April 2008 - Sightseers' Delight

Reports: Olympic Construction Played Role in China Crash

April 30, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

Railfanning.org News Wire ZIBO, China – Construction in advance of this summer’s Beijing Olympics is at least partly to blame for a train wreck that killed more than 70 people and injured hundreds more, Chinese

Speed May Be to Blame for China Rail Crash

April 29, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

Railfanning.org News Wire ZIBO, China — Excessive speed could be to blame for a Monday (April 28) train crash that killed at least 70 people and sent hundreds more to the hospital. According to a

Trains Transporting the Most Toxic Hazardous Materials Must Use Safest, Most Secure Route

April 28, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

Railroads will be required to route every train carrying the most toxic and dangerous hazardous materials on the safest and most secure route under a new federal rule announced by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters.

70 Killed in China Train Wreck

April 28, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

Railfanning.org News Wire ZIBO, China — At least 70 people were killed when two passenger trains collided near the east China city of Zibo, located in the Shandong province, authorities said. Hundreds more were injured

Please Do Not Smoke While Walking

April 14, 2008 Todd DeFeo

After wandering the streets for a bit, we walked into Mos Burger, the Japanese version of McDonald’s-like establishment, seeking a burger. This place is all the rage for Tokyo residents on the go. I ordered a spicy burger with chili on top.

Bowl of Ramen

April 14, 2008 Todd DeFeo

When you think of ramen, it’s often as a meal that comes in little bags and costs maybe 13 cents each — the perfect meal for starving college kids. Well, it’s time to rethink ramen.

The Sacred, the Scary and Elvis

April 13, 2008 Todd DeFeo

Today was a day of contrasts, starting with the scary before moving onto the scared. The scary came in the form of dancing Elvises. Who knew?

Pour me Another Sake, Please…

April 13, 2008 Todd DeFeo

So, I was going to write something about how the night began with a nice dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant then got a little weird when we went to an “international” bar.

Sushi and Beer for Breakfast?

April 12, 2008 Todd DeFeo

From the moment we stepped off the train at the Tsukijishijo subway station, the aroma was evident. The Tsukiji Fish Market was nearby.

What Time Is It?

April 11, 2008 Todd DeFeo

The streets were bright tonight — so much so that it seemed like it was daytime. It might as well have been. I’m not sure what time it is. All I know is: It’s evening here in Japan and we’re going to grab something to eat.