JAWing On – Life on Okinawa

What is it with people who don’t know how to have fun without getting into other people’s faces? Most people go out to have fun, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But if your idea of fun is causing trouble for other people who are minding their own business and trying to have a pleasant time, than you are an a**hole! And as the saying goes, “what goes around comes around.” Call it karma, call it whatever you want. If you are going to be a jerk and get into other people’s faces, than you deserve what you get!

Most of us know the ongoing struggle between men and women and the toilet seat. Well men there are times when you don’t leave the seat down. One would think this is a no brainer, but when you have to use the women’ s facilities to relieve yourself, try lifting the toilet seat. It’s pretty disgusting to walk into the bathroom and find urine all over the toilet seat.

People who insist on parking in reserved spaces. Most of the older areas in Okinawa have extremely limited parking space. There is nothing worse than trying to get to work on a rainy day only to find that someone else’s car in your paid for slot. This happens because in a society that is supposed to overlook other people’s indiscretions, the offenders expect nothing to be done about it. Hello, the reason people pay for parking spaces is so they will have a place to park, not for other people who are too lazy or cheap to find their own place to park in.

As unbelievable as it may seem in these days and times, I actually had a Japanese customer openly offer a regular female customer the equivalent of one hundred dollars for sexual favors at our bar this weekend. She tried to tell him “No” nicely, but he kept on persisiting. When I told him that our club is not that type of club, he told me “F*** you!” I’ve never lived in mainland Japan, but I don’t think that this type of behavior towards any female who happens to be in a bar is acceptable. Just because a female is at a bar doesn’t mean she wants to be picked-up! Most females have more self-respect for themselves. Many females go just to hear and/or dance to the music. It is not uncommon in Asia for this type of transaction at certain facilities. If a man is looking for that type of “service”, he should go to those “entertainment” facilities!

There are over one million people on this little island. With all of those people, one would think that they would be able to come-up with their own creative ideas. But no, it never fails. whenever I create a new idea for the club there is always someone trying to use it for their own purposes. I mean, I’m no creative genius. I am just willing to take the time and effort necessary to locate objects or create logos and “catch phrases” for the club. Even people who think they should receive royalties for their own creative works, try to steal the ideas. It’s a shame that this is a part of life as we know it in these times.

On Saturday I was doing research for something and ran across a November 1997 article involving Taki. The article includes an interview he did with a Washington Times reporter. Taki didn’t even know the article was ever printed. When I tried to gain access to the full article, I found that the newpaper requires a payment for access to archived news articles. First, I do not feel comfortable enough with internet security to provide private financial information, such as a credit card number. Second, I was surprised that a major newpaper, such as the Times, charges for persons seeking archived information. I noticed that there is online advertising by sponsors. Doesn’t that and regular subsciptions provide enough of a profit for your investors? I am glad not to be a student seeking archived information in these days and times if I would have to pay for every article I wished to access. If you are interested in reading the full article, a brief lead into the story is available here.

People who finish half an alcoholic beverage and then request another “splash” of mixer, usually cola, because the drink is too strong. These are the same type of people who try to eat half of a dinner and then complain that the food isn’t edible! If the drink was that strong to begin with, it doesn’t take half the drink to realize it. Think of it this way, at least you know you’re getting your money’s worth. And most beverage servers are fully aware of whether or not the drinks they prepare are strong. Those servers who do prepare stiff beverages usually don’t mind providing a little extra mixer if a person after one or two sips, not gulps, requests so.

Exactly what do people who come into an establishment, order a product, and then proceed to play games when it is time for payment think is so amusing. As a beverage server, I doubt you would find it very “cute” if I slid a drink back and forth when you were waiting for it. I also doubt that the customers waiting patiently behind you find your needless time-consuming games very entertaining. If you are looking for female attention, go to a hostess-style bar. After all that is what they are being paid for, to entertain you and laugh at your childish behavior.

There is very little more disgusting in a human`s personal behavior than some people`s tendency to spit in public places. Who wants to sit down at a watering hole table and see someone else`s blob. Or even worse, walk across a floor and get the blob stuck to their shoe. I am well aware that for some people the enjoyment of chew tobacco is addictive. However, is it really necessary to share the masticated slimy blob with the mass population! I`m sure if you ask, most bar personnel will be more than happy to provide a plastic cup with a napkin inside to meet your expultory needs.