An on-line newspaper sent me an e-mail informing that if I become a subscriber of it again by November 23 they will share twenty dollars for the purchase of books on Amazon.com. My full name was written on the head of message. I canceled subscription of the on-line newspaper about a half year ago because Asian edition of printed newspaper began home delivery service every day in Tokyo just like Japanese newspapers. But delivery charge convering tranportation cost from Hongkong is so high that individual subscriber cannot afford. I also found out that as far as business news is concerned its reports are faster and better compared with others. So I was planning a re-entry of subscription.

As you know, this kind of letters is sometimes not true but forged one, A friend of mine advised me to be very careful for replying it. If I do not re-subscribe it this morning by about six o'clock Tokyo time, I cannot get bonus. Although the letter said those who are not in U.S.A. were required to use facsimile, I called them early this morning by dialing 0120-,,,,,,,,which is the number for customers in U.S.A.

I thought I could not connect directly to this number form overseas. But I succeeded it, only being told by someone on line that the cost of international call should be paid by me. When my call was connected, I was asked to push buttons answering questions by recorded voice at two check points. Finally I arrived at a reception of new subscription or canceling it.

A beautiful human voice asked me the aim of my call and then my last name. Before she requested my first name, she had my individual information on her display, I presumed. The only information I gave her is a new expiring date of my credit card. She informed me I renewed my subscription with the same user ID and pass word as before. She said my entry started immediately, stressing the last word.

Although I had to pay intentional call cost, I could renew it without having any anxiety. I was impressed by American copanies's efforts to push marketing their services and quick response to customers's requests.

As I did not put any pictures on pages for a few days, I show you some snapshots taken at Hakone on November 21.

A maple tree at lake side. Usually leaves became much more dark red. Leaves began to fall before that.	A view of Mt. Komagatake from lake side.	Many people brought dogs with them.

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