February 8th, 2002. American Pie. Japanese Noodles.

People are sick. Sorry for today's vulgar entry.

Do you know what deranged, maladjusted youths do here for fun? I`ll tell you. They are amateur inventors. Really. I heard this from a guy who lives with me at the gaijin house. Apparently, the Japanese have found a new use for cup ramen (like cuppa soup, but noodles).

I`d like to share the story I heard, but in picture form. Enjoy - and kids, please don`t try this at home. Ah, what the hell. Go nuts.

1. Buy a cup of instant ramen.

2. Peel the cover open, but just a little.

3. Boil water and pour it into the cup.

4. Entertain yourself while you let it sit for a few minutes.

5. Drain the water from the cup.

6. Replace the cover and cut a hole in it.

7. --

8. Call an ambulance.

Just a word of caution. Never buy noodles from lonely-looking men.

(Thanks to Eugene for helping me with the photos.)