A colleague recently asked me if I could find out from my relatives in Japan what a typical bicycle that one would use for commuting in Japan costs. Interesting question.
I went to school in Japan for one year; and actually my bike was my main form of transportation between home and school, between home and store, to the train station, etc. But I never really thought too much about the cost of biking.
The bike was passed onto me from a student who was finishing up his stay in Japan. It was a rather plain lime green bike with a beige colored seat. It had a flat rack on the back where I could bungee my school bag or whatever I needed to transport. It was an everyday bike that I used every day. When I left Japan, I passed the bike onto another foreign student to keep the chain going.
Based on on-line information uncovered by my sister, a good commute bike in Japan probably can be had for about $100. However, I wouldn't be surprised to find out that many of the commute bikes parked at train stations are hand-me-downs or bikes bought on the cheap. It is an everyday almost disposable commodity.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Bay Area Activity Destinations for Kids
The Bay Area has much to offer for kids (and for parents who are still kids at heart) interested in learning about the world in which we live.
Lindsay Wildlife Museum - [1931 1st Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA] Connect with wildlife and learn about the animals found in our backyards and open spaces. At Lindsay Wildlife Museum you can have close encounters with many live, non-releasable wild animals such as an eagle, hawk, fox, snake or mountain lion. An on-site wildlife hospital treats more than 6,000 native California animals every year. The museum also features changing art and natural history exhibits, classes for children and adults, and a discovery room with hands-on activities for children.
Our kids like the scavenger hunt where they have to search for animals in the museum ranging from mice to whales (okay, there's not a real whale).
Bay Area Discovery Museum - [557 McReynolds Road Sausalito, CA; in the Fort Baker area at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge] The nationally recognized Bay Area Discovery Museum is a one-of-a-kind indoor/outdoor children's museum that offers a full range of programs for children, parents, school groups and educators. Located on 7 and 1/2 acres in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area at Fort Baker in Sausalito, CA, the Museum's unique programs feature hands-on art, science and environmental exhibitions, performances, special events and ongoing educational curricula... all with a focus on fun!
A favorite for our kids is the outdoor play area complete with a small fishing boat and a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose - [ 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA; has its own VTA light rail station for easy transit access] The striking 52,000 square foot purple building, designed by Mexico City-based architect Ricardo Legorreta, signals the purpose of Children's Discovery Museum to serve the needs of children, families and schools as a center for learning and discovery.
A favorite activity for our kids is the waterworks exhibit.
Oakland Zoo - Nestled in the rolling hills of 525-acre Knowland Park, the Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland off Highway 580, and is home to more than 440 native and exotic animals. The Oakland Zoo is a non-profit organization, managed by the East Bay Zoological Society. Founded in 1922 by Henry Snow, the Zoo has been located in its current Knowland Park location since 1936.
Located just outside the zoo is a small area with amusement park rides for kids - have to admit that this is a favorite for our kids.
Habitot Children's Museum - [ 2065 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, CA; in downtown Berkeley] Habitot Children's Museum was founded by parents and educators in 1992 to meet the unique needs and interests of infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a safe and appropriate community setting. Habitot opened its first facility in downtown Berkeley in 1998, after six years of community outreach and fundraising.
Lawrence Hall of Science - [Lawrence Hall of Science #5200, Berkeley, CA] Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) is a singular resource center for preschool through high school science and mathematics education, and a public science center with exciting hands-on experiences for learners of all ages.
One of our favorite features is the view of the Bay Area from its location above the UC-Berkeley campus.
Chabot Space & Science Center - [10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, CA] Chabot Space & Science Center (CSSC) is an innovative teaching and learning center focusing on astronomy and the space sciences and the interrelationships of all sciences. Its observatory, planetarium, exhibits, and natural park setting are a place where a diverse population of students, teachers, and the public can imagine, understand, and learn to shape their future through science.
A favorite for our kids is the museum of mirrors up on the second floor of the museum.
Tilden Regional Park - [Berkeley, CA] Tilden Park has several activities for children. These include: the Herschell Spillman merry-go-round, the Steam Train, the Golden Gate Live Steamers, the Pony Ride, the Little Farm and the Tilden Nature Area and Environmental Education Center.
Children's Fairyland - [Oakland, CA; adjecant to Lake Merritt in downtown Oakland] Created in 1950, Children’s Fairyland is a historic 10 acre outdoor park and educational facility in which children’s literature is "brought to life" through fairy tale exhibits, animals, and talking storybooks that children activate by turning a "Magic Key".
Their web site says "Adults are not admitted without children. Children are not admitted without adults."
Pixieland - [Concord, CA] See our previous post regarding Pixieland.
In a future post, we'll write about places we've visited outside the Bay Area.
Lindsay Wildlife Museum - [1931 1st Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA] Connect with wildlife and learn about the animals found in our backyards and open spaces. At Lindsay Wildlife Museum you can have close encounters with many live, non-releasable wild animals such as an eagle, hawk, fox, snake or mountain lion. An on-site wildlife hospital treats more than 6,000 native California animals every year. The museum also features changing art and natural history exhibits, classes for children and adults, and a discovery room with hands-on activities for children.
Our kids like the scavenger hunt where they have to search for animals in the museum ranging from mice to whales (okay, there's not a real whale).
Bay Area Discovery Museum - [557 McReynolds Road Sausalito, CA; in the Fort Baker area at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge] The nationally recognized Bay Area Discovery Museum is a one-of-a-kind indoor/outdoor children's museum that offers a full range of programs for children, parents, school groups and educators. Located on 7 and 1/2 acres in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area at Fort Baker in Sausalito, CA, the Museum's unique programs feature hands-on art, science and environmental exhibitions, performances, special events and ongoing educational curricula... all with a focus on fun!
A favorite for our kids is the outdoor play area complete with a small fishing boat and a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose - [ 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA; has its own VTA light rail station for easy transit access] The striking 52,000 square foot purple building, designed by Mexico City-based architect Ricardo Legorreta, signals the purpose of Children's Discovery Museum to serve the needs of children, families and schools as a center for learning and discovery.
A favorite activity for our kids is the waterworks exhibit.
Oakland Zoo - Nestled in the rolling hills of 525-acre Knowland Park, the Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland off Highway 580, and is home to more than 440 native and exotic animals. The Oakland Zoo is a non-profit organization, managed by the East Bay Zoological Society. Founded in 1922 by Henry Snow, the Zoo has been located in its current Knowland Park location since 1936.
Located just outside the zoo is a small area with amusement park rides for kids - have to admit that this is a favorite for our kids.
Habitot Children's Museum - [ 2065 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, CA; in downtown Berkeley] Habitot Children's Museum was founded by parents and educators in 1992 to meet the unique needs and interests of infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a safe and appropriate community setting. Habitot opened its first facility in downtown Berkeley in 1998, after six years of community outreach and fundraising.
Lawrence Hall of Science - [Lawrence Hall of Science #5200, Berkeley, CA] Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) is a singular resource center for preschool through high school science and mathematics education, and a public science center with exciting hands-on experiences for learners of all ages.
One of our favorite features is the view of the Bay Area from its location above the UC-Berkeley campus.
Chabot Space & Science Center - [10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, CA] Chabot Space & Science Center (CSSC) is an innovative teaching and learning center focusing on astronomy and the space sciences and the interrelationships of all sciences. Its observatory, planetarium, exhibits, and natural park setting are a place where a diverse population of students, teachers, and the public can imagine, understand, and learn to shape their future through science.
A favorite for our kids is the museum of mirrors up on the second floor of the museum.
Tilden Regional Park - [Berkeley, CA] Tilden Park has several activities for children. These include: the Herschell Spillman merry-go-round, the Steam Train, the Golden Gate Live Steamers, the Pony Ride, the Little Farm and the Tilden Nature Area and Environmental Education Center.
Children's Fairyland - [Oakland, CA; adjecant to Lake Merritt in downtown Oakland] Created in 1950, Children’s Fairyland is a historic 10 acre outdoor park and educational facility in which children’s literature is "brought to life" through fairy tale exhibits, animals, and talking storybooks that children activate by turning a "Magic Key".
Their web site says "Adults are not admitted without children. Children are not admitted without adults."
Pixieland - [Concord, CA] See our previous post regarding Pixieland.
In a future post, we'll write about places we've visited outside the Bay Area.
Conversations with Kids - Part VII
Saturday - January 20, 2007
We are all crowded onto our couch in the family room.
Dad: Ryan, where's mom?
Ryan: She's at the beach.
Dad: So what are you doing at the beach?
Ryan: We're swimming.
Dad: What do you like to eat at the beach?
Ryan: French.
Dad: Do you mean french fries?
Ryan: French fries.
Dad: What do you like to drink at the beach?
Ryan: Apple juice.
We are all crowded onto our couch in the family room.
Dad: Ryan, where's mom?
Ryan: She's at the beach.
Dad: So what are you doing at the beach?
Ryan: We're swimming.
Dad: What do you like to eat at the beach?
Ryan: French.
Dad: Do you mean french fries?
Ryan: French fries.
Dad: What do you like to drink at the beach?
Ryan: Apple juice.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Happy New You!
It was January 2nd...Ryan and I had just returned from walking Naomi and Ethan to school when our neighbor greeted us with a "Happy New Year!" I called out "Happy New Year!" in return. And my little shadow chirped out "Happy New You!" Now Ryan's been chirping out "Happy New You!" to everyone he encounters. Just this morning he chirped "Happy New You, Mommy!" It crossed my mind to try to correct his pronunciation, however, he may be right on course with the use of "you" in place of "year." After all...isn't that why we make new year's resolutions? We make resolutions that we hope will make us a better person...a "new you." So, everyone, good luck with those resolutions this year and Happy New You!
~~~ Dorothy ~~~
~~~ Dorothy ~~~
Thursday, January 04, 2007
A Hero
We're in the midst of the college bowl season. It's gotten so cliche to say that there are too many bowl games, but it's true.
But there's something that I cannot really stand at all. It's when the announcers talk about the courage of a player or team who is just playing football. "That was such a courageous effort." What are these people talking about? Do they realize what words are coming our of their mouths.
Contrast this with what happened yesterday in NYC. A man performed an act that really was courageous. One 50-year old Wesley Autrey jumped onto the subway tracks to save a total stranger who had fallen into the way of an on-coming train. Wesley tried to get the man back onto the platform, but wasn't able to do so. So he did the only thing that he could. He pushed the man into the space between the tracks and laid on top of him to try to make sure that the both of them would stay below the train's under carriage. The train passed over the two of them. They emerged with only a few minor injuries. Quite amazing. And you thought this was only possible in movies.
I'm fairly certain that I would not have been able to do the same if I saw someone fall in the way of an on-coming. Autrey is quoted as saying, "I think I did the right thing. And it ain't about being a hero, it's just being able to be here and help the next person."
But there's something that I cannot really stand at all. It's when the announcers talk about the courage of a player or team who is just playing football. "That was such a courageous effort." What are these people talking about? Do they realize what words are coming our of their mouths.
Contrast this with what happened yesterday in NYC. A man performed an act that really was courageous. One 50-year old Wesley Autrey jumped onto the subway tracks to save a total stranger who had fallen into the way of an on-coming train. Wesley tried to get the man back onto the platform, but wasn't able to do so. So he did the only thing that he could. He pushed the man into the space between the tracks and laid on top of him to try to make sure that the both of them would stay below the train's under carriage. The train passed over the two of them. They emerged with only a few minor injuries. Quite amazing. And you thought this was only possible in movies.
I'm fairly certain that I would not have been able to do the same if I saw someone fall in the way of an on-coming. Autrey is quoted as saying, "I think I did the right thing. And it ain't about being a hero, it's just being able to be here and help the next person."
Monday, January 01, 2007
Conversations with Kids - Part VI
After dinner at my parents' we're just sitting around when...
Dorothy: Ryan, stay away from the outlet. That's not a toy. You might get zapped.
Ryan had been sitting in the dining room chair that Ethan sat in for dinner. He was leaning back in the chair reaching for the speaker cord plugged into an outlet.
Yuki: I remember when I was in Sand Point I got zapped a couple of times. One of the times was when I was washing dishes. Our house had a light in the kitchen that had a metal on/off switch that I reached to turn with my hand still in the water.
Casey: What happened?
Yuki: I just swatted the light away as hard as I could. That's all I could do. I think that maybe only you were home or maybe it was dad.
Ethan: Did it hurt?
Yuki: No, there wasn't enough juice.
Ethan: What if there was a whole cup full?
Dorothy: Ryan, stay away from the outlet. That's not a toy. You might get zapped.
Ryan had been sitting in the dining room chair that Ethan sat in for dinner. He was leaning back in the chair reaching for the speaker cord plugged into an outlet.
Yuki: I remember when I was in Sand Point I got zapped a couple of times. One of the times was when I was washing dishes. Our house had a light in the kitchen that had a metal on/off switch that I reached to turn with my hand still in the water.
Casey: What happened?
Yuki: I just swatted the light away as hard as I could. That's all I could do. I think that maybe only you were home or maybe it was dad.
Ethan: Did it hurt?
Yuki: No, there wasn't enough juice.
Ethan: What if there was a whole cup full?
Coated Pretzel Sticks
From Dorothy's kitchen...
Coated Pretzel Sticks! I helped lead a moms group in making these this holiday season and made some batches to give away as well. Several people have asked how to make them. These are oh so yummy and easy to make!
What you'll need...
chopped nuts (I've used a mixture of peanuts, cashews, almonds, pecans and walnuts)
toffee bits (Heath brand is sold in the baker's aisle)
approximately 12 oz. or 2 cups of milk chocolate or white chocolate chips
approximately 1 Tablespoon shortening
bag of pretzel rod sticks
What to do...
In a pie pan or plate mix chopped nuts and toffee bits and set aside.
Place chocolate chips in a microwavable cup or bowl. Heat in microwave on high for 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until chocolate has melted. Then add shortening to melted chocolate and blend well.
Dip pretzel rod in chocolate and/or use a spoon to coat the pretzel rod in chocolate. Then roll coated rod in nut and toffee mixture to coat.
Set aside on wax paper till set (approximately 1/2 hour).
How much does it make...
Quite a bit!
How many calories are in one chocolate dipped pretzel...
Who knows...just enjoy every last calorie!
Twists on this...
Try using mini chocolate chips or cake/cookie sprinkles.
Or try using food coloring to tint white chocolate or colored chocolate melting wafers.
Coated Pretzel Sticks! I helped lead a moms group in making these this holiday season and made some batches to give away as well. Several people have asked how to make them. These are oh so yummy and easy to make!
What you'll need...
chopped nuts (I've used a mixture of peanuts, cashews, almonds, pecans and walnuts)
toffee bits (Heath brand is sold in the baker's aisle)
approximately 12 oz. or 2 cups of milk chocolate or white chocolate chips
approximately 1 Tablespoon shortening
bag of pretzel rod sticks
What to do...
In a pie pan or plate mix chopped nuts and toffee bits and set aside.
Place chocolate chips in a microwavable cup or bowl. Heat in microwave on high for 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until chocolate has melted. Then add shortening to melted chocolate and blend well.
Dip pretzel rod in chocolate and/or use a spoon to coat the pretzel rod in chocolate. Then roll coated rod in nut and toffee mixture to coat.
Set aside on wax paper till set (approximately 1/2 hour).
How much does it make...
Quite a bit!
How many calories are in one chocolate dipped pretzel...
Who knows...just enjoy every last calorie!
Twists on this...
Try using mini chocolate chips or cake/cookie sprinkles.
Or try using food coloring to tint white chocolate or colored chocolate melting wafers.
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