Can Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike Pull Off A Win With Her New Party?

She’s smart, she’s dynamic, and she’s a politician not too different from those she challenges. 

Is it possible for nearly a city-state tokyo governor Yuriko Koike to make a win with her newly founded Party of Hope on Oct 22?

Enjoyed The Holiday With A Little Unplanned Work

It was only meant to be a quick check in the AM.  Checking the fence turned out to be an all day demolition job.  Don’t think we’ll ever use wood for any type of fencing.

Have you ever got pulled into something that took a lot more work than you expected?

All Profits To Charity? Cool Concept Conpany

Newman’s Own

It is fascinating to see this concept for the company named for Paul Newman, the famous American actor.  Newman’s Own brand is a company that makes what appears to be good quality products.  In the past, we’ve seen mostly salad dressing but on a recent visit to a small super market you can see that they are making a lot of different products now.  Just buying the product, you may not notice, but with a closer look you see that Newman’s Own Company broadcasts on their packaging “All Profits To Charity”.

It’s a noble cause to give all your profits to charity.  The company seems to focus on creating products of higher value and have a good line up so they must be growing.  It seems these days so many company’s are focused on producing mass market junk food.  The pictured Black Licorice was purchased in an organic supermarket and is probably filled with a lot of sugar, organic no doubt. However, having a company that sends all the money, after they’ve paid salaries, expenses, and production costs, outside is amazing.  This will be an interesting corporate concept to watch.  Also will be interesting to research what charities they give to.  Doing things for others is what makes the world a better place!

Exercise While You Work- Take The Stairs

We’ve seen the people walking on treadmills as they work their computers at a desk, we’ve seen others standing at their desks, however here’s a new way to get exercise at work, take the stairs. 

It seems a bit different but if you’ve got to travel upstairs, here’s a chance to hoof your way to your office, especially if you’re on something under the tenth floor and have access to the stairwell. To strong hearts and strong legs!

Wait, Just a Minute, Which Watch Has More Value?

Is it really a tough decision?  Would you take an Apple Watch over a Rolex?

The Apple Watch sells for several hundred dollars.  A Rolex sells for several thousand dollars.  In 10 years, a Rolex will likely sell for several thousand dollars (at least if you bought one 10 years ago, it would still have value), or may even increase in value.  In a year or so, your Apple Watch is worth maybe $50, if that.

It is interesting how electronics drop in value so quickly, however items of high quality and demand keep their value.

What will happen to the value of the high-end watch in coming years?  No one is sure. However, we already know an Apple Series one watch is nearly worthless. How much is that first iPad we bought worth now?  Not as much as your Rolex, Omega, Cartier, or even Fossil no doubt.

We all probably need to be better stewards with what we have.  Buying things that really matter but more importantly spending time on things that count.

Will ‘Shake Shack’ Shake The Japan Restaurant Market?

Coldstone, Krispy Kreme, Burger King, Wendy’s…where’s the natural food? Now, the American Shake Shack franchise is trying to break into the Japan market. 
Not exactly health food, but burgers that are close to those coming off the BBQ and milkshakes made with real milk and ice cream will definitely help. It’s great to see people enjoying the new brand. Will it catch on?  That’s the big question. 

 Typhoon Hits Tokyo


We went to sleep in Tokyo to the sound of the winds and heavy rain. Didn’t realize how strong the typhoon was. 

The rubble in front of this building is what remains of the signage from a first floor coffee shop. A lot of acts of nature this year around the world. 

Apple Watch- Nice Tool, But Slow Out Of The Gates

The Apple Watch (iWatch?) is great for tracking your activities and setting timers/alarms. As a watch, you can’t see the time unless you raise your arm or tap the face. The Pebble watch was better in that aspect because the display was always on. Now Fitbit, Garmin and most the other makers are always displaying, just not as pretty as the “iWatch”.

There is one thing you should never do, never turn it off. It happened with the different watches we tested. 

One morning after jumping on the running machine at the gym we realized the device was shut off. Turned it on while running. It took 5+ minutes into the work out to boot up. (Wow!  It must be running Windows 3.1.) It’s okay if you don’t mind staring at the Apple computer logo, but if you want to get the time or track your work out, you’ll miss that. 

Mentioned the good features above; what are your favorite features of the Apple Watch?

Delta Airlines Flies Last 747 Routes- Jet Is Retired

Delta (previously Northwest Airlines to most of us) has just sent off it last 747 flight.  The flight goes from HNL to LAX and ends in Detroit.

Been on a lot of Boeing 747s over our lives.  We’re thankful for this large jet that help make the world a bit smaller.  Transportation and technology are making the world a smaller place.  We don’t build jets but we certainly have the technology that can help you get your job done and take better care of your clients.  Very excited about our cloud phone service iPBX Hosting.com.    Our technology helps people better communicate.

We’re glad you were built but with your massive size and age has shown.  The last few times have been a bit noisy and shaky. After taking a 787 it’s hard to go back.  But now, we don’t have to.  😉

Farewell to the 747!