Speaking Relatively

Things have been crazy busy, but wanted to let everyone know we’re still around!!

Here is a link to some pics of Tiff and Rachel. Enjoy!

http://gallery.me.com/aaronhoffman

はじめまして！Nice to meet you! 
レイチェルです！My name is Rachel!

Rachel was born on June 19th.  She weighed in on 4kgs (roughly 8.9lbs)!! Mom and baby are still in the hospital, resting comfortably.  Compared to the one or two day stays in the US, most Moms stay in the hospital in Japan for about eight to ten days!! Mariko is very happy!

I was skeptical June last year, when my students announced the “rainy season” had arrived and we could expect about 30 straight days of wetness.  30 days later, I was a believer.

The rainy season has returned, right on cue… and following the next 30 days, we can expect some serious humidity.  I’m missing Vegas about now… 100 degree dry heat and a cold beer!

Today, the 3G iPhone was announced at WWDC (Apple Worldwide Developers Conference).  With this announcement, comes word that the iPhone will be making it’s debut in Japan on July 11th with mobile carrier Softbank. Click here for Softbank’s press release.

One of the most surprising announcements is the next gen iPhone’s price drop.  The 8 gig model will sell for $199.  I’m hoping the price will translate accordingly here in Japan.  As of this post, there is no price listed on Apple’s Japanese site, but ¥19900 for an iPhone sounds wonderful!

Tiff shows off her deadly ninja action…

Ninja Girl from Aaron Hoffman on Vimeo.

I usually don’t post technology stuff here on the main page, but I wanted to share this with everyone!  I ran across the program Evernote, last week and I’m addicted!!  At it’s core, Evernote is a note taking application, but it’s unique features blow away anything I’ve ever encountered before. 

The most innovative note taking feature of Evernote is it’s ability to “read” text on images and photos.  I’ve taken photos of business cards and receipts, using the iSight camera on my lap top from within the program.  These images are integrated into my Evernote database and can be accessed using the search bar.  The same process applies to things you find on the web.  Just highlight and paste into the program.  Check out this short clip produced by Evernote’s creator, Phil Libin:

Evernote is currently in beta testing… this means it’s not currently open to the public.  However, I have 15 invites!  If you’re interested in trying out Evernote for yourself, email me at aaron@speakingrelatively.com!

Here’s wishing all the Moms a great weekend!  Tiff made her first Mother’s Day card today… Very cute.

I’ve added two new sections to the Speaking Relatively website!  The Gadget Locker focuses on technology and news that I think is interesting.  Only in Japan…  (aka “Things that make you go, huh? in Japan) will act as my public soap box.

These pages can be accessed by clicking on the links on the top of this page.  They may contain posts that are not visible directly on this home page, so visit them often!  And as always, let me know what you think in the comments section.  Enjoy!

Surrounded with endless water and sky, Aoshima Island is the treasure trove of sub-tropical plants. As the island had been off limit to the general public and protected as a holy place since ancient times, natural features including plants and rocks remain intact on the island. The wavy rocks and sub-tropical plants that surround the island are designated as national monuments.
 

Aoshima Shrine is said to have been founded 1,200 years ago. The enshrined deity is Hikohohodemi no Mikoto, popularly known as Yamasachihiko of the Japanese myth “Umisachihiko, Yamasachihiko.”  Aoshima Shrine is believed to have divine power to bring luck of marriage, safe delivery, safe navigation and traffic safety.
 

Celebrated on May 5th, this national holiday was established in 1948, as a day on which to praise children and plan for their happiness. It is on this day that the Japanese equivalent of the Dragon Boat Festival (端午の節句 Tango no sekku) is held. On this day, families who have a boy in their home may fly koi streamers and decorate their homes with armor or samurai dolls. Children’s Day marks the end of Golden Week.

On another note, I’m trying out a new video hosting service, Vimeo.  The quality should be greatly improved.  Full screen mode is also now available!  
Please let me know what you think!

Children’s Day from Aaron Hoffman on Vimeo.