English Signs (92/05/01)
Native speakers of English in Japan are often amused by the garbled or nonsensical English words or phrases seen in advertisements, on signboards or wearing apparel. In such cases, the English letters often are meant to attract attention or to serve as a decoration rather than to impart information. When the Tokyo city government erected a new city hall costing 145 billion yen, however, one would think English specialists would be consulted before English signs were printed and posted. Now, a year after it was opened, millions of yen must be spent to change hundreds of English signs which have baffled visitors to this 48-story building which is said to be the tallest local government hall in the world. For example, "Powder and Electricity Regulation Section" will be changed to "Explosives and Electricity Regulation Section", "Property Custody Division" will become "Property Management Division" and "Sheltered Workshop" will be replaced by "Work Facilities for the Elderly". Translation is a difficult, tricky and sometimes frustrating job which requires more than a dictionary knowledge of the foreign language. When a new government building is erected in a country which emphasizes internationalization, care is needed to make sure that signs in a foreign language are correct and will serve to inform rather than confuse or amuse readers. -- Clark Offner (3930)
A Tsukau Tokoro (92/05/02)
For foreigners studying Japanese, the complicated writing system in which Chinese characters are used is a formidable stumbling block. The presence or absence of one little or a single dot may completely change the meaning of a character. I first came to realize this during a stroll through the pretty garden surrounding the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo many years ago. At that time, not long after our arrival in Japan, my wife and I were students at a Japanese language school and our landlady, who did not speak English, was our guide. As we walked along, I made an effort to recognize the Chinese characters we had studied in school that I noticed on signs along the way. The meaning of one sign with two characters I thought I knew puzzled me so I asked our landlady what kind of place a 'tsukau tokoro' was. She didn't understand my question, so I pointed to the sign. With a chuckle, she informed me that the sign did not contain the character for 'tsukau'. There was an extra line in the character I had not noticed and the sign was pointing the way to a 'benjo'. I was a bit embarrassed at the time, but I must confess that, even today, I have questions about that character, pronounced 'ben' or 'bin'. How can the same character stand for such different concepts as convenience, opportunity, news and excrement? -- Clark Offner (3931)
Earthen Vessels (92/05/03)
The church I serve as pastor is located outside of Nagoya in the city of Takahama, a city well-known for clay products such as roof tiles, earthen pipes and flower pots. For this reason, the little periodical published irregularly by our church there is called 'Tsuchi no Utsuwa', "Earthen Vessels" or "Clay Pots". There are two New Testament passages where this expression is found. In the first, II Corinthians 4:7, we are told that believers in Christ have a priceless spiritual treasure in their material bodies, called "earthen vessels", and are to show forth the light of God's truth and love in their daily lives. The other passage, in II Timothy 2:20-21, notes that in a large house there are many different kinds of dishes and bowls made of gold, silver, wood and clay. Although the monetary value of such vessels is related to the material from which they are made, their practical usefulness is not. In fact, the cheaper vessels are probably used more often. The point is made that, if we are clean vessels, our Master can make use of us regardless of our market value. God can make use of all kinds of vessels, even those weak and ignorant like us, if only we purify ourselves and make ourselves available for god's purposes. -- Clark Offner (3932)
Nō Aru Taka (92/05/04)
Hawks are birds of prey with strong, hooked beaks and long, powerful, curved claws with which they seize and hold their prey. Some hawks, known as falcons, have been trained to hunt other birds or small animals. After rigorous training, falcons may become very skilled hunters. According to a Japanese proverb, however, a clever hawk, or falcon, conceals its talons, 'nō aru taka wa tsume o kakusu'. The meaning is that genuinely capable people do not make a show of their abilities. Talented people are modest. They need not show off their special ability for it will be recognized when the time comes to use it. Although I know of no equivalent proverb in English, the saying that "Still waters run deep" implies that people who do the most talking -- about themselves or other matters -- are not the most profound thinkers. "Actions speak louder than words." --Clark Offner (3933)
Children (92/05/05)
Today, May 5th, the fourth public holiday in the week ending today, marks the end of the so-called Golden Week in Japan. Now called Children's Day, it was previously celebrated as 'tango no sekku', the special festival day for boys. In 1951, it was established as a national holiday emphasizing respect for the character of all children and to promote their health and happiness. For those who enjoy writing essays in English, I am suggesting the theme of "Children" for your essay this week. What do you think of the present status of children in Japan? How does it compare to the time when you were a child? Do you think children today are happier and healthier than previously? Do you think there is any discrimination between boys and girls in Japanese society today? What can be done to promote the healthier development of children? I will correct essays sent to me and print them in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. Please send essays to reach me by Saturday, May 16th. I hope to have the 'Echoes' ready for our meeting on Sunday afternoon, May 31st. In biblical thought, all people may be considered children of God, but those who consciously put their faith in God as their heavenly Father are especially recognized as such. This is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. --Clark Offner (3934)
Manhattan Purchased (92/05/06)
Large cities in Japan are divided into administrative units called 'ku', usually translated into English as "ward". New York City has five administrative units called boroughs. The smallest borough, an island in the middle of the city called Manhattan, was the site of a Dutch settlement established in 1625. On May 6th of the following year, 366 years ago today, Peter Minuit, director general of the colony, purchased that island from the Manhattan Indians for trinkets valued at 60 Dutch guilders, later calculated to be worth about 24 American dollars. Although the value of $24 at that time and today is very different, Mr. Minuit got a bargain price for that 60-square-kilometer piece of land. Reflecting on land purchases or seizures over the centuries, by both legal and illegal means, the question arises, who is the real owner of land, of the islands seized by the Soviet Union at the end of the war, for example, and of other islands or land areas now under dispute by various countries, or of personal properties illegally confiscated years ago? How can they be reclaimed from those who presently control them? Ultimately, who is the legitimate owner? According to the 24th Psalm, "The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it." --Clark Offner (3935)
Pink Baseballs (92/05/07)
What do you associate with the color pink? Is it something good, bad or in between? In the United States, "pink" has been used by African-Americans to denote so-called "white" people. It has also been used to designate people considered sympathetic with Communist ideology. The phrase "in the pink", means in good health or in excellent condition, but in the minds of many Japanese, ' pinku' is associated with something amorous or erotic. According to a news article that appeared on April Fool's Day, there is a movement to bring about a momentous change in American baseball. The article stated that the Baseball Association of America is urging the major leagues to change the color of baseballs from white to pink. What do you think of that? The article did not suggest an ethnic, ideological or psychological motivation for this recommendation. It is simply a matter of making the ball easier to see both for players, especially under the bright lights of night games, and for spectators. Although critics may say the change would give the batter an unfair advantage because he could see the ball easier and, by observing the seams on the ball, might be able to figure out what kind of pitch is coming, others respond that if the result is higher-scoring games, they would be more interesting. Whether or not the article was true, it was an interesting idea. --Clark Offner (3936)
Diet (92/05/08)
The word used to designate a national legislative assembly varies depending on the country. In the United Kingdom, it is called the Parliament. In the United States, it is called the Congress. And in Japan, it is called the Diet. Another, more common, meaning of "diet" is related to the usual food or drink one consumes. A more particular meaning denotes a regulated selection of foods prescribed for medical or cosmetic purposes. Many people these days, particularly women, are dieting in order to lose weight. A recent report indicates that as Americans are getting heavier, the ideal is to become thinner. More than a third of American women and nearly a quarter of American men are trying to lose weight. An additional 28 percent of men and women are trying to maintain their weight. A variety of diet programs are advertised, including exercise, decreasing the intake of calories, taking vitamins or diet drugs, but the results are disappointing. Studies show that most people do not continue with their diet programs and that although weight may be lost for a certain period, most people eventually gain it back. The food we eat affects our physical health and the literature we read affects our mental health. What kind of diet do you have in regard to reading materials? -- Clark Offner (3937)
Obenjo, Obentō (92/05/09)
Although the pronunciation of Japanese words is not so difficult for native speakers of English, we sometimes put the accent on the wrong syllable which may change the meaning of words. For example, the distinction between words meaning bridge, chopsticks or edge ('hashi'), God, hair or paper ('kami'), is a matter of accent rather than pronunciation per se. Even today, one reason my Japanese is difficult to understand is because I do not pay attention to such accents. Another problem is related to the elongation of certain vowels. Most of us first began reading Japanese that had been put into Roman letters and use Japanese-English dictionaries written in those letters, so the difference in the pronunciation of the words meaning "to take" ('toru') and "to penetrate" ('tōru') is simply a longer o sound. In English, simply prolonging a sound does not usually change the meaning of a word. Many years ago, when my young wife was serving as the principal of the Church School, she made a mistake in her announcement to the children about the special outing which was being planned. She not only elongated a vowel, she also changed one of the Roman letters in the word when she reminded the children not to forget to bring their 'obenjo' with them on the picnic, when she meant to say 'obentō'. -- Clark Offner (3938)
Diligent Work (92/05/10)
Japanese workers have been criticized for working too hard or, at least, for spending too much time at their place of work or with their fellow employees. If the criticism is against simply working hard or working effectively at some useful task, it is unjust, for diligent and efficient work should be commended rather than criticized. Criticism related to overworking at the expense of the human rights, health or family life of workers, however, is justifiable. Human beings require regular times of rest or leisure to live healthy lives. Time spent together as a family is also important and should not be readily sacrificed. The Bible teaches the value of diligence and useful work along with regular days of rest which are also considered days for spiritual enrichment and worship. Observing such days should make our working days more productive. In I Corinthians 15:58, the Apostle Paul urges his readers to stand firm in their faith and to keep busy in the work God has given them to do. He affirms that no work done in the right spirit is ever useless. Workers "in the Lord's service" may not see instant results from their efforts, but they have the faith that, finally, God will make their faithful efforts truly productive. -- Clark Offner (3939)
Tabi wa Michizure (92/05/11)
These days, more and more people are traveling abroad. Since most Japanese feel more at ease and more secure doing things with others, it is more common for them to travel with a companion or as a member of a group than to travel by themselves. This feeling is reflected in the proverb which notes that a companion in travel and sympathy in life are desirable, tabi wa michizure, yo wa nasake. Although Westerners tend to be more individualistic and many enjoy traveling alone, there are English sayings that also imply that trips seem shorter or more enjoyable when one has a companion: "Good companion is better than a chariot." Those people who believe that a divine Companion is always with them wherever they go, however, have a sense of peace and security even when they are alone. -- Clark Offner (3940)
Alcoholics Anonymous (92/05/12)
Do you know what the letters AA stand for? A person's response to this question may reflect something of his or her background or field of interest. World travellers may think of American Airlines. Those with an interest in military affairs or who had wartime battle experience may think of antiaircraft weapons. Drivers in England would probably think of an automobile association and people with a geographical or political orientation may remember Asian-African conferences. In the United States, many people would immediately think of an organization founded 87 years ago today in Akron, Ohio aimed at helping alcoholics overcome their addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous makes it a practice to avoid the use of family names in its meetings so that the identity of members can be hidden to avoid embarrassment. Mutual encouragement among those suffering with problems related to alcoholism and practical suggestions for those who recognize their weakness and inability to overcome their addiction by themselves are given at AA meetings. Although not related to a particular religion, the need for dependence upon a Power beyond oneself is clearly taught. In one way or another, all of us are weak and can learn from the philosophy of this association. -- Clark Offner (3941)
Holland Festival (92/05/13)
A famous quotation from Shakespeare's drama, Romeo and Juliet, raises the question, "What's in a name?" Thomas Fuller, an English clergyman, has written that "A name is a kind of face whereby one is known." The names of certain American cities indicate something of their history or character. In the state of Michigan, for example, there is a city named Holland. Founded in 1847 by Dutch settlers, it has become the nation's largest center of Dutch culture. Its Netherlands Museum contains many historical relics and portrays various aspects of Dutch folklore. A wooden shoe factory still produces traditional Dutch wooden shoes. Churches related to the Dutch Reformed tradition predominate and a church-related college and seminary are located in the city. The major annual attraction of Holland, including dances, parades, food, musical performances and art exhibits--all with a Dutch flavor, begins today and will be enjoyed by many visitors. The center of attraction of this Tulip Time Festival, is the colorful array of hundreds of thousands of tulips in bloom throughout the city. Brilliant Tulip Lanes stretch for 12 kilometers along the city streets. A name sometimes has deep significance, but as Romeo implied, that which we call a tulip, by any other name would look as beautiful. --Clark Offner (3942)
Fortnight (92/05/14)
Do you know what a "fortnight" is? It is a unit of time. Some divisions of time, such as days, months and years are related to natural movements of the sun, moon and earth. A week, consisting of seven days, however, is based on the biblical account of God's creation of the world in six days and resting on the seventh. Consequently, according to the Ten Commandments, every seventh day was to be a day of rest. Among the ancient Germans, time was reckoned by nights rather than by days. The same custom was followed by Native Americans, mistakenly called Indians, who counted time by "moons" rather than by "suns". In the word "fortnight", "fort" is a shortened form of "fourteen", so a fortnight is fourteen nights, or two weeks. This word is still used today although a similar word, "sennight", meaning seven nights, or one week, is now obsolete. Since today is the fourteenth day of May, that means that a fortnight has passed since the month began and it will be just over another fortnight until the next meeting of "Daily Word" listeners/readers, which will be held on May 31st. Incidentally, in the traditional British system of weights, there is another measurement based on the number fourteen. In that system, one stone is equal to fourteen pounds, or 6.36 kilograms. --Clark Offner (3943)
'Karaoke' Taxicabs (92/05/15)
In the past, Japan has adopted, or adapted, many things from the West and from its neighboring countries of China and Korea. Now, there are influences going in the opposite direction. The Japanese fad of karaoke is becoming popular in its closest neighbor and former colony. In Seoul, the capital of South Korea, 'karaoke' taxi cabs are on the increase. Koreans are said to enjoy singing--and singing loudly. Now there are over a hundred taxi cabs in Seoul equipped with disc players, sound systems, microphones and books containing lyrics for those who wish to sing aloud while being taken to their destination. Such taxis charge an extra fee for the service. Some receive 1,000 won (¥170) per song while others have a flat rate of up 5,000 won (¥850) and allow passengers to sing as many songs as they want while they're in the cab. City officials fear that the loud music may disturb drivers' concentration or keep them from hearing warning blasts from the horns of other cars. Although the "empty orchestra" fad came from Japan, the music is limited to Korean or American songs because Japanese songs are still prohibited in South Korea as a result of the anti-Japanese sentiment persisting since the days of Japanese colonial rule. -- Clark Offner (3944)
Eating a Sandwich (92/05/16)
You probably know the English proverb, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do", or the Japanese proverb, 'Gō ni itte wa gō ni shitagae'. On one occasion many years ago, I faced the problem of whether or not I should follow this proverb. At the time, I was engaged in research on so-called new religions of Japan. I had attended a meeting of a religious group at their Nagoya headquarters and was talking with the local head of the organization. I accepted his invitation to have a snack with him. Some ladies then brought us each a sandwich on a plate which I presume they considered an appropriate snack for an American guest. I further presume that they provided a fork because they knew that was the utensil used by Americans when eating. My host, however, was obviously not well-acquainted with American eating customs. He stabbed the sandwich with his fork, carried it to his mouth and took a bite out of it. I debated as to whether I should eat the American-style sandwich with my hands in the American way, which would probably cause him to be embarrassed, or to follow his example. On the spur of the moment. I did the latter, thinking that was the more considerate action. That was the first and last time, however, that I ate a sandwich in that manner. -- Clark Offner (3945)
Jesus' Prayer (92/05/17)
A number of prayers of Jesus are recorded in the Gospels. Most of them are very brief, but a long prayer is found in the 17th chapter of the Gospel According to John. A common characteristic of Jesus' prayers is his use of the term "Father" for God and in this prayer, that term is found six times. It is a great comfort to us who believe that the eternal, almighty God is like a father who loves and cares for his children. This prayer of Jesus, offered just before his arrest and crucifixion, was primarily for his disciples. He made clear that, following his departure from this world, his disciples would remain 'in' the world but they were not 'of' the world. In this case, there is a big difference in meaning between these two short prepositions. To be 'in' the world is a spatial concept, but to be 'of' the world is a spiritual condition. While Jesus' disciples live in the world like other people, their basic motivations, aims and attitudes are expected to be different. While living in the world where pride, prejudice, hatred, injustice and dishonesty are common, they do not belong to that world. Rather, they belong to the Kingdom of God, where love, mercy, justice and truth are found. Christians 'in' the world but not 'of' the world will seek to inject these elements into the society in which they live. -- Clark Offner (3946)
Tōfu ni Kasugai (92/05/18)
Have you ever given advice to someone and found it to be completely ineffectual? One way to express that circumstance in English is to say it was like pouring water into a sieve. The advice was ignored just like water sliding off a duck's back. Do you know a Japanese saying that fits this situation? I have read about pounding a nail into rice bran, 'nuka ni kugi', or putting a cramp around bean-curds, 'tōfu ni kasugai'. The Japanese word 'kasugai' may be translated into English as either a clamp, spelled with an "l", or a cramp, spelled with an "r". Many Japanese will not be able to distinguish between the pronunciations of these two words which denote two different types of devices for holding articles tightly together. But neither of them would be any more effective in holding bean-curds than fastening rice bran in place with a nail. --Clark Offner (3947)
Ho Chi Minh (92/05/19)
Vietnam lies along the coast of the South China Sea on the Indochina peninsula. The name of its largest city, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, was changed after the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 when South Vietnam was defeated by the Communist army of the North, following the withdrawal of American troops, to honor the Vietnamese nationalist leader who served as president of North Vietnam from its establishment in 1954 until his death in 1969. Ho Chi Minh was born 102 years ago today, on May 19, 1890. When he was 21, he left Vietnam and lived in England, the United States, France and Russia before returning and organizing an independence movement in his homeland. He raised an army to fight Japanese forces, French colonial powers and finally the American-backed South Vietnam government. Without doubt, Ho Chi Minh was a dedicated Communist, but he was first of all a Vietnamese nationalist who sought independence for his homeland. It was a tragic mistake for the United States to oppose that independence movement in the light of its own history which began with a War of independence. Physical and emotional scars suffered by American families related to that war remain today. --Clark Offner (3948)
Pleasant Jobs (92/05/20)
Did you enjoy "Golden Week" this year? A "Golden Week" mentality seems to be spreading among Japanese young people who think "golden" days should not be limited to only one week of the year. According to a survey conducted among university seniors by a firm that sells job information magazines, 60 percent of 34,000 respondents replied that they will seek "pleasant jobs that are compatible with their life-styles." Evidently, students are thinking of the plan to cut work hours to 1,800 per year and extended leisure time as they consider employment possibilities. Forty percent of the seniors majoring in liberal arts indicated they will not seek jobs at companies that impose periodic work loads on their employees. Another interesting result was the lowered interest in bank jobs. During the late 1980s, when the country's economy was healthy, major banks were favored by many students. In the recent survey, however, they have been dropped from the list of the 20 most popular firms, probably due to a series of recent frauds. It was disappointing to find that none of the respondents expressed an interest in "jobs that contribute to society." The theme for our May 31st meeting will be: Ceremonies and Rituals in Japanese Society. --Clark Offner (3949)
Posh (92/05/21)
Are you acquainted with the English word "posh", spelled p-o-s-h? It denotes something smart, fashionable, stylish, sophisticated, luxurious or elegant. Although the origin of this word is uncertain, there is a fascinating tale about how the word was coined. As you may know, the terms "port" and "starboard" denote, respectively, the left-hand side and the right-hand side of a ship while facing forward. In the old days when Great Britain was the center of a world empire, its representatives often took steamers from London to India and other distant colonies. On such trips, the preferred accommodations were on the shady side of the ship, away from the heat of the blazing sun. Particularly important passengers, who were treated with special consideration, were given staterooms on the port side when going out and on the starboard side when returning. It is said that "posh" came from taking the first letters of the designation "Port outward, starboard home", which was a posh arrangement. Although this explanation may be "folk etymology", it is an interesting story. The "Daily Word" Fellowship will meet on Sunday afternoon, May 31st. Will you be able to attend? -- Clark Offner (3950)
"Do-Re-Mi" (92/05/22)
If you heard an American complain that he couldn't go somewhere or buy something because he didn't have any dough, would you understand his meaning? "Dough" is a colloquial term for money. From this use of "dough" another slang expression for money was coined. It was "do-re-mi", the first three notes of the major musical scale. You are probably acquainted with the seven syllables used to represent the tones of the scale: do, re, mi, fa, sol, la and ti, but did you ever wonder why these particular syllables were chosen for that purpose? It was an Italian Benedictine monk, Guido d'Arezzo, who first identified the different tones by syllables. In Benediction monasteries, the chanting or singing of hymns is a common practice and this monk, having a musical interest, observed that each line of a well-known hymn to St. John began a note higher than the previous line. As an aid to memorizing, he used the first syllable of each line to indicate the successive tones of the hexachord, the six-tone musical sequence in use at that time. In Latin, the first syllable was "ut", but it was replaced by "do" because that was more singable and the final syllable, "ti", was added later. Beautiful, harmonious music in the West originated in the practice of singing hymns of praise to God. -- Clark Offner(3951)
Earthquake, Typhoon (92/05/23)
Since earthquakes and typhoons are regular occurrences in this land, you probably do not remember the first time you experienced them. My wife and I were born and raised in the American Midwest, however, where such things never occur. Therefore, we remember well the first time we experienced these natural phenomena. Interestingly enough, it was not after arriving in Japan. Rather, we encountered them on our way to this country. We had gone by train from Chicago to San Francisco where we were to board the freighter that was to bring us here. Freighters are different than passenger ships not only in regard to more modest accommodations for their few passengers. They also do not keep their announced schedules. After arriving in San Francisco, we found out that the ship would not leave on schedule, and during our unplanned days in that city we felt the ground under our feet move uncontrollably and experienced the meaning of "earthquake". After boarding the freighter, the next two weeks were characterized by rough seas, overcast skies and rainy weather. The ship's captain explained that it was due to a typhoon which also caused him to alter his course. All passengers except for my wife, became seasick, and she took a backward somersault across the dining room when her chair lost its balance during a sudden lurch while dining. -- Clark Offner (3952)
The Road to Glory (92/05/24)
James and John were brothers. Along with their father, Zebedee, they were fishermen. But when Jesus called them to follow him, they did so and became two of his closest disciples. Their association with Jesus convinced them that he was the promised Messiah who would establish the Kingdom of God. So it was that, according to the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verse 35, they came to Jesus with a personal request. They asked to be given the chief seats, next to Jesus' kingly throne, in that glorious kingdom. Jesus replied that they didn't know what they were asking for. He told them that the road to glory was a road of suffering and of service. In contrast with the political authorities of this world, he admonished his disciples that if they wanted to be great, they must become servants. "If one of you wants to be first, he must be the slave of all," he taught. But Jesus did not only teach with words, he provided them an example. He concluded, "even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people." The aim of Jesus' followers is not to become great in a secular sense. It is to follow his teaching and example of serving others and even giving their lives to that end. -- Clark Offner (3953)
Suteru Kami Areba (92/05/25)
In traditional Japanese thought there are many 'kami', but the precise meaning of this word is unclear. It is used to denote the one, true God, the almighty Creator and Ruler of the universe, natural phenomena, spirits of the dead or living persons. How would you translate it in the Japanese proverb 'suteru kami areba, tasukeru kami ari?' It may be interpreted to mean either spiritual divinities or human beings. It may be similar in meaning to the English proverb, "When one door shuts, another opens." Christians, who believe in only one deity, ultimately perceive the hand of God behind the opening and closing of doors that affect major decisions in their lives. Thus, in that part of a trip of the Apostle Paul recorded in Acts 16: 6-10, the opening and closing of doors for missionary activity is said to be the work of the Holy Spirit or the Spirit of Jesus. --Clark Offner (3954)
Napoleon Coronation (92/05/26)
A certain kind of French pastry with a cream filling is called a napoleon, which was also the name of a former gold coin of France. Both of these items were named after the man who proclaimed himself emperor of the French in May of 1804. At his coronation, Napoleon Bonaparte took the crown from the hands of the pope and placed it on his own head. One year later, on May 26, 1805, 187 years ago today, in the Milan Cathedral, he was crowned king of Italy. The coronation ceremonies for Napoleon were quite exceptional, but ceremonies of various kinds are especially prevalent in countries with long histories and the Japanese seem to be particularly fond of such rituals. Consider the elaborate enthronement ceremony of the emperor and the weddings and funerals of common people, for example. Opening and closing ceremonies for schools or companies, welcome or farewell parties, commemorative events, even visits to the homes of friends and daily greetings all seem to follow ritualistic forms. We will talk about ceremonies and rituals in Japanese society at our meeting of the "Daily Word" Fellowship on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Nagoya City Geijutsu Sōzō Center. You are invited to attend. -- Clark Offner (3955)
650 Kinds of Beers (92/05/27)
According to my dictionary, beer is "a fermented alcoholic beverage brewed from malt and flavored with hops". Malt is "grain, usually barley, that has been allowed to sprout" and hops are "the dried, ripe flowers of the hop plant, containing a bitter, aromatic oil". Not being a beer drinker, I was not aware of the great variety of beers that are available until I read an article about a certain pub in a suburb of Los Angeles. (Pub, the shortened form of public house, is the common term in Britain to designate a place licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.) Sandwiches are also available at this pub, called the Stuffed Sandwich, but it is famous for its selection of beers. The owner has traveled to many places in the U.S. and abroad, tasting beers and ordering them for his tavern. His customers can now choose from 650 different kinds of beers, brewed in many different countries and stored in kegs at a constant cold temperature to keep them fresh. You are invited to a meeting of "Daily Word" listeners/readers to be held at the Nagoya City Geijutsu Sōzō Center, north of the Shinsakaemachi subway station, at 1:30 on Sunday afternoon. Although she will not serve beer, my wife will provide some refreshments as usual. --Clark Offner (3956)
Quintuplets (92/05/28)
Two children born of the same mother at the same time are called twins. In the case of three children, they are called triplets and if there are four babies, they are quadruplets. The English prefix "quint" is derived from the Latin word for five. A quintet is a group of five musicians; quintuple means five times as much and in the American system of numbering, the number 1 followed by 18 zeros is one quintillion. In the extraordinary event of the birth of five children, they are called quintuplets. Fifty-eight years ago today, on May 28, 1934, quintuplets were born to Mrs. Oliva Dionne in Ontario, Canada. The five girls were born from a single fertilized egg, so they were identical quints. Emilie, Yvonne, Cecile, Marie and Annette were world celebrities from the time they were born and survived the first crucial hours and days of their birth. All five of these girls grew to adulthood, but their wide-spread fame made it impossible for them to live normal lives. Considered tourist attractions and used as money-making devices, they suffered from the discriminatory actions of unthinking, selfish people who did not consider their human rights and feelings. All people, especially those considered special, different or outstanding, should be permitted to live with dignity. --Clark Offner (3957)
Work for the Handicapped (92/05/29)
One of the so-called self-evident truths noted in America's Declaration of Independence is the truth that "all men are created equal". As a matter of fact, however, this is not true insofar as physical strength and mental ability are concerned. Some people are born with weak bodies or weak minds and require special care throughout their lives. Out of sympathy for such unfortunate folk, certain citizens groups or private companies provide work for the handicapped or disable. Recently, Setagaya Ward in Tokyo reportedly became the first public organization in Japan to employ mentally disabled people. Five such employees, four women and one man, have been given contracts by the Setagaya Council of Social Welfare to work in a coffee shop located in the Matsuzawa branch of the ward office. The shop offers 15 drinks on its menu, including several kinds of coffee. If this experiment is successful, the ward plans to increase the number of coffee shops with such workers. Hopefully, other public and private organizations will follow this good example. You are invited to the meeting of "Daily Word" listeners/readers on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Nagoya City Geijutsu Sōzō Center and to the worship service of the Nagoya Union Church afterward, at which I will preach the sermon in English. -- Clark Offner (3958)
A Tsukau Tokoro (92/05/02)
Earthen Vessels (92/05/03)
Nō Aru Taka (92/05/04)
Children (92/05/05)
Manhattan Purchased (92/05/06)
Pink Baseballs (92/05/07)
Diet (92/05/08)
Obenjo, Obentō (92/05/09)
Diligent Work (92/05/10)
Tabi wa Michizure (92/05/11)
Alcoholics Anonymous (92/05/12)
Holland Festival (92/05/13)
Fortnight (92/05/14)
'Karaoke' Taxicabs (92/05/15)
Eating a Sandwich (92/05/16)
Jesus' Prayer (92/05/17)
Tōfu ni Kasugai (92/05/18)
Ho Chi Minh (92/05/19)
Pleasant Jobs (92/05/20)
Posh (92/05/21)
"Do-Re-Mi" (92/05/22)
Earthquake, Typhoon (92/05/23)
The Road to Glory (92/05/24)
Suteru Kami Areba (92/05/25)
Napoleon Coronation (92/05/26)
650 Kinds of Beers (92/05/27)
Quintuplets (92/05/28)
Work for the Handicapped (92/05/29)
To Japan (92/05/30)
Commemorate, Celebrate (92/05/31)
English Signs (92/05/01)