The Merlions, one of the most popular sightseeing spots of Singapore have been damaged. An evening news program on TV has reported, that one of the two Merlions has been struck by lightning yesterday due to heavy rain. The lightning has left several holes on the poor Merlion's head, dropping one of his ears as well. It's a pity.

Noone is to blame since it's an act of nature, but it doesn't seem to be unrelated to the recent climate change. Athough I've been mumbling about the coldness, the Japanese archipelago seems to have had an extraordinarily warm winter this season, having 1 to 2 degrees higher average temperature than usual.

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Well, but they say that the best racing horses are born in the year with mild winter. Though these are actually my friend Mr. O's words who lives near Takarazuka. In the years after 2000, the winter of 2002, 2004 and 2007 was exceptionally warm. Leaving aside the foals born in 2007 since their career has only just begun, now the world-famous tripple crown winner Deep Impact was born in 2002, whereas the historical mare that won the Japan D'erby, Vodka was born in 2004 as well as her rival Daiwa Scarlet who won the last year's Arima Kinen. Mm-hm, they're all great horses, indeed.

That sums up to ... a tripple crown winner of 2011 just being born!

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As I was goofing off on some groundless idea, they're saying that it's going to snow again! Hey, today is Hina Matsuri Day (girls' doll festival day), you know. It's supposed to be an annual event of spring. And it's going to snow?! The forecast says that we're having cloudy skies and snow from later today to tomorrow morning. Reeeally?!

I used to love snowy days when I was a child. It's sad that you can't purely enjoy snowy weather when you grow up. Is it going to pile up? I'd have to clear the streets if it does... Would the trains be delayed? I'll have to leave my house early in order not to be late for work... I've been worrying about such things though I hate to have to.

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So it snowed yesterday. As most people in Tokyo had expected, it did. It was snowing violently when I got off at the station near my house, after I had finished some shopping and was on my way home. I thought it really could pile up if it kept snowing like that, but by the time the TV Anime "Hajimeno Ippo" has finished, the snow had completely turned into rain. Eventually, the weather turned out to be cloudy this morning. Not a flake of snow left anywhere. Well, it's all for the best because I'd have had to clear the streets if it piled up.

Actually, I seem to have hurt my right hand while I was practicing guitar a couple of days ago, and to tell you the truth, I was hoping I wouldn't have go through all that physical labor.

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There was a surprise at my house yesterday. Well, it may not be to many of you, but for me it was. It's that Tono seems to have sold off his beloved car. He has had several accidents in his 70s though they were minor collisions. Although he has enjoyed the Showa period and feel so much for a family car, as may be expected, the old man now aged 80 has stopped driving these past few years. Then, the day came.

Personally, I've been on pins and needles that he might run someone down to death. It's good, now I can breathe again.

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On my way to work, I came across a young American couple staring down at a subway route map. I asked them if they were all right, and they told me that they wanted to get to Roppongi from Shibuya by subway. Peering down at the English route map they've been staring at, I suddenly realized that there weren't any direct route going to Roppongi from Shibuya. I found it to be a bit of a surprise, that there wern't any lines connecting the two stations directly, despite the number of lines running under the center of this metropolis, since it probably must be one of the most popular routes among tourists. So, Roppongi was actually at a not-so-good location, huh?

The couple eventually seemed to have decided to take the Hanzoumon Line to Nagatachou, and then transfer to Nanboku Line to get off at Roppongi-Itchoume. Hmm, right choice.

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My meeting appointment for today has been canceled, and I was supposed to spend a less busier day. Though in fact, I had missed my lunch helping out Cow's work! What was that impossible client of his? She spoke all her mind out on us and then, she says I'll leave the rest up to you. What do you mean you'll leave the rest up to us? You can't leave everything up to us, you know? Then she said, "No, I don't know, that's why I'm leaving everything for you to decide." Hey! How am I supposed to make decisions instead of someone else, when I don't even know that person.

I was finally having my lunch around half past four, when another dummy came walking right into our office... Oh, won't you give me a break?!

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It seems to have been proved again, that great race horses are born in the year with warm winter, which is my friend Mr. O's personal theory. The Yayoi Shou, a trial race for the Japnese 2,000 Guineas Satsuki Shou, was run today and Logi Universe won the race leading the rest of his competitors with unmatched speed from start to goal. It was a perfect win by 2 and a half lengths. He's remarkable.

Meanwhile, Buena Vista won the Tulip Shou held yesterday, also a trial for Ouka Shou, the Japanese 1,000 Guineas. She stayed off the pace at first, but she pulled all the others at a stroke and finished 1st place. Her potential too, is far above average. I'd have to admit that Mr. O's power is truly awesome.

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Japan's present prime minister Tarou Asou, has been misreading Kanji(Chinese characters) for a while. And because he misreads those characters so unnaturally, reading Mizou as Mizoyu or Toushuh as Fushuh, a rumor is getting around that he could be dyslexia. If he simply doesn't know how to read certain characters, he could have hidden it behind babbles. But he seemed to be misreading it in a serious manner. That makes him more like it.

Additionally, it's a famous story that Mr. Asou likes to read Japanese Manga books, in which most of the Kanji appear with readings printed beside them.

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Since I've written about dyslexia, I'd like to have this opportunity to introduce a little about dyslexia. Dyslexia is said to be a developmental disability, having difficulty in reading and writing, or calculation, despite their intelligence. They say that these people with dyslexia, often seem to be misjudged as a simply lazy person because they usually don't have much trouble in other fields.

On the other hand, there are said to be many people having dyslexia giving full play to the skills in certain fields such as art, music and so many more. Actually, there are lots of celebrities who have made a huge success in this world having dyslexia, from Albert Einstein to Tom Cruise. I wonder if Mr. Asou would like to join the list.

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It was a disaster today. Why, because I have been suffering from terrible cedar pollen allergy. Perhaps it was because I forgot that "magic oil" and fell asleep though I usually put a drop or two in my eyes and nostrils before I go to sleep. I was perfectly all right with no symptoms at all until yesterday, but this morning I woke up and suddenly Booom! It hit me. I have been blowing my nose for a roughly estimating 36 times since this morning, while the number of sneezes I've had counts well over that, approximately 43 times. Not to mention my itchy eyes and nose.

It's been terrible. I've hardly made any progress in work today, just because of this damn allergy. Hope it gets better tomorrow...

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The cause of my terrible allergy symptoms turned out to be that I forgot to drop that "magic oil" before I going to sleep. The reason I came to this conclusion is because my conditions became unbelievably well today, after I've dropped that oil more carefully than usual last night. Then today, I hardly had any of those symptoms. Hardly, I meant is that I might have had a sneeze or two however, my condition was far better compared to that of yesterday's.

In other words, that "magic oil" has such powerful effect on preventing allergetic symptoms. Well, at least it does for me. For those who'd like to know more about it, please drop me a line or leave a message at our message board, and I'll be happy to send you my recipe for this "magic oil" to save you from terrible allergetic symptoms.

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Following January, today is another Friday the 13th. I didn't expect to come across Friday the 13th twice, in just three months after 2009 has started. It's said to be a bad luck day, but thanks to the oil, I'm feeling great. Though I'm beyond Obahan(midle aged women) power...

There's a supermarket on my way to work and it seems that there was a bargain this morning. I was waiting for the light to change on the other side of the supermarket, when I realized a bunch of Obahan having war keeping their rivals in check, as if to say "I'll never forgive you if you go ahead of me." Long before the light has changed, they inched toward the supermarket performing a fierce fight in front of me. It was a frightening scene.

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First of all, I'd like to appologize and correct what I've written yesterday. It was February not January, that had Friday the 13th. Anyway, me and Cow have had a nice chat a little while ago, about the movie "My GABAI Grandma from Saga" that was rerun on TV recently. "There are many things to pick up, but there's nothing to throw away." "Stinginess is terrible! Saving is brilliant!" "Be poor while you can! You'll be too busy traveling, eating Sushi, and tailoring when you get rich." Etcetra, etcetra. These Grandma's words are all so amusing and comforting.

For those who are interested, the book of Gabai Grandma can be read in Korean, Chinese, Malay and English.

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The 2nd round of the World Baseball Classic has finally begun. Not to mention, I love spectator sports. Love to watch them on TV. But I've left this topic untouched because I wanted the national team to pass the 1st round, and make it to the 2nd round without any trouble. Well, they did, and here they are facing the Cuban national team, known as the most powerful amateur corps, also one of the tournament favorite.

Last year, the Japanese national team, Samurai Japan has defeated them in the final match however, the Cubans seemed to have collapsed at that time under tremendous pressure. Now the situations have changed. How would the Samurais fight them? The heart-thumping match would be broadcasted by channel 6(TBS), starting early tomorrow morning at 4:45.

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I woke up early. I have a nocturnal habit and I usually can't get up in the morning, but today I did, at 4:45 and watched the game between Japan and Cuba. Matsuzaka was totally amazing. His performance was more than excellent, with 6 straight scoreless innings and 8 strikeouts. His teammates did well in batting, too. My only worries for the present are the struggles of Ichiro and Fukudome at the plate. I was also a bit surprised when the Cuban right fielder missed the ball because he wasn't wearing sunglasses although it was a day game. At least, I think he shouldn't have ducked.

So the Samurais beat Cuba by 6-0. Their next opposing team is South Korea, who downed Mexico. As expected. They are good, you know.

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A while ago, I happened to come across this movie of an English class in China at YouTube. It seemed that they were about to start a game of some kind, and a man who seemed to be the teacher was explaining to his students, how it was supposed to be played. According to this teacher, a student was to draw a card from the pile and open it to read an English question written on the card, and then with the teacher's go, the student was to light a match and answer that question in English, before the fire goes out (I think it'll burn your finger before it goes out). He called this game "Beat The Matches!"

Aaaiiieee! I've always been wanting to improve my English skills a little more, But I definitely don't want to do this. No way. Not even in my worst dreams, NO. Brrr.

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The WBC match against South Korea was held today from noon(Japan time), fighting for the chance to advance to the semifinal round. Unfortunately, I had clients coming so I couldn't watch it on TV. But Cow had been peering into the room with TV during work. Poor Father Cow had been made to change the channel for the game. After a while, I heard him asking his son, if it was all right to change the channel. Cow said it's OK, after he had checked that Japan was 3 points behind already at the end of the first inning. "Because your mother doesn't like baseball," Father Cow explained.

I hate to have to say this Dad, but I don't remeber her saying anything even close to that. Apparently, Father Cow doesn't seem to like losing games.

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Losing the game against South Korea yesterday, now the Samurais had their backs to the wall. If they lose today, it would automatically cut off their chance to the semifinal. And the opposing team today was.. Cuba, the team they had beaten the other day. I was glued to the radio biting my nails most of the afternoon, but ultimately they blanked the Cubans and ensured their advance to the semifinal round. Tomorrow, Samurai Japan are fighting against South Korea for the 4th time in this Championship, in the consolation final.

Today's starter Iwakuma and Sugiuchi the set-upper who took over his place, both pitched beautifully however, what was most impressive was that Ichiro who has been mired in a slump not only had hits today, but had one of them up the middle. It would certainly become a bright spot as the Samurais approach the game against South Korea coming up tomorrow.

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I pressed ahead an early rising again to watch Samurai Japan's fourth match against South Korea, though today was a national holiday which I usually spend all morning asleep. I barely made it in time to catch the bottom of the first, after Japan had finished their first attack whithout success. My sleepy eyes opened wide awake when I saw today's starter Utsumi extremely tensed up on the mound... Is he alright? It was a pretty shaky start.

Japan wound up winning both the game and Pool 1, getting the record even of 2-2 against South Korea, though our very talented prime minister has answered to the press "This makes it 2-1, right?" revealing his outstanding talent as a fall guy again. The next game (semifinal) for the Samurais would be on Monday (Japan time) against USA. Can't wait.

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One of my acquaintance moved. Her new house seems to be a no-pets-allowed apartment, but she is keeping a sparrow. She just couldn't have let it go because she had been taking care of it since it was a cheeper. I was surprised to find that she had a, a pet.. sparrow. Moreover, that she and her husband didn't keep it in a cage, but let it fly freely about inside the room until they moved to their new home. And what's even more surprising was that the sparrow watches TV.

He doesn't seem to like variety shows that much however, when his attentions are caught by the program, he would sometimes fly to the monitor to lightly peck the image of his interest, after staring at it for a while. As for yesterday, he seems to have enjoyed a good hour of WBC consolation final according to his owner.

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After living with a sparrow for a certain amount of time, owners seem to notice that they have various espressions. They can't actually talk like parrots or parakeets since their mouth and throat structures are different, but they use many voices depending on the situation to express their feelings. For example, my friend's pet sparrow has a sort of safety zone in the room, and will cry out "BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!(Where?! Where the hell are you?! Come back!)" like an alarm whenever his owner tries to leave him to go to the bathroom. According to my friend, her sparrow cries frantically because he doesn't (can't) go out of his safety zone.

Hmmm. I didn't expect sparrows to be such a lovable creature.

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While I was writing about the little pet sparrow of my friend's, Samurai Japan has beat America, the homeland of baseball and advanced to the final. The opposing team they are fighting against for their second straight championship victory is... South Korea, again. Urr. I think I've had enough of this match-up. Well, it's the 5th time for both teams to fight against each other. I guess the character Doronjo-sama who appears in the now showing movie Yatterman would probably say, "Come on boys, get 'em now!"

By the way, I wonder what's going to happen if Samurai Japan wins the championship and said "We won't be participating next year." I bet they'll be furious, though I can't name which country.

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In the WBC final game held today, SAMURAI Japan has beat South Korea and accomplished their second straight championmship victory. The breathtaking game went into overtime, but Ichiro's hit clinched the game leading the Koreans by two points in the 10th inning, with Darvish closing the game. Unfortunately, I had missed the moment of winning because I was with my client, but it doesn't matter since I believed in them and was pretty sure that they would win. So I wasn't so worried about them. But still, the SAMURAIs fought well. Well done guys, and CONGRATULATIONS!!

I guess Iwamura would be able to bring home good news to his departed mother now. I'm glad he could. That pose he strikes pointing his finger to the sky so that his mother could see, I'll look forward to watching and enjoying that on TV later at home.

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While Japan is exploding with joy for the 2nd victory of the WBC, the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) has announced the new world rankings on March 24th, based on the results of major world championships of the past four years. And according to this ranking, Japan has moved up to 3rd position from the previous 4th with the WBC victory, with Cuba holding on to the 1st, Korea moving past the USA to 2nd, and the USA dropping to 4th.

Now wait a minute. Japan has won the WBC held in 2006 (that's 3 years ago) and won again this time. Then how come Cuba and Korea are ranked higher? Yes, we did lose against them in the Beijin Olympics, that's true. But Japan has beaten Cuba and Korea in the two WBC championships. Then why?? Did THAT umpire get plum jobs at IBAF by any chance?

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A job has been finished today, which I've been workin on for a year. I'm not 100 percent satisfied with it however, I believe I've tried the best I could do. Now that it's over, I'm feeling a sort of relief and contentment that I've carried through the job. Perhaps it's close to the feeling of a teacher sending his or her graduates out into the world.

Hopefully, my work will last and grow over time. Someday maybe 10 or 20 years on, I will be happy if I'd be blessed to see again what I had accomplished.

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I've taken Obaba for her annual health examination today. It's the 7th time since I've started looking after her. She's already 88 years old. She'll hit the big nine-O by the year after next. If she still lives, that is. She was recording the electrocardiogram when the nurse who was in charge said to her softly, "You can relax now." To this, Obaba asked back, "Can I start breathing now?" No one told you to hold your breath, you know.

Granny, you're gonna die if you don't breathe.

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Father Cow came to ask Cow to take a look at his kerosine heater. Apparently, it didn't turn on. There must be something wrong with the spark plug. Making a great fuss being interrupted his online game, Cow started to take apart the heater, but the most important part around the spark plug was covered and couldn't be seen. Cow who found it such a pain, has given up at this point. Don't! I'm cold because we've lent our heater to Father Cow for the meantime!

After a while however, Cow seemed to have come across an article on the Internet, written about fixing a similar kerosene heater. He got motivated somehow. He took apart the heater which he once had put together, revealed the spark plug cleaning it with a piece of sandpaper, built it up again and turned on the switch and... it worked! Oh, thank God. I knew you can do it once you put your mind to it.

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Today's horse race on TV has finished and I was about to go out to get something for my Obento (box lunch) side dish for tomorrow, when the F1 live TV broadcast has started. Oh yeah. Today was the final of this year's first race, the Australian Grand Prix. I've totally forgotten about it since Takuma Sato had lost his driving seat. I've heard that the regulations have changed quite a lot from this season. I think I'll check this race out.

Uh-oh. That means I won't be able to go out for another hour or so...

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It was when I took Obaba for her annual health exam last week. On our way home, a foreigner apparently Irish passed us by in an enormous speed (almost as fast as competitive walking) during his walking exercise. What surprised me even more than his speed was that he said something to Obaba. With her flunging up her cane in answer to his "Genki desuka?" I couldn't help but ask her if she knew that foreigner. She said, "Yes. He seems to have taken a girl recently."

I got to hand it to you, Obaba. I can speak a little bit of English myself, but I barely have English native friends.

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Speaking of health checks, apparently JoOusama have gone for her health exam on the very same day as Obaba. I took Obaba to the clinic in the morning that day because I had work and couldn't spare time later however, JoOusama seems to have had an appointment that afternoon. Oh, pleeeaase. Why couldn't she take Obaba with her then? Anyway, JoOusama took the exam and today she said she was going to the clinic again to be informed of her results, and that she wanted me to give her Obaba's patient's card so she could hear about Obaba's results too. Of all times, just as I was leaving the house. And I haven't even asked her to.

Well, I guess she just wants to satisfy her curiosity again, but isn't that what they call invasion of someone's privacy?

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