August (90/08/01)
Do you know the difference between "august" and "August"? Spelled with a small "a", "august" denotes something inspiring awe or admiration, something majestic or venerable. "August", spelled with a capital "A", signifies the 8th month of the year. In the old Roman calendar, this month was originally called Sextilis, being the 6th month. When two extra months were added to the beginning of the year, it became the 13th month. Then, the name of the 7th month was changed from Quintilis to Julius, in honor of Julius Caesar. After the Roman Senate granted Octavian, Caesar's successor, the title of Augustus, he decided he should have a month named after him also. He chose the 8th month, for it was the month of some auspicious events in his life. He also added another day to the month so that it would not have less days than that of the month named for Julius. Thus, both July and August now have 31 days. According to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, it was Caesar Augustus who ordered the enrollment that caused Jesus' parents to travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born as prophesied in the Old Testament.(967a)
47 Rōnin (90/08/02)
One of the most popular kabuki dramas of all time is called Chūshingura. It portrays the well-known story, based on a historical event, of 47 ronin who avenged the death of their former lord by killing the man who had insulted him. The word rōnin literally means a man on the waves. Historically, it referred to a samurai who had no master. Nowadays, it may refer to a high school graduate who failed the university entrance examinations and is not registered in any school. The famous 47 rōnin spent over a year in hard training and meticulous planning to gain their revenge. It was on the night of December 14, 1702 that these men infiltrated the residence of Lord Kira, tracked him to his hiding place, beheaded him and took his head to the grave of their former master, Lord Asano. They were then condemned to death and all, ranging in age from 77 to 15, committed the kind of suicide which many Americans call "harry carry". Their remains now lie in the same temple grounds as their lord's. Although vengeance holds a respected place in Japanese tradition, the Bible teaches that we should not seek revenge, but love our enemies and leave retribution to the all-wise, just and loving God. (105b)
Brave Pioneers (90/08/03)
498 years ago today, on August 3rd, 1492, approximately 90 sailors set sail on three small ships from southern Spain. The ships' names were: Santa Maria, Nino and Pinta. The leader of this expedition was an Italian named Christopher Columbus. It was his aim to reach the Orient by sailing west, across the Atlantic Ocean. Portuguese sailors had made progress in finding an eastern ocean route to the Orient by sailing around the African continent, but Columbus was ready to test his conviction that the earth was round by setting out for Japan heading directly west along the 28th parallel. He had a difficult time rounding up support for such a journey, but finally King Fredinand and Queen Isabella of Spain agreed to finance his expedition. So on this day, almost five centuries ago, these brave pioneers left on the journey that brought them to the American continents rather than the so-called Far East. Life may be compared to a journey. We set out in faith for a certain destination, but sometimes we end up in an entirely unexpected place. Yet Christians believe that God guides them along life's journey to their heavenly home. (969a)
Michigan (90/08/04)
Nine years ago, a new, paddle-wheel steamboat made its debut on Lake Biwa. It was patterned after the 19th century Mississippi River steamboats and its owner, the Biwako Kisen Company, held a contest to choose a name for the 900-ton steamer with a capacity of 800 passengers. 18,409 entries were received. What do you suppose was the name that was chosen? Runner-up names included "Mississippi Belle", "Queen Lake Biwa" and "Lady America", but the winner was "Michigan", a name submitted by eleven different people. Michigan is the sister state of Shiga Prefecture, in which Lake Biwa is located. The name "Michigan" comes from two Chippewa Indian words meaning "great water". Lake Michigan is truly a "great lake" with an area some 85 times that of Lake Biwa. In the Bible, the term "great sea" denotes the Mediterranean Sea, the largest body of water known to the people of that time and place, which is 43 times larger than Lake Michigan. The Bible teaches that the sea also is the Lord's, for he made it, and the prophet Habakkuk envisioned a future time when "the earth will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord's glory as the seas are full of water" [Habakkuk 2:14]. (437a)
Excommunication (90/08/05)
The German poet Goethe has written that "no one would talk much in society if he only knew how often he misunderstands others." In recent years, the term "communication gap" has been used to describe the lack of understanding between people--even when they speak the same language. In common speech, to "communicate" means to give or receive information. However, as a religious term, "communicate" signifies receiving Holy Communion as a member of a religious community. To cut a person off from such communion, therefore, is to "excommunicate" him. On January 3rd, 1521, Martin Luther, the German priest, was excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church by Pope Leo X. Luther's original aim was to effect reforms of certain abuses in the church of his day, but communication gaps of various kinds resulted in his excommunication and the subsequent birth of so-called Protestant churches. Incidentally, "protest" does not only mean to object. It may also mean to make a strong affirmation. Although church authorities may excommunicate persons considered disobedient or undesirable, Jesus said, in John 6:37, "I will never turn away anyone who comes to me." (450a)
Big Bomb Dropped (90/08/06)
At the Potsdam Conference in Europe, held during the closing days of the Pacific War, the leaders of the governments of the United States, Great Britain and China issued the Potsdam Declaration calling for the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces. Forty-five years ago today, on August 6, 1945, President Harry Truman was having lunch with the crew on board a ship enroute home from that conference when he was handed a terse message: "Big bomb dropped on Hiroshima. First reports indicate complete success." The President then made the startling announcement about the atomic bomb and the world was informed that it had entered the atomic age. It is too bad that the first public demonstration of this amazing new power was of a destructive nature. From the American point of view, the bomb was used to bring a quick and decisive end to the war, but this sad event reminds us that the same force may be used either in a destructive or constructive manner--for either evil or good. How are we using the abilities and gifts that have been given to us? Are they being used selfishly or for the good of others? (972a)
Four Freedoms (90/08/07)
In January of 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt presented a message to the U. S. Congress in which he voiced the hope that Four Freedoms would eventually prevail throughout the world. These freedoms were: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. These Four Freedoms were later incorporated into the Atlantic Charter, signed in August of that year by President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill of Great Britain. These principles were also affirmed by those nations that signed the United Nations' Declaration of January 1, 1941. Freedom of speech and freedom of worship are included in the United States' Bill of Rights, but freedom from want and freedom from fear are more difficult to achieve. A society where there is neither want nor fear would be a utopia indeed. The English word "utopia" comes from two Greek words meaning "no place". Actually, there is no such ideal place, but those of us who enjoy these freedoms even partially should be working to bring such a society into existence by extending them to other lands and to strengthen and preserve them in our homelands. (453a)
Autumn (90/08/08)
Today is the double-8 day, the 8th day of the 8th month. The Chinese character for 8 is made up of two short slanted lines, resembling the sides of a volcano with an opening at the top. Originally, this character signified separation or mutual opposition. Later, it came to be used for the number 8 because that number was indicated by bending the middle three fingers on one hand, leaving the thumb and little finger upright, which resembled this character. According to the lunar calendar, today marks the beginning of autumn, or risshū. Autumn is also called "fall" in English because that's what the leaves of the trees do during that season. The Chinese character for autumn is made up of a rice stalk and fire, signifying a ripe rice plant which is ready for harvesting. Just as harvest time comes to the farmer, we also will reap the harvest of the seeds we sow in our daily lives. In the 6th chapter of Galatians it is written, "A person will reap exactly what he sows". Then follows the exhortation, "Let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest."(974a)
Singapore (90/08/09)
As you well know, Japan has the highest standard of living in Asia, but do you know which Asian country comes second? It is the Republic of Singapore, which is the smallest nation in Asia, with a land area of less than twice that of the city of Nagoya and a population of less than 2 1/2 million. It is the world's fourth largest port, however. It was 25 years ago today that Singapore became an independent nation. For two years before that it was a part of the Federation of Malaysia, but tensions between the Chinese citizens of Singapore and the Malays resulted in a separation which gave birth to the Republic of Singapore on August 9, 1965. Almost all food, fuel and other raw materials must be imported into that country. The main ethnic groups are the Chinese, Malays, Indians and Pakistanis and four official languages are recognized: Malay, Chinese, English and Tamil. Singapore's economy is based on the processing, packing and shipping of Asian products and the distribution of manufactured goods of industrial nations. It is an important channel between the nations of the East and West. The Christian is also expected to be a channel of the love of God to all people. (975a)
At Sea in a Dinghy (90/08/10)
The English word "dingy", spelled d-i-n-g-y, is an adjective denoting something dirty, grimy or drab. If an "h" is inserted between the "g" and the "y", we get the word "dinghy", a noun denoting a small boat. Seven years ago this week, a Scottish adventurer named Tom McClean ended 62 days at sea in a dinghy when he landed on the coast of Portugal. In doing so, he established a new record for the smallest craft to cross the Atlantic Ocean. When he left from the Canadian province of Newfoundland in his 2.36 meter long dinghy, he expected to arrive in England, but the weather blew him off course and his voyage ended in Portugal instead. That was McClean's second ocean crossing, for he made the trip the previous year in a 2.97 meter dinghy. Even as he set this new record, however, another adventurer was preparing to make the trip in a yet smaller craft. People will sometimes do dangerous and even foolish things in order to become famous, but such fame is a fleeting reward. In I Corinthians 9:25, the Apostle Paul wrote of a reward that will last forever. (977a)
Baseball (90/08/11)
Many television sets and radios in Japan are tuned into the National High School Baseball Tournament this month. Baseball is undoubtedly the most popular sport in this country. It was introduced from the United States 97 years ago in 1893. Its name comes from the four bases around which a player must run in order to score a point. Although the bases are now set at the corners of a square, originally the playing field was in the shape of a diamond and even today the playing field is called a baseball diamond. Most of the terms used in Japanese relating to baseball come directly from American usage, but the Japanese expression foabōru has a peculiar Japanese meaning. In America, "four balls" may indicate the count of balls and strikes on the batter, but the result of a count of four balls is a "walk". That is to say, the batter can walk to first base; he need not run because he has been given what may also be called a "base on balls". Although the Old Testament prophet was not writing about baseball, in Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 31, he promised new strength to those who trust in the Lord. He wrote, "they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." A healthy faith in God gives us new vigor and vitality. (978a)
Kanzō Uchimura (90/08/12)
In America and Europe, people shake hands when they meet. In Arab countries, men embrace each other. In India, palms of the hands are pressed together in front of one's chest. And in Japan, people bow to one another. However, the Japanese bow, like the Japanese smile, may have different meanings depending upon the occasion. Because the bow is also used in religious worship, the line of separation between a bow of respect and a bow of worship is not always clear. On January 9, 1891, a Christian teacher in a government school in Tokyo refused to bow before the Imperial Rescript on Education, or kyōiku chokugo. Kanzo Uchimura could have stayed home from school that day, as some Christian teachers did, to avoid the problem. However, his conscience impelled him to face the issue squarely and, in the presence of 60 teachers and over a thousand students, he took his stand and did not bow, since he considered the bow, in this case, to be an act of worship. As a result of his action, he was forced to resign from his position, but his brave act of obeying his conscience, rather than simply following the crowd, has been an inspiration to many people throughout the years. (486a)
Lucy Stone (90/08/13)
Today, August 13th, is the birthday of Lucy Stone. You have probably never heard of her, but she was born on this day in 1818 in the U. S. state of Massachusetts. While still a child, she became angry at the second-class treatment accorded women in American society. She attended Oberlin, the first coeducational college in the country, where she studied Greek and Hebrew so that she could decide whether the biblical passages related to women had been translated correctly. She became a popular and eloquent lecturer with two main themes: the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of women. When she married, her husband agreed that it would be a marriage based on equality, so she did not give up her surname and adopt his. Rather, in a striking break with tradition, both husband and wife kept their full names without change. Lucy Stone was an important figure in the movement for women's rights. Mahatma Gandhi has written, "Of all the evils which man has made himself responsible, none is so degrading, so shocking or so brutal as his abuse of the better half of humanity, to me, the female sex, not the weaker sex." (979a)
Bon Dance (90/08/14)
These days, community dances are being held in many areas throughout the country. The dancers move gracefully in keeping with recorded music blaring from loud speakers and the rhythmical beating a drum. Needless to say, the music is not of the modern variety and the dancing is quite different than that done in a ballroom. It is done around a central platform in an area decorated with Japanese lanterns. It is the traditional Bon-odori. Although the original teaching of Gautama Buddha in India included nothing about dead spirits or the need to console them, as Buddhism passed through China and entered Japan, it was changed into a religion that would surprise its founder. In fact, some Buddhist scholars question whether or not Japanese Buddhism is really Buddhism at all, since it has assimilated so much Japanese thought and tradition. Nowadays, this Bon dance seems to be a time of enjoyment for the living rather than an entertainment for the departed spirits who are said to return home at this season of the year. In Jewish tradition, dancing is also considered an aid to worship and in the 150th Psalm, people are exhorted to praise God "with drums and dancing." (980a)
Enduring the Unendurable (90/08/15)
At 12 o'clock noon, 45 years ago today, an announcer on NHK radio stated: "This will be a broadcast of the gravest importance. Will all listeners please rise. His Majesty the Emperor will now read his imperial rescript to the people of Japan." Then, following the strains of Kimigayo, for the first time in history, the voice of the Japanese Emperor was publicly broadcast. Beginning with the words, "To our dear and loyal subjects," he stated that "We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable," He ended his statement with the exhortation to "cultivate the ways of rectitude; foster nobility of spirit; and work with resolution so as ye may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State and keep pace with the progress of the world." Thus, the Pacific War came to a close and a new era began for Japan. Due to poor reception, few listeners caught all of the Emperor's words, but they clearly understood their meaning. It is said that at that moment, more people wept simultaneously than at any other time in history. Psalm 30:5 states that "weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning" and I think that this verse may apply to Japan's experience also. (981a)
Penpals (90/08/16)
Some 300 local government bodies in Japan, such as prefectures, cities, towns and villages, have friendship ties with their counterparts in about 40 different countries. The most popular countries for such ties are: the United States, Brazil, China, Canada and the Soviet Union. Over 150 of these affiliations are with American states, cities and towns. Thus, it is not strange that Japanese school children also prefer to have penpals in the West. The International Pen Friend Association of Japan has indicated that it receives about 70 requests for introductions to foreign penpals from junior and senior high school students every day. Almost all of them desire penpals in the U. S. or Europe. On the other hand, of the daily average of 120 letters from students in foreign lands seeking Japanese penpals, about 100 of them are from Asia and Africa, only 20 from the U.S. and Europe. It is not strange for children to desire to correspond with others in countries on a level with or more advanced than their own, but I hope that not only Japanese children but adults in Japan as well will show greater interest in countries closer to home, for Japan has a great responsibility toward the countries of Asia.(457a)
Indonesia (90/08/17)
Do you know the five countries in the world with the highest population? They are: China, India, the U.S.S.R., the U.S.A. and Indonesia. Today is Independence Day in Indonesia. Like Japan and the Philippines, Indonesia is an archipelago. That is to say, it is made up of many islands. Japan is said to have some 3000 islands and the Philippines over 7000, but Indonesia has 13,677 islands in its territorial waters. Until the Japanese occupation during the Pacific War, this country had been a colony of the Netherlands. After Japan's defeat, Indonesia declared its independence 45 years ago today, on August 17, 1945, although it took four more hears of fighting before the Netherlands recognized Indonesian sovereignty. Unlike Japan the country has many natural resources. It is a leading nation in the production of natural rubber, petroleum and tin. Despite its lack of natural resources, Japan has become a great industrial nation, but Indonesia's industry is underdeveloped. Its gross national product, or GNP, is only 1/20 that of Japan's. Whether it be a country's natural resources or an individual's natural ability, God expects us to make good use of the gifts he has given us. (983a)
Sickness (90/08/18)
If you were given the choice of being wealthy but having poor health or of being poor but having good health, which would you choose? Certainly, good health is one of the strong desires of many people, but the Health and Welfare Ministry reports that the number of sick people in Japan is climbing year by year. Reflecting the aging population, most patients had diseases of the circulatory system, such as high blood pressure. One out of every four people over 75 years old suffers from circulatory problems, but there is also an increase in the number of young and middle-aged people who catch cold or suffer from other respiratory ailments or digestive troubles. Sickness is a fact of life that all people must face at some time or other, but our mental attitude at such a time makes a big difference in how long the sickness lasts or how rapidly we recover. Sickness may even produce good effects in people with a healthy faith. It may make them more conscious of their own weakness and more sensitive to the problems of others. The Bible teaches that all people are spiritually sick and that true health is found in opening our hearts and lives to the healing love of God that was seen in the ministry of Jesus Christ. (984a)
An Armored Car in Oakland (90/08/19)
In battles long ago, fighters protected themselves from the weapons or arms of their opponents by wearing a kind of protective covering called armor. For some reason, the Chinese character for armor, pronounced yoroi in Japanese, consists of the characters for metal, mountain and bean. Nowadays, armor is no longer worn by soldiers, but armored cars, covered with a protective plate, are still used in warfare. Armored cars are also used in peacetime to carry money to or from a bank. Some years ago, an armored car in Oakland, California came to a stop at a busy intersection during the rush hour. Unexpectedly, its rear door swung open and bags of money fell to the street. It was reported that passersby filled their pockets with money and ran away. Some left their cars in the middle of the street; others jumped off of buses or ran out of offices to help themselves to this windfall. This is an unhappy example illustrating the present state of morality in part of American society. Some people consider money of greatest value and do not hesitate to seize what is not their own. In I Timothy 6:10, it is written that "The love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows."(987a)
Hachiko and Shep (90/08/20)
Near Shibuya Station in Tokyo there is a statue of a dog called Hachiko. This dog used to follow his master to that station every morning and come to meet him there in the evening. After his master's death, the dog continued to go daily to the station to meet him and finally died at the station waiting for his master to return. America also has a similar story about a dog named Shep. After his master died and his coffin was put on a train at Fort Benton, Montana, the dog remained at the station, watching every train come and go, and inspected passengers, hoping to meet his master again. His great loyalty brought him nationwide fame and so many letters were written to this dog that the railroad company assigned an employee to deal with them. Thus Shep became the first dog to have a fulltime, private secretary. Shep's 5 1/2 year vigil came to an end when he was hit by a train and killed in January, 1942. Both of these dogs are examples of faithfulness or loyalty. How do we fare in this regard and to whom or what do we give our supreme loyalty? Jesus' words to the church in Smyrna, found in Revelation 2:10, are: "Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life." (458a)
Furo/Furoshiki (90/08/21)
There are many customs in present-day Japan that have been borrowed from the West. Older, more traditional customs were introduced centuries ago from China. However, there are also many uniquely Japanese customs, one of which is the distinctively Japanese method of bathing. The Japanese bath, or furo, is not used merely for cleansing the body. It is a means of physical and mental relaxation as well. There are various theories regarding why the Chinese characters meaning "wind" and "backbone" were chosen to represent this Japanese word, but it may be that they were merely chosen as a phonetic equivalent, or ateji. The furo reminds me of another peculiar Japanese article known as a furoshiki. This square piece of cloth is used to wrap various articles for easy carrying. It is called a furoshiki or bath spread, because it was originally spread on the floor of the dressing room of the public bathhouse to put one's clothes on and also to carry home the wet towel and other bathing equipment. It is good to bathe frequently in order to keep one's body clean. However, we also should be concerned about cleansing our minds and spirits. For this purpose, hot water is not effective. We need to be purified by God's Holy Spirit. (469a)
Streetcars (90/08/22)
The word "car" comes from the same Latin word from which the word "chariot" was derived. "Car" may denote a number of different kinds of vehicles on wheels, although today it is most commonly used to signify a motorcar or automobile. A hundred-thirty years ago in New York, horsecars on rails were pulled along the streets by horses. Later, these vehicles were called streetcars and were propelled by electric power rather than by horsepower. Eighty-seven years ago today, on August 22, 1903, a streetcar was put into operation in Tokyo between Shinbashi and Shinagawa. This was not the first streetcar line in Japan, however, for streetcars were already operating in Kyoto before that. For decades, streetcars served as a popular and economical means of transportation that did not pollute the air. How long do you think it has been since a streetcar ran on a street in Nagoya? Over 16 years ago, on March 31, 1974, the last streetcar line was closed down and public transportation was limited to buses, trains and subways. As times change, so do modes of transportation, fashions and life styles, but amidst all the changes, God's truth and love remain the same. (988a)
Hi-no-maru (90/08/23)
In the United States, the 14th day of June is called Flag Day for it was on that day in 1777 that the Second Continental Congress adopted a resolution designating the "Stars and Stripes" the national flag of that new nation. In Japan, on some calendars, January 27th is designated Kokki Seitei Kinenbi. National Flag Designation Anniversary, for on that day in 1870, a department of the Meiji Government specified the measurements of the hi-no-maru flag. In 1854, the
Massacre (90/08/24)
The word "massacre" signifies the indiscriminate, merciless killing of many people. 418 years ago today, a famous event in European history occurred. It is called the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Bartholomew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples and his feast day is celebrated on August 24th. On this day in 1572, many French Protestants, called Huguenots, had gathered in Paris for a royal wedding. At the instigation of the Catholic queen mother, French soldiers began killing all the Huguenots in the area. Thus began another of the so-called Wars of Religion. In mideastern and western countries, there have been many wars related to religion. Most of them have political, economic or racial causes also, but it is easy to designate the opposite sides according to their religion. People who take their religion seriously and who consider it of great importance are willing to fight and die for their faith. Those without deep religious convictions find it difficult to understand such an attitude. The Bible teaches that persecution often accompanies vital faith but it encourages believers to endure to the end eternal reward. (990a)
Vox Populi Vox Dei (90/08/25)
What part of a Japanese daily newspaper do you think is most widely read? the sports page? the financial section? a comic strip? local news? foreign news? the TV program listings? According to the Asahi Shinbun, the most popular part of that newspaper is the daily, frontpage column called Tensei-jingo, which has been appearing in the newspaper for over 80 years. Literally, tensei-jingo means "heaven's voice, human language", but it is put into English as "vox populi vox dei". This is a Latin phrase meaning "the voice of the people is the voice of God". Do you think this is true? One of the basic principles of a democracy is that the will of the majority should be reflected in the decisions of its leaders. However, we cannot say that the majority is always wise nor always right. Some famous historical figures who are now highly respected achieved greatness by not following the opinion of the masses but standing for what they believed to be right despite popular opposition. A prophet is one who hears and follows the voice of God apart from the voice of the people. (991a)
Equal Rights (90/08/26)
Today, August 26th, is known as Women's Equality Day in the United States. It commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which took place on this day in 1920. In the American Declaration of Independence, it is clearly stated that one of the self-evident truths is that "all Men are created equal". However, it seems that in this case, "men" denoted only free, white males. It took a Civil War to enlarge the meaning to include blacks who had been slaves. It took still another 50 years of persistent effort before the amendment was passed which stated that "the right of citizens ... to vote shall not be denied ... on account of sex". In theory, men and women have equal rights, but is it so in practice? The English philosopher, Bertrand Russell, has written that "In America everybody is of the opinion that he has no social superiors since all men are equal, but he does not admit that he has no social inferiors." Obviously, there are many ways in which men and women and people of different races or social classes are still not equal. We must continue to work for justice and equal rights for all people in all countries throughout the world. The Bible teaches that both men and women were made in God's image and he shows no partiality. (992a)
Owls (90/08/27)
The Chinese character that consists of a bird on top of a tree signifies an owl, or fukuro. Owls have hooked and feathered talons, large heads with short hooked beaks and eyes set in a frontal facial plane. A few years ago, a Chinese newspaper reported an influx of owls into a city in central China. Evidently, they were attracted by the rats and mice that were flourishing in that city. During the day, hundreds of owls slept in trees, but at night they hunted and killed rodents. Some residents considered the owls a sign of coming disaster. Others tried to catch them and sell them, for it is believed that a peculiar Chinese medicine made from owls can cure dizziness and headaches. The large eyes of owls make it possible for them to see well at night when they are active. In English, a person who is especially active at night may also be called an owl. The peculiar sound made by the owl is not a howl but a hoot. "Hoot" may also denote an expression of scorn or disapproval, so we may hear hooting both in a baseball stadium and in the Diet. However, in sports, politics or daily life, insofar as possible, rooting is better than hooting. (502a)
Japanese and American Women (90/08/28)
The Japanese word anketo does not come from English, but from French. in English, we use the word "questionnaire", which, as a matter of fact, also comes from French. A few years ago a questionnaire was submitted to 3000 Japanese and 1000 American women to discover their differences in outlook. The results were interesting. Eighty-five percent of the Japanese women replied that they would reveal their age without hesitation, but less than 20% of the American women indicated that they would do so. Almost 70% of the Japanese women preferred to express their feelings by letter, while 47% of the Americans preferred the telephone. In contrast with the 86% of American women who answered that they were satisfied with themselves, only 27% of the Japanese women gave that response. And in regard to what they considered to be their strong points, American women chose such virtues as indomitable spirit and honesty while Japanese women chose a bright, cheerful spirit and compassion. Obviously, women and men of different cultures and countries are different. Each have their particular strong and weak points and learning from one another is one of the benefits of international contact. (518a)
Hong Kong (90/08/29)
Today, August 29th, is a holiday in the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong. It is the day of the Freedom Festival commemorating the Treaty of Nanking, signed on this day in 1842, which required China to give up this island to Great Britain following the Opium War. The colony now comprises the island, the mainland peninsula of Kowloon, the so-called New Territories between Kowloon and China and over 230 offshore islands with a total area of over 1000 square kilometers. Hong Kong residents are now concerned about their future status after the colony is returned to China in a few years. The Chinese characters for Hong Kong mean "fragrant harbor", but I think the odor of that harbor has changed considerably from the time it was given that name. "Fragrance" and "perfume" denote sweet or pleasant odors, scents or aromas. A Malay proverb states that unless a piece of incense is burned it emits no fragrance. In the Bible, the selfless sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is compared to a "sweet-smelling offering" [Ephesians 5:2]. Not only did that offering please God, it introduced a unique fragrance into the world's atmosphere and Christians today should continue spreading the "sweet fragrance" of Christ's love.(995a)
47 Rōnin (90/08/02)
Brave Pioneers (90/08/03)
Michigan (90/08/04)
Excommunication (90/08/05)
Big Bomb Dropped (90/08/06)
Four Freedoms (90/08/07)
Autumn (90/08/08)
Singapore (90/08/09)
At Sea in a Dinghy (90/08/10)
Baseball (90/08/11)
Kanzō Uchimura (90/08/12)
Lucy Stone (90/08/13)
Bon Dance (90/08/14)
Enduring the Unendurable (90/08/15)
Penpals (90/08/16)
Indonesia (90/08/17)
Sickness (90/08/18)
An Armored Car in Oakland (90/08/19)
Hachiko and Shep (90/08/20)
Furo/Furoshiki (90/08/21)
Streetcars (90/08/22)
Hi-no-maru (90/08/23)
Massacre (90/08/24)
Vox Populi Vox Dei (90/08/25)
Equal Rights (90/08/26)
Owls (90/08/27)
Japanese and American Women (90/08/28)
Hong Kong (90/08/29)
Coke (90/08/30)
Trinidad and Tobago (90/08/31)
August (90/08/01)