The G8
Much has been made of this already on the forums, and in attempt to keep this as apolitical as possible, I request anybody in the vicinity of the summit to be very well aware of the stringency of security measures and the fallout that may occur if you are to believed to be ‘mixed-up’ in behaviour that is not seen to befit your public-employee status.
Contact me directly if you have any concerns regarding the summit and its impact on your life here over the next couple of weeks, or if you’re seeking advice on any kinds of legal issues that may arise.
Please also keep in mind that we are expecting nonviolent AND other protesters to try to make it to the event, and as such, I urge you to exercise caution when offering your home to ‘travelers’ who are looking for a place to stay. We should keep in mind that this is a major event attracting a significant amount of global attention, and that all residents of the surrounding areas are asked to be especially vigilant and cautious.

Photo Fossicking
As we prepare for the upcoming Sapporo Orientation, the very kind and generous webmaster has offered to put together an eye-popping slideshow to give the new recruits an idea of Hokkaido’s brilliance. Anyone with appropriate pics (do NOT have to be work-related, can be scenic, pure fun, sporting etc.), please send your files (under 15MB if possible) to Webmaster Kevin (or to me and I can forward them on to him).

Addresses:
Kevin - hokkaidojets @ gmail. com
Chelle - chelle . for. dpm @ gmail . com

Tales of Woe and Wonder
Also leading up to Sapp ‘O’ 08, we are preparing for a workshop that will focus on Enkai Etiquette. So that we might have good material for the class, I’m really hoping that you’ll take a couple of seconds to share memorable experiences from your own enkai exploits – photographic evidence is always a bonus, but we’re specifically after stories that you are particularly proud of, embarrassed about, or wish you’d heard before you started your own enkai-going ways.

Any length of tale is great, you can send them straight to me and I ASSURE you that everything will be kept well confidential and anonymous and won’t be used for any purpose other than an activity for the incoming folk. Don’t worry about length or style, I’ll take care of the details this end.

Very much looking forward to hearing from a few of you (or more).
Have yourselves a lovely week,

Chelle