Another exciting day in Japan. Poor James K, If only Ricky's had issued him more than just a frying pan. Looks like James F wins in the kitchen department. I still remember my first week in country. I had a full size kitchen with absolutely NO implements. I also vividly remember being told not to complain because I had a suite with a VCR. Again keeping in mind I was a foreigner with barely any Japanese one week into life in Japan. I would trade that VCR for a wok and a spatula any day! Thanks for the kind words, I've been really happy with the feedback and the increase in readership, welcome aboard! cheers, Jeff