Wealth

Is it a surprise that Chinese people don't look up to their wealthy peers? Corruption is so rampant, that even slightly educated people know what's up. They either A) try to get a piece of that corruption pie, or B) learn to despise the wealthy, and instead look up to wealthy athletes like Yao Ming.

More Foo for You

For most people, the Foo Fighters have been this band that is always around. They're pretty good, but not great. You've got ex Nirvana member, band leader, and showman, Dave Grohl. You've got some slow melodies and mean fast tracks. Oh, and you've got a lot of great live performances. So in general, critics and casual fans always enjoy some Foo, but probably won't list them as on their top ten all-time list.

For me, the Foo have always been great. They've always been pumping out songs that I like. I've loved their slow ballads and also their super heavy stuff as well. Funny thing is, contrary to the norm, every time I hear a new Foo song, the more I like this band. Every time I see a Foo performance or Dave Grohl monologue, the more I love this band. THIS is the new punk rock. Its a band with guys who have real punk roots churning out tunes that have a message, and they're not afraid to try new things. Just look at their Skin and Bones Tour, a completely acoustic performance. Grohl is funny, entertaining, and has always stayed true to his roots. Their music videos are some of the best around.

Check out "The Pretender" video from their latest album: Echoes, Silence, Patience, & Grace. Pretender is a monster of a song, and this video compliments it very well. (Beautifully done at -1:12.)

Greatest band ever? Well, they're my greatest band ever.

Toya

Toya is a small little town in Hokkaido. It doesn't have much, which is kind of nice. What it does have is a huge lake, an active volcano, and a bear farm (meaning a zoo).

The lake.

Active volcano.

View from the mountain top.

The bears know how to ask for snacks.

Tetsuohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

I'm not a big (or even small) fan of Kanye West. I've barely heard of his name let alone his music. However, anyone who makes an Akira themed music video for his latest hit song is pretty cool.

Hakodate

A neat city in Hokkaido that was really more than meets the eye. A lot of old, well preserved buildings leftover from other nations that came to the Hokkaido island back in the day. It also has one of Japan's best views.
(Click to enlarge photos)

View from Hakodate Tower. Not many tall buildings in Hakodate.

Personal outdoor onsen.

View from the room.

The Japanese style hotel we stayed at.

Night view of the city from Hakodate mountain. The two shores form an hourglass shape.

Superstition

I think its really dumb how Chinese people are superstitious. Normally, I'd ignore this stuff. I mean, if a few water grown plants and well placed coins put your mind at ease, then by all means do it! What bothers me is when it causes people to make irrational decisions and when superstition gets in the way of everyday life.

Because in Chinese the number four's pronounciation closely resembles "死" (death), China's Hainan province is taking that number out of their car license plates. All that work in the name of superstition. The obsession with the number eight is also baffling. Mainland Chinese will mindlessly purchase stocks that IPO with a number "8" in the price.

Its madness I tell you (but mostly just stupid).