A Week in Tokyo 18

FIRST IN!
YAAAARGH!!!

i also say evil

I keep my Gundam manuals, there's sometimes some nice artwork in them. Also a way to keep track of my models due to no room for the big boxes. :<

I feel sorry for some of the animals at Zoo, especially the big carnivores look miserable, if they dont sleep they walk around in circles. But well its nice to get to see them but really wanna see some of the animals in their natural environment.

I try to keep my health good by doing sports regularly and some muscle exercises. Im lucky to be skinny by nature so I dont really have look after what I eat, actually I should gain some weight... should start to go to gym but still havent got that far ^^

But the monkeys!! Anywere with monkeys can't be THAT evil.

Please, could we switch places, Danny ? I'm full of envy, seeing all these pictures from you ... But i think it will be only a dream ;-)
Back to your Question of keeping Animals in Zoos, i think it is good, because without them most people won't notice the big variety of the animals. And what i mean more, they help to keep some animals alive, which are near to be extinct. That's what i think about, buf also i can be wrong in some details.

Hector is a bonsai killer? Woah thats bad news! ;) Food looks yummy as always too.
Ueno ... i always wanted to go there but never managed... looks really sweet, though i am against keeping animals in cages... my bunnies get always the cage open as soon as i wake up or get home, they only get to sit in for sleeping.
My favorite Ramen shop (NaNiWa - who would have guessed it lol) doesn't usualy hae mangas around, but there is another Ramen shop near by it which does have all kind of mangas, but the ambiente is a bit more run down... it tastes good and is cheap but yea... ^^;

i don't really like seeing animals in zoos. they look like glorified prisoners. the stuff that we know about animals from going to zoos is just as much as aliens would learn about humans from visiting a prison, i think. but then again, eco-tourism is just as bad, or even worse for the animals. maybe we really shouldn't care. :|

i usually throw away the model kit manuals cos i don't like to keep stuff that i will not need (that includes my early sub-standard gunplas that i fixed when i was a kid) so i threw them away along with the school worksheets and handouts when forced to clean up the room by my mum.

now that my english common test is just over...
If you was the mayor of your city... (was > were)

Oh Danny, top 100 most recognized person!!
haha well obviously now you know why they sent you a copy.

Danny, here's an idea for you: why don't you incorporate your stretching and exercises as part of your overall health care routine? Either limber up before hand, or use it as a cool down afterwards...^_^

hey Danny hope your back is feeling better. btw those advance of zeta decals with the manual, I think I have a similar batch, from them from samuel's? dannychoo.com member Subaruhess pointed them out for me once, never regretted getting them. btw when are you building another kit?

Wow... to be seen on a magazine... I wonder how it feels like to be in a magazine? O_o

I'm pretty much neutral on the zoo animal question. They aren't safe outside in the wild. They can fall victims to hunters and poachers but despite that I also want them to be free T_T

You should take care of your body! Try doing some stretches and maybe a few basic exercises like push-ups. IMO I'm pretty fit. I do karate every Friday and before that I joined my university's ROTC. I love anything that involves training my body XD

Danny is soo popular, he's even in the top 100 famous people of Japan haha. Congrats

Hope your back gets better and you remember to do your rehab exercises more often, Danny.

I've been feeling really unfit and a bit over-weight the past couple of years, pretty much due to being working long hours working in an office. I've been meaning to get back into jogging more and I've just played another game of indoor soccer with some workmates tonight.

Does that sonic mosquito device really work, Danny??

I think animals kept in captivity is generally ok as long as the zoo keepers are professional and know what they are doing. I especially think endangered species should belong in a controlled environment so that they don't become extinct due to nature or human interference.

I kept a bonsai, a juniper to be exact, for a few years until it die due to my neglect. I wish to one day get back into taking better care of some bonsai trees.

Looking forward to the Shibuya Rock Trooper vid when it's done. ^__^

I hope Danny that your back is feeling better. I hope this won't hinder you to further reaching the top. ^___^

I don't like animals in captivity and I feel sorry for them. I'd rather have them in their natural habitat then seeing them behind some bars.

Wow Danny! No wonder Ascii magazine gave you a complimentary copy, you are one of 100 most popular people in Japan ^___^

Can't wait and I'm really looking forward on your new Storm Trooper video ^___^

I wouldn't say I'm very fit, after getting into Uni, the stress... and all sorta made me a little lazier but I still find time to exercise though. Stuff like riding my bicycle, training martial arts. Exercise is good way to relieve stress and tension in your body...
As for diet, I guess I'm eating healthy enough, I try to stay away from a lot of junk foods. Only thing which I know is unhealthy is my sleeping habits... Since I'm on holidays now, I tend to sleep at about 3am and wake up around 10-12pm the next day... I just love the quiet night when everyone in the family is asleep and I can concentrate more easily.

For the zoo animals... I think they're happy with their homes etc. Looking at those Prairie dog things they look happy. All I can say is when animals are kept in captivity, if they're happy, in their correct sort of environment and a trigger and they will breed. This is a good sign that the animal kept in captivity is not stressed and feels comfortable etc...
These animals live in luxury I think... the only thing they need to cope with is the amount of people staring at them O.O... It's tougher for them out in the wild running from predators and finding their own food.

That's a compliment having a Celebrity eating at your restaurant. Though i think they should be on their toes on keeping up the good standards of their establishments~ :)

I think we should only keep wild animals when there's a real needing like breeding endangered species. Other than that, it could be depressing to the animals, plus they'll also loose their hunting SkillZ~

Imagine a Tiger just slacking off the whole day~ Kinda boring~ It needs more action XD

Typos:
"This weeks" weeks -> week's
"of this weeks installment" weeks -> week's
"dont use it look like snails. " dont -> don't
"I cant remember" cant -> can't
"I think its great" its -> it's

Sorry to hear about the back trouble Danny, I'm glad I'm still fairly young. I try to exercise regularly and eat right... a few years ago I was about 50-60 pounds heavier than I am now. Lost all that weight from exercising and eating right - pretty much just stopped eating chips/drinking pop and did some situps every once in a while and I lost weight >_> Do have some trouble with my wrists though... too much healthcare, piano-playing, typing, etc.

There's a Costco or two here, and we used to go there fairly often but don't anymore. I have a friend who is extremely rich (massive house, a theatre in it... etc... so jealous) and she/her family shop at Costco a lot - wonder if that's why there's so much money left for the huge house.

I'm planning on going to the zoo with the ladyfriend sometime soon. Hear they got some http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Panda and I think those are really cute. Keeping animals in captivity is sometimes important if they're endangered, as you will often see that zoos exchange animals and such to allow mating and such... I do feel sorry for some of the animals though... when I see a polar bear outside here on a hot summer's day I feel really bad for it.

Congrats on being in the top 100, Danny. Looks like you had a fun week!

Danny, do take care of your back. Can understand how irritating it can be. You could do the exercise as a routine before sleep every night perhaps? Get your wife to ensure ^^

Singapore's version of celebrity signatures and TV screen shots are newspaper cuttings, food awards, food show awards and they are very significant in improving one's business. Food is a BIG thing in Singapore. We love our multi-cuisine food!!

I'm quite health conscious (conscious of what kind of food I take..) But I'm not particularly healthy and fit (:

I'd rather it rain in Singapore. So freaking hot here. At least I can use my transparent umbrella I got in Japan when it rains! (:

I'd rather a wildlife nature reserve than a zoo. Zoo too small for the big animals and they only recreate a minute portion of their natural habitat. We have no rights in enforcing our superiority over the animals that can't go against us.

Ahhh! That Rie Sasaki looks pretty ^^ My kinda girl. Gotta go Google bout her. More photos?

Yup, saw those idol mags with very very saucy images at the donburi (??) stall at Ikebukuro. Kinda taken aback the first time I saw them. Didn't expect those mags to be so public.

Herniated disks ain't fun. I remember my mother having one when I was in primary school, she was wandering around on crutches for awhile there.

As for my own health, doing pretty well. I used to be the fast agile bloke on our football team, but I doubt I would be anymore =P Still, my job requires me to run around a hospital for a couple of hours a shift pushing meal trolleys, and if I've uni and work on the same day I'll park the car at work and walk the couple of kilometres into the city along the river. Eating's healthy at home and it's easy to pick up a healthy meal for less than a McBurger in town if you know where to look. Only real concern at the moment is tight tendons up the back of my legs.

Does that mossie thing actually work? Or do you really just need Rid anyway?

Yay Thomas the Tank Engine I get to drive Thomas this weekend.
And put up with a million screaming kids.

Congrats on making the top 100~! =o
I'll comment again later, need to sleep =_=;;

Hope your back does get better with exercise Danny-san!

As for your question of REAL health maintenance, I seriously think exercise is a very important part of life. Running is quite a chore but surprisingly, after torturing yourself for a good 30mins, you'll find that you actually feel VERY GOOD. Of course, if the sun in Japan is as scorching as the sun in Singapore, you may wanna take your healthy jogs in the evening or early morning. Over here, we're lucky 'cos we get to run along the beach, where there are many nice things to see. ^^

If running/swimming is too boring (even though swimming is the best low-impact for of exercise that's good for you), I guess picking up a sport will make exercising more interesting!

I play soccer once a week, tennis twice a week and run about 3 times a week. I'll play golf at least once every fortnight and sometimes bball too. ^^ I love sports as much as I love anime and gunpla! hehehe...

If those animals in zoos became zombified, then it's good to keep em' in there for good!

have been a long time since i exercised. usually i go jobbing once a week but nowadays i can't make time out for it. >.<

and also lack of sleep as well. getting 5 hours of sleep usually. the internet is evil (a necessary evil), takes up too much of my time. >.<

Yes, you are right, Danny, you have to exercise regularly. In my own experience the regularity of exercise is a lot more important then it's length. I myself like jogging.

Danny, can you take photos of the entrance of the bouilding the next time of the shop or restaurant or building that you visit it. So we can imagine that we are traveling with you!!! I think this is a good idea. If you could... XOXO :o) Thank you very much for sharing this with us. I hope you fix with a good treatment for your back and you recover soon.

Another week over, eh? I should really start to make a list of places to go, things to do and stuff to eat for when I ever go to Japan. Was it really wise to leave those bookshelves at the staion unmanned? Over here they'd be emtpy in a day (and not because we have bookworms)...
You reminded me that it's been ages since I've been to a zoo myself; I don't really think it's cruel to the animals (at least not in our zoo, which has been adding/expanding since I was little), plus, this way you probably save some from extinction...

yanaka ginza is one of my fovourite place in tokyo

When I was a kid, I visited the zoo once in the summer and noticed the Polar Bear was sitting in the back under all of the rocks in the shade. I said he was avoiding sunburn x:

Ah!Im sorry about your back.
Well since im an Physical Therapist i can give you some advice:

If you have a tight schedule make room for 10-15 Minutes of Exercise about every 2-3 Days.
Its better to do your excercises less intensive and more often than once hardcore.

Actually i would recommend to visit a gymn.Its quite effective BUT Expensive.Well another Plus is that you can see eyes jiggling everywhere.

And if you cant beat your Schweinehund (inner Beast) try doing your excercises with other people.Its much harder to tell others that your gonna flunk the excercises than jut telling yourself NAh i dont fell like it.

Back to Topic:
I go jogging every 2-3 Days in the Woods.

I used to go to the gym and exorcise 6 days a week. Though I switched jobs a year ago and haven't been back. And while I have gained more weight then I wanted too, it isn't too bad. The Japanese restaurants do similar stuff with the celebrity endorsements. This one restaurant has pictures of all the golfers from the PGA Tour that have eaten there on the wall.

Hey, Danny, does that mosquito device really work?

I'm ashamed to say that I spend all my free time sitting around - no exercise at all, and I'm sure that's going to come back and bite me some day. It's been a bit better the last two months, ever since I started my summer job lifting and moving things, but that's about it.

And I figured something was up when you added "for some reason" after the free magazine. "100 famous people"...well, magazine appearance accomplished. Your next goal should be to sign white sheets of paper for restaurants you go to. xD

I understand that animals in national park are good, but not in zoo. =(

Grr! I just written a long post, and it got lost! What gives? I hope i dont have to start copying every message incase it screws up...

The gist of my message was about how good it is to be trusted to read a free book and return it.

I know other people who are having trouble with their back as well, and it doesn't look good. I really feel for you. How about doing a stretching exercise where you stand in one spot and see if you can reach figures you have spread around you in various heights? Might be motivating enough? ^^

Congrats on being among the top 100. You've really made celebrity status in Japan now, haven't you? :O *envy*

Some animals--species, and sometimes even individual creatures--take to captivity differently. Ones taken right from the wild I would think would tend to not do as well because of the shock of being taken from their natural habitat, but probably second or third generation "zoo animals" do better. Tendency to take well to humans probably matters too, so an elephant might be more likely to be happier and in better shape than a polar bear ^^

And the cute furry critters don't take up much space anyway, and sometimes even form their own mini-societies within their confines; there's a desert museum in the state I live in (US), and the prairie dogs there have a decent-sized exhibit where they've built their own mini-"city" and seem to take care of themselves nicely. And you really can't argue against how cute they are!

I don't exercise anymore, used to but not anymore, had a bit of heart trouble. I'm naturally thin so gaining weight is not a problem for me.

I'm for putting animals in zoos, sometimes left in the wild, they can fall victim to over-hunting and poachers. by the way, that polar bear in the pic looks reaaaally bored.

I have a weak lower back myself and have had to get chiropractic and physical therapy for it so I do try to stretch and exercise daily to have a stronger and more flexible back.
I'm prone to gaining weight/overweight so I tend to avoid unhealthy or fatty foods and try to not eat too much. Coupled with regular exercise and a regular lifestyle (small meals at regular times instead of quick snacks at any hour of the day) it keeps my weight balanced so I'm thin now and intend to stay that way.

But taking care of your body is important, too many of us disregard it when we're young but as the years go by it becomes more important and also harder to maintain.

Hmmm haven't been to a zoo in a long time ^^; I think it is bad that humans steal animal's natural habitat and then keep them in a zoo ^^; but without the zoo I guess kids of the future may not be able to see the animals at all ^^; I remember my cousin telling me that her kid's schoolmates drew chickens as those frozen featherless-headless chicken cos that's the only kind of chicken they really know ^^;;;;; Isn't that sad?

As for exercise, I had been skipping badminton because my right hip is acting up on and off it hurts to walk sometimes even =_= went to see the doctor and was told maybe I don't take enough calcium ^^; Gotta remember to get some calcium supplements the next time we go to Costco (yes we have Costco but they are usually closed by the time hubs get home from work) Japanese Costco items look so kawaii lol

Some of the japanese restaurants here have signatures/doodles on the wall too ^^ never noticed if they're celebrity autographs tho lol

I think it's great you got featured in a magazine :)
It's a sign that you are famous to people from magazines ;p

Hope you get better with your back though :)

The zoo issue is everywhere, and there has been enough debate about that. For the animals in the zoo life is much easier and enjoyable than out in the wild. Yes, they might not be in their natural habitat, but they can relax more and everything. Here is an analogy: if a person left home and began staying at a resort, for FREE. Meals, massages, entertainment and any other activities included. Sure one might miss his home, but really, staying at a resort is so much better.

Anyways, about physical exercise. I am healthy, and eat well too. Go to karate classes, do a lot of walking, and some light body-building every second day.

Restaurant with carpet on the walls.
- "But can you sit on the walls?"
- "Only in Japan"

Danny, you're lucky I don't live in Tokyo. As I'd have to come over a whoop your a$$ for neglecting your excercises and stretches. Told you man, we maybe young at heart but the body still grows old. Time to make your health one of your primary goals, buddy. Don't jeapordize the great life you have now.

Don't have an quams about zoos as long as the animals are well taken care of. However, people might not agree with me as I have been known to enjoy plates of dead animals without guilt. Mmm... Dead animal.

Wow Danny, congrats on making it to the list! XD
I don't exercise as much as I should, but I take swimming classes twice a week.
The problem is that I just love food, and eat TOO MUCH.
So I'm out of shape even with the swimming classes.
No good. Swimming twice a week and spending the rest of it sitting in a chair...

I'm in a simmilar situation with my back, but far less painful... I strained a muscle on my back on a swimming class. Every now and then it hurts again. But nothing compared to when I did it... I couldn't walk for a couple of days, and after that walked for a week like a zombie or something.

Anyways Danny, depending on how good your back is, swimming is great to strenghten your back muscles. I started exactly because my back muscles were too weak. Nowadays I only have problems with them if I force too much while swimming.

wow danny you are more famous that i though

Love these photo series ..... can only imagine how much more interesting they'd be for poeple if they've never been here.

Zoo: I feel sorry for the animlas, but I don't oppose zoos in general. I think the best thing to do would be to create zoos with authentic places for animals. Like airconditioned place for polar bears, or some grassy areas insted of concrete.

Health: I think I'm quite healthy (although I could eat a bit less). I often play ultimate frizbee with friends, ride the bike, swim or go skating. I think it's important to move a bit if you are always studiing or working indoors. Plus sports are fun.

Other stuff: Wow Danny, you are in the top 100 Japanese celebs:)
lol at the snail add, it is really hot in the subway this time of the year and everyone is sweating. I wish they had some kind of airconditioning on the trains.
I can't believe ppl don't steal the books in the open.

For me, just one word~ treadmill. Walking (at 3mph) for an hour helped me lose the first 30 lbs. Then as I got braver over the months, running (at 4-5-6 then 7mph) for a half-hour helped me lose the next 30 lbs. LOL, I think I watch 50% of my monthly anime dose this way, lol. ^_^;

I' ve heard swimming is good for the back as it doesn't put much stress on it. Also lying on your stomach and lifting your head (so the opposite of sit ups) can strenghten the back muscles. (they have some kind of machine for it in gyms as well)

Danny you sleep little, right? Try sleeping a bit more to give your back a bit more rest, make sure you're sleeping on a good mattress :) You'll see your back will get better :-)

Nice, nice.....Ueno Park one to keep in mind when I'm flying over there in August (:

hm backache well i get backache because of summit i had done, i find lieing around all day prevents pain so does co-codamol tablets :) (codine and paracetemol), regarding excerise, i dont excercise and one reason why is excercise leads to asthma attacking me, me no lickey asthma :(, and finaly zoo's, i dont like zoo's i prefer conservational trusts, where i used to live i remeber going to this world famous conservational trust where they had monkeys birds flamengos and meerkats, when i moved i came to a zoo place here, it had tigers :D ROAr im getting side-tracked just before i go word of advice look away when a giraffee turns around, you dont wanna see what it has in mind.
bye bye

as far as the zoo thing. i don't really care for it...its not like its all that exciting when i visit one; which has been years, so in that respect i would let them go.

Hey Danny, I'm more awake now, lol. Take better care of yourself, I feel sad when you mention you're in pain u_u~ The video is a neat idea, but when will you watch it? =o

Was thinking of staying in Ueno the first time I thought about going to Japan, but I have a friend who's teaching english closer to Kyoto, so I'll probably end up there instead. Would visit Ueno regardless though, especially if I visit in spring =D

While I don't particularly like the zoo, the one is Sydney is fairly big and the animals have a fair amount of space to roam in. So long as they're treated well and get a proper diet and exercise regime happening, I think it's all good ^^

As for my health, almost no exercise, mostly walking when I do get out and stretches at home, especially when I need a break from the computer. I rarely eat junk food, though I have a bit of a sweet tooth, love my gummi bears and chocolate <3~ My mum makes fairly balanced meals plus we take Aloe Vera Gel, which is like 90% pure Aloe, cold press, using only the inside part. It gives me energy and speeds up my metabolism =D

I look forward to the next episode of "Storm Trooper in Tokyo"~ xD rock on~!

I used to do all kinds of exercise from martial arts to cross country running back in college days but now, almost nothing... I can feel my body is getting worse and yet, I'm not doing much exercise nowadays... The phrase "No pain, no gain" is echoing thru my head everyday -_-

Brad Pitt must really get around in Japan. I have seen his name up in many restaurants in Osaka too.

Glad that the back is feeling better Danny. Try not to forget to exercise. Like I'm one to talk I need to get more exercise than I do right now. I do understand what you are saying about your back. My mom's back was the same way before her disc deteriorated. She too would have no problems for months then one day... Now she pain most of the time and has trouble getting around.

You are right about taking care of your body. Look at Howard Hughes, at one time he was the riches man in the US. In his later years he lived his life in terrible pain and couldn't do what he loved most...

Anyway, I usually walk and jog often and cycling is big on my list. I was on the cycling team when I first started college. Right now I don't own a bike. I really need to get a new one soon.

Have several Costcos here in SE Michigan. My wife likes to go shopping there and stock up on all kinds of things.

Trains... ^o^ I'm all set for a few hours.

Not sure what I think of zoos. I do know I have seen many animals that I would have never seen in zoos. If I didn't fee the animals had the best of care and good facilities to live in, I would shut one down immediately.

I've never had much luck with Bonsai as well, so I'm sure it wasn't from neglect that Hector's tree died.

Yes the good old days, when we actually had time to build Gundams. T_T When I was in Osaka Gundams earlier this month, I wanted to buy and build. Yes, I have kept many of the manuals from my Gundam projects.

Photos are great as always! Look reminds me I didn't get any Figima while in Osaka. T_T I was so busy a lot of the time with family stuff.

You are lucky you can often capture Mrs. Choo in many of your pictures. I point the camera in my wifes direction and she always knows. She is often camera shy but getting better about it. Unlike me photos of her don't cause nausea. ^^;

I loved going to Ueno, and elephants are my favorite! I took almost the same pictures as you...Poor Thomas is in the background. My friend and I laughed upon seeing him.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/chokottolove/Japan%202007/47.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294/chokottolove/Japan%202007/62.jpg

I like to think I'm somewhat healthy. I bike every now and then, and I try to eat somewhat healthy. I could really use some upper body strength though.
...
Also, Costco? Hells yes I have one. Where else can I buy 6 pounds of Shultz pretzels?

Another wonderful week you'd enjoyed, great details of the visited spot.

Danny is forever famous in every corner of the world ^^

Same here, last time still got a lot of exercises like jogging, volleyball, futsal, etc. But after i graduated from uni, i din't really have the chance to go for any healthy activity.

I know it's a lame excuse & i am planning to work it out since i can feel my body is in worse condition now.

gosh i miss tokyo. I dont miss the heat though. Its hot/cold every other week here in San Diego. California weather needs to make up its mind

Those minced katsu looks really good.

You should go out and try to do some sports every week danny. I don't do a lot of workout myself but I do play badminton once or twice a week for about 2-4 hours per session. And the guys I play with are really good so it really gets me pumped up. That's how I get my exercise these days because i'm not motivated enough to go work out in a gym. ^^

Japan actually has Costco? That's news to me o_o; Awesome that you're included in the list Danny xD. Really shows how much success you have made already

Does the librarians in Japan look like that one?

Danny you naughty boy! Don't forget your exercises!

Wow Danny, you're in the top 100... You're pretty popular... I'm little jealous...

Ok lets see, yea we have Costco here. I guess if don't have time to flip through flyers of supermarkets, your best bet to get decently priced items is at costco. But I find if you compare flyers, often costco can be beat. But then again with gas prices as they are, you might as well shop at one place.

And yea I keep all the manuals. I mean I even keep the boxes.

About keeping animals in zoo's, I think it's pretty good if they are well cared-for, just as long as they don't suffer. There's a novel called "Life of Pi" that said something which made me look zoo's in a different way. It said that in the natural world, in their habitat, the animal are forced to struggle to get anything from water to shelter, sometimes failing and dying in the process. Besides there are many predators and dangers that could dramtically shorten their life spans, even a bruise or fracture could make them useless. Just so you dont feel sorry over skinny polar bears...
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z196/hgomezc/Imissyou.jpg
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z196/hgomezc/Dontlookatme.jpg
I took those at the San Diego Zoo in California, US. They came up pretty well considering there was a thick, dirty glass panel.

And yes, there are Costco's in Mexico. : )

I used to do Muay Thai for a while, it was fun though I'm at work so much these days.. I don't make the opportunity to go.
Animals being kept in cages is a sad thought but, with humans sharing the same space, we can't set the wild ones free for fear of being hurt.

Also, after reading your wonderful article.. I have two somewhat random (possibly silly) questions ^^;
Q1. Aren't your meals quite filling? (I've always noticed that Chinese/Japanese/Korean meals seem to serve many portions.)

Q2. Do you carry your figurines everywhere? (They always seem to be in the pics XD)

Take care of yourself, Danny ^-^

I don't always like Zoos either, especially when you see the sad expressions on the animals.
But not all Zoos are like that thankfully, there certainly are good ones, that help sustain the species. In captivity yes, but would you rather be in a free lounge, or extinct right?

I don't really understand the need to jog, or run 5 miles, whenever I run, I never get that worked up. I get the feeling ''I've just spent an hour running, and I'm still not where I need to be, I should've taken my bike''.

I just usually go Mountain biking, aside from it being really fun, it's a great way to exercise!. Although the maintenance on the bike can get, erm, annoying.

P.s. I was a fan of Thomas the Tankengine when I was little, though I thought he was extinct by now ^^;

Unfortunately I can't say I take care of myself as good as I would like to when it comes to the exercise and nutritional departments, although I am a good weight and I don't have too much fat on me, I'm in the process of changing my eating and exercise habbits, I want to be able to live a long, healthy life. xD

I hope you keep up with those stretches and such, Danny. My dad has the same problem as you, has had it for many years now and I've been witness to what he goes through and trust me, you do NOT have to want to go through the same, it'll just get worse and worse, to the point where you might be in so much pain that you'll have to lay down for entire weekends at a time because the pain is too much to take. Definitely keep in good health, Danny.

As for my take on keeping animals in a Zoo; I would prefer them to be able to live in the wild as they should, but there are most definitely circumstances under which they are better off being kept in captivity. Many animals would not survive in the wild and keeping them in Zoos also allows scientists and the public (especially school kids) to study them. I do believe they could be treated in much more morally proper ways, however.

Having now been at a Japanese school for 3 months, I haven't seen any bullying directly, but I can definately understand why it's so common in Japan and why there is little that can be done about it.

I'm sure most of you know about the Sempai > Kohai system? Sempai is basically who ranks higher than you, ie. higher grade, while a kohai ranks lower. Basically, you have to behave respectfully to your sempai and can enjoy the humbleness and somewhat politer language of the kohai. Its not super strict of course, but still surprising. Especially at the kendo club where the first years are expected to do all the chores anyway, the older kids often boss them around on simple errands, and occasionally ask them to give massages. Whenever a sempai leaves, all the first years run to the door to say "shitsurei shimasu!". Why they say just that I don't exactly know.

as always.. the food always looks so good

what place are you in the list danny? never knew you were that popular in japan *_*

Ah Danny! Where did you get that plate of dead animals? Yum!

ok this is off topic, but House wouldn't have given a hoot about slimming down. Sorry on a House marathon, anyway i used to be over 90kg when i entered the National Sevice. Now i am a whooping ehh 58? Pats myself on the back. My daily exercise regiment includes 400 repetitions of skippings followed by 60 crouches, 60 regular situps and 30 pushups. Lately, i have started weigh-lifting to gain a bit of machoness for the ladies, but to no avail. hurhur

Wahaha! Nice Idea video taping yourself a reminder!

Anyways, zoos basically take care of animals, so that's not evil... Well, it's undeniable that they have ulterior motives but you know, the zoo still takes care of animals.

T-T I hope I see this post, our PC's acting up again...

Nothing wrong with animals in zoos- IF the conditions are good. If you stick them in tiny cages it's evil, but if they are given proper care and enviroment and aren't suffering then it's fine. Not everyone can afford to see them in the wild ^_^

Once again Tokyo shocks me with how lenient it is. Free books? They actually trust people? Amazing. Something like that could never work anywhere else. Haha.

Once again, another fun filled week in Tokyo huh Danny!!!!!
Your first time at a Zoo. I've been to the Zoo once or twice.
I might decide on going to Yanaka Ginza for a little trip when I go to Japan!!!!!!
As always, this makes me hungry!!!!!!

That mosquito repellent is awesome, do you know if any sites that ship to US that sell them?

haha i like how u set the situation up with the top 100 famous ppl article and then BAM! looks like danny is on it too >_> haha

GJ

without zoos people in the city will never get to see wild animals in the flesh -__- so itz not that evil... the zoo keepers usually take good care of them...at least in Canada neways

Was at Inoue Takehiko's last manga exhibition at Ueno park too! Didn't see you there though... mayb be cause I went in the afternoon

been to Ueno a few times but never visited the zoo. Usually just cross the road to the big toy store across the station, then its off to the market to buy lotsa snacks. remember there's a building in the market area with a toy shop at the top floor. saw the actors who played boba fett n jango fett there signing autographs a few years ago.

Ah Ueno Zoo, I visited it last October and had lots of fun! I did feel bad for the Polar Bears though, they were just pacing from side to side constantly, did they do this when you were there too Danny?

And is that Spam I see in your Costco stash? fantastic! :)

I hope to visit Japan soon. Thanks for thsi blog.

Now that I think about it. Zoos are quite evil.

And I never knew Thomas was in Japan. D8