How weird... It's 9:05pm outside and it's still light!

Bumped up to Luxury

When I got to Narita there was a big line up for checking into Air Canada. It appears that they overbooked so were looking for people to fly out on the next day (or take a different route). They offered me a hotel, dinner and breakfast but I said that wasn't interesting for me. Why would I want to stay in a hotel and then fly out a day later? I'm not looking for "enjoying a hotel"; that's not me. It took me three times to get them to agree to giving me a business upgrade before I accepted.

However... I was told I'd have to come back after they closed the check in, just in case there was space.

So I showed up at 6pm and waited for a half hour. Finally, they came up to me and told me that they could put me on Thursday's flight. I wasn't too happy about that so kind of politely told them to give it to one of the other people waiting as well. They didn't want to do that I guess because it would have cost them a business upgrade, a hotel, dinner and breakfast so they pushed. And I refused. Finally they told me I could fly on the same day, but there was a business class seat available.

So I took it!

And I loved it. Wow! This plane was one of the newer airplanes with first class and business seats as those new fancy dancy individual cocoons. You can fully adjust the seating with infinite angles for legs, seat, back, headrest. It goes full flat for sleeping as well (and I could actually stretch out fully flat. That was nice (though my legs are still just a wee bit too long so I had to cross my ankles and have my head be beyond the length of the bed in order to stretch out.) But amazing nonetheless.

And the rest of the business class was business, which means real china, real silverware, real champagne and a wine from 2003 which makes it very expensive wine (I can't afford to buy wine that old anymore). AND they had real food to complement my four eggs, chunks of cheese, container of deep fried chicken pieces (kara age, not "nuggets" - those of you who know and love) and salami slices mmmmm. The flight was only about 10hrs I think, and I got to eat, watch two movies (Star Trek - AWESOME! and X-men Origins: Wolvering - VERY GOOD).

Then I jumped on a 3hr flight to Winnipeg that was full of families who had done a "baby run" to China. I guess they sell babies in China for adoption so about eight screaming babies were on that flight (and new parents who didn't really know how to deal with them).

Instead of arriving late at night I got to Winnipeg at 7pm which was perfect. Mom was there to hug me, she called Dad who drove around to the front and picked me up. We came to Bruce's, dropped off my stuff, looked around the house (he is a carpenter and my dad is a do everything kind of guy) so they are renovating the house Bruce bought a year ago - looks great! Then we went to my parents' for dinner, off to Tim Horton's for coffee, came home, chatted, unpacked, showered and went to bed.

And today it is a chilly 16C/61F rainy day with NO humidity that I can tell! It feels cold, but dry so that is nice.

Off to do some running around, but I just wanted to show you a photo of the seat I got on my business class flight to Vancouver. And you know me... Mr. Man of a Few Words.

I love you!

Cam

Lisa LaVie

I recently found Lisa LaVie on YouTube. I have few subscriptions, and I really don't use YouTube that often for entertainment.

But Lisa... I love listening to her voice. 

I don't know if you'll like her, but she just put this song up 14 hours ago:

"Wild Horses (Natasha Bedingfield)" by Lisa LaVie

I love you!

Cam

Update: Bike dropped off @ courier. Suitcase packed & dropped off @ Post Office. Let's see if they arrive @ Narita Airport for me to pick up on 7/30. I may be naked & bikeless in Mosquitopeg...

There seemed to be a fair number of freerider ticks on me when I got home. But I'm eating dinner now, so everything's just fine. Oh, and I saw a wild boar again in action! Well, his shank, as he ran away anyway. I really do enjoy the pork action from behind! I love you!

Damn! I'm going to have to go grocery shopping again before I leave for Tokyo! I was SURE I had bought enough meat and vegetables to last me until Sunday... but I'll run out by tomorrow's dinner and have nothing left for Friday, Saturday and Sunday breakfast! Drat!!

Paging All Recruitment Officers!

I recently applied for this job:

 

MICHAEL PAGE INTERNATIONAL
Recruitment Consultant
JPY 6.0M - 10.0M/Year, Minato-Ku, Tokyo
https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/index/view/job_id/32465

 

And then I received this e-rejection:

 

Many thanks for your email and resume. You have an interesting range of skills and experience, which may be applicable to recruitment consulting, however unfortunately at this time we have received a number of applications from candidates whose backgrounds more closely match our requirements, for example prior fee earning experience in a recruitment consultancy, or direct sales in an industry that we recruit into.

Therefore I regret I will not be inviting you for an interview on this occasion. But I do wish you all the best with your job search, and thank you for your interest in Michael Page.

Richard King

 

Since most businesses these days have a disclaimer on their career section that basically says, "if we're not interested in you we sure as hell aren't going to waste our time telling you so!" it was a breath of fresh air to get this rejection letter (very very rare these days).

 

I was in fact so impressed, that even though there was no return email address to write to (the email came from noreply@gaijinpot.com), I went to their website, found an address and replied. This is how I responded:

 

Dear Mr. King,

 

Thank you very much for your email. It is very professional, very much appreciated and EXTREMELY RARE in this day and age. Most offerings specifically state that "only applicants of interest will be contacted". To date I have submitted approximately 50 CVs around the world, and YOURS is the only reply I have received.

 

I am very impressed by this.

 

Congratulations on a job well done and I hope you find the best fit for this most interesting position.

 

I am sorry I did not meet your specifications. But that's life, yes?

 

Regards,

 

Cameron Switzer

 

In this day and age everyone seems to feel they have no time, no time, no time!!! And thus all of the stuff that requires a human touch has gone human-free. Another reason is to cut costs because all companies are feeling the shareholder pressure to cut their costs, and therefore make their business "appear" healthier on the stock exchange, thus raising the share value, and making the shareholders wealthier. It's not a good thing to do. When it comes to the human element of business, be it selling a product or service, MORE time and money should be spent investing in the customer rather than less. After all, if you don't have a client, how can you have a business, right? With competition getting more and more fierce, one would think that the good companies "get this" and don't succumb to the business-damaging greedy needs of the "short term gain" stock holders.

 

So I just thought I'd let you know. Nobody is interested in me yet, though.

 

I love you!

 

Cam

Things that go Smile in the Night

I was cooking my dinner and the doorbell rang. It was the vegetable guy and his wife. He wanted to know why I was wearing an apron, so I told him. He raised an eyebrow. I just nodded, quietly, knowing he wouldn't get it.

I invited them in. As they were walking down the hall they commented on how clean, fresh, unique and spacious the house looked. I pride myself in keeping things looking superb.

They looked at the fridge and were impressed by how clean and new it looks in spite of being 16 years old. I told them they could have it. They said they'd love to take it and I said sure. Then I showed them the laundry machine and that impressed them even more because laundry machines get REALLY grungy in Japan what with all the humidity. So they said they'd take that too when I was ready to give it up. I said sure to that, as well.

I then did the usual thing I love to do and gave them a house tour. The vegetable guy was constantly commenting on how amazingly I decorated the house, how I used things so differently from the way the Japanese do, and how it looked so refreshing and spacious. I just smiled. His wife was quietly assessing everything; you know the way women do. I could tell she approved of my housekeeping skills. I wasn't worried. My skillset rocks.

I showed them a kerosene heater that I needed to give away and would they like to have it? Once again they were so impressed by how clean I had kept it all these years that they jumped on it and I had to pry them off the damn thing. I carried it down the stairs for them, not so much to be the gentleman, but to keep them from breaking their necks on stairs they aren't familiar with. Sometimes you gotta play the nice guy card. I took it out to the car for them, and they drove off into the rainy night.

Three major appliances spoken for and since I'm giving my trusty steed to the car dealer guy on my last day here, to sell for me, that takes a huge load off these shoulders.

I think I'll take the Japanese snacks they gave me as a "coming over gift", that you always have to remember to bring when you visit people here in Japan, to Mayu when I go and visit her on the 26th. That way she can use them for her friends and customers that come to visit and receive massages. She's a great woman, and a wonderful host. She always offers her clients tea and some cakes or snacks afterward, so if I can help out, I am more than happy to do so!

Things that go "smile" in the night...

The Universe brings you just what you need, just when you need it.

Ahhhh... now that's what I call loving life!

Time for a coffee... or maybe a beer... or maybe a beer then a coffee. Hell, maybe I'll slug them down at the same time!

Enjoy your day.

I love you!

Cam

I just looked at myself in the mirror and burst out laughing. The humidity is so high that my hair has turned into one mass of curly, frizzy waves totally out of control! And there's nothing I can do about it until I arrive in low humidity North America!!! (where it will immediately turn straight of its own accord). Welcome to Asia...

I'm off to watch the latest installment of Harry Potter @ 17:10 this afternoon.

It's hard, very hard. But worth it, very worth it.

Live,

Love,

Learn,

And Leave a Legacy

- My all time favourite quote from Stephen Covey

I'm heading out into the rain to take care of my accounts payable a week early, in order to show my gratitude and appreciation to my suppliers for supporting me all these years.

Have a great morning, afternoon, evening and night.

I love you!

Cam

Heaven & Hell

There is a well-known story about a Samurai warrior who wanted to know the difference between heavenly and hellish states of being. One day he approached his sensei, saying, "Sensei, please may I have your teachings on the difference between living in the hell realm and the heaven realm?" Feigning anger, the teacher said, "Get away from me! You are ignorant, stupid! Why would I waste my time teaching you anything? Stop wasting my time and get out of here!"

Upon hearing his sensei's harsh words, the Samurai warrior's ego was so insulted that he pulled out his sword with the intent to cut off the master's head. Just as he began to swing, the master began to laugh saying, "That, my son, is hell."

The warrior-student was so moved by his teacher's willingness to risk his own life to give him this precious teaching that he became overwhelmed with respect and humility. All he could say was, "Please, sensei, accept my utmost gratitude," to which the sensei responded, "Ahhhhh, now that is heaven."

***************

Be grateful that life brings to us all that we require to wake up. Success and what we label as failure are both part of our journey; they are equally vital to our growth. This includes the painful experiences we would prefer to push away - the pain of loss, unrequited love, thwarted ambitions, even the pain of awakening. Our willingness to look life straight in the eye, to unmask ourselves and drop our pretensions, illusions, disappointments, and hurts, says, "Thank you for breaking yet another one of my illusions so that I may become free!" We discover within ourselves the humility to be a beginner over and over again, which keeps us teachable.

... your ego resists because it is afraid it will lose its influence over you. Just remember: a bad day for your ego is a good day for your soul.

- Excerpt from "Spiritual Liberation" by Michael Beckwith

Planet of the Dogs

These two had me laughing my tail off!

Raindrops keep fallin on my helmet

Are there any other cyclists out there?

I really would like to know...

For a long time I have believed in this saying: "Cyclists hate going riding in the rain, but don't mind getting rained on while riding."

I decided I NEEDED to go for a ride today. The run up to Thinking Rock has become a wild animal trail; the gravel part of the adventure is totally grown in so I can no longer see all the ravines, and rivulets and rocks that have arisen due to the recent rains. Also the over-the-head high weeds, and vines, and grasses, and thorns from hell have grown in so thickly that they crowd out the entire road themselves! I think that run is done until autumn.

I chose to go to "ippon sugi" or "the lone cedar tree" instead. This route has become paved entirely so it loses a lot of its sex appeal; however it also means that even in summer it is still ride-able. It takes an hour to get to the top. I went. I ate. I conquered. And then I came down. On wet concrete. And I must admit that my crash of the other day has caused me to lose a lot of confidence riding down wet pavement. But I made it down the mountain in 15 minutes, and then home in 25 minutes.

But boy was it raining! Just as I was about to go out the deluge hit. So I waited, thinking, "I should just go to the gym. But to hell with that, I want to go riding." So I waited some more. And sure enough, it abated just enough so that I could get on my bike and start riding when it was not yet raining.

I made it to the base of the climb and that is when the rain started. It rained, and rained, and rained all the way up. I was drenched (see photo). The clouds were so thick that I could not see below me (see photo). I made it to ippon sugi, ate two hard boiled eggs, a puck of camembert cheese, hugged the tree strongly, and rode down. Carefully. And slowly. It was boring to be going that slowly. Then I got below the clouds and could see my village again (see photo)

You know what? Even though it was pouring rain as I was climbing up the mountain, and my sunglasses (clear lens) were completely fogged up from the humidity, I did not mind one bit the rain soaking my everything! Because I was already riding!

So, is there anyone out there who understands that feeling?

I love you!

Cam

Crayon Shinchan Episode 26: The Grandfathers

OK, you guys have to watch these.

I "grew up" watching Crayon Shinchan on TV here in Japan for the past ... many many years. It is designed for kids, but as you will see it is also very adult-themed. Or is that, it's designed for adults but shown on prime time in the afternoon for the kids! Seriously, this is one of the Japanese kids' favourite after school cartoons.

This is soooooooo "Japan"!

This entire series is on YouTube in English so feel free to watch away!

I love you!

Cam

"One of the Boys" (Katy Perry)

Do you recall the hot video "I kissed a girl" by Katy Perry, that Jen posted a while back? It had everyone singing and dancing in front of their computers, that song did! 

Well I just happened upon this live version of a song by Katy Perry done last year for a music radio station KISS FM. The lack of "sex & gloss" may strike you as "unfinished" compared to "I kissed a girl", but listen to the lyrics of this song, "One of the Boys"; they are brilliant!

I love love LOVE irreverence!

And I love you!

Cam

It is fascinating to watch two beetles and ants all working in harmony on a sweet spot on the tree out front. Then all work together synergistically to purge the common enemy from their space: a giant wasp. http://www.flickr.com/photos/camswitzer/sets/72157621419689566/show/

I love the smell of roadrash in the spring!

FISH OIL STINKS - Read all about it!

FISH OIL STINKS:
Omega-3 Derivative Oils from Fish Extract
Finally Put in their "Proper" Place
July 2009 Newsletter

The following video will show you beyond the shadow of a doubt that fish oils are harmful to your health, decrease your immune system, and actually worsen atherosclerosis:

Everyone has been told that fish oil, commonly called omega-3, is good for your health. This has now been proven wrong. Fish oil consists only of an inferior and potentially harmful form of omega-3s called "derivatives." Omega-3 derivatives are NOT essential EFAs.

There are only two true essentials humans must consume from food or supplements every day--"parent" omega-6 and "parent" omega-3. Your body cannot manufacture them. Be aware these parent EFAs are not found in fish oil! Your body only needs a very small amount of those derivatives and it makes those out of parent EFAs as needed. Just 1%-5% of the parent EFAs turn into derivatives; 95% STAY in parent form. Overloading on omega-3 derivatives from fish oil can be extremely harmful to health (causing severe physiologic overdose). Preliminary research often overlooked these critical facts, but landmark new research in 2009 and 2008 enlightened the medical community.

Real-life clinical results prove that patients show marked improvements when they change their daily EFA supplementation from fish oil (omega-3 derivatives) to a much more complete and biochemically correct blend of PARENT ESSENTIAL OILS (PEOs). Based on the latest, most comprehensive new science in 2009-2008, it is clear that a proper combination of parent omega-6 and parent omega-3 is so far superior to fish oil and other EFA supplements, that it completely replaces everything else.

2009/2008 IMPORTANT REVERSALS you need to know:

2009 Major Newsflash: American College of Cardiology:
Fish Oil DOES NOT STOP heart attacks. -- "we saw no beneficial effect."

2009 Major Newsflash: American Heart Association Champions Omega-6:
"'[P]owerful anti-inflammatory...'
"To reduce omega-6 ...more likely to increase risk for CHD [heart attack]."

2008 Newsflash: The Importance of Parent Omega-3:
Greater parent omega-3 = fewer heart attacks.
Fish consumption didn't stop heart attacks.

2008/2005 Major Newsflash: EFA Derivatives Made "As Needed":
"[E]ffectiveness of ALA [parent omega-3] conversion...."

2008 Newsflash - WARNING: Diabetics need to know...
"Diabetic patients have the highest risk of coronary artery disease."

Summary

* Your body makes EFA derivatives from Parents as needed
* The American Heart Association clearly states:

            - The need for Anti-Inflammatory Parent Omega-6 in your diet
            - Parent Omega-3, NOT fish oil, lowers risk of heart attack risk 
            - Diabetics are at greater risk for Coronary Artery Disease

The next time someone recommends fish oils to you, you can turn up your nose at them with confidence!

References
1. March 30, 2009, Bloomberg News, Orlando, Florida Cardiology Convention.
2. Heartwire 2009, © 2009 Medscape, January 28, 2009 (Dallas, Texas), based on Journal of the American Heart Association, Ref.: AHA Science Advisory, Harris WS, Mozaffarian D, et al., "Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association Nutrition Subcommittee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and Council on Epidemiology and Prevention"; Circulation , February 17, 2009; 119(6): 902 - 907; and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine referenced February 2, 2009 at worldhealth. net/news/concern_about_omega-6_fatty_acids_leadin.
3. Hannia Campos, PhD; Ana Baylin, MD, Dsc; Walter C. Willett, MD, DrPh, Circulation, 2008; 118:339-345.
4. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 88, No. 3, 801-809, September 2008 and Hussein, Nahed, et al., "Long-chain conversion of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid in response to marked changes in their dietary intake in men," Journal of Lipid Research, Volume 46, 2005, pages 269-280.
5. 2008 meeting of the Society for Nuclear Medicine--Advancing Molecular Imaging and Therapy (reported New York (Reuters Health) June 23, 2008).

***************************

This Month’s Low-Carb Recipe: London Broil

INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup organic coconut oil
3/4 cup red wine
2 Tablespoons challots, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon marjoram leaves, dried
1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves, dried
1/2 teaspoon basil leaves, dried
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces of sliced mushrooms
2 pounds top round London broil, 1.5 inches thick
1 medium red onion, cut to 1/4 inch slices
1 medium red bell pepper, cut to strips
1 medium zucchini, cut to 1/4 inch thick slices

PREPARATION
* Blend coconut oil, wine, shallots, vinegar, garlic, marjoram, oregano, basil and pepper in a medium bowl, whisk.
* Blend London Broil and 3/4 cup marinade in large sealable plastic food storage bag. Seal bag thoroughly and turn over and over to coat. Let it marinade in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, turning occasionally.
* Blend mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, zucchini, and remaining marinade in a separate sealable food storage bag. Seal bag and turn over and over to coat. Let it marinade in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, turning occasionally.
* Preheat broiler. Remove meat from marinade and place on broiler pan. Discard leftover marinade. Broil 4-5 inches from heat for about 9 minutes per side or until done to taste. Let it stand for about 10 minutes then cut into thin slices.
* As meat stands, drain marinade from the vegetable bag and arrange on broiler pan. Broil 4-5 inches from heat for about 9 minutes or until edges of vegetables just start to turn brown. Serve meat and vegetables right away.

Serves 4 - 6 Enjoy!

Pinnacle Press, PO Box 56507, Houston, TX 77256, USA

These babies Rock!

I am is veritably impressed by Japan Post again! With no size limit, and prices at HALF the cost of the courier, my decision is made: All suitcases and oversize bicycles will be shipped to the airport using my local post office! Thanks Japan Post!

Ze Schvine Flu Gestapo Rrrr Coming for YOU!

Know your rights to voluntary immunization before they take them away and experiment with new, untested, fast-tracked immunizations ON YOUR CHILDREN.

I love you!

Cam

A Vegetable Matter

Today on the phone Mayu and I were teasing each other about our lack of sex life. I mentioned to her what Jen's brother Jim said about how "all a woman has to do is say YES to get sex any time she wants" (i.e. men always seem to want it? Is that what he is alluding to?).

Then Mayu told me that this guy in the picture included is apparently extremely "hot" in Japan right now. He is apparently multi-talented and does a lot of things but in addition to that there are a LOT of Japanese women who swoon over his looks.

Our friend Yukiyo is one of those women... and there are more. In fact, Yukiyo even goes so far to say that his looks are her "perfect type". This guy is apparently really hot with the models and movie stars and is constantly getting in trouble by sleeping around with one after another.

Well, Mayu told me that when she hears her female friends talking about this guy as if he is some "Buddha's gift to women", she nearly gags because all she can think about when she sees him on TV is that he looks like (her very own words): SOME SQUASHED CABBAGE.

I just thought I'd share this little chat we had today. It made me laugh.

I love you!

Cam 

The Attack of the Killer Alien Hostafarians

Do your hostas do this?!?!?!

Mine do.

Every.

Damn.

Year.

Mayu sent me this fantastic greeting card for Canada Day! http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=EG5579471172365M26766680Y&product_id=