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A friend of mine emailed me with an interesting and well-paid opportunity.  It was a clinical trial for a drug going through the Japanese equivalent of FDA approval.  The drug, approved several years ago in the US, was typically used to combat a stomach parasite and resulting diarrhea.  Recently, however, the drug was found to have clinical benefits for rodent sufferers of hepatitis.  Hence, let's try it on humans!

They were looking for healthy, Caucasian men within a certain age and weight range.  Chosen participants would have to stay in the research hospital for 3 nights; however, they would also be well-compensated.  I fit what they were looking for, so I signed up.  A part of me fantasized that the Japanese scientists were planning to

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Most foreigners interested in working in Japan's entertainment industry have heard or will hear of the agency known as Inagawa Motoko (aka IMO).  It's one of the largest, if not the largest talent agency specializing solely in foreign talent.  But this does not mean it's respectable or professionally managed.  In fact, the reality is quite the opposite.

In writing this I hope to expose this sham of an agency for what it really is--a den of common thieves.  Furthermore, it is my wish that others sharing my plight may join my crusade to spread the word about these con artists.  Ultimately, my goal is total shutdown of their unethical business practices--which equates to their entire business model.  If nothing else, I want the public made aware before more unsuspecting foreigners are

Growing up I never considered my home country to have much of a culture of its own.  Elementary school textbooks described it as a "melting pot" of other cultures, or more accurately, a "salad."  However, much to my chagrin, America does indeed have a distinct culture of its own; and it's one of those things I never realized until living abroad.  I have collected several points to ponder regarding American's unmistakable culture.

A Puritan Culture
America was founded on Puritanism--a conservative Christian doctrine expounding the depravity of mankind and infinite sinfulness inherent in all things sexual.  In other words, all souls are forever dangling over the fiery pits of hell because of inbuilt moral corruption.  Thanks a lot, Adam and Eve!  Like it or not Puritanism flows

Unfortunately, I was forced to throw out my plastic pitcher this morning.  It was purchased over 3 years ago at the 100-yen shop in Nakano-ku.  I used it exclusively for tea, so tea was so beyond crusted on the inside that the clear plastic turned dark brown (a common theme in my life).  Washing and scrubbing had little effect on dissolving the tea crust.  It got to the point where the fresh tea stored in the pitcher was getting polluted by historic tea crust.  A glass of tea from the pitcher tasted like fossilized teas from years past.  At first it was a welcome walk down tea memory lane; however after further contemplation, it tasted like poo.  The pitcher now sits in the plastic recycle bin.  I will miss you, dear tea pitcher.  You were the best 100-yen I ever spent.