Faults and Earthquakes
Photograph Albums
Soft Drinks
Nimrod and Babel
Scoring in Tennis
Primaries and Memories
Jeremiah, the Prophet
Iraq
Eggs
Solstice and Equinox
Flag Burning Ceremony
"Great" Britain
Faults and Earthquakes
02/09/01
In Japan, the amazing power of nature is evident. Not only are there typhoons and volcanic eruptions, there are also times when the earth quakes. This is the fault of faults which lie below the earth's surface. Common meanings of "fault" are a weakness, defect, mistake or error and responsibility for something offensive. Some "faults" have serious consequences and cause great economic or moral damage. Another kind of "fault," however, is a break in the rock formation of the earth's crust. It is movement of this kind of "fault" that causes earthquakes which may cause great physical damage. September 1st is remembered in different ways in the West and in Japan. It was the day in 1939 that German troops invaded Poland and the Second World War began. This was the fault of Adolf Hitler. On this day in 1923, a severe earthquake occurred in the Tokyo/Yokohama area. As a result of that earthquake and the fires that resulted from it, over 100,000 people lost their lives and over 560,000 homes were destroyed. In the Earthquake Memorial Hall in Tokyo, charred bones of victims are kept in huge urns and scenes of the disaster are displayed. Now, September 1st is "Disaster Prevention Day" in Japan and citizens are encouraged to consider how to prevent disasters and to be prepared for them when they occur. In Mark 13:8, Jesus prophesied that earthquakes would occur in various places in the future, but a story recorded in I Kings19:11-12 teaches us that God not only reveals himself in such natural powers as wind, earthquake or fire, but in a "gentle whisper" to those with receptive minds or hearts. (472)
Photograph Albums
02/09/03
One of the tasks I expected to accomplish following my retirement was to organize, classify and preserve in an orderly way the many photographs we had accumulated over a number of years. They included pictures of our family and friends, of school and church activities, of picturesque scenes or social events in Japan, the United States of America and other countries. We do have numerous photograph albums full of such pictures but in recent years, we did not find or take the time to put later pictures into albums. Fortunately, my wife did write dates on the back of pictures so we do have an idea of their chronological order. Now, as albums and snapshots are taking up space in a corner of our living room, I have been stimulated to consider the difference between a "photograph" and a "snapshot" and the meaning of "album." Here I will share with you the result of my etymological investigation. As you know, there are a number of words beginning with the prefix "photo," from the Greek word for "light," and a number of other words ending with the suffix "graph," from the Greek word for "write." A "photograph" is "an image recorded by a camera;" a "snapshot" is "a photograph taken with a small hand-held camera." "Album," meaning "blank tablet" in Latin, comes from the Latin word for "white" and denotes "a book or binder with blank pages for the insertion and preservation of collections, as of stamps, photographs, or autographs." The task of arranging hundreds of snapshots of different sizes and putting them into albums is both confusing and amusing and stimulates both happy and sad memories. (470)
Soft Drinks
02/09/06
In my dictionary, there are 22 different definitions of the adjective "hard." Some of these major definitions have 2, 3 or 4 secondary definitions for a total of 37 definitions altogether. One of them, number 16 in the list, is: "having high alcoholic content; intoxicating." Since the opposite of "hard" is "soft," a "soft drink" is "a nonalcoholic, usually carbonated beverage." A "carbonated beverage" is a beverage that has been charged with carbon dioxide gas, which makes it fizzle. There are many different kinds of carbonated beverages, including those called "colas" because they contain an extract prepared from kola nuts. "Coca Cola" (or "coke"), "Pepsi Cola" and other soft drinks are available from vending machines in many American schools, but because drinking too much of these carbonated beverages is not good for one's health, there is a movement to have such machines taken out of the schools. Because such soft drinks contain sodium, they are also called "soda." When the top of a bottle of soda is suddenly removed, there is a "pop," so such a drink is also called "soda pop," or simply "pop." A recent newspaper article reported that there seems to be a regional difference in the use of these terms. "Soda" is more commonly used in the Northeast and California, "pop" is more common in the Midwest and "coke" is popular in the South where it is not used only for "Coca Cola." In the Dining Hall in this retirement community, at mealtime, we may choose to drink milk, coffee or a variety of "soft drinks." For our noon meals, my wife usually chooses coffee and I choose cranberry juice. (474)
Nimrod and Babel
02/09/09
Since the Bible is such an influential book in English-speaking countries, it is not surprising that the origin of many English words and expressions can be traced to this book. Two such words are derived from stories found in the 10th and 11th chapters of Genesis, the first book in the Bible. In chapter 10, verses 8-10, mention is made of "Nimrod, who grew to be a mighty warrior on the earth," "a mighty hunter before the Lord." From this short account, the word "nimrod," as a common noun, is found in the dictionary and defined as "a hunter." According to a magazine article, "Italy has the world's second highest concentration of hunters, after the tiny island of Malta, with each Italian nimrod stalking an average hunting area about the size of two football fields." The first 9 verses of chapter 11 report how an original common language understood by all peoples became confused at the "Tower of Babel." As a result, the common noun "babel" has come to mean "a confusion of sounds or voices, a scene of noise and confusion." So we find the statement in another magazine article that "they speak a babel of languages: Czech, Romanian, Bulgarian, Hungarian, German." There are various reasons why people read and study the Bible. Many earnest Jews and Christians read it daily to find spiritual truth, enlightenment, comfort and guidance. But it is well for all who desire to deepen their understanding of English literature, the English language and the thinking of Western nations to become acquainted with the teaching and outlook of the Bible. I hope these "Timely Words" messages will be helpful for that purpose. (473)
Scoring in Tennis
02/09/11
Recently, the Sports section of American newspapers have featured an annual tennis tournament called the "U. S. Open," which is "open" to both professional and amateur tennis players. Important matches have also been shown on television. This outdoor sport which is now played on grass (either natural or artificial), clay or asphalt courts, probably evolved from an indoor game played by French royalty in the late 15th century. It became popular as an outdoor game in England and the United States of America in the latter part of the 19th century. Tennis is played by two players (singles) or by four (doubles) on a court with a net in the middle. The tennis ball is hit over the net using a tennis racquet. One of the intriguing aspects of tennis is the strange method of scoring. Scoring begins with "love," meaning zero, and then jumps to 15, 30 and 40. If the opponent's score is less than 40, the next point after 40 is the winning point, but if both sides are tied at 40, two consecutive points are required to win the game. It seems that the numbers used in scoring are derived from the four quarters of an hour, with "45" being shortened to "40" because it was easier to say. It is said that the English word "love" used for zero is derived from the French word, l'oeuf, meaning "egg" which is the shape of a zero. Another theory, however, maintains that the term is rooted in the expression "to play for money or to play for love," meaning to play for money or for nothing. It is true that true love does not require anything in return, but love cannot be equated with "nothing" for love is truly priceless, or invaluable. (477)
Primaries and Memories
02/09/14
This week, the minds of citizens of the United States of America were focused on two significant events. One was related to politics and will influence the future path this country will follow. The other was related to memories of a catastrophe of the past. Prior to national elections held on "the Tuesday after the first Monday in November," primary elections are held to select candidates from the various political parties for national and local offices. On Tuesday, the 10th of September, voters went to the polls in their districts to vote for the candidates they preferred. On Wednesday, September 11th, memorial services were held to commemorate the terrorist attacks one year ago that killed many innocent people. Thus, with a look both at the past and the future, the role to be played by this country in world affairs is now under consideration. As we look backward and forward, conscientious citizens of this land must face the question of what is truly "primary" in our thinking. "Primary" not only denotes what is first in a time sequence, but what is first in importance. At the present time, the U. S. A. is universally recognized as the primary national power in the world, but considering presumptuous actions of world powers in the past, it is important to get our priorities right as we think about the future and focus on what is "primary." A word from the Lord proclaimed centuries ago by the prophet, Jeremiah, was: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls" (Jeremiah 6:16). (479)
Jeremiah, the Prophet
02/09/16
The Christian Bible is divided into two major divisions: Old Testament and New Testament. A "testament" is a covenant, or binding agreement between man and God. The "Old Covenant," centered in the law, was revealed through Moses. The "New Covenant" was revealed in Jesus Christ. The first part of the Old Testament contains the "Law of Moses." The last part is composed of messages communicated by men called "prophets." Although "prophet" may denote "a person who foretells the future, one who 'speaks before'," in the Bible, the basic meaning is "one who 'speaks forth' God's word, a spokesman for God," whether the content be related to matters in the future, the present or the past. A major prophet in the Old Testament was Jeremiah, who communicated messages from God for over 41 years, during the reigns of the last 5 kings of the southern kingdom of Judah. His divine calling is recorded in the first chapter of the book that bears his name. Although he was reluctant to accept God's appointment, God promised to be with him and inspire him. Included in Jeremiah's prophecies were many exhortations for people to reform their ways and obey the divine commands in order to receive God's blessings, but the people refused to do so and, consequently, received God's judgment. Because of his harsh words, Jeremiah was a very unpopular prophet who was persecuted for his stern sermons. Although he complained to the Lord and desired to stop prophesying (Jeremiah 20:7-18), he felt unable to do so and continued his faithful ministry to the end, leaving us a good example to follow God's call despite difficulties.(476)
Iraq
02/09/18
There are different theories regarding so-called "cradles of civilization," where writing and other cultural achievements were begun and developed. Such presumed "cradles" include China, Egypt and Mesopotamia. The ancient country of Mesopotamia, whose name is derived from Greek words meaning "between rivers," was located in what is now called the Middle East in the area of two important rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates. Mesopotamia was the center of the ancient Babylonian and Assyrian empires so there is much of world history that can be traced to this place. The attention of the world is once again focused on this land, which is now called Iraq. Under British control following the First World War, Iraq gained its independence in 1932. Subsequently, it has had numerous confrontations with neighboring countries and with ethnic groups within. Because of its abundant oil reserves, it has become an important influence in world affairs. In 1979, Saddam Hussein became president and has remained in power ever since. Following Iraq's unilateral assimilation of Kuwait in 1990, a U. S.-led coalition forced its withdrawal. Since that time, Iraq has been considered a threat to world stability because of the powerful weapons it is thought to possess. How to counter the possible danger that implies is a problem that must be considered, but unilateral action by one country is not advisable. Hopefully, we can learn from the disastrous mistakes of overconfident international powers of the past who considered themselves umpires as well as empires. (480)
Eggs
02/09/19
There are many different kinds of eggs which are produced by female birds, fish, reptiles, insects or mammals. A number of words or expressions include "egg" in them. An "eggplant" is a plant which bears a large, egg-shaped, purple-skinned fruit that is eaten as a vegetable. An "eggnog" is a drink consisting of milk and beaten eggs, commonly mixed with rum, brandy or wine. An "egghead" is a slang term, sometimes used for a man who is bald, but it may also denote an intellectual, usually used in a derogatory way by anti-intellectuals. "Egg" is also a slang term for a person; we may say that a certain person is a "good egg." The expression "lay an egg," however, means "to fail completely" and is usually used in reference to a performance in front of an audience, whether by a theatrical group performing a drama or a comedian telling a joke. To "lay an egg" means the performance was a failure. The anticipated response did not occur so the performers were disappointed and embarrassed. This expression seems to be rooted in the British game of cricket, where a player who failed to score was said to have "achieved a duck's egg," meaning zero, for a zero resembles the shape of a "duck's egg." In the United States of America, the term "goose egg" became the more popular term for zero and scoreboards often include "goose eggs" on them. It is from fertilized eggs that new life is produced and the colorful "Easter eggs" associated with the Christian feast of Easter were originally meant to symbolize the new life represented in the resurrection of Christ which is commemorated at that time. (475)
Solstice and Equinox
02/09/21
Each of the four seasons of the year have a definite starting point. Summer and winter begin with a "solstice," derived from Latin words meaning "sun stand," the days in June and December when the sun seems to stand still and subsequent days become longer or shorter. Spring and autumn begin with an "equinox," derived from Latin words meaning "equal night," the days in March and September when day and night are equal. In Japan, both the vernal and autumnal equinoxes are national holidays, the center of a week during which memorial rites are held in cemeteries, Buddhist temples and private homes to pay respect to ancestors and other family members who have passed away. This week is called "higan" in Japanese, meaning "yonder shore," for in Japanese Buddhist thought, life with worldly worries, sins and death is on this side of a dividing stream while the "pure land," where spirits of the departed go, is on the "yonder shore." This "paradise" is believed to be located in the west, the direction in which the sun seems to set directly on an equinox. Christians also remember with gratitude departed loved ones, but do not "worship" them. In the beginning of chapter 12 of the New Testament Letter to the Hebrews, we find this exhortation, following a chapter relating stories of faithful believers who had died: "since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses . . . let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." While remembering the departed, Christian "worship" is directed to God alone, who was revealed in Jesus, the Christ. (482)
Flag Burning Ceremony
02/09/24
A recent newspaper article attracted my attention and reminded me of a Japanese custom. The article reported on a flag burning ceremony performed at the National Cemetery in St. Augustine, Florida. This flag burning was not a form of protest but a sign of respect. Following the terrorist attacks of last year, many people bought national flags to manifest their patriotic spirit and love for their country and its traditions. The ceremony was held to remind citizens that the "Stars and Stripes" should not simply be thrown into the trash along with coffee grounds and soup cans but should be disposed of in a more respectful manner. According to the U. S. Flag Code, the proper way to "retire" aging American flags that are faded or torn is by burning. The article noted that the black smoke that rose from the burning flags almost reached the flag that flapped at half-mast on a nearby flagpole while about 125 people, including battle-scared veterans and school-age children watched. After the ceremony, organizers collected the ashes and took them to a U. S. Coast Guard vessel to be scattered at sea. I was reminded of the Japanese ceremony observed by tailors, dressmakers or housewives to dispose of broken needles that have served their purpose. To show respect for these inanimate objects, they are not simply thrown away. Rather, they are stuck into a piece of soybean curd (tofu), then wrapped in paper and taken to a shrine or to the sea for burial. Customs vary depending on culture and tradition, but we should try to understand customs different than our own. (483)
"Great" Britain
02/09/28
The adjective "great" is usually used before nouns to denote something of a large size, having many units or of outstanding importance. The word "Britain" denotes the territories of England, Wales and Scotland. Since the island on which these three territories are located is not large, the significance of this word in the name "Great Britain" is quite obvious. At one time, Great Britain was the center of the British Empire, or British Commonwealth of Nations, which included the present independent countries of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, South Africa and Ghana. It is interesting that the terms denoting each of the three divisions within Great Britain have been transformed into slang words with negative meanings. Citizens of the northern territory of Scotland prefer to be called Scots or Scotsmen rather than Scotch or Scotchmen for, as an adjective, "scotch" may mean stingy and as a noun, it may denote a certain kind of whiskey. Citizens of the small, western territory of Wales are known as Welshmen. When used as a common verb "welsh" means to fail to fulfill an obligation, to cheat or swindle by failing to pay a bet or other debt. And the term "english" is used to signify the spinning motion given to a ball in billiards, bowling, tennis or ping-pong, which is considered a bit deceitful. Obviously, in the minds of those who coined these slang terms, citizens of the various territories of "Great Britain" were not considered so "great." According to the teaching of Jesus, found in Mark 10:43, to become great, one must become a servant. (478)