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July 24th, 2005

Sblog it out !

The tendency is to go to bed instead of writing out what you have in mind. This is the tendency, what one normally does, but it’s contrary to the idea of keeping a diary !
So now.. we sblog it out as a form of discipline !
Today I felt the biggest quake ever (for me). I promptly went to the flexing furniture that was holding the projector. I did already bind it with some rope, but the whole furniture may have fell off (nothing too heavy, just something standing on some screwed in wooden poles).
The shaking had me worried, in my mind the running thought was “the big one, the big one” ..actually in English, because that’s really how I learnt the expression (in California, nonetheless).
At night I went for dinner to a friend’s house. He cooked some good pasta. We ate that and some prosciutto (Italian ham) that his mother sent thought his sister that recently visited Japan.
We then spilled onto the streets of Roppongi to proceed with the nightlife rituals. We met another Italian friend, moved from club to club.
We met several known people in the process. We were actually betting on whom we would have met. Some we guessed, some we couldn’t possibly have guessed.
The interesting part of all this, is of course the hints that one may or may have not gotten. Hints related to the world of socializing. What does one girl mean with her glance ? What catches her eye ? What makes her look away almost immediately ? How long is the fraction of a second that tells difference about her taste, as she looks away ? -> Does 1/10th of a second mean that she is interested, as opposed to 1/20th of a second ? How about all the time that she looks at you while you don’t know it ?
A lot of information is floating all around the environment and it isn’t formally rationalized. A girl tells me that I look nice in blue. That I should wear blue or white (?!). A guy spontaneously gathers friends (male and females) around the staff thanks to his looks (including behavior) which in a way makes him sympathetic towards others. I meet some old acquaintance and, as we both play cool, the background complexities that kept us away (common friends/ex-friends) are somewhat felt.

In the end, this is in a way my money’s worth, although I’d still be much happier if I could rationalize the whole experience and put it down into a formula & parameters. A mathematical representation wouldn’t be necessarily accurate as the perception would still be human.. however it would be much better than just experiencing and trying to keep all in mind for the future.
Basically it’s a lot like solving a problem mathematically or thought a neural network. The neural network, with enough valid experience samples, gives out good predictions.. however it doesn’t logically (mathematically) explain things. So, it’s really a solution good for the user but not much for the “developer”. I don’t want to be good at the game, I want to understand the complex details of it !

mumble

Posted by Davide Pasca in Uncategorized

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 24th, 2005 at 6:27 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

28 Responses to “Sblog it out !”

  1. Il cavaliere mascherato says:

    I think that once we tried to gather some information and find a close formula about “look/eyes/meet/drink/…” and we found that it possible to make a reasonable guess (therefore we could train our neural network) in case of models or “Shibuyans”.
    In this case it will be possible to extract some rational information and some typical pattern.
    Good looking, white smile, brilliant talk, luminous career for the former, blond hair, dark skin, sunglasses for the latter.
    Since unfortunately I am out of these types (even if my previous girlfriend asked me to became blond with long hair), I would rather recommend to leave the NN in a corner for a moment and go straight to a beautiful Montecarlo simulation, perhaps with some variance reduction.
    Or, even better, we just try random as usual (”alla carlona”) and see what happen. Sometimes God could bless us… ;)

  2. Aphrodite says:

    Bottom line going to the clubs or
    clubbing is just for fun and to relax. And in other words, a meat market too.People are just playing games and pretending somebody else.
    And if that’s what your intention then you’re in the right place.
    And it’s true that meeting a lot of men/women can be really fun, exiting and challenging to others. But for someone who wants to have a relationship and looking for his/her soul mate then I must say you’re definitely in a wrong place.
    Your chance is very low. And the truth is you can meet as many women/men as you want but there’s no guarantee that person is your soul mate. It’s really about good luck and I must say destiny.
    Listen to me guys and bear this in your mind because it works.
    “Try to be with someone you love to talk to. Because as you get older, your conversational skills will be as important as any other.
    And try to avoid long engagement because it’s bullshit.

  3. Davide Pasca says:

    To build a neural network is not difficult. The problem is to select the right parameters and to train it …with tons of samples 8)
    Especially how do you sample a Shibuyan ? There are a lot of details that we ignore. To try to understand a person one has to at least have had similar experiences.
    For example, Japanese spend a lot of time recreating in izakaya(s) (Japanese-style pubs). While we jump straight into Roppongi… and even in Roppongi we get “scared” when the environment isn’t particularly suitable to us foreigners. With the result of recursively downgrading to sub-environments (downstairs at Vanilla 8) or different clubs (The Mmmmmmmmm !) where we feel more at ease.
    I don’t think that that’s the answer, because it puts us in a place where we aren’t stimulated to outgrow our ignorance.
    Yesterday night, this ignorance had a toll on me, as I’ve been intimidated by the classical mediator trick. A Japanese guy that acting friendly with you and the girl of interest, as of appear at ease and give you the impression that he is somewhat already related to her. Not sure if it’s something they do consciously to push you away or if it’s just their attitude.. however, it’s always a sad day when one is fooled by the oldest trick in the salaryman’s book !

  4. Davide Pasca says:

    Il cavaliere mascherato:
    Sometimes God could bless us… ;)


    ..righttt.. chiamami Amaranta y dammi del tu !

  5. Davide Pasca says:

    Spell checking sucks.. makes me feel too comfortable with what I write, thus indirectly increasing the number of mistakes with grammar !!!

  6. Aphrodite says:

    Stop being self-conscious!! You’re doing fine.

  7. ragin' lion says:

    Mr. Kaz, let’s inject some Vulcan logic in here:

    There’s no “formula” … and if there is it’s way too complex. If you can build a neural network for it, you’re going to need the assistance of a Japanese lady to build it simply because:

    1.) When they see you, you’re gaijin, they will react to you differently compared to an actual Japanese guy.
    2.) Naturally, the ladies are “comparing notes” as to how to deal with gaijins … so to an extent, it’s a game for some of them and they are way ahead of you and probably are anticipating your behavior.

    But anyways, human behavior while observable is very complex and varies from person to person, and from culture to culture … If one really wants to understand people, one has to deal with them on a per individual basis. Yeah, that’s definately a lot harder, but that’s really the only way.

    Didn’t realize the plates were shifting in Tokyo. Glad everything’s still intact. 8P

  8. Aphrodite says:

    Ahhh….what so special about Japanese women?? Can somebody tell me??? I’m sorry but this getting way too annoying. The truth is any women of any race can be attractive!! True or FAlse? Is this some kind of obsession??? And also there are lots of non-Japanese women in Tokyo. You guys tell me. I’m curios now.

  9. Davide Pasca says:

    Ahh nice.. another stupid female comment. Maybe I should ban women from posting here altogether.

    Nobody said that Japanese women are better. I’m reporting what happens here in Tokyo.. and guess what.. most women here are Japanese !!
    It’s not true that there are lots of non-Japanese women ..if you don’t consider those that work in the field of “entertainment”.

    Stop this lame obsession/jealousy !
    If you need moral support, go to some other site.

  10. Aphrodite says:

    L O L
    I’m just asking Mr. Kaz.
    What’s wrong with that??
    Please don’t ban me 8)
    Besides, you’re being CUTE!!
    Keep your coolness.

    Take this big kiss from me 8)
    LOL

  11. Aprodite says:

    Mr. Kaz, take this Big Hug too :)
    Are you cool now???

  12. ragin' lion says:

    Aphrodite: It seems like you’re jumping to conclusions. I mentioned “Japanese women” simply because they’re in the majority in number of the places Kaz visits. I never said anything about whether they were more attractive than women of other countries. All I was stating was that the way people behave will differ from place to place (even within the same country) and that a particular visual cue might not have the same meaning as a result.

    Kaz:I think it’s time to start posting technical topics again. Has your ‘360 been repaired? 8P

  13. rince says:

    The older you get the harder it is to overcome cultural and social barriers.

    You felt it in USA and now its probably even more apparent since at least USA was part of the western world while Japan is even further removed.

  14. Aphrodite says:

    Thanks a lot for the input Mr. Ragin’lion!!!! It was a general question. Well, I’ve realized that sometimes it’s really better for us to just hold on to our horses and don’t let them go 8)

  15. Davide Pasca says:

    Fack the age thing.. I don’t believe that.
    Of course there are some limits, but still it’s mostly on how one feels inside. For example, I’ve always been older than my mother 8)

    As for the western world. I beg to differ with that too. I’m not sure if culturally Japanese are generally closed to Italians than they are to Americans. However, in my specific case, I feel much more at home here in Japan than I ever did in USA.

    Fack the pickup trucks, the obnoxious people calling you “dude”, their maniacal attachment to religion, they way they get upset and backstab each other on the job or on the streets.

    I can tell you that more than one Italian or European, feels towards Americans like I do.

  16. ragin' lion says:

    aphrodite:You’re general question was off topic … No one was discussing the comparative (and subjective) beauty of women of different cultures.

    rince:I agree with you, but it seems to also depends on the people. Most of the elderly people I have met in Japan (so far) seem to have a more open and broader view of the world and different cultures than the younger ones. The younger ones generally ask stupid questions like, “Do you have electricity where you come from?”,etc. I think the television programs in Japan are giving the populace a too limited view of the world … at least the programs that are not on cable TV. 8P

    kaz:As you get deeper into the Japanese culture (when you’re allowed into their inner circles), you’ll realize that people are effectively the same the world over. It’s easier to feel at home in Japan simply because as foreigners most Japanese will probably leave us alone thus the only people who cause us grief are our gajin friends. 8P

  17. Aphrodite says:

    Ragin’lion: Okay, let’s get this straight and try not to be rude :)
    And I’m sure you’re not really like
    that especially on women.First of all, my general question is not really off topic. You guys are talking about Japanese culture and etc. And my question is still
    about Japanese but I was only focusing on women and I was asking you guys what special about them.
    That’s all!! And also let me repeat it again, “I’ve realized that sometimes it’s better to hold on to your horses and don’t let them go.” It’s a figure
    of speech. Try to translate that. It’s about thoughts, okay :)

    And speaking about U.S.A., the truth is U.S.A. doesn’t really have its own culture. People are being influence by different cultures of different countries around the world.Different people.
    Foreigners!!And it depends what part of U.S.A. you live too. People act weird. And it really affects your life style. While Japan has less foreigners so their culture is still intact and preserved. People love their culture and country.
    Anyway,I totally support what Kaz said.People are like that here. But because I’m a citizen of this country and my home country right
    now, I must say is not right for me to badmouth the country even though I’m not 100% happy living here. My close relatives are here.
    But I keep my option open for other opportunities to live in a different counrty someday. I guess eloping with a guy from another country is a good option :)

  18. ragin' lion says:

    aphrodite:What’s so special about Japanese women? Nothing … at least to me. They’re just as human as any other women from other countries or cultures.

  19. Davide Pasca says:

    Aren’t we being a bit too politically correct ?
    Joe Six Pack is quite different from Taro Shikkusu Pakku. Personally I could never really feel too close to a white American. And I decided to bring back up my dream of going to Japan once I met some Japanese people.. and noticed the contrast between the aggressive American and the passive Japanese.
    Of course there are exceptions everywhere, and being aggressive can have its benefits, but generally, I find that life is more enjoyable in an environment where people are less individualistic.

  20. Aphrodite says:

    Joe Six Pack????? Davide, who the hell is he??? 8)
    Never Heard!!!

  21. ragin' lion says:

    Mista Kaz, I’m not trying to be politically correct. :) Of course the culture will influence the behavior of the people.

    Given the nature of our jobs, it seems that we are “isolated” from some aspect of life in Japan … at least that’s what I’ve been told by other foreigners who aren’t in the same field as we are (they’re generally teaching English).

    Interestingly enough, I’ve also heard stories from my Japanese friends about those Japanese folks who backstab at work, etc. Sounds like “normal” human behavior to me. :)

    I’m probably wrong, but the people who might have more insight into how people behave here are the people who one of their parents is Japanese, and the other parent is from another country, but those people look “Japanese” enough. I’ve heard stories about a Japanese person’s behavior instantly changes once they found out the individual was actually more “foreigner” than “Japanese”.

    I also had a friend (who is 100% Japanese) who hates Japan because of how some people act and treat each other here (and how she was treated). Of course, she no longer lives in Japan. 8P

    I’m not saying that any of the above stuff is good or bad, but we’re all human beings.

    Now if you want to talk about things like “What makes the Japanese Culture so special” compared to (insert culture here), then that’s a better angle of approach.

  22. Aphrodite says:

    Hello Davide :)
    Never mind. Forget about my stupid question. That was just a first reaction. I know now who Joe Six Pack is. Cute LOL

    Ragin’tiger: Hey :) , it seems like you’ve been doing so much research. Good for you!!

  23. Rince says:

    Hmmm, I don’t see everything, but just comparing what I knew about your life in USA and what I hear now about Japan it seems to me that even though you had a lot of hostility towards american culture you had more variety in your daily life:

    USA:
    1. No set working hours.
    2. No language barrier. ( you still use English in Japan )
    3. Permanent even though somewhat problematic woman =)
    4. Better sleep.
    5. Credit card!
    6. Car
    7. More defined goals at the workplace when you were employed.
    8. Good Q3 ping times to your friends!

    Japan:
    1. Race to the train everyday.
    2. Is your Japanese better than your English?
    3. No woman except for wicchidotters and shady stories about the clubbing scene in Japan.
    I remember here in USA we used to make fun of that clubbing scene at Q’s!
    4. Lack of sleep.
    5. Difficulties running all the administrative parts of life, due to language barrier??
    6. Reliance on public transport.
    7. Vague definition of what is expected from you at work.
    8. ‘The Crowbar’ was railed by Rubio…..

    To me it is not very apparent how you feel more at home in Japan.

  24. Davide Pasca says:

    Sure my life would have been much simpler in USA. Also would have been simpler if I had become some SQL contractor. Making hundreds of dollars per hour (yawwwnnn).
    Coming to Japan was an investment …on my culture. It’s painful to live in a country with a language that is so much different, but that’s the price that one has to pay to get into a different world, a real one, not a videogame.
    You raise some good points. But it’s the bottomline what really matters. The fact that I live in a society which I find myself at ease with. As opposed to have to deal with people of a culture toward which I don’t relate at all. Which it’s not just an inconvenient, but rather a nightmare… (facking bitch at Ralphs that kept insisting on me to get the facking Ralph’s card. Geeezzz do my groceries and get lost already !)
    Here even at McDonalds they treat you in the nicest way. Always glad to give you a smile while minding their own facking business (Thanks !).
    Also, let’s remember that here I started running (even if only at the gym !) and lost over 20 pounds.
    Public transportation isn’t bad at all. Subway is efficient and has air conditionig, unlike my car in USA 8)
    Sometimes small things are what can make one happy. The fact that I can leave home (a very quiet neighborhood) and 15 minutes later I be in the center of Tokyo, walking around, shopping, meeting a friend to have a cafe.. ..not having to drive anywhere.. actually bumping into people I know.. that’s a lot better than driving around LA: McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, Jiffy Lube, repeat..
    Working hours are less flexible, but in general I think I was working more in USA. Colleagues don’t become friends outside the workplace but they are very kind and professional.

    ..in the end really, nothing compares to living something first hand. I’m sure that I haven’t reached the peak of nothing, but it’s important that I’m not stuck anywhere. I change slowly but continuously and I need stimulation for that.

    You lived in many places and speak 3 languages fluently. Why shouldn’t I ? 8)

  25. Rince says:

    Yeah I lived in many places and thats why I know 1st hand the effects of immigrating to a new environment.

    I have faced the language and culture barrier issues although at a much younger age. When I moved to the US I was pretty much prepared for the changes to come and language wasn’t an issue so the negative effects of immigration were somewhat minimized.

    Maybe you tend to talk more about the negative parts of your life in Japan on this blog which is pretty much normal human nature. Humans like to complain and notice the negative aspects of their life more than the positive ones. Thats why I got the impression that your life in Japan might not be as healthy and comfortable as it was in the US.

    But what are your plans for the future? Are you going to apply for some sort of Japanese permanent residence permit or can you stay and work in Japan forever as an Italian citizen?

  26. Aphrodite says:

    Rince:
    You are such a good friend of Kaz.
    And probably I should say a “true friend” of him indeed!!!

  27. Davide Pasca says:

    Right, I meant to write that one tends to report problems more than things that go smoothly.. but I guess I didn’t want to sound like a complainer 8)

    As for what’s in my future, that really depends on the immigration. I’m hoping to get a renewal for my work visa, then we’ll see what happens !
    I guess that until I can read ad write the language properly, I’ll still feel like a tourist, therefore not achieved.. ummmm !

  28. Rince says:

    yes, many problems can be traced back to being profecient in the main language of the country you live in.

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