Tsatsulow

The Roller Derby revival

Two words: Roller Derby! I got involved in the resurgence of modern Roller Derby about five years ago, as a fan and volunteer, and it has since taken over my life. I love it. Gone are the days of staged matches: it’s evolved into a real sport with explosive growth across America and is catching on in other parts of the world now. Proof positive? The new Yokasuka Sushi Rollers are just getting organized on a military base in Japan. Yes, the past is catching up with us. On roller skates. Read more

Piano Bar: a bar in Tokyo which seats just 8 people

Quietly nestled in the ‘Street of Drinkers’, Shibuya, is the tiny Piano Bar. Upon entering through the windowless door, you are transported to a bizzare world of red velvet, crazy chandeliers and bizarre portraits. There is a maximum capacity of just eight people, so make sure you get there first. Read more

Japanese dental students practice technique on sex dolls

From the WTF files, some dental students in Japan are practicising their oral techniques, as well as their people skills, on hapless Sex Dolls created by Yoshida Dental Manufacturing. The Hanako Showa 2 comes complete with tongue and cheeks (tongue in cheek?) and punctuates its time in the dental chair with an array of human emotions and expressios, such as ‘blink, cough, sneeze, choke and move its eyes’. Surreal!. Perhaps one can take my place for my next check-up.

Irina Werning’s Back to the Future photo series

Argentine photographer Irina Werning has complied this beautiful and poignant collection of portraits of adults re-enacting images of themselves as kids. From what I gather, she has asked people to submit photographs of themselves and then returned with them to these same spots at the same times in their lives. She’ll take this project round the world, from Baghdad to Eurodisney, and is looking for willing participants. Read more

Bug fighting in South East Asia

Of all the little idiosyncratic activities I’ve come across since living in Southeast Asia, this nears the favourite. The bug fights are held in a cemetery about half an hour outside of Chiang Mai late in the year when the stags are at their randiest. It pulls an impressive crowd who bet some hefty dollars on the winner, claimed by the beetle who throws its opponent off the revolving log and struts (or crawls) to victory. Read more

What The Fuck Should I Make For Dinner

All hail the magic 8-ball of cooking; the answer to those painful moments of indecision that plague every shopper at around 6pm on a hectic Monday evening. It’s not the nagging voice that questions every decision you make, but the blunt, obnoxious hollering of an online Gordon Ramsay. The kitchen abides.