We got new computers at one of my schools. It's nice because rarely does someone want to give you a free computer. It's even rarer when you don't want a free computer someone is trying to give you. Basically, the school district wants us to stop using our private computers at school and switch over to the ones they provide. Problem is, they're a pain. Installation is fun when there is no where to put the computers in cramped teacher's rooms. Of course, you can't download or install anything, net usage is limited, etc. Not to mention that I hate using Japanese-style keyboards (too much stuff gets moved around, the space bars are teeny tiny, to name two reasons), and as of now you can see the other school's data and files on the network. So much for privacy. I'm sure we will all get adjusted to it at some point, but it seems like a massive waste to me now.
My old stomping grounds of Machida wasin the news recently, and I can't say that it was for something good. The decapitated head of a murder victim was found in a park there. Well, don't worry, the actual crime was comitted in the filth and pestilence of... a swank Shibuya housing development, but the perp needed somewhere to stash the evidence, and Machida is only a quick train ride away from the city center. You know what to do: click the link for details.
http://www.japantoday.com/jp/news/395694/all
Well, here's where it gets fun. The only direct line from Shinjuku to Machida is the Odakyu line, which I used to ride all the time. And I don't know exactly, but I have a very strong suspicion of where she would have dumped the "evidence"... a park about 10mins. walk from the station where I've been to many times. Of course, when I mentioned this to my co-workers, they all pointed out how I'd been to Machida recently, about the same time, like you know, I had done it. Got to love those guys.
In other news, I picked a terrible year to go to Japan, because the NFL playoffs are absolutely stacked this year. Look at the matchups... New England vs. San Diego (Belichick vs. Marty, formerly dominant team vs. new kids on the block, River's first playoff start, LT, Will Marty Blow it), Indy vs. Baltimore (offense and speed vs. defense and power), Philly vs. New Orleans (can the Saints win for the city, Superdome will be rockin'). The only potential stinker is Chicago vs. Seattle (will Rex get benched for Griese, everyone expecting Chicago to blow up but they probably won't) Still, that's a great lineup of games. No, I don't have any picks though. Still haven't watched a game this season, you know.