Category Archives: Uncategorized

On Diving from a Malaysian Oil Rig

When I was a kid I dreamed about flying. It was always simple in dreams. I’d wake up with the euphoric feeling of having figured something out: The secret to flying was to jump, then repeat the jump while still … Continue reading

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Notes From a Malaysian Road Trip

Malaysia terrifies my mother.

Posted in Culture Shock, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

On Nature in Japan, or: On Getting Killed By a Wild Goat in America

Signs were erected to warn hikers about aggressive mountain goats in Olympic National Park. Imagine, if you can, the mountain goats of the Pacific Northwest. They look like messed-up dogs or disappointing unicorns; they eat lichen in the wild and … Continue reading

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BRB, Malaysian Oil Rig

So this week I’m taking diving lessons on a Malaysian oil rig, hallucinating on malaria medication and looking at monkeys with disgusting noses. In other words, I’m not on the Internet. In the meantime, the Mitsubishi Electronic Home Assistant I’m … Continue reading

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Ongakuyōbi: Shugo Tokumaru

This album actually hit the top 40 in Japan – which is great, but it would be unfathomable in the US for a record this weird to compete with Justin Bieber and 50 Cent.

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On Not Being Funny in Japan

The first rule of making a joke in Japan is to resist. It will never help you.

Posted in Culture Shock, Fun, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 8 Comments