In with the new, out with the old!

After a new year's vacation that contained among other things, Kansai-ben, a hostile cat, Japanese traditional new year's food, fever, a happy poodle and such things, I am now back at Salaryman HQ in Tokyo enjoying the comparative warmth of my apartment compared to the house I stayed at in Osaka (I slept with 6 blankets...).

But now we have left the glorious year of the mouse behind us and are now entering the glorious year of the cow and to follow my tradition, I thought I should summarize the year for your convenience.

Biggest revelation of 2008 was me discovering the Arrested Development sitcom (I know, it took me a while) and getting in on the fun. It strongly competes with the British The Office as the best sitcom ever.

Best Toy of 2008 is still God-Jesus, that this toy, over 25+ years after it was created still captures this position is a testament to the genius of this toy that can amuse old and young alike. Everyone should have one.

Worst Disease of 2008 is without doubt the crippling cold I had to endure during the new year's holidays and I've still not completely recovered from.

Best Gift of 2008 was the wonderful raindeer robber/rapist/wrestler mask that I found in a store here.

Although I did not have any new revolutionary musical findings in 2008 there were solid albums released by some of my favorite artists such as Tiamat, Universal Poplab, Thermostatic among others.

Wish you all a happy 2009 and as is customary to say here in Japan; "Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu!", hope to see you around here in the future as well!