Thursday, April 28, 2005
A Nation of monkeys
"The worst rail accident in Japan since a three-train crash killed 161 near Tokyo in 1963." You think this would create a buzz?
Anywhere else but Japan.I did not hear about the accident until monday evening when a family member emailed to ask if I was allright, of course I was, I was at the office with 50 or so other Japanese workers and 5 foreigners when the accident occurred. In a country where telecommunication is one of the best if not the best in the world, someone must have gotten the news, but as is tradition here..If its bad keep it to yourself.
It was not until last night when a colleague brought it to mind that no one at his school has mentioned the accident and the tradegy that followed, that I realised that no one is talking about it, not even teachers who have found a variety of ways to discuss the weather just so they can practice thier english
Its almost like, if they dont acknowlege it, it did not happen so there is no cause for concern. If they are to acknowlede that someting may be wrong with the railraod, they may be late for work and that is unacceptable.
6o million people use the railway services daily and most of them have chosen to be blind, deaf and dumb about the events that took the lives of more than 70 of thier neighbours.
Brings me back to an incident not so long ago. Morning rush hour and a depressed individual decided to call it quits with life with teh help of the spedding train. I was surprised at the response, there was no evidence of pity or sadness, more anger and sense of why now? could they not find a more convenient time in the day...I am goign ot be late for work. I have to call the office. The ketais came flipping and the excuses were made and like now there was no discussion among the commuters---I dont speak much Japanese but empathy and sympathy felt.
Anywhere else on earth, it would come up in some conversation, someone please tell me, what is it with Japan? Is it a teaching? Is it written somewhere how to deal with these incidents or are these people just cold or just repressed?
Anywhere else but Japan.I did not hear about the accident until monday evening when a family member emailed to ask if I was allright, of course I was, I was at the office with 50 or so other Japanese workers and 5 foreigners when the accident occurred. In a country where telecommunication is one of the best if not the best in the world, someone must have gotten the news, but as is tradition here..If its bad keep it to yourself.
It was not until last night when a colleague brought it to mind that no one at his school has mentioned the accident and the tradegy that followed, that I realised that no one is talking about it, not even teachers who have found a variety of ways to discuss the weather just so they can practice thier english
Its almost like, if they dont acknowlege it, it did not happen so there is no cause for concern. If they are to acknowlede that someting may be wrong with the railraod, they may be late for work and that is unacceptable.
6o million people use the railway services daily and most of them have chosen to be blind, deaf and dumb about the events that took the lives of more than 70 of thier neighbours.
Brings me back to an incident not so long ago. Morning rush hour and a depressed individual decided to call it quits with life with teh help of the spedding train. I was surprised at the response, there was no evidence of pity or sadness, more anger and sense of why now? could they not find a more convenient time in the day...I am goign ot be late for work. I have to call the office. The ketais came flipping and the excuses were made and like now there was no discussion among the commuters---I dont speak much Japanese but empathy and sympathy felt.
Anywhere else on earth, it would come up in some conversation, someone please tell me, what is it with Japan? Is it a teaching? Is it written somewhere how to deal with these incidents or are these people just cold or just repressed?
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Spurring to Victory
The quest for the Larry O'Brien trophy began today.
I am going out on a limb and choosing Spurs to win it all, why not the Heat?
I am going with my head and not my heart, my heart says Maimi.
I have confidence in the Piston's defense and I have to think they want to be there to defend thier title, not underscoring the big Man-Shaq who could be the defining difference in the East.
Results of the day were not surprising as expectations go, but the difference is scores gives cause for concern as the Sixers decided to give it to Pistons early (they are gonna win anyway), Pacers gave Celtics one of thier two wins for the series easily, and Sacramento allowed Sonics to retain home court advantage. The only upset of sorts came from the Rockets/Mavs game as T-Mac is trying to stay ahead of the game.
Really hoping day 2 will have better results ...too many damn injuries
I am going out on a limb and choosing Spurs to win it all, why not the Heat?
I am going with my head and not my heart, my heart says Maimi.
I have confidence in the Piston's defense and I have to think they want to be there to defend thier title, not underscoring the big Man-Shaq who could be the defining difference in the East.
Results of the day were not surprising as expectations go, but the difference is scores gives cause for concern as the Sixers decided to give it to Pistons early (they are gonna win anyway), Pacers gave Celtics one of thier two wins for the series easily, and Sacramento allowed Sonics to retain home court advantage. The only upset of sorts came from the Rockets/Mavs game as T-Mac is trying to stay ahead of the game.
Really hoping day 2 will have better results ...too many damn injuries
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
20th
The one-month anniversary of the March 20th earthquake was marked by the quakig of the earth once again to a tune of five (5) as measured on the Richter scale.
The shaking can aslo be interpreted as the earth's resounding disapproval of the election of Cardinal Ratzinger as Pope Benedict the XV1, a staunch traditionalist who is expected to carry-on the church's conservative message, one that is out of touch with the realities of its fast-growing follwers in developing and poverty-chalenged nations of Africa and Latin America. In North America Catholics had hoped that the passing of one pope would be an opportunity to welcome one with more liberal ideas and who was more in tune with the church and its challenges in the 21st century.
There is hope though, the world may not have to wait too long for yet another opportunity. The newly elected pope is 78 years old, and only salvation lasts forever.
The shaking can aslo be interpreted as the earth's resounding disapproval of the election of Cardinal Ratzinger as Pope Benedict the XV1, a staunch traditionalist who is expected to carry-on the church's conservative message, one that is out of touch with the realities of its fast-growing follwers in developing and poverty-chalenged nations of Africa and Latin America. In North America Catholics had hoped that the passing of one pope would be an opportunity to welcome one with more liberal ideas and who was more in tune with the church and its challenges in the 21st century.
There is hope though, the world may not have to wait too long for yet another opportunity. The newly elected pope is 78 years old, and only salvation lasts forever.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Its all inside
Naritasan Temple, Kurume provides blessings for traffic safety,fortune increase, salvation of aborted babies and protection from evil...so why is the gallery at its base so troubling? 
The Men Upstairs
Isn't it interesting that the world's most popular religions are all headed by men?
I took time out on my trip to Singapore and Malaysia to stop by and pay my respects to all the men upstairs, at times wondering if they consult with each other, they could they are pretty close to each other at least in these two countries.
On entering China Town in Singapore the first building is a Hindu temple and right beside it the Chinese Temple, then the Buddhist temple, watching from across the way is Vishnu. The magnificence of the Mosque makes known the presence of Allah, and God watches from the roomtop of all the sprinkling of churches.
It was just great seeing so many people with different convictions all go about thier business in peace.
I took time out on my trip to Singapore and Malaysia to stop by and pay my respects to all the men upstairs, at times wondering if they consult with each other, they could they are pretty close to each other at least in these two countries.
On entering China Town in Singapore the first building is a Hindu temple and right beside it the Chinese Temple, then the Buddhist temple, watching from across the way is Vishnu. The magnificence of the Mosque makes known the presence of Allah, and God watches from the roomtop of all the sprinkling of churches.
It was just great seeing so many people with different convictions all go about thier business in peace.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
One of a kind
On hearing I was going ot the land of the rising sun, I had harboured dreams of experiencing something authentic,I wanted a memory that would last. I had figured then and even more recently that the memory would be of a wedding, festival, wearing a kimono or attending a cremation. Never had it crossed my mind that it would be the emergency room!
Authentic it was, not only was it my first ER visit ever but made better being in a total foreign environment in every sense of the word.
Conor was quick to diagnose upon seeing, and hearing (me) that a ambulance was a part of my quick recovery, so when it came and the men removed thier shoe at the door, rolled me unto thier mat and then jiggled with me down three floors, trying despaerately not to lose thier cargo and fit again into thier shoes.
Like anywhere else, curious neighbours waited to see who was the unlucky soul and was rewarded with a screaming gaijin on a stretcher for thier efforts.
The drive to the ER could have been short, from where I was sittign and laying it could have been faster. My cries for drugs of a gaijin dosage was ignored. Speed, efficiency,specialization and greetings is the order of the ER. Each person(about 5 men and women) went about doing thier own thing once I was placed before them, ignoring western decorum of privacy they went ahead doing thier jobs, asking the right questions-albeit in Japanese removing things, touching, squeezing and listening intently for the desired answers. Others did not bother to ask, but stated, gave and took what was required of them to do thier jobs;urine, blood, god-bless drug and IV.
After all that prepping, I ws carried off for a photo shoot! Drugs kicked in and I dont remember if I was very photogenic.
On my return I was updated and told that due to my problems, foreign objects would have to venture in areas where no one or nothing has gone before. That required a moment of silence and a prayer.
I owe you guys...Conor-how else did you plan on getting a ambulance ride? Thank you
All and all, I had excellent medical care, great support system and a memory that will not fade anytime soon.
Authentic it was, not only was it my first ER visit ever but made better being in a total foreign environment in every sense of the word.
Conor was quick to diagnose upon seeing, and hearing (me) that a ambulance was a part of my quick recovery, so when it came and the men removed thier shoe at the door, rolled me unto thier mat and then jiggled with me down three floors, trying despaerately not to lose thier cargo and fit again into thier shoes.
Like anywhere else, curious neighbours waited to see who was the unlucky soul and was rewarded with a screaming gaijin on a stretcher for thier efforts.
The drive to the ER could have been short, from where I was sittign and laying it could have been faster. My cries for drugs of a gaijin dosage was ignored. Speed, efficiency,specialization and greetings is the order of the ER. Each person(about 5 men and women) went about doing thier own thing once I was placed before them, ignoring western decorum of privacy they went ahead doing thier jobs, asking the right questions-albeit in Japanese removing things, touching, squeezing and listening intently for the desired answers. Others did not bother to ask, but stated, gave and took what was required of them to do thier jobs;urine, blood, god-bless drug and IV.
After all that prepping, I ws carried off for a photo shoot! Drugs kicked in and I dont remember if I was very photogenic.
On my return I was updated and told that due to my problems, foreign objects would have to venture in areas where no one or nothing has gone before. That required a moment of silence and a prayer.
I owe you guys...Conor-how else did you plan on getting a ambulance ride? Thank you
All and all, I had excellent medical care, great support system and a memory that will not fade anytime soon.
To be or Not to be
CIRCUMCISED.
Conventional wisdom (CW) holds that uncircumcised men have more sexual pleasure and penile sensitivity than those who have been circumcised.
There is much literature to support and descredit this CW, but I could not find any to address "how women feel about a head or wearing a scraf".
I am doing a little research of my own...so ladies help me out.
check back for the results.
Conventional wisdom (CW) holds that uncircumcised men have more sexual pleasure and penile sensitivity than those who have been circumcised.
There is much literature to support and descredit this CW, but I could not find any to address "how women feel about a head or wearing a scraf".
I am doing a little research of my own...so ladies help me out.
check back for the results.
Its a man's world...
...At least on this island.
Today, I had an interesting talk with one of my teachers. He is planning on visiting the island of nokonoshima, which is about 1-2 hours away from Oshima (island where I teach).
THe interesting thing about this island is that women are not allowed on it, they can come to the harbour but that is as far as they are allowed. Men on the otherhand are welcomed, but they must wash in the sea before venturing on land.
Of course I asked,"if women are not allowed on the island, who lives on it?" the answer was fast coming.."One man", a priest. Apparently, there are three godesses in this area and they really don't like competition; they want the men to themselves.
Guys, take a trip and tell me what she is offerring over there, that keeps men visiting for centuries.
Today, I had an interesting talk with one of my teachers. He is planning on visiting the island of nokonoshima, which is about 1-2 hours away from Oshima (island where I teach).
THe interesting thing about this island is that women are not allowed on it, they can come to the harbour but that is as far as they are allowed. Men on the otherhand are welcomed, but they must wash in the sea before venturing on land.
Of course I asked,"if women are not allowed on the island, who lives on it?" the answer was fast coming.."One man", a priest. Apparently, there are three godesses in this area and they really don't like competition; they want the men to themselves.
Guys, take a trip and tell me what she is offerring over there, that keeps men visiting for centuries.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Do we Jinx ourselves?
Most women have fantasised about falling in love with prince charming, who will sweep her off her feet and up to cloud nine. Most women believe in Love at first sight. For the rest of us,
we have a best fit policy, where we have a list of criterior or standards that we hope to find in prince charming (hence narrowing down the selection). We are very aware that no man dead or alive can fit perfectly into that set of standards, so we hope for the best, and when we get the closest to it, we jinx it.
What women want? Attention, someone who instead of asking how much is the bill;pays the bill, romantic, thoughtful, patient, makes us laugh, sentimental, emotional, hits it off with your friends and adores you,(of course the are more but...) so why when we get all of these we think its too good to be true, we question it, try to come up with a underlying sinister motives to explain our "good fortune"?
Do we jinx our chances at eternal bliss because we believe that it if seems too good to be true then there is a good chance it is? or rather that, we have lofty criteriors but our expectations are way lower and when actions are above or beyond our expectations its hard to accept it as real. Do we believe unconsciously that we are not worthy of being adored and adorned?
Whether the answer lies in expectations, the lack thereof, self love, low self esteem or just short- selling ourselves, its time we make a realistic list of criteriors, form the expectations we want and convince ourselves of our worth through whatever means necessary so that when it happens to us we are not caught unaware, we will not question and just jinx our chance at happiness.
we have a best fit policy, where we have a list of criterior or standards that we hope to find in prince charming (hence narrowing down the selection). We are very aware that no man dead or alive can fit perfectly into that set of standards, so we hope for the best, and when we get the closest to it, we jinx it.
What women want? Attention, someone who instead of asking how much is the bill;pays the bill, romantic, thoughtful, patient, makes us laugh, sentimental, emotional, hits it off with your friends and adores you,(of course the are more but...) so why when we get all of these we think its too good to be true, we question it, try to come up with a underlying sinister motives to explain our "good fortune"?
Do we jinx our chances at eternal bliss because we believe that it if seems too good to be true then there is a good chance it is? or rather that, we have lofty criteriors but our expectations are way lower and when actions are above or beyond our expectations its hard to accept it as real. Do we believe unconsciously that we are not worthy of being adored and adorned?
Whether the answer lies in expectations, the lack thereof, self love, low self esteem or just short- selling ourselves, its time we make a realistic list of criteriors, form the expectations we want and convince ourselves of our worth through whatever means necessary so that when it happens to us we are not caught unaware, we will not question and just jinx our chance at happiness.
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