Ah come on Jamie don't let those internet geeks get to you. I mean they have nothing better to do then to trash you because they probably love the japanese more than they love themselves. You run a fantastic site and I've been a big fan of yours for months. Haters should keep in mind that you're writing a blog for goodness sake, and the goods come with the bads.

I don't know that you can really cite Japan Times as an interesting forum. It normally consists of a lot of whiny ex-pat english teachers. Although this is certainly an interesting *ahem* thread.

Jamie... just read some of the Farking rants.. that's hilarious. If only people could keep it as light-hearted as you do, then everyone would all be happy.

I don't quite understand this farking thing. It's a group of internet folks who take pleasure out of crashing other people's sites? What is that all about?

Jamie I found the perfect sushi for you.

http://www.twinkies.com/recipebox/index.asp?cmd=view&id=84

Mike: Thanks for the pep talk, but don't worry the haters will never get me down.

Ryan: I agree that is definately a much more interesting thred.

Dougs: I think the Germans have a term for that called "Schadenfreude"

Laurie: Actually I have one of those old heaters in my place, which I sometimes use for drying clothes. Is there a better way? I actually saw my first Japanese smoke detector at K's denki this weekend. It cost over 5000 yen and didn't detect CO, but hey at least they had one. Welcome Japan to the 1960's! By the way, how many Elliots read this site? Welcome to you all!

Jenny: Thanks Jenny! I've added to my list of sushi alternatives. (see next story). Don't you miss all the great food Japan has to offer. Oh wait, you have that awesome otaku store in Anne Arbor, never mind.

Unfortunately, that probably IS the best way to dry your laundry in Aomori. But if you want to remain alive without that smoke detector you had better hang the laundry enough to the side that even the most violent shake won't drop it on the stove!

We've been using FFshiki stoves for the last 10 years - the heat isn't as intense, but there's less danger of fire and WAY LESS danger of asphyxiation!