Goemon

Yeah, I was there, Slow. Agree with your assessment of the sound; it did pick up a bit at the end there, but I still couldn't make out the vocals enough beyond a whiney drone. Don't even get me started on the lack of properly staffed beer distribution facilities at that place... I liked that video-sampling of the drum instruction that DJ Shadow did at the end.

Akibun: They had a number of people revolving on and off the stage. I guess it's difficult to re-create their sound live. To my recollection, it was like this: Always on Stage: Drummer, Bassist, Keyboardist, Guitarist On and Off: Violinist, Female Singers (total of 3 different?), Male Singers/rappers (total of 3)

For those that went to the Tokyo concert last night: what did you think? Personally, I would have preferred more DJ Shadow. Wasn't too impressed with Massive Attack. I also think it's a crime that you can't bring your beer with you onto the dancefloor at NK Hall. That place is a real Mickey Mouse operation.

Ocean11: you might like the movie even if you weren't a big fan of Factory or Hacienda. There are lots of scenes of Tony Wilson (as played by Steve Coogan) doing local news reporting assignments.

Ocean11: Seeing as you like Joy Division, have you seen the "24 Hour Party People" film yet?

At least some of the shows are fake. A friend of mine was on once and the whole thing was staged. The theme was that his stripper girlfriend (who he met the night before the show taped) was going to reveal a secret to him on the show. The secret was supposed to be that she was also a prostitute. They brought out one of her regular customers (in real life, my friend's buddy). Mayhem ensued. He managed to get 5 brawls started on stage, throwing chairs, attacking security staff, etc. Pretty funny stuff. But faker than fake.

Anyone try the Kirin "Maribana" beer with the green label? Tried it recently and at least it had a distinctive taste. Can't decide whether or not the hangover the next day was a result of the specially cultivated Maribana hops...

How about the petulant "whooomp" boards make when you land a jump in a cloud-er of powder?

Love SSX Tricky ("It's tric-kayyyy! tricky, tricky, tricky, tric-kay!"). I saw the soundtrack to the game for sale at HMV recently.

I'll let you know after testing it at the store. I plan to bring a bag of white flour and ask the salesperson to sprinkle it in my face while listening to the speakers (to simulate powder).

Yeah, I have the exact same concern, but my understanding is the music is not amplified loud enough to be heard outside of your immediate vicinity (if I can believe the advertising, anyway). Certainly, if everyone had them and was listening to different music, the resulting din would drive everyone mad. I'm going to check out the "annoyance" factor before purchasing. I'll let you know how it sounds. Of course, I would not buy it if it's going to infringe on others' enjoyment of the mountain. Not to worry on that front.

I'm considering getting the stereo backpack by K2; has little external speakers built into it so you can hear both your tunes AND the sound of swooshing powder enveloping your lower thighs. Could be fun rocking it out on the lift too. J-Pop No More

I had that same whiplash feeling a few weeks ago when I caught my front edge in some deep, wet snow and got pinwheeled around onto my back. I was able to board for 2 more days, but just resting for a few days seemed to do the trick. Getting a snowbunny to apply warm paws to the trouble area can't hurt either...

SJ Team: There was an "SJ cry out" topic going on a while back that suggested giving SJ stickers to forum users so we could identify each other on the slopes. Someone suggested that SJ give away the stickers, but that's obviously a cost constraint on you. Why not have a sticker design contest (with the best designs winning lift tix, etc)? Forum users can vote on the entries to choose the winner(s). Instead of SJ printing/giving away the stickers (which costs you money) or printing/selling the stickers (which might seem too mercenary), you could post the winning image(s) on the

I think Gusto would become even more popular if they replaced the over-used "Irashaimase!" with a proper "MC Gusto in tha mutha-f**kin' hizouzzzze!" shout-out to customers when they enter the establishment.

Last I heard, he was injured in mid-December and was supposed to be back in a few weeks ago. Don't think he'll be much more than a late-game substitute for the rest of the season.

I find DJ Shadow to be way nice-nice; he has a quiet confidence on the decks that makes hims seem personable and real. His stuff may be more interesting to knob-twiddlers and trainspotters though.

For those who don't already know, Massive Attack will be in Japan this March. I'm going mainly 'cause DJ Shadow is opening: MASSIVE ATTACK special guest DJ SHADOW at NK Hall, Tokyo, 2003.3.25 (Tue) Open: 18:00 Start: 19:00 Ticket: 6,500 Massive Attack w/DJ Shadow

db: Was that post addressed to me?

Yeungling ("The Oldest Brewery in America") is indeed very good. Especially when compared with Natty Bo's. And especially from the PA brewer outlets with an accompanying Utz pretzel barrel.

I just want to add a shout-out of love to PBR, Schlitz, Old Milwaukee, Lone Star Light...all the cheap-ass beers of junior high. They would be considered the "Kings of Crisp Dry Enjoying of Life" if they were introduced here. BTW, anyone ever hear of Glacier Bay beer? Also a favorite cheap beer which featured a bottle opener on the bottom of each bottle; nothing beat the feeling of finishing a bottle and then using said bottle to open your next. Also created camaraderie when you opened a friend's bottle with yours ("Here, let me get that for you. Let's beer-ing!"). Sadly, Glacier Bay is n

My assumption is that when someone is referred to as an "expat" it means that person is working for a foreign company in that company's Japan office (as opposed to being a "local hire"). Many expats enjoy certain benefits like a tax equalization program whereby their company pays for their Japan taxes; the company may do that as an incentive to encourage their employees to agree to an assignment in a foreign country. Some people are local hires, but manage to negotiate certain expat-esque benefits, like tax equalization. But I'm no expert...(blatant disclaimer)

I don't recall alot of steep runs in the courses and the ones that have any steepness are pretty short. I usually end up spending alot of time crossing the mountain from run to run via the lifts. I can't comment on the off piste runs' steepness 'cause I haven't been there (yet). You probably won't be challenged by Kagura, but I like it for its ease of access (from Tokyo) and relaxed feel.

Yeah, it's connected to Naeba by the "Dragondola".

Kambei: I'll look out for you. I'm in black pants, grey jacket, and a black way-cool helmet , riding an Arbor Woody. See you there!