Sunday, July 17, 2011

You Can Change People

Just being who you are, you are capable of changing people -- and sometimes, the way they look at the world.

When I had been transferred to a different junior high school while teaching in Japan, as usual there is an office party to welcome the new teachers. It was usually the night of the opening ceremony, so the new teachers usually didn't know the other teachers, unless the had worked with them before.

I was talking with teachers about my background, being a military dependent, and moving around a lot, as well as my reasons for coming to Japan, as well as my opinion thus far. Unknown to me, this had a profound effect on one of the teachers who had overheard my spiel.

Fast forward to about an hour later, when nature called. One of the teachers caught me in the hall as I was returning from the bathroom. He said he was impressed by what he had said. Apparently, he was a little shocked that I had been involved with the U.S. military to some degree (the aforementioned "dependent," basically meaning a spouse or child of a military members; I was the child). Now, I was a buzzed at the time, so I'm kind of fuzzy on the details but apparently his uncle was killed due to some involvement with the military -- I don't remember the reason. At any rate, he said his opinion of me had change -- and somewhat changed his view of the military -- based on the things I had said.

It just goes to show you that things you do, you say, and your beliefs can have a profound impact on those around you. Generally, even a smile and a "hello" can make someone's day brighter.

While I have been able to change some people for the better, I'm also guilty of doing the reverse. But, you know what? You have to live and learn.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Yu-Gi-Oh! -- "Automatic Giant"



Well, my translation of the fourth chapter of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! novel is available in the downloads section of my website.

Enjoy!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Edo Laser Disc (ELD)

Well, I've finally uploaded the EdoLD laserdisc game-making program.

It's bare bones, and small, but usable.

It's available in the Downloads section of my website.

Comments welcome.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

[Hinoi Team] Yeah

This video never ceases to put a smile on my face (better if you understand Japanese).

Monday, April 4, 2011

Kingdom of Loathing

Kingdom of Loathing is a questing, browser-based role-playing game.

It's full of puns, bad jokes, odd quests (haiku among them), and in-jokes galore.

Surreal, and oh-so-funny. Kind of addicting. Don't let the stick-figure art turn you off of it: it's endearing, and after you play it for a while, you realize that it fits the mood and style of the game perfectly.


EDIT:
If you're having trouble with the game, the wiki for it is here.