Reprint of Old Article
On Being Politically Correct The great movement to be politically correct has helped lead us to mediocrity. Writers, professors,
doctors and others live in fear of offending the wrong person. Professors are hauled in front of university
boards having to defend something they may or may not have said in a given lecture. Doctors must be
very careful about the way they examine patients and do disease preventing research.
The intimate nature of being a doctor sometimes causing doubt and misunderstanding.
I am not saying that all are innocent. There are people out there doing
terrible things and they must be punished. However, it has gone to far. The new McCarthyism is a reality.
In the realm of writing, I can no longer rave about the beauty of Japanese women, without coming under
some scrutiny from my readers. Poets have long raved about the beauty of many things including men and women,
but it seems one can no longer do this, without having to defend the act. Why not? I can rave about the beauty of a flower
and that is okay, why not women? Are women not beautiful? How can this possibly be offensive? I do believe that
outer beauty is skin deep, and we all have a lot of inner beauty too. To be politically correct, one must deny the existence
of the former. Why not acknowledge it, while also stating that personality is the most important thing. If you want to
rave about the beauty of men do it. I will be happy in knowing that I am not a physical object nor a sexual one.
I am simply me and there is more to me than my physical appearance. I feel that this anger over raving about
physical beauty, primarily comes from those who are not very confident about their own inner beauty and strengths.
It is a comment about them in other words.
One friend with more experience at living than I, said that this movement to be politically correct is simply a furthering
of the women's liberation movement--a step too far. I agree with this argument. Women's lib was a necessary protest
movement, and great strides were made, but now it is getting ugly. One woman at Simon Fraser University in Canada
decided that she wanted one of the coaches at the university, and she was willing to do almost anything to get him.
After being repeatedly rejected she accused him of sexual harassment. Due to her physical beauty, she was believed.
Us men are animals you know. This SFU coach hired himself a good lawyer, held some press conferences and took to battle.
Proving himself innocent and hounded by a horny young woman. He had been fired over the allegations. I will repeat that: he was fired over
allegations--nothing had been proven. That is the problem too. Doctors, teachers and other professionals can be destroyed
simply by irresponsible and erroneous allegations.
The final chapter of this SFU story had the woman in disgrace but unpunished, the Dean of the
university lost his job for firing the coach in the first place. The coach was finally vindicated and got back to teaching
and trying to win championships. This whole movement has gone to far, and would make a great comedy if it were not so
tragic and stressful for so many people.
No I say rave about the beauty of men, women or flowers. Don't let any narrow minded person tell you otherwise. If they do,
you have to ask them what axe they have to grind? What are they bitter about? Acknowledge beauty, don't be afraid to tell
someone they are beautiful in whatever way they are. I do draw the line at bosses telling their employees they are very attractive;
the same goes for teachers telling students. But in general, let's stop with this nonsense of believing that it is morally wrong.
Recognize that the real beauty comes from inside, and this should
be acknowledged too. All of us are beautiful, and physical beauty really is only skin deep.
Kevin R. Burns
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Monday, May 02, 2011
Learning English or Teaching it in Japan? ボキャブラリーを教えるためのゲーム
ボキャブラリーを教えるためのゲーム
by Lyanne Thomas
新しい単語を学ぶのは退屈できついと言っているのは誰ですか。 退屈な暗記法は実用的で楽しい方法ではありませんが、子供は何千もの単語を学ぶ必要があります。 それゆえに教師は絵の中にボキャブラリーゲームを加えるなど効果的で楽しい学び方を考えなくてはいけません。 教えるためには、ボキャブラリーゲームティーチャーズを使うといいでしょう。 ボキャブラリーを楽しく学べる方法をいくつか紹介します。 Read More
How to sell everything, move to Japan, and keep a U.S. address
How to sell everything, move to Japan, and keep a U.S. address
Posted by Steve in Expat Tips, Life in Japan You’ve decided to let go and move overseas. It’s time to sell as much as you can, if not everything! I sold stuff at a flea market, in the newspaper, using Craigslist, and on eBay, and I had a garage sale. I donated some household items and clothing, and the rest of my stuff I just gave away for free. These methods helped me get rid of everything I owned in the U.S.But what about staying in contact with your home country? You know… a phone number, voice mail, and a mailing address? Sure you can use your parents address or another family members address and this would be the most affordable way, but sometimes it feels good not to have to rely on anybody to get things done. Here are some steps on how to make it happen on your own terms.
- Get a new address first using a 3rd party service. You could use the service Mailboxes Etc, but it’s not convenient. I recommend an online service such as Earth Class Mail. They’ll email you, scan your mail, even forward things to you. It’s important to do this first because once you decide where you’ll be getting your mail you need to get a notarized copy of USPS Form 1583 to authorize the service to receive mail on your behalf. Get this done at a notary or your local bank. But watch those fee totals! You’ll be paying a monthly fee + scanning fees + mail forwarding fees. Last year I spent a more than $1200 USD on this service. This year I’m estimated to spend about $800.
Obama, America you are Blessed with a Good Man as President
Obama, America you are Blessed with a Good Man as President
Does it really matter if his documents were forged or otherwise not legal when he was a baby?
If indeed that happened? He is one of your better presidents in many, many years. Plus by
stirring up the controversy you are hurting the relationship between caucasians and African
Americans.
Even if Obama`s documents have some discrepencies, grant him instrant citizenship. He is
president after all and a good one. Then be done with it. We would love to have him as our
prime minister in Canada, and I would love to have him lead Japan out of her morass.
Anyway, I was sent this by a friend. This seems to suggest that the birth certificate documents
are somehow lacking.
Does it really matter if his documents were forged or otherwise not legal when he was a baby?
If indeed that happened? He is one of your better presidents in many, many years. Plus by
stirring up the controversy you are hurting the relationship between caucasians and African
Americans.
Even if Obama`s documents have some discrepencies, grant him instrant citizenship. He is
president after all and a good one. Then be done with it. We would love to have him as our
prime minister in Canada, and I would love to have him lead Japan out of her morass.
Anyway, I was sent this by a friend. This seems to suggest that the birth certificate documents
are somehow lacking.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
'13 Assassins' Director Takashi Miike Goes Old School
13 Assassins" is easily one of the best movies to come out of Japan in a while and the best action flick to come out so far this year. Unlike the anodyne action sequences of such recent sword fighting fare as "Sucker Punch," this movie wasn’t created in a computer; the violence in this film feels real and raw. Unlike the spastic battle scenes in "Battle: Los Angeles," this film doesn't feel like the cameraman was being chased by a bear. Instead "13 Assassins" has the sweep and grandeur of an old-school Akira Kurosawa samurai movie -- only with more blood. A lot more blood. Read More
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Japan Based Zenlock wins Prestigious Award
Zenlok Corporation Wins Prestigious "Red Herring Global 100" Award
Feb 1, 2011 2:00:00 AM
Tokyo, Feb 1, 2011 - (JCN Newswire) - Japan based security venture, Zenlok Corporation was awarded the Red Herring Global 100 Award for its innovation and leadership last week in Santa Monica, California, where Red Herring announced its Global 100 award in recognition of the leading private companies from North America, Europe, and Asia, celebrating these startups' innovations and technologies across their respective industries.
Zenlok Corporation, founded in 2007 by well known Tokyo entrepreneur, Amir Ayalon, is a leader in providing security solutions that protect data in transit and during storage.
Read More
Zenlok Corporation, founded in 2007 by well known Tokyo entrepreneur, Amir Ayalon, is a leader in providing security solutions that protect data in transit and during storage.
Read More
Friday, April 15, 2011
Are Japanese people hard-wired to hoard?
Are Japanese people hard-wired to hoard?
Last week’s earthquake and tsunami has engendered a nationwide run on retailers that has alarmed the authorities. Even in Hiroshima, which was totally unaffected by either catastrophe and isn’t in a related earthquake zone, people are said to be stripping store shelves of batteries. Renho, the Democratic Party of Japan superstar who heads the consumer affairs ministry, blasted the mentality that has led to this behavior, saying that she could understand why people might want to buy batteries and portable cookers and even bicycles, but “natto and chicken”? She stressed that it causes shortages of much needed supplies to the afflicted areas and used the word kaishime to describe these actions, which means to “corner the market,” except that she isn’t talking about companies, but individual consumers. In that regard it seems an imprecise term, but the negative connotation is what’s important.Read More
Monday, April 11, 2011
Asia Pacific Hockey League
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Tips On Buying Japanese Clothes Online
Tips On Buying Japanese Clothes Online
by: Brian Russman
If you have ever seen a kimono in movies or maybe even in real life, you probably think it is a colorful dress (at least if we talk about women traditional clothes) with long sleeves and various patterns. There is surprisingly little details on what Japanese traditional clothes really are despite the fact we have access to seemingly everything we could only think of. We can easily buy whatever dress we want from the comfort of our homes, but when it comes to kimonos we often find ourselves scratching our heads in confusion. What is a real kimono? Where to buy quality Japanese clothes online?
First of all, the word "kimono" means "clothes" in Japanese and has two sub-categories - so-called “yofuku” and “wafuk”u. The first literally means "western clothes" and represents what we are all used to putting on ourselves, while the latter is what we all call "kimono" or, literally, "Japanese clothes". And there are many types of them.
Let us take “furisode” as an example first. A furisode is exactly what you have in mind when you imagine a kimono for women. The name means "long sleeves" and it is distinguishing feature is, as you could already guess, long sleeves and colorful patterns. They are not particularly cheap. The price can go up all the way to several thousand dollars, and even an ordinary one will cost several hundreds at least. Unlike other Japanese traditional clothes, they are quite difficult to put on and take care of, which is why they are worn only on special occasions like the Coming of Age ceremony.
There are also casual kimonos, like jimbeis for men or yukatas that can be worn by both sexes. Both jimbeis and yukatas are very comfortable and light, suitable for wearing every day, and significantly cheaper than their more luxurious dress discussed above. If you absolutely need a kimono, but a furisode is too much of an investment, a jimbei or yukata are your choice. Besides, just as with other Japanese traditional clothes, not many will be able to tell the difference.
The list of clothes could really go on and on, but I do not mean to bore anyone. Rather than discussing the types of Japanese traditional clothes, let me answer one more common question: where to buy a good kimono? It shouldn't come as a surprise that most of what you can buy outside the motherland of kimonos is a low quality fake that are likely to fall apart after the very first laundry. Fortunately, with emergence of the Internet, the world shrank so much, that borders, both geographical and cultural, are not so distinct anymore.
If you are on short terms with the Japanese language, you obviously should not have any problems at all. If not, I can recommend Japanese clothes online. You can learn more about different types of kimonos and traditional accessories there and find links to reliable and trusted importers from Japan as well as instructions on how to make the purchase of your dream. Not a bad deal, huh?About The Author
For more information on Japanese clothes online visit http://jimbei.com
by: Brian Russman
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If you have ever seen a kimono in movies or maybe even in real life, you probably think it is a colorful dress (at least if we talk about women traditional clothes) with long sleeves and various patterns. There is surprisingly little details on what Japanese traditional clothes really are despite the fact we have access to seemingly everything we could only think of. We can easily buy whatever dress we want from the comfort of our homes, but when it comes to kimonos we often find ourselves scratching our heads in confusion. What is a real kimono? Where to buy quality Japanese clothes online?
First of all, the word "kimono" means "clothes" in Japanese and has two sub-categories - so-called “yofuku” and “wafuk”u. The first literally means "western clothes" and represents what we are all used to putting on ourselves, while the latter is what we all call "kimono" or, literally, "Japanese clothes". And there are many types of them.
Let us take “furisode” as an example first. A furisode is exactly what you have in mind when you imagine a kimono for women. The name means "long sleeves" and it is distinguishing feature is, as you could already guess, long sleeves and colorful patterns. They are not particularly cheap. The price can go up all the way to several thousand dollars, and even an ordinary one will cost several hundreds at least. Unlike other Japanese traditional clothes, they are quite difficult to put on and take care of, which is why they are worn only on special occasions like the Coming of Age ceremony.
There are also casual kimonos, like jimbeis for men or yukatas that can be worn by both sexes. Both jimbeis and yukatas are very comfortable and light, suitable for wearing every day, and significantly cheaper than their more luxurious dress discussed above. If you absolutely need a kimono, but a furisode is too much of an investment, a jimbei or yukata are your choice. Besides, just as with other Japanese traditional clothes, not many will be able to tell the difference.
The list of clothes could really go on and on, but I do not mean to bore anyone. Rather than discussing the types of Japanese traditional clothes, let me answer one more common question: where to buy a good kimono? It shouldn't come as a surprise that most of what you can buy outside the motherland of kimonos is a low quality fake that are likely to fall apart after the very first laundry. Fortunately, with emergence of the Internet, the world shrank so much, that borders, both geographical and cultural, are not so distinct anymore.
If you are on short terms with the Japanese language, you obviously should not have any problems at all. If not, I can recommend Japanese clothes online. You can learn more about different types of kimonos and traditional accessories there and find links to reliable and trusted importers from Japan as well as instructions on how to make the purchase of your dream. Not a bad deal, huh?
For more information on Japanese clothes online visit http://jimbei.com
The Potential of Solar Energy
Jeremy Leggett, solar energy industry expert, believes that the solar energy industry will grow dramatically. Solar power is cheap and sustainable renewable energy source, whether it’s solar panels for your home or a big investment in solar energy for your business.
ArticleCity.com Videos
ArticleCity.com Videos
Disappearing Biodiversity in Awase, Japan
Over half of Awase have been claimed to industry, but it's a profound failure. The remaining area is for beach and resort developments. But the environment has changed drastically, affecting the local fishermen.
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ArticleCity.com Videos
小田原警察 小田原で外国人を呼び止める
小田原警察 小田原で外国人を呼び止める 小田原市、南足柄市（松田町）の警察はとても小さな町の人です。 町は成長しているのですが、他の国の人たちと触れ合う経験ははごくわずかしかありません。 地方の警察の人にとって、日本人以外の人は映画やテレビで見るものなのです。英語を話す人でさえ、です。 控えめに言いますが、私たちについて彼らは騙されやすいのです。おそらく何人かは外国人がむしろ脅していると 思い、それに対処するために厳しい雰囲気を放つのです。 地方に住む外国人集団は反抗的で危険、このようなスタンスは道理にかなっているかもしれません。 許容性がゼロになってしまえば、犯罪がはびこっていたニューヨークのようになってしまいます。 しかしながら、小田原市は沿岸にある平和な場所です。たくさんの外国人がここで生活し、家族と安心して 過ごしています。 地方の警察も、私たちのことについて学ぶ時期ではないでしょうか。 小田原警察は最近、市内で歩いていた私のアメリカ人の友達を呼び止めたそうです。 １人の女性は犬と散歩をしていて呼び止められ、立ち止まりました。 警察は彼女に外国人登録証明書（外国人身分証明書）を見せるように言いました。 彼女が証明書を差し出すと、警察はそれを奪い、彼女の詳細を書きとめたそうです。 他の２人の友達も同じく呼び止められ、身分証明書を見せるよう言われました。 警察は彼らの詳細も書きとめたそうです。 日本の市民に、ここまではしないですよね。現在、私たちは犬を連れて歩いていても警察に呼び止められるのです。 小田原市鴨宮で、自転車に乗った警察が私を捕まえようとしました。おそらく彼は 私が逃げると思ってその手段に出たのでしょう。彼は明らかに何かの理由があって私を疑っていました。 私はこの地区のアパートや家にパンフレット（私が経営する英会話スクールの広告）を配っていただけなのです。 これが正式に不法だといわれる間は、警察は通常この犯罪で悩まされないでしょう。 日本人のピザ宅配スタッフや、他の会社でも行っていることなのです。 小田原警察に呼び止められている人を見たことがありません。 他にも、パンフレットを郵便箱に入れているときに２人の警察が私についてきたことがありました。 私は止まりませんでしたが、自転車に乗った警察が私の心を乱しました。 彼が歩いている間、通行人にベルを鳴らしているとは思わなかったのです。 小田原はもっと国際的になるべきだと断言します。オーストラリアやカリフォルニア州のチューラビスタの 警官は、勇敢に関係を持ちます。また、インターナショナルラウンジをオープンしています。 ここで生活をし、家族と共に暮らしている市民は敵ではない、と地方警察に言いたいです。 私たちはゲストでもありません。ここは私たちの地域なのです！
Monday, April 04, 2011
Damn!...I think I been mutated!!!
I think I been mutated!!!!
by Kevin R. Burns
20,20,20 - 4 hours ago,... I think I bin mutated!!!
But my wife thinks its a real improvement, from when - we dated!!!
Just get me to the airport on a cargo plane
Hurry hurry hurry before I GLOW in vain!
I can`t control my fingers I can`t control my brain
Oh no no no no!!!!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhh24BB84e4&w=480&h=390]
Read More!!!!
by Kevin R. Burns
20,20,20 - 4 hours ago,... I think I bin mutated!!!
But my wife thinks its a real improvement, from when - we dated!!!
Just get me to the airport on a cargo plane
Hurry hurry hurry before I GLOW in vain!
I can`t control my fingers I can`t control my brain
Oh no no no no!!!!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhh24BB84e4&w=480&h=390]
Read More!!!!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Dr. Andrew Weil on Connecting With Japan
Connecting with Japan
Published: 3/30/2011
Published: 3/30/2011
The devastating earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan on March 11 has already killed thousands of people, and the full effects have yet to play out. The long-term damage to human health from radiation leaks at the Fukishima nuclear power plants will take years, perhaps decades, to manifest. I feel this tragedy deeply. Since my first visit to Japan as a teenager in 1959, I have felt a powerful connection to its culture, aesthetics and people. In the years since, I have been back more times than I can recall. As much as I enjoy the vibrant cacophony of modern, urban Japan, I am particularly drawn to its venues of timeless serenity. Read More
Synchronicity and all that Stuff
Synchronicity and all that Stuff
by Kevin R Burns
(Kanagawa, Japan)
" I'm convinced God put me here to accomplish a certain number of things;
right now, I'm so far behind I'll never die."
--Petya Lowe, Circle of Light
Synchronicity and all that Stuff
"Everything in this universe is part of an uninterrupted sequence of events."
--Mamoru Mohri, Japanese astronaut
Tokyo, Japan
Japanese astronaut Mamoru Mohri, feels that in the borderless era we live in now, the acceptance of cultural diversity and globalization is very important. "Once people take a broader , more long-term view of the things going on around them, it can give them a totally new perspective on life," said Mohri according to a press report. Read More
Are we Spirit & Live Forever?
Are We Spirit & Live Forever
by Kevin R Burns
(Kanagawa, Japan)
Or When We Die, Do the Little Buggies Eat Us?
"Hello, I'd like to connect with my higher self."
"Is this a collect call sir?"
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll put you through now."............
I'm sorry sir, your higher self will
accept the charges."
"The story of my life!"
--Kevin Burns
Are We Spirit & Live Forever?
Or When We Die, Do the Little Buggies Eat Us?
This is my current life question. James Redfield in the Celestine Prophecy alludes to the
fact that we don't need to figure out the answers, rather we need to figure out our current life question. The above is mine. What's yours? If you can figure out the question Redfield observes, the answer will come.
Read More
by Kevin R Burns
(Kanagawa, Japan)
Or When We Die, Do the Little Buggies Eat Us?
"Hello, I'd like to connect with my higher self."
"Is this a collect call sir?"
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll put you through now."............
I'm sorry sir, your higher self will
accept the charges."
"The story of my life!"
--Kevin Burns
Are We Spirit & Live Forever?
Or When We Die, Do the Little Buggies Eat Us?
This is my current life question. James Redfield in the Celestine Prophecy alludes to the
fact that we don't need to figure out the answers, rather we need to figure out our current life question. The above is mine. What's yours? If you can figure out the question Redfield observes, the answer will come.
Read More
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
FBC – Aid to People and Pets in Tohoku
FBC – Aid to People and Pets in Tohoku
Many of our members are asking us for ways to help and how they can get certain items. Here’s the short, simple version with the latest info, but please see our website for more details on each item:How to help others- 3 ways
Second Harvest and CRASH - Send money and aid directly to these two organizations.
AID4OTHERS – Use this coupon code to send your items directly to those affected by the earthquake.
Help Animals Too! – We’ve set up a way to help animals who have been affected by the earthquake as well. Please see our website for more info.
How we can help you and your family:
FBC Express/Food and Fun From Home - Emergency Backpacks, Lanterns (for blackouts), Batteries- direct from the US in a week.
Deli - Face Masks, Food for now, Other emergency relief items - delivery in about a week.
General Store - Water, Toilet Paper, Canned Goods and Stock Up Supplies - takes about a month, but great to stock up. Shoko's recommendations
Madi's Remailing Service - Air shipped direct from the US – The things you really need and want, but can’t find here. Order from almost anywhere and have Madi’s Remailing Service ship your items.
Also, we’ve just added a special General Store order this week to help process all the AID4OTHERS orders, so please feel free to order by this Friday (April 1st) to get your order on the next boat!
| If you'd like to help us spread the word about these aid programs: forward this to a friend or  us on Facebook. | |
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On the Future of the Whole World
Though I agree that we need to start thinking about what kind of alternative forms of power we are going to use not just in Japan, but worldwide. I don`t think now is the time to debate this in Japan. We need to deal with first things first, which is getting the people up north houses and safe, and fixing the reactors or burying them if that is what is needed.
Most importantly we need to stay positive that we can get all of the above done in a timely manner. It is still winter up north and will be cold for a few months more.
Read More
Monday, March 28, 2011
American Weight Lifting Champion helps Earthquake Victims up North
Japan Earth Quake
Japan Earth Quake - American Weightlifting Champion helps Victims of 9.0 Earthquake
Chiba,Japan
Two time Kanagawa weight lifting champion; Ukiah, California native Chris Zanella, now calls Minamiashigara City, Kanagawa in Japan home.
The big, affable Californian, survived a hit and run accident in Odawara`s Tomizu area aboutfour months ago, he took just a Friday off of work, didn`t tell his boss about the accident, even though he was very banged up, then taught his students at Kevin`s English School the following Monday, where he has taught children to adults for the past four years. Probably if asked about why he would teach so soon after being hit by car, he would probably just shrug it off.
Read More
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Playing Games in Kanagawa - Camp Zama Game Days
JIGG is Japan`s International Gamers Guild, 20 years old and going strong. JIGG has been
bringing boardgame players, roleplayers, card game lovers and wargame players together since
1991. Free membership. Get in the game!
Don`t give up your hobby if you come to live in Japan!
Camp Zama, Kanagawa
What is going on? Just ask the unstoppable James Keller! Camp Zama game days have been one of the consistent mainstays of JIGG. Plus going to Camp Zama is like going to the USA for the day. Yards, and yards of grass, trees and flowers, plus games of all kinds in a large room with many games. I plan on going with Bruce at some point.
Contact James if interested: - Email James: ngolmo at gmail.com
bringing boardgame players, roleplayers, card game lovers and wargame players together since
1991. Free membership. Get in the game!
Don`t give up your hobby if you come to live in Japan!
Camp Zama, Kanagawa
What is going on? Just ask the unstoppable James Keller! Camp Zama game days have been one of the consistent mainstays of JIGG. Plus going to Camp Zama is like going to the USA for the day. Yards, and yards of grass, trees and flowers, plus games of all kinds in a large room with many games. I plan on going with Bruce at some point.
Contact James if interested: - Email James: ngolmo at gmail.com
On Teaching English in Japan
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Saturday, March 26, 2011
Please Donate to Help Japan
The fickle media is all ready deserting Japan for other if it bleeds it leads stories.
the biggest disaster in Japanese history continues and we need your help!
Imagine America losing her west coast. This is essentially what has happened for a much smaller and less populous nation. This disaster
is unprecedented in Japanese history.
The Latest News from Japan
the biggest disaster in Japanese history continues and we need your help!
Imagine America losing her west coast. This is essentially what has happened for a much smaller and less populous nation. This disaster
is unprecedented in Japanese history.
The Latest News from Japan
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Why Work in Japan
Why Work in Japan?
By Chase Crawford
Even if you don't live and work in Japan, it's easy to fall in love with the country. Anyone who encounters its rich, enduring culture and history as well as its modern innovative society can't help but want to learn more.
There are many means to learn about Japanese ways. You can always read books or study a formal course. These days, you also have the easy option to just go online and take your fill. There are tons of websites that offer information about the country and its people. There are also countless communities that let you interact with Japanese friends or fellow enthusiasts.
Today's technology has certainly made it easier to immerse oneself in a different culture. Undeniably though, nothing beats actually having to live and work in Japan. This still is the best way to embrace an environment that is completely different from yours. It's easy to do this if you have a lot of money but living there can prove prohibitive to cash-strapped enthusiasts. The only other alternative is to apply for a job.
Getting a job is advantageous not just because you get to earn to support your potentially costly stay. It will also work well for you because it is one good way to legitimize your stay in the country. With a company to sponsor you, it's fairly a straightforward to get a working visa.
Clearly, finding Japan work is a far better way to get exposed to the place's culture and society than learning through online and offline means. In most cases, working can put you in a better position to get a genuine experience than if you just came as a tourist. As a worker, you live and breathe right in the thick of Japanese life.
There is one more reason why finding a job is best. While earning, you can actually experience the same level of enjoyment that tourists do. This is particularly true if you are involved in summer or winter resort operations. Of course, you are expected to work hard while on duty but you can spend your free time from Japan work enjoying the sun and sand of Okinawa or the fine powder of Nagano. There's just no better deal than this.
Before you decide to take this option, keep in mind that working in a different environment requires some adjustment. This is even if you are a great fan of the place. You may have to adjust for example to the notion of living in shared accommodations and in bathing in a communal shower area. Take note too that some work places are in remote areas and may not be easily accessible to night entertainment or activities. If you are used to the hustle and bustle of night life in your home city, you may have to look for alternative activities while working in a far away Japanese location.
It definitely is a great idea to find work in Japan. You get fun, compensation and education all in one. You might want to try checking your options online now. There are several sites that can facilitate your search for a good job placement.
Want To Find Out More About Work In Japan?
Visit http://www.boobooski.com For More Information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chase_Crawford
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Work-in-Japan?&id=4376211
Relief Efforts for Tohoku Region
To all jobsinjapan.com users,
We would like to invite jobsinjapan.com users to join us at a fundraising event this Saturday in Shinjuku for relief efforts in the Tohoku region. We will be joining Kokusaika's international friendship party in the banquet room of the Nishi Shinjuku Hotel.
One half of all guest admissions from jobsinajapan.com users will be donated to earthquake relief. We are also encouraging each guest to bring one dry/canned food item or other useful item from. We will have some boxes ready at the event and mail them that night by takyubin to Reverend Ken Joseph's Nihon Kinkyu Enjotai in Sendai, which has requested items to be sent. Anything that might be in your apartment and unused that you think might be useful would be welcome. See a list of requested items at the bottom.
Even if you are unable to attend please read the information about Nihon Kinkyu Enjotai, and consider sending them a package separate. They are requesting that people send things.
Please e-mail me for reservations. Tel. 03-3281-4303 for any questions on the events. (During the event 090-1847-5075). See Kokusaika's Web site http://www.internationalparty.com for the full March schedule.
------------
Event: Shinjuku International Friendship Party
Date: Mar. 26 (Sat.)
Time: 6:30-9:30 pm
Attendance: Approx. 150 people
Location: Nishi Shinjuku Hotel 9F banquet room, 7-14-14 Nishi Shinjuku-ku
Admission: Ladies Y3,000, Men Y3,500 w/e-mail res. by Fri.(+Y500 going directly)
Drinks: Open bar from 6:30-9:00 with bottled beer (Ebisu, Asahi & Kirin Stout), wine, cocktails and soft drinks. (bar closes at 9:00p.m.)
Food: Large English-style carvery with roast beef/pork, gravy, shephard's pie, veggies, cheeses, breads, fruit, homemade ice cream + pies & a large cake from Kyle's Good Finds Bakery.
Dress: Casual
------------
One half of each guest admission from jobsinjapan.com will be donated to the Japan Emergency Team (Nihon Kinkyu Enjotai). This group has been providing emergency assistance in Japan since 1975 and is run by the Reverend Ken Joseph and his son, the Reverend Ken Joseph, Jr. who are very well known and highly respected in Tokyo, and who have been very active in the international community in Japan since 1951.
There are so many people who really want to do something to help, but the problem has been where to send things and how.
I spoke to Reverend Joseph several times on the telephone this week. He's been in Sendai with a relief team since the 2nd day preparing meals and delivering relief with his team working out of and in coordination with the Sendai city hall. Tonight on the telephone he said things are still chaotic. His team is still serving meals, which aren't enough, and that they need lots of supplies.
Some items that were specifically requested are:
Canned, dry and instant foods, rice powdered milk, coffee, tea, cream, bottled water, electric water pots, sleeping bags, tents, used laptop computers and active wireless internet devices and airline mileage (for volunteers to move back and forth), 20 liter metal gasoline cans, disaster relief vehicles.
If each guest brought just one item to the event on Saturday, we could mail several large boxes that night from the nearby convenience store. If you are not able to attend the party, please consider putting a package together and mailing it to the address below. Reverend Joseph said that they will be in Sendai for six months and can use supplies whenever they arrive. He said volunteers who can go to Sendai even for a few days are also greatly needed, including people to take care of their laptops and answer e-mail and the phones. Reverend Joseph explained to me on the phone there are two types of people who are helping: those who are "doing" and those who are "organizing." He said his team has been incredibly busy cooking and delivering meals that there has been little time to answer e-mails and take care of backend gathering of supplies and funds. Thus, I wanted to help a little with the organizing part via our weekly announcement by letting people know where they can send !
help to.
The address to mail items to is:
Nihon Kinkyu Enjotai
c/o Sendai City Hall
3-7-1 Kokubun-cho
Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken 980-8671
Tel. 0570-000-911 or 090-3080-6711 or 090-7170-4769
e-mail: team@jhelp.com (responses may be delayed)
See their Web site for information on cash donations which are also greatly needed: http://www.jhelp.com
You can also find more information about the Reverend Ken Joseph and his 60 years of work in Japan at http://www.kennyjoseph.com.
If the volume of items collected on Saturday is large enough and if there were any volunteers who wanted to go I might consider driving our van to Sendai on after the event on Saturday night. In any case we will make sure all the collected items are delivered along with our own cash donation of one half the admission from each guest from jobsinjapan.com.
Regards,
John
We would like to invite jobsinjapan.com users to join us at a fundraising event this Saturday in Shinjuku for relief efforts in the Tohoku region. We will be joining Kokusaika's international friendship party in the banquet room of the Nishi Shinjuku Hotel.
One half of all guest admissions from jobsinajapan.com users will be donated to earthquake relief. We are also encouraging each guest to bring one dry/canned food item or other useful item from. We will have some boxes ready at the event and mail them that night by takyubin to Reverend Ken Joseph's Nihon Kinkyu Enjotai in Sendai, which has requested items to be sent. Anything that might be in your apartment and unused that you think might be useful would be welcome. See a list of requested items at the bottom.
Even if you are unable to attend please read the information about Nihon Kinkyu Enjotai, and consider sending them a package separate. They are requesting that people send things.
Please e-mail me for reservations. Tel. 03-3281-4303 for any questions on the events. (During the event 090-1847-5075). See Kokusaika's Web site http://www.internationalparty.com for the full March schedule.
------------
Event: Shinjuku International Friendship Party
Date: Mar. 26 (Sat.)
Time: 6:30-9:30 pm
Attendance: Approx. 150 people
Location: Nishi Shinjuku Hotel 9F banquet room, 7-14-14 Nishi Shinjuku-ku
Admission: Ladies Y3,000, Men Y3,500 w/e-mail res. by Fri.(+Y500 going directly)
Drinks: Open bar from 6:30-9:00 with bottled beer (Ebisu, Asahi & Kirin Stout), wine, cocktails and soft drinks. (bar closes at 9:00p.m.)
Food: Large English-style carvery with roast beef/pork, gravy, shephard's pie, veggies, cheeses, breads, fruit, homemade ice cream + pies & a large cake from Kyle's Good Finds Bakery.
Dress: Casual
------------
One half of each guest admission from jobsinjapan.com will be donated to the Japan Emergency Team (Nihon Kinkyu Enjotai). This group has been providing emergency assistance in Japan since 1975 and is run by the Reverend Ken Joseph and his son, the Reverend Ken Joseph, Jr. who are very well known and highly respected in Tokyo, and who have been very active in the international community in Japan since 1951.
There are so many people who really want to do something to help, but the problem has been where to send things and how.
I spoke to Reverend Joseph several times on the telephone this week. He's been in Sendai with a relief team since the 2nd day preparing meals and delivering relief with his team working out of and in coordination with the Sendai city hall. Tonight on the telephone he said things are still chaotic. His team is still serving meals, which aren't enough, and that they need lots of supplies.
Some items that were specifically requested are:
Canned, dry and instant foods, rice powdered milk, coffee, tea, cream, bottled water, electric water pots, sleeping bags, tents, used laptop computers and active wireless internet devices and airline mileage (for volunteers to move back and forth), 20 liter metal gasoline cans, disaster relief vehicles.
If each guest brought just one item to the event on Saturday, we could mail several large boxes that night from the nearby convenience store. If you are not able to attend the party, please consider putting a package together and mailing it to the address below. Reverend Joseph said that they will be in Sendai for six months and can use supplies whenever they arrive. He said volunteers who can go to Sendai even for a few days are also greatly needed, including people to take care of their laptops and answer e-mail and the phones. Reverend Joseph explained to me on the phone there are two types of people who are helping: those who are "doing" and those who are "organizing." He said his team has been incredibly busy cooking and delivering meals that there has been little time to answer e-mails and take care of backend gathering of supplies and funds. Thus, I wanted to help a little with the organizing part via our weekly announcement by letting people know where they can send !
help to.
The address to mail items to is:
Nihon Kinkyu Enjotai
c/o Sendai City Hall
3-7-1 Kokubun-cho
Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken 980-8671
Tel. 0570-000-911 or 090-3080-6711 or 090-7170-4769
e-mail: team@jhelp.com (responses may be delayed)
See their Web site for information on cash donations which are also greatly needed: http://www.jhelp.com
You can also find more information about the Reverend Ken Joseph and his 60 years of work in Japan at http://www.kennyjoseph.com.
If the volume of items collected on Saturday is large enough and if there were any volunteers who wanted to go I might consider driving our van to Sendai on after the event on Saturday night. In any case we will make sure all the collected items are delivered along with our own cash donation of one half the admission from each guest from jobsinjapan.com.
Regards,
John
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Earthquake - I thought I was going to die!
Earthquake - I thought I was going to die!
Yokohama, Kanagawa, March 11th, 2011
I thought i was going to die. The building I was in was shaking much too much and I was on the third floor. I had met friends for lunch in Yokahama, and then went shopping afterwards. Usually the quakes here last a few seconds, usually 30 seconds is the longest. One minute is really long.
Read More:
Yokohama, Kanagawa, March 11th, 2011
I thought i was going to die. The building I was in was shaking much too much and I was on the third floor. I had met friends for lunch in Yokahama, and then went shopping afterwards. Usually the quakes here last a few seconds, usually 30 seconds is the longest. One minute is really long.
Read More:
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Why Not To Freak Out About Radiation From Japan
Why Not To Freak Out About Radiation From Japan
March 17, 2011
While heroic workers battle the threat of nuclear meltdown in Japan, a different kind of fallout seems to threaten the peace of those of us in the US. As fears that radioactive particles will float across the ocean and strike the United States escalate, we seem to be paying less attention to the tragic loss of life and peace in Japan and more on how this might hurt us right here at home.Some of my friends are fleeing the west coast in search of safe haven further east. Others are dosing up on potassium iodide in an attempt to protect themselves (as evidenced by those who are stockpiling potassium iodide in spite of the advice of health officials who are telling us to chill out). Still more are just plain freaking out. I’ve gotten at least a dozen cautionary emails just today from people who are encouraging me to be afraid. Read More
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The Public Transit System in Japan
After we talked about the awards that had been bestowed on our public transit system, I read an email from Alain Soucy who shared some fascinating info on Japanese mass transit.
"The Japanese built their first bullet train in 1960. In 2010, the Tokyo train system accumulated 17 seconds delay. Not bad when you consider the size of the population.
The bus drivers in Japan do not have pony tails; they do not stop at Mc Donald's for a coffee. No sir, they wear a uniform with white gloves and a hat.
The bus transmission is manual, the drivers are never on strike.They have a small microphone close to the mouth which they use to welcome every passenger. All buses have air conditioning. Every stop is announced via digital display screen and you can actually get change on the bus.
The subway stations have washrooms and elevators. Retired people provide information to travellers; you can spot them by the armband they wear.
It is a life experience to use the transit system in Japan."
--From CJAD Talk Radio Montreal
News from The Pink Cow
Howdy Cowfolks, > This has been an extremely difficult time for all of us in Japan and > our families. Especially the people in the North hit by the tsunami. > The Pink Cow is opened and continuing to try to bring some normalcy > back. We also want to give people a way to help where they can. We have > a quake relief fund donation box set up so we are asking everyone who > comes in for one of our, usually free, events to please find it and put > in what you can. > > Also, a lot of people are very scared and there is misinformation being > continually being repeated the media, adding lots of extra stress to an > already horrendous situation. This is a very informative article about > the physics and design of the Fukushima nuclear plant. Please read if > you are feeling scared, it may help. > > http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-reactors-pose-no-risk-2011-3#ixzz1GYAeAp1Q > > And here is a ustreamed Geiger counter so you can see the levels near > Tokyo. 10-20cmps is normal. The sooner we can get things moving again, > the sooner we can help the people who are really suffering. > > http://www.ustream.tv/channel/geiger-counter-tokyo > > Mooooo..... > The Herd > > Wed., March 16th – Vegan Night > Vegan Club: > Calling all vegetarian friends (or non-vegetarians who like good food > and meeting new people)! The Tokyo Vegan Meetup group is holding their > monthly dinner once a month. To reserve, please go to: > http://vegan.meetup.com/389/ . Join us > for a delicious and healthy meal and meet a diverse and lively group of > food and animal lovers! If you are curious, vegan = no meat, no fish, > no egg, no dairy. Bring your friends!! > > Dinner at 7:30PM - all you can eat buffet menu ¥2,800 (drinks separate) > For maps and more info please check www.thepinkcow.com > > > Thurs. March 17th – "PREMIUM" > Hip Hop, Life & Culture > > Open 17:30 ~ 23:30 Close > (Every 1st & 3rd Thursday) > > Great food > Funky fresh beats > Hip Hop Culture Films > Open b-boy area > Entrance only 500円 > > Twice a month we meet up and have delicious food & drinks, > international hip hop film screenings, with major & independent live > performances, live art showcases, beat maker showcases, networking > discussions, and cross promotions. This is a gathering for local & > international artists, fans, and businesses in hip hop who want to stay > in touch with the streets around the world. > > @PINK COW > Villa Moderuna B1, 1-3-18 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku Tokyo, 150-0002 > 03-3406-5597 > From 7pm, 500yen entry > > Fri. March 18th – Yo-Yo Black followed by Live Open Mic Comedy/Variety > World Champion Yo-Yo Performer! > Yo-Yo Bar: > Why don't you play Yo-Yo? > This event is for people who wanna hang out and try a different type of > Entertainment, a little like a Darts Bar but with yo-yos. > Yes, this is Yo-Yo Bar. > > World Yo-Yo Champion Black will tech you how to play Yo-Yo. > (Yo-Yo Black is great! So fun to watch!) > > Wow, it's a free lesson! > Of course tip from your heart are always welcome ;) > From 7pm – No Charge! > > Sat. Feb. 19th – Body Works Fashion Special > A night of Art, the Body & Sensuality > All things that touch on how Art intermingles with the Body as a > uniquely human experience. Sensuality explored through sounds, sights, > smells & tastes. All types of artists will be exploring their own > interpretations of body/art/sensuality and sharing their ideas, works > and performances. Everyone welcome to participate, all different > expressions welcome so mail us to join! > > Special Featured Guests: > We will be introducing new Tokyo fashion brand: > New東International京Women > Rolling out the first designs with a fashion show and artist Jesse > Franklin launching the line by painting the inaugural dress! > Our New International Women fashion brand is designed to push the limit > of choice & style. Designed for women by women. NIW incorporates art > and style with the freedom of personalized choice for your own body > shape and size so you can feel your most confident & comfortable for > any occasion. Women are not cookie cutter one size fits all, we make > clothes that respect that. > niw@thepinkcow.com > NIW fashion show > Jesse Franklin – Live Painting > Roy "Fudworks" Daley 3D Art demo > Geoff Hash – Live Music (after 8pm) > N@n@ & Alice – Burlesque Dance & keyboards > And much more! > > if you want to perform or join the mix with your talents email us at > art@thepinkcow.com > from 7pm – No entry charge > > Sun., March. 20th - Japanese Lounge Night! > This is a night to celebrate Japanese traditional music (usually Koto, > Shamisen & Shakuhachi plus more) and experiment mixing it with modern > western music. Everyone and all instruments and guests welcome to join > or just watch! Come join us to enjoy and learn and experience more > about Japanese instruments in a fun, relaxed way. We are happy to have > music fans, anyone interested in Japanese/English language and Japanese > culture, those who love to wear a Kimono but need a place to go in > it...that means you, your friends and family. Meet new people and enjoy > great food and drinks! It's also a open mic event, please bring your > talent if to perform with our instruments! > > If you're interested in performing, please let us know! > JLN page on Kumiya's: http://shamisen-sensei.com/jln.aspx > > > You must log in but we also have a group page on mixi. > http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=4425492 > > Would you like to sneak peek at the event on online video? > http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1841806 > > > Hosted by: Kumiya- Shamisen (Hosozao. Hauta, Kouta & Ming-yo) Sensei of > Shamisen lesson for beginners and tourists in both Japanese and > English. http://shamisen-sensei.com > > > Plus lots of special guests and performers joining the fun with > workshops & jam session! > > From 7pm - NO CHARGE! Come early for dinner and the best seats! > > ***If you do not want to receive our cowmailers please just reply with an > unsubscribe in the subject area, although we milk it for all it's worth we > don't want to bug anyone! > > 3月16日（水） > Vegan ナイト > Vegan Club: > ベジタリアンの友達をみんな呼ぼう！（ベジタリアンじゃなくても、おいしいもの好きで友達の輪を広げたい人も！）Tokyo Vegan Meetup > Groupは毎月第一木曜日に食事会を開いています。ご予約は以下にてどうぞ。＜http://vegan.meetup.com/389/＞ > 美食と動物をこよなく愛す仲間と一緒においしくヘルシーなディナーはいかが？ちなみに『vegan』とは肉、魚、卵、乳製品の一切を食べないベジタリアンのことです。 > -------------------------------------- > 19:30 ～ > 食べ放題ビュッフェディナー料金：￥2,800（ドリンク別） > > 3月17日（木） > "PREMIUM" > ヒップホップ、ライフ＆カルチャー > 第一と第三木曜日。月に２回、美味しい料理とドリンクと共に、メジャー／インディペンデント・アーティスト、ビートメイカーによるライブ・パフォーマンス、クリエイターによるアート・パフォーマンスに加え、国際的ヒップホップ映画の上映、ネットワーキング会議、クロス・プロモーションなどを企画しています。これは、ローカル／インターナショナルなアーティスト、ファン、ビジネス関係者など、ヒップホップにおいて、世界のストリートと繋がりたいと考えている人々のためのパーティです。 > 参加を希望されるダンサー、Dj、Mc、作品を披露されたい映像や写真関係のアーティストの方是非ご連絡をお待ちしております！毎月2回のイヴェント"PREMIUM"。3月より開始致します！ > -------------------------------------- > 19:00 ～ > 料金：￥500 > > 3月18日（金） > Yo-yo Black & ライブ > ヨーヨーバー： > ヨーヨーしない？ > このイベントはちょっと新しい事を楽しんでみたい人のためのエンターテインメント。ダーツバーのヨーヨー版みたいな。そう、ヨーヨーバー。 > ヨーヨー世界チャンプのBlackが特別にテクを伝授。見るだけでも楽しいよ！ > フリーレッスンだって！ もちろん心からのチップはウェルカム ；） > -------------------------------------- > 19:00 ～ > フリーエントランス > > 3月19日（土） > Body Works Fashion スペシャル! > アートと体がコンセプトの夜 > http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144969155524386 > アートと身体の融合が生み出すありとあらゆるユニークな体験。 > 聴覚、視覚、臭覚、そして味覚を通して探る官能。あらゆるタイプのアーティストが自分なりの解釈で「体・アート・肉体感覚」を表現。誰でも参加できます。メールでお問い合わせ下さい。 > スペシャルフィーチャーゲスト： > 新しい東京ファッションブランドを紹介 『New東International京Women』 > デビュー作品をアーティスト「Jesse Franklin」を迎えてドレスにペインティングを施すファッションショーで公開！ > 選択とスタイルの限界を少し押し広げるデザインを提案する ファッションブランド New International > Women。アートとスタイルを融合させた NIW > のコンセプトは、あらゆる場面において自分に一番自信が持てて気持ちの良いサイズと形の服を自由に選択できること。誰でも着られるワンサイズの服なんて女性は望んでいない。NIWの服はそんな希望を現実のものにします。niw@thepinkcow.com > ライブ音楽 > ライブペイント > ボディーペイント > フォトショー > などなど！ > パフォーマンスや特技を披露したい方はこちらまでメールを：art@thepinkcow.com > -------------------------------------- > 19:00 ～ > フリーエントランス > > 3月20日（日） > ジャパニーズ ラウンジ ナイト！ > 堅苦しいと思われる和楽器の音楽と楽しさをかなりリラックスした環境で紹介する月イチ、エントランスフリーのイベント。 > 自分が今どこの国にいるか分からなくなるようなおもしろい場所で、ステージを見ると着物を着て、和楽器を奏でる人達が…しかも話しているのは英語。 > 日本文化に興味のある外国出身の方や実際に和楽器を習っている各国の生徒さん、もちろん音楽好き、英語で話したい、機会がないだけで着物でのお出かけ先を探している人、おいしいお酒や多国籍なフードを楽しみたいゲストやパフォーマーの集まっているイベントです。 > 飛び入り参加も大歓迎♪日本の伝統楽器と一緒に弾きたい方は是非楽器を持ってきてくださいね！ > > 渋谷ピンクカウthe Pink Cowhttp://www.thepinkcow.com/ > (携帯からも見れる地図 http://gmap.jp/shop-912.html?&uid=197621 > ) > > 出演者の久美弥のサイト内のイベントページ: http://shamisen-sensei.com/jln.aspx > 日経ＢＰネット内のイベントへのインタビュー記事 > http://www.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/column/20090630/163977/?P=4 > ミクシイにコミュニティーもあります > http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=4425492 > 先にイベントの様子を見てみたい方はこのオンラインビデオで！http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1841806 > ホスト： > 久美弥（細棹三味線）http ://shamisen-sensei.com > > 端唄、小唄、民謡。英語と日本語での初心者やツーリスト向けの三味線の先生 > -------------------------------------- > 19:00 ～ > フリーエントランス > > > ***カウメールの配信停止をご希望の方はメールの「件名」欄にunsubscribe』と書き > 込んだメールを送信してください。***
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Japan Nuclear Update - British Embassy
Japan Nuclear Update - British Embassy
I have just returned from a conference call held at the British Embassy in Tokyo. The call was concerning the nuclear issue in Japan. The chief spokesman was Sir. John Beddington, Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government, and he was joined by a number of qualified nuclear experts based in the UK. Their assessment of the current situation in Japan is as follows: * In case of a 'reasonable worst case scenario' (defined as total meltdown of one reactor with subsequent radioactive explosion) an exclusion zone of 30 miles (50km) would be the maximum required to avoid affecting peoples' health. Even in a worse situation (loss of two or more reactors) it is unlikely that the damage would be significantly more than that caused by the loss of a single reactor. * The current 20km exclusion zone is appropriate for the levels of radiation/risk currently experienced, and if the pouring of sea water can be maintained to cool the reactors, the likelihood of a major incident should be avoided. A further large quake with tsunami could lead to the suspension of the current cooling operations, leading to the above scenario. * The bottom line is that these experts do not see there being a possibility of a health problem for residents in Tokyo. The radiation levels would need to be hundreds of times higher than current to cause the possibility for health issues, and that, in their opinion, is not going to happen (they were talking minimum levels affecting pregnant women and children - for normal adults the levels would need to be much higher still). * The experts do not consider the wind direction to be material. They say Tokyo is too far away to be materially affected. * If the pouring of water can be maintained the situation should be much improved after ten days, as the reactors' cores cool down. * Information being provided by Japanese authorities is being independently monitored by a number of organizations and is deemed to be accurate, as far as measures of radioactivity levels are concerned. * This is a very different situation from Chernobyl, where the reactor went into meltdown and the encasement, which exploded, was left to burn for weeks without any control. Even with Chernobyl, an exclusion zone of 30 miles would have been adequate to protect human health. The problem was that most people became sick from eating contaminated food, crops, milk and water in the region for years afterward, as no attempt was made to measure radioactivity levels in the food supply at that time or warn people of the dangers. The secrecy over the Chernobyl explosion is in contrast to the very public coverage of the Fukushima crisis. * The Head of the British School asked if the school should remain closed. The answer was there is no need to close the school due to fears of radiation. There may well be other reasons - structural damage or possible new quakes - but the radiation fear is not supported by scientific measures, even for children. * Regarding Iodine supplementation, the experts said this was only necessary for those who had inhaled quantities of radiation (those in the exclusion zone or workers on the site) or through consumption of contaminated food/water supplies. Long term consumption of iodine is, in any case, not healthy. The discussion was surprisingly frank and to the point. The conclusion of the experts is that the damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami, as well as the subsequent aftershocks, was much more of an issue than the fear of radiation sickness from the nuclear plants. Let's hope the experts are right!See More
By: Paul Atkinson http://www.facebook.com/notes/paul-atkinson/japan-nuclear-update-british-embassy/10150111611771235
I have just returned from a conference call held at the British Embassy in Tokyo. The call was concerning the nuclear issue in Japan. The chief spokesman was Sir. John Beddington, Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government, and he was joined by a number of qualified nuclear experts based in the UK. Their assessment of the current situation in Japan is as follows: * In case of a 'reasonable worst case scenario' (defined as total meltdown of one reactor with subsequent radioactive explosion) an exclusion zone of 30 miles (50km) would be the maximum required to avoid affecting peoples' health. Even in a worse situation (loss of two or more reactors) it is unlikely that the damage would be significantly more than that caused by the loss of a single reactor. * The current 20km exclusion zone is appropriate for the levels of radiation/risk currently experienced, and if the pouring of sea water can be maintained to cool the reactors, the likelihood of a major incident should be avoided. A further large quake with tsunami could lead to the suspension of the current cooling operations, leading to the above scenario. * The bottom line is that these experts do not see there being a possibility of a health problem for residents in Tokyo. The radiation levels would need to be hundreds of times higher than current to cause the possibility for health issues, and that, in their opinion, is not going to happen (they were talking minimum levels affecting pregnant women and children - for normal adults the levels would need to be much higher still). * The experts do not consider the wind direction to be material. They say Tokyo is too far away to be materially affected. * If the pouring of water can be maintained the situation should be much improved after ten days, as the reactors' cores cool down. * Information being provided by Japanese authorities is being independently monitored by a number of organizations and is deemed to be accurate, as far as measures of radioactivity levels are concerned. * This is a very different situation from Chernobyl, where the reactor went into meltdown and the encasement, which exploded, was left to burn for weeks without any control. Even with Chernobyl, an exclusion zone of 30 miles would have been adequate to protect human health. The problem was that most people became sick from eating contaminated food, crops, milk and water in the region for years afterward, as no attempt was made to measure radioactivity levels in the food supply at that time or warn people of the dangers. The secrecy over the Chernobyl explosion is in contrast to the very public coverage of the Fukushima crisis. * The Head of the British School asked if the school should remain closed. The answer was there is no need to close the school due to fears of radiation. There may well be other reasons - structural damage or possible new quakes - but the radiation fear is not supported by scientific measures, even for children. * Regarding Iodine supplementation, the experts said this was only necessary for those who had inhaled quantities of radiation (those in the exclusion zone or workers on the site) or through consumption of contaminated food/water supplies. Long term consumption of iodine is, in any case, not healthy. The discussion was surprisingly frank and to the point. The conclusion of the experts is that the damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami, as well as the subsequent aftershocks, was much more of an issue than the fear of radiation sickness from the nuclear plants. Let's hope the experts are right!See More
By: Paul Atkinson http://www.facebook.com/notes/paul-atkinson/japan-nuclear-update-british-embassy/10150111611771235
Monday, March 14, 2011
Rolling Power Blackouts
Monday, March 15, 2011
Group 1: 15:20～19:00
Group 2: 18:20～22:00
Group 3: 6:20～10:00
Group 4: 9:20～13:00
Group 5: 12:20～16:00
About 3 hours of blackout may occur
Monday, March 14, 2011
Group 1: (6:20-10:00, 16:50-20:30)
Group 2: (9:20-13:00, 18:20-22:00)
Group 3: (12:20-16:00)
Group 4: (13:50-19:00)
Group 5: (15:20-19:00)
About 3 hours of blackout may occur
*If your address belongs to multiple groups, please wait for the official announcement from TEPCO.
*We try to update with the latest annoucement, but please refer to the TEPCO web-site for the accurate and latest information.
*This search system is experimentally developped by an individual volunteer. Please refer to the TEPCO web-site for the accurate and latest information.
*If TEPCO announces an official search system, please use it instead.
Group 1: 15:20～19:00
Group 2: 18:20～22:00
Group 3: 6:20～10:00
Group 4: 9:20～13:00
Group 5: 12:20～16:00
About 3 hours of blackout may occur
Monday, March 14, 2011
Group 1: (6:20-10:00, 16:50-20:30)
Group 2: (9:20-13:00, 18:20-22:00)
Group 3: (12:20-16:00)
Group 4: (13:50-19:00)
Group 5: (15:20-19:00)
About 3 hours of blackout may occur
*If your address belongs to multiple groups, please wait for the official announcement from TEPCO.
*We try to update with the latest annoucement, but please refer to the TEPCO web-site for the accurate and latest information.
*This search system is experimentally developped by an individual volunteer. Please refer to the TEPCO web-site for the accurate and latest information.
*If TEPCO announces an official search system, please use it instead.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Nuclear Meltdown Threat in Japan
"Now, where does that leave us? My assessment:
This post is by Dr Josef Oehmen, a research scientist at MIT, in BostonRead More
- The plant is safe now and will stay safe.
- Japan is looking at an INES Level 4 Accident: Nuclear accident with local consequences. That is bad for the company that owns the plant, but not for anyone else.
- Some radiation was released when the pressure vessel was vented. All radioactive isotopes from the activated steam have gone (decayed). A very small amount of Cesium was released, as well as Iodine. If you were sitting on top of the plants’ chimney when they were venting, you should probably give up smoking to return to your former life expectancy. The Cesium and Iodine isotopes were carried out to the sea and will never be seen again."
This post is by Dr Josef Oehmen, a research scientist at MIT, in BostonRead More
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Watch the award winning Documentary the Cove, for free Online
Online:
Free viewing of the Japanese-dubbed version of “The Cove”:
http://www.thecovemovie.com/freejapanesedownload
“The Cove”: http://www.thecovemovie.com/
Free viewing of the Japanese-dubbed version of “The Cove”:
http://www.thecovemovie.com/freejapanesedownload
“The Cove”: http://www.thecovemovie.com/
Friday, March 04, 2011
Post Your Resume for Teaching Positions in Japan
You can post your resume for free at the homepage. Many employers
read the resumes at the premier site on teaching in Japan:
http://www.how-to-teach-english-in-japan.com/post-your-resume.html
read the resumes at the premier site on teaching in Japan:
http://www.how-to-teach-english-in-japan.com/post-your-resume.html
Thursday, March 03, 2011
CRA Magazine: Canadians Resident Abroad
Canadians Resident Abroad, Good advice for Canadians in Japan
Please be advised that a neww Issue of CRA Magazine is now available on-line and can be accessed by going to www.cramagazine.com.
CRA Magazine is Canada's first E-Magazine designed specifically for Canadians who are presently living abroad, who have done so in the past or who are contemplating an out-of-country sojourn in the future.
Our magazine is distributed electronically free of charge to subscribers in 142 countries around the world. In addition to sound and timely advice in the investment and tax arenas, CRA E-Magazine covers everything from offshore employment, vacation/travel and international real estate information to country profiles, medical/insurance matters and education options for your children.
We welcome your suggestions for new articles and please feel free to forward this email to other Canadian friends and colleagues.
Click here to access your free subscription
Monday, February 28, 2011
What I Like About Japan
(Pictured: Yuki Uchida, a Japanese actress and singer)
It was a conversation with my good friend Mike that got me writing this article:
"When are you going back to Canada?"--Mike asked suddenly on the way to Starbucks in Tokyo.
"Uh? Probably never. I doubt I could do as well there as I'm doing here now,
and I really don't want to start all over again."
"Okay. Do you like living here?"
"Yes overall, but like many foreigners I have a love-hate relationship with Japan.
Don't you?"
"No I don't."
"Really?"
Read More
Friday, February 25, 2011
Dealing with Depression in Japan
Keeping The “Depression Dragon” At Bay
Over the last several years, there has been much discussion in the media about depression, which has been called “the common cold of mental illness”. If people are struggling with depression in their own country, the problem is worse for those who are living in another country and culture such as here in Japan. I recall the story I heard a few years ago about a Canadian woman who came to Japan to teach in the JET program. After six months living and working in Tokyo, she tragically ended her life by jumping in front of a subway train. One could say that depression is a quiet killer which affects people in many ways. I’m not a psychiatrist or psychologist but I am a person who has experienced what has been called the “darkness of the soul”. I want to share a few ideas which have helped me in my fight with the dragon.
Read More
Over the last several years, there has been much discussion in the media about depression, which has been called “the common cold of mental illness”. If people are struggling with depression in their own country, the problem is worse for those who are living in another country and culture such as here in Japan. I recall the story I heard a few years ago about a Canadian woman who came to Japan to teach in the JET program. After six months living and working in Tokyo, she tragically ended her life by jumping in front of a subway train. One could say that depression is a quiet killer which affects people in many ways. I’m not a psychiatrist or psychologist but I am a person who has experienced what has been called the “darkness of the soul”. I want to share a few ideas which have helped me in my fight with the dragon.
Read More
Friday, February 18, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Travelling from Japan to Australia
Reflections on the Land of Oz
Richard Schwartz
They asked me not to climb their rock. I neglected to do any research before my trip to Australia, so I rather
naively figured that I could just fly into Sudney and take a bus to Uluru (which the more Euro-centric among us
still refer to as "Ayer's Rock.") A simple look at the map would have educated me; the two are as far apart as
Florida and Chicago. In addition, there is no direct overland route through the wasteland known as the Outback;
only a patchwork of highway and dirt. I ended up flying to Alice Springs and chartering a bus, effectively doubling
the cost of my week long getaway.
Once in Alice, my real education began. For me, the real pleasure of a trip is meeting the people of that place, sharing
our differences and revelling in our similarities. Moreover, I have long looked forward to encountering the Aborigines.
One of my objectives was to hear first hand the stories of the mythic "dreamtime," and feel the strength of Uluru
beneath my feet.
I was immediately disappointed on the first count. Alice Springs has a considerable aboriginal population living in
public housing, but I found them quite unapproachable; nothing like the playful cartoons in movies like Crocodile
Dundee. They never smiled, nor never made eye contact. Later, as I found out more about the history of colonization
in Australia, this aloofness all began to make sense.
Australia was apparently founded on a lie known as terra nullius; that is, that the continent Captain Cook had sailed
to was "unoccupied land," and that the British Crown was under no obligation to respect the very visible people who
had by then been living there, by most estimates, for some 60,000 years. What followed was predictable: forced
relocation and acculturation, death from introduced diseases, lives wasted in alcoholism. The parallels to the
original inhabitants of North and South America are quite profound.
I dearly wanted to know more, but couldn't ask. The only aborigine I actually spoke to while I was there was
Willy, the manager of the guesthouse where I stayed in Sydney. He was a hulking, dangerous man who could
play several musical instruments and sing harmony on "American Pie." He appeared old enough to have been one
of the aborigine children plucked from their families and raised by whites. This was Australia's mid-century
experiment in social genocide. I never saw fit to ask Willy if he had been one of the abducted unfortunates.
I wish I could have; he clearly had much history and experience to share, but just as clearly, he didn't want to share
it.
Aborigines are described as an intensely private people, having rituals and ceremonies they keep secret even
from each other. Even men and women are not privy to the others' business, with a special punishment for those
who violate this curtain of secrecy. Anyone expressing a greater-than-ordinary curiosity into the affairs of another
was rewarded with a spear through the thigh. (What a pity we gaijin can't adopt a similar strategy here in Japan.
The next time someone asks me "How old are you?"--would certainly be the last!)
All of my observations so far have been about the aboriginal people, who represent only a fragment of the
continent's present population. Given the current debate over the character of the Australian nation, I must say
that I was treated very well the entire time I was there. I learned that the correct response to "Thank you" is not
"You're welcome," but "No worries."
It is a surpassingly liberal society; posters in the underground station trumpet official causes, from not distracting
seeing-eye dogs to being more tolerant of homosexuals. The warnings on a pack of cigarettes, far from the lukewarm
"...shown to cause cancer in laboratory rats..." are more indicative of a protective, cradle to grave social state.
"Don't even think of smoking these bloody things," a sign scolds, "they're bad for you." In general, I decided the
Australian people are more polite than they needed to be...but I'm not sure it would have been so had I been a
different colour. Like many liberal Americans of the sixties and seventies, I found them racist but indignant at
having it pointed out. While walking on a Sydney beach, I saw a large net protecting the swimming area. Protecting
it from what I asked a group of old men. Jellyfish? Sharks? No, cracked one. It keeps Asians out.
I formulated this truism years ago: Anyone who says "I'm not a racist, but..." invariably follows it up with a
racist statement. Australian anti-foreigner politician Pauline Hanson and those who claim she is not a racist
must take the test by completing the sentence: "I am not a racist, I just don't want to share my continent with
blacks and Asians."
Since I know you're curious, yes the water did swirl down the drain in a counter-clockwise motion, four trials out
of five. Although, I could force it to go the opposite way with my hands. Obviously this is not definitive and calls
for more experimentation, but there were people waiting in line for the shower, and I don't think they would have
approved my research! My final observation about the Australian people is that bad spelling is endemic, even by
US standards. In particular, there seems to be an insistence to use an apostrophe to form the possessive "its"
(as in "a lion and it's cubs" sic), even in professionally printed signs. I also saw many apostrophes in simple
plural nouns, giving us "Our chef's are..." (sic) and "These premise's" (sic). Dan Quayle would feel right at
home. {So would George Bush!--Editor}
On the road leading up to Uluru stands a visitors' centre, offering teasing bits of information on the lifestyle and
legends of the aborigines, but leaving more untold than told. We learn that the rock is for them a monument--
every crack and gully a record of spear wounds and fallen shields, commemorating epic battles between mythic
super heroes of "dreamtime." Even here their private nature is manifested--random photographs are papered
over with the explanation that the individuals photographed are recently deceased, and the community doesn't
wish their likenesses shown. The aborigines are conspicuous for their absence; their communities are off-limits
to visitors, and in the event that we do see any, we are respectfully asked not to photograph them.
The bombshell came near the end of the exhibit, in a subtle and tastefully-worded sign; that they, themselves
consider Uluru a sacred place, which they don't climb; that as long as I'm here I might as well take photos and
walk around the perimeter; but that they would very much appreciate it if I decided not to climb it.
I came halfway around the world. I spent a lifetime preparing for this moment. In the end, I decided not to
climb it, and I just walked around the outside instead. They asked me not to climb their rock, and once I got
there, I knew exactly how they felt. If it had been my rock, I wouldn't want anyone climbing on it either.
(c) Kublai Khan Unlimited
Richard Schwartz
Read Letters to the Editor & Comments from our
Readers
Richard Schwartz
They asked me not to climb their rock. I neglected to do any research before my trip to Australia, so I rather
naively figured that I could just fly into Sudney and take a bus to Uluru (which the more Euro-centric among us
still refer to as "Ayer's Rock.") A simple look at the map would have educated me; the two are as far apart as
Florida and Chicago. In addition, there is no direct overland route through the wasteland known as the Outback;
only a patchwork of highway and dirt. I ended up flying to Alice Springs and chartering a bus, effectively doubling
the cost of my week long getaway.
Once in Alice, my real education began. For me, the real pleasure of a trip is meeting the people of that place, sharing
our differences and revelling in our similarities. Moreover, I have long looked forward to encountering the Aborigines.
One of my objectives was to hear first hand the stories of the mythic "dreamtime," and feel the strength of Uluru
beneath my feet.
I was immediately disappointed on the first count. Alice Springs has a considerable aboriginal population living in
public housing, but I found them quite unapproachable; nothing like the playful cartoons in movies like Crocodile
Dundee. They never smiled, nor never made eye contact. Later, as I found out more about the history of colonization
in Australia, this aloofness all began to make sense.
Australia was apparently founded on a lie known as terra nullius; that is, that the continent Captain Cook had sailed
to was "unoccupied land," and that the British Crown was under no obligation to respect the very visible people who
had by then been living there, by most estimates, for some 60,000 years. What followed was predictable: forced
relocation and acculturation, death from introduced diseases, lives wasted in alcoholism. The parallels to the
original inhabitants of North and South America are quite profound.
I dearly wanted to know more, but couldn't ask. The only aborigine I actually spoke to while I was there was
Willy, the manager of the guesthouse where I stayed in Sydney. He was a hulking, dangerous man who could
play several musical instruments and sing harmony on "American Pie." He appeared old enough to have been one
of the aborigine children plucked from their families and raised by whites. This was Australia's mid-century
experiment in social genocide. I never saw fit to ask Willy if he had been one of the abducted unfortunates.
I wish I could have; he clearly had much history and experience to share, but just as clearly, he didn't want to share
it.
Aborigines are described as an intensely private people, having rituals and ceremonies they keep secret even
from each other. Even men and women are not privy to the others' business, with a special punishment for those
who violate this curtain of secrecy. Anyone expressing a greater-than-ordinary curiosity into the affairs of another
was rewarded with a spear through the thigh. (What a pity we gaijin can't adopt a similar strategy here in Japan.
The next time someone asks me "How old are you?"--would certainly be the last!)
All of my observations so far have been about the aboriginal people, who represent only a fragment of the
continent's present population. Given the current debate over the character of the Australian nation, I must say
that I was treated very well the entire time I was there. I learned that the correct response to "Thank you" is not
"You're welcome," but "No worries."
It is a surpassingly liberal society; posters in the underground station trumpet official causes, from not distracting
seeing-eye dogs to being more tolerant of homosexuals. The warnings on a pack of cigarettes, far from the lukewarm
"...shown to cause cancer in laboratory rats..." are more indicative of a protective, cradle to grave social state.
"Don't even think of smoking these bloody things," a sign scolds, "they're bad for you." In general, I decided the
Australian people are more polite than they needed to be...but I'm not sure it would have been so had I been a
different colour. Like many liberal Americans of the sixties and seventies, I found them racist but indignant at
having it pointed out. While walking on a Sydney beach, I saw a large net protecting the swimming area. Protecting
it from what I asked a group of old men. Jellyfish? Sharks? No, cracked one. It keeps Asians out.
I formulated this truism years ago: Anyone who says "I'm not a racist, but..." invariably follows it up with a
racist statement. Australian anti-foreigner politician Pauline Hanson and those who claim she is not a racist
must take the test by completing the sentence: "I am not a racist, I just don't want to share my continent with
blacks and Asians."
Since I know you're curious, yes the water did swirl down the drain in a counter-clockwise motion, four trials out
of five. Although, I could force it to go the opposite way with my hands. Obviously this is not definitive and calls
for more experimentation, but there were people waiting in line for the shower, and I don't think they would have
approved my research! My final observation about the Australian people is that bad spelling is endemic, even by
US standards. In particular, there seems to be an insistence to use an apostrophe to form the possessive "its"
(as in "a lion and it's cubs" sic), even in professionally printed signs. I also saw many apostrophes in simple
plural nouns, giving us "Our chef's are..." (sic) and "These premise's" (sic). Dan Quayle would feel right at
home. {So would George Bush!--Editor}
On the road leading up to Uluru stands a visitors' centre, offering teasing bits of information on the lifestyle and
legends of the aborigines, but leaving more untold than told. We learn that the rock is for them a monument--
every crack and gully a record of spear wounds and fallen shields, commemorating epic battles between mythic
super heroes of "dreamtime." Even here their private nature is manifested--random photographs are papered
over with the explanation that the individuals photographed are recently deceased, and the community doesn't
wish their likenesses shown. The aborigines are conspicuous for their absence; their communities are off-limits
to visitors, and in the event that we do see any, we are respectfully asked not to photograph them.
The bombshell came near the end of the exhibit, in a subtle and tastefully-worded sign; that they, themselves
consider Uluru a sacred place, which they don't climb; that as long as I'm here I might as well take photos and
walk around the perimeter; but that they would very much appreciate it if I decided not to climb it.
I came halfway around the world. I spent a lifetime preparing for this moment. In the end, I decided not to
climb it, and I just walked around the outside instead. They asked me not to climb their rock, and once I got
there, I knew exactly how they felt. If it had been my rock, I wouldn't want anyone climbing on it either.
(c) Kublai Khan Unlimited
Richard Schwartz
Read Letters to the Editor & Comments from our
Readers
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Achieving Financial Freedom in Japan
Achieving Financial Freedom in Japan by unconventional means.
If I tell you how I am going to achieve financial freedom, you will probably laugh. Many have laughed at me before. Like the time I said I would do stand up comedy. I did and not only
did I peform, I performed on Canada`s national radio station - the CBC. I went on to perform
in Tokyo at the Tokyo Comedy Store, starting the predecessor of that club.
People laughed when I said I would start an English school in Japan. My wife and I own two.
I tend to follow through on what I really want. I bet you do too!
So when I asked so-called experts if it was possible to make money on the internet, they said
No!
And when I said I wanted to do it from writing, they practically laughed.
Yet a Canadian teenager has done exactly that, by writing about an obscure island in the
Caribbean. I intend to do it by writing about Lego and other topics.
At this moment Google owes me over 50,000 Yen, and that grows every month. I know that isn`t exactly money to retire on. But the potential is amazing, and I have just started.
If you want BS, or you want GRQ- Get Rich Quick. Look elsewhere. I am talking about building a real business that I can give to my children, and give to my grandchildren.
Few people are willing to think outside of the box, and there are plenty of people to tell you
it cannot be done. But a Canadian teenager has proven that it can.
I think I know more than a teenager in Canada. I hope I do! I know that you do!
What does she know that we don`t?
If I tell you how I am going to achieve financial freedom, you will probably laugh. Many have laughed at me before. Like the time I said I would do stand up comedy. I did and not only
did I peform, I performed on Canada`s national radio station - the CBC. I went on to perform
in Tokyo at the Tokyo Comedy Store, starting the predecessor of that club.
People laughed when I said I would start an English school in Japan. My wife and I own two.
I tend to follow through on what I really want. I bet you do too!
So when I asked so-called experts if it was possible to make money on the internet, they said
No!
And when I said I wanted to do it from writing, they practically laughed.
Yet a Canadian teenager has done exactly that, by writing about an obscure island in the
Caribbean. I intend to do it by writing about Lego and other topics.
If you want BS, or you want GRQ- Get Rich Quick. Look elsewhere. I am talking about building a real business that I can give to my children, and give to my grandchildren.
Few people are willing to think outside of the box, and there are plenty of people to tell you
it cannot be done. But a Canadian teenager has proven that it can.
I think I know more than a teenager in Canada. I hope I do! I know that you do!
What does she know that we don`t?
FOX NEWS INSIDER: “Stuff Is Just Made Up”
FOX NEWS INSIDER: “Stuff Is Just Made Up”
February 10, 2011 7:20 am ET by Eric Boehlert
Asked what most viewers and observers of Fox News would be surprised to learn about the controversial cable channel, a former insider from the world of Rupert Murdoch was quick with a response: “I don’t think people would believe it’s as concocted as it is; that stuff is just made up.”Indeed, a former Fox News employee who recently agreed to talk with Media Matters confirmed what critics have been saying for years about Murdoch’s cable channel. Namely, that Fox News is run as a purely partisan operation, virtually every news story is actively spun by the staff, its primary goal is to prop up Republicans and knock down Democrats, and that staffers at Fox News routinely operate without the slightest regard for fairness or fact checking.
“It is their M.O. to undermine the administration and to undermine Democrats,” says the source. “They’re a propaganda outfit but they call themselves news.”
Read More
Friday, February 11, 2011
About Me and How to Teach English in Japan
About Me and How to Teach English in Japan
"Facebook... YouTube... Twitter... FlickrWhat do the above businesses have in common?
OK, you wish you owned them!! So do we. What else?
If you answered, "Their visitors built their businesses by creating and uploading content for them," you are 100% correct.
Visitors upload...
* "themselves" to Facebook
* videos to YouTube
* short messages to Twitter
* photos to Flickr.
Why do they do it? Because they want to.
How do we know that? They do it for free!
It doesn't stop there. It's just the beginning. People develop followings, build relationships, communicate. Strangers become friends, pass the word virally, and round and round it goes, growing like crazy."
Read More
On Owning a dog in Japan
On Owning a dog in Japan
A Tail (groan…) About a Dog
by Thomas C. Anderson
We’ve been the happy owners of a black Labrador Retriever for the past decade. Audrey’s my childhood dream come true as I wasn’t able to have a dog as a child because of my father’s allergies. In being Audrey’s master (or vice versa), I have come to believe that there’s a strong and almost spiritual connection between people and dogs. Read More
A Tail (groan…) About a Dog
by Thomas C. Anderson
We’ve been the happy owners of a black Labrador Retriever for the past decade. Audrey’s my childhood dream come true as I wasn’t able to have a dog as a child because of my father’s allergies. In being Audrey’s master (or vice versa), I have come to believe that there’s a strong and almost spiritual connection between people and dogs. Read More
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Goose Boats, Atsuko Masano, and Little Green Men in Hakone?
Goose Boats, Atsuko Masano, and Little Green Men in Hakone?
Just another day in paradise?
Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
When you see something very strange, you have to honestly ask yourself, am I getting enough sleep?
Has there been too much stress at work lately? Is this about me? Or am I really seeing this strange thing in front of me? Fortunately when I saw my first UFO in Hakone, my friend Atsuko Masano saw it too. So either we were both suffering from too much stress or it was real. I think the latter is true.
Read More
Just another day in paradise?
Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
When you see something very strange, you have to honestly ask yourself, am I getting enough sleep?
Has there been too much stress at work lately? Is this about me? Or am I really seeing this strange thing in front of me? Fortunately when I saw my first UFO in Hakone, my friend Atsuko Masano saw it too. So either we were both suffering from too much stress or it was real. I think the latter is true.
Read More
The Immense Cost of Japanese Dams and Dam-Related Landslides and Earthquakes
The Immense Cost of Japanese Dams and Dam-Related Landslides and Earthquakes
by Atsuko Masano
Translated by Aaron Skabelund
It had been three months since the Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake struck northern Honshu on 14 June 2008, triggering a huge landslide above Aratozawa Dam. The area hit by a landslide has been further carved by snow and rain, and trees and other vegetation are in disarray. The site looks like the day after a wretched barber had just given it a bad haircut. For the earth, this must be an embarrassing appearance.
According to the National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management - the epicenter of the 7.2 magnitude quake was near Mt. Kurikoma on the border between three prefectures--Miyagi , Iwate, and Akita -- and in the close vicinity of 15 dams (one which is still under construction) including Aratozawa to the southeast.
Read More
by Atsuko Masano
Translated by Aaron Skabelund
It had been three months since the Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake struck northern Honshu on 14 June 2008, triggering a huge landslide above Aratozawa Dam. The area hit by a landslide has been further carved by snow and rain, and trees and other vegetation are in disarray. The site looks like the day after a wretched barber had just given it a bad haircut. For the earth, this must be an embarrassing appearance.
According to the National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management - the epicenter of the 7.2 magnitude quake was near Mt. Kurikoma on the border between three prefectures--Miyagi , Iwate, and Akita -- and in the close vicinity of 15 dams (one which is still under construction) including Aratozawa to the southeast.
Read More
Never Trust a White Russian
Never Trust a White Russian
Odawara, Kanagawa 小田原
by Kevin Burns
I never intended to set the white russian drinking record at John Festa's, the Canadian style Odawara eatery/bar, yet that is what I accomplished. It was Mike's idea to go there but wenever even ate a meal, the appetizers and alcohol filled us up nicely. I definitely don't recommend mixing draft beer and white russians. I do recommend sitting close to the men's room.
It is amazing how much a train can spin when you close your eyes after drinking ten white russians.It seems to spin at all angles at once. The only way to stop it is to open your eyes and let everyone know with your glazed look, that "Hey, look over there, that gaijin is wasted."
Read More
Odawara, Kanagawa 小田原
by Kevin Burns
I never intended to set the white russian drinking record at John Festa's, the Canadian style Odawara eatery/bar, yet that is what I accomplished. It was Mike's idea to go there but wenever even ate a meal, the appetizers and alcohol filled us up nicely. I definitely don't recommend mixing draft beer and white russians. I do recommend sitting close to the men's room.
It is amazing how much a train can spin when you close your eyes after drinking ten white russians.It seems to spin at all angles at once. The only way to stop it is to open your eyes and let everyone know with your glazed look, that "Hey, look over there, that gaijin is wasted."
Read More
Monday, February 07, 2011
Studying English in Japan - 日本で英語を勉強する １
Studying English in Japan - 日本で英語を勉強する １ ツダユキオ氏の考えと日本で英語を学ぶこと
by Brad Robinson
ツダユキオ氏は筑波大学の教授です。彼はサザンイリノイ大学のスピーチコミュニケーションにおいて博士号を得ました。ESLディスカッションで、ツダ氏はこう主張しました。
Studying English in Japan - 日本で英語を勉強する １
” 英語には情け容赦ない力を現すダークサイドがある”ツダ氏は英語の能力を持つことが日本人にとって重要だと感じていないのです。（彼自身、英語を勉強することでたくさんのトラブルが続いたのです）私は英語教師ですが、エスペラントが人々のギャップの橋渡しをするために作った国際的な言葉がもっとも公平なのだといつも感じていました。幅広く使用されたり受け入れられることなく、勉強もしなかったのです。
Read More
by Brad Robinson
ツダユキオ氏は筑波大学の教授です。彼はサザンイリノイ大学のスピーチコミュニケーションにおいて博士号を得ました。ESLディスカッションで、ツダ氏はこう主張しました。
Studying English in Japan - 日本で英語を勉強する １
” 英語には情け容赦ない力を現すダークサイドがある”ツダ氏は英語の能力を持つことが日本人にとって重要だと感じていないのです。（彼自身、英語を勉強することでたくさんのトラブルが続いたのです）私は英語教師ですが、エスペラントが人々のギャップの橋渡しをするために作った国際的な言葉がもっとも公平なのだといつも感じていました。幅広く使用されたり受け入れられることなく、勉強もしなかったのです。
Read More
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Amnesty International supports international petition for justice for “comfort women”
Amnesty International supports international petition for justice for “comfort women”
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
Amnesty International takes the opportunity of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to join with activists in Japan to call on the government of Japan to provide justice for the survivors of Japan’s World War II military sexual slavery system.
Today, a petition of around 620,000 signatures signed by people from Korea, Japan, the Philippines and other countries has been presented to the Prime Minister’s Office. The petition calls on the government of Japan to draft and pass a bill without delay, seeking a comprehensive resolution to the "comfort women" issue. Amnesty International adds its voice to this call.
In May, Navanethem Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visited Japan and met former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. She encouraged the government of Japan to pursue its commitment to human rights reforms, including the establishment of an independent national human rights institution and the ratification of additional complaints procedures under international treaties. She also raised specifically the need for a solution for the surviving women in a way that meets their expectations. Read More
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
Amnesty International takes the opportunity of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to join with activists in Japan to call on the government of Japan to provide justice for the survivors of Japan’s World War II military sexual slavery system.
Today, a petition of around 620,000 signatures signed by people from Korea, Japan, the Philippines and other countries has been presented to the Prime Minister’s Office. The petition calls on the government of Japan to draft and pass a bill without delay, seeking a comprehensive resolution to the "comfort women" issue. Amnesty International adds its voice to this call.
In May, Navanethem Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visited Japan and met former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. She encouraged the government of Japan to pursue its commitment to human rights reforms, including the establishment of an independent national human rights institution and the ratification of additional complaints procedures under international treaties. She also raised specifically the need for a solution for the surviving women in a way that meets their expectations. Read More
Friday, February 04, 2011
日本で標準化された、テストに基礎を置いた教育システム
Japanese Education Problems - 日本で標準化された、テストに基礎を置いた教育システム
by Brad Thomas
日本教育において明確なこと、それは地域の幼稚園や小学校より先を見る必要があることです。英語教育以外のすべてにおいて、日本では子供を教育するためにすばらしい仕事をします。授業は創造性があり、先生は生徒を気遣い、全体から見て生徒も楽しそうに学んでいるのです。
日本で標準化された、テストに基礎を置いた教育システム
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
振り込め詐欺 電話で実行される見事な犯罪
振り込め詐欺 電話で実行される見事な犯罪
”振り込め詐欺はお金を取る目的で、電話で誰かに扮する犯罪です”
ケビンバーンズ
やくざの事情
彼らの最高水準の技術であるレコーディングスタジオで、やくざとして知られる（ジャパニーズマフィア）川口組支部は会合を開き、
振り込め詐欺をどのようにやり遂げるか話し合っていた。トシノは椅子に座ってくつろいでいた。
彼にとっては朝飯前。彼はこのような犯罪を５年間に渡って繰り返してきた。
彼はベテラン。彼の支部でどれだけお金を稼いだか、数え切れないくらいなのだ。
ボスは、彼をとても誇りに感じていた。
Ｒｅａｄ Ｍｏｒｅ
Monday, January 31, 2011
Trololo Singer Brought down Nova?
Scapegoats are prevalent the world over, but Vladimir Sukuruov of Russia complains that
he is being blamed for something he simply didn`t do- causing the downfall of NOVA!
Vladimir took too many nasal medications one day before he taught his children`s classes
at NOVA. Then NOVA went bankrupt. Were the two events connected?
You be the judge!
(Scroll down to bottom of the page)
he is being blamed for something he simply didn`t do- causing the downfall of NOVA!
Vladimir took too many nasal medications one day before he taught his children`s classes
at NOVA. Then NOVA went bankrupt. Were the two events connected?
You be the judge!
(Scroll down to bottom of the page)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Japan Ice Hockey
Japan Ice Hockey: I scold the other media outlets here for the largely non-existent reporting on ice hockey in Japan. Ice hockey is such a great game and Japan has a lot of good players and a great little pro league, The Asian League. The AL has teams in China, South Korea and Japan, and boasts players from all over the world. Moreover, it always has some former NHL and European League players. Read More
Catching up with an old brewing friend in Japan
Beer in Mr Edo's era
Catching up with an old brewing friend in Japan
One of my favorite New York brewers is Ed Tringali, with whom you may not be familiar. I am always reminded of Ed when I see framed prints of Saul Steinberg's famous New Yorker cover showing Manhattan looking across the Hudson at a remote and exotic world. As a young man, Tringali left the home of all civilisation for the West Coast, where he later became a very hoppy brewer at a pub called Big Time, in Seattle. Read More
Catching up with an old brewing friend in Japan
One of my favorite New York brewers is Ed Tringali, with whom you may not be familiar. I am always reminded of Ed when I see framed prints of Saul Steinberg's famous New Yorker cover showing Manhattan looking across the Hudson at a remote and exotic world. As a young man, Tringali left the home of all civilisation for the West Coast, where he later became a very hoppy brewer at a pub called Big Time, in Seattle. Read More
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