Chiang Kai-shek (90/11/01)
In many Christian churches, today, November 1st, is known as All Saints Day in honor of all Christian saints of all ages, including both those who are known and those who are unknown. But that is not the reason for the holiday being observed today in Taiwan. There, the birthday of a man whom fervent Chinese nationalists may consider a saint is being commemorated. This man, born into the family of a salt merchant on November 1st, 1887, studied at the Japanese academy for military cadets and was a principal aide of Sun Yat-sen in the Chinese revolution of 1911. He later became a leader in the Kuomintang Party and chairman of the Nationalist government. He led the Chinese army in their opposition to the invasion of Japanese forces and was called a generalissimo. The name by which he is known in Japan, according to the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese characters in his name, is Shō-kai-seki, but in English he is called Chiang Kai-shek. Along with U. S. President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Churchill, he was one of the "big three" who met in Cairo in 1943 and pledged to continue the war against Japan until its unconditional surrender. Following the end of that war, civil war between the Communists and Nationalists forced him to flee to Taiwan, where he died in 1975, still dreaming of regaining control of the mainland. (3383)
Agatha Christie (90/11/02)
Today is November 2nd. A mystery is something not easily understood or that baffles the mind. A novel that deals with a puzzling crime is also called a mystery. Agatha Christie was a famous writer of mysteries and her works are still popular today, 14 years after her death. Born in England in 1890, Agatha began writing when she was 26 years old and during the next 55 years, she wrote 147 short stories, 90 novels and 15 plays. Her writings have been translated into 45 languages and more than two billion copies have been sold. Some people take one of her mysteries to read when going on a trip or when suffering from insomnia, which is the inability to fall asleep and she has been called "the patron saint of insomniacs". Recently a book, Agatha Christie: The Woman and Her Mysteries, was published to commemorate the centenary of her birth. Despite her fame, Dame Agatha was a shy person who spent most of her life out of the public eye. Her powerful imagination seemed to blossom in the bath, she said, where she ate apples as she soaked and plotted her next mystery. To some people, life and its meaning are mysteries, but the solution is found through a healthy faith in God who enlightens our minds. (3384)
Seminary (90/11/03)
Today is November 3rd. A theological school for the training of ministers or religious education teachers is called a seminary. Following graduation from a university in the midwestern United States, I went to seminary in New York City. Living in the dormitory, four of us first-year students became close friends. Following my first year of seminary, I married a girl I had met at university and brought her to New York, where she found a job while I continued my education. The other three fellows married girls they met at seminary, so we became four very friendly couples. Whenever my wife and I return to the United States, we try to arrange a reunion with the other three couples at some convenient place. A highlight of our trip last summer was to spend three days at the home of the couple who live near Detroit with one of the other couples who came from Florida. Unfortunately, the couple living in Connecticut were not able to join us, but the six of us had a very enjoyable time reminiscing, reporting and relaxing together. Each of us have a different type of ministry and our theological views have matured in line with our particular experiences, but we still feel the bond that was formed 42 years ago as we seek to be faithful to our varied vocations. (3385)
Life Continues (90/11/04)
Today is Sunday, November the 4th. It is the custom of the church I pastor in the city of Takahama to have a special memorial service every year on this first Sunday of November for those members of our congregation who have departed this life. In the 4th chapter of his 2nd letter to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul seeks to bring comfort to people whose loved ones have died. It is natural to be sad when a member of one's family, a relative or a close friend dies. Humanly speaking, we do not know what happens to a person's soul or spirit after death. This is not an area where scientific research can be of much help. Rather, it is an area where one's faith determines one's outlook. Some people believe that death is the end. Others believe that the soul or spirit of a person continues in a different form, separated from a material body. In either case, whether one believes that a spiritual essence continues after death or that it does not, that opinion is based on faith. The faith expressed by the Apostle Paul is that life continues after death. This should bring comfort both to those whose loved ones have passed away and to those who fear death. It should also induce us to trust in God and to live a moral life now so that we can endure whatever judgment may be awaiting us in the future. (3386)
Love Me, Love My Dog (90/11/05)
Today is November the 5th. Human emotions are difficult to control. They do not follow the ways of reason. If we love or hate a person, that emotion often extends to everything connected with that person. It is interesting that Japanese and English proverbs expressing this tendency mention exactly opposite emotions. In Japanese, there is the saying, He who hates a Buddhist priest hates even his stole, Bōzu nikukerya, kesa made nikui. But the English proverb gives a more positive emphasis. We say, "Love me, love my dog". The English writer, Dr. Ebenezer Brewer, wrote of this proverb: "If you love me you must put up with my faults, my little ways, or (sometimes) my friends." He called it "a rather selfish maxim!" However, we may also say that if we truly love God, we will also love all people who are made in his image. (3387)
Peace Corporation Corps (90/11/06)
Today is Tuesday, the 6th day of November. During the past few months, the attention of the world has been focussed on events in the Middle East, where the army of Iraq suddenly invaded and subdued the small state of Kuwait. The United Nations Security Council has passed several resolutions condemning that act and seeking to force Iraq to withdraw. The United States and other nations have sent military forces to the area to forestall any further aggression. The actions taken by the Japanese government in this matter have been criticized by some people in foreign countries. And in Japan itself, heated and, at times, contorted and confused controversy has taken place in the Diet regarding the dispatch of a Japanese Peace Cooperation Corps, including members of the Self-Defense Force as a part of the United Nations effort. What do you think of this problem? Is it constitutional for Japan to send men on such a mission? Do you think the Constitution, which states that "land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained" is now being followed? Should it be revised? Essays on this theme that are sent to me will be corrected and printed in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. (3388)
Cigarette Vending Machines (90/11/07)
Today is November 7th. A vending machine is a machine that sells merchandise. These days we see vending machines in many public places which sell various items, including cigarettes. It is now evident that smoking is bad for one's health. It is also known that most smokers become addicted to tobacco when they are young. In order to discourage the temptation to smoke among young people, the New York City Council's Health Committee recently approved a bill that would ban cigarette vending machines in all public places except taverns. In this bill, a public place is defined as "any area to which the public is invited or permitted" and a tavern is "an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold and served for on-site consumption." In taverns, the cigarette vending machines would have to be at least 8 meters from the entrance and within full view of the bartender to avoid permitting children to sneak in and make purchases secretly. According to the committee chairman, the aim of the bill is to "develop a smoke-free generation of kids." In 1604, King James I of England, called smoking, "A custom loathsome to the eye, harmful to the brain, dangerous to the lungs, and in the black stinking fume thereof, nearest resembling the horrible Stygian smoke of the pit that is bottomless." (3389)
Home Training (90/11/08)
Today is November the 8th. There are a number of Japanese words that do not have an exact equivalent in English because they denote a peculiar Japanese object or concept. One such word is juku, the place where children study under a tutor outside the regular school system. Being acquainted with the Japanese system of education, I was not surprised to read recently that Tokyo has a number of juku for preschool children whose parents hope to enroll them in prestigious, private elementary schools. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to read that admission officers at some famous primary schools are now giving less importance to written tests than to observing the children in action. Some children are mean to others or play by themselves. Some exhibit leadership qualities and initiative. In any case, their home training is evident in their actions. It is said that, at some schools, the character of the parents is given more importance than the scores of the children for they are most influential in forming the character of the child and providing the proper home atmosphere for the child's educational development. I hope, in the future, children and older students will not be judged solely according to their test scores but on the basis of their overall character and ability. (3390)
Accidents (90/11/09)
In Charles Dickens' novel, David Copperfield, Mr. Micawber says, "Accidents will occur in the best-regulated families." This saying is often quoted when an unfortunate accident occurs in a reputable company to indicate that even the most efficient organization is not perfect. Twenty-seven years ago today, on November 9, 1963, two major accidents occurred in Japan which resulted in deaths of or injuries to over twelve hundred people in widely separated locations. In Kanagawa Prefecture, a derailed freight train caused passenger train collisions in which 161 passengers were killed and 79 were injured. On the same day in Fukuoka Prefecture, an explosion occurred in a coal mine, which resulted in the deaths of 458 miners and injuries to 555 others. Such accidents point up the need for companies that employ or transport people to take every precaution to insure the safety of their employees or passengers. In our lives also, accidents may occur, but, hopefully, we will learn something from them. As the French writer, La Rochefoucauld, has written, "No accidents are so unlucky but that the wise may draw some advantage from them." (3391)
Surprise Visit (90/11/10)
During our two-day reunion with seminary friends in Detroit, we had both hilarious conversations and serious discussions. We usually went out for our meals. One morning, we had our breakfast near a building bearing the name of NIPPON DENSO. Years ago, a young employee of this company had attended a Bible Class regularly at my church in Kariya. He later went to the United States for a few years where he attended university. When he returned to Japan, he again attended the Bible Class and his son also attended an English conversation class in our church. I had not seen this man for a few years, but I thought he might be in that building, so we stopped there and the receptionist informed me that he was, indeed, there. I asked her to call him to come down and see us, but refused to give my name. As he walked down the hall, the perplexed expression on his face changed to a big smile when he saw me and his first word was "Wow!" He was happily surprised to see us, took us to a conference room to talk, showed us the new products his company was selling and even took us to his home to meet his wife and son. This surprise visit was a highlight of our stay in Detroit. (3392)
A Shepherd (90/11/11)
How are you today on this second Sunday of November, the 11th day of the 11th month? I hope you are feeling well and enjoying life. Have you ever sat quietly in a public place and observed many, many people coming and going? Some seem to be rushing to an appointment. Others stroll leisurely. Some are alone and others are in groups. What is your impression or feeling at such a time? In the last few verses of the 9th chapter of the Gospel According to Matthew, the reaction of Jesus when he saw crowds of people milling around is indicated: "his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were worried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Many people today are in this same situation. They are busily involved in various activities. They follow the honored traditions of their communities and may be financially prosperous. However, deep in their hearts they are worried about many things, feel helpless in the face of events they cannot control and wonder about the real meaning of their existence. The famous 23rd Psalm in the Old Testament begins with the words, "The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need." Those who entrust themselves into the loving care of this Shepherd gain peace of mind and the confidence and strength to live a truly meaningful life. (3393)
Jakuniku-Kyōshoku (90/11/12)
Today is Monday, November the 12th. "Great fish eat the small" is the English translation of an old Latin proverb. It means that the weak become victims of the strong. Do you know a Japanese proverb that has the same meaning? It is made up of four Chinese characters that mean the meat of the weak becomes the food of the strong: jakuniku-kyōshoku. This may be true in the ocean or the jungle, but it is too bad when the same brutal process takes place in human society. Human beings, having a conscience, the ability to reason and to show compassion, should live on a higher level than animals. The Bible teaches that God shows special consideration to those who are weak--to orphans, widows and foreigners. While stronger fish and animals may prey upon the weaker, human beings should follow the example of God rather than animals. (3394)
Louis D. Brandeis (90/11/13)
The city of Waltham, Massachusetts, which was named after a town in England, is located a few miles west of Boston. This city of 60,000 is the seat of Brandeis University, established in 1948 and named after Louis D. Brandeis, who was born on November 13, 1856, 134 years ago today. As a Boston attorney, Brandeis was deeply concerned for the wellbeing of the common citizen and forcefully supported the public interest. In 1908, he revolutionized legal practice by introducing sociological and economic facts in his arguments before the Supreme Court, which became known as the "Brandeis brief". In 1916, he became an associate justice of the Supreme Court, on which he served for 23 years as an advocate of judicial liberalism. Louis Brandeis stated: "America has believed that in differentiation, not in uniformity, lies the path of progress. It acted on this belief; it has advanced human happiness, and it has prospered." If you wish to receive written copies of these telephone messages before they are spoken, 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. (3395)
King Hussein (90/11/14)
In recent months, the attention of the world has been focused on the Middle East and events that have been occurring there. Some people may be confused by the fact that the leaders of two Arab nations involved have the same name. Iraq is ruled by President Hussein, the strongman who instigated the crisis by sending troops into the neighboring country of Kuwait. Jordan is another neighbor of Iraq and its ruler is King Hussein. Today is a national holiday in Jordan, celebrating the 55th birthday of its King, who was born on November 14, 1935. When the present king's grandfather was assassinated in 1951, his father became king. The following year, his father was deposed due to mental illness and Hussein I became king when he was 17 years old, The 38 years of his reign have been plagued by internal unrest and continual problems between Arabs and Israel, but he has sought to steer a generally moderate course in his relations with the West and other Arab leaders. Twelve years ago, King Hussein chose an American lady to become his fourth wife and she became the queen of Jordan. I pray that the 56th birthday of the King will be celebrated in more peaceful circumstances. (3396)
7,5 and 3 (90/11/15)
Numbers may be divided into two categories which, in English, are called even and odd. Even numbers can be exactly divided by 2, without leaving a remainder, but odd numbers have a remainder of 1 when divided by 2. There is a difference of opinion whether or not 1 is an odd number because it has no remainder when divided by 2 and the Greeks considered the number 1 both odd and even. There is no doubt, however, that 7, 5 and 3 are odd numbers and on this 15th day of November a special celebration is held for Japanese children of those ages. In Japanese tradition, boys and girls aged 3, boys aged 5 and girls aged 7 are taken to the shrine on this day. Their relatives give thanks for their having attained these ages and pray for their continued healthy development in the future. The characteristic sacred rope that is seen around Shinto shrines or in New Year's decorations, called shimenawa+, may be written using the Chinese characters for these three numbers. This twisted rope, symbolizing the division between impure and sacred areas, has paper pendants and clusters of 3, 5 and 7 strands of straw hanging from it. Hopefully, children of these odd ages who visit the shrine today will not grow up to be odd people. (3397)
Health Problems Among Children (90/11/16)
A recent news article indicated that there are an increasing number of health problems among Japanese children these days and illnesses usually associated with adults are becoming more common among children. A children's doctor at Nihon University Hospital stated that "We used to have a child suffering from a stomach ulcer (ikaiyō) once every two years, but these days our hospital accepts about ten children a year with the stress-related disease." Other researchers point to a surge of allergy disorders in children including inflammation of the skin and asthma, as well as rising cholesterol levels. Some analysts maintain that children living in today's highly competitive society, with its emphasis on success in school, are required to bear more stress than in the past. Others say that they have become less patient and more vulnerable to stress because of excessive parental protection. Lack of physical exercise and eating food with high animal fat, such as hamburgers, are also considered responsible for the increase of health problems among children. Many children have become too dependent upon modern conveniences and need more opportunities to enjoy themselves outdoors. From my point of view, a loving family atmosphere is more important than a house with modern conveniences for the healthful development of children. (3398)
Family Members (90/11/17)
The major part of our time in the United States this past summer was spent in my hometown of Zion, Illinois, located about 70 kilometers north of Chicago, on Lake Michigan. Our church headquarters is located there and I was able to use the office of the youth pastor who serves as director of the church camp in northern Wisconsin throughout the summer. The inn in which we stayed was a ten minute walk from the church. One highlight of our stay in Zion occurred on the weekend before Independence Day when my brother and sisters, their spouses, children and grandchildren gathered together at the home of a sister. My brother and all four of my sisters were able to be together for the first time in many years along with four of our spouses, twelve of our children, five of their spouses and eight of our grandchildren, making 35 in all. Of the 20 family members who were absent, 16 are in foreign countries, in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. My brother and all four sisters are or were teachers in university, high school, junior high school or elementary school; we enjoyed our time together talking, eating and playing. The fact that all of us are involved in various forms of Christian activity is a testimony to the lasting influence of our pious parents. (3399)
God of Love (90/11/18)
People who say they believe in God may have beliefs that are very different. The Greek philosophers known as Stoics believed in a God who was apathetic, that is, a God who was without feeling. The Stoic God did not experience joy or sorrow, love or anger. In contrast to this belief, a part of the Good News, or Gospel, that Jesus proclaimed was that God was not apathetic, but sympathetic. He was like a father who shares in the joys and sorrows, happiness and suffering of human beings, who are his children. Thus it is not surprising that, in the New Testament Gospels, "compassion" is often used to describe Jesus' attitude. This word comes from a Latin term meaning "to suffer with". When Jesus saw people who were sick or hungry, who were sad or lonely, it is written that he had compassion on them. Furthermore, he manifested his compassion in concrete acts of kindness. He healed the sick, provided food for the hungry and comforted the sad and lonely. In this way, he not only demonstrated the character of God, he also provided his disciples an example to follow. Christians in the world today are expected to carry on the work of Jesus Christ, manifesting his spirit through both words and deeds, thereby proclaiming the character of the living God of love. (3400)
Noblesse Oblige (90/11/19)
There is an interesting Japanese proverb about the samurai who calmly uses a toothpick even though he hasn't eaten, bushi wa kuwanedo taka-yōji, which implies that a proud person does not let poverty affect his dignified behavior. It is even said that a samurai gloried in honorable poverty and showed no sign of weakness even when starving. Although there is a saying about a lord's heart and a beggar's purse not agreeing together, no English proverb has the same meaning as the Japanese one. The French saying, noblesse oblige, however, is also used in English to indicate that persons of high social rank have an obligation to behave in a manner befitting their position--especially in their benevolent attitude toward others. Likewise, conscientious people or nations who are wealthy sense a moral obligation to share their blessings with those in need. (3401)
Japan's Birthrate (90/11/20)
On November 20, 1959, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child which affirmed that children have rights which must be respected. Now, 31 years later, the U. N. reports that Japan, an economic superpower, is producing the lowest number of children, compared to its population, of any country in the world. Prior to the Pacific War when women were encouraged to have many children, a record 31 births for every 1000 people was established. Last year, Japan's birthrate hit an all-time low of 10.2 babies per 1000 people, 30 percent less than the U.S. birthrate of 15.7. At this rate, Japan's population will decline and the burden on younger couples to support the increasing number of older citizens will become greater. Many reasons are given for the smaller families: cramped dwellings, the high cost of living and education, and the increasing number of independent-thinking women with their own careers. The Japanese government is now considering how to persuade parents to have larger families. Psalm 127:3 states that "Children are a gift from the Lord". Considering the rights of the child, however, we have the responsibility to provide them with a healthy and loving environment in which to grow. (3402)
Vulcan (90/11/21)
Today is November 21, 1990. On this day in 1843, a patent was issued in England for the treatment of rubber known as vulcanization. Through this treatment, invented a few years earlier in the United States, rubber becomes nonsticky, elastic and resistant to heat and cold. It is thus suitable for many different uses and most rubber used these days has been vulcanized. This word, "vulcanize", is derived from the name of the Roman god of fire. Vulcan was said to be a metalworker who forged the weapons used by other gods in their battles. This work required fire to beat and fashion the metal armaments and Vulcan is said to have used an anvil, hammers and bellows in his fiery workshops. Can you guess where these workshops were located? They were found in mountains which sometimes emitted fire and smoke. Such mountains are called volcanoes because of their association with this god. There are a number of active volcanoes in Japan and when they erupt, many people become fearful. The Old Testament poet who wrote the 46th Psalm must have experienced such an event, but he affirmed that, because of his faith in God, he would not be afraid even if mountains shake and fall into the ocean. (3403)
Squirrels (90/11/22)
If you write the Chinese character for "west" over the character for "tree", the resulting character means "chestnut", or kuri. When this character is followed by that meaning "rat", or nezumi, the animal it depicts is a squirrel, or risu. The English word "squirrel" comes from a Greek word literally meaning "shadow tail". This word may have originated in the sight of a squirrel sitting in the shadow of its long, bushy tail raised behind it. A recent news article noted that squirrels caused a public playground in the American state of Maryland to be closed. The yellow tape across the entrance bore a sign that read, "Playground closed due to overaggressive squirrels". Over the past two years, the oak trees in that park produced a bumper crop of acorns, or donguri, literally meaning "group-chestnut," which, in turn, produced a bumper crop of gray squirrels which have been gathering food with particular fervor. On two different occasions when children offered food to these squirrels, they bit the children, so the park was temporarily closed. This fourth Thursday of November is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. In contrast to these squirrels, as we give thanks to God for the abundance of food we enjoy, let us show compassion to those throughout the world who are suffering for lack of food. (3404)
Daijōsai (90/11/23)
Today is November 23rd, a legal holiday in Japan known as Labor Thanksgiving Day. Now observed as a day to consider the importance of work in general and to be thankful for the products of labor, it is also the day the emperor gives thanks to the kami for an abundant harvest in a ritual called niinamesai. The first niinamesai following the enthronement of a new emperor, performed on a much larger scale and called daijōsai, was conducted last night and early this morning in two halls especially erected for that purpose on the imperial palace grounds as the climax of the various ceremonies connected with the enthronement of Emperor Heisei. From the viewpoint of this outsider, it was a great mistake for the government to spend an extravagant amount of public funds for this secret religious ritual, the meaning of which seems to imply that the Emperor is more than "the symbol of the State and the unity of the people"--his constitutional designation. It also calls into question whether his position is derived "from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power" as stated in the Constitution. I hope that this does not become a nationalistic step backward when Japan needs to be stepping forward with a more international outlook. (3405)
A Chance Meeting (90/11/24)
The inn in which my wife and I stayed in my hometown last summer was a real mansion when it was built about 80 years ago. Originally a large family residence, it later became a funeral home and was subsequently remodeled as an inn. We rented a basement apartment and usually used the basement entrance, but one morning, returning from an appointment, my wife happened to go in the first floor entrance to see if we had any mail. Just at that time, a couple was leaving and the man asked her if she recognized him. He had been a classmate of ours over 40 years ago at a university in another state and was now pastor of a church 80 kilometers away. He and his wife had spent the night at a nearby state park, saw an advertisement of this inn and decided to stop and see it. Talking with the owner, he mentioned he once knew a university student from that town and told him my name. The owner informed him that I was staying in that inn at that very time and called our apartment, but no one was there. Our friend wrote a note, saying he was sorry to have missed us, and was leaving when my wife came in the door. She brought him to my office at the church where we enjoyed reminiscing about people and events in our school days. Some would call that a chance meeting, but we consider it the providence of God. (3406)
Tithe (90/11/25)
The word "tithe", spelled t-i-t-h-e, denotes the tenth part of something. According to the Old Testament law, Israelites were required to give a tithe of the produce of their crops and flocks to God. Such offerings caused them to recognize their dependence upon God, the Source of all life and the Giver of all, and also provided support for priests and others connected to the temple's religious observances. In Jesus' day, members of a conservative, legalistic group known as Pharisees were very meticulous in obeying the law, but Jesus rebuked them for being so scrupulous about such matters as tithing and ignoring "the really important teachings of the Law, such as justice and mercy and honesty" [Matthew 23:23]. In every age, it is easier for people to observe religious rituals than to work for justice and to manifest mercy and honesty in their dealings with others in a society where injustice, revenge and dishonesty are commonly overlooked or even considered normal. In the New Testament book of Romans, chapter 12, we are taught that the true worship of God involves not the giving of our possessions but of ourselves as living sacrifices to be used in serving God and accomplishing his will in this world. For Christians, God does not require a tithe, he demands their all. (3407)
Deru Kui wa Utareru (90/11/26)
When constructing a fence of uniform height made of posts driven into the ground, we will hammer down a post that sticks up higher than others. In most areas of Japanese life uniformity is considered an important principle, so if an individual stands out from others in some respect, such a person is usually pressured back into the conforming mold of the majority. Deru kuiwa utareru is a Japanese proverb I have heard often. I don't know of a well-known English proverb with the same meaning, but such sayings as "Tall trees catch much wind" and a Latin phrase meaning "Envy is the companion of glory" have a bit of the same flavor. It is too bad, however, if a person must hide or suppress his or her natural character or abilities in order to conform to a bland uniformity. This does not encourage the initiative that underlies progress. (3408)
Anders Celsius (90/11/27)
How do you like the weather on this 27th day of November? What do you think the temperature is right now? If you told the temperature in clear English to a provincial American, he or she may not understand you because the temperature scale in general use in the United States is different than that used in Japan. The U. S. uses a Fahrenheit thermometer, according to which the freezing point of water is 32 degrees and the boiling point is 212 degrees, making 180 degrees between these two extremes. According to the more rational centigrade scale used in Japan and most of the rest of the world, water freezes at zero and boils at a hundred degrees. This centigrade scale is also called Celsius after the Swedish astronomer who devised it. That man, Anders Celsius was born 289 years ago today on November 27, 1701. While a professor at the University of Uppsala, Celsius supervised the building of an observatory there and became its director. In 1742, he invented the centigrade, or Celsius, thermometer. A thermometer measures heat and cold and according to Revelation 3:16, in a moral or religious sense, it is better to be either hot or cold rather than lukewarm. (3409)
Animals and Government Employees (90/11/28)
Today is November the 28th. How are you today? If you were asked to compare yourself with a certain kind of animal, which animal would you choose? What about government officials, which animal do you think they resemble? Recently, the National Personnel Authority asked this question to over a thousand new recruits who joined government agencies last April. Over 63 percent responded. Although 97 different animals were named, those associated with diligence predominated. The most popular choice was dogs, chosen by almost 30 percent of the respondents, indicating that both public servants and dogs are loyal and reliable. Almost 12 percent likened the government employees to ants, because they work hard and in groups. Elephants were next on the list--implying that government ministries are large and slow. The other animals in the top ten were cows, horses, turtles, mice, monkeys, bees and bears. Can you imagine the points of comparison between these animals and government employees? In the Bible, the common animal figure used for people is sheep while the majesty, power, vision and boldness of God is implied in comparing him to a lion and an eagle. (3410)
Agatha Christie (90/11/02)
Seminary (90/11/03)
Life Continues (90/11/04)
Love Me, Love My Dog (90/11/05)
Peace Corporation Corps (90/11/06)
Cigarette Vending Machines (90/11/07)
Home Training (90/11/08)
Accidents (90/11/09)
Surprise Visit (90/11/10)
A Shepherd (90/11/11)
Jakuniku-Kyōshoku (90/11/12)
Louis D. Brandeis (90/11/13)
King Hussein (90/11/14)
7,5 and 3 (90/11/15)
Health Problems Among Children (90/11/16)
Family Members (90/11/17)
God of Love (90/11/18)
Noblesse Oblige (90/11/19)
Japan's Birthrate (90/11/20)
Vulcan (90/11/21)
Squirrels (90/11/22)
Daijōsai (90/11/23)
A Chance Meeting (90/11/24)
Tithe (90/11/25)
Deru Kui wa Utareru (90/11/26)
Anders Celsius (90/11/27)
Animals and Government Employees (90/11/28)
Bucks (90/11/29)
Animals Killed on the Expressway (90/11/30)
Chiang Kai-shek (90/11/01)