Lottery winner (88/10/01)
The English word "lottery" may be translated into Japanese as kujibiki; chūsen or tomikuji. Lotteries are used by many public and private organizations to raise money. Recently, Ms. Sheelah Ryan, a 63-year-old, part-time real estate agent, won the grand prize of $55 million in a Florida lottery. Two weeks ago, she received the first of twenty annual payments of more than $2,760,000. From the time Ms. Ryan was identified as the winner of the prize, the telephone in her mobile home began ringing continuously until she had the number changed. Calls came from all over the country and from overseas as well. Some people simply called to congratulate her but many calls were from people who wanted to borrow money and, since Ms. Ryan is single, there were many marriage proposals. Would-be husbands, including one from Australia, introduced themselves and their interests. Suddenly, Ms. Ryan has become a very popular and attractive woman. Her newly-acquired attraction, however, is not related to physical appearance, ability or character. Actually, it is simply her wealth that is attractive. The Bible teaches that people are not to be judged by what they possess but by what they are, (2701)
Last supper (88/10/02)
On the evening before his death on the cross, Jesus ate a final meal with his twelve disciples. During this meal, Jesus took bread and wine and gave it to his disciples to eat and drink. He told them that these elements represented his body and blood which were about to be offered up as a kind of sacrifice and that they should eat bread and drink wine in memory of him. Over the centuries, a variety of churches have been established, each with its own peculiarities, but all of them include, in some manner, this commemorative ritual that Jesus instituted at that last supper with his disciples. Depending on a church's tradition, the name of the ritual, the significance it is given and the manner and frequency of its observance vary. It is called the Eucharist, the Communion and the Lord's Supper. It may be celebrate daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or irregularly. For the past fifty years, this first Sunday of October has been designated Worldwide Communion Sunday, a day when all Christian Churches celebrate this memorial rite. At that time, Christians remember the infinite love of God that was revealed in the death of Jesus Christ on behalf of all people. We also repent of our sin and reaffirm our faith that the Spirit of Christ dwells within us as we spiritually receive his body and blood. (2702)
Smoking in the Soviet Union (88/10/03)
The USSR State Committee on Statistics has issued a report on smoking in the Soviet Union during 1986. The report indicated that 70 million of the 284 million people in that country are smokers. During 1986, they consumed 441 billion cigarettes! That's yon-sen-yon-hyaku-jū-oku hon in the Japanese way of counting and indicates an increase over previous years. Not surprisingly, the incidence of lung cancer has doubled over the past twenty years. In 1986, smokers in the Soviet Union spent 6.8 billion rubles on tobacco, while the amount spent on car purchases was only about twice that much. It is surprising that smoking continues to be so popular even though it is known to be bad for one's health. The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of God's Spirit and they should not be desecrated. (2703)
St. Francis of Assisi (88/10/04)
Some names in English have both a masculine and a feminine form. For example, Jane is the feminine form of John and Roberta is the feminine of Robert. In the case of Francis, the pronunciation is the same for both men and women, but the spelling is different. The man's name ends in i-s, while for a woman, the ending is e-s. Today is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, who was born in Italy over 800 years ago. The son and heir of a wealthy textile merchant, he was a happy, outgoing child, but a religious experience in his early twenties brought him into conflict with his father, who disinherited him. As a result, Francis began a new life of poverty, prayer and preaching. His humble, joyful manner of life attracted followers and he became the founder of an order of monks who took a vow of poverty and became enthusiastic preachers who roamed the countryside, communicating their faith through preaching and singing. At the same time they manifested the joys of living a simple life without attachment to material things. St. Francis is known for his love of nature and animals and is said to have preached to the birds. Having tried to follow the example and certain teachings of Christ in a very literal manner, he is one of the most respected figures in church history.(2704)
Suttee (88/10/05)
Human beings have been defined as religious animals. Anthropologists say that all peoples have some kind of religion. Is religion a good thing? I would like to answer "yes", but speaking honestly, some religions have customs I consider questionable, degrading or evil. One such custom is called "suttee", from a Sanscrit word meaning "virtuous woman". According to Hindu tradition, a faithful wife should throw herself upon the funeral pyre of her dead husband, thus cremating herself along with the corpse of her departed mate. This practice was outlawed by the British 160 years ago, but deeply rooted customs, even when they are bad, are difficult to change--as many people in Japan must recognize. Last year in India, an 18-year-old wife leaped into the flames that were burning the corpse of her husband. Many people considered her action honorable and planned a festival to commemorate it on its anniversary day last month. However, the government prohibited such a commemoration and police were alerted to enforce that prohibition. We may easily recognize unjust or harmful customs of other religions or nations but overlook those closer to home. We all need to reflect on customs we keep that ought to be discarded.(2705)
George Westinghouse (88/10/06)
One of the major industrial corporations in the United States is the Westinghouse Electric Corporation. Its founder, George Westinghouse, was born 142 years ago today, on October 6, 1846. Westinghouse, an inventor credited with over 400 patents, established this company to make products on which he held patents, including railway and electrical products. In recent years, Westinghouse has become a major producer of nuclear power generators. My elder son became an electrical engineer for Westinghouse after graduating from university. When he was sent to Japan for a couple of years during the building of a power plant in Fukui Prefecture, he received a special "hardship allowance" to compensate for the so-called "hardships" he had to endure in this land of his birth--even though he was able to visit his parents in Nagoya on weekends. Now he is working for the Department of Energy on a pilot project, supervised by Westinghouse, related to the disposal of radioactive materials in the salt mines of New Mexico. My wife and I are happy that he is now working to get rid of radioactive waste rather than to produce it. Scientific inventions can be used either as a blessing or a curse for the world. The difference lies in the hearts and aims of those who use them. (2706)
Credit card (88/10/07)
Last year, my wife and I returned to the United States for a visit. We planned to rent a car to drive from the airport in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Carlsbad, to visit our son, but the rental agency refused to rent us a car because I did not have a credit card. Although I had cash, they required a credit card. Foreigners can rent a car without a card, but because I was an American, one was required. Explaining that I was a permanent resident of Japan, they were willing to let me use the credit card number of my son. I went to a public telephone booth to call him, but that telephone also required a card to make the call. Calling from another telephone, I heard a recorded message saying that my son and his wife were out and that, if I left my number, they would call back. Finally, the agency bent their rules to permit me to rent a car without a credit card, if I promised to call in the card number of my son later. It was a rude introduction to the age of the credit card in American society. On Sunday afternoon, October 30th, we will hold a meeting of listeners to these telephone messages at the Nagoya City Gei jutsu Sōzō Center. We will talk about our computerized society. Make a note on your calendar and plan to attend if you can. (2707)
Dandelions (88/10/08)
Sometimes when pulling weeds in a garden, I have trouble distinguishing between what is a weed and what is a flower. At such times, I am reminded of the English proverb that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". What about tanpopo, or dandelions, for example? Do you consider them beautiful? Are they a flower or a weed? Children in my wife's kindergarten class sometimes bring her a bouquet of pretty dandelions for her to enjoy. The word "dandelion" comes from French words meaning "lion's tooth" because the leaves of that plant were thought to resemble the teeth of lions. Americans who pride themselves in their spacious green lawns consider dandelions a vexatious pest that must be destroyed. It has a deep root and promiscuously spreads its seeds when it dies. However, this plant is also cultivated both for medicine and for food. It is rich in iron. Its leaves may be used for salad greens when fresh or as a kind of seasoning when cooked. The flowery heads are used to make dandelion wine or as forage for bees. Its roasted roots may be used as a coffee substitute and, when dried, they have certain medicinal qualities. People, as well as dandelions, have both positive and negative qualities and we can choose which ones to concentrate on and which ones to ignore. (2708)
Prejudice (88/10/09)
Many problems between individuals and nations in the world today are the result of prejudice, which is a judgment or opinion based on subjective bias rather than on objective facts. If we judge a person simply on the basis of race, religion, nationality, social status, etc., rather than on the basis of character and ability, we are guilty of prejudice. This is an old problem that is also reflected in the 2nd chapter of the New Testament Letter of James, where it is written: "as believers in Christ, you must never treat people in different ways according to their outward appearance. Suppose a rich man wearing a gold ring and fine clothes comes to your meeting, and a poor man in ragged clothes also comes." If more respect is shown to the well-dressed man on the basis of his appearance, he continues, "you are guilty of making judgments based on evil motives." The sin of prejudice is a world-wide problem and takes various forms here in Japan--not only in regard to the "outsiders" of different races or nationalities, but toward Japanese of different social, economic, political or educational backgrounds. Prejudice has roots in ignorance, pride and a lack of love. As James continues in his letter, "You will be doing the right thing if you obey the law of the Kingdom . . . Love your neighbour, as you love yourself." (2709)
Holiday, October 10 (88/10/10)
Today is a holiday in Japan, the Republic of China, the Fiji Islands, Canada and the United States. Each country has a different reason for the holiday. In Japan, Physical Education Day commemorates the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and encourages an interest in sports and health. In China, Double Tenth Day commemorates the proclamation of a republic by Sun Yat-sen on the 10th day of the 10th month in 1911. On October 10, 1970, the Fiji Islands became a sovereign nation. This second Monday of October is the Canadian Thanksgiving Day and Columbus Day in the United States, commemorating Columbus' landing on a North American island in 1492, Each country has its own reason for celebrating, but all can join in the words of Psalm 118:23: "This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."(2710)
Cats (88/10/11)
Do you like cats? Some people are very fond of them and prefer their company to that of other people. Others consider them sly and untrustworthy. Cats are often kept as pets and to catch rats and mice as well. Cats have been considered mysterious animals and in ancient Egypt they were worshipped as deities, In China, Confucius kept a favorite cat and, in Arabia, Mohammed preached with a cat in his arms. In the Middle Ages, the mystery related to cats was shifted from the divine to the demonic and they became associated with witches and black magic. In France, many cats and even women who kept cats were exterminated during witch hunts. Even today, superstitious people in the west consider black cats a sign of bad luck. In Japan, however, a black cat is the symbol of a popular express delivery company. Because of their agility and unusual ability to land on all four feet when falling from a height, there is an English proverb that a cat has nine lives. A cat has been called "a miniature tiger kept in a home to remind children to wash their faces". According to the 13th chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus humbly washed the feet of his disciples and told them to follow his example and wash one another's feet. (2711)
Discovery Day (88/10/12)
Japanese students have interesting ways of remembering historical dates by making words having the same sounds as the numbers. We have no such memory-aiding devices in English, but one date I have always remembered by a rhyme: "In fourteen-hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on an island in the Bahamas. Over a dozen countries in North, Central and South America commemorate that event with holidays today. Discovery Day was the original name of this holiday in the United States when it was first observed 96 years ago. As with many terms in histories written in the languages of powerful nations, "Discovery Day" has a biased meaning. Columbus may have been the first European to set foot on an American island, but people had been living there long before he "discovered" them. Because Columbus mistakenly thought he had reached the East Indies, he called the natives "Indians", and this mistaken, confusing identification has continued until now. From the viewpoint of the native inhabitants, who continue to suffer a second-class existence even today, "Discovery Day" is not an occasion for celebration. We should realize that a militarily or economically stronger culture is not necessarily superior. (2712)
Pay showers (88/10/13)
A uniquely Japanese custom of former days was a regular visit to a public bathhouse. The sentō was not only a place where people could cleanse and relax their bodies. There, one could also meet others and engage in meaningful or meaningless conversation. Now that most homes have their own baths, bathhouses are decreasing in number and a different kind of bathing custom is emerging: the coin-operated shower. Pay showers, found near a number of train stations in Tokyo's residential areas, are patronized mostly by young men and women whose apartments do not have baths and are used most often after midnight or early in the morning. A five-minute shower costs ¥100, but additional coins may be inserted if a longer time is desired. Some showers, where there are no attendants, are available 24 hours a day. In contrast to the sanitary conditions of bathhouses, many pay showers are unsanitary because some people who use them are inconsiderate of those who will follow them. Some people are careful to keep their bodies clean but are not concerned about the purity of their minds. In Matthew, chapter 23, verses 25 and following, Jesus scolded religious people of his day for cleansing only the outside, which people see, but leaving the inside dirty. (2713)
William Penn (88/10/14)
One of the fifty states in the U. S. A is named after its founder. Historically, this state holds an important place in the country's history for it was there that the national government was born, the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution was composed. The founder of the state, a leader of the Religious Society of friends, known as Quakers, was born 344 years ago today, on October 14, 1644. William Penn received a tract of wilderness between New York and Maryland from the British King and founded a colony for English Quakers who were persecuted in their homeland because they were nonconformists. Members of other like-minded religious groups, including Mennonites, Moravians, bunkers, Amish and Schwenkfelders also settled there, where they were permitted to follow their consciences and their particular religious practices in peace. Sylvan refers to a forest or wood, so Pennsylvania, the name of the colony, literally means "Penn's Forest". Penn named the major city in the colony, where early congresses were held and which served as the nation's capital for ten years, Philadelphia, from the Greek word meaning "brotherly love". William Penn has written: "We are apt to love praise, but not to deserve it. But if we would deserve it, we must love virtue more than that." (2714)
St. Tereza of Avila (88/10/15)
The feminine name, Teresa, is derived from a Greek word meaning "reaper" or "harvester", a word used by Jesus twice in his parable of the weeds in Matthew, chapter 13. When many people today hear this name, they think of the Roman Catholic sister in India who continues to sacrificially minister to the needs of poor and homeless people there, but another woman with that name is St. Teresa of Avila, the patron saint of Spain. Today is her feast day in the Roman Catholic Church calendar. This Teresa became a nun when she was twenty years old. Dissatisfied with the convent system of her day, she advocated various reforms to make it a more suitable place for spiritual development. In her various writings, she advocated a combination of practicality and prayer. In 1970, almost 400 years after her death, she became the first woman to receive the title, Doctor of the Church, which is conferred on ecclesiastical writers who have attained great sanctity and whose writings or teachings have benefited the whole Catholic church. She wrote: "Sometimes the Devil proposes to us great desires, so that we shall not put our hand to what we have to do, and serve the Lord with possible things, but stay content with having desired impossible ones." (2715)
Gethsamane (88/10/16)
East of the city of Jerusalem there is a hill on which were groves of olive trees in Jesus' day. It was called the Mount of Olives. At the foot of this hill was an area called Gethsamane, which means oil vat. There must have been a vat there containing oil which had been extracted from the olives. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 26, is the story of Jesus retiring to that quiet place to pray on the night before he was crucified. He told his disciples to stay awake and pray while he went on a little further to pray by himself. When he came back and found them sleeping, he scolded them. But, recognizing their good intentions despite their physical tiredness, he said, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Isn't this the problem that many of us face in our lives today? In our hearts, we desire to do what is right, but we find that our physical strength is not sufficient for us to actually do it. Or maybe we are not strong enough to resist the social pressure to conform to tradition. Jesus' prayer shows that he also had to struggle to obey the purpose of his heavenly Father, but the conclusion of his prayer in Gethsemane was: "It must be not what I want, but what you want", and that is the true spirit of all Christian prayers. (2716)
Transfer of Alaska (88/10/17)
Today is a holiday in the largest state of the U. S. A. The name of this state comes from an Eskimo word meaning "great land". Previously known as Russian America, Russia sold this "great land", four times the size of Japan, to the United States for $7 million in 1867. The formal transfer of the area took place on October 18th and is now commemorated in Alaska annually on this third Monday of October. Since Czar Alexander II was willing to sell a huge piece of Russian land to the United States 121 years ago, do you think President Gorbachev might be willing to sell a small island or two to Japan in the near future? Considering the cost of land in Japan today, even if he were, I'm sure he would charge an exorbitant price. Pearl Buck has written, "There is a difference between what one seizes and what one really possesses." (2717)
Statistics (88/10/18)
Do you know what special day this 18th day of October is in Japan? According to the almanac, it is called tōkei no hi. I am not sure of the reason for designating such a day nor of its significance, but it has been observed in Japan for the past fifteen years. The two Chinese characters which make up tōkei when used individually, mean "to rule over" and "to measure", but, when put together, the meaning given them is "statistics". This word, along with such words as "state", "static" and "station" come from a Latin root meaning to stand. Do you think the word "statistics" is singular or plural? Actually, it can be either. When signifying a course of study related to the collection and analysis of numerical data, it takes a singular verb, but when referring to the numerical data itself, it takes a plural verb. According to recent statistics on world religions, of the over 5 billion people in the world, some 1 billion 650 million are Christians, 850 million are Muslims, 660 million are Hindus and 312 million are Buddhists. From the Christian viewpoint, people are not simply statistics in the eyes of God, but individuals, each with his or her own character, and all of whom God loves. (2718)
Poachers (88/10/19)
Two different words spelled p-o-a-c-h have very different meanings. One kind of poach means to cook in a boiling liquid. An egg may be poached in a vessel called a poacher. Another kind of poach means to fish or hunt illegally. A person who does this is also called a poacher. In Africa, poachers are killing so many black rhinoceroses there is danger of their becoming extinct. In East Asia, horns of rhinoceroses are ground into powder and sold as a kind of medicine for colds and fevers, so many of the large beasts are killed just to get their horns. The estimated 100,000 black rhinos in Africa in 1960 have decreased to about 4000. The Zimbabwe government has begun a military style operation to try to stop the killings, which has resulted in the killing of 43 poachers. How to protect natural wildlife and the environment is a problem that concerns all inhabitants of our global village. Marya Mannes has written, "The earth we abuse and the living things we kill, will in the end, take their revenge for in exploiting their presence we are diminishing our future." Edwin Teale has added, "The fight to save wild beauty requires citizens to practice the hardest of virtues--self restraint." (2719)
Sir Christopher Wren (88/10/20)
A common American songbird is the wren, spelled w-r-e-n. It is a small bird with brownish feathers, a white breast and a short tail that stands erect. Because it is a highly musical bird and feeds on insects, Americans build birdhouses for wrens to encourage them to stay in their gardens or yards. Wren is also the surname of a famous English architect, astronomer and mathematician. Sir Christopher Wren, who was born 356 years ago today, on October 20, 1632, is best known for his designing and constructing of churches in London following the great fire of 1666. His masterpiece is St. Paul's Cathedral. The old, 13th century church was severely damaged by the fire and Sir Christopher was given permission to demolish the old structure and to build a new one. The present cathedral, which was under construction for 35 years, is in the shape of a cross with a majestic dome rising above the intersection of the arms. If you have been to London, you must have seen this imposing building. The Old Testament book of I Kings, chapter 8, contains King Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the magnificent temple he had built, in which he recognized that a man-made temple can never serve as God's dwelling place. (2720)
Alfred Nobel (88/10/21)
The word, "noble", spelled n-o-b-l-e, may refer to someone belonging to the nobility or to someone of high moral character. Unfortunately, nobles are not always noble. 155 years ago today, on October 21, 1833, a noble man, who was not a nobleman, was born into a Swedish family whose name was Nobel, spelled N-o-b-e-l. Educated in Russia, Alfred Nobel, traveled in Europe and America as a youth. His family was involved in the development and manufacture of explosives and his invention of dynamite greatly improved the safety of these dangerous elements. Inclined toward pacifism and concerned about the potential uses of the explosives he had invented, he established a fund to provide annual awards, called Nobel Prizes, in the sciences, literature and the promotion of international peace. These prizes, which have been awarded since 1901, are now highly respected throughout the world. The old Roman statesman, Seneca, wrote: "The origin of all men is the same and virtue is the only nobility." On Sunday afternoon, October 30th, we will hold a meeting of listeners to these telephone messages. Won't you mark it on your calendar and plan to join us? (2721)
Military bicycles (88/10/22)
When travelling within Nagoya my usual mode of transportation is a bicycle. Riding a bike provides healthful exercise, is economical, often more convenient and, at times, faster than going by car. Thus, I was interested in a news item about the Swiss army's unique cycling troops. Its military bicycles, first introduced in 1905, are now being modernized. These bicycles provide transportation for three bicycle regiments of some 3,300 soldiers. Other countries may snicker at the use of bicycles today, but a Swiss army spokesman noted that bicycles are quick and quiet. Trucks and cars make noise that can be heard from a distance, especially at night. Troops on bikes can roll at short notice across rough terrain, operate without fuel, and spread out quickly, making them a difficult target for aircraft. The modernized bicycles have two gears and can carry over 150 kilograms. Soldiers who join the bike troops often pedal up to 200 kilometers a day during training. They are required to leave the regiments when they turn 32, but many continue their bike-riding habits throughout their lives. Regular exercise is an important factor in maintaining good health. (2722)
Immanent (88/10/23)
Do you know how to spell immanent? In fact, there are two different words with this pronunciation. They both begin with the letters "i-m-m" and end with "n-e-n-t", but if the middle vowel is an "i", the meaning is "about to occur". Thus, the American presidential election is imminent. When the middle vowel is an "a", however, it means "existing within". According to Christian belief, God is not only transcendent, that is, above and independent of the universe. He is also immanent or present within the world He created. Some people think of God as existing far away in heaven, unconcerned about what is going on in the world. But according to the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, chapter 30, verses 11-14, we need not ascend to heaven nor cross the ocean to hear God's Word. No, that Word of God is immanent; it is right here with us. In his Letter to the Romans, chapter 10, the Apostle Paul quotes these verses in relation to Christ, the living Word of God who entered human history to reveal the character of God. Christians believe that God's Holy Spirit is in the world today, inspiring, comforting and invigorating the lives of those who believe. (2723)
United Nations (88/10/24)
Today is observed in many countries as United Nations Day and in a few small countries, such as Haiti, Mauritius and Swaziland, all of which are smaller than the island of Kyushu, it is a holiday. 43 years ago today, on October 24, 1945, this organization officially came into existence when its charter had been ratified by the five permanent members of the Security Council and a majority of the 46 other charter members. The name, "United Nations", was coined by President Roosevelt in 1941 to describe the countries fighting against the so-called Axis nations during the Second World War. Some people are dissatisfied with the United Nations, but as Henry Cabot Lodge, a former U. S. ambassador to the U. N., once said, "This organization is created to prevent you from going to hell. It isn't created to take you to heaven." (2724)
Pablo Picasso (88/10/25)
As you may know, a cube is a solid with six equal square faces. Dice are made in the shape of cubes, but do you know what cubism is? Cubism is an art form in which natural forms are changed into abstract or geometric figures. The most famous name associated with this style of art is that of Pablo Picasso, who was born in Spain107 years ago today. I confess that I do not have an appreciation of Picasso's art. An English critic has written that "Many painters and writers have made beautiful works out of repulsive subjects. Picasso enjoys making repulsive works out of beautiful subjects." Picasso's wife once said, "If my husband would ever meet a woman on the street that looked like the women in his paintings he would fall over in a dead faint." Picasso himself stated that "Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth." Personally, I'm not sure what kind of "truth" is realized from Picasso's art, but I am reminded of the Japanese proverb, "Ten men, ten colors." (2725)
Red Cross (88/10/26)
Symbols may be effective communicators of meaning even when words are not understood. The cross is now universally recognized as a symbol of Christianity for it was through his death on the cross that Jesus Christ demonstrated the extent of God's love for all people. As a Christian symbol, the vertical arm of the cross is usually longer than the horizontal arm. A red cross with arms the same length on a white background has a different meaning. This symbol identifies an international organization concerned with alleviating suffering and promoting public health. 125 years ago today in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Red Cross was established to provide humane treatment for wounded soldiers by neutral volunteers in times of war. The Red Cross also takes an interest in the treatment of prisoners of war and has expanded its services to provide aid to refugees, relief in times of disaster and a continuing blood-supply program. There are now national Red Cross societies in over 100 countries. There is probably a Red Cross office in your community which would be happy to receive a regular contribution of your blood to their blood bank to be used in times of emergency. Personally, I consider Red Cross activities as reflections of the spirit symbolized in the cross of Christ. (2726)
Zaire (88/10/27)
Since coming to Japan, I have learned various things about the English language, including the fact that the final letter of the English alphabet may be pronounced "zed". Until coming here, the only pronunciation I knew for that letter was "zee" and, at first, I didn't understand when Japanese speakers of English said "zed". Three countries in the United Nations have names beginning with Z. All of them are located in central or southern Africa and today is a holiday in the largest of the three. Earlier known as the Congo Free State and then as the Belgian Congo, for a decade after its independence it was called the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But on October 27, 1971, 17 years ago today, the name of this country was changed to the Republic of Zaire. An elder sister of mine served as a missionary in that country with her husband for over 30 years and her daughter and husband are now continuing that ministry. On Sunday afternoon at 1:30 we will hold a meeting of listeners to these telephone messages at the Nagoya Geijutsu Sōzō Senta-, north of the Shinsakaemachi subway station. The theme for our discussion will be the Computerized Society. We would be happy to meet you and to hear your thoughts on this subject. (2727)
Spinster sisters (88/10/28)
The word "spinster" originally signified a woman whose occupation was spinning. In old England, this was a common job for unmarried women. In fact, a girl was not considered ready for marriage until she had spun a set of linens for her body, her table and her bed. Nowadays, spinster means a woman who has remained single beyond the conventional age for marriage. A pair of quiet, frugal, hard-working spinster sisters lived together in Somerset, Massachusetts. Frances was a stenographer and Elsie worked in the pharmaceutical industry for more than 50 years. The two sisters never left town, never got involved in local affairs, never learned how to drive and never got married. When taking a street car home from work, they would get off at the stop before the fare went up and walk the last half-kilometer to save five cents. Elsie died at the age of 94 two years ago and 93-year-old Frances died a few months ago. They had no close relatives and no one knew how much money they had saved over the years. Recently, city officials were surprised to learn that these two spinster sisters had left a $1 million trust fund to benefit the community. Some people make a contribution to society while alive. Others may make their contribution after they have died. (2728)
Foreign businessmen (88/10/29)
What do you imagine are the major complaints of foreign businessmen in Japan? Recently, a Japanese insurance company conducted a survey of 300 American and Western European business people working in Tokyo and Osaka. According to this survey, 61 percent of the respondents observed that Japanese business people do not speak frankly; 45 percent indicated that they delay making decisions and tend to act only in groups; 39 percent said that business conferences drag on unnecessarily and 32 percent complained about frequent overtime, working on holidays and karaoke. The survey also showed that 57 percent of the pollees listen to music to ease mental stress, while those who cited alcohol as a remedy ranked ninth at 34 percent. 86 percent admitted that they were workaholics who spend little time with their families. When people of different cultures work together, minor frictions are bound to occur, but both sides should be willing to humbly learn from each other. Tomorrow afternoon, beginning at 1:30, a meeting of listeners to these "Daily Word" telephone messages will be held at the Nagoya Shi Geijutsu Sōzō Senta-, north of the Shinsakaemachi subway station. My wife and I would be happy to meet you there. We will be talking about the Computerized Society. (2720)
Last supper (88/10/02)
Smoking in the Soviet Union (88/10/03)
St. Francis of Assisi (88/10/04)
Suttee (88/10/05)
George Westinghouse (88/10/06)
Credit card (88/10/07)
Dandelions (88/10/08)
Prejudice (88/10/09)
Holiday, October 10 (88/10/10)
Cats (88/10/11)
Discovery Day (88/10/12)
Pay showers (88/10/13)
William Penn (88/10/14)
St. Tereza of Avila (88/10/15)
Gethsamane (88/10/16)
Transfer of Alaska (88/10/17)
Statistics (88/10/18)
Poachers (88/10/19)
Sir Christopher Wren (88/10/20)
Alfred Nobel (88/10/21)
Military bicycles (88/10/22)
Immanent (88/10/23)
United Nations (88/10/24)
Pablo Picasso (88/10/25)
Red Cross (88/10/26)
Zaire (88/10/27)
Spinster sisters (88/10/28)
Foreign businessmen (88/10/29)
119th Psalm (88/10/30)
95 theses (88/10/31)
Lottery winner (88/10/01)