Chopsticks (92/09/01)
In English, the word "chop" means to cut with a heavy, sharp tool. We may chop wood with an axe or chop meat with a cleaver. When playing tennis, I enjoy using a chop stroke, which is a cutting or slicing motion that puts a spin on the ball, causing it to bounce in an irregular way. In Oriental countries influenced by China, a couple of long, thin sticks are called chopsticks. Their primary function, however, is not to cut, but to pick up articles. In Japan chopsticks are used to pick up pieces of cold black or burning red charcoal in a 'hibachi' pieces of food being fried in oil on a stove or the remaining bones of a corpse following its cremation. The more common shorter chopsticks are used to convey food to the mouth from a bowl or dish. Many adults these days are distressed at the lack of ability on the part of children and young people to manipulate chopsticks in the proper fashion. In Japan, there are a number of sayings, superstitions or traditions related to chopsticks, which is the suggested theme this week for those who wish to write a short essay and send it to me for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes. What do you think about chopsticks, their history and uses, saying about them and proper chopstick etiquette? This is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. --Clark Offner (4053)
Eugene Field (92/09/02)
Eugene Field was born in St. Louis, Missouri, 142 years ago today, on September 2, 1850. He became a journalist and wrote a regular column for a Chicago newspaper. Mr. Field is more famous, however, as a writer of poems for children. Probably his most famous poem is about the Little Boy Blue who fell asleep under a haystack when he should have been taking care of the cows and sheep. My own favorite poem of his is entitled The Duel. It relates the tale of a terrible, all-night fight between two animals made of cloth: a gingham dog and a calico cat. The fight was witnessed by a Chinese plate and an old Dutch clock. The poem ends with this final verse: Next morning, where the two had sat, They found no trace of dog or cat; And some folks think unto this day That burglars stole that pair away! But the truth about the cat and pup is this: they ate each other up! Now what do you think of that! (The old Dutch clock it told me so, And that is how I came to know.) As a child, that was one of the poems I memorized and its humorous ending continues to make me smile even today. --Clark Offner (4054)
Weddings in Japan (92/09/03)
Recently, I read a newspaper report about weddings in Japan. Although I knew that Japanese weddings were very expensive, a number of details in the report startled me. A survey of 400 recently wed couples in the Tokyo area indicated that each couple spent an average of ¥3,660,000 on their wedding, an increase of ¥ 440,000 compared with a similar survey conducted four years ago. What surprised me were the reasons suggested for the higher costs, one of which was that more and more professional MCs are being requested to preside at the wedding reception. The reception has become more and more of a show itself, with various attractive or ludicrous rituals included. It was with mixed feelings that I read that more couples are now choosing a Christian wedding, but I was disappointed to learn that Christian weddings are more expensive than Shinto ceremonies. In my experience, a genuinely Christian ceremony, performed in a church, with at least one of the two celebrants a professing Christian, is quite inexpensive. Although a conscientious pastor who is asked officiate at a wedding ceremony will insist on giving basic instruction on the meaning and presuppositions of a Christian wedding, there is a danger of the ceremony itself being debased into a superficial, exotic, romantic rite without any deep spiritual content. --Clark Offner (4055)
Robert Raikes (92/09/04)
Japanese schools are hesitantly taking their first steps toward a five-day school week. Parents and educators are concerned about what the pupils will do on the extra holiday. Private 'juku' may increase their classes and hold Saturday Schools. When I was a child, Saturday was considered a day for playing, but Sunday was a day for rest and worship. It was the custom for the children in my hometown to go to Sunday School every Sunday morning. Sunday Schools were held in churches before the regular Sunday worship services. In Sunday School, we were taught Bible stories, memorized Bible verses and received religious instruction. The English publisher and philanthropist who began the Sunday School movement, was born 257 years ago today, on September 4, 1735. Robert Raikes was his name and, in 1780, he began to provide instruction for poor factory children on Sunday morning to teach them to read and spell in preparation for reading the Bible. The custom quickly spread and a Sunday School Society was organized to provide materials for use in Sunday Schools. These schools became an important element in the religious education of children. Unfortunately, these church schools do not attract as many children as in the old days, resulting in a young generation with a lack of sufficient religious or moral education to prepare them for the problems they will face in the future. -- Clark Offner (4056)
Bread By Weight (92/09/05)
The first thing to attract our attention as we slowed down to cross the international border into Greece was the red cap with the black tassel on the head of the soldier standing guard at the border. Once again as we entered this different country, we went through immigration procedures and obtained some local currency. The first city we visited in Greece was Salonika, which was called Thessalonica in the Bible. There we found a laundermat, where mother and daughter were left to do the wash while father and sons drove around town to find ice for our icebox. Fortunately, we found some at a dock where fish were unloaded. We did some food shopping at a small grocery store near the laundermat. The old proprietor and his wife kindly helped us find suitable food even though we could not communicate verbally. We had an interesting experience at the bakery around the corner where the bread was sold by weight. Various kinds of bread were available. Customers pointed to the kind of bread they wanted to buy and indicated the desired amount. The clerk then weighed the loaf and either cut some off or added a piece from another loaf to make the right amount. -- Clark Offner (4057)
Church Helpers (92/09/06)
The New Testament consists of 27 different books, 21 of which are called "epistles" or "letters". Most of these letters were written to churches or to groups of Christians but two of them are addressed to an individual named Timothy, who was the leader of the church in Ephesus. In these letters, advice is given to this young pastor regarding various doctrinal and organizational matters. In chapter 3 of the First Letter to Timothy, a number of qualifications of those chosen to be "deacons" or "church helpers" are listed. From the beginning of the church, along with the pastors or "elders", who were responsible for spiritual, religious or moral instruction, certain believers were designated to minister to the physical or material needs of the congregation. The characteristics of the "church helpers" given in that chapter include the following: they must "have a good character and be sincere ... must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money ... hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience" [8-9]. And their wives, or "deaconesses", "must not gossip" and "must be sober and honest in everything" [11]. Ideally, these characteristics should apply to all Christians, who should consider themselves "church helpers". An important part of the church's ministry is the witness seen in the lives of Christians seeking to help others. -- Clark Offner (4508)
Honesty (92/09/07)
There are a number of Japanese proverbs about honesty or an honest person. One states that honesty is a lifelong treasure, 'shōjiki wa issho no takara', but another indicates that an (overly) honest person is a kind of fool, 'shōjiki wa baka no uchi'. According to one proverb, God resides in an honest person's head, 'shōjiki no kobe ni kami yadoru', but another implies that an honest person may be exploited, 'shōjiki mono ga baka o miru'. The only English proverb related to honesty that I know is: Honesty is the best policy. In this expression, "policy" means a course of action or a guiding principle. It is true that sometimes being honest may be disadvantageous in the short run, but the Biblical perspective found in Psalm 34:19 is that even though an honest person or a good man may suffer many troubles, finally God will save him from them all. --Clark Offner (4059)
'Kimi ga yo' Melody (92/09/08)
Although it has never been officially designated as such, 'Kimi ga yo' is now considered Japan's national anthem. On September 8, 1870, 122 years ago today, a melody to accompany that poem was first publicly played by a military band in the presence of Emperor Meiji, but the melody was different than the one used today. The original melody was composed by John Fenton, an English military bandmaster. It was over ten years later, that the present melody, nominally composed by court musician Hiromori Hayashi and arranged by German bandmaster Franz Eckert, came to be used. This melody is heard at the close of sumo tournaments, at the end of the NHK television broadcasting day, during Olympic gold medal presentations as well as at national ceremonies. What do you think about that melody? Is it appropriate as the national anthem of modern Japan? Do you like to sing it? Nine years ago, I asked for comments regarding the words of the song but today, I am asking for views on the melody. Do you like it or would you prefer that it be changed? Of course, your comments on the words of the song are also invited. Send your essay for correction and publication in "Daily Word" Echoes to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. --Clark Offner (4060)
"Wonk" (92/09/09)
As you probably know, the presidential campaign in the United States is now in full swing. An article in an English-language newspaper stated that this year may be "the Year of the Wonk". Not being acquainted with this word, spelled w-o-n-k, I checked my dictionaries and, sure enough, the word was not listed. According to the article, "wonk" has become increasingly used in the past two decades and was first entered into an unabridged dictionary in 1987. According to the article, the Random House Dictionary defines "wonk" as "a 'grind' or a 'student who spends much time studying and has little or no social life." News columnists have used "wonk" to describe Bill Clinton and Al Gore, the Democratic candidates for president and vice-president, who are known for their "often humorless, studious ways". The article continued with the observation that "Wonks are not new to public life, but they rarely make it to the White House." It gave the "wonk" label to former presidential candidates Adlai Stevenson and Michael Dukakis, and cautioned that "voters tend to be suspicious of overly intellectual leaders." If that is so, it is unfortunate. A former president of Yale University has written: "A nation that cannot trust its intellectuals cannot trust itself." -- Clark Offner (4061)
A "Good Samaritan" (92/09/10)
A recent news item in an English-language newspaper was entitled "Robert becomes good Samaritan". Do you know what a "good Samaritan" is? This expression comes from a parable of Jesus recorded in the 10th chapter of the Gospel according to Luke. In Jesus' day, Jews despised mixed-blood Samaritans and considered them inferior. Most Jews would have nothing to do with Samaritans, but in Jesus' parable, a Samaritan showed kindness to a wounded Jew even though a couple of Jewish religious functionaries had refused to do so. Thus, a "good Samaritan" is a person who helps another in need regardless of nationality or social status. According to the news article, a British taxi driver was robbed and then collapsed with chest pains. The thief could have run away with his stolen cash, but instead he asked the driver how to work the radio and summoned help. He handed the stolen money over to another cab driver who came and then waited for the police to arrive. The 21-year-old man was arrested and charged with stealing E8 pounds(about ¥17,000) from the taxi driver. People who commit crimes also have a conscience which they can choose to obey or disobey. It is the same with us. Even when we do what we know to be wrong, we can still make amends by doing what is right. -- Clark Offner (4062)
Brandywine Creek (92/09/11)
Brandy is an alcoholic beverage distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice. In former days, it was also called brandywine. There are a number of places in the United States that contain the word "brandy" in their names, but the most famous is the Brandywine Creek in Pennsylvania which was the site of an important battle between the American rebel forces under General George Washington and the British forces commanded by General William Howe. Britain tried to put an end to the American colonies' drive for independence and at Brandywine Creek on the way to Philadelphia, the British general outflanked the outnumbered rebel forces and defeated them. In that battle, which took place on September 11, 1777, 215 years ago today, British casualties totaled over 500, but the Americans suffered more than twice that number. If the British forces had pursued Washington's routed army, they may have completely destroyed it, but they did not do so and the patriots escaped to fight more effectively on other days. This was an example of an army winning a battle but ultimately losing the war. The final outcome of a conflict is more important than one stage in its history. -- Clark Offner (4063)
Athens (92/09/12)
After leaving Salonica in Greece, we drove to Corinth, where we visited the ancient city site as well as the new city and climbed on foot to the top of a hill to view the remains of an old rock fortress. We returned to Athens the next day, Sunday, to do our sightseeing in that historic city with its ancient remains. We attended an English-language worship service at St. Andrews Church and talked with a number of other tourist or English-speaking residents at the tea and cookie time afterward. Needless to say, we were deeply impressed with the many remains of temples and the Areopagus hill on which the Apostle Paul delivered the sermon recorded in the 17th chapter of Acts. A monument there has a plaque with the text of that famous sermon written in Greek. An unexpected event occurred in Athens while we were seated at an outdoor restaurant table along a street when our son informed us he saw a child he had met in Japan at lake Nojiri where we often spent a few days during the summer. Looking more closely, my wife and I also recognized the child's parents, who were missionaries from Kyoto. They too were touring Greece on their way back to the U.S. We enjoyed talking with them for a few minutes, sharing experiences of our trips. Surprises such as that add a special flavor to foreign travels. -- Clark Offner (4064)
The End of the World (92/09/13)
Politicians, businessmen, speculators and the general public all desire definite information about future events. To satisfy people's curiosity about the future, fortunetellers, diviners, soothsayers, astrologists and certain kinds of prophets make predictions based on their respective methods. The biblical prophets were not primarily foretellers of future events but simply spokesmen for God. They interpreted past events and exhorted people to act in a morally upright way in the present as well as speaking of the future. Jesus was a prophet who conveyed divine truth and sometimes spoke about the future. In the 13th chapter of the Gospel of Mark, he spoke in concrete yet picturesque ways about a coming catastrophe in Jerusalem and of the end of the world when "the Son of Man will appear in the clouds with great power and glory". The recent prediction of a Korean youth that this event will take place in October this year is causing great excitement and anticipation among gullible people, but Jesus cautioned his listeners that no one knows when that day will come. Therefore, he urged them to always "be alert". Instead of setting dates, we should daily live in such a way that we would not be ashamed or afraid if each day were the last day of our lives, or the end of the world. -- Clark Offner (4065)
Bancha mo Debana (92/09/14)
Before coming to Japan, I rarely drank tea of any kind, but for the past 40 years, I have drunk countless cups of Japanese tea, also called green tea to distinguish it from the black tea which is fermented before boiling. Although I know the difference between 'matcha' and regular non-powdered tea, I have never been taught to distinguish between 'bancha', 'sencha' and 'gyokuro'. To me, they are all just "tea". Tea connoisseurs, of course, will enjoy the better grades of tea. According to a Japanese proverb, however, even coarse, low-grade tea has a fine aroma and flavor when it is first brewed and even a demon, or an old, ugly lady, is considered beautiful at 18: 'Oni mo jū-hachi, bancha mo debana'. In English, we speak of "sweet seventeen" as the most attractive period of a girl's life, but according to another saying, Everything is good in its season. --Clark Offner (4066)
Keeping Mentally Active (92/09/15)
Since today is "Respect for the Aged Day", a Japanese holiday, the number of callers to this telephone number will be lower than usual, but since it is a Tuesday, hopefully, those who write essays will call to learn the suggested theme for this week. The general subject of "old age" was already suggested some years ago, but I will suggest a related theme today. Legally speaking, a person becomes an adult at a certain age -- even though the maturing process is different with each individual. The same can be said regarding "old age". One doesn't become "old" all of a sudden, when a certain age is reached. Whatever our age, we should all seek to keep our minds active and seek greater knowledge, wisdom or truth. Whether you yourself are "old" or "young", what suggestions do you have for people to keep growing mentally or spiritually? What do you think of civic education ('shimin kyōiku') or about learning some new art or craft? How do you aim to keep mentally alert? What do you think about the influence of a religious faith: does it encourage people to broaden and deepen their knowledge or to become narrower and more confined in their thinking? Send your essays on keeping mentally active to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. -- Clark Offner (4067)
"Daily Word" (92/09/16)
In today's message, I will give information regarding this "Daily Word" telephone service. Messages, which are transmitted orally from this telephone number, are available in written form on NTT's CAPTAIN System terminals found in many public places (called NAMOS in the Nagoya area) and on NIFTY-Serve, a telecommunications network. Listeners who wish to receive written copies of the messages by mail before they are transmitted by telephone should send me a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥60 in stamps for each week of messages desired. Sunday messages are related to the Bible. Monday messages, spoken more slowly, are related to Japanese and English proverbs. Tuesday messages often suggest a subject on which listeners or readers are invited to write an English essay. Essays sent to me are corrected and printed in "Daily Word" Echoes which are available at meetings held on the 5th Sunday afternoons of the month. Saturday messages are related to personal experiences. Messages are usually changed between 11:30 p.m. and 12:00 o'clock midnight. I am happy to receive comments or suggestions regarding this service. This is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. --Clark Offner (4068)
Marijuana Harvest (92/09/17)
A tall plant called hemp is cultivated in many places because its strong, durable fiber is used to make rope and coarse cloth. In my home state of Illinois, the federal government began growing hemp during World War II to produce rope for boats that were built at plants along the Illinois River. After the defense plants closed, wild hemp continued to grow, despite various attempts to eradicate it. This poses a problem for local government officials because the dried flower clusters and leaves of hemp are used to produce the illegal drug, marijuana. During the summer season when these flowers have bloomed, drug users and dealers from distant places come to join in the marijuana harvest--usually after dark, along lonely roads in darkened cars, in line with Jesus' words in John 3:19, that some people "love the darkness rather than the light because their deeds are evil." The country jail in the small town of Princeton has had to expand to accommodate the increasing number of those arrested on charges of drug possession. It now has 43 beds, whereas last year at the height of the marijuana season, it had only 23 beds and 35 prisoners. Along with an increase of prisoners during this season, however, the country gains thousands of dollars from fines and property forfeited by convicted offenders. --Clark Offner (4069)
Pet Burial (92/09/18)
When an English-speaking friend informed me that he went to a temple graveyard during the 'obon' season to pray "to" or "for" the spirit of his wife's dead cat which was buried there, he wanted to know which preposition was appropriate. In order to answer his question, I asked him to explain the aim and content of his "prayer". My conclusion was that, in his case, "prayer" was not the appropriate English word to use. Actually, he was merely accompanying his more devoted wife and, in effect, joining her in paying respect to the cat's memory. In Japan, it is not unusual for a funeral to be conducted for a family pet. In the United States this is quite rare, but a controversy has erupted in a small town in Ohio about whether a dog should be allowed burial in the public cemetery. The dog, which had been treated as a family member for 15 years, was buried between the future grave sites of its owners. Protests have been raised that animals should not be buried in the same cemetery as human beings and a lawsuit to require its removal has been filed. From my point of view, many people have their priorities confused. It is more important to show respect, honor and loving concern to both animals and people while they are alive than to make an exaggerated formal show of esteem after they have died. -- Clark Offner (4070)
Ice Cream Scale (92/09/19)
While traveling by camping car in East Europe in the summer of 1970, we spent our first night in Bulgaria along the coast of the Black Sea. After a morning swim, we continued our trip, going along the coast and over some mountains until we entered Burgas, Bulgaria's fifth largest city. Driving around the city looking for a gas station, we found ourselves on a main street on which many pedestrians were leisurely walking. Some of them smiled at us and waved. Others seemed to be gesturing, but we didn't understand their meaning until we realized that ours was the only vehicle on that street and surmised that cars did not belong there, so we turned off at the next opportunity. It was a hot day and when we stopped to take a stroll, our children spotted a streetside ice cream vendor, so we joined the line of people waiting to buy some. Lines were common sights in this city as people waited to get into various kinds of stores and then lined up again to be waited on after they entered. When we reached the head of the line, we were surprised to see the man carefully weigh each scoop of ice cream on a scale before putting it on the cone. Evidently, there was a rule regarding how much ice cream was allotted per cone. -- Clark Offner (4071)
New Life (92/09/20)
The first four books of the New Testament, called Gospels, relate the "Good News" of Jesus Christ, expressed in his life, death and resurrection and in his teachings. The fifth book, called The Acts of the Apostles, includes narratives of how the Christian Church began and developed following Jesus' death and resurrection. Chapters 3 and 4 of that book describe events related to the healing of a lame man at a temple gate in Jerusalem by the apostles Peter and John. When a crowd gathered, Peter gave an impromptu address explaining that it was through the power of faith in Christ that the healing was accomplished. Because of their teaching that Jesus had risen from death, these two men were put into jail and the next day they were summoned before the Jewish Council. There, they boldly repeated their witness and directly accused the Council of having put Jesus to death. They then quoted an Old Testament saying about a stone which was at first rejected by builders but was later found to be most important stone in the whole building. Christians believe that the new life manifested in the resurrection from death of a despised man who had been crucified is not only experienced by all who believe. It is also the explanation for the widespread growth of the Christian Church around the world. -- Clark Offner (4072)
Shōji ga Daiji (92/09/21)
The English word "thing" has a very broad meaning, including both objects and events. In this case, Japanese is more precise, for it distinguishes between 'mono' and 'koto', both of which may be translated into English as "thing". "Things" come in various sizes and some people tend to think big "things" are more important than small "things", but experienced people know that this is not always so. The Japanese proverb, 'Shōji ga daiji', literally means that little things are big things. In this modern age with an increasing number of words beginning with "micro", the importance of small or tiny things is very clear. In the 3rd chapter of the New Testament book of James, the function of a small rudder to steer a large ship, the danger of a small flame in a large forest and the great effect of the small tongue of human beings for good or ill is emphasized. --Clark Offner (4073)
'Meishi' (92/09/22)
In ancient China, a person's name was sometimes carved into bamboo or wood, which is the reason why the Japanese word, 'meishi', is made of characters meaning "name" and "stab". In English, 'meishi' may be translated as "calling card" or "business card". I never possessed such a card until I came to Japan and in my limited experience as an adult in the United States, such cards are used in a very limited fashion, primarily for strictly business purposes. People who own or carry such cards with them are comparatively few. In Japan, however, a person on a trip or in a social gathering where new people are met would feel quite lost without a supply of 'meishi'. Why do you think 'meishi' are so important in this country? What is their function? Do you have your own 'meishi'? Do you have more than one kind? When and for what purpose do you use them? 'Meishi', calling cards or business cards is the suggested theme this week for those who wish to write a short English essay and send it to me for correction and publication in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes, which I expect to have ready for the next meeting of the "Daily Word" Fellowship on the 5th Sunday of November. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. --Clark Offner (4074)
McGuffey Readers (92/09/23)
One aim of this "Daily Word" telephone service is to provide informative, interesting, meaningful messages for listeners or readers to help improve their hearing or comprehension of English. Listening to or reading uninteresting messages is boring drudgery rather than an enjoyable task. A hundred fifty years ago in the United States, the kind of readers in most schools were both difficult and uninteresting, but a man born 192 years ago today, on September 23, 1800, changed that unhappy situation. William McGuffey, a clergyman as well as a schoolteacher, began his teaching career in rural schools but later served as professor and president of various colleges and universities in Ohio and Virginia. In 1836, he published the First and Second McGuffey Eclectic Readers, followed later by Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Readers, all of which were widely used in American public schools. It is estimated that 122 million copies were sold. The Eclectic Readers included selections of various writers of a high literary quality and a wholesome ethical tone. According to The Columbia Encyclopedia, "their influence in shaping the American mind in the mid-19th century can scarcely be exaggerated". I consider the McGuffey Readers a worthy model for this telephone service. --Clark Offner (4075)
The Burst Bubble (92/09/24)
We may see bubbles when we wash with soap or drink a carbonated beverage. Bubbles do not last long and they are hollow. Therefore, something that is transitory and empty may be called a bubble. When a bubble bursts, nothing is left. The rapidly expanding Japanese economy was compared to a bubble and now that that bubble has burst, many companies are in trouble. The English proverb, "Every cloud has a silver lining", implies that there is a bright side to even dark events. According to a sales supervisor for a trading company, as a result of the burst bubble, he is now able to eat dinner with his family at home, which he enjoys. During the "bubble economy", he was eating out every night with clients at fashionable restaurants. Now he joins his family for homemade meals. Whereas restaurants and bars are experiencing a drop in business, sales of such grocery items as soy sauce, cooking oil, miso and rice have been increasing as more and more families are now eating together at home. It is too bad that it required an economic slowdown to encourage such a healthy development. In Japan, too often the family is sacrificed for the good of the company, but when family ties are weak, a society cannot be called healthy even if it is financially strong. -- Clark Offner (4076)
Scotland Yard (92/09/25)
A yard is a tract of land surrounding one or more buildings. In some yards, children play; in other yards, animals are kept. That is not the case with Scotland Yard, however. Do you know where Scotland Yard is located? People acquainted with England or who read mystery novels with English settings know that the location is not in Scotland. Some people mistakenly think "Scotland Yard" is a national, investigative body in England like the American F.B.I., but actually it is simply a common name for the Metropolitan Police Force of London whose headquarters were originally located in an area of the city that bore that name. In 1890, the headquarters were moved to another site along the Thames, near the Houses of Parliament, but the buildings in which they are housed are called "New Scotland Yard". The explanation of why there is a "Scotland Yard" in London is as follows: In the 10th century, a king of Scotland was given a plot of land in London for a castle on the condition that he and his descendants would visit the castle once a year as a form of homage to England's rulers. After Scotland and England shared the same King, that plot of land came to be called "Scotland Yard". -- Clark Offner (4077)
Bulgarian Gas Station (92/09/26)
In Japanese cities, finding a gas station is not difficult. Many different companies compete for customers and gas stations are found along many streets. In the Bulgarian city of Burgas, having a population of over 120,000 at the time of our visit in 1970 however, we could not find even one gas station and our camping car was low on gas. Inquiring at a tourist office, I was given a map which included the locations of the two gas stations in that city. We set off for the nearest one and found it, not along a street nor at an intersection. In fact, we had trouble finding out how to enter it. Riding around the area, we finally found a road which led into the station. It was lined with cars waiting for service. About ten were lined up ahead of us. As the women attendants leisurely finished waiting on one car, the next car moved into place. While waiting in line, the driver of a camping car similar to ours came to talk. He seemed to be inquiring about a certain part and looked under our car to see how it fit, but evidently he did not find the answer to his problem. The gas station was located by itself at the end of this road and cars had to turn around and come out along the same road. Purchasing gas in Bulgaria reminded us of the great differences between communist and capitalist societies. -- Clark Offner (4078)
The Prophet Amos (92/09/27)
In the Bible, the primary meaning of the word "prophet" is not a person who foretells the future but simply a person who speaks forth God's word. Prophets did not receive any special training; when they were called by God to speak his word, they simply responded. The Old Testament prophet Amos was a shepherd whom God called to carry his message to the nation of Israel. He boldly denounced the injustice, inhumanity and immorality of wealthy merchants and political leaders and prophesied God's judgment upon them. He was especially angry with hypocrites who regularly performed religious rituals at the temple in the mistaken belief that God would overlook their sins if they bribed him with various kinds of offerings. Speaking for God, Amos said, in the 5th chapter of the book bearing his name, "I hate your religious festivals; I cannot stand them! When you bring me ... offerings, I will not accept them .... Stop your noisy songs .... Instead, let justice flow like a stream and righteousness like a river that never goes dry." [21-24] Today also there is a crying need for conscientious people with moral convictions like Amos who will boldly and publicly censure the scandalous conduct of business and political leaders who are guilty of the same sins he denounced 2800 years ago. -- Clark Offner (4079)
Oni no Inuma ni (92/09/28)
If there is a cat in the house, mice must be very careful or they will get caught, but an old English proverb, dating back to the 16th century, informs us that, When the cat is away the mice will play. This means that when a person in authority is not present, those under that person will take advantage of his or her absence. They will relax and enjoy themselves. I was surprised when I first heard the Japanese equivalent of this saying, which literally says that the washing is done when the demon is away, 'oni no inuma ni sentaku', for I didn't think that doing the laundry was the kind of enjoyment one saves for the time when one's superior (or mother-in-law) is out. I later learned, however, that 'inochi no sentaku' refers to a kind of refreshing activity. Permit me to suggest that when the spiritual 'oni' is away, it is a good time to do 'kokoro no sentaku'. -- Clark Offner (4080)
Eugene Field (92/09/02)
Weddings in Japan (92/09/03)
Robert Raikes (92/09/04)
Bread By Weight (92/09/05)
Church Helpers (92/09/06)
Honesty (92/09/07)
'Kimi ga yo' Melody (92/09/08)
"Wonk" (92/09/09)
A "Good Samaritan" (92/09/10)
Brandywine Creek (92/09/11)
Athens (92/09/12)
The End of the World (92/09/13)
Bancha mo Debana (92/09/14)
Keeping Mentally Active (92/09/15)
"Daily Word" (92/09/16)
Marijuana Harvest (92/09/17)
Pet Burial (92/09/18)
Ice Cream Scale (92/09/19)
New Life (92/09/20)
Shōji ga Daiji (92/09/21)
'Meishi' (92/09/22)
McGuffey Readers (92/09/23)
The Burst Bubble (92/09/24)
Scotland Yard (92/09/25)
Bulgarian Gas Station (92/09/26)
The Prophet Amos (92/09/27)
Oni no Inuma ni (92/09/28)
Russia (92/09/29)
British Judges' Wigs (92/09/30)
Chopsticks (92/09/01)