Rosa Parks (88/12/01)
Thirty-three years ago today, on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was sitting on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.A. Because the city bus system gave preferential treatment to white people, Mrs. Parks, who is black, was told to give up her seat to a white man. Because she refused to do so, she was arrested. As a result, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the black pastor of a Baptist Church in that city organized a bus boycott. For 381 days, black citizens refused to ride the public buses, which resulted in the bus company's loss of 65 percent of its usual income. In November of the following year, the Supreme Court ruled that the bus company's rules were unconstitutional. Over a year after Mrs. Parks' arrest, the Montgomery buses were desegregated. Influenced by the example of Gandhi's nonviolent protests against injustice in India, Dr. King led many nonviolent demonstrations on behalf of the civil rights of black citizens in the United States. What do you think of the possibility and effectiveness of such protests by common citizens in Japan? Dr. King has written: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." (2762)
United Arab Emirates (88/12/02)
Can you name the three countries in the world whose compound names begin with "United"? The first one that comes to my mind is the United States of America. Secondly, the official name of the island nation off the European mainland is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The third country is not so well known. It is a federation of seven Arab emirates. (Incidentally, an emirate is a nation or territory ruled by an emir, which comes from the Arabic word for commander.) This country is located on the eastern part of the Arabian peninsula. It was the home of a seafaring people who became famous as pirates. In the mid-19th century, Great Britain forced a truce upon its various factions and it became known as the Trucial States. On December 2, 1971, seventeen years ago today, these seven emirates established the United Arab Emirates, a loose federation which follows joint policies in foreign relations, defense and development, while each member state keeps its own system of government headed by its own ruler. I wonder if the time will ever come when the whole world community will gain greater unity in a federation of United Nations that is more than just a name, (2763)
Bodyguard (88/12/03)
A "body shop' is the shop or garage where "body work" is done by car repairmen, for in this case "body" refers to the body of an automobile. A "bodyguard", on the other hand, is a person employed to guard the body of a living person. Yakuza leaders are often surrounded by bodyguards when they appear in public. One of the evils accompanying Japan's economic prosperity is an increase in violent crimes for financial gain. Consequently, a new company has just been established in Tokyo to provide bodyguards for private citizens. The company president, 57-year-old Kuwashi Takeshima, is a retired police officer who has had experience guarding VIP's while serving in the Security Division of the National Police Agency. He has recruited 30 employees who have served as security officers in police departments, all of whom are well-trained in either kendō or jūdō and also speak English fluently. His company will offer protection for a fee depending on the nature of the case. However, since private bodyguards are not allowed to carry firearms, there may be serious trouble when confronted by gangsters with guns. Indeed, we live in a fearful world, but according to II Thessalonians 3:3, our Lord is faithful and he will guard us from the evil one. (2764)
"For ever" (88/12/04)
The adverb "ever" may mean "at any time", as in the sentence, "Have you ever seen a circus?" It may also mean "at all times", as in the sentence, "He was ever courteous." When the prefix "for" is added, a new word, "forever", is formed which means eternally or incessantly. However, the same meaning may be indicated by the two separate words "for ever". In the Bible, "for ever", "for ever and ever" and "for evermore" are frequently used in reference to God, his character and his work. The Bible teaches that the material world and all material things are temporal, having a beginning and an end. They are all the creation of God, who is spirit and not limited by time. God is eternal and his justice and goodness are everlasting. In the 111th Psalm, it is written that God's righteousness "endures for ever", that his precepts "are established for ever and ever", that his covenant is "for ever" and his praise "endures for ever". That Psalm also teaches that true wisdom is found through faith in God, for it closes with these words: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures for ever!" (2765)
Walter Disney (88/12/05)
Have you ever been to Disneyland? One large amusement park with this name is located near Tokyo. Another is in California. A third, called Walt Disney World, is located in Florida. These parks are named for the famous cartoonist and movie maker, Walter Disney, who was born 87 years ago today, on December 5, 1901, in Chicago. After finishing high school, he studied at an art academy and served as a Red Cross ambulance driver in France during the First World War. After the war, he began making cartoon films in Hollywood. A film he made in 1928 included a cartoon character called Mickey Mouse which has become world-famous over the past sixty years. A sense of humor and the ability to laugh is essential to a healthy life. Mohandas Gandhi once said, "If I had no sense of humor, I would long ago have committed suicide."(2766)
Spas (88/12/06)
When a Chinese character for "warm" is followed by another meaning "spring", it is not surprising that the resulting word, onsen, may be translated into English as "hot spring". Many people in Japan enjoy going to hot springs for relaxation. It is also said that some hot springs are good for the health. Such spas are not only hot springs, they are mineral springs for certain minerals are found in the warm water. The word "spa" comes from a small town in Belgium with that name. From the 16th century, the mineral springs at Spa have been a fashionable health resort. There are now a number of spas in the United States, as can be seen in the names of such cities or towns as Saratoga Springs, New York, Mineral Wells, Texas. Hot Springs, Arkansas and White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. An increasing number of Americans are making regular trips to these resort areas. While the psychological benefit of such trips is recognized, questions have recently been raised about the medicinal value of spas. If you have comments to make about spas and of any visits you have made to them, I would be happy to read a short essay from you on this subject, which I will correct and include in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama, Nagoya, 463. (2767)
Boars (88/12/07)
There are various English words pronounced bōr. When spelled b-o-r-e, one kind of bore is a tool used to drill, or bore, holes. Another kind of bore is a person whose tedious talk makes others weary, or bores them. Yet another kind of bōr, spelled b-o-a-r, signifies a wild pig. Seven years ago, Torao Kanbayashi and his wife, who live in the village of Shimokitayama in Nara Prefecture, began raising boars after catching some boars that were damaging their rice paddies. They now have 30 boars and have created a tasty dish they have called Tosshin Nabe which consists of boar meat and various vegetables. The dish has proved so popular that the Kanbayashis have established a delivery service. In response to a telephone request, the ingredients of Tosshin Nabe along with a pamphlet explaining how to prepare the dish will be delivered anywhere within a day's drive of their village. Personally, I would not order such a dish because pork is not one of my favorite foods. Some people like certain kinds of meat and others don't. In the Gospel of John, chapter 4, verse 34, Jesus said, "My meat is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work." (2768)
Goshawks (88/12/08)
Some people in political circles today are known as doves and others are called hawks. In this case, a dove is one who emphasizes peaceful means while hawks favor military force. As you know, these are the names of birds of peaceful or violent dispositions. Hawks, or taka in Japanese, have short wings, sharp claws and a hooked bill. The large hawk, or ōtaka, is called a goshawk in English. Rapid urbanization and illegal hunting has resulted in a drastic reduction in the goshawk population of Japan. There are now estimated to be only a few hundred goshawks left and the bird is designated an endangered species. The Tochigi chapter of the Wild Bird Society of Japan has proposed that the red pine forest area of that prefecture, which is a habitat of goshawks, be divided into sectors and logged in rotation to make sure there is always a sector where goshawks can nest. This is another example of the increased concern for protecting our natural surroundings and the wildlife in them. According to the Bible, nature is the handiwork of God and human beings should enhance rather than destroy its beauty. (2769)
John Milton (88/12/09)
An epic is a long, narrative poem usually about some legendary hero. The greatest epic in the English language, Paradise Lost, was written by a man who had become blind. Its author, John Milton, who was born 380 years ago today, on December 9, 1608, began writing poems in both English and Latin while a student at Cambridge. He had planned to enter the ministry of the English Church, but because of his dislike for its ritualism he devoted himself to poetry instead. Supporting the Presbyterians in their attempt to reform the Church, he wrote pamphlets for their cause. While serving in the government of Oliver Cromwell, he became blind. Milton's sonnets are considered among the greatest ever written, but his masterpiece is Paradise Lost. This blank-verse poem in twelve books relates the story of Satan's rebellion against God and of the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, which is narrated in Genesis, chapter 3. Later, Milton wrote another epic, called Paradise Regained, in which he told of how Christ, a greater man than Adam, overcame Satan's temptations. Christians believe that they also are able to overcome Satan's temptations today through their faith in Christ, the Savior. (2770)
Human Rights (88/12/10)
When the United Nations came into existence in 1945, its charter contained references to the "human rights and fundamental freedoms" that it sought to support. However, that document did not define what was meant by such words. Therefore, the Commission on Human Rights was directed to prepare a statement that could serve as a universal standard. That document, known as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, forty years ago today, although Saudi Arabia, the Union of South Africa and six Soviet bloc countries abstained from voting. This year, various events have been held to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of its adoption. Unfortunately, its principles are not being followed, even in many countries that have approved it. The Declaration states that all human beings without exception have equal dignity and rights and that there should be no discrimination in providing them with equal opportunities and equal protection. What are your views about the state of human rights in Japan and in other countries? On this Human Rights Day, let us dedicate ourselves to the task of making these high-sounding principles a reality in our own spheres of influence. (2771)
Offerings (88/12/11)
During a Christian worship service, we sing joyful hymns of praise to God. We also pray to God, giving thanks for God's blessings, confessing our sins and making requests for others and for ourselves. Another part of worship is to listen as God speaks to us, through the words of the Bible or the sermon of a preacher. However, true worship is not complete unless we respond to God's message in some way. During the offertory, we offer not only our money, but ourselves, to God to be used in serving God and other people. In the 8th and 9th chapters of the New Testament book of II Corinthians, the Apostle Paul appealed for an offering from the Christians in the Greek city of Corinth--not for himself but for poor Christians in the Jewish city of Jerusalem. In reference to other Christians who had already given an offering, he wrote, "First, they gave themselves to the Lord". The offering of our possessions should be a symbol of the offering of ourselves. Paul compares monetary offerings to seed that will grow into a rich harvest. Thinking seriously about how we spend, or how our government spends, our money, we should also consider what kind of harvest it will bring, (2772)
Crossword puzzles (88/12/12)
A puzzle is a game that tests one's ingenuity or cleverness. Among the various kinds of puzzles I enjoy are the word puzzles in which letters of words must be put into numbered squares corresponding to certain clues. Since words in such puzzles are written both horizontally and vertically and cross one another, they are called crossword puzzles. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest published crossword was produced in Quebec, Canada, had 82,951 squares and covered over 3.5 square meters. Seventy-five years ago today, on December 12, 1913, the first crossword puzzle to appear in a newspaper was published in the New York World. Nowadays, crossword puzzles are regular features of English-language newspapers and provide an interesting way to increase one's vocabulary. (2773)
Kotatsu, Hibachi, Kairo (88/12/13)
The lifestyle of the average Japanese is changing, particularly in the cities where the living conditions of many families are quite different from traditional family homes in the country. As an example, consider how you heat your home these days. In the old days, people put their legs and feet under a quilt spread over a hole in the floor where charcoal was burning. This foot warming device was called a kotatsu. Hands were warmed by placing them on or over a large bowl-like vessel called a hibachi in which charcoal was burning. A kairo was a small metal case in which powdered charcoal was burned and which could be placed in one's pocket or kimono. These days charcoal is not very popular as a source of heat in the cities. However, you probably have some memories regarding these charcoal heating devices. I would be happy to read your thoughts or memories related to kotatsu, hibachi or kairo. I will correct essays on this theme and publish them in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. To receive a typewritten copy of the telephone messages for the coming week, send me a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥60 in stamps for the copy fee. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (2774)
Alabama (88/12/14)
The names of over half of the fifty states in the United States come from native American Indian words. The state that comes first on an alphabetical list is one of them. That state became the 22nd state to join the Union 169 years ago today, on December 14, 1819, and now ranks 22nd in population and 29th in area. A part of the so-called Deep South, its capital city became the capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. It is the state of Alabama and its name probably comes from Indian words meaning "I open the thicket". A thicket is a dense growth of shrubs or small trees, so the one who "opens the thicket" is the one who clears the land for cultivation. There has been controversy over whether citizens of this state should be called Alabamans or Alabamians, but natives are said to prefer the latter. Alabama is known as the Cotton State and, in years gone by, it had many large cotton plantations on which black slaves toiled under shameful conditions. During the civil rights movement, Alabama was a diehard opponent of integration. The state motto is "We Dare Defend Our Rights". I hope this refers to the rights of all of its citizens, regardless of the color of their skin. (2775)
Zamenhof (88/12/15)
Most listeners to these telephone messages are native speakers of Japanese and I am a native speaker of American English. Did you know that there is a language of which no one is a native speaker? It is the artificial language of Esperanto which is the creation of L. L. Zamenhof, a Russian physician who was born on December 15, 1859, 129 years ago today. Zamenhof was an eye doctor who practiced in Warsaw. In 1887, he published his first book on Esperanto. At different times in world history, certain national languages have become an international medium of expression, including Assyrian, Greek, Latin, Arabic, French and English. However, when a national language is used in international gatherings, some people have a natural advantage over others. Zamenhof devised a language with a very simple, regular grammar and phonetic spelling which people of any linguistic background could easily learn as a second language. Esperanto has been the most successful of various attempts to create a universal language, but it has not yet attained the aim of its creator. What do you think about a universal language? Is it a realistic possibility? In a vision of the future found in Revelation, chapter 19, verse 6, people of all nations and languages join together in singing the words of the Hallelujah Chorus: "Alleluia: For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth," (2776)
Ritzy (88/12/16)
Although most Japanese consider themselves in the very broad middle class, in the eyes of other Asians, the Japanese lifestyle is getting more and more ritzy. Do you understand the meaning of this word, spelled r-i-t-z-y? It is a slang word meaning elegant, fancy, wealthy or luxurious and usually is used by "nonritzy" people. The word was coined in America over sixty years ago after the establishment of a Ritz Hotel in New York. The first Ritz Hotel was built in Paris in 1898 followed by another in London. Named after their Swiss owner, Cesar Ritz, they were famous for their elegance. The original Ritz Paris has recently been renovated at a cost of $150 million and now has an indoor swimming pool, a health club and a Ritz Club, with its own bar, restaurant and disco. Unfortunately, the gap between rich and poor people, rich and poor nations, seems to be widening. Jesus told his disciples, in Matthew, chapter 6, not to store up riches here on earth where moths eat fine garments, rust destroys metals and robbers break in and steal. He advised storing up riches in heaven where such things do not occur and he concluded, "your heart will always be where your riches are." (2777)
Bhutan (88/12/17)
Today is a national holiday in the Asian country whose name means "land of the thunder dragon". Its national flag has a white dragon in the center with a yellow triangle on one side and an orange one on the other. As a constitutional monarchy, it has a king who rules under the provisions of a constitution. Its capital is Thimbu. Its national language is Dzongkha. Its money is called Ngultrum. And its present ruler is King Jigme Singye Wangchuk. With all of these hints, have you guessed its name? It is the Kingdom of Bhutan, in the southeastern area of the Himalayas between China and India. About equal to the combined areas of Aichi, Mie and Shizuoka Prefectures in size, it has a population of about 1,500,000. The land of Bhutan includes 7500-meter high mountains and hot jungle lowlands with fertile valleys in between where most of its citizens live and raise rice and yaks. (In this case, "yak" does not mean to chatter. It is the name of a kind of cattle.) Formerly under British control, Bhutan is now independent but its foreign affairs are handled by India. Do you not agree that Japanese should know more of other Asian countries? (2778)
Bethlehem (88/12/18)
As you know, the first two letters of the English alphabet are A and B. They correspond to the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, alpha and beta, from which the word "alphabet" is derived. These Greek letters, in turn, come from the first two letters in the Hebrew alphabet, alph and beth. Beth is a Hebrew word meaning "house". In the Bible, there are over fifty names of places that begin with this word. The most famous of the Biblical towns or villages beginning with "Beth" is the place where Jesus was born. Do you know its name? It is the town of Bethlehem, which probably means "house of bread", and which is located about ten kilometers southwest of Jerusalem. Among the well-known Christmas carols sung at this time of year is one entitled "O Little Town of Bethlehem". It was written by an American clergyman after returning from a trip to the Holy Land, during which he visited Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. The hymn was first sung by the Sunday School children in his church in Philadelphia in 1868. The "everlasting Light" which began shining in that "little town of Bethlehem" almost two milleniums ago continues to shine in and through the lives of Christ's followers today. (2779)
Valley Forge (88/12/19)
The 49 national parks in the United States include the most spectacular scenery in the country. A separate group of 26 national historical parks are places of special historical significance. One such park, outside of Philadelphia, is Valley Forge, the site where General George Washington and his ragtag army camped during the winter of 1777-78. 211 years ago today, on December 19th, 11,000 rebel soldiers arrived at this site after retreating from the onslaught of superior British forces. They remained there until the spring of the following year. Due to the lack of food and clothes, disease, hunger and exposure caused the deaths of 3000 men. However, the severe conditions of that winter forged the survivors into better soldiers that brought eventual victory. "Through hardship to the stars" is the motto of Britain's Royal Air Force. (2780)
Karaoke (88/12/20)
The year is drawing to a close. In Japan, it is not only teachers who run during this busy time of year. Some people run to parties. One listener wrote that she had attended a Christmas Party in November. I have never heard of a November Christmas Party in the United States, but Japanese may spread partying over a longer period of time. Many year-end parties this year will be more subdued, but at least some of them will include karaoke performances. Karaoke does not mean an empty tub or bucket. Rather, it is a strange combination of a Japanese word with a peculiar Japanese abbreviation of an English word. Literally meaning "empty orchestra", it is a recorded musical accompaniment for people who enjoy getting rid of pent-up emotions through singing. Do you enjoy karaoke? I would be happy to read an essay giving your thoughts on this uniquely Japanese type of entertainment which I will correct and print in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. According to older English translations of the 100th Psalm, all people should make a "joyful noise" unto the Lord, but I'm sure the Psalmist was not thinking of karaoke. This is: "Daily Word" Post Office Box 30, Moriyama, Nagoya 463.(2781)
Benjamin Disraeli (88/12/21)
A person who turns around rapidly becomes dizzy and is in danger of falling. Dizzy may also mean bewildered or confused: Informally, it refers to someone or something silly. In my youth, a famous pitcher in major league baseball was nicknamed Dizzy. Dizzy Dean is now memorialized in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Today is the birthday of a famous British author and statesman who served as prime minister during the reign of Queen Victoria and who was also nicknamed Dizzy. His real name was Benjamin Disraeli and he was born on December 21, 1804. Disraeli was born into a Jewish family but was baptized as a Christian when he was thirteen. His political essays and novels earned him a permanent place in English literature and his speeches in Parliament were characterized by caustic wit and biting ridicule. He was called "the first comic genius who ever installed himself in Downing Street [which is where British prime ministers resided]". I agree with a statement Disraeli once made in a speech at Oxford: "Man . . . is a being born to believe." Healthy persons have a belief of some kind and sensible adults will not hold on to dizzy beliefs. (2782)
Giacomo Puccini (88/12/22)
The word "opera" is derived from the Latin word for "work". An opera is a musical work, a drama in which the dialogue is sung rather than spoken. A famous Italian opera with a Japanese setting is Madame Butterfly. First performed in1904, this opera is about Chō-chō San, a Nagasaki maiden who married an American naval officer who returned to his homeland soon after the wedding. He comes back to Japan three years later with his American wife who asks Chō-chō San for her golden-haired son. Madame Butterfly agrees to the request, goes into the house, blindfolds her son, takes a dagger and stabs herself, falling at the boy's feet with her arms stretched out toward him. Her American husband enters the room, finds her dying and, with deep remorse, takes her tenderly into his arms. The music for this opera was composed by the Italian composer, Giacomo Puccini, who was born130 years ago today, on December 22, 1858 and who composed a number of romantic operas. The English conductor, Sir Thomas Beecham, stated, "If an opera cannot be played by an organ grinder--as Puccini's . . , melodies were played, then that opera is not going to achieve immortality." (2783)
Bells (88/12/23)
One of the tunes often heard in Japan around Christmas time is "Jingle Bells". This bright song is about the jingling of bells fastened to a sleigh as it glides through the snow behind a horse that has bells attached to its tail. There are many different kinds of bells, which are hollow, metal instruments that emit a metallic tone when struck. Sleigh bells, like the Japanese suzu, have a metal ball inside that makes a happy jingle. A different kind of bell is found in Buddhist temples in Japan. These large bells make a melancholy gong when struck by a wooden log on the outside. Church bells have a clapper on the inside and have a joyful ring. In the ears of this foreigner living in Japan, the sounds related to bells at Christmastime and those on New Year's Eve communicate a very different message that is related to the character of the religious teachings behind the bells. What do you think about these different kinds of bells and the emotions they arouse? According to the Old Testament prophecy of Zechariah, chapter 14, verse 20, in the future age, even the harness bells of horses will be inscribed with the words "Dedicated to the Lord" for in the Kingdom of God, all of life will be related to worship and service. (2784)
Silent Night (88/12/24)
Joseph Mohr was the assistant pastor of a church in Germany. On Christmas Eve in the year 1818, he attended a meeting in a schoolhouse. During that impressive Christmas celebration, Mohr withdrew from the room. When he was recalled to participate in the service, he gave a piece of paper to his friend, Franz Gruber, a schoolmaster and organist. Gruber then read aloud the poem that Mohr had just composed. Deeply touched by its simple beauty, Gruber composed a melody to accompany it. This hymn is now one of the best-loved Christmas carols that is sung in many languages around the world. The first and last verses of its common English translation are as follows. You probably know the tune, so you may sing it if you wish. "Silent Night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright; Round yon Virgin Mother and Child; Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent Night, holy night, Wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King; Christ the Saviour is born." I hope you have a merry and memorable Christmas. (2785)
Christmas (88/12/25)
Because today is Sunday, the first day of the week, Christians will gather in churches to worship, commemorating the resurrection of Christ on that day. Because today is the 25th day of December, attention will be focused on the birth of Jesus in a stable in the little town of Bethlehem, outside of Jerusalem. Once every 28 years December 25th falls on a Sunday, so this is the fourth time in this century that Christmas Day has come on Sunday. In the church calendar, the major festivals are Easter, commemorating Christ's resurrection, and Pentecost, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit. Christmas ranks after them in importance and was not celebrated until hundreds of years after Jesus' birth. We are not sure of the year, the month or the day of his birth, but in the fourth century December 25th was chosen by the Roman Church to celebrate it because that was the time of a pagan festival in honor of the sun. Now, as daylight hours grow longer, Christians thank God for shining the Light of his love into the world in the person of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Christmas is a time of joy and giving gifts remembering the gift of salvation that God has given us and the joy that comes when that gift is accepted. "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" (2786)
Boxing Day (88/12/26)
As you know, the day before Christmas is Christmas Eve, but do you know what the day after Christmas is called? The answer depends on the country involved. In the United States, it is simply the day after Christmas. In the Republic of South Africa, it is called Day of Good Will and in Namibia, it is called Family Day. In six European countries, it is observed as St. Stephen's Day, in honor of the first Christian martyr whose martyrdom is recorded in the 7th chapter of the New Testament book of Acts. In another 47 nations, it is called Boxing Day. Previously, this was the day when church almsboxes were opened and their contents were distributed to the poor, but now it is the day for giving gift boxes or gratuities to service workers. Our gratitude to God for his Gift to us should be shown in our attitudes of thankfulness and good will toward others.(2787)
Counterfeits (88/12/27)
Top-quality products are identified by a registered trademark. Legally, that symbol can only be used by the company that registered it. However, expensive products are often counterfeited. Counterfeits are copies or imitations of genuine articles that are sold at much cheaper prices. Affluent Japanese are known to be eager buyers of expensive famous-name products when travelling abroad. Because respected names are highly esteemed in Japanese society, Japan is a fertile field for counterfeiters. Fake watches, bags, jewelry, cosmetics and many other products can be purchased with trademarks that are very similar or identical to those of expensive, quality goods. Some people buy these cheaper products knowing that they are imitations, while others are fooled and defrauded. The National Police Agency is trying to crack down on trademark violations, but the advisor to a French trademark protection organization with an office in Tokyo has attributed the thriving business of fake brand-name goods to the lack of guilt toward counterfeits among Japanese. What do you think about the problem of counterfeit products? Why are they so popular and what should be done about the problem? We must be careful not only about imitation products but about counterfeit religions and philosophies as well. (2788)
Woodrow Wilson (88/12/28)
In the presidential election this year, many Americans bemoaned the fact that neither of the two major candidates were able speakers who did a good job of communicating their ideas. In this respect, they were contrasted with President Reagan who has been called a great communicator. Another able communicator who became president was born 132 years ago today, on December 28, 1856. His communication was on a different level than that of President Reagan for his background was not in acting but in education. While serving as president of Princeton University, he instituted various democratic reforms. When he was elected the governor of New Jersey, professional politicians thought they could control him, but he disappointed them and followed his own convictions rather than taking their advice. In 1912, Woodrow Wilson became 28th president of the United States. His efforts to keep the country at peace failed and he led the nation into the First World War to make the world "safe for democracy". After the war, he worked hard to establish the League of Nations but his refusal to compromise resulted in the defeat of his proposals in the Senate, so the United States never became a member of that organization which he fostered. Woodrow Wilson once said, "The right is more precious than peace." Do you agree with him? (2789)
Death (88/12/29)
As the year of 1988 draws to a close, people in Japan have been forced to think not only about the end of a year but about the end of a human life as well. We all know that time marches on, that a year will come to an end and that our lives also will end someday. The wise person will seek to find meaning in life and also meaning in death. Some people try to avoid talking or thinking about death, but it is the one certain fact we know about our future. Rather than avoiding thinking about it, we should make preparation for it. Our view of death is related to our view of life. From a Christian perspective, life is the gift of God and its true meaning is found in living according to God's purpose as revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The living God is the source of both life and love, and a human life that is lived on the basis of love for God and for others will be victorious over death. The eternal destiny of those who have died does not depend on rituals performed by others but upon their own character and faith that was expressed during their lives. The Bible teaches that death and life are both under the control of a just and loving God, our heavenly Father. If we entrust our lives to God, there is no need to fear the future. (2790)
United Arab Emirates (88/12/02)
Bodyguard (88/12/03)
"For ever" (88/12/04)
Walter Disney (88/12/05)
Spas (88/12/06)
Boars (88/12/07)
Goshawks (88/12/08)
John Milton (88/12/09)
Human Rights (88/12/10)
Offerings (88/12/11)
Crossword puzzles (88/12/12)
Kotatsu, Hibachi, Kairo (88/12/13)
Alabama (88/12/14)
Zamenhof (88/12/15)
Ritzy (88/12/16)
Bhutan (88/12/17)
Bethlehem (88/12/18)
Valley Forge (88/12/19)
Karaoke (88/12/20)
Benjamin Disraeli (88/12/21)
Giacomo Puccini (88/12/22)
Bells (88/12/23)
Silent Night (88/12/24)
Christmas (88/12/25)
Boxing Day (88/12/26)
Counterfeits (88/12/27)
Woodrow Wilson (88/12/28)
Death (88/12/29)
Rudyard Kipling (88/12/30)
Joya (88/12/31)
Rosa Parks (88/12/01)