This video is a little long-but provides an interesting view of the gamut of Japanese history, albeit told from an American viewpoint. Enjoy it. I did. In nine minutes, Wurtz goes through a broad but very entertaining history of Japan: theearly settlement through frozen land bridges, the spread of rice cultivation, the internal
Continue readingThe legends leaving us.
The month of January has been a sad one for folks like me, who treasure the music of the ’60s and ’70s and had some of my best times in life with the great artist’s creations in the background as a soundtrack. David Bowie, Glenn Fry. Dale Griffin, and now
Continue readingOh about that GOP debate last night
You know Ted Cruz fucked up when he gives Donald Trump, that Donald Trump, a chance to be elegant. I’m no big fan of New York City, but Cruz probably wishes he had not broken out the dog whistles: Explanation to be found over at Balloon-Juice: During Thursday night’s debate,
Continue readingNow it’s just getting ridiculous.
It is January and I am traveling again. Not without some trepidation, since my last voyage to points beyond put me in the hospital. But this trip is back to the whining States of America, so I am hoping O.D.’ing on Krystal burgers will be safe. ( I love Krystal
Continue readingThe power of how one uses language.
Over at Balloon Juice, Annie Laurie has found this interesting video that analyzes the way Donald Trump uses language and how he organizes his thoughts. Bottom line: Because Trump is a salesman more than a politician, he is focused on closing the deal and creating a sense of urgency to buy his
Continue readingHappy New Year!
One of the traditions I like in Japan is their New Years greeting: Akimashite omedetou gozaimasu! Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegai shimasu! ( Happy New Year. In this year too, please favor me). (It’s a one size fits all Nengajo- New Years Card). This year is Heisei 28. Here in Germany, the S.O.
Continue reading200 Dollars well spent
If there are only two news outlets you can subscribe to, I recommend the following: The Economist ($139.00/yr) and the products of STRATFOR ($99.00/yr). It is money well spent and when you think about it is just a years worth of Netflix and Hulu. STRATFOR recently published its 10 year
Continue readingStar Wars-No spoilers yet allowed
On Christmas Eve, following some last minute shopping as is my tradition, I went to see Star Wars VII-The Force Awakens. All in all, I thought Disney did a good job with the movie. I do have some criticisms, but those will have to wait until the “No Spoilers” embargo
Continue readingHappy Boxing Day!
Greetings to one and all! Contrary to some reports, rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. I am still alive, still thinking, and hopefully now, able to return to writing. My original plan had been to return to posting after we got back from the cruise. Unfortunately events took
Continue readingChatting with you is true my gallery
And I did not know but what the stingy old Bildad might have a mighty deal to say about shipping hands, especially as I now found him on board the Pequod, quite at home there in the cabin, and reading his Bible as if at his own fireside. Now while Peleg was vainly trying to mend a pen with his jack-knife.
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