A Journey to the Levant
Started reading the book “Skin in the game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life” by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.
So far it reads like a very angry blogger attaching the financial systems. As I read “Black Swan” and truly respect the writer, I assume, or rather hope, the tone changes later on in the book.
“Realise the potential” is American Express’ slogan in Japan.
Sounds good, but really bothers me they use “Realise” instead of “Realize”.
As far as I know (and also checked the web), “Realize” is the more common form in the US, so I found it odd that a company called “American Express” uses different spelling
Reading again Kafka short stories translated to Hebrew.
One of my favorite stories is still “A report for An Academy” .
Hebrew translation is obviously slightly different, but the discussion on Freedom is the part I like best
Incidentally, among human beings people all too often are deceived by freedom. And since freedom is reckoned among the most sublime feelings, the corresponding disappointment is also among the most sublime.
No, I didn’t want freedom. Only a way out—to the right or left or anywhere at all. I made no other demands, even if the way out should also be only an illusion. The demand was small; the disappointment would not be any greater—to move on further, to move on further! Only not to stand still with arms raised, pressed against a crate wall.
And a reminder that the cover uses Yosel Bergner painting that were commissioned for the series.
Last week I took a day off to Cycle in Kamakura.
Started a bit late, so arrived there around 11:30AM.
Tourist information center did not have much recommendation as mentioned most cycling will be done in the main (“bus”) roads, and if the weather was warmer they could recommend cycling to Enoshima.
Never the less, received several recommendation and searched for more on the web.
Indeed, Kamakura is rather small and not challenging, but the atmosphere on a weekday and the good weather were wonderful.
A recommended cycling course next to a cycling rental shop:
most rides are 5-10 minutes
When in Kamakura, have to visit the Great Buddha, take photos and watch the visitors take photos:
But obviously, most important is food.
Garden House was a wonderful choice, with good food, atmosphere and welcoming staff:
Brompton in front of the restaurant. I think some visitors took a photo of it as well.
Cycled some more and ended my short trip in Verve Coffee.
As expected, The Cure 40th Anniversary concert, is sold out.
Planned for July 7 in Hyde Park. Had considered going there, but obviously did not do enough to plan and purchase a ticket.
Flew back from SFO to HND on Thursday (PST). About 3 hours into the flight, announcement asking for a doctor or nurse to assist in a medical emergency.
This requested was repeated several times, with Cabin attendants running back and forth.
About half way over the Pacific, the pilot announced we will land in Anchorage due to the medical emergency.
Flew back (1.5hours) to Anchorage, medical team boarded the plane, took the patient and it took several more hours to fuel, get approval for revised flight plans.
Landed in Haneda at about 1AM, 6 hours after the planned schedule. As there are no public transportation at this time, we received a commitment to repay expense up to 10,000 yen.
Now, what I did not write in this post is the emotions and feelings during the flight, medical team boarding the flight and result.
As we were leaving the plan, a foreign (American?) woman, stopped and hugged several of the cabin attendants with tears filling their eyes.
I hope I will not forget this.
Interesting article from Pitchfork.
https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1446-10-albums-that-prove-1997-was-one-of-uk-rocks-best-years/
As it happens, I was 26, and one of the years I invested a lot of my time and money to listening to music.
For me, the Chemical brothers and Radiohead are the top two and still shine after 20 years.
Also interesting is that I just noticed that Mogwai’s cover has “Fuji Bank” (Fuji Ginko) on it. The bank does not longer exist and this blog post tracks the location of the photo.
The movie “Your Name” was on TV during the new year vacation and attracted a lot of attention and sponsors.
As I am not a big fan of Manga and Anime, I will ignore the movie and story.
What was mostly interesting for me are the TV Commercials that were created especially for the time slots.
The CM that shined in my opinion was from Softbank:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foy6IDCguOg
And at last, a Key Holder.
Always thought it was too easy, but finally decided to use my Cordovan leather.
Not sure why I am using so many colors, I guess it just makes my work more fun. Cordovan is used only for the external part as trying not to waste expensive leather.
