A cold winter day

So, what's there to do on a cold winter day here in gloomy ol' Osaka? Be cold. Though there have been some interesting things that have happened to me this week. Most notable is The Incident of the Fallen Man:

I'm not a fan of the police here. This is in part, of course, due to the lack of communication that I can have with them. An obvious hindrance. While on my way to my favorite Max Value for a little grocery shopping, I happened upon a homeless man lying in the middle of the sidewalk. Directly in front of this fella was his bicycle, burdened with much heavy ordinance, also lying in the middle of the sidewalk. The poor guy looked like he was in a bit of a bind, like he was too hurt to move.

I decided, "Hell, I might as well try to get some help." I take out my phone and call the emergency number. In Japan, there aren't so many street names, however there are vertical, green signs that have the area's map name and number. I try explaining with my limited langauge skills the situation and where to find this poor guy.

Now, here's another reason I don't like the cops here. When upon calling and giving the information of the situation, they do not - DO NOT - send out a car to assess the situation. They enjoy then asking a miriad of useless questions, the first being your name, and phone number and address. Like any of this matters. After reaching a point of not understanding anything they said, I hung up on them and decided to see what I could do for the guy, still on the ground, reaching out towards me.

Without any help from the masses walking around this bearded man (there wasn't much room to do this mind you), I lifted his bike up with tons of heavy stuff, at which, must have released the magic spell that was holding the old man down because he stood up, helped me place the break down - no easy task - and then proceeded to try having a conversation with me, not understanding that I didn't understand what the hell he was talking about. After five minutes of my company, he let me be on my way. I guess it just goes to show ya. There are many things in this world that you might as well do yourself. Only if the public that buzzed on by could understand that. Pricks.

***

It's come to my attention that my cousin Mariyah will be traveling soon. First to South Africa for wheel chair racing, then - if not mistaken (which I usually am) - to Oceania where she'll be playing some wheelchair B-ball. Sweet! A GREAT BIG HUG and GOOD LUCK from Me and Meg! Her sister, Margaret will be graduating this year from Penn State! Happiness all around!

Anyways!

Until later...
Mike, disgusted about even the concept of a Simpsons movie, the RocketRat