• May 6, 2013

Life in Japan - Getting Costco Delivered

Once in a while I'm in the mood for Kirkland.  Ahhhhh, Kirkland.  Smooth and lovely Kirkland goodness.  If you too know and love Costco, then you certainly know the Kirkland of which I speak.

Yet another great thing about Japan is that Costco is indeed here.  But unlike those I knew and loved in Los Angeles, they're unfortunately outside the center of the city centers; and doubly unfortunate is that like many Tokyo-ites, I do not own a car.  These 2 combine to create a disheartening logistical challenge.  In other words, it's not easy hauling home that insanely inexpensive 48-pack of Coronas on the train.  I don't care how big a backpack you have--a car-less trip to Costco will likely end in disappointment.  I managed to carry home a giant can of macadamia nuts and equally giant can of multivitamins, but that 2-pack of 42-inch flat-screen TVs just wasn't gonna happen.  Damn...

• May 6, 2013

12 - Dating and Nightlife

It's time for a night out on the town! I share stories and discuss 4 unique Japanese things that add a little spice to the dating and nightlife scene here.

• April 17, 2013

Life in Japan - How I Cut My Mobile Phone Bill In Half

I had had enough of Softbank.  I wanted out.  I had to free myself from their oppressive chains of subjugation.  Oh, and I also detest their obnoxious commercials.  But at the same time I was married to the iPhone.  Au was my other option, but I would be trading one oppressor for another.  I wanted freedom--total, complete freedom from contracts, obligations, over-priced sub-par service, and that stupid white dog.  I ascertained the only way to achieve such freedom was with a SIM unlocked phone plus a SIM-only pay-as-you-go (PAYG) service provider.  With these 2 things I would be able to escape from Softbank's dictatorial rule for good.

• April 5, 2013

The Hunt for the Ultimate VoIP App

In the hopes of reducing my monthly smartphone bill, I've been investigating the current state of VoIP and its potential to completely replace the traditional mobile phone.  I made a list of just about every VoIP app/service I found on the iPhone app store.

Specifically, I was looking for a VoIP service boasting these features:
* Inbound phone number, particularly a Japan phone number (e.g. 050...)
* Call recording - not a must-have, but would be nice for when I crank-call friends in the USA

Here are my snap impressions and notes I made during my research.