Gizmodo
Hello there. Here's a personal note: Lisa's book has been getting some fine praise around the web, particularly from BB's Cory. And here's my plug for my sweetheart's work, a fun collection of Urawaza, or Japanese lifehacks that'll help you do just about anything better.
Urawaza is a term that originated in Japan to describe a secret shortcut or method in a game. Housewives adopted the term to describe any unconventional and surprising tricks to making, curing, cleaning, or improving one's life without breaking the bank. There aren't geeky hacks here for gadget lovers, but there is something kindred in the spirit of putting together a wi-fi antenna with a pringles can and solving a stuffy nose by shoving scallions up your nostrils. Here's the link to the book. Lastly, I'd like to say that I was partially moved by guilt to write about this book (it's rare) because when she was writing it, I was too busy at Giz to read her draft and give her feedback. I know, she is patient with me then, and now, as I work late. So Giz owes her this mention.
And, although I've been spending most of my time the last few months scaling up Giz, training people and hiring folks, and planning things, I found myself really starting to dread Mondays. And I figured out it was because I was not doing enough writing. Ah the selfish, egotistical joy it brings. So, here I am.
Enough about me. How about YOU. Just a heads up that the banhammer has been seeing some action as of late. Lots of stupid or unfunny or unhelpful comments are getting into the system, so I've been paying more attention as of late.
Comments
Fear not, Brian. We still appreciate you (even on slow Mondays.)
I'll check out the book.
And me? I'm just fine. Thanks for asking.
I'm fine, Blam. Well, I was, until I started to ponder how a pencil-necked geek like you bagged a hot chick like Lisa Katayama.
I await the banhammer.
The rest of the world has to read the book and then enact its wisdom. You are already living with it.
Truth of the matter is, the Banhammer keeps 1/2 of what I want to write out of public eye.
Though I might suggest one thing- be your love's first reader. For me, there is nothing more sacred than sharing that first semi polished draft.
@DeadWriter: Good advice. Let me trade you some that we should probably make a lot more public. Commenters with short histories who type dumb things get banned quickly, but if you've a record for thoughtful writing like you do, you can probably get away with a ton.
@DeadWriter: Seconded. Sometimes I'll write (not here though, the other Gawker sites) safer posts because I'm afraid I'll say something that goes too far. I always wondered if you guys take into account users who have more useful and less insulting posts over a time period over people who just register and make a "first post" comment.
I said and asked this question elsewhere today, and would not be able to go on without reading these sites and giving you 100 hits a day (to Gawker, to score some points there. I'm a little obsessed as you can tell.)
Is no me, mang!
Anyway, what I mean to say is; yes, thank the gods for administratoring! I do it too, and it's a relief to know ridiculous comments (i.e., ^above) can get quickly eliminated by repeat offenders.
Sigh. It's a life.
Ah, Urawaza. I think this book is probably a collection of tricks like the ones shown on the awesome TV show "Ito-ke no Shokutaku" (Ito family's dinner table) where they show tips and tricks various people (many house wives) have invented/accidentally discovered. I love shit like this.
Here's a link to the archive page [www.dai2ntv.jp]
@Brian Lam: Thanks Brian that's appreciated. Sometimes we want to comment to add knowledge, sometimes we just want to let off steam.
Btw, weren't you advertising for someone to help you guys (and gal) swing the ban hammer? Whatever happened to that?
Oh and congrats on the bouncing-baby-book-release!!
Great, apart from not being able to finish my project in time.
Anyways, I'm buying the book on my next Amazon batch. Topic sounds interesting...
"Get drunk faster". Just what I needed!
Why I'm fine, thank you! I went biking in SF for the first time on Saturday. For a city so big on biking, the roads and drivers sure do suck, a lot. I'm trying to get someone to take me up skiing this weekend, but my parents don't want to and my friends are all lazy, perhaps the beach maybe? We'll see
@AqueousBeef: I live in SF and only bike in the woods nearby. Call me a wuss if you like, but trees don't run you over.
its been just that kind of a week really, documented it a bit on my blog. [www.invalidideas.blogspot.com]
i didnt know your connection with lisa though, have been reading her blog for a long time now.
will surely snag the book on my next visit stateside!
cheers!
Props to Mrs. Graham. Baby got her stitches...err....book out!
You need to pay more attention to her and less to your 'job' You may not always have her, and life is fleeting...
All the best on the book!
I'm also fine, Brian. Thanks for asking!
Hope you are too! :)
Gawker can always count on about 150 clicks a day if not more from me, mostly on Gizmodo, but that's because you let me keep my bike and those three milk crates full of junk here. ;)
Ban me! It may be the only way I can break my habbit of constantly being here! Its unhealthy, I tells ya! I haven't seen the sun in weeks!
still too early for me to comprehend whatever I read, but if 'Giz mentions a book, I know it's at least a step ahead of the other paper crap bundled with words out there. The fact that it's Japanese and full of shortcuts makes it exponentially bettery
"Lots of stupid or unfunny or unhelpful comments are getting into the system"
Aren't we setting the bar a little high here? I'd feel much better if we replaced all those ugly "or"s with pretty "and"s. I wouldn't help me very much, but someone else's account might be saved.
@ltcmurray: "life is fleeting..."
Here, here (or some other homophone)! I've always believed that the secret of love is making it worth the hurt.
@BasicBlack: Damn boolean logic will get ya every time.
@Brian Lam: Was that Comment Thor position ever filled? I'm still game if you have the spot open.
"Lots of stupid or unfunny or unhelpful comments are getting into the system"
Crap. I have been found out.
@BasicBlack: Hey, man, don't be a homophonophobe! You might get banhammered...
@Curves: I'm afraid you'll have to turn in your star, ma'am...
Ah, the banhammer. Reminds me of the name of my Norse protagonist when I played Dark Age of Camelot. Thanks for the memories.
[www.evilavatar.com]
Urawaza definitely relates to gadgets.
Life hacks usually save you money, right? And what would you do with the money you've saved?....buy gadgets of course!
"Lots of stupid or unfunny or unhelpful comments are getting into the system, so I've been paying more attention as of late."
but without them, we'd have no use for the banhammer. and without the banhammer, i'd find little use for my manowar songs. :D
@johnnyabnormal: Sonny Bono would have a point of contention, if only he had some way of communicating with us.
@ltcmurray: "lunchtime doubly so."
@ Brian: I look forward to checking out the book, as I am basicy simi-retarded when it comes to living as a functioning adult in my own home. Maybe I will be able to surprise my wife with some little nuggets of knowledge I can gleen from this book.
@zenpoet: He's too busy pitch correcting Cher's voice to bother with us.
Congrats on the book release, I was actually trying to figure out what new book to pick up for my long subway commute to/from work, and as if my some sort of divine intervention Giz brings forth the answer. Thanks.
1. Congrats on the book.
2. Not realizing who Lisa Katayama was, I Googled her.... Wowzers. You got a smart and cheeky lady there, not to mention the second best looking gal I've seen in some time… Next to the mother of my son that is.
3. I'm very surprised no one has made a 'will [she] blend' or 'pantsing' comment. Must be the threat of the BanHammer.
/Gratuitous sucking up
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