Slippery Jim

I've got an android phone, chosen for screen size. I demo'd an iphone for two weeks and it worked fine but the screen was just too small for my old eyes. Android phone also works fine, and I can see it . Meanwhile: Not that I expect Google is any more concerned with my personal privacy than Apple is

Thank you, Mr Jobs!

JAMSTEC, a climate research agency, now forecasts ``average'' temps & precip for the Dec/Jan/Feb period. Their research centers on ENSO (the nino/nina shifts). Still, half a year out nobody really knows. Best to book early, just in case.

Happo-one (that's Oh Nay, not 1) for many lodging, nightlife options and a wide variety of runs. Other areas are pretty easy to get to from there.

Easy to see it's summer

Booked for next year!

Happens more often than you'd think at major disasters...ask any cop or firefighter

Funny thing when I was in Europe this year, I could receive text messages from my iphone-using friend on my samsung note 3, but couldn't send to him. As far as I know, receiving his messages didn't cost anything -- or at least was insignificant. With a wifi connection, of course, e-mail etc worked fine. Just be sure to turn OFF other mobile networks setting.

Seemore: http://www.snowjapan.com/japan-ski-resorts/hokkaido/sapporo/sapporo-teine and you can access their English website through link on that page, with info on bus/liftpass packages.

Just a thought, but too much of that could be causing the back pain, Chris

Almost worth flying up for a weekend

A Japanese politician in Aichi Prefecture has landed himself in hot water after suggesting that deliberately punctured condoms be distributed to married couples to counter the country’s dwindling birth rate, local media reported on Friday. (AFP report)

Best to him, Chris.

Rode an elevator with her once at the old Tokyo Hilton back in early 90s. Sexy cute but far from stunning. I was surprised at how small she was.

Was lucky enough to be at Whistler once during World Cup downhill practice. Those guys are insanely good, and quite insane! I'll head up to Naeba to watch a WC downhill. :thumbsup:

Damn, better die soon before it goes any higher!

I would rule out Shiga Kogen based on your needs. The skiing is fine, but may not be a lot of choice in rental gear, especially clothing, and no nightlife worth mentioning. As much as I love Nozawa, I think for you Hakuba might be a better choice. An alternative you should consider is Echigo Yuzawa. Variety of large & small resorts, easy rental options, nice town with good eats/drinks. Check out some of the info on the main site. Oh, and welcome to SnowJapan.

Beer good; more beer better

Myoko's great skiing in a storm

Prices on goretex stuff have gone crazy in the past few years. There are plenty of alternatives that offer 90% of the value at half or less the price.

They'd have to change the name to Nenju Aji.

Well, maybe that was the problem. There's no Aki Aji in January-June!

According to Kyodo there's been quite a letdown by the SnowJapan gang this year:

cool looking pair of powder skis

Better puddings?