Ever since I've returned from the OSDU Provincial Championships two weekends ago, I've sort of been in a translation funk. I got a bit busy with post-OSDU transition stuff, and doing taxes, but I really don't have a great reason why I've neglected posting for a while. I have a couple of half-done Japanese translations I just can't seem to complete. So I decided to do a French to Japanese translation in honor of my two rounds of swing French debating I did at the Championships. I've now debated in English, French, and Bilingual categories which is probably a fitting end to my debating career.

I'm not very happy with the Japanese version, so expect it to change a couple of times before this post settles.

モントリオール市長：カナディアンズはケベックの人たちに買収してほしい

アイスホッケーチーム、モントリオール・カナディアンズの現オーナーのギョージ・ジレットがチームを売るということについて、モントリオール市長ジェラルド・トランブレイは水曜日ラ・プレッス紙にカナディアンズが「ケベックの人たちのものになってほしい」という希望を述べた。

市長はカナディアンズのファンであり、市にとって欠かせない存在だと思っている。チームの売却ついて聞かれたとき市長はまずチームのプレイオフ進出を願った。

「私はカナディアンズがモントリオールに残って、ケベックの人たちの投資により彼らのものになってほしい。」とトランブレイ市長は言った。「でも一番大切なことはこのチームがモントリオールに残り、今後もナショナル・ホッケー・リーグの他チームの羨望の的であってほしい。」

( Original )

Akinori Kusuda sets 52 day record with Tokyo Marathon
"Convinced of my own strength"
Looking up at heaven with emotion and a smile -- Mr. Kusuda of Saitama

65 year old Akinori Kusuda, a former office worker from 4-chome Minami-Kubessho, Saitama City, finished the Tokyo Marathon on the 22nd to the call of "Congratulations on setting a new Guinness record." He ran 52 straight full marathons in as many days. He looked up at the sky for a while and let his emotions set in. Than with a smile, he commented that "(working this hard allowed me to be) convinced of my own strength."

What started out as a private challenge, slowly developed a ring of supporters over 52 days. Mr. Kusuda said that "while I started this challenge for myself, as it when on a strong that I could not betray my supporters grew in me." "My job was to use my muscles. "Without the support of many people who did many things for me, I would have stopped a long time ago" says Mr. Kusuda.

On the 25th day of the challenge, he felt something wrong with his left foot after the 30km mark. He felt progressively more pain, and every time he took a step he felt a sharp pain he had never experienced before. He had pulled a muscle in his left ankle, and on top of that, an infection caused his left shin to swell up so much that it was able to reflect his face. He prepared himself for the possibility that he would not be able to run the next day.

However a female trainer a fellow runner a had introduced to him told him that "while she couldn't assure him he could run for 53 days, she was sure he could run for 52 days." He took strength from her certainty. "That lady treated both my leg and my heart," he later reflected. In 10 days his pain finally subsided. The more he spoke about his pain, the more he recovered. "I never want to feel that pain again, but now that I'm better I sort of miss it."

On a fellow runner's advice, Mr. Kusuda took ice baths after his runs to recover from the fatigue. A local acupuncture clinic gave him free acupuncture treatments and use of their hyperbaric capsule for recovery. His friends from high school set up a banner of encouragement in the park.

On the 21st, he ran his last marathon at Bessho-numa Park, accompanied by 20 people. Mr. Kusuda crossed the finish line with holding his wife's hand, and was greeted by about 80 well wishers.

After setting the record, Mr. Kusuda hugged his 61 year old wife, whom always believed he could accomplish is goal, and they both acknowledged their hard work.

From Mainichi Shinbun: Regional Edition March 23, 2009 written by Kaite Yusuke

( Original )

The FIFA World Cup kicked off in style today, and I've got World Cup Fever BABY!!! OK, maybe I'm not THAT psyched but I do enjoy cheering on Japan in various sporting events. But I did get a snazzy Japan jersey. Don't quite understand why Japan wears blue, but I've always wanted one SO NYA. Weird how that works. I don't particularly identify with Japan, especially compared to Canada, but I tend to follow Japanese sports. Any insights into my own psyche are welcome.

I've never been one to miss a Canada vs. Japan match in anything. Unfortunately these matches tend to be one sided for one party. The last Canada vs. Japan I remember watching was in Olympic baseball when the Japanese team thumped the Canadians 9-1 in the preliminaries, and 11-2 in the bronze medal match. But being a national of both countries I dutifully stayed up 'til 3:00 to watch Canada vs. Japan in women's curling. I ended up watching a great curling match that kept me interested 'til the very end. Japan won 5-2 in a match where Ayumi Onodera (the Japanese skip) didn't have to throw a single draw. The Japanese took control early thanks to some key misses by Canada and amazing hits by Onodera. The Japanese made it interesting in the last two ends when they started missing shots but they picked it up when they had to.

Now Canada really has to win out to ensure a spot in the playoffs...

Reason #1283464 I had when I picked McMaster over McGill was that I knew Hamilton would have an infinitely greater chance of hosting a top flight curling event. Today I found out my wishes came true when Tourism Hamilton announced that next season's Brier will be coming to Hamilton. While I would've personally preferred the Scott, I have nothing to really complain about.

If anyone wants to know what makes curling so great, try to catch Kevin Martin's double-raise double-takeout from this afternoon on a Canadian sports highlight show.

Game Report #7
It was a heartbreaker at the Big O this afternoon, as the Expos came back late but let it slip away in the ninth. Livan Hernandez pitched well after giving up 2 quick runs in the first, while the Expos were shut out by Pete Munro for 6 innings. Despite 3 errors by his infield Munro was able to keep the ball on the ground, and kept the Expos from scoring. Finally in the scored a run in the sixth and 3 runs in the seventh, giving the Expos a 2 run lead. Hernandez put two runners on in the ninth. He was spelled by Luis Ayala who promptly let 3 runs in, costing the Expos game. So the Expos' 7 game winning streak comes to an end.

Record of the Expos when I'm in attendance: 3-4 (Still not a winning record)

Other Stuff
I had dinner with Josh, Nate, John, and my folks. Good food and conversation all around. It's nice to have inter-generational talk... Life is good!!!

Also the US Olympic Basketball team lost to Puerto Rico today. It was the first loss in the Olypics for the USA since the "Dream Team" concept was introduced in 1992. Carlos Arroyo (the Utah Jazz point guard) played a beautiful game for Puerto Rico, go teamwork!!!

I watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics with Alex (ramaxela) today. I'm always quite amused by the spectacle that is the opening ceremonies. This one was no different, including some spiffy effects, arty pseudo abstract storytelling, cheesy sentimental gestures, awkward moments, and Bjork?! The performance by Bjork was definitely very out of place with the rest of the ceremony. I'm definitely looking forward to certain events, notably the baseball game pitting the Canadians with the Japanese. I love sports!!!

Hey Alex!!! Remember what the IOC said to China, "you're preparing too fast, slow down."