'Kago' Container (92/08/01)
In mid-August 1953, my wife and I and our 6-week old son left the metropolis of Tokyo for the city of Kariya in Aichi Prefecture, which had a population of 30,000. The day before we left the Japanese apartment which had been our home for over a year and a half, a truck came to pick up the furniture we had brought with us from the States, which included a small refrigerator, a simple three-burner kerosene stove, a three-quarter-size double bed which could be folded up and a tiny washing machine, along with most of our other belongings. That night, we slept on 'futon' provided by our landlord. From the time our baby son was brought home from the hospital, a Japanese woven basket, or 'kago', had served as his bed. Since the top half of this 'kago' fit securely over the bottom half, making a convenient container for clothing, etc., we planned to carry it with us on the train. Our landlady, who was very solicitous about our reputation, however, absolutely refused to permit us to do so. She said it would make us look like country bumpkins. Although we did not share her concern, we finally submitted to her administrations and, in doing so, learned further lessons related both to the concern about appearances and to the power of social pressure in Japan. --Clark Offner (4022)
"Very Religious" (92/08/02)
In the ancient Western world, Athens was the center of philosophical activity. The 17th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles includes an account of a visit to that city by the Apostle Paul and of his speech before the city council there. Citizens of Athens were described as people who spent all their time talking about new ideas so they wanted to hear the novel beliefs that Paul was proclaiming. Paul began his speech with the comment that the Athenians were "very religious", based on his observation of the city's many shrines, including one "To an Unknown God". The Apostle then spoke about God, the Creator, who was revealed in the Person of Jesus Christ. He implied that this was the "Unknown God" they were worshipping. The Greek word Paul used for "religious" literally means "fearing divinities" and in the classical version of the Bible is translated "superstitious". If Paul visited Japan, I presume he would say something similar about the Japanese people. In one sense, they are "very religious". There are many shrines and temples throughout the country and many religious ceremonies are observed by people, some of whom fear the wrath of divinities or spirits of the dead if such ceremonies are not performed. True religion, however, is not based on fear nor centered in rituals. It is founded on faith and is expressed in acts of love and mercy. --Clark Offner (4023)
Be Prepared (92/08/03)
According to an English proverb, it is too late to lock the stable door after the horse has been stolen. Unfortunately, many people do not seriously think of taking precautions against minor misfortunes or major disasters until after such events occur. After a fire has destroyed one's home, it is too late to take precautions against fire. The Japanese proverb, 'sōshiki sunde isha banashi', has a similar implication, as does a corresponding French proverb meaning, After death, the doctor. It is well for us all to remember the Boy Scout motto to always "Be Prepared". This is especially true in regard to our death. We should always be prepared for death, whenever it may occur. In the 12th chapter of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus told a story of a foolish man who was prepared for a bright future on earth but who was woefully unprepared for death. --Clark Offner (4024)
Children and the Elderly (92/08/04)
In the old days, elderly people lived in the family home with their own children and grandchildren. In that extended family, there was regular communication between the very old and the very young. These days, it is not uncommon for senior citizens to live in nursing homes where they seldom have any interaction with small children. There are now more than 360,000 elderly people living in nursing homes apart from family members in Japan. A newspaper article told of one nursing home that had made an arrangement with a nearby nursery school whereby each of the nursery school children has been paired with a resident of the nursing home whom they visit regularly. This has proved helpful for both the children and the elderly. Children bring vitality and joy into the boring lives of the senior citizens, causing them to laugh and be more cheerful. The small children are not inhibited, ask questions when they do not understand and express their true feelings while adults tend to hide their doubts and emotions. The children also learn important lessons from their encounter with these older folks. According to Thomas Aldrich, an American novelist, "To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent--that is to triumph over old age." --Clark Offner (4025)
John Eliot (92/08/05)
Among various English names that can be used as either a surname or a masculine given name is Elliott. The most common spelling of this name includes two "l"s and two "t"s, but it can be spelled with two "l"s and one "t", one "l" and two "t"s, or one "l" and one "t". This last spelling is the one used in the name of the John Eliot who was christened 388 years ago today, on August 5, 1604 in England. After graduating from Cambridge, John Eliot became a grammar school teacher. He later emigrated to New England, where he became one of its most loved and admired ministers. For 60 years, he served a Puritan congregation in Massachusetts. Desiring to share his faith with the Native Americans in the area, he spent years in patient study of the Algonquian language without the aid of phonetic guides, printed vocabularies or dictionaries. His sermons in their own language resulted in the conversion of many Native Americans and, in 1663, his Algonquian translation became the first Bible to be printed in North America. This "apostle to the Indians" aimed to Europeanize Native Americans as well as to Christianize them, but I consider it better to share the spirit of the Christian faith and let the new believer decide how to express it in his or her own culture rather than imposing change from the outside. --Clark Offner (4026)
Alexander Fleming (92/08/06)
Forty-seven years ago today, on August 6, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima, which caused the instantaneous deaths of tens of thousands of people. The harnessing of nuclear power, which resulted in that destructive bomb, was the result of scientific research by a number of scientists. In that same year of 1945, a Nobel Prize was awarded to a scientist who was born 111 years ago today, on August 6, 1881, for his discovery of a natural substance that would save the lives of thousands. Alexander Fleming, a Scottish bacteriologist became a professor at the University of London. During the hot, humid August weather in Japan, mold may develop on various items that upset us, but Professor Fleming, in 1928, observed that a certain kind of mold caused germs to disappear. His observations and further experiments resulted in the production of the drug he named penicillin. This drug, now commonly called penicillin, was found to be effective in the treatment of various kinds of infections and diseases. Further research has resulted in the discovery of other antibiotic substances, but whether scientific discoveries are used for destructive or beneficial purposes depends on the mind or heart of the user. -- Clark Offner (4027)
International Peace (92/08/07)
One of my reference books states that on August 7, 1927, 65 years ago today, an International Peace Bridge linking Canada and the United States was dedicated, honoring the peace that exists between those two countries. I do not know where that bridge is located, but there is an International Peace garden that straddles the boundary line between the Canadian province of Manitoba and the American state of North Dakota. Between flagpoles displaying the national flags of these two countries is a mound of stones, a cairn, which commemorated more than a century of peace between these neighboring nations when it was dedicated in 1932. There is an International Peace Park in northern Montana near its border with the Canadian province of Alberta and an international bridge between the state of Michigan and the province of Ontario was completed in 1962. A Canadian river that winds for 1,900 kilometers through British Columbia and Alberta is called Peace, which reminds me of a hymn by Horatio Stafford: "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my would." -- Clark Offner (4028)
Outsiders (92/08/08)
It was cloudy and looked like rain in Tokyo on the August morning in 1953 when we boarded the train, but the sun was shining a few hours later when we arrived in the city of Kariya, and we considered that a good omen. That evening, the truck arrived with furniture, trunks, boxes and a Japanese 'kago'. We did not enter the community secretly. A group of children gathered around to watch as the truck was unloaded and things were carried into our first floor apartment. The children did not leave when the truck did. They stayed and peered through windows as we unpacked. It was a rare sight for them to actually at close range an American couple with their two-month old baby who were moving into their neighborhood. In days to come, when we walked down the street, some people discontinued their conversation to stare at us while others dismounted bicycles to get a better look. Although the stares were not hostile, they were a bit unnerving and continued to remind us that we were truly a different race, "outsiders". Times have changed and now many foreigners from various countries reside in Japan, but a discriminatory attitude continues to be evident in both official and unofficial circles. A genuine international spirit is rooted in the recognition that all people are a part of the same human family. -- Clark Offner (4029)
Words and Deeds (92/08/09)
According to an English proverb, Actions speak louder than words. The common means of communication between human beings is verbal. We speak to one another using words. Words may be deceptive, however, and mislead people, whether they are the words of another about us or our own words about ourselves. The true character of a person is more accurately grasped by observing that person's actions than simply listening to words about him or her. In the 26th verse of the 5th chapter of the Gospel according to John, Jesus acknowledged that John, the Baptist, was a witness on his behalf, but he indicated that his own deeds were a greater witness. Jesus demonstrated the kind of person he was by his actions, and so do we. Flowery words are often used to introduce a prominent speaker at a formal gathering, but the daily life of that public figure is a more truthful representation of his or her character. According to Hebrews 11:4, the actions of a person continue to speak even after that person is dead. In the light of these statements, what are our daily deeds saying about our faith, convictions or basic aims in life? And what will our present actions continue to say to people after we are dead? --Clark Offner (4030)
Shobu wa Toki no Un (92/08/10)
The 1992 Olympics are now over. I presume you enjoyed watching some of the sporting events on television. Over 10,000 athletes from 172 nations competed for the winning medals. Some of the favored contestants won, but others lost even though they did their best. Are you acquainted with the Japanese proverb, 'shobu wa toki no un'? It implies that chance as well as ability is influential in winning and losing. A famous passage from the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 9, verse 11, teaches the same truth. There, according to the classical version, are the words: "the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong... but time and chance happeneth to them all." These sayings remind us that we ourselves are not in complete control of our destiny. In the biblical perspective, our lives are ultimately in the hands of God. --Clark Offner (4031)
Ascot (92/08/11)
Do you know what an ascot is? Spelled a-s-c-o-t, an ascot, which may be worn around the neck by either a woman or a man, is a scarf of necktie which is knotted so its broad ends are laid flat upon each other. The word comes from the name of the English village where royal horse races are held, which are attended by English nobility, some of whom wear ascots. This place name is derived from an old English word, 'east-cot', meaning "eastern cottage or sheep shelter". The first Royal Ascot Horse Race was held 281 years ago today, on August 11, 1711, instituted by Queen Anne, the first monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. This queen's reign was characterized by rich elegance along with an intellectual awakening and the growth of parliamentary government. In ancient Rome, chariot racing, in which riders rode in small chariots pulled by horses, was popular, but from the 12th century in England, horse racing, in which horses are ridden by jockeys, has been fostered by royalty. Although wagers may be placed on any kind of race, horse racing in particular has stimulated this form of gambling. The English critic and essayist, George Gissing, wrote, "Everyone knows that horse-racing is carried on mainly for the delight and profit of fools, ruffians, and thieves." --Clark Offner (4032)
Grouse (92/08/12)
This 12th day of August is known as The Glorious Twelfth in Scotland. You may think it is the anniversary of a great national event that occurred on this day, but that is not so. It is simply the opening of the grouse season in Britain. In an informal sense, grouse means to grumble or complain, but the word formally denotes a certain bird. In Japanese, this bird is designated by two Chinese characters literally meaning "thunderbird" and pronounced 'raicho'. These henlike birds which build their nests on the ground are highly prized for their delicious meat. During the grouse season, hunters roam the woods looking for them. Their feathers, tinted a variety of shades of red, brown and gray, make them quite inconspicuous when they remain quietly in tall grass, but when they are flushed out of their nesting place, they fly rapidly with a whir of their small wings, providing hunters a chance to shoot them as they fly away. On this 12th day of the month I will remind listeners/readers of the "Daily Word" meeting which will be held on the fifty Sunday afternoon of this month, August 30th, at the Nagoya City Kyōikukan near Sakae. The meeting will celebrate the "glorious" 12th anniversary of the beginning of this telephone service. --Clark Offner (4033)
Walls (92/08/13)
A strange thing happened in the German city of Berlin 32 years ago today, on August 13, 1961. On that day a wall quite suddenly appeared along the demarcation line between East and West Berlin. The wall was erected by the Communist government of East Germany to halt the exodus of its citizens to the West. This physical wall has now been destroyed and Germany has been reunited, but in other areas of the world, walls of a political or nationalistic nature are being erected. Are you acquainted with the poem by Robert Frost, entitled 'Mending Wall'? It is about two New Englanders who own adjacent fields divided by a simple wall of large stones taken from their fields and plied along the boundary line. Every spring the two men meet and go along the wall, each on his own side, to repair gaps that have naturally occurred during the winter months. One of the farmers questions the need for such a wall between wooded fields where no animals are kept. "Something there is that doesn't love a wall, That wants it down!" he muses, but his conservative neighbor repeats the traditional observation that "Good fences make good neighbors." In the world today, there are still too many walls between people, and internationally-minded persons should be engaged in tearing down walls instead of erecting new ones. -- Clark Offner (4034)
Atlantic Charter (92/08/14)
The English word "chart" is rooted in a Latin word denoting the leaf of a papyrus plant from which paper was made in ancient times. A chart is a map or an information sheet containing graphs or tables. If the letters e-r are added to the word, it becomes "charter" and denotes a formal document containing the definition of certain rights, principles or purposes. Fifty-one years ago today, on August 14, 1941, the Atlantic Charter was signed by President Franklin Roosevelt of the United States of America and Prime Minister Winston Churchill of Great Britain. These two statesmen had held secret meetings on a ship off the coast of the Canadian province of Newfoundland while Britain was at war with Nazi Germany. At that time, the United States was still officially neutral for she did not enter the Second World War until after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December of that year. This Atlantic Charter contained eight articles of agreement and defined the aims of the two countries during and after the war. Its principles included respect for the territory and rights of all nations whose governments were freely chosen by its citizens and envisioned a postwar period of peace and freedom from fear and want. These principles were approved by the United Nations in their declaration four months later. -- Clark Offner (4035)
Saturday Messages (92/08/15)
Regular listeners to or readers of these "Daily Word" telephone messages know that, for the past three years, my Saturday messages have consisted of personal experiences, whether in my homeland, in Japan or on trips to foreign countries. There are various reasons why I began that custom. One is that, after making 3000 different messages, it became more difficult to find a different topic for every day. Another is that I need not to do much research when I speak of personal experiences. I only need to remember or to check my travel records and recall the details. A third reason is that, at my advanced age, I enjoy reminiscing of past experiences, but I hope the various experiences of this one peculiar foreigner are not uninteresting to those who listen to or read about them. For the past three months, I have told of experiences on our way to Japan over 40 years ago while residing in Tokyo until we moved to the city of Kariya in Aichi Prefecture. Beginning next Saturday, I will continue my account of experiences on a trip we made through East Europe by camping car on our way back to the U.S. in the summer of 1970 which I interrupted two years ago. -- Clark Offner (4036)
Life after Death (92/08/16)
During this 'Bon' Festival Season, many Japanese remember, or venerate, the spirits of family members who have died for, in Japanese tradition, this is the time when spirits return home. Considering the matter scientifically, we cannot speak with certainty about a future life or whether a spiritual entity continues after the death of the body, but most religions include some teaching about an afterlife which is accepted on the basis of faith. In Jewish thought, the continued personal existence of a spirit was inconceivable apart from a body of some kind. Thus, life after death included the idea of physical resurrection. One day, some Sadducees, a religious group that did not believe in the resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned him about this belief. As recorded in chapter 20 of the Gospel according to Luke, they told the story of a woman who had had seven different husbands. The question they posed was: on the day of resurrection, whose wife will she be? Jesus' answer indicated that we cannot make such simple comparisons between present and future modes of existence. Marriage will not be a characteristic of the life after death. While there is much we do not understand about the future, Jesus made clear that the eternal God remains in control of all. -- Clark Offner (4037)
On o Ada de Kaesu (92/08/17)
Foreign students of Japanese or Chinese find the Chinese characters or ideographs, called 'kanji', very interesting. The character for "big" originally pictured a person with outstretched arms. If a square is drawn around that person, the resulting character symbolizes a connection or relation. When the character for "heart" is added underneath, the kind of relationship is particularized as "kindness". On the other hand, the character consisting of a person and the number 9, denotes an enemy, evil or harm. Both of these characters are found in the Japanese proverb, 'on o ada de kaesu', return evil for kindness. The animal or person that "bites the hand that feeds" it, him or her, is an example of this. The English saying, "return evil for good" comes from I Samuel 25:21, but according to Romans, chapter 12, verses 17-21, Christians should return good for evil. --Clark Offner (4038)
Pumpkins (92/08/18)
In some cases, the distinction between fruits and vegetables is not clear. For example, melons and watermelons which grow on vines on the ground are classified as fruit, but pumpkins, which grow in the same manner, are usually considered vegetables. The large, round pumpkins with thick, orange-yellow rind and many seeds were first brought to Japan from Cambodia by the Portuguese in the 16th century. In Japan, they are harvested from June to October, but pumpkins are imported from New Zealand and Mexico where they are harvested from December to June. Since 1987, pumpkins have been raised in Tonga for export to Japan during the October to January off-crop season. Last year, Japan consumed 190,000 tons of pumpkins, of which 52 percent were imported. Almost 50 percent of the imports came from New Zealand, 25 percent from Mexico and over 20 percent from Tonga. The Tongan government is now concerned about overproduction and has decided to limit exports to 10,000 tons this autumn. It does not want palm trees to be cut down to make way for pumpkin plantations and hopes to avoid a repetition of the unfortunate situation in which local people do not have enough shrimp of their own to eat because almost the entire catch is exported. --Clark Offner (4039)
USS Constitution (92/08/19)
About two hundred years ago, Europe was in the throes of the so-called Napoleonic Wars. Great Britain also became involved in war against France, but the United States tried to maintain commercial relations with both sides. It stumbled into an unnecessary, unfortunate war with its former ruler, however, in the War of 1812. At that time, Great Britain was the mightiest sea power and at the beginning of hostilities over a hundred British warships were patrolling American waters. The United States, on the other hand, had less than 20 warships capable of fighting on the open sea. One of America's four frigates was the USS Constitution, which one English newspaper described as "a bundle of pine boards sailing under a bit of striped bunting". A month earlier, the Constitution had been able to escape from a group of pursuing British ships, but on August 19, 1812, 180 years ago today, it could not avoid a direct confrontation with one of those ships, the frigate Guerrière. The 30-minute battle resulted in 79 British casualties and the destruction of the Guerrière, compared to only 14 casualties and minor damage to the Constitution. Correlative results were a great boost to American morale and a great blow to British pride. That ship has been immortalized in Oliver Wendell Holmes' poem, "Old Ironsides". --Clark Offner (4040)
St. Bernard (92/08/20)
The largest breed of domestic dogs is the Saint Bernard. This big, strong, intelligent dog with a keen sense of smell is famous for the rescue work it has been used for in the mountains. These dogs are named after St. Bernard de Menthon, an 11th century Swiss churchman who founded hospices in the Swiss Alps. There is another St. Bernard, however, a French monk, who lived in the 12th century, and his feast day is today, August 20th. This St. Bernard of Clairvaux founded a monastery in northeastern France where he remained as the abbot for almost 40 years in spite of efforts to move him to a higher position. A holy life, a reputation for miraculous cures and an unusual eloquence made Bernard a powerful influence throughout Europe. His sermons, letters and treatises were written in such a beautiful style that he is known as the Mellifluous Doctor. "Mellifluous", derived from Latin words meaning "honey" and "bear", denotes something smooth and sweet, that flows like honey. St. Bernard was engaged in many charitable activities on behalf of the poor and also encouraged good works on the part of others, saying "Your actions, in passing, pass not away, for every good work is a grain of seed for eternal life." --Clark Offner (4041)
How Close to Stand (92/08/21)
Generally speaking, people with a common national origin share certain characteristics, even though they may not apply to every individual. For example, Japanese are usually not so outwardly demonstrative as Spaniards, Italians or Frenchmen. Nor are they as outspoken as Americans, in general. A recent article noted how close people stood to others in public. Tokyo residents stood an average of 95 cm. away from those with whom they are closely acquainted compared with 46 cm. for North Americans. Thus, in the case of close acquaintances, Japanese do not stand as close as North Americans do. Interestingly enough, the situation is reversed when it comes to strangers or when meeting people for the first time. An average of 386 cm. separated strangers in North America while the Japanese surveyed stood 113 cm. from those they were meeting for the first time. These results can be interpreted in different ways, but as Japan is becoming more internationalized, it is important to recognize the different social customs and modes of behavior of different nations and cultures in order that actions and manners are not misinterpreted. Mahatma Gandhi has written: "Even differences can prove helpful, where there are tolerance, charity and truth." "It is not our differences that really matter. It is the meanness behind, that is ugly." -- Clark Offner (4042)
Camping Car Tour (92/08/22)
There is a big difference between visiting a foreign country as part of a tour group and on your own. There is also a difference between traveling by public transportation and in a camper. Our family, including my wife and me and our three children, had many interesting experiences during our tour by camping car in Eastern Europe in 1970, on our way back to the United States from Japan. Seven years earlier, we had made a similar trip, purchasing a car in Germany and driving through West European countries before arriving in the U.S. where we sold the car before returning to Japan. This time, we again purchased a car in Germany for our tour through Eastern European countries. Although our children were now older, aged 15, 13 and 11, we were still able to sleep in our separate places in the car--my wife and I on the back seats, which made into a double bed, our elder son in a cot above us, under the raised roof, our daughter on a mattress underneath us and our younger son on a hammock over the front seat. The car also included a small icebox and a stove, so we were able to travel according to our own plans and schedules, spending the nights either in camping sites or in secluded spots off of country roads. -- Clark Offner (4043)
Love (92/08/23)
There are five books in the New Testament that contain the name of "John" in their titles: the Gospel of John, three letters of John and the Revelation of John. The Gospel of John and the First Letter of John, in particular, have a number of similarities. It is in the fourth chapter of that letter that we find these words which are very important in Christian theology: "God is love." As you know, the word "love" has a wide meaning in English. There is a big difference in the content of this word when it is used to describe the feeling of lovers, between parents and children or friends. We may even say that a person loves dogs or baseball or ice cream. The Greek word, 'agape', which is used to describe God's character, denotes a completely unselfish, sacrificial attitude toward others. It was that kind of love that was manifested by Jesus on the cross when he offered up his life that others might be saved. In that same chapter, readers are told to love others even as God loved them. The way to show that we believe that God loves us is to love others in the same unselfish, sacrificial manner. In the Gospel of John, chapter 13, verse 35, Jesus said, "If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples." -- Clark Offner (4044)
Shu ni Majiwareba (92/08/24)
In English, we may say that a person who is very angry sees red and a person who has become a Communist has turned red. A very deep red color is called vermilion, which is translated into Japanese by the word 'shu'. There is a well-known Japanese proverb that a person who associates with vermilion becomes red, 'shu ni majiwareba akaku naru'. English equivalents of this proverb have a negative connotation. For example, we say that "a rotten apple injures its neighbors". In the apocryphal book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 13, verse 1, are the words, "Handle pitch and it will make you dirty." And in the New Testament book of I Corinthians 15:33, we are reminded of the degrading influence of certain kinds of comrades: "Bad companions ruin good character." We ought to consider both the influence others have on us and which we exert upon them. --Clark Offner (4045)
A Quarter (92/08/25)
Today is the 25th of August. The number 25 is one-fourth, or a quarter, of a hundred. Consequently, in American and Canadian currency, a coin worth 25 cents, a quarter of a dollar, is called a quarter. Can you guess which American president's portrait is found on American president's portrait is found on American quarters? One, five and ten cent coins, called pennies, nickels and dimes, respectively, bear the likenesses of American presidents Lincoln, Jefferson and Franklin Roosevelt. John Kennedy appears on half-dollars while quarters portray the head of George Washington. On all American coins, the words "In God We Trust" are inscribed. On this coming Sunday afternoon, the fifth Sunday of the month, we will hold another meeting of listeners to or readers of these "Daily Word" messages at 1:30 at the Nagoya City Kyōikukan near Sakae. Since this telephone service was begun on September 1, 1980, this meeting will mark its 12th anniversary. I am not suggesting any special theme for the meeting, but those who attend will be given an opportunity to speak on any subject they desire, Whether relating to personal experiences, language, customs, local, national or world affairs, "Daily Word" messages and so on. My wife and I will be happy to meet all who are able to attend and to talk with them. --Clark Offner (4046)
19th Amendment (92/08/26)
As noted in yesterday's message, most coins minted in the U.S.A. bear the portrait of a president. There is one exception. Not only is the image on the silver dollar not a president, it is not that of a man. Previously, silver dollars were inscribed with the likeness of President Eisenhower, but dollar coins minted since 1979 show the face of Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the movement to gain American women the right to vote. In 1872, Ms. Anthony tried to exercise her right to vote as a citizen of the United States, but was refused because she was not a male citizen. For the next 33 years until her death she campaigned to obtain for women the right to vote. Her efforts, along with those of others, finally bore fruit. On August 26, 1920, 72 years ago today, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, also known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment, went into effect. This amendment states that "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." Some places in the U.S. observe today as Women's Equality Day. You are invited to attend the meeting of "Daily Word" listeners/readers on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Nagoya City Kyōikukan near Sakae. --Clark Offner (4047)
Carp in Space (92/08/27)
Many people in Japan will think of the "wide island" city when they hear the English word "carp" for that is the name of the baseball team located in Hiroshima. Carp, of course, are a kind of freshwater fish which are frequently bred in ponds and lakes. Japan has many varieties of carp, some of which are very beautiful. Last month, 34 carp which were specially raised in Yatomi, Aichi Prefecture, were individually placed in water-filled containers, which were put in a specially designed cardboard box, taken to Nagoya Airport and shipped to the United States. Two of those carp will be chosen to orbit the earth in a space shuttle which will be launched from the U.S. next month. One of the carp will be sent into space as it is, but the other one will have certain gravity-sensing organs removed. Both carp will be monitored and examined to better understand the causes and effects of space sickness and how to overcome it. Some carp are raised to be viewed with enjoyment. Others are raised for food. These carp were raised to increase scientific knowledge for the benefit of future space travellers. This coming Sunday afternoon at 1:30, we will hold a meeting of "Daily Word" listeners/readers at the Nagoya City Kyōikukan near Sakae. You are invited to attend. --Clark Offner (4048)
Navel Oranges (92/08/28)
A nation's fleet of ships is called a navy, spelled n-a-v-y. The adjective derived from this word is pronounced naval and is spelled n-a-v-a-l. Countries with a strong navy may be called a naval power. Another word, spelled n-a-v-e-l, has the same pronunciation but it signifies the mark on the abdomen where the umbilical cord was attached to the fetus. In Japanese, it is a 'heso'. A certain kind of orange has a formation resembling a navel which encloses an underdeveloped fruit. This citrus fruit is called a navel orange. Like many long words introduced into Japanese from a foreign language, this word has been shortened to a simple 'ne-buru', but if you asked for a "navel" in an American store, the clerk would be very surprised, because "navels" are not for sale. Navel oranges, however, would be found in the fresh fruit section of the store. Japanese speakers of English must be careful when traveling abroad or when speaking with foreigners that they use the correct English word or expression and not the altered "made-in-Japan" forms of English. My wife and I will be happy to see those listeners to or readers of these daily messages at the meeting on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Nagoya City Kyōikukan near Sakae. We will be interested to hear what you have to say on any subject you choose for up to 3 minutes. -- Clark Offner (4049)
Buying Food (92/08/29)
While touring East Europe in our camping car, we often had difficulty getting directions or buying food and other necessities since the only languages we could speak were English and Japanese. Needless to say, we learned to speak with our hands as well as our lips. Not knowing customs of countries we passed through quite quickly sometimes complicated the situation. Take the time we needed to buy some food in Yugoslavia, for example. The first person we tried to ask where we could buy bread gave us a long, involved answer that we could not understand. (In fact, we are not sure he understood our question.) Roaming around the city, we found a shop that had groceries. We entered and tried to buy some bread, margarine, fruit, etc. which were in different sections of the store. Clerks would not take our Yugoslavian money, however, and directed us to a central cashier. In front of the cashier's counter was a long line of people. (Lines of people in stores were a common sight in the Communist countries of East Europe at that time.) We found out that we needed to check the cost of the article we intended to buy and then pay the cashier who issued us a receipt. We then took the receipt to the clerk and exchanged it for the item we wanted. A very complicated and roundabout way of making a purchase, from our point of view, but that was the way we bought our food at that store. -- Clark Offner (4050)
"Very Religious" (92/08/02)
Be Prepared (92/08/03)
Children and the Elderly (92/08/04)
John Eliot (92/08/05)
Alexander Fleming (92/08/06)
International Peace (92/08/07)
Outsiders (92/08/08)
Words and Deeds (92/08/09)
Shobu wa Toki no Un (92/08/10)
Ascot (92/08/11)
Grouse (92/08/12)
Walls (92/08/13)
Atlantic Charter (92/08/14)
Saturday Messages (92/08/15)
Life after Death (92/08/16)
On o Ada de Kaesu (92/08/17)
Pumpkins (92/08/18)
USS Constitution (92/08/19)
St. Bernard (92/08/20)
How Close to Stand (92/08/21)
Camping Car Tour (92/08/22)
Love (92/08/23)
Shu ni Majiwareba (92/08/24)
A Quarter (92/08/25)
19th Amendment (92/08/26)
Carp in Space (92/08/27)
Navel Oranges (92/08/28)
Buying Food (92/08/29)
Final Judgment (92/08/30)
Onbu ni Dakko (92/08/31)
'Kago' Container (92/08/01)