So, first off. I have to tell you that my broham is as happy as a little schoolgirl right now because Pete Townshend has a link to my bro’s vlog on his blog. We grew up on a strict diet of The Who, due to my music-loving pop, who is most likely shitting a brick right now.

Which reminds me…. Hey pop, how was the Alice Copper show last night? ((me, shaking head and giggling))

Pete Townshend’s blog: The Boy Who Heard Music
((he’s serializing a story in 23 episodes))

So, we were transferring pictures into a new photo album last night. And I came across something that jarred such a vivid memory, I thought I’d share. I’d like to call it reason #578 why I love the Japanese so freakin’ much.

We were leaving Japan after almost a month long odyssey, killing time, waiting for our train. We decided to take a stroll through Tokyo’s Ueno park and were almost mowed down by multiple groups of teenagers hefting the most elaborate paper mache I’ve ever seen. I’m talking Rose Bowl quality, unbelievable. Each group would run down the main promenade, stop at the end, and scream a chant like wild banshees while encircling and turning their various figures. (old gods, maybe?) This went on for hours.

It was Tuesday. Partly cloudy. No crowds. No parade route. Just people going about their day. Like many things in Japan, it was completely out of left field for everyone but those kids. No explanation offered. Nobody asked.

God, I love Japan.

Anderson Valley Brewing Co. Winter Ale First you must know that I love heady, rich Belgian beer. I don’t like hops all that much, even though I live in the land of I.P.A. I prefer uber-malty beers with gobs of complexity and 8%+ alcohol. I must have been a medieval lord in a past life. So, with that in mind…I love this brewery and all of their heartier beers. The Winter Ale is medium thick and smells and tastes of roasted nuts, coffe, and graham crackers. It’s got a little hint of sweet from the malt that takes braised meats to another level (in the pan or the glass). Mmmm, and leftover meat sandwiches. And it rocks with chocolate and–surprise, surprise–S’mores. Cuz you’re never too old.