I Won Time's Person of the Year

And so did you....

I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet

There were two small back-to-back earthquakes in Tokyo this morning. Fortunately I just received my officially issued corporate first aid kit. Unfortunately the kit anticipates a bird flu crisis rather than anything more pedestrian like an earthquake. Fortunately the building management places an earthquake preparedness kit in every bedroom.

People have strange ideas about risk. Last year IBM asked a distant colleague if he'd travel to Manila on business. He refused, citing the fact that there's a U.S. State Department travel warning concerning the Philippines. IBM cannot force him to go in such circumstances, so management asked if I'd be willing to go. (That's called "risk shopping," I guess.) I said, "Sure, but let me check something first." I found out that this colleague lives in Miami. Using the power of Google, I found the crime and population statistics for metropolitan Miami and Manila. Then I phoned my manager back and said, "You might want to explain that he should pack up immediately and bring his entire family as soon as possible, permanently, to live in Manila. Miami's murder rate is three times higher."

He took the trip.

Airborne Connections

I'm aboard Japan Airlines Flight 6. JAL is one of the airlines that outfitted many of its long haul airliners with live Internet service, thanks to Boeing's substantial investment in the satellite-based technology. Unfortunately Boeing announced that they'll terminate service at the end of this year, marking a giant step backwards in human progress.

Two kids are sitting near me, and they've been quite animated the whole trip. Thus sleep will have to wait. There's a Japanese gentleman sitting one row back, and occasionally, rarely, he visits mom and the kids. He's the father I guess. He sleeps just fine while mom handles the tykes.

This little glimpse into Japanese airborne household life brought to you by Boeing and JAL, live as it happens. I'll order some shochu now. Maybe that'll work. Kids are great, except when they're not your relations.

Hi, KK!

Democratic Politics

Several people in the Philippines asked me about the U.S. election. Everyone I met who brought up the subject is pleased with the result.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi has a "100 hour" agenda which she promises, and her list isn't bad. If the Democrats are going to pass a minimum wage increase then it ought to be indexed to inflation, but that's a quibble. In the next 100 hours, how about fixing the broken election system? There's a simple fix: adopt Oregon's vote-by-mail system nationally. Does anyone have a cogent, reasoned argument against vote-by-mail? It looks like a great system.

The $5 Haircut

I just got back from Manila tonight. This morning, before I left, I got rid of my shaggy mane. There's a huge shopping mall near the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. On the 3rd floor there's a full service haircutting shop. "Ricky Eyes" is the name, I think.

For 180 pesos (about $3.60) you get a haircut including straight razor finishing (sides, back, and around the ears), shampoo, blow dry, and back/shoulder massage. Two people take care of you during the 45 minute process.

I was so impressed I left an extra 70 pesos. Tipping is not required in the Philippines.

The Japan Airlines Class System

With more than 12 years of business travel, no airline has ever bestowed me with top tier elite status. That's probably because I don't choose an airline flight based on frequent flyer benefits. Instead I choose flights based on a convenient schedule, friendly and professional service, and sensible fares — you know, the characteristics U.S. airlines forgot.

This year is different. I signed up for Japan Mileage Bank (JMB) at the beginning of the year, expecting I would fly Japan Airlines frequently, maybe too frequently. I've steadily moved up the multi-tier JAL class system: Crystal (25,000 miles), Sapphire (50,000 miles), Sapphire plus Japan Global Club, and now Japan Global Club Premier (70,000 miles). By the end of November I will qualify for Diamond (100,000 miles), which means I receive a key to the executive washroom or something.

What an insane amount of flying.

Mooney Over Japan

Photos from late August on one of the few good weather days. Tokyo-Chofu to/from Oshima Island and vicinity aboard one of the approximately 15 Mooneys in all of Japan.

Engrish

On the front of the 10th floor soft drink vending machine, IBM office, Tokyo:

CANNED BEVERAGE MAKES YOU REFRESH.
    WE CAREFULLY DID THE BEST SELECTION.
        THEY ARE OUTSTANDING AMONG OTHERS.

Better than my Japanese unfortunately.

Tokyo Weather

Yesterday (Monday) was "Health and Fitness Day" (or something like that), giving most Japanese workers a long holiday weekend. Japanese holidays are so practical. Friday's downpours suggested the weekend would be a washout, but all three days and even today, Tuesday, have been absolutely beautiful with sunshine, blue skies, moderate temperatures, and low humity. It's the best run of good weather since I arrived.

I don't watch much television at all, especially with this great weather, but I try not to miss Project Runway. What could be better than watching a bunch of neurotic fashion designers try to clothe starving (literally) models with materials scavenged from a dumpster (for example)? Season 3's final episode airs this week, and I'd like to see either Michael or Laura win.

UPDATE: Laura and Michael finished third and fourth, respectively. Now I can concentrate my limited television viewing on Torchwood and Battlestar Galactica.

Meet Singapore's Idol

I predicted well. Hady, congratulations. I have no idea what you're saying half the time, but at least you can sing on key most of the time.