I had grilled ox tongue for lunch. American beef is not available in the market because Japanese government has refrained from importing it due to Mad Cow disease observed in the States. Because beef is getting scarce, the cost itself rises as a natural consequence. It's scary that it takes awhile until you know your brain's got abnormal prion that leads you to be Jacob disease. Correct me if I am wrong but it is said it takes 7 years or so after consuming infected beef until you can observe symptoms. No cure for this disease. But I had Japanese beef today. The beef has been screened by inspectors according to the government guidline but who knows how precise that would be. If I get lucky, I might not have to die in 7 years. I have no plan to become a vegetarian at all though I don't care much about beef. I can live without it.
I know there is an alcohol policy at my work but it's Friday and it's just one glass. I won't get fired because of that. I was happy.
Couldn't have said it better myself.