For those who found me through Alaska Outdoors:
I am the host of Alaska Outdoors. I have been in Alaska since February 2001. I host the Alaska Outdoors, an informal outing group, for those who love Alaska and Outdoor activities. Many people are interested in outdoor actitivies that Alaska offeres. However, simultaneously, many people do not want to go alone.
The Alaska Outdoors will serve you an introduction to outdoors activities. The purpose of Alaska Outdoors is to provide community opportunities to easily join outdoor activities, meet new friends, and develop friendship. Since I came to Alaska, I have met many wonderful people through many outdoor activities. I treasure their tremendous love and friendship. Hosting the Alaska Outdoors is my way of thanking to this great community. Through Alaska Outdoors, I hope you become more interested in outdoor activities, make new friendship, and welcome newcommers.
Thanks.
For those who found me through Marine Mammal GIS:
I am the host of the Marine Mammal GIS workshop. My interest is spatial distribution and ecology of marine mammals. Spatial distribution of marine mammals imposes us many questions about ecology of marine mammals and their habitats. Compared to terrestrial systems, ocean environment is spatially and temporally dynamic. There is no definite boundaries. This makes if difficult fo define marine mammal habitats. How, and why do marine mammals use particular location? Understanding of marine mammal habitats will enhance conservation of marine mammals.
For those who found me through Whaling issues:
Whether you approve or disapprove of whaling, whaling issues imposes interesting questions about how we see whales and ourselves. Whales are majestic animals and everyone love and save them. Simultaneously, whales are food for some cultures. At this moment, not all whales are endangered, and it is possible to take whales in sustainable manner. My interest is what makes people approve or disapprove of whaling.
How do I call you?
My preferred calling name is "Hamachan", but you can call me as you like. Many people call me Toshihide, Toshi. Those are OK.
Where "Hamachan" comes from?
"Hamachan" is a typical Japanese nickname. For calling, the Japanese typically use last name, in my case "Hamazaki." This is too long to call for even the Japanese. The name has to be shortened. "Hama" comes from the first 2 syllables of my last name, and "chan" is a typical calling suffix, used especially to close friends and children (formal form is "san"). So, "Hama"+"Chan" = "Hamachan" This suffix is even used for foreign names among the Japanese. For instance, when I talk with my Japnese friends, I call, say, Nancy as Nancy-chan. This sounds really good in Japanese...
What is your dog's name?
My dog's name is "Happy." She is a retired sled dog came from Talkeetna Alaska. She love to eat, sleep, and run. She is very skidish to strangers, especially, men.
So, are you married?
No. I am still single. As far as dating is concerned, my friends tells me that I am doing exactly what I am supposed to do to find a mate. But, I seem to be at wrong place and wrong time. I am not picky. And I can't make someone love me. I do my best in inviting and loving, and eventually. But, great thing is that I am happy no matter what.
