Fingerprints

One of my friends is going to apply for the Internet connection and I helped him a little bit. While faxing some document we just had a short talk about security (since his passport caught my attention).

When a foreigner enters Japan, s/he must provide his fingerprint of his both hand and photograph of his face. Some people are against it because it is discriminative and it means somewhat you are treated or considered to be a potential criminal. I asked him if it is OK for him and how he feels about it. He said it is alright because security is the priority and it is helpful to keep the flights safe.

I have the same opinion with him too. In terms of security, it is reasonable to offer fingerprints and a photograph. I did the same thing when I enter the US and I did not feel bad about it. I prefer to have my trip safe. At present for many complicated reasons it is important to secure entry to the country so we have no choice.

"No problem as long as they are not laughing at my face in the picture", he added, shrugging his shoulders.

Snow again

I have just started wondering... am I really in Fukuoka? Southern part of Japan? It was a great opportunity of practicing photography. It is really fun to choose which one to take and how to get it in the frame.

Snowfall

We had snowstorm in Fukuoka, and it was soooo cold outside. Even so, we were still very excited and went out to enjoy.

Santa from Hokkaido

Here came Santa today! One of the researchers in our lab, who is from Hokkaido, came back with his Boston bag filled with souvenirs. It was literally piles of souvenirs. He gave us 3 boxes of potatoes in Autumn and this time he brought expensive sweets... All of them looked so nice and it took a lot of time to distribute them to everybody. We thank him a lot!

I want to visit Hokkaido some day...

BBQ

We also grilled some seafood on the grilling net in a small house with a built-in heath. Turban shells, crab meat, mochi, sweet potatoes... Everything was so hot and so nice! I didn't expect that we can actually enjoy BBQ in winter.

Dinner in Oita

During the winter holiday, my family prepared a lot of dishes. One of the interesting one is the meat of wild boar that my grandfather shot in the mountain. The meat is rather oily because it has a thick layer of fat that protects it against the cold weather. The texture of the muscle is harder than that of domesticated pigs. My sister likes it so much that she ate it every time for dinner.

2010

2010 has just begun and it is a good time to make a new year's resolution.

I watched the CNN video featuring on "How to keep the new year's resolution throughout the year". According to the experts, three out of four people who make new year's resolutions will eventually break them. Here are some tips to keep it.

1. Set a small, specific goals.

2. Write down your resolutions and the strategy to keep them.

3. Spread the words. Let the people know what you want to achieve so that they can help you.

They also recommended to stick the notes somewhere for example to the fridge so that you can see it on a regular bases.

I have also made a few personal commitment for this year and will write them down so that I can keep them.

1. Get my ears pierced in February

2. Start preparing earlier when doing work

3. Read (or get, at least) 5 books a month

I would like my friends to ask me "Are you still keeping your new year's resolution?"

Wish you a great year ahead.