel Good spending money”.

Will do my best to document the process as well as an equilibrium that I hope I can reach



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Jazzanova – In Between 2002

Listening to the Album and I still love it very much!

If I remember correctly, also gave it as a present to a person I met while traveling in South America. I wonder if it is still being played or was thrown away.

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Fukuoka 福岡

Was on a short business trip to Fukuoka, which reminded me that I love this city.

Big, but not too big. Small, but not too small. I really think Fukuoka can (and probably already) attract people from Tokyo area. Read several articles about efforts to create start-ups in Fukuoka and I do feel it has the right infrastructure and “spirit” to accommodate it.

Had only a short walk to take photos, which resulted in the following two.

福岡　屋台
Fukuoka Nakasu
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Charlotte Salomon

Was introduced to her work by the book “Charlotte”, David Foenkinos. Read it in English and was intrigued by the subject.

Contents wise, I am not sure how to categorize it. David Foenkinos writes part of it as an autobiography, while some parts as the writer looking for Charlotte, researching her life and work.

I finished reading the book just before “Holocaust Day”, which was a very good timing for me. Concentrating in one person (one family), suffering, what she has gone through is a strong reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust, and for me is so much powerful than thinking about the number of people murdered.

I will keep on looking for her work, and hope to see it someday in an exhibition.

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Cashless in India

Bumped into this sign yesterday in Mumbai which reminded me to blog about the revolution India is going through.

Say No to Cash Transactions, Yes to Digital & Card Payments

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Skill or lack of Skill?

10 years leaving in Japan, my Japanese is reasonable.

It is less common for me to encounter situations when people give me a blank look, not knowing how to talk with me.

Not sure how it happens, how people “know” I understand Japanese. Not sure what is different when people don’t know how to respond to me. It is a Skill of understanding/seeing I am “local”, or is it the lack of skill to adapt to a different situation.

Went to “Paul” yesterday, ordered a sandwich, some bread, and it all went natural. No hesitation from the girl who worked there, no change of tone or speed. Is it because she understood I am “local”, or is it because she can’t change the way she is working.

Will keep watching people and thinking about it, but I guess I will not find a definitive answer.

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Starbucks Roastery Tokyo

Did not go inside, as Sakura season during the weekend is definitely not a good time for that.

This blog is about a mistake in the address on official Starbucks website. Megruro instead of Meguro. I wonder when they will notice the mistake and fix it .

Starbucks Roastery 中目黒
Starbucks Roastery 中目黒