The days have flown off the calendar like shingles in a hurricane. My time in Japan is almost at an end and I have much to be thankful for. I've finished my ICRP, so I don't have that hanging over my last full day. I felt like such an amateur writing it, as it was mostly a description of my experiences with the Shiga University Judo Club. Historians don't write descriptions; we analyze and interpret.
But enough of my "professionalism". Today the doctors who took me to judo practice treated me and two other judo students to dinner. We went to a yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant, where large plates of meat are delivered for your grilling convenience. Basically it is a carnivore's delight and the Japanese have it down to an art, even specializing in an ending course. After the spice and heat of the grilling, not to mention the obligatory kimchi, reimen is served in large bowls. This cold noodle soup, usually having raw egg, cucumbers, tomatoes, and even ice cubes, is just what the doctor ordered.
I cannot begin to recount the great times I've had and the people who I've met. Just last night, we had a party here at JCMU, so a group of us made a Lawson (local convenience store) run. As we left, the impromptu dancing of Dan Choi brought us to the attention of a small group of Japanese. Not that ten loud gaijins can be inconspicuous, but I digress. Dieter started talking to them and within five minutes, they had abandoned their earlier plans and spent the night hanging out and partying with us. This just doesn't happen at K.
The friends that I've made here have made this one of the most memorable experiences of my life. From Dieter and Zach (Remix to JCMU students) to Yasu and Torigai, these people are the reason that I will never forget this place. The guys (and girl) of the Shiga Dai Judo Club gave me so much more than an introduction to judo. Their work ethic, sense of humor, and generosity are just the beginning of their attributes. From working with Yasu on homework to partying through Tokyo with Choi, Stoolman, Thompson and "Dirty" Dieter, I have literally "been there, done that," though I didn't pick up any Engrish t-shirts.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Saturday, January 27, 2007
A few news tidbits
First, sorry to everyone for taking so long to update my blog. I don't have a lot going on right now, but when you have plenty of free time, that's when it seems the hardest to get anything done. Anyways...
Outspoke Catholic Pastor Replaced; He Says It's Retaliation
I found this while browsing the New York Times online edition. Bishop Thomas Gumbleton has been replaced as pastor at St. Leo, in Detroit. Though over 75, the age at which bishops are required to submit their resignation to the pope, Gumbleton had been allowed to remain in his position in the archdiocese.
Though he claims that his removal is due to anger over his stance during the sexual abuse scandals that rocked the Church recently, the archdiocese stated that this had nothing to do with his politics. Gumbleton is known as one of the most liberal bishops in the United States, frequently and loudly calling for a "review" of the Church's position on homosexuality and has been known to support the ordination of women to the priesthood. According to the NYT, Gumbleton wrote a column for the National Catholic Reporter, "an independent Catholic weekly." Right, and the NYT is a non-partisan, middle-of-the-road newspaper.
I usually don't keep a close eye on the doings of the Archdiocese of Detroit, but this seems like some hopeful news. Gumbleton was the longest serving bishop in the United States. Perhaps those who replace him and his ilk will be cut from a different, more orthodox cloth.
Making Stands Against Abortion
Also from the NYT, this small report notes that Adam Cardinal Maida plans to begin a campaign to ban partial birth abortion in Michigan. Along with the other bishops in Michigan and Right to Life, this campaign seeks to get enough signatures to put the issue before voters at the next election. This would bypass Governor Granholm and appears to have a good chance of being passed, if it makes it onto the ballot.
In addition to working to ban this most abominable "procedure," this united effort will serve to educate the masses of Catholic voters who are uninformed of their obligations as Catholics at the polls. Personally, I believe that those Catholics who vote against their faith do so primarily out of ignorance, having been woefully under-educated by their parents, Catholic teachers, and the clergy.
Even after being properly informed, many will likely still choose to vote for pro-abortion candidates or advocate euthanasia. But they no longer can claim ignorance and the scandal that they give to others will hopefully be diminished, as faithful Catholics turn away from their examples.
U.S. Will Confront Iran in Iraq, Bush Says
Finally. I wonder if the American soldiers who were ordered to "catch and release" these Iranian covert agents felt like their predecessors in Vietnam, unable to effectively deal with the North Vietnamese just across the border in Cambodia and Laos. Now American forces will be able to more freely attack, detain, and hold Iranians caught inside Iraq and will hopefully be supported in cutting off the supplies of weapons and trainers coming across the border.
The Iranians have been seeking to build up their power throughout the Middle East ever since the '79 revolution. Through Hezbollah they seek to attack Israel and increase their control over Lebanon, or at the very least, keep Western nations from getting too comfortable there. Through their missile programs, Iran has gained the ability to hit targets far beyond Tel Aviv and can now potentially threat Europe. As for their nuclear enrichment, it would take a great deal of willful blindness (or treason) to claim that said program posed no risk to the region, Iran's neighbors, or global interests.
It is not helpful that no one in Washington will admit that Iran is waging a low-level war against the United States. They fund, supply, and train many of the Shia militias that make life dangerous for American soldiers fighting to secure Iraq. The thousands of missiles that Hezbollah poured into Israel were made in Iran (or Syria, but that is another matter.) They have been seeking to exert influence in Afghanistan to combat American interests and soldiers in that war-torn land.
What is hopeful is that the Bush administration is finally acting like Iran is at war with us. While still publicly clinging to the "diplomacy can/is working" slogans, efforts are being stepped up to push back. This change in policy towards captured Iranian agents is one example. The recent deployment of Patriot anti-ballistic missile systems to the Gulf and the dispatch of another carrier task force are others. Now sanctions need to be placed on Iran's military, who is still doing a brisk business with the Russians, among others. While comprehensive sanctions, like the ones imposed after the Gulf War on Saddam, are more likely to harm innocent civilians than solve anything, the United States should think about enforcing an arms embargo on Iran. While they will howl, Russia and China have shown that they are not interested in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. To continue to believe that they will help us is folly and thus we should move, along with those nations who do support us, to weaken Iran's strategic hand and deprive it of the ability to create a nasty situation in an already dangerous area of the world.
Outspoke Catholic Pastor Replaced; He Says It's Retaliation
I found this while browsing the New York Times online edition. Bishop Thomas Gumbleton has been replaced as pastor at St. Leo, in Detroit. Though over 75, the age at which bishops are required to submit their resignation to the pope, Gumbleton had been allowed to remain in his position in the archdiocese.
Though he claims that his removal is due to anger over his stance during the sexual abuse scandals that rocked the Church recently, the archdiocese stated that this had nothing to do with his politics. Gumbleton is known as one of the most liberal bishops in the United States, frequently and loudly calling for a "review" of the Church's position on homosexuality and has been known to support the ordination of women to the priesthood. According to the NYT, Gumbleton wrote a column for the National Catholic Reporter, "an independent Catholic weekly." Right, and the NYT is a non-partisan, middle-of-the-road newspaper.
I usually don't keep a close eye on the doings of the Archdiocese of Detroit, but this seems like some hopeful news. Gumbleton was the longest serving bishop in the United States. Perhaps those who replace him and his ilk will be cut from a different, more orthodox cloth.
Making Stands Against Abortion
Also from the NYT, this small report notes that Adam Cardinal Maida plans to begin a campaign to ban partial birth abortion in Michigan. Along with the other bishops in Michigan and Right to Life, this campaign seeks to get enough signatures to put the issue before voters at the next election. This would bypass Governor Granholm and appears to have a good chance of being passed, if it makes it onto the ballot.
In addition to working to ban this most abominable "procedure," this united effort will serve to educate the masses of Catholic voters who are uninformed of their obligations as Catholics at the polls. Personally, I believe that those Catholics who vote against their faith do so primarily out of ignorance, having been woefully under-educated by their parents, Catholic teachers, and the clergy.
Even after being properly informed, many will likely still choose to vote for pro-abortion candidates or advocate euthanasia. But they no longer can claim ignorance and the scandal that they give to others will hopefully be diminished, as faithful Catholics turn away from their examples.
U.S. Will Confront Iran in Iraq, Bush Says
Finally. I wonder if the American soldiers who were ordered to "catch and release" these Iranian covert agents felt like their predecessors in Vietnam, unable to effectively deal with the North Vietnamese just across the border in Cambodia and Laos. Now American forces will be able to more freely attack, detain, and hold Iranians caught inside Iraq and will hopefully be supported in cutting off the supplies of weapons and trainers coming across the border.
The Iranians have been seeking to build up their power throughout the Middle East ever since the '79 revolution. Through Hezbollah they seek to attack Israel and increase their control over Lebanon, or at the very least, keep Western nations from getting too comfortable there. Through their missile programs, Iran has gained the ability to hit targets far beyond Tel Aviv and can now potentially threat Europe. As for their nuclear enrichment, it would take a great deal of willful blindness (or treason) to claim that said program posed no risk to the region, Iran's neighbors, or global interests.
It is not helpful that no one in Washington will admit that Iran is waging a low-level war against the United States. They fund, supply, and train many of the Shia militias that make life dangerous for American soldiers fighting to secure Iraq. The thousands of missiles that Hezbollah poured into Israel were made in Iran (or Syria, but that is another matter.) They have been seeking to exert influence in Afghanistan to combat American interests and soldiers in that war-torn land.
What is hopeful is that the Bush administration is finally acting like Iran is at war with us. While still publicly clinging to the "diplomacy can/is working" slogans, efforts are being stepped up to push back. This change in policy towards captured Iranian agents is one example. The recent deployment of Patriot anti-ballistic missile systems to the Gulf and the dispatch of another carrier task force are others. Now sanctions need to be placed on Iran's military, who is still doing a brisk business with the Russians, among others. While comprehensive sanctions, like the ones imposed after the Gulf War on Saddam, are more likely to harm innocent civilians than solve anything, the United States should think about enforcing an arms embargo on Iran. While they will howl, Russia and China have shown that they are not interested in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. To continue to believe that they will help us is folly and thus we should move, along with those nations who do support us, to weaken Iran's strategic hand and deprive it of the ability to create a nasty situation in an already dangerous area of the world.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
It's like cleaning, but messier
It doesn’t matter how often I try to write here, something else keeps coming up. Yesterday I had almost finished a post, links and all, when the computer I was using decided to restart. Makes me miss my (whoa, four “m” words in a row) computer. At least I know that mine has a sort of schedule for overheating and shutting down.
Anyways, since I failed yesterday in getting another post out, I’m trying again today. If I don’t keep it up, eventually I’ll have too many great possibilities for posts floating around in my head and I won’t be able to keep them separate. That’s the problem with meeting interesting people, exploring the hidden places next door, and generally enjoying yourself.
Two weekends ago, I found myself with a few hours with nothing planned. For once, I didn’t have to study for my final exam, compile the nonsense of my group members into a comprehensible presentation, or spend hours trying to decipher the characters of a language that looks like it was made by chickens that had gotten into the mash. The day was clear, with not a cloud in the sky and just a hint of breeze floating over the ripples on Lake Biwa. I just knew I had to do something outside. It would have been a shame, a blot on my time in Japan if I didn’t use that afternoon to good effect.
While walking along the concrete lined shore of the lake, an idea slowly grew on me. Ever since I had seen JCMU, the large hills across the road just begged to be scaled. Covered in pine, bamboo, and a smattering of deciduous trees, they offered a pleasant contrast to the pavement, neon, and rice paddies that are the usual fare of wanderers in Japan. I followed the sidewalk to the main road that runs from Kyoto through Shiga, eventually coming to a place where it brushed up against the tree covered hill. Dashing across, as no crosswalks (who needs them?) were within a decent distance, I planned to start circling the hill, looking for any sign of a trail.
Not more than twenty feet from where I crossed, I found what I believed to be a gravestone. Tucked into a small clearing on the hillside, this Buddhist style monument stood next to the start of a bamboo grove. After searching the area, I found a wide trail that wound around a series of ridges on the hill. Cutting back and forth, the path slowly climbed the northern most hill of the range. For five minutes I climbed, finding some stones and logs that had been laid to create steps to aid those seeking the top. Turning a corner, I came upon a small clearing, with a single Shinto column standing along the edge, as if warning the traveler not to step off the cliff behind it. Just up a short flight of stairs, a long promenade flanked by columns and stone lanterns. Between the concrete and stone, the ground was blanketed by a colorful assortment of leaves, with the evergreens standing behind all of it as if shielding the site from the elements.
Passing through these, I found myself in the midst of a Shinto shrine complex. Small outbuildings holding the tools of the groundskeeper were situated next to buildings with thatched roofs and carved wooden frames. Where the small plateau ended and the hill resumed its climb, three small offering shrines stood in a row, as if ready to serve a multitude of pilgrims that were not there. Behind the largest of the buildings there stood a massive rock formation, jutting out of the hill. It looked like a broken bone, jutting out of the dirt skin and tissue. Around it was tied a fraying rope, hung with tattered prayer cloths, to match a similar rock formation down on the beach, perhaps a couple hundred feet down. These twin protrusions appeared to have been the inspiration for the shrine, bringing the superstitious ancient lake dwellers here to worship the supposed Kami within the water and rock.
When I had finished exploring collection of buildings, statues, and flights of stairs to nowhere, I continued my climb. A single concrete “Tori” gate marked the next trail upwards, which I followed for about fifteen minutes. Several times the trail appeared to split, only to disappear after a few dozen feet, leaving me to return to the main trail. Each time the trail rose, the steps became fewer and narrower. Someone had constructed a makeshift walking stick stand, with several cut branches resting there. Taking one, more out of whimsy than need, I embarked up the steepest climb yet. Grabbing for branches, stumps, and buried rocks, I dirtied my clothes and covered my shoes in muddied leaves.
When I reached the top, which proved to be the top of the first hill, I found a clearing centered on a single offering shrine. The groundskeeper of the complex must have selectively cut the brush and trees here, as several beautiful views of Hikone, Maibara, and Lake Biwa were visible from the clearing. After enjoying the sun, views, and the chirping of numerous birds, I sought for other trails. It took ten minutes of searching and a few smacks to the face by low branches, but another trail soon took me deeper into the forest atop these hills.
From there on out, I came across no more shrines or stone columns. Save for the stumps of saplings cut down on the trail and a few red ribbons tied around tree trunks, I saw only one other man-made object till I descended. The trail became rougher, with more undergrowth below and hanging vines above and my pace slowed. Again and again the trail split, except this time the paths I chose did not end. Whether good fortune kept me on the main trail or each path wormed its way through the trees and brush I do not know.
After a good half hour of climbing and descending a few smaller hills, I struggled up a path that appeared to climb straight upwards at more than 45 degrees. Here I found the walking stick extremely helpful, though more as a brace between saplings. After slipping and falling more than a few times, I found a clutter of fallen logs and old stumps as my reward at the summit. Around, under, and through the logs had grown numerous bushes, fungi, and one very out of place black cable. Taut, as if securely attached at both ends, this cable ran up one side of the summit and down the other, though obscured often by leaves and branches. Even here, the conveniences of modern living pass through nature. I really should not have been surprised. Even across the tops of the high mountains behind Hikone run electrical wires, with the steel towers soaring above the trees and snow.
A few hills on, I found myself staring down the longest and steepest decline of the whole range. Running for more than fifty yards, covered in slick leaves and mud, the path here fell so quickly that only a barely controlled fall allowed me to continue on. Grasping at trees and digging in both walking stick and feet, I manage to avoid sliding for more of the way, though the last ten feet saw my coat and pants dirtied considerably. It was the most fun I had the entire time. I felt like I was seven years old again, not caring if Mom scolded me when I got back for ripping my jeans and ordering me off to the bathroom to clean up for dinner. I was back in Michigan, running down the wooded hills towards the swamps and marshes at the edge of the Black River, ready to jump from log to log, searching for just the right location to build the next in my ever expanding system of forts and watch towers.
After dusting myself, (though how one can “dust” off mud is unknown to me) I picked up the trail and plunged into the largest bamboo grove I have ever seen. Bamboo is fascinating to me, as it is so completely unlike any other forest growth. Deciduous trees block quite a bit of sunlight with their leaves, but under the canopy there remains a bit of free air, which gives the forest an open sort of feel. Bamboo, though it grows straight with its only few leaves at the very top, creates a very different atmosphere. The straight and hollow trunks shoot upwards, as if erupting from the ground and bunch together so that sometime even walking amongst them is difficult. Bumping into one rattles its neighbors, bringing forth a racket of echoes and clacks. One’s visibility is also cut off, as even at noon, on a clear bright day, the bamboo shrouds the distance in shadows. With the occasional massive spider web between stalks, it is small wonder that these patches of bamboo, which fail as the hills rise, can evoke a mysterious and almost haunting atmosphere.
After wandering in the trackless bamboo for about half and hour, I finally gave up on finding the proper trail exit and struck off in the direction of the nearest canal. Though I could manage quite easily through the larger bamboo, as the edge of the forest drew nearer, the young shoots formed a dense and deep hedge. After smashing down a few and creating quite a racket, upsetting numerous birds in the process, I finally emerged from the woods into an uncultivated field, a rarity in Japan. I soon found a gravel back road and followed it around the hills towards Lake Biwa and Hikone. Having set off just after noon, I arrived back at JCMU around three.
I’m not going to draw life lessons or ponder philosophical questions using this story as a pallet. I’ve spent enough time on it by now. But I hope I have given you a vivid picture of that day, with enough imagery and guidance to allow you to formulate your own thoughts of my experiences.
Anyways, since I failed yesterday in getting another post out, I’m trying again today. If I don’t keep it up, eventually I’ll have too many great possibilities for posts floating around in my head and I won’t be able to keep them separate. That’s the problem with meeting interesting people, exploring the hidden places next door, and generally enjoying yourself.
Two weekends ago, I found myself with a few hours with nothing planned. For once, I didn’t have to study for my final exam, compile the nonsense of my group members into a comprehensible presentation, or spend hours trying to decipher the characters of a language that looks like it was made by chickens that had gotten into the mash. The day was clear, with not a cloud in the sky and just a hint of breeze floating over the ripples on Lake Biwa. I just knew I had to do something outside. It would have been a shame, a blot on my time in Japan if I didn’t use that afternoon to good effect.
While walking along the concrete lined shore of the lake, an idea slowly grew on me. Ever since I had seen JCMU, the large hills across the road just begged to be scaled. Covered in pine, bamboo, and a smattering of deciduous trees, they offered a pleasant contrast to the pavement, neon, and rice paddies that are the usual fare of wanderers in Japan. I followed the sidewalk to the main road that runs from Kyoto through Shiga, eventually coming to a place where it brushed up against the tree covered hill. Dashing across, as no crosswalks (who needs them?) were within a decent distance, I planned to start circling the hill, looking for any sign of a trail.
Not more than twenty feet from where I crossed, I found what I believed to be a gravestone. Tucked into a small clearing on the hillside, this Buddhist style monument stood next to the start of a bamboo grove. After searching the area, I found a wide trail that wound around a series of ridges on the hill. Cutting back and forth, the path slowly climbed the northern most hill of the range. For five minutes I climbed, finding some stones and logs that had been laid to create steps to aid those seeking the top. Turning a corner, I came upon a small clearing, with a single Shinto column standing along the edge, as if warning the traveler not to step off the cliff behind it. Just up a short flight of stairs, a long promenade flanked by columns and stone lanterns. Between the concrete and stone, the ground was blanketed by a colorful assortment of leaves, with the evergreens standing behind all of it as if shielding the site from the elements.
Passing through these, I found myself in the midst of a Shinto shrine complex. Small outbuildings holding the tools of the groundskeeper were situated next to buildings with thatched roofs and carved wooden frames. Where the small plateau ended and the hill resumed its climb, three small offering shrines stood in a row, as if ready to serve a multitude of pilgrims that were not there. Behind the largest of the buildings there stood a massive rock formation, jutting out of the hill. It looked like a broken bone, jutting out of the dirt skin and tissue. Around it was tied a fraying rope, hung with tattered prayer cloths, to match a similar rock formation down on the beach, perhaps a couple hundred feet down. These twin protrusions appeared to have been the inspiration for the shrine, bringing the superstitious ancient lake dwellers here to worship the supposed Kami within the water and rock.
When I had finished exploring collection of buildings, statues, and flights of stairs to nowhere, I continued my climb. A single concrete “Tori” gate marked the next trail upwards, which I followed for about fifteen minutes. Several times the trail appeared to split, only to disappear after a few dozen feet, leaving me to return to the main trail. Each time the trail rose, the steps became fewer and narrower. Someone had constructed a makeshift walking stick stand, with several cut branches resting there. Taking one, more out of whimsy than need, I embarked up the steepest climb yet. Grabbing for branches, stumps, and buried rocks, I dirtied my clothes and covered my shoes in muddied leaves.
When I reached the top, which proved to be the top of the first hill, I found a clearing centered on a single offering shrine. The groundskeeper of the complex must have selectively cut the brush and trees here, as several beautiful views of Hikone, Maibara, and Lake Biwa were visible from the clearing. After enjoying the sun, views, and the chirping of numerous birds, I sought for other trails. It took ten minutes of searching and a few smacks to the face by low branches, but another trail soon took me deeper into the forest atop these hills.
From there on out, I came across no more shrines or stone columns. Save for the stumps of saplings cut down on the trail and a few red ribbons tied around tree trunks, I saw only one other man-made object till I descended. The trail became rougher, with more undergrowth below and hanging vines above and my pace slowed. Again and again the trail split, except this time the paths I chose did not end. Whether good fortune kept me on the main trail or each path wormed its way through the trees and brush I do not know.
After a good half hour of climbing and descending a few smaller hills, I struggled up a path that appeared to climb straight upwards at more than 45 degrees. Here I found the walking stick extremely helpful, though more as a brace between saplings. After slipping and falling more than a few times, I found a clutter of fallen logs and old stumps as my reward at the summit. Around, under, and through the logs had grown numerous bushes, fungi, and one very out of place black cable. Taut, as if securely attached at both ends, this cable ran up one side of the summit and down the other, though obscured often by leaves and branches. Even here, the conveniences of modern living pass through nature. I really should not have been surprised. Even across the tops of the high mountains behind Hikone run electrical wires, with the steel towers soaring above the trees and snow.
A few hills on, I found myself staring down the longest and steepest decline of the whole range. Running for more than fifty yards, covered in slick leaves and mud, the path here fell so quickly that only a barely controlled fall allowed me to continue on. Grasping at trees and digging in both walking stick and feet, I manage to avoid sliding for more of the way, though the last ten feet saw my coat and pants dirtied considerably. It was the most fun I had the entire time. I felt like I was seven years old again, not caring if Mom scolded me when I got back for ripping my jeans and ordering me off to the bathroom to clean up for dinner. I was back in Michigan, running down the wooded hills towards the swamps and marshes at the edge of the Black River, ready to jump from log to log, searching for just the right location to build the next in my ever expanding system of forts and watch towers.
After dusting myself, (though how one can “dust” off mud is unknown to me) I picked up the trail and plunged into the largest bamboo grove I have ever seen. Bamboo is fascinating to me, as it is so completely unlike any other forest growth. Deciduous trees block quite a bit of sunlight with their leaves, but under the canopy there remains a bit of free air, which gives the forest an open sort of feel. Bamboo, though it grows straight with its only few leaves at the very top, creates a very different atmosphere. The straight and hollow trunks shoot upwards, as if erupting from the ground and bunch together so that sometime even walking amongst them is difficult. Bumping into one rattles its neighbors, bringing forth a racket of echoes and clacks. One’s visibility is also cut off, as even at noon, on a clear bright day, the bamboo shrouds the distance in shadows. With the occasional massive spider web between stalks, it is small wonder that these patches of bamboo, which fail as the hills rise, can evoke a mysterious and almost haunting atmosphere.
After wandering in the trackless bamboo for about half and hour, I finally gave up on finding the proper trail exit and struck off in the direction of the nearest canal. Though I could manage quite easily through the larger bamboo, as the edge of the forest drew nearer, the young shoots formed a dense and deep hedge. After smashing down a few and creating quite a racket, upsetting numerous birds in the process, I finally emerged from the woods into an uncultivated field, a rarity in Japan. I soon found a gravel back road and followed it around the hills towards Lake Biwa and Hikone. Having set off just after noon, I arrived back at JCMU around three.
I’m not going to draw life lessons or ponder philosophical questions using this story as a pallet. I’ve spent enough time on it by now. But I hope I have given you a vivid picture of that day, with enough imagery and guidance to allow you to formulate your own thoughts of my experiences.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Almost there...
I have come to realize that I have a problem with my blog. I approach my posts with the same methods and tools that I would use to draft an academic paper. First, I identify what exactly I am going to write about, which in my mind means I almost have the paper written in my head. Unlike a report or assigned research paper, I have no clearly defined goals for each post. Thus I have nothing to focus my thoughts and I end up staring at my brainstorming notes, having accomplished nothing.
The unfortunate effect of all of this is that you fine people, my readers, end up with nothing new. While school has been getting progressively busier, I still could make time to post if I could get a good idea or two. That brings up another point. While I have heard some requests or encouragements from some that I should comment more on current events or politics, the fact of the matter is that this voice afforded by my blog is insignificant. My own insights, never likely to be profound or revealing, are more likely to simple parrot what others have already said, thus passing off junk as pearls of wisdom. If I really have something different, interesting, or otherwise worth of note, I'll write it, but this is not a running commentary on matters political.
On a brighter note, classes here at JCMU have almost finished. Our politics course, sad excuse for credits that it is, will have its last session next Wednesday. The Japanese Economics and Business class, held at Shiga University, is over. I can't say that I'll miss having a new professor every week, but it wasn't a total waste. As for my Japanese classes, I cannot begin to describe how much they have improved my language skills. Today I managed to memorize and deliver a six minute presentation on my experiences at the Shiga Daigaku Judo Club. While to a Japanese person it would have sounded like a 3rd (more likely a 2nd) grade speech, the fact that I can sometimes accurately express what I want to say is rather remarkable, given the difficulty of this language.
Next week is our final exam (kimatsu shiken) and it covers three days. Monday is our reading and interview portion, where we are required to read out loud selected pieces and then orally answer questions about them. Tuesday is our listening test, where the students fill in paragraphs read by the teachers, as well as using descriptions given of scenes to draw diagrams and pictures. Wednesday is a study day, as Thursday holds our three hour written test. To call these tests hard is the type of understatement that only Japanese seem capable of. Imagine trying to supply every particle and half of the verbs to a story, and then answering questions about said story. Or taking a half a dozen words and formulating responses using various conjugational forms of those words to complete dialogues that don't make any sense what translated into English. In other words, it makes for a "fun" time.
But after that, I am done. I have all of Christmas (not winter) break to travel and make plans for next semester. I hope to get to Tokyo at least once, though that is likely the only trip of that length I will be able to afford. Another possibility is Hiroshima, which has, in addition to the almost mandatory Peace Park, a beautiful bay and nearby islands.
Next semester will be an interesting one, to say the least. All I am required to do is continue going to Judo practice. As the topic of my ICRP (Integrated Cultural Research Project, a load of bureaucraticese if I ever heard any), I must log my time spent practicing and interacting with the members of the club. Other than that, I have nothing required of me. So, I am currently looking for ways to fill my otherwise empty days. I plan to greatly increase the amount of physical activity I do, probably through a combination of jogging and weight training. While it is hard to practice Judo alone and outside of the gym (padded floors really help), activities that increase my endurance and strength, especially upper body, will be useful for improving my performance.
That's all for now, though I do have some stories I wish to share, concerning Judo and other matters. When I get more time and have organized my thoughts to a degree of my liking, I will treat you all to my match against Takaki and some reflections on the "quality" of non-Japanese language education here. Until then, ja mata (see you later).
The unfortunate effect of all of this is that you fine people, my readers, end up with nothing new. While school has been getting progressively busier, I still could make time to post if I could get a good idea or two. That brings up another point. While I have heard some requests or encouragements from some that I should comment more on current events or politics, the fact of the matter is that this voice afforded by my blog is insignificant. My own insights, never likely to be profound or revealing, are more likely to simple parrot what others have already said, thus passing off junk as pearls of wisdom. If I really have something different, interesting, or otherwise worth of note, I'll write it, but this is not a running commentary on matters political.
On a brighter note, classes here at JCMU have almost finished. Our politics course, sad excuse for credits that it is, will have its last session next Wednesday. The Japanese Economics and Business class, held at Shiga University, is over. I can't say that I'll miss having a new professor every week, but it wasn't a total waste. As for my Japanese classes, I cannot begin to describe how much they have improved my language skills. Today I managed to memorize and deliver a six minute presentation on my experiences at the Shiga Daigaku Judo Club. While to a Japanese person it would have sounded like a 3rd (more likely a 2nd) grade speech, the fact that I can sometimes accurately express what I want to say is rather remarkable, given the difficulty of this language.
Next week is our final exam (kimatsu shiken) and it covers three days. Monday is our reading and interview portion, where we are required to read out loud selected pieces and then orally answer questions about them. Tuesday is our listening test, where the students fill in paragraphs read by the teachers, as well as using descriptions given of scenes to draw diagrams and pictures. Wednesday is a study day, as Thursday holds our three hour written test. To call these tests hard is the type of understatement that only Japanese seem capable of. Imagine trying to supply every particle and half of the verbs to a story, and then answering questions about said story. Or taking a half a dozen words and formulating responses using various conjugational forms of those words to complete dialogues that don't make any sense what translated into English. In other words, it makes for a "fun" time.
But after that, I am done. I have all of Christmas (not winter) break to travel and make plans for next semester. I hope to get to Tokyo at least once, though that is likely the only trip of that length I will be able to afford. Another possibility is Hiroshima, which has, in addition to the almost mandatory Peace Park, a beautiful bay and nearby islands.
Next semester will be an interesting one, to say the least. All I am required to do is continue going to Judo practice. As the topic of my ICRP (Integrated Cultural Research Project, a load of bureaucraticese if I ever heard any), I must log my time spent practicing and interacting with the members of the club. Other than that, I have nothing required of me. So, I am currently looking for ways to fill my otherwise empty days. I plan to greatly increase the amount of physical activity I do, probably through a combination of jogging and weight training. While it is hard to practice Judo alone and outside of the gym (padded floors really help), activities that increase my endurance and strength, especially upper body, will be useful for improving my performance.
That's all for now, though I do have some stories I wish to share, concerning Judo and other matters. When I get more time and have organized my thoughts to a degree of my liking, I will treat you all to my match against Takaki and some reflections on the "quality" of non-Japanese language education here. Until then, ja mata (see you later).
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Judo Picture Album and Video
I have finally gotten around to uploading and writing captions for all of my Judo pictures. Additionally, I have uploaded a short (a minute and a half) video of one of the matches from the tournament that was held at Shiga Daigaku (Shiga University). You can find the album link with all the other ones in the sidebar. The video's link is there as well. I hope this gives a better picture of what Judo is to all of you back at home.
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