The Latest
Avoiding Finance Fees Abroad
Foreign finance fees can be killer- on top of the bogus 1% Visa/Mastercard foreign transaction fee for using anything with their logo on it, it’s not uncommon to see 1-3% conversion fees and $2-5 transaction fees for purchases and ATM withdrawls- from your own bank! The guy that owns the ATM can charge you whatever [...]
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The Grind
Unlikely Allies»
Once again, it is the most dreaded kind of Pointless Meeting Day — the company-wide meeting, in which The Big Boss outlines the company strategy for the next fiscal quarter. Mercifully, it has been shortened this time around from three hours to two, but it’s still excruciatingly mind-numbing. Estelle and Mariela, the Glitter Twins, have [...]
Events
2016 Tokyo Olympics?»
In 1964, the Summer Olympics were held in Tokyo. What I did not realize until about 15 seconds ago (thanks Wikipedia) is that my own hometown of Detroit was somehow in the running for the bid. The Motor City finished a distant second. Thank goodness, too. Though hosting an international competition might have helped Detroit [...]
Food
Heavy Metal Sushi: Maguro - Hold the Mercury, Please»
One of the best things about living in Japan is having access to the world’s best (of course) sushi. However, the following AP article makes me a little nervous, not only about high levels of mercury in tuna, but also about the attitude of your average Japanese man or woman on the street, as well [...]
Living
Standing Tall in a Foreign Land»
I live in Japan, but this article could be written about my life in any country outside my native land. I suppose living in different countries brings different experiences overall, but even though each country has its own unique culture and way of doing things, in every case, I would still be a foreigner.
Like a [...]
Society
Impressions of Tokyo»
On the surface, Tokyo is overwhelming at first. Avenues lined with neon-clad buildings give the major areas a futuristic look while back alleys and shotengai give the place either a run-down look or a local feel. During rush periods, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro Stations take most foreigners, even those of us from big cities, to a [...]
