Grapefruit (89/12/01)
A typical American breakfast begins with a citrus fruit or its juice, Citrus fruits include oranges, lemons, tangerines and grapefruits. As a boy, I often ate grapefruit for breakfast, but because it was so sour, sometimes I put sugar on it. Since then, improved strains of grapefruit have been developed which are much sweeter. Imported grapefruits are now popular in Japan also. Have you ever wondered why these large, yellow fruits are called grapefruits? Grapes have an ancient history of thousands of years, but the grapefruit as we know it today is a very recent species. The botanist who discovered it in Jamaica a couple of hundred years ago, thought it tasted like a grape and called it a grapefruit. Although other botanists disagreed, they agreed to keep the name since the fruit grew in grapelike clusters. Since the beginning of this century, it has been grown extensively in the United States and is prized by health-conscious people for its important vitamins and few calories. If you wish to receive weekly written copies of these daily messages before they are spoken on the telephone, send a self-addressed stamped envelope plus ¥60 in stamps for each week of messages desired to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (3113)
Delhi Airport (89/12/02)
Years ago, my wife and I with our three young children visited India on our way back to the United States via the Holy Land and West Europe. In Delhi, we changed our reservations to Cairo in order to leave a day earlier. Our new schedule required us to leave at 1:00 o'clock in the morning and to change planes in Beirut. We checked out of our hotel on the morning of the previous day and made a four-hour trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. We were tired, hot and sticky when we returned to the hotel in the evening to have dinner, pick up our luggage and wait in the lobby until we left for the airport, where we went through customs and immigration and, quite exhausted, waited to board the plane. At 1:30, we were informed there would be an hour's delay. At 3:00 o'clock, we were told departure would be at 2:00 P.M., so we went back through immigration and customs and were taken to a better hotel to rest and eat at the airlines expense. Our plane had to make an unscheduled stop in Teheran, so we arrived in Beirut too late to get a plane to Cairo. Again the airline agreed to pay for our lodging and meals at a first class hotel. Since we had no visa and were only planning to stay overnight, our passports were kept at the airport. The unexpected event that upset our plans will be related in next Saturday's message. (3114)
Advent (89/12/03)
In the Christian Church calendar, the fourth Sunday before Christmas is the beginning of Advent, which is also the beginning of the church year. This year, December 25th, Christmas Day, falls on a Monday, so today is the first Sunday of Advent. In general, the word "advent" is used for the coming or arrival of something momentous. In the narrower sense it signifies the birth or coming of Christ and to this pre-Christmas season in particular. During this season, Christians seek to spiritually prepare themselves for a meaningful Christmas celebration. We meditate on Old Testament prophecies which foretell the coming of the Messiah. One such prophecy, in the 9th chapter of Isaiah, states, "A child is born to us! A son is given us! And he will be our ruler. He will be called 'Wonderful Counsellor,' 'Mighty God,' 'Eternal Father,' 'Prince of Peace.'" According to the story of Jesus' birth in the 2nd chapter of the Gospel of Luke, because there was no room for Jesus parents to stay in an inn, Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger. During this busy Advent season, Christians seek to make room in their hearts to receive the spirit of Christ. No heart is too small or dingy to receive this Savior who was born in a stable. (3115)
Mago nimo Ishô (89/12/04)
A couple of weeks ago, on shichi-go-san, many children were dressed in beautiful clothes and taken to the shrine. Looking at a prettily-dressed grandchild, I wonder if the proverb mago nimo ishô crossed the minds of any grandparents. In this proverb, of course, mago does not mean grandchild. Nor does it mean horse child, although that is the meaning of the Chinese characters which make up the word. Rather, it means a pack horse driver. Such men are usually not dressed in fine clothes nor are they very highly regarded. But if they are nicely dressed, people will tend to change their attitude toward them. In English, we may say that "Clothes make the man" or "The tailor makes the man", but the Bible teaches us not to judge people according to their outward appearance. True beauty is an inner quality that is seen in daily attitudes and actions. (3116)
Thailand (89/12/05)
There are few countries in Asia that have avoided the humiliating experience of becoming a colony of a European nation. Japan is one such country and Thailand is another, although both of these countries have been occupied by foreign armies. Japanese troops occupied Thailand during the Pacific War and American troops occupied Japan after that war. Today is a national holiday in Thailand, celebrating the 62nd birthday of its reigning monarch, who was born on December 5, 1927. King Bhumibol succeeded to the throne when he was an 18-year-old student in Switzerland, following the death of his elder brother in 1946. Thailand has an agricultural economy. Its main crop is rice, but rubber and tin are also important exports. Thailand has been troubled over the past few years by many refugees from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Compared with Thailand, Japan's refugee problem is very minor. The word "Thailand" means "land of the free". There is an innate human desire for freedom, but many people who are physically or politically free are in spiritual bondage. According to Jesus' words in John 8:32, it is knowing the truth that sets people free. (3117)
Santa Claus (89/12/06)
In churches that honor the memory of certain people called saints on particular days, today is the feast day of a 4th century bishop of what is now southern Turkey. Little is known about this man, but there are many legends about his kindness to people in need and to children. He is now known as St. Nicholas. In Holland, it is customary to give gifts to children on this day and early Dutch settlers in America continued that custom. As foreigners in Japan clearly recognize, words and customs from abroad often suffer changes when they cross an ocean. The man the Dutch called Sinterklaas was transformed into Santa Claus. His image was changed into a jolly, plump figure with a white beard in a red suit. And he became associated with Christmas. The American Santa Claus tradition has developed further in Japan. Santa Claus and his place in Japanese life is the suggested theme for an essay this week. What do Japanese children and adults think about Santa Claus and why is he so popular at this time of year? I will be happy to receive and correct a short essay on this subject from you. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (3118)
Periwinkles (89/12/07)
Do you know what a periwinkle is? Spelled p-e-r-i-w-i-n-k-1-e, it has two quite different meanings. For one thing, a periwinkle is an evergreen plant, a vine having glossy, dark-green leaves and blue flowers. In Japanese, it is called a tsuru-nichinichi-so. For another thing, a periwinkle is a small snail having a thick, spiral-shaped shell, which is called a tamakibi in Japanese. In France, however, periwinkle has still another meaning, for that is what the Frenchmen call meter maids, the policewomen whose job is to put parking tickets on illegally parked cars. Recently, periwinkles, along with regular policemen in Paris, have been keeping busy trying to change the bad habits of Parisians who think nothing of parking illegally on the narrow streets. Not only cars, but delivery trucks and service vehicles are also being ticketed for parking while making deliveries or house calls. Drivers complain that it is interfering with their legitimate business and, because there are not enough parking places in the city, they cannot carry on their work without breaking the law. Laws that are no longer necessary or that are not regularly or consistently enforced should be repealed rather than keeping them on the books and making lawbreakers out of normally law-abiding citizens. (3119)
Eki-den (89/12/08)
Years ago, when train windows could be opened and passengers could disembark for a few minutes at station stops, eki-ben, or "station lunches" were very popular. Now that eki-ben are not as popular as before, eki-den, is attracting people's attention. This term originally referred to the old system of communication using relays of horses between stations but now it is commonly used for a long distance relay race. Such a race for women will be held on Sunday in Gifu. In recent years, women's eki-den have become very popular due to the promotional activities of sponsoring companies. When the first all-Japan women's company eki-den was held eight years ago, only four teams entered. Twenty-three companies participated in last year's race and over thirty teams are expected to compete in Gifu. The reason for the increased interest is related more to business than to sports. Now that such races are shown on television, they provide free advertisement for the companies sponsoring the runners. Advertisers calculate that if a company's runners stay in the top group throughout a race, it could be worth more than ¥100 million in terms of advertising with these "running billboards". Effective advertisement requires catching the public's eye and the name on the shirt of a woman runner seems to accomplish that aim. (3120)
In Beirut (89/12/09)
We arrived in Beirut from Delhi on our delayed flight too late to make the flight to Cairo, so the airline agreed to pay our hotel expenses for that night. I was feeling very sick when I went to bed and began to vomit. After midnight, my wife left our three children in the hotel room and took me in my pajamas by taxi to the emergency room of the American University Hospital where my temperature was found to be 40'. I was immediately hospitalized and spent that Sunday in the hospital fading in and out of consciousness while being treated for dysentery. As my wife and children were waiting for a taxi after attending a church service, a former seminary classmate we had known in New York City was driving by in his car, saw them, picked them up and took them to lunch. He assisted in checking them out of the first-class hotel and into a moderately-priced one, took them to the airport to pick up our passports and get visas for our unexpected, prolonged stay. They also came to see me at the hospital, but I was not aware of it. The following day, I insisted upon leaving the hospital, but had no clothes to wear. Calling the hotel, I was told that my family had checked out. I did not know where they were nor what had happened until later but I thank God for his providential care for us all through this difficult experience in a foreign land. (3121)
Feeding 5000 People (89/12/10)
A miracle is an event which seems to have no natural explanation and is given a supernatural significance. In the New Testament, miracles are often called signs. If they are signs, then we should try to understand their meaning even if we cannot explain them scientifically. In a sense, miracles may be considered visible parables whose meaning is hidden from those whose minds are closed. The only miracle of Jesus that is recorded in all four Gospels is his feeding 5000 people in a lonely place where they could not buy food. One account of this event is in the 6th chapter of the Gospel of Mark. What does this miracle teach? For one thing, it teaches that Christ is compassionate. Even though he was tired and had gone to that place to rest, he willingly taught the crowd that followed him because they were like sheep without a shepherd. It teaches that God is able to supply our needs, so Christians pray that God will give them each day their daily bread. But it also teaches that, even as Jesus used five loaves and two fish to feed that multitude, God can use the little that we have to offer for some purpose beyond our imagination. We may be weak and poor, but if we sincerely offer ourselves and our possessions to God, they can bring blessing to many people. (3122)
Even Homer (89/12/11)
Homer is considered the greatest of the ancient Greek poets. But there are also examples of his poetry that are not so impressive. Consequently, there is an English proverb that "Even Homer sometimes nods". In Japanese there is a similar saying that even the great calligrapher, Kobo Daishi, makes mistakes with his writing brush: Kôbô mo fude no ayamari. Another Japanese proverb informs us that even a monkey may sometimes fall from a tree, so whether we speak of people or monkeys, all created beings make mistakes--even the greatest and most skillful. Thus it should not be surprising that the Bible teaches, in the third chapter of the New Testament Letter to the Romans, that all people fall short of the divine standard of perfection. No matter how good a person may be, it is only with divine help that we can become the kind of person we ought to be. (3123)
Crossword Puzzles (89/12/12)
A person who is in ill humor or annoyed may be said to be cross and at such a time may speak a cross word to another. Fortunately, crossword puzzles are not made up of such cross words. A crossword puzzle is a puzzle in which an arrangement of numbered squares is to be filled with words running both across and down in answer to correspondingly numbered clues. I am a little puzzled, however, about when the first crossword puzzle was published in the United States. One of my most reliable reference books states that the first such puzzle, composed by Arthur Wynne, appeared in the New York World newspaper on December 12, 1913, 76 years ago today. Two other less reliable reference books both give the date of this puzzle as December 21st of that year. But the Guinness Book of World Records states that "the earliest known crossword was ... published in St. Nicholas magazine for children for Sept[ember]1875 in N[ew] Y[ork] C[ity]." I do not know which book is correct, but I have always enjoyed working crossword puzzles. By doing so, my vocabulary has been enriched and I would encourage you to try working them also. Most English language newspapers contain a different crossword puzzle everyday. (3124)
Malta (89/12/13)
Last week, the attention of the world was focussed on a small island republic in the Mediterranean Sea. On ships near that island an important conference took place between leaders of two of the world's most important nations. Today is a national holiday in that republic of Malta, commemorating its becoming a republic 15 years ago. It may surprise superstitious people to know that this new republic came into being on Friday, the 13th of December in the year 1974. It may surprise others to know that the entire area of the three islands that constitute this nation is less than that of the city of Nagoya and its population is about 400,000. Although they are small, these islands are located in the geographic center of the Mediterranean Sea and have been controlled by various foreign peoples and nations throughout much of their history. Malta is mentioned in chapter 28 of the New Testament book of The Acts of the Apostles. It was on this island that a ship carrying the Apostle Paul as a prisoner bound for Rome ran aground. At first, the natives thought Paul must be a murderer but they soon changed their minds and considered him a god. This is an example of the fickleness of some people, but I hope the world leaders who met at Malta are not so changeable. (3125)
Puppy Love (89/12/14)
Literally, a kid is a young goat, but many Americans informally speak of children as "kids". Likewise, a young dog is a puppy, but this word may also signify a conceited or inexperienced youth. Puppies are very lovable and they also seem to "fall in love" with whoever they meet. Thus, the term "puppy love" is used to mean childish love between young boys and girls. The Toho Mutual Life Insurance Company conducted a survey last summer among 548 Tokyo pupils in the third through sixth grades. According to this survey, over 46 percent of the children said they first fell in love in kindergarten. 53 percent of the girls and 40 percent of the boys admitted to having fallen in love and 35 percent said that they were presently in love. The survey indicated that "sweet and cheerful" pupils were the common objects of infatuation while "diligent and able" pupils were shunned. Hopefully, as these children get older, they will recognize that diligence and ability are also admirable qualities which may be more important in the long run than superficial sweetness and cheerfulness. Adults should reflect on the meaning of "love" in our lives and consider whether we have advanced beyond puppy love to the mature human love that is a reflection of divine love. (3126)
Rendezvous (89/12/15)
Do you know what a randebu- is? This word of foreign origin, is now found in some Japanese dictionaries. The one I usually refer to gives the meaning as deau koto, aibiki. You have probably read, heard or used this word, but do you know how to spell it in English? Because it is derived from French, the English spelling is difficult to guess from its pronunciation. It is spelled r-e-n-d-e-z-v-o-u-s. In French, the words literally mean "present yourselves", but in English it is used to signify a prearranged meeting place or a prearranged meeting. It does not necessarily include the exciting implications of the Japanese term aibiki. In recent years, this word has been used in a more specific sense of the meeting of two spacecraft in space. It was on December 15, 1965, 24 years ago today, that the first such rendezvous occurred when two U.S. space vehicles, Gemini VI and Gemini VII met far above the earth. In the 14th chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus informed his disciples before his death that he was going to prepare a place for them, so Christians look forward to a heavenly rendezvous with their Lord. (3127)
A Perfume Shop (89/12/16)
My hospitalization in Beirut was not included in the budget nor the time allotment of our trip back to the United States so, feeling much better but disregarding the objections of the doctor, I left the hospital about 33 hours after I had entered. The next flight to Cairo was at 2:00 p.m. the following day. When we arrived at the airport, we were told the flight would be delayed until about 4:00. At 3:30, we were informed it would leave at 7:30. We finally left at 9:00 after trying to keep our three children happy during that long wait. In Cairo, we visited a perfume shop with a great variety of expensive perfumes that the shopkeeper wanted very much to sell my wife, who probably looked like a rich American tourist. In fact, she was an American tourist, but she was not rich, so we made no purchase. After learning we were from Japan, however, the shopkeeper showed us a book in which people of different countries had written a word of recommendation of his shop in their various languages and asked me to write something in Japanese. After twice refusing, I finally did write a couple of sentences in my "broken Japanese". I forget what I wrote, but it was not a recommendation because I could not honestly write one. Still, he was pleased that I wrote something, even though he could not read it--and I'm not sure that a Japanese customer could understand it either. (3128)
The Magnificat (89/12/17)
During this Advent season preceding Christmas, many Christians consider Bible passages relating to events preceding Jesus' birth. One such event was the visit of his mother, Mary, who lived in the Galilean town of Nazareth, to her relative, Elizabeth, who lived in the hill-country of Judea. During this visit, Mary expressed her feelings in a song recorded in the 1st chapter of the Gospel of Luke. From the first word of this song in Latin, it is called the "Magnificat". In her song, Mary magnifies, or praises, the Lord for his mercy, justice and faithfulness. His mercy is seen in his choosing a lowly person like herself to accomplish his purpose. His justice is seen in his deposing of proud and mighty rulers and lifting up humble people. And his faithfulness is seen in his remembering his promises to the Jewish patriarchs to bless their descendants. As we approach the celebration of Jesus' birth, Christians give thanks for the great mercy of God seen in the gift of the Savior who brought love and joy and peace and hope into the world. I pray that many in this country who outwardly participate in the festivity of this season may also taste of the inner spring of joyful faith which is at its heart. (3129)
Neko mo Shakushi mo (89/12/18)
In Japan, the wooden implement used to scoop out rice is called a shakushi. In English, we may call it a scoop, a dipper or a ladle. The peculiar Japanese expression that combines this implement with a cat means everyone without exception: Neko mo shakushi mo. In America, we would say, "Every Tom, Dick and Harry", while an Englishman might speak of "All the world and his wife". The original quotation regarding "even cats and scoops" comes from an anecdote regarding the Buddhist priest, Ikkyu. It noted that everything that is born will die, including Shaka and Dharma, cats and scoops. The Bible does not speak of the death of cats or scoops, but it does teach that death is the appointed end of all people who will then face God's judgment in relation to their words and deeds. Every Tom, Dick and Harry and Jill and Jane and Mary should keep this in mind. (3130)
So Shoku (89/12/19)
There are a number of popular quiz shows on television these days. A quiz is a short test given to test one's knowledge. Today's message includes a quiz. Do you know the meaning of the Chinese character which has grass over a fish and a rice stalk? That is to say, this character has a kusa kanmuri over a uo hen and a nogi-tsukuri. It is the character which was previously used to identify the Soviet Union. It was also used as the first character in the proper names of Suez and Scotland when they were written in Chinese characters. This character, pronounced "so", was also the surname of a Chinese family in the 11th century. Both the father and his two sons became famous poets, so they were called San-So, which does not mean "oxygen". The elder son, also known as the "great So", was called So Shoku and he was born on this 19th day of the 12th month in the year 1036. So Shoku was a man of outstanding ability and was well versed in Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Because of his political activities, he was once imprisoned but later was released and regained a high position. We might say he was "resurrected" and that is the meaning of the character used for his surname. The resurrection of Christ is an important doctrine of the Christian Church. (3131)
Parliamentarians (89/12/20)
The English Parliament has served as the model for a number of other countries, including Japan. Its Upper House, the House of Lords, is composed of peers and high-ranking clergymen, while the Lower House, called the House of Commons, is made up of representatives elected by the people. Last month, there was an innovation in the Lower House. For the first time, television cameras were permitted to film its proceedings. The House of Commons has been known for the disorderly conduct of its members. Sometimes speakers cannot be heard over the din of hecklers who express their reactions vociferously by booing and wisecracking. It is hoped that the realization that the eyes of the public are upon the honorable members will improve the atmosphere in which the nation's business is enacted. British parliamentarians have been receiving tips on how to dress, how to speak and how to cover their bald spots. According to one TV charm school that offered advice on the best hairstyles and spectacles, impressions of the representatives received by viewers will depend 55% on their appearance, 38% on their voice and body language and only 7% on what they say. Although appearances are important, if those percentages are correct, it is a sad commentary on the intelligence of English men and women. (3132)
National Anthems (89/12/21)
Some Japanese citizens object to the use of Kimi ga yo as the national anthem because of its glorification of the emperor and some are not happy with its tune. In fact, that song has never been officially designated as the national anthem by the elected representatives of the people. In the United States, a congressman has introduced a bill to change the American national anthem because of its glorification of war and because it is difficult to sing. The words of "The Star-Spangled Banner", written during the War of 1812, are sung to the tune of an old English drinking song. 117 years after the poem was written, it was officially designated the national anthem by Congress in 1931. The bill submitted by the Indiana congressman proposes that a well-known hymn, "America the Beautiful", replace the present anthem and a recent poll conducted by an American magazine indicated that nearly 80% of the 400,000 people who responded were in favor of the change. This hymn, found in many American church hymnals, is a prayer that God will bless that beautiful land, mend its flaws "and crown [its] good with brotherhood". I think that both Japan and the United States should give serious consideration to changing the songs used as their national anthems. (3133)
Winter Solstice (89/12/22)
In the traditional Japanese almanac, the year is divided into 24 seasonal periods, some of which are important to composers of Japanese poems. It seems to me that there is an inconsistency in some designations. For example, in the first part of November was the season called rittô, signifying the beginning of winter. Yet now, over six weeks later, this 22nd day of December is called tôji, literally meaning winter's arrival. This latter designation is more in keeping with Western thought, according to which the winter season begins on this shortest day of the year. In English, this day is called the winter solstice. "Solstice" comes from Latin words meaning "sun standing still", for from our standpoint on earth, the sun appears to have reached the southern end of its annual trek and will now begin its journey back north so nights will be getting shorter and days will be getting longer. In Paul's Letter to the Romans, chapter 13, verses 12 and 13, it is written, "The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark... Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day...." (3134)
Past Christmases (89/12/23)
In my childhood, a week or so before Christmas, my father brought home a pine tree which reached to the ceiling of our living room. Our whole family, including our parents and us six children, helped decorate it. It was our custom to exchange gifts with our parents and with each sibling. We each purchased and wrapped our gifts and placed them under the Christmas tree. As Christmas approached, more and more gifts of various sizes and shapes with their colorful wrapping would appear and as we viewed them, we wondered which ones were for us. We children slept in bedrooms on the second floor, but before going to bed on Christmas Eve, we each hung one of our own stockings on a window ledge near the Christmas tree. When we came downstairs on Christmas morning our stockings were filled with candies or little toys with which we could amuse ourselves until the whole family was up and assembled for the present exchange. My father read the Christmas story from the Bible and prayed. Then one child was designated to distribute the gifts, which had the names of giver and receiver on them. We usually took turns opening our gifts so we all could notice and appreciate the gifts each one received. Breakfast on Christmas morning was very simple, but we had a sumptuous Christmas dinner featuring turkey, goose, duck or chicken. As I recall my past Christmases, I pray that you will have a merry Christmas this year. (3135)
A Living Word (89/12/24)
The New Testament begins with four books called Gospels. "Gospel" means "good news" and these books narrate the good news that came from God through the man named Jesus. The first and third Gospels of Matthew and Luke contain stories related to Jesus' birth. The more philosophical fourth Gospel, called the Gospel of John, does not tell of his birth. It begins with the words: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God", which are followed by the surprising statement that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us .... " In this way, the theological significance of Jesus' birth is made clear. A word is a means to communicate inner thoughts. You can understand what kind of person I am by listening to or reading my words. In the Old Testament, God revealed his will through prophets, who spoke or wrote as they were inspired by God's Spirit. But in the New Testament, God revealed himself in a completely new manner through a Living Word. This is the basic meaning of Christmas. The eternal God whom we cannot see has entered human history and has spoken his Good News of love and salvation to us through the human life of One who lived for others and sacrificed himself in order that all who believe might have a new, meaningful and eternal life. (3136)
Xmas (89/12/25)
In Japanese thought, a circle is a symbol of something good and correct, while an X symbolizes something bad or wrong. In Western thought, however, X may have a positive meaning. It is the Roman numeral for ten. In love letters, it may signify a kiss. And in the word "Xmas", the X is not meant to cross out Christ. Actually, X is the first letter of the Greek word, Christos, and is sometimes used as a symbol for Christ. Unfortunately, some Xmas celebrations in Japan do seem to eliminate Christ and his spirit from their festivities. X is also used to indicate an unknown quantity or an unknown person and such celebrations may be honoring, or dishonoring, a person who is unknown or ignored. There is an English saying that "Christmas comes but once a year", and I pray that in any celebration you have today you will remember whose birthday it is. (3137)
Saint Stephen's Day (89/12/26)
This 26th day of December, the day after Christmas, is a holiday called Boxing Day in many countries, a day when gift boxes are given to service workers. In some countries, however, it is a religious and national holiday called Saint Stephen's Day in honor of the first Christian martyr. A martyr is a person who chooses to suffer death rather than renounce his or her faith. It comes from the Greek word for "witness" and the witness given by Stephen before the Council is found in the 7th chapter of the New Testament book of The Acts of the Apostles. Stephen's bold witness resulted in his death, but as he died, he prayed for those who were stoning him even as his Lord prayed for those who crucified him. The maiden name of my wife was Stevens, spelled with a "v" rather than a "ph". Thus, Steven was the name we gave our elder son, who was born in Tokyo over 36 years ago and who usually makes a visit to this land of his birth at this time of year. For the past three-and-a-half weeks, we have been enjoying the visit of Steve, his wife, Karen, and their two-month-old daughter, Elizabeth Danielle. A Japanese engineer would be reluctant to take a month's vacation, but Americans think differently. (3138)
Stargazers (89/12/27)
There is a town in Okayama Prefecture named Bisei, meaning "beautiful stars". Bisei is a popular place for both amateur and professional astronomers to view celestial bodies. Last month, the local government enacted regulations to control exterior light from artificial sources at night. The purpose of the new rule is to improve the conditions for stargazers. The regulation requires that illumination devices on light poles and advertising signs be covered with shades to keep beams of light from shining toward the sky. It also requires that all signs and street lighting be turned off between 10 p.m. and sunrise. No punishment will be given to those who violate the rule, however, and the town will provide financial aid for installing shades on lights and other expenses. Stargazing is an ancient custom and during this Christmas season, we recall the story in the 2nd chapter of the Gospel of Matthew about the stargazers who saw a new star in the east and went to Palestine to find the one who was born to be king of the Jews. The poet who wrote the 8th Psalm was also a stargazer who wondered why the Creator of countless stars in the spacious heavens would be concerned about insignificant human beings. (3139)
Plaque (89/12/28)
Foreign students studying Japanese have difficulty remembering how to pronounce the many different Chinese characters used in that language. It is even more difficult to remember how to write them. Foreign students of English also have difficulty remembering how to write certain words whose pronunciation they know but whose spelling is irregular. Take the word "plaque", for example. Do you know how to spell this word which may mean a flat piece of wood or metal used as a decoration? This kind of plaque may be hung on a wall as an ornament. It is spelled p-l-a-q-u-e. But plaque may also signify the thin film which forms on the surface of teeth. This kind of plaque consists of mucus and bacteria and causes teeth to decay. Researchers at Jerusalem's Hebrew University have reported a new way to combat dental plaque. They report that a daily coating of teeth and gums with their newly-developed antiseptic will prevent plaque from accumulating and thus prevent decay. The report does not mention the taste of this antiseptic, but in the book of Proverbs, chapter 10, verse 26, it is written that getting "a lazy man to do something for you ... will be as irritating as vinegar on your teeth", which is not a very pleasant taste. (3140)
Charles Goodyear (89/12/29)
The Japanese word for "rubber" is gomu. This word entered Japanese from Dutch, but there is a similar English word, spelled g-u-m. One kind of gum is chewing gum, but the basic meaning of the word is the substance exuded by certain plants. Some trees that give off this substance are called gum trees. Rubber is a kind of gum which was introduced to Europe from the West Indies by Christopher Columbus. An English chemist found out that that gum could be used to rub out pencil marks, so he called it "rubber". Today, erasers are only one of many ways in which rubber is used. The man who invented a process to increase the strength and elasticity of rubber and make it less affected by heat and cold, was born 189 years ago today, on December 29, 1800, in the United States. Having failed in earlier business ventures, he was in jail for debt when he began his experiments with rubber to find a way to keep it from sticking and melting in hot weather. He spent years perfecting the process which is called vulcanization, from Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. The inventor's name was Charles Goodyear and as this year is about to end, I hope that it has been a good year for you and that next year will be an even better one. (3141)
Delhi Airport (89/12/02)
Advent (89/12/03)
Mago nimo Ishô (89/12/04)
Thailand (89/12/05)
Santa Claus (89/12/06)
Periwinkles (89/12/07)
Eki-den (89/12/08)
In Beirut (89/12/09)
Feeding 5000 People (89/12/10)
Even Homer (89/12/11)
Crossword Puzzles (89/12/12)
Malta (89/12/13)
Puppy Love (89/12/14)
Rendezvous (89/12/15)
A Perfume Shop (89/12/16)
The Magnificat (89/12/17)
Neko mo Shakushi mo (89/12/18)
So Shoku (89/12/19)
Parliamentarians (89/12/20)
National Anthems (89/12/21)
Winter Solstice (89/12/22)
Past Christmases (89/12/23)
A Living Word (89/12/24)
Xmas (89/12/25)
Saint Stephen's Day (89/12/26)
Stargazers (89/12/27)
Plaque (89/12/28)
Charles Goodyear (89/12/29)
Yearends (89/12/30)
First and Last (89/12/31)
Grapefruit (89/12/01)