That's New to Me

My absentee ballot finally came yesterday so I rushed to the post office to get it out quick. It's probably too late but I'll only be kicking myself if WV goes to Bush by only one vote. Watching the news yesterday I was informed that a new cell phone law went into effect in Japan. It is now illegal to use cell phones in cars, and police officers have been pulling over drivers all day for the $60 fine. I didn't catch all the details but from what I could tell phones must cause quite a few accidents every year.

Also in the news was the announcement of paper bills in Japan. For the first time in 20 years Japan is issuing new 1000, 5000, and 10000 yen bills ($10, $50, and $100, respectively). Unlike American money, Japanese bills display famous artists and inventors, as well as political leaders. The 1000 yen bill, which used to feature Natsume Soseki (a writer) now features a woman (of whose profession I am uncertain). The 5000 bill shows a guy with crazy hair (who to my delight I discovered was a scientist). The new bills also feature various safety features and color changing ink, like the $20 bills in America.