Kannazuki (84/10/01)
Today is the first day of a new month, which, in English, is called October. The prefix "oct" comes from the Greek word for eight. An octagon is a figure having eight sides and eight angles; an octave contains a series of eight musical notes; an octet is a group of eight persons; and an octopus is a sea creature having eight tentacles. October was originally the name of the 8th month of the Roman calendar. Two additional months were later placed at the beginning of the year, making October the 10th month. The traditional Japanese name for the 10th month is kannazuki, meaning the month without kami, since all kami were said to gather at the Grand Shrine of Izumo during this month. According to the Bible, it is inconceivable that there be a month or even a day without God, who is not only the Creator of the world but the present Ruler of history as well. Anyone who would truly understand Western thought and literature must have a basic understanding of the Bible. Tomorrow evening, I will begin a new Bible Class at the City Kyōikukan, near Sakae, directly west of the Aichi Bunka Kaikan. From 6:30 to 7:30 we will study a Bible passage in Japanese. From 7:30 to 8:30, we will study the same Bible passage in English. Those interested may attend either one or both of these classes.(1321)
Thoughts on Love (84/10/02)
We missed seeing some listeners at our "Daily Word" Listeners Meeting last Sunday. Were you one of them? Those that did attend were a congenial group and we had another good time. My wife served some punch and homemade cookies. On the frosting of each cookie, she had written the word "Love", though some people didn't realize that until it was pointed out after they had eaten them. Of course, the reason she did so was because "Love" was the theme for our discussion that day. The men present, in particular, noted it was difficult for them to talk about this subject, but everyone had something to say. I explained the difference in meaning between 3 Greek words which are translated "Love", for there is a great difference between the natural instinct of animals, the feeling of attraction between human beings and the selfless, sacrificial goodness characterizing the love of God. "Love" is the first theme for the next Issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. Why don't you try to write a short essay on this theme? If you write one and send it to me, I will correct it before having it published in the Echoes. You may write of your personal thoughts or experiences, your views of historical or literary love stories or your understanding of love in the Bible. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. (1322)
Nigeria (84/10/03)
In Latin, the word niger refers to the color black. Africa is the original homeland of black people and one of the longest rivers in Africa is called the Niger. Two African countries through which the Niger flows are the former French colony of Niger and the former British colony of Nigeria. On October 1st, 1960, Nigeria gained its independence. With an area over twice that of Japan, Nigeria's population of about 81,000,000 is made up of some 250 tribal groups, each with its own language. Three of the major tribes have a long history of hostility, so after gaining independence, Nigeria has suffered a civil war and various political upheavals. Nevertheless, it remains today as the world's richest, most heavily populated black nation. It is one of the world's 10 leading producers of petroleum, forestry products, natural rubber and tin. However, only about 1/4 of the population is literate and the life expectancy of a Nigerian is only 36 years, less than half that of a Japanese. Instead of seeking to increase its military might, it would be better for Japan to share more of its knowledge, techniques and material goods with underdeveloped countries to help make the world a better place in which to live.(1323)
Soviet cosmonauts (84/10/04)
The Soviet Union is quite secretive about events that occur within its borders, so many happenings are never reported to the outside world. However, events that enhance its prestige are given publicity, so we know that the Soviet cosmonauts who set a new record in space have now returned to earth. Whether their time in space was 237 days, as reported in a Japanese language newspaper, or 238 days, as reported in an English language newspaper, these men deserve recognition for living in the confinements of a space station for almost 8 months, during which they carried out various scientific experiments, conducted photographic surveys and researched problems connected with living in the weightlessness of space for long periods of time. One of the three men was a medical doctor who monitored their condition during this time and noted the effects of various drugs and physical aids intended to lessen the strains of zero gravity. It is difficult for us earthbound creatures to imagine the feeling of weightlessness. However, it is possible for us to experience the lightening of our spiritual burdens through a healthy faith. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus promised rest to those with heavy spiritual burdens who come to him.(1324)
Waterloo Station (84/10/05)
About 170 years ago, the Duke of Wellington led the English army in a victorious battle against the French forces of Napoleon near the Belgian town of Waterloo. Thus was brought to an end the so-called Hundred Days of Napoleon's rule of France following his earlier banishment. To commemorate this event, a railroad station in London was named Waterloo, and today it is one of England's most famous stations. However, recently, the Education Committee of the European Parliament has proposed that the name of that station be changed because it perpetuates memories of the wars between France and Britain. This Committee is trying to introduce a standard history textbook throughout the community that eliminates all references to wars between European nations. The British are opposed to changing the name of this famous station. They maintain that the Battle of Waterloo is an important part of British history that should be remembered. I agree that we should not try to sanitize history by removing unsavory events--whether in Europe or in Japan. Rather, we should learn from history, being careful not to glorify military exploits, and work for peace among all nations. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." (1325)
FBI and KGB (84/10/06)
A mole is a small, furry animal with very small eyes and no external ears. Many moles are actually blind, but since they live most of their lives underground they have little need to see. On the other hand, their senses of hearing, smelling and touching are very acute. A person working undercover in some organization as a secret agent for a competitor may also be called a mole. This week, a mole was discovered at work in the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, or FBI, for the first time in that agency's 76 year history. A 47 year old man who had worked for the FBI for 20 years is charged with handing over a secret report on U.S. intelligence gathering activities to an attractive Russian lady who was allegedly working for the Soviet National Security Committee, or KGB. Although they weren't called moles then, according to the Old Testament book of Numbers, Chapters 13 and 14, Moses sent 12 spies into the land of Canaan to secretly gather information. All the spies agreed that the land was very productive, but only two of them advised trying to conquer it. These two men believed that God would go with them and fight on their side. Faith in God makes a difference in our own plans for the future and in the advice we give to others. (1326)
Tokyo Rose (84/10/07)
35 years ago today, on October 7, 1949, Iva D'aquino was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and fined $10,000 in a U.S. court. Her crime was making propaganda broadcasts from Tokyo during the war. Iva was a 29year-old Nisei from Los Angeles who had come to Japan to see her mother's sister who was ill. Her mother was too sick to make the trip, so Iva came in her place. She found that she disliked almost everything about Japan--including rice and her relatives. However, before she could return home, the war broke out and she supported herself as a secretary. She became a typist for the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation and then agreed to make 15 minute daily propaganda broadcasts to the Allied soldiers for $6.60 a month because the alternative was to work in a munitions factory. She first went on the air as Ann, which was short for "announcer", but later referred to herself as "Orphan Annie". However, the American soldiers nicknamed her "Tokyo Rose". A Spanish proverb says, "A rose too often smelled loses its fragrance". Although the severe sentence she received indicated the considerable influence her broadcasts had, Americans didn't consider her messages very fragrant. (1327)
Labor troubles (84/10/08)
There is an English saying "to carry coals to Newcastle". It means to take things to a place where they are not needed or to do something superfluous, for Newcastle is an important export center for coal in northern England. However, these days even Newcastle is probably in need of coal for a coal miners' strike has now been going on in England for over 6 months. During the violent scuffles on picket lines, over 6,500 arrests have been made and the mood of the miners is very hostile. It seems that the aim of this strike is not merely to better the conditions of the miners, but to protect uneconomical coal mines or even to overthrow the government. However, due to the increased availability of oil and nuclear power, the strike is not having its intended effect. Because of a different atmosphere in the Japanese labor community and different cultural traditions, Japan has fewer labor troubles than England or the United States. It was the Apostle Paul who established the following rule, found in the New Testament book of II Thessalonians, chapter 3, verse l0: "If any one will not work, let him not eat", and Jesus taught that people should work not only for material bread but for the spiritual food that lasts forever. (1328)
Taiiku no Hi (84/10/09)
The top part of the Chinese character referring to raising children, pronounced iku in Japanese, originally pictured a child upside down because that is the way a child is born: head first. From birth, a child must be trained in various ways: chiiku refers to intellectual training; tokuiku is moral training; biiku is aesthetic training; and taiiku is physical training. Tomorrow is a Japanese holiday called Taiiku no Hi, a day set apart to emphasize sports and physical fitness. October 10th was chosen because that was the day of the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. A wellrounded person needs to develop a healthy spiritual attitude as well as a healthy body. In fact, spiritual health is even more important than physical and is a basic need among young people today. On Tuesdays, I suggest themes for English essays. The theme this week is Health. What are your thoughts relating to good health--physical, mental, moral or spiritual? If you send me your essay on this subject, I will correct it and have it printed in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. Don't hesitate to write because your English is imperfect, for I will amend it before publication. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463. (1329)
Celebrating the Double Ten (84/10/10)
Just as setomono in Japanese originally referred to the pottery or china made in Seto, so the English word "china" originally referred to the porcelain made in China. In today's world, just as there are 2 Germanys (East and West) and 2 Koreas (North and South), so there are 2 Chinas, 1 a communist country and the other a capitalist country. The People's Republic of China on the mainland celebrates its national day on October 1st, commemorating its beginning as a communist country on that day in 1949. However, the Republic of China on the island of Taiwan celebrates today as its national day in commemoration of the rebellion which overthrew the Manchu dynasty that began on this day in 1911. Because today is the 10th day of the 10th month, this holiday is commonly called the Double Ten. Shooting off firecrackers is a traditional Chinese way of celebration, so I am sure that Taiwan is a noisily popping place today. Noisemaking is associated with certain kinds of celebrations but the celebration of sacred mysteries is more meaningfully done in a quiet atmosphere. In Psalm 46:10, it is written, "Be still, and know that I am God."(1330)
Turkish baths (84/10/11)
The native American fowl called a turkey was misnamed because of its resemblance to a bird that had been imported through Turkey, "the country of the Turks". The Turks are said to have gotten their name from a helmet-shaped hill in Mongolia from which their ancestors came. The hill was called Turku. meaning "helmet". Turkey has given its name to a certain kind of bath in which the bather passes through a number of steam rooms of increasing temperature followed by a rubdown, massage and cold shower. Such a bath is called a Turkish bath. However, in Japan, Toruko buro has been used to designate establishments that have nothing to do with true Turkish baths. A Turkish scholar recently complained to the Japanese Health and Welfare Minister that the name of his country is being degraded in this land because of the clear connection of prostitution with Toruko buro and asked that the situation be changed. Surprisingly enough, the owners of such "bath houses" have recognized the validity of this criticism and have decided to stop using that name. Personally, I think they should do more than change the name. They should also change what goes on inside such houses. There is a need for cleansing minds as well as bodies. In Matthew 5:8, Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."(1331)
Konishiki (84/10/12)
In the recent autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, a 20 year old Samoan American from Hawaii almost gained the top prize. Since he was both a foreigner and a relative beginner with only about 2 years of sumo experience, his upset victories over grand champion wrestlers was very upsetting to some traditionalist sumo fans who feared that this huge foreigner might become a grand champion himself. His major asset, of course, is his elephantine size. Having seen this 215 kilogram giant on television, I find it hard to believe a recent news item regarding an international pumpkin contest in California. It stated that the 66-year-old man who won the $10,000 prize had transported his pumpkin over 1,600 kilometers from the state of Washington. The amazing part of the article was the weight of the pumpkin: 277 kilograms. 2nd prize went to a man from Nova Scotia, Canada, for his 255 kilogram pumpkin. Weighing more than Konishiki, I wonder how they compare with him in size. Although it is the big things in the world that attract attention, it is such little things as words of encouragement and deeds of love that are more important. (1332)
The White House (84/10/13)
In 1790 the U.S. Congress rejected the established urban centers o New York and Philadelphia as locations for the permanent seat of government and instead chose to express the youth of its nationhood by placing the federal capital in a new city. The site chosen for this great undertaking was a rather bleak and unpromising stretch of land along the Potomac River. An open competition was announced for architectural plans for the Capitol and the President's home. The entry of an Irish architect living in South Carolina was chosen for the presidential mansion and the cornerstone of this residence was laid on October 13, 1792, 188 years ago today. This building became the first federal structure in the national capital. It took over 8 years to complete, however, so America's 2nd president, John Adams, was its first occupant. Over the years, this building has been renovated and added to. Since 1902, it has been officially called the White House. Although the Bible has nothing to say about a White House, a vision recorded in the 20th chapter of Revelation, includes a great white throne upon which the Judge of the universe will sit on the final judgment day when all people will be judged according to what they had done while alive.(1333)
The Nagoya Festival (84/10/14)
Various activities are being held this weekend related to the 30th annual Nagoya Festival. Yesterday, my wife and I went downtown to view the Nagoya Castle Exhibition. From close range, we saw the large golden dolphins which have been removed from their high perch atop the castle. We heard part of a modern music concert and witnessed a traditional drum beating performance. We were intrigued by the intricately constructed karakuri puppets of long ago and the amazing robots of today. We gazed with wonder at the chrysanthemum doll display and enjoyed walking down the path lined with traditional-looking shops, some of which were selling very modern-looking items. Old and new Japan were both very evident in that Castle Exhibition. From the Castle, we went to the new Nagoya International Center which was opened to the public yesterday. We enjoyed meeting many other foreigners from various countries at the international party held there. During our ride home, we remarked how greatly Nagoya had changed since we first came to this city over 30 years ago. In the midst of a rapidly changing world, it is good to remember the words found in chapter 3 of the Old Testament book of Malachi: "I am the Lord, and I do not change." The changeless truth and love of God provides the solid foundation needed for a meaningful and satisfying life.(1334)
Carp and Braves (84/10/15)
The Japan Series is now in full swing. Yesterday's win by the Hankyu Braves over the Hiroshima Carp evened the series at one game apiece. As you probably know, the word carp refers to a fresh-water fish of the same family as goldfish and minnows. In Japan, the carp is considered a symbol of succeeding in life because of its urge to swim upstream. The singular and plural form of this word are the same so we can speak of one carp or of many carp. When used as a verb, carp refers to talking in a peevish, grumbling or accusing way or finding fault with others. Brave, on the other hand, is primarily an adjective, meaning courageous. When used as a noun, it refers to a brave man in general, but to a North American Indian warrior, in particular. I hope you will not carp if I am brave enough to repeat the announcement of the Bible Class I teach, first in Japanese and then in English, on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the city Kyōikukan, directly west of the Aichi Bunka Kaikan near Sakae. The study in Japanese begins at 6:30 and the same study in English begins at 7:30. You are welcome to attend either one or both of these sessions tomorrow evening.
Baseball (84/10/16)
As it is written in the New Testament book of I Corinthians, chapter 9, verse 24, many runners run in a race, but only 1 receives the prize. In sports tournaments, there can be only 1 winner and this year's so-called World Series, which includes only 2 American teams, was won by the Detroit Tigers over the San Diego Padres. The Japan Series between the Hiroshima Carp and the Hankyu Braves is still going on. I really didn't care which team won the World Series and I have no special preference in relation to the Japan Series either. When I returned to Japan a couple of months ago, I had high hopes that my 2 favorite teams would win their respective pennants: the Chicago Cubs in the National League in the U.S. and the Chunichi Dragons in Japan's Central League, but both teams finally failed to do so. Most Japanese seem to be avid baseball fans and since this is the time of baseball championship games, the theme for your essays this week is: Baseball. Are you a baseball fan? Do you have a favorite team? What experiences have you had relating to baseball? What thoughts or memories does baseball bring to your mind? Send your essays for correction and later publication in "Daily Word" Echoes to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.(1336)
Repentance (84/10/17)
One evening many years ago, before we owned a television set, my wife and I went to see a movie in a theater in downtown Nagoya. When we returned to our car, we found that the car had been broken into and that some of my wife's skirts had been stolen from the back seat. Although we immediately reported it to the police, who checked for fingerprints we have heard nothing about it since. I was reminded of that incident a couple of days ago when I read a newspaper article about a thief who stole some dresses from a car in the British principality of Wales. That thief, however, evidently felt sorry for what he had done, for he called the police and told them where they could find the dresses. After the police found them, they rushed them to the home of the car's owner so this bride and her four bridesmaids were able to wear those wedding dresses at her wedding on that very day. Although it may be warped, even thieves have a conscience. We also, when we recognize we have done something wrong or caused unhappiness to another person, should repent and try to make amends. Repentance is the first step on the journey of faith.(1337)
Alaska purchased by the United States (84/10/18)
Today is an official holiday in the largest state of the U.S.A. It is called "Alaska Day." "Alaska" comes from the Russian pronunciation of the Eskimo word meaning great land. This state was purchased by the United States from Russia for $7,000,000 in 1867. On October 18 of that year, 114 years ago today, the formal transfer of the territory took place. Representatives of both countries gathered on that day in the town of Sitka for the official transfer which was to be symbolized by the lowering of the imperial Double Eagle Russian flag and the raising of the American Stars and Stripes. However, during the ceremony, the Russian flag became wrapped around the flagpole by the wind and could not be lowered. A seaman tried to climb the 27-meter pole to undo it, but failed. Finally, a man was hoisted on a rope chair to retrieve the wind-torn flag. However, instead of bringing the flag down with him, he dropped it and it was blown onto the bayonets of the Russian soldiers. It may be that this incident accurately symbolized the reluctance of the Russians to give up this territory. Giving up something dear to us is difficult, but Jesus taught that giving up ourselves is the secret of an abundant 1ife.(1338)
The American Revolution (84/10/19)
On October 19, 1781, General Cornwallis sent his sword to General Washington to symbolize the surrender of the British forces which brought an end to the American Revolutionary War. The surrender of his 7,000 troops took place 203 years ago today outside the town of Yorktown, Virginia. It is said that the British army band played the tune "The World Turned Upside Down" while the British troops stacked their arms. Certainly, that was a turning point in world history for it signaled the success of the American Revolution and enabled the rebels to put into effect their new concepts of democracy. October 19, called Yorktown Day, is celebrated annually in Yorktown and a marble monument there commemorates the British surrender. This monument was finally erected over a century after Congress passed a resolution to that effect. Sometimes it takes a long time for promises to be fulfilled. According to the New Testament book of II Peter, chapter 3, some people accused God of slowness in fulfilling his promises, but the reason given for this seeming delay is God's great mercy and his desire that all people be saved. (1339)
"I shall return" (84/10/20)
At the outbreak of the Pacific War, General MacArthur was the commanding general of the U.S. forces in the Far East, stationed in the Philippines. After the Japanese overran most of the Philippines, President Roosevelt ordered General MacArthur to leave that country for Australia, where he was to organize the American offensive against Japan. Upon his arrival in Australia, following a 4,800-kilometer dash over Japanese-controlled waters, he made the famous declaration, "I came through and I shall return." He kept his promise of returning to the Philippines 40 years ago today, on October 20, 1944, when he waded ashore at Leyte Island on the 1st day of the American invasion. It was about 3 1/2 years after making the promise to return that he fulfilled his word. The Bible indicates that Jesus made a similar promise to return to this earth at the end of time. At the close of the 24th chapter of Matthew, he told his disciples that since the time of his return is indefinite they should always be ready. That's good advice for us also. We do not know when the end of our life or the end of the world will occur so we should always live and act in such a way that we would not be sorry if this were the last day of our life. (1340)
Hypocrite (84/10/21)
There is an American town in southwestern Idaho named Caldwell with a population of about 18,000. A couple of weeks ago, 2 robbers entered a store in Caldwell about 3:00 o'clock in the morning. They bound and gagged the 39-year old clerk. Then, one of them ransacked the back room, while the other remained at the counter and waited on customers. Among the customers was a policeman, who thought there was something strange going on, so he rode around the block and came back. But when he saw the man sweeping the store and carrying out the trash, his suspicions disappeared until after the robbers had made their getaway and the real clerk had freed himself. That robber was a good actor, which is the root meaning of the word "hypocrite". In Matthew, chapter 7, Jesus warned his disciples against following the example of the hypocrites when engaged in religious activities. He said that the hypocrites performed religious acts publicly to be seen of men but true religious activity should be done privately for the eyes of God who sees not only our deeds but our hearts as well. If you wish to contribute to the expense of this telephone service, you may make a deposit into the Yūbin Furikae Kōza of Deiri-Wa-do, Nagoya 3-37078. (1341)
Vatican City (84/10/22)
Today is the national day of the smallest, independent nation in the world. The official name of this nation is State of the Vatican City. Its total area is less than half a square kilometer and it lies completely within the Italian city of Rome. For many centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire, the popes of the Roman Catholic Church ruled over the so-called Papal States in central Italy, but when these states were incorporated into the kingdom of Italy over a century ago, the pope's temporal dominion shrunk to its present size. Nevertheless, in the Vatican, the pope is an absolute monarch. The reign of the present pope, John Paul II, began 6 years ago today. Born in Poland, he is the first non-Italian to be elected pope in over 4 1/2 centuries. He has become well-known as a world traveler with an outstanding language ability. Although his temporal territory is small, as the pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, he is considered to be Christ's representative on earth by over a half a billion Roman Catholics. The word "pope" comes from the Latin word for "father". Although priests in the Roman Catholic Church are not permitted to marry, they are referred to as "father", a term that Protestants use, in the spiritual sense, only for God.(1342)
Festivals (84/10/23)
Such English words as festal, festoon, festive, festivity, festival and feast are all rooted in a Latin word meaning joyful. Festivals are times of merrymaking and feasting. Many festivals originally had a religious significance which has become dimmed or even lost completely over the years. Japan is a country with many festivals of various kinds. This is the season of the year when many festivals are held, so that is the suggested theme for your essays this week. What do you think is the reason there are so many festivals in Japan? What is their purpose? What thoughts, experiences or memories do you have relating to festivals? If you send me your essay, I will correct it for publication in the next issue of the little periodical called "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463, In Old Testament times also, many festivals were observed by the Jews, but the prophet Amos taught that God would not be pleased with religious festivals unless they were performed in the proper spirit, accompanied by deeds of justice. Jesus also taught that inward attitudes evident in daily life are more important than external formalities. (1343)
United Nations Day (84/10/24)
Today, October 24th, is United Nations Day, marking the 39th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Organization. During World War II, between 25 and 30 million people died; property damage was so great that it was impossible to estimate. Even before the fighting ended, the Allied leaders recognized their obligation to prevent a repetition of this tragedy so they began preparations to create a new international organization designed to help maintain world peace. Following a number of conferences between those nations fighting against the Axis powers, a charter was drawn up and approved by the representatives of 46 nations in San Francisco on April 25, 1945. Just 6 months later, on October 24 of that year, the required number of 29 nations, including the 5 permanent members of the Security Council, had ratified the charter, so it was on that day that the United Nations came into formal existence. The U.N. is an imperfect organization in an imperfect world and has not succeeded in bringing peace to the world. In fact, true world peace will only come when people know the peace of the living God within their hearts. (1344)
Richard E. Byrd (84/10/25)
94 years ago today, on October 25, 1888, Richard E. Byrd, the famous explorer of the polar regions, was born in the U.S. state of Virginia. Byrd became a naval pilot when he was 30 years old and his career in polar exploration began in 1925 with an expedition to the Arctic. He later led scientific expeditions to the Antarctic also. During one such expedition, Byrd journeyed about 200 km. south of the expedition's main base to spend 5 months alone making weather observations in a shack beneath the ice, where he almost died. Following his return in 1935, he wrote books entitled Discovery and Alone which tell of his experiences there. Much of our present knowledge of the Antarctic is due to his pioneering explorations. Following his death in 1957, a bronze statue of Admiral Byrd was erected along the Avenue of Heroes in Washington D.C. At the dedication ceremony for that statue, Vice-President Lyndon Johnson described Byrd as "one of the great Americans of our time," "a man who lived life to the hilt" and "discovered... that happiness comes only from striving in a worthwhile cause." (1345)
Austria (84/10/26)
Today, October 26th, is the National Day of a country in Central Europe which maintains neutrality, refusing to participate in military alliances and to having foreign military bases on its territory. Many tourists visit this country to enjoy the scenery and sports afforded by the snow-covered Alps. The language spoken by most of its citizens is German. Do you know what country it is? No, it's not Switzerland but Switzerland's eastern neighbor of Austria. After the 2nd World War, in which Austria was an ally of Germany, the country was divided into 4 occupation zones administered by England, France, the United States and the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union refused to end the occupation until October 25, 1955, so 29 years ago today, Austria was reestablished as an independent republic with a constitutional obligation to remain neutral. The words neutral and neuter come from a Latin root meaning "not either" or "neither". A Hungarian patriot and statesman has said that "Neutrality, as a lasting principle, is an evidence of weakness" and an American clergyman has noted that, on moral issues, "Neutral men are the devil's allies." (1346)
The melting pot (84/10/27)
The United States has been called a melting pot. A melting pot is a container in which metals are melted. Figuratively, it refers to a place in which immigrants of various nationalities and races are assimilated. Except for American Indians, all residents of the United States are descendants of a variety of immigrants from all over the world. Originally, settlers came primarily from Northern and Western Europe, later from Southern and Eastern Europe and then also from the Asian, African and American continents. Recent statistics indicate that there are presently over 14 million U.S. residents who were born outside the country. By far the largest number were born in Mexico, followed by Germany, Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom. Approximately 222,000 residents were born in Japan, which ranks #13 on the list, while 419 people indicated their birthplace was Madagascar, which is at the bottom of the list in 155th place. Regarding lineage, 50 million native-born Americans said one or more of their ancestors came from England, followed by 49 million of German descent. According to the vision recorded in the 7th chapter of Revelation, people from every nation will be included in the heavenly throng singing praises to God. (1347)
Shibu-gaki (84/10/28)
In writing Chinese characters, combining a tree with a marketplace or city, results in a persimmon, which in Japanese is called a kaki. The English word "persimmon" comes from an American Indian word for that tree and its fruit. The English word "khaki", spelled k-h-a-k-i, comes from a Hindi word for dusty and refers to a dull, yellowish-brown color and to material of that color. The British Army first clothed its Indian troops in khaki uniforms and later that became the standard color for military uniforms in general. I don't think I ever tasted a persimmon until I came to Japan, but now I enjoy this fall fruit very much. Although I have never eaten a shibu-gaki, I understand it is very astringent. It is interesting that these astringent persimmons, when peeled and hung in the sun for 3 or 4 weeks, become very sweet. I wonder if we can find a parable here. Can people with bitter hearts become sweet after being stripped of their hard exteriors and exposed for a while to the light of God's truth and the warmth of his love? Yes, they can! I know for a fact that those who give up their self-centered pride and permit God's power to quietly work in their lives do become changed from bitter people to sweet ones. (1348)
Thoughts on Love (84/10/02)
Nigeria (84/10/03)
Soviet cosmonauts (84/10/04)
Waterloo Station (84/10/05)
FBI and KGB (84/10/06)
Tokyo Rose (84/10/07)
Labor troubles (84/10/08)
Taiiku no Hi (84/10/09)
Celebrating the Double Ten (84/10/10)
Turkish baths (84/10/11)
Konishiki (84/10/12)
The White House (84/10/13)
The Nagoya Festival (84/10/14)
Carp and Braves (84/10/15)
Baseball (84/10/16)
Repentance (84/10/17)
Alaska purchased by the United States (84/10/18)
The American Revolution (84/10/19)
"I shall return" (84/10/20)
Hypocrite (84/10/21)
Vatican City (84/10/22)
Festivals (84/10/23)
United Nations Day (84/10/24)
Richard E. Byrd (84/10/25)
Austria (84/10/26)
The melting pot (84/10/27)
Shibu-gaki (84/10/28)
Black Tuesday (84/10/29)
Koalas (84/10/30)
Kannazuki (84/10/01)