Champuru

Revisionist History - Newton vs. Darwin

2005-11-26T12:15:00.000-08:00

I recently participated in a back and forth over the question of whether or not Americans are stupid as a result of their belief in Intelligent Design. The author of the original piece decided that science is science and there is no place in public school for a curriculum-based discussion of a possible greater power that had a hand in creation. Fair enough – I tend to agree with the author on

"Intelligent" Design?

2005-11-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Take a look at an interesting series of postings on Goyablog regarding the question of Intelligent Design (ID) education in public school. Although there aren't any opinions that back the idea of equal time for a more creationist theoretical approach, some interesting topics come up througout the arguments for varying degrees of discussion on ID. Further, and perhaps more controversial still,

Disruptive French Youth

2005-11-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

I find it almost impossible to believe the type of coverage that predominates the reporting on the French "riots." The fact that the traditional media has made the conscious decision to refer to the rioters as disaffected youths is utterly intellectually dishonest. Why not ask the Dutch about their "youth problem?" The Netherlands, perhaps the most socially generous country in the world, is

Let's JET - Japan Exchange Teaching Inside and Out

2005-11-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

What is the JET Program? A good question. And when I interviewed a fairly common one amongst my family and friends. Today it is different. I am amazed at the number of people that know someone on the program or have at least heard of someone involved with teaching in Japan. But nonetheless, when I decided to look for a job in Japan the program was relatively unheard of. The JET Program

Musings of an old JET

2005-11-01T18:08:00.000-08:00

I spent three years living in Japan. I worked as an ALT, or Assistant Language Teacher in the Japanese Ministry of Education run Japan Exchange Teaching Program (JET for short). Having been assigned to various junior high schools in Okinawa Prefecture I had the chance to learn two distinct cultures; the adopted Japanese and the native Ryukyu, or Okinawan. Through this series of pieces I'll

Murakami Information

2005-10-31T17:03:00.000-08:00

For those that checked out the last post on recommended Japanese authors, take a look at this Salon interview of Murakami Haruki. Interesting comments and some insight into his work.The Salon Interview Haruki MurakamiFor those interested in reading Murakami try the following recommended works. A Wild Sheep Chase Dance, Dance,

US/Okinawa Base Accord

2005-10-26T23:26:00.000-07:00

Interesting article on the new deal reached between the US and Japanese/Okinawan governments regarding the relocation/closure of Futenma Air Base.US finalizing approval of Okinawa base accord While it is certainly about time, I fear the Japanese government has played as big a role in the current situation as any of the three players.

Base Closures in Okinawa

2005-10-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

This post was in response to an interesting post on goya boy's goya blog regarding the US military base cutbacks and closures of a month or so ago. Goya boy goes on to talk briefly about the US military situation on the Japanese island of Okinawa. As someone who has lived in Okinawa as an English teacher, my comment was as follows. The base closure issue is certainly one that requires a good

Do You Sumo?

2005-10-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

Two fat blokes, one dirt heap and nary a woman in sight. Not much of a match for a Sunday showdown between the Patriots and Steelers (or Chelsea and Man U to appease our friends from across the Atlantic). Sure there are those that would describe the ancient Japanese sport of Sumo in such a way. And perhaps at one time I would’ve gone along with that view. But I am now here to set the record

Champuru

2005-08-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

As someone who has spent a decent amount of time in and around Japan and the Japanese culture, I thought I would offer up a bit of information on topics centering around things Japanese; from the perspective of a decidedly “gai” (foreign) gaijin (foreigner). Through my Japan-related pieces I’d like to pass on what I can of opinions, experiences, and observations that I’ve had over the course

Champuru

Revisionist History - Newton vs. Darwin

"Intelligent" Design?

Disruptive French Youth

Let's JET - Japan Exchange Teaching Inside and Out

Musings of an old JET

Murakami Information

US/Okinawa Base Accord

Base Closures in Okinawa

Do You Sumo?

Recommended Readings - Murakami Haruki

Champuru