Today’s blog I dedicate to one of my favorite Christmas films of all time. Bob Clark and Jean Shepherd’s “A Christmas Story“. Based on Jean Sheperd’s novel “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash”, “A CHRISTMAS STORY” has been a part of so many Read More …
In 1950, the Paper Museum in Horifune, Oji, Kita-ku was opened and would later be moved to the four-story building in Asukayama Park in 1998. Kita was where the first western style paper manufacturing company was established back in 1873 and the museum would be Read More …
Back in the ’90s, Jim and Patty Roberts created a company known as Coffee People. In Portland, the Roberts were minority owners of 40 Coffee People stores and the coffee shop was growing quickly, expanding to Denver, Chicago and California and the company even went Read More …
When it comes to trail shoes, I have been using New Balance. With the last one being the MT510BS, this time around I had the chance to get a pair of New Balance Fresh Foam Gobi Trail’s. Featuring a 6mm drop, according to New Balance, Read More …
It was a rainy day in Suginami, a special ward in western Tokyo. My goal while visiting the area was to visit Ishizuka Cycle Bicycle Service, one of the few long standing family-owned bicycle shops in Japan. And it was great to meet with Hiroyasu Read More …
In Japan, Lawson convenience stores are well-known as one of the top convenience stores along with Family Mart and 7-11. But what many people may not be familiar with is that there are several type of Lawson convenience stores. The original “Lawson” are the familiar Read More …
Sure, you have heard of Sukiyabashi Jiro, Sushi Dai and other sushi restaurants around Tokyo. But there are a few out there that sushi enthusiasts claim are just as good or even better. I met a friend at Suitengumae Station to check out Sushidokoro Masa. Read More …
Filmmaker Lasse Hallström is probably best know as the director behind the music videos of Swedish disco group ABBA but Hallström is also known for several major hits such as “Chocalat” (2000), “The Cider House Rules” (1999), “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) and most recently Read More …
For Bay Area locals, especially in Berkeley, California, Peet’s Coffee & Tea is well-known. Founded by Alfred Peet in 1966, Peet’s Coffee & Tea is best known for introducing darker roasted arabica coffee such as French roast and established grades for espresso drinks to the Read More …
Before I go into describing this building, I want to put this out for all photographers who want to take pictures of the Tokyo Skyline… The BEST OBSERVATION DECK in TOKYO to take pictures is the World Trade Center Building in Minato, Tokyo. OK, with Read More …
Tokyo is known for its plethora of crepe restaurants. Find them all over Harajuku, find them at an indoor shopping center, crepes and even more crepes attract many people, young and old, local or out of the country, people want their fill of crepes in Read More …
Located in Katsushika, Tokyo, Japan is Shibamata Hachiman Shrine. While not the largest shrine in Katsushika, Japan, there is something special about Shibamata Hachiman Shrine. The original shrine was reportedly to have been built on top of an ancient tomb of the Shibamata village according Read More …
So often, while walking in Japan, you will discover shrines or temples in the middle a neighborhood or right next to a station. Right next door to Kohoku Station is Koroku Shrine in Adachi, Tokyo. Kohoku Station was opened back in April 1, 1901 as Read More …
Austrian Director Michael Haneke is one of cinema’s most revered and also most reviled with films that are typically bleak or disturbing, nerve-rattling and shocking. From his first major film “The Seventh Continent” of modern alienation to his next film “Benny’s Video” about a 14-year-old Read More …
One of the restaurants and cafe that I wanted to try when I visited Harajuku is Hanami. The restaurant is best known for showcasing cuisine from different countries and so, the menu is changed every few months to showcase something different. Also, once in awhile, Read More …
Back in 1975, Timothy and his wife Teresa Snelgrove founded Timothy’s World Coffee, a retailer of premium roasted coffee beans. Originally as a business-school project by Snelgrove while studying at the University of Western Ontario, the business would evolve to selling brewed coffee. In 1986, Read More …
Outside of Asakusa Station and not far from the major temples is one of the oldest Japanese sweet shops in Tokyo, Funawa Cafe. Established in 1902, the place is known for selling “imo yokan” (sweet potato paste), various an-mitsu offerings (red bean+ fruit or cream) Read More …
I have reviewed several Skagen watches on my blog and one of the things I tend to emphasize is that Skagen watches are now known for their lightness, stylish design but also being affordable quartz watches. As a watch enthusiast, I also recommend Skagen for Read More …
An endearing romance classic about a doomed love affair. “Brief Encounter” is filmmaker David Lean’s film adaptation of Noel Coward’s play “Still Life” and their final collaboration together. Featuring great performances by Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, “Brief Encounter” is indeed the highlight of the Read More …