Poor in Spirit (92/02/02)
The famous words of Jesus recorded in chapters 5-7 of the Gospel of Matthew are called "The Sermon on the Mount". This "sermon" begins with a series of statements called "Beatitudes", each of which begin with the word "Blessed", or "Happy". The Beatitudes express a viewpoint contrary to so-called common sense and thus stimulate the listener or reader to think deeply about their meaning. The first Beatitude, for example, is "Blessed are the poor in spirit." The Japanese translation, 'kokoro no mazushii hitotachi wa, saiwai de aru,' sounds even more startling than the English rendition because a person with a 'mazushii kokoro' would never be considered happy. By "poor in spirit", however, Jesus meant a humble person who recognized his or her lack of personal resources by which to earn God's blessings. Such a person realizes the need for dependence upon God's grace to obtain salvation. The opposite of "poor in spirit" is "proud". The proud people of Jesus' day who thought they could gain eternal life by their own merit, by performing rituals or doing good works received his sternest rebuke. The contrast between these two attitudes was vividly indicated in Jesus' Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke, chapter 18, which ends with these words: "everyone who makes himself great will be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself will be made great." -- Clark Offner (3841)
Naki-tsura ni Hachi (92/02/03)
There is an old English saying, "It never rains but it pours". In modern English, we would say, "It never rains without pouring". The meaning is that events, especially unhappy events, come together. They seem to pile up one after another as expressed in another English proverb, "Misfortunes never come singly". Japanese proverbs with a similar meaning tell of bees attacking a weeper's face, 'naki-tsura ni hachi', and of further evil befalling a person who is already weak, 'yowari-me ni tatari-me'. Such proverbs remind me of the words of the Old Testament prophet, Amos. Warning the sinful people of his day of the coming day of God's judgment, he wrote in chapter 5, verse 19: "It will be like a man who runs from a lion and meets a bear." A healthy faith does not insure that misfortunes will be avoided, but it enables us to face them with courage. --Clark Offner (3842)
'Setsubun' (92/02/04)
Today is Tuesday, the 4th of February. Since it is Tuesday, I am suggesting a theme in today's message on which listeners or readers may write a short essay in English to send to me for corrections or improvements before it is published in the little periodical called "Daily Word" Echoes. Since it is the 4th of February, I am suggesting the theme of 'Setsubun' or 'Risshun'. As the traditional division between the "big cold" season of 'daikan' and the first day of spring, the beginning of a new year according to the old lunar calendar, various traditional customs are associated with this season. Throwing beans to rid one's house of evil influences while shouting "Out with demons, in with good fortune", attaching sardines or holly to a door continue to be done by some people today. Did you or members of your family throw beans yesterday? Did you do so in former days? What do you think about the customs related to this season and of the seasonal divisions of the lunar calendar in general? For my own education, I would be happy to read your views on this theme. While being alert to the changes of seasons, we should be alert to changes in the atmosphere of world politics as well. This is "Daily Word", P.O.Box30, Moriyama, Nagoya 463. ---Clark Offner (3843)
Plural and Singular (92/02/05)
Did you know that some English nouns are only used in the plural form? One of them is "pants", which in America usually denote an outer garment extending from the waist to the knees or ankles with a separate section for each leg. They may also be called "trousers". In England, pants usually signify underpants that are worn next to the skin. In earlier days, pants were worn only by men or boys, so the expression, "she wears the pants in the family" meant that the wife was the person in charge, but nowadays pants are often worn by women and girls as well. This single garment requires a plural verb except when it is called "a pair of pants". The same holds true for the cutting instrument called "scissors" which has two blades. We never use this word in the singular, but it may take a singular verb when it is called "a pair of scissors". Also, the word "premises", when it means a building and its grounds is always plural. In its singular form, it means a statement that serves as the basis for further reasoning, but when denoting a piece of real estate, the singular form is never used. On the other hand, such words as knowledge, wealth and butter do not have plural forms at all. People in some countries today may have a wealth of knowledge but they cannot afford to buy butter, even if they could find some. --Clark Offner (3844)
The Weaker Sex (92/02/06)
In male-dominated societies, women have often been called "the weaker sex", but a recent report by an archaeologist at the University of Washington in the United States indicates that women are actually hardier than men. Professor Donald Grayson conducted research on a group of pioneers who were on their way by wagon train to the West Coast in the middle of the 19th century. The party, originally consisting of 87 men, women and children from Illinois, became stranded for the winter in the mountains of eastern California. Almost half of the group died during that winter of extreme hunger and intense cold, but records indicate that women were better survivors than men. According to Professor Grayson, women have a greater percentage of surface fat that insulates them against the cold. They also consume energy less quickly than men--an adaptation that aids pregnancy--thereby holding an extra store of energy. He also suggested that a female temperament that relies more on cooperation than aggression, meant the difference between life and death. Emerson wrote: "A woman's strength is the unresistable might of weakness", which reminds me of the Apostle Paul's words in II Corinthians 12:10: "When I am weak, then I am strong." --Clark Offner (3845)
Dummies (92/02/07)
The word "dumb", spelled d-u-m-b, literally means mute, lacking the power of speech. As a colloquial term, it may also mean stupid and a stupid person may be called a "dummy". This word, spelled d-u-m-m-y, literally denotes an imitation of a real object. Fashionably-dressed mannequins in stores and talking-dolls of ventriloquists are dummies. In Japan, dummy policemen have been erected along the side of certain roads to scare drivers or to remind them to drive carefully. Policemen in northern England are now conducting a three-month experiment using dummy police cars made of tough plastic costing $600 each. These dummies are full-size copies of the actual cars used by police, but they are only 13 millimeters thick. They are being strategically parked on bridges or along roads, partly hidden by bushes. Police hope that drivers seeing the cars will initially mistake them for the real thing and slow down. In the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, chapter 10, the prophet satirically describes the dummy gods of idol-worshippers which he compares to scarecrows and the writer of the 115th Psalm taught that those who make such dummies and trust in them will become like them themselves. -- Clark Offner(3846)
Individual Hanko (92/02/08)
Personal seals, or 'hanko', are very important items in Japanese life. They often take the place of signatures in the West. To encourage a sense of personal responsibility in our children, we provided them with their own individual 'hanko' when they were still young. These personal seals consisted simply of the initial capital letters of their three names written in a cursive style. We also opened postal saving accounts in their names into which they were able to deposit money earned from part-time jobs or received as gifts and from which they could make withdrawals as they desired. This resulted in an unhappy experience for our younger son who had begun collecting rare Japanese coins while he was still in elementary school. Wanting to make sure his rare coins were kept in a safe place, one day he deposited them in his postal savings account, assuming they would be safer there than at home. When we found out what he had done, we had to sadly explain to him more fully the way savings accounts were handled and why he could not withdraw those particular coins. So it is that children learn by experience. Incidentally, those same 'hanko' are still used by our children these days for official business in Japan or for unofficial purposes overseas. -- Clark Offner (3847)
True Repentance (92/02/09)
The Old Testament book of Psalms contains many psalms which include the name of Israel's great King David in their titles. Some of these poems are cries for help. Others are joyful expressions of thanksgiving. The 51st Psalm, however, is a prayer of confession, which was purportedly written after the king had committed adultery. In this psalm, after confessing his sin, the writer asks God to "create a pure heart" and to "put a new... spirit" in him. True repentance begins with the honest recognition of our weakness and sin, but it includes the desire to change and to start anew. According to the Old Testament law, a sinner had to offer a sacrifice of some kind to God in order to be forgiven, but this psalm makes clear the kind of sacrifice God desires. It is not a sacrifice of animals or produce, of incense or ritualistic words. It is the sacrifice of a humble spirit. God will not reject "a humble and repentant heart." The spirit and atmosphere of this psalm are very different from the attitudes seen in the words and actions of many people these days who have been caught in some illegal or sinful act. The Bible teaches that God's forgiveness is based on his character of love but it can only be received by those with humble hearts which are opened to him. -- Clark Offner (3848)
Tanki wa Sonki (92/02/10)
One Japanese word pronounced 'tanki' means "short term"; another means "short temper". A person with a short temper may also be called quick-tempered, hot-headed or impatient. You probably know the Japanese saying, 'tanki wa sonki'. Actually, the word 'sonki' was coined to rhyme with 'tanki' in this particular expression. The proverb implies that an impatient person will suffer loss. Before making an important decision, it is better to take time to think calmly and coolly instead of rushing and making an unwise choice. The old Testament book of Proverbs states: "If you stay calm, you are wise, but if you have a hot temper, you only show how stupid you are" [14:29], "Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace" [15:18]. A less-familiar Japanese saying indicates that hot tempers are not good for the health: 'tanki wa tanmei', a short temper, a short life. --Clark Offner (3849)
The Sun (92/02/11)
Today is a national holiday in Japan commemorating the nation's "foundation". It is unclear when this nation actually came into existence and the historical basis for celebrating its foundation on this 11th day of February is doubtful, to say the least. Nevertheless, this is the day that, for certain political reasons, was finally approved as National Foundation Day in 1966 and was first celebrated as such the following year. Today, national flags will be displayed in some homes and public places. The red ball in the center of the white flag represents the sun and I am suggesting the sun as the theme for those listeners or readers who like to write essays for "Daily Word" Echoes. The sun, usually simply called "hi" or "taiyō", sometimes given the more exalted name of "o-hi-sama" or "o-tento-sama" is a very important element in our universe and has a special place in Japanese tradition in particular. The sun may be considered from the standpoint of natural science, ancient mythology, literature, agriculture or ordinary life. I would be happy to receive an essay from you on this subject, which I will correct and print in the next issue of the Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. Please send the essay to reach me by February 22nd. -- Clark Offner (3850)
Charles Darwin (92/02/12)
In the United States, it is well-known that February the 12th is the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, who was born into a poor carpenter's family in the state of Kentucky 183 years ago today. It is not so well-known that on that same day in 1809, Charles Darwin was born into a physician's family in the English town of Shrewsbury. Darwin began studying to be a doctor like his father but changed his course to prepare for the ministry. His interest in natural history resulted in his joining a five-year expedition to islands and continents in the southern hemisphere during which he gathered data on the flora, fauna and geology of many lands. This started him on the road which led eventually to the publication of his controversial theory of evolution in his book, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. In a subsequent book, The Descent of Man, he maintained that human beings developed from a lower class of animals. Darwin's theories continue to be a source of tension and contention between certain scientists, educators and theologians. Darwin wrote, "The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts", but it is clear that many human beings today have not yet reached that level of moral culture. --Clark Offner (3851)
Pawnshops (92/02/13)
One kind of pawn, spelled p-a-w-n, is a chessman, a piece used in playing chess. Another kind of pawn is something given as security for a loan. Places where items are left in exchange for loans are called pawnshops which are managed by pawnbrokers. Pawnshops do not have a positive image in present-day Japan and most customers are aging men and women. The number of shops belonging to a certain pawnshop cooperative in Tokyo has decreased to 847 as of last December from a peak of 1,877 in 1960. Consequently, in an attempt to upgrade their image and attract younger customers, especially women, pawnbrokers have begun to advertise. They are trying to cash in on the fact that they remain open on Saturdays when regular financial institutions are closed. Their campaign is bringing results for more young women are using their service--not because they are hard-pressed for money, however. They simply want to dispose of something that is out of fashion or not to their taste. Recently, one young lady brought in two pairs of shoes simply because she didn't like them and another came to sell her engagement ring since she had just been divorced. The value of anything depends on the mind of the evaluator. -- Clark Offner (3852)
Ducklings in Rice Fields (92/02/14)
In recent years, more and more chemicals have been added to foods to improve their quality or make them more attractive. Chemicals may be used as preservatives or to enhance the color, taste or quality of certain foods. They are also used as fertilizers or insecticides. Because of concern about the effect of such chemicals, both on the human body and the environment, some people are seeking to limit the use of chemicals and to promote natural foods. In this regard, a farmer in Fukuoka Prefecture has begun raising ducklings in his rice fields. (Even as a young chicken is called a chick, a young duck is called a duckling.) Last month, a group of rice farmers met in Kagoshima to hear his report and consider its implications. The farmer, Takao Furuno, keeps ducklings in his rice paddies for about two months after the rice seedlings are planted, until the head of grains appear. He depends on them, instead of chemicals, to remove harmful insects and weeds. Furthermore, the duck feces serve as fertilizer and the birds can be sold in the meat market after the rice is grown. He hopes this "environment friendly" farming method will be adopted by other farmers to grow chemical-free rice as competition from foreign imports may become a reality in the near future. -- Clark Offner (3853)
Fair-Skinned Foreigners (92/02/15)
Undeniably, there are both advantages and disadvantages for children who live in a foreign country, but in our case, I think the advantage were greater. When our children were growing up, their so-called white skin (which was not really white) and naturally-tinted hair (reddish-blond, light brown and red) set them apart from Japanese children and gave them a distinct advantage in some ways. Although our daughter was not exceptionally beautiful, in her high school days, she found short-term, part-time employment as a special clerk during a special sale of foreign goods by a leading department store and even served as a model in the advertisement of another business. In fact, her parents have also served as models in this land that has traditionally had a positive bias toward fair-skinned foreigners. For many years, I wore the business suit given to me after I modelled it for a cloth manufacture's catalogue. And one time, our daughter found herself on the wrong city bus which she rode to the end of the line. When the bus driver found out where she wanted to go, he drove her in that bus to another bus stop from which she could catch another bus to her destination. I can not imagine such a thing happening in my homeland (or in present-day Japan, for that matter). -- Clark Offner (3854)
Faith (92/02/16)
As you know, it is sometimes very difficult to translate words, expressions or thoughts from one language to another. It is also difficult, at times, to exactly define words commonly used in our native tongue. This is especially true in relation to abstract terms often used in philosophy or religion. Take the word "faith", for example. What is "faith"? One definition given in 'The American Heritage Dictionary' is: "Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence." Another explanation of this word is found in the New Testament Letter to the Hebrews, chapter 11, verse 1: "To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see." The following verses in that chapter give examples of Old Testament figures who lived by faith. It describes such people as "foreigners and refugees on earth" who were citizens of a "heavenly country" which they could not see but to which they gave their true allegiance. Today also, Christians do not feel completely at home in the world as it is because they have a vision of a better world and are seeking to follow the precepts of their heavenly King. As Henry David Thoreau has written: "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer." -- Clark Offner (3855)
Neko ni Koban (92/02/17)
A 'koban' was a gold coin in old Japan. In ancient days, people would be very happy to have such a valuable coin, but if a 'koban' were given to a cat, for example, it would not be esteemed at all. So the Japanese proverb, 'neko ni koban', is used when the value or worth of something is not recognized or appreciated. The English saying with the same meaning is derived from the words of Jesus, found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7, verse 6: "Do not throw your pearls in front of pigs--they will only trample them underfoot." I am not sure of the view of cats in old Japan, but pigs were, and still are, considered unclean animals by Jews and the meat of pigs is never eaten by orthodox Jews or Muslims. Pearls of wisdom or spiritual truth are not comprehended by those lacking understanding. Nor are they valued by those whose minds are closed. --Clark Offner (3856)
Count Volta (92/02/18)
Two Japanese words with very different meanings are written the same in 'katakana: bo-ru-to'. They are transliterations of two different English words that are both spelled and pronounced differently. The one, spelled b-o-l-t and pronounced bolt, may signify a bar that slides into a socket and is used to fasten doors and gates or to a threaded pin that screws into a nut. The other, spelled v-o-l-t and pronounced volt, is a unit of measurement in electricity. Even as other electrical units, such as the watt, the ohm and the ampere were named after men involved in scientific or mathematical research related to electricity, the volt was named after an Italian physicist, Count Alessandro Volta, who was born 247 years ago today, on February 18, 1745. A physics professor at the University of Pavia, he was made a count by Napoleon. The inventions of Count Volta include the electrophorus, an electric condensor, the voltaic pile and voltaic cell, which is at the core of an electric battery. How different the modern world would be if there were no electricity. --Clark Offner (3857)
Recycling (92/02/19)
The English word "cycle", derived from the Latin word for "circle", may denote a repeated sequence of events or to a vehicle, such as a bicycle or motorcycle. The term "recycle", meaning to put through a cycle again, has become a popular term these days. In particular, it applies to the process of making discarded items useable again, often in quite a different form. Used plastic bottles were once considered completely useless and had to be disposed of by melting at very high temperatures. The city of Hatano in Kanagawa Prefecture, however, has found a way to recycle these bottles and has begun collecting them separately from other discarded trash. At the city's garbage processing plant they are flattened into sheets and then made into plastic chips and sold to trading firms. Coasters, made of white, high quality paper, are placed under drinking glasses at hotel restaurants, bars and banquet halls and a hotel in Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture is recycling its coasters. Forty-five coasters can be made into one 60-meter roll of toilet paper. Biodegradable waste decomposes naturally, but it is important for all of us to do what we can to avoid adding to the mountains of non-biodegradable waste that are piling up year by year. --Clark Offner (3858)
Edward VI (92/02/20)
When you hear the term "King of England" or "Queen of England", what image comes to your mind? The face of a stern, bearded man? a matronly, solemn-faced woman? Some kings and queens of England fit that description, but not all of them. Four hundred and forty-five years ago today, on February 20, 1547, Edward VI, the only child of Henry VIII by his third wife, Jane Seymour, became king of England at the age of nine. Since he was so young, his mother's brother was appointed regent. This uncle was later ousted by a rival who gained control over the young king. The new regent, the Duke of Northumberland, persuaded him to name the Duke's daughter-in-law, a granddaughter of Henry VIII's sister, to be his successor. So it was that upon the death of King Edward at the age of 16, 16-year-old lady Jane Grey was unwillingly proclaimed Queen of England. Her reign as queen, however, lasted a mere nine days, until her father-in-law's troops were routed and she was imprisoned and later beheaded. Kings and queens, emperors and empresses are normal human beings like the rest of us who have their ups and downs and, like some politicians, may be controlled, managed or regulated by people behind the scenes. --Clark Offner (3859)
Buy American (92/02/21)
As you know, Greece is the name of a country in southeastern Europe that has a venerable history. As you probably don't know, it is also the name of a town in the American state of New York, a suburb of Rochester. As you may know, there is a movement in the United States to buy American-made products rather than those made by foreign companies. When the Town Board of Greece, New York, decided recently to buy dirt-moving equipment, they voted against buying a Komatsu excavator, even though it was the low bid, in favor of an American machine. Upon investigation, however, they found out that 'buying American' is a more complicated problem than they had imagined. Actually, the Japanese Komatsu machine is made in the United States while the American John Deere model, although having an American-made engine, is assembled in Japan. Both machines are products of U.S.-Japanese joint ventures, but in this case, what is the meaning of 'buy American'? The Town Board must decide whether the American name of the machine is worth an extra $15,000 and whether purchasing that machine will really provide more jobs and income for Americans. In the present state of international cooperation, nationalistic sentiment can have unexpected results. -- Clark Offner (3860)
Trip To China (92/02/22)
Six years ago, my wife and I took a short trip from Nagoya to mainland China. In my Saturday messages of the next few weeks, I will note some of the interesting events that took place during that trip. We made our reservations through a travel agent in Osaka who arranged a so-called "group tour" for us. It is well-known that group tours are very popular among Japanese tourists, but in our case, the "group" was originally made up only of my wife and myself. When we boarded the plane in Osaka, however, we found out that an official of the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo and his family had been added to the "group". Since it was a congenial family, including two well-behaved children, we were happy to get to know them and to do part of our sightseeing together. Our first stop in China was Shanghai, a flourishing commercial and industrial center, the most populous city on the Asian continent. Arriving in the early afternoon, we enjoyed visiting various sites in the city, both by car and on foot, after getting settled in our hotel. Being a tour group, an English-speaking tour guide accompanied us to places that we chose to visit, gave explanations and interpreted for us when necessary. When we went out on our own, we enjoyed trying to communicate by ourselves in either English or Japanese. One of the pleasant surprises during our trip occurred the next day in a huge shopping market, which I will relate in next Saturday's message. -- Clark Offner (3861)
Prayer (92/02/23)
Prayer is a characteristic of all religions, but the significance of prayer, its purpose, content, motivation and manner is different depending upon the particular religion. In Christianity, prayer signifies communion with God. It need not be spoken nor does it depend on words at all. It may simply be a deep sense of God's presence with us. Verbal prayers are not rote repetitions of a certain formula; they are more like a conversation with a loving parent or a trustworthy friend. And the content of prayer is not primarily selfish requests or even requests at all. Prayer includes praise, thanksgiving, confession of sin as well as petition and intercession for others. For whom do we pray? The Bible teaches that we should pray for one another, for those in need, for those in authority and even for our enemies. In I Timothy, chapter 2, the Apostle Paul urges that "petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people." Christian prayer is not narrowly focused on ourselves, our family, our organization or our country. Ideally, it includes all people and the reason given is because "God our Saviour... wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth." It is only when the universal love of God has been experienced that a truly Christian prayer can be offered. -- Clark Offner (3862)
Waka-ki no Uchi (92/02/24)
As people get older, they become set in their ways and do not like to change; especially stubborn elderly people strongly resist accepting any new ideas. Do you know any such people? The English proverb that expresses this facet of human experience is: "you cannot teach an old dog new tricks". You may know the Japanese saying that an old branch will not bend, 'oi-ki wa magaranu'. When a person is young, or young in mind, he or she learns quickly, is willing to change and is receptive to new ways of doing things. Thus, there is a Japanese proverb advising us to bend the tree while it is young, 'tameru nara waka-ki no uchi'. The influence received in one's childhood is long-lasting. The English poet, Alexander Pope, wrote in his 'Moral Essays': "'Tis education forms the common mind, / Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined." -- Clark Offner (3863)
Enrico Caruso (92/02/25)
Today is the anniversary of the birth of a man who has been called "the greatest singer who ever lived", but it may be mainly opera lovers who could identify him from that description. He was born in the slums of Naples, Italy on February 25, 1873, but from the poverty of his childhood, he became the highest paid singer in the world. Appearing regularly at the Metropolitan Opera in New York until his death in 1921, his repertoire included over 50 roles, both serious and comic. As a young man, Enrico Caruso worked as a mechanic with no thought of becoming a singer. After a friend assured him that there was a fortune in his voice, he began studying music and made his Italian debut when he was 22 years old. The unusual quality and range of his tenor voice made him world famous. He was once quoted as saying, "I am a great singer because I am a bachelor. No man can sing unless he smiles and I should never smile if I was married." I think he was kidding, however, for, later, he did get married. If you wish to receive written copies of these telephone messages before they are spoken, please 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. -- Clark Offner (3864)
Music and Fish (92/02/26)
The common meaning of the word "farm" is a tract of land on which crops are grown or animals are raised, but it may also be used for an area of water in which fish are bred. In the past, sound was thought to cause stress in fish, so fish farms were protected from sound, but recent experiments indicate that some sounds may ease stress in fish. Since music has been used to good effect in livestock farming, researchers experimented to find its effect on fish. Flatfish were separated into three tanks three months after they were hatched. Fish in one tank were exposed to rock music. Those in another tank were exposed to classical music. No music was piped into the third tank. Fish in the rock music tank were the most active eaters. A month and a half later, their average weight was 43 grams, compared to the 37 grams of those in the classic music tank. Fish in the silent tank averaged 42 grams. Later, it was found that the sound of flowing water, which is said to sound like rock music, had a similar effect. Flatfish exposed to that sound were more energetic than those kept in a quiet tank. Fish and human beings both respond intuitively to certain kinds of sounds. --Clark Offner (3865)
English (92/02/27)
Listeners to or readers of these "Daily Word" messages may be interested in the following facts given by Richard Lederer in his book, 'Crazy English'. He wrote that "English is the most widely spoken language in the history of our planet, used in some way by at least one out of seven human beings around the globe. Half of the world's books are written in English, and the majority of international telephone calls are made in English. English is the language of over seventy percent of the world's radio programs.... More than seventy percent of international mail is written and addressed in English, and eighty percent of all computer text is stored in English. English has acquired the largest vocabulary of all the world's languages, perhaps as many as two million words, and has generated one of the noblest bodies of literature in the annals of the human race." He then goes on to state another fact that foreign students of English already have learned from their own experience. "Nonetheless, it is now time to face the fact that English is a crazy language." Yes, English is an important language in the world today, but it is also a complicated one and I hope these messages will provide interesting information, stimulation, amusement and sometimes inspiration to those of you who are seeking to master it. -- Clark Offner (3866)
Naki-tsura ni Hachi (92/02/03)
'Setsubun' (92/02/04)
Plural and Singular (92/02/05)
The Weaker Sex (92/02/06)
Dummies (92/02/07)
Individual Hanko (92/02/08)
True Repentance (92/02/09)
Tanki wa Sonki (92/02/10)
The Sun (92/02/11)
Charles Darwin (92/02/12)
Pawnshops (92/02/13)
Ducklings in Rice Fields (92/02/14)
Fair-Skinned Foreigners (92/02/15)
Faith (92/02/16)
Neko ni Koban (92/02/17)
Count Volta (92/02/18)
Recycling (92/02/19)
Edward VI (92/02/20)
Buy American (92/02/21)
Trip To China (92/02/22)
Prayer (92/02/23)
Waka-ki no Uchi (92/02/24)
Enrico Caruso (92/02/25)
Music and Fish (92/02/26)
English (92/02/27)
Women's 'Jūdō' Champion (92/02/28)
Surprise in Shanghai (92/02/29)
Poor in Spirit (92/02/02)