nothing in particular...

Feel I should write something, but a bit stuck about what to write. This wouldn't be the first though.. So have just decided to write whatever comes into my mind.. hmmm....
....
...
..

Still nothing in particular. Looks like this will be one of the shortest posts I have written without saying anything at all in particular. There must be something I could write about.
Na, nothing happening. Will clock in a bit later with something interesting to write about...hopefully!!

So leaving this photo of some people in Granada that just happened to be quite aesthetically pleasing to my eye. The old man and the cat look so happy..

inspiration

Finally, went to my yoga class last night. Decided it I am really determined to go, that I should just leave from work instead of going home first. Once you are at home, it really is hard to leave. I think everyone is like that after a hard day at the office, and all you really want to do is to relax in your own surroundings and enjoy dinner. For me it was the best thing that I could have done and feel so much better for it too. Amazing how an hour and a half can do to you and clear out the cobwebs! My teacher is an inspiration to me and always learn something more about life and what really is important in this world.

One thing that I really enjoy about yoga, and perhaps it is the same as any sport or activity that you are interested in, is that your mind is totally focused on what you are doing, and when the mind wanders off about some thought about something or someone, then you are distracted and lose your concentration and perhaps make a mistake or injure yourself. Well, that is my thought for the moment and that is to concentrate on what you are doing fully and be aware of what you are doing in the moment of time. That way you are focused on what you are doing and making peace with your thoughts. I think I was quite peaceful when I took the photo above. It was taken back home in NZ over looking the mountains where I used to live.

I liked this quote from Albert Einstein. It seems quite appropriate for the past couple of posts in this blog.

A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space.
He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest,
a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness.
This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires
and to affection for a few persons nearest to us.
Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.

Albert Einstein

thoughts on thought

Why is it when you think you have worked in your mind a situation that has been settled, only to find that you can never guess what can happen. Just goes to show that no point in worrying or thinking too much into things. Everything is in your mind, and it is your thoughts that create you in worrying or expecting something that hasn't even happened. Best not to even think about it until the situation arises or happens. We create what we think in our minds which leads to complicated situations when in fact there may not have even been a situation at all created, just some thoughts that shouldn't really have been thought about and a misunderstanding is created between people. I guess that is why, communication is so important and if you don't have the communication between people, then one person is thinking their thoughts, and the other person is thinking their own thoughts, which can lead too all sorts of complications if the thoughts aren't talked about and are just assumed that the other person is thinking or doing what are in your thoughts.. (Does that make sense?)
Basically, just do what you want to do and if it is a thought that is holding you back, then you should really analyse that thought and wonder if that thought is really worth it. Reason why I am writing this, is because no matter how much you think about a situation or person, you never really know what is going to happen and predict what will happen (unless you do have psychic powers). Like worrying, there is no point. Face what you are thinking and if the thoughts aren't good thoughts then they should be put at the back of the mind. Either acknowledge them and then move on from the negative thought. It is always easier said than done, but if you can do this, you will be in more control of yourself and happier since you will be the one telling what to think about situations and people. Acceptance and willing to be flexible. Like a tree.. The more flexible the tree is to swaying in the wind, the more it will be able to live in an environment that is tough. It is when the tree is not flexible and tries to go against the wind that it breaks. Just like me or you..

The photo is of my cat Kenta in NZ. He looks so peaceful. Is he thinking?

Your own mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing harmful can enter
except by your permission.
Arnold Bennett (1867-1932)

cancer and curcumin (ukon)

This is an article about cancer and curcumin..

Curcumin halts colorectal cancer, breast cancer by inducing death of cancer
September 25, 2006 by Jessica FraserKey
http://www.newstarget.com/020527.html

(NewsTarget) A new study published in the current issue of the journal Clinical Cancer Research reveals that curcumin -- the yellow pigment in turmeric, a major spice in curry -- can stop the growth and spread of colorectal and breast cancers.

Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) found that curcumin inhibits the production of an inflammatory protein that promotes cancer cell growth by dampening the signals of the hormone neurotensin, which spur production of the protein. "We found that in colon cancer cells, neurotensin increases not just the rate of growth but also other critical things, including cell migration and metastasis," says the study\'s lead author, professor B. Mark Evers, director of the Sealy Center for Cancer Cell Biology at UTMB. Researchers believe that because the incidence of cancer is so low in India -- where curry is widely used as a cooking spice and a traditional medicine -- \ncurcumin can be used as a potent anti-cancer medication. Previous lab studies have found the pigment to be effective against skin and breast cancers, in addition to \ncolorectal cancer. \nA study published in the Oct. 15, 2005 issue of Clinical Cancer Research found that curcumin prevents the progression of breast cancer cells, and also reverses the negative effects of Taxol, a breast cancer drug that can cause breast cancer cells to spread. \nA peer-reviewed study by University of Texas researchers appearing in the Aug. 15, 2005 issue of the journal Cancer -- the journal of the American Cancer Society -- reveals that curcumin treatments can induce cancer cell death in lines of melanoma.

Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) found that curcumin inhibits the production of an inflammatory protein that promotes cancer cell growth by dampening the signals of the hormone neurotensin, which spur production of the protein.
"We found that in colon cancer cells, neurotensin increases not just the rate of growth but also other critical things, including cell migration and metastasis," says the study's lead author, professor B. Mark Evers, director of the Sealy Center for Cancer Cell Biology at UTMB.
Researchers believe that because the incidence of cancer is so low in India -- where curry is widely used as a cooking spice and a traditional medicine -- curcumin can be used as a potent anti-cancer medication. Previous lab studies have found the pigment to be effective against skin and breast cancers, in addition to colorectal cancer.
A study published in the Oct. 15, 2005 issue of Clinical Cancer Research found that curcumin prevents the progression of breast cancer cells, and also reverses the negative effects of Taxol, a breast cancer drug that can cause breast cancer cells to spread.
A peer-reviewed study by University of Texas researchers appearing in the Aug. 15, 2005 issue of the journal Cancer -- the journal of the American Cancer Society -- reveals that curcumin treatments can induce cancer cell death in lines of melanoma.

service in Japan..

The rain is with us and it feels like Autumn is definitely in the air.. We have had some very warm days here, one day reaching 29 degrees!

Met up with Z the other day and explored the inner gardens of the Palace. I cannot believe I haven't been there before and it's a haven waiting to be explored. Mind you, you have to get in early as the gates close before 4pm and it is shut on Monday's and Friday's. However, if you do get the chance, do explore the garden. The area has been very well preserved and it is great to have a green oasis in the middle of downtown Tokyo. Was a great day and the weather was just perfect for strolling around gardens and mucking around on the grass. Definitely, just one of those happy, relaxing days that puts you in a good mood for the rest of the week.

Lunch was interesting, as we visited the restaurant at an Art gallery and couldn't work out why there were so many older women (over the age of 60) there. The atmosphere is rather swanky, and not really what I would have thought that would be popular with the over 60's, however, the place was packed with them, dining on Western cuisine. The service, despite being in Japan, wasn't even up to par. Perhaps the waiters and waitresses were overworked, but we didn't even get an apology for a fork being dropped on the table.. usually, they would be apologising profusedly. Is there a change in Japanese service at swanky restuarants now? Z and I contemplated about this, however, we just came to the conclusion that it was just that kind of place and they were probably fed up with the demands of older ladies..

Have been researching into some cancer articles lately and it seems that Curcumin is the best thing out for you regarding the prevention of cancer. Indians don't have much cancer in their diet, and it may be due to all the herbs and spices that are found in their curries and traditional medicine. There is something in the yellow colour of Tumeric that is said to help destroy the cancer cells. I find that taking tumeric or curcumin is the best thing after a few drinks, as the next day I feel great without any hangover! (Of course at the time of taking the yellow powder, I am almost choking on tumeric and almost gagging in the mouth from it), however, I know the benefits do work.. (At least a couple of teaspoons, and if you can manage after a LOT of drinking, then a good sized dessert spoon is recommended). Let me know if you have experienced this miracle too. I swear by it!

This week it looks like I may be off to the races at Funabashi. Will be the first time I have gone to a race track in Japan. I have an image of old, dodgy men at races in Japan, so not that excited about it. The reason why I am going is a good friend has invited me to support one of her friends that owns a race horse! (same sort of age as us!) We have seats to the VIP box, so will be worth checking out. May even take some photos and post them up! Not holding my breath, but am up for new experiences and this is one that I have yet to try out. (Still haven't been to a Sumo match, baseball game, Japanese rock concert yet..) Other things that will have to be ticked off eventually.

Seems another good friend J, may be leaving within 6 months. This is one of those things that happen in Japan, bond with someone and then they decide to leave. Another one of my friends had a great farewell party at a traditional Japanese garden and invited all their friends along. Was a great afternoon. I thought I had been here for a while, but most of the people there had been in Japan for about 15-28 years! At 7 years, I seemed just a novice! Some very accomplished people, but with a very down-to-earth attitude about life and were open and friendly. For me, these events scare the daylight out of me, going into a room of knowing absolutely no one. However, I accepted the challenge and met some great people. I guess I never overlook an opportunity if I can.

"They can because they think they can."
- Vergil (BC)

husband ranks..

This is an actual article in today's Japan Times.
I wonder where NZ guys rank themselves on this?...

Update to follow soon...

Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006
How do you or your husband rank?
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20060920f2.html

Here is a list of rankings for husbands set by Zenkoku Teishu Kanpaku Kyokai:

1st dan: Is still in love with his wife after three years of marriage.
2nd dan: Does a good job helping with housework.
3rd dan: Has never cheated on his wife -- or his wife has never caught him cheating.
4th dan: Can practice a "ladies first" policy.
5th dan: Can take a walk with his wife while holding hands.
6th dan: Can listen to his wife seriously.
7th dan: Can solve problems between his wife and his mother in one night.
8th dan: Can say "thank you" without hesitation.
9th dan: Can say "sorry" without fear.
10th dan: Can say "I love you" without embarrassment.

toilets in Japan

This is a good one regarding toilets in Japan..

Happy reading..

Commode confession of Sound Princess
By AMY CHAVEZ
All the talk of royalty these days has got me to thinking -- has anyone else ever wondered why so many royal words are associated with toilets? Think about it. You sit on the throne. If you're a woman in a public bathroom in Japan, you probably use the Oto Hime (Sound Princess) to cover up the sounds of tinkling. If you step onto a yacht, you are likely to use a toilet made by Crown. It begs the question: Is there really a connection between royalty and toilets? The answer requires me to plunge further into the toilet psyche.
Old Shed? No, an 18th century throne room that was used until recently. Such outhouses are larger than those in other countries, as they are used for bathing as well.
On one hand, maybe manufacturers have come up with these names so that we will believe that their products are somehow endorsed by the royal family. If so, I'd like to know if they are receiving royalties. Or perhaps toilet companies want us to feel like a pampered royal when we use their products. If so, then why should we be encouraged to feel royal, of all places, while on the toilet? We might be forgiven for having a whimsical royal moment while driving around town in our Toyota Crown, or when tasting the luxurious flavor of Crown Royal whiskey, but while on the toilet? You'd think that even on the most luxurious of yachts, the mere thought of sitting on the crown would be an insult to the royal families of the world.
Butt, you say, perhaps toilet companies are merely suggesting their products are at the standard that a royal would use -- good enough to be the head of state.
While this may be true for Japan nowadays, just a decade ago, Japan had such a reputation for filthy toilets, there was an entire page on the Internet dedicated to the location of the dirtiest toilets in Japan. Then toilet manufacturing giants such as Toto started flaunting their toilet technology in public areas. I remember walking into a public toilet five years ago and being so in awe of the cleanliness and gadgetry, I thought: "Whoa! Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore!" No, urine Japan, and ready to meet a different kind of Wiz.
Most public toilets nowadays offer deluxe Western-style toilets that feature bottom washers, bottom dryers and heated seats. Some public bathrooms even have odor-decomposing walls.
While wee in the United States would never imagine outfitting even our home bathrooms with such luxurious thrones, half the households in Japan pay the princely sum of $ 3,000 for one. Those privy to the wonders of modern toilet technology can then empress their friends with remote-control toilet seats that play music and open and close on command. For the first time, at weekly bridge parties, everyone will have an equal chance at a royal flush. Some toilet seats even measure your body fat ratio with electrodes, and others glow in the dark. In short, Japanese toilet companies are out to make sure that no man will yearn the urinal. For the new, modern whiz kid.
Japan, proud of its toilet technology, has even started a toilet college and has sent experts to Singapore to teach bathroom attendants how to properly clean toilets in public restrooms.
I suppose it would not be fair for me to criticize, from my humble commode, one of Japan's original pit-style toilets, which makes sounds so atrocious that no Oto Hime could ever cover them up. Over the years, this toilet has provided many a child with stories of the toilet monster and many an adult with night soil to fertilize gardens with. There's no need to worry you may smell up the bathroom or forget to flush. And the toilet seat doesn't sing, so you have to do the singing yourself.
As I sit on my throne right now, singing, I can finally feel the royal connection. I have become my own Sound Princess.
Learn Japanese toilet jargon at Audio Japan Lite: dollarbooks.tripod.com/podcasts.html

modern day cinderella's..

Just a quick note in the blog today, while eating thin crispy seaweed. Need a snack before dinner as I think I have had quite enough of sweet bean snacks. Next thing I will be putting on weight! (just kidding, but you will know it is from azuki beans and not junk food).

A typhoon is approaching Japan and so it has brought the rain. Not so good, but good for studying. Which I should be doing as I write this... Have been a bit discouraged as I had quite a rough commentary on my 10,000 word report (which incidentally, I received back yesterday). Not so good and need a day of mucking about before I get stuck in the study me thinks!

Last night went into Daikanyama (for those that don't know, it is where the trendy designers of fashion hang out. I.e. there are no supermarkets to make it easy for daily living in the area).

Went with good friend N and met up with some very good other friends too. Last night's event was one for the trendy people in Tokyo (don't know how I managed to get there..) Anyway, it was quite hip, with very some very suave dressed up guys and gals. Most imperssive. Had a few fun dances with my friends (A is almost teacher-level of hip-hop dancing, my other friend Y, is the equivalent at that at salsa). One of the interesting things about this particular event was that they had booths at the party (manicures, hand massages, eyelash extensions..) Great for the girlies, and I do hope I get invited to more events like this. Entry fee of 500yen, included a drink of your choice and I got my nails done. Feeling rather girly now though.. hee hee.. It was almost midnight and we all decided we had had enough of the trendy ambience, so we all bolted off to be safe and sound in our apartments. Modern day Cinderella's perhaps?..

Was meant to be going off to Mito today to check out one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, but ended up doing spring (?!) cleaning. All those little bits that only get cleaned every 6 months! Now house is feeling rather sparkly! Light shades, edges on the walls, dust behind the wardrobe, you name it, I think I cleaned it. Including the windows. Unfortunately, it is raining now, but kind of nice since I'm quite comfortable sitting at my desk looking out of the window writing this and thinking of my next paper to write.

Friday night was great and met up with very close friend Z for quite an unexpected evening. Got into the park for free (very close to closing time and did the "short-term visiting foreigner" thing). Z did well at managing to convince the stern looking guard. Hohoho.. It worked out well, and got to see some Autumn leaves and the very old tea house. Nice to see nature in the middle of the city some times. We both decided to have soba at a great soba restaurant (sorry, cannot reveal name due to popularity). Anago (type of deep sea eel/fish) tempura that was so succulent, vingared seaweed, tamagoyaki (layered egg omelete kind of thing), with very nice sake and topped off with 100% soba noodles. Was a wonderful dinner and must remember to go there more often. The trouble is, it is usually packed at the most convenient times.. Was a great night, great food and company and good to feel relaxed after quite a long and busy week.

Tomorrow off to see some poodles and to have the amazing hot and cold stone therapy facial/massage. Looking very forward to that. She is an amazing therapist and my skin is amazing after it. (If you want to know more details, drop me a line and I will let you know how you contact her.)

Happiness is the way.
So, treasure every moment that you have.
And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special,
special enough to spend your time and remember that time waits for no one. ...
John Doggett
http://www.sweetnet.com/happy.htm

natural could really be unnatural...l

Another item to be aware of on the shelves. Soon there will be no "real" natural ingredients within the food, and we will have to resort back to making everything ourselves... like the good olden days. Don't mind cooking and baking, it's just that kitchens are so cramped in Japan (well, unless you are married and can afford a large apartment with a very cool kitchen), and it takes a lot of effort to produce something when the benches are so low too! Another grumble about Japanese apartments.. Apart from that, they are very compact and amazing how they make the use of the limited amount of space.

Here is today's article I found about natural yeast, which isn't really that natural... be aware of the labelling..

http://www.newstarget.com/020426.html
Many "natural" foods contain questionable taste additives like yeast extractPosted Thursday, September 14, 2006 by Mike Adams
The food industry is always trying to come up with a new way to add chemical taste enhancers to their foods without alerting the consumers. They used to rely heavily on MSG (monosodium glutamate), but when the public began to learn about the dangers of MSG and how it causes extreme headaches, reproductive disorders, endocrine system imbalances, appetite control problems, and nervous system disorders, the industry began moving away from MSG and toward other ingredients.

The link to obesity is very strong with these ingredients; if you eat a lot of foods containing MSG or similar substances, you will find it very difficult to stop eating. That's because MSG harms the normal function of your endocrine system and it disrupts your appetite control system. So even though you may be physically full from eating, your brain tells you you're still hungry and you overeat. If you've ever felt like you are eating unhealthy foods but couldn't stop eating them, it could be because you've been poisoning yourself with MSG. If you stop consuming foods with MSG, you may be able to rebalance this natural system and return to healthy, normal appetite control.

Yeast extract was one of the first replacements for MSG -- it has the same effect on taste, and it contains a concentration of free glutamic acid, just like MSG. The difference is that it doesn't look as bad on the label, and food manufacturers can actually claim that it's all-natural. You'll see yeast extract in many products, even so-called natural products like veggie burgers. But now that the word is getting out about yeast extract, food companies are switching to yet another hidden form of a chemical taste enhancer.

This latest one is called "torula yeast" and instead of being a yeast extract, this is just a specific type of yeast. Again, it has the same purpose in food -- to make otherwise boring foods taste sensational. Torula yeast is now found in many snack products, even many so-called natural snacks. I've seen it in chips and a number of fried snack foods. It seems like this ingredient is going to be increasingly popular in the years ahead because it looks so non-threatening to the consumer. It doesn't look like MSG, and it technically isn't yeast extract, but in my opinion, this ingredient is quite harmful.

I gave torula yeast my own test, because I'm quite sensitive to MSG and similar products; I can almost immediately feel the effects if I consume MSG. I ate some foods containing torula yeast and they created the same effect as MSG and yeast extract.

Food manufacturers "clean up their labels" by lying to consumersDistributors in the natural foods industry heavily promote torula yeast. I read a food industry publication where is one company was promoting both yeast extract and torula yeast as ingredients that can help the food manufacturer "clean up your label." In other words, these ingredients are being touted as ingredients that can help food manufacturers claim their foods are all-natural. In truth, these are all just food industry lies.

If you're looking for hidden forms of MSG chemicals on food labels, look for yeast extract and torula yeast, and anything that is hydrolyzed or autolyzed. Autolyzed or hydrolyzed vegetable proteins are also hidden sources of MSG, according to Dr. Russell Blaylock, author of "Excitotoxins," and perhaps the world's top expert on neurotoxic substances found in the food supply. I believe that food companies who continue to manufacture foods containing these ingredients are misleading consumers, and you should not purchase any products from these companies, which include many of the top veggie burger and "healthy" snack food producers.

For example, the Garden of Eatin' "Salsa Reds" product contains organic red corn, expeller pressed oleic safflower oil and/or sunflower oil, rice flour, dehydrated tomato, salt, cultured skim milk, dehydrated onion and garlic, dehydrated green and red bell peppers, spices, contains 2% or less of asparagus powder, barley malt syrup, yeast extract, cocoa powder, natural flavor, extractives of paprika.

There it is, listed right there in the ingredients list. But guess what? The promotional text for the product doesn't mention yeast extract. Strange coincidence, huh? From their own website, you'll find this promo text:

Salsa Reds - Take those Red Corn Tortilla Chips developed especially for Garden of Eatin'® from the red corn of the Mexican Highlands. And then add salsa ingredients: tomato, onion, garlic, green & red bell peppers and spices. And voilá! You've got Reds with zip. Salsa Reds!
See? No mention of yeast extract. Sounds like the company isn't exactly proud of that ingredient. You have to read the fine print to discover it.

The Garden of Eatin', by the way, was bought up by the Hain Celestial Group, a giant "natural" foods conglomerate that owns brands like Soy Dream, Rice Dream, Yves Veggie Cuisine and a long list of others. And guess what? Many of these products also use yeast extract or torula yeast.
Here's the ingredients list for Yves "Savory Veggie" veggie burgers:
Water, oats, brown rice, onions, cheddar cheese (milk, bacterial culture, salt, calcium chloride, enzymes), mushrooms, flax meal, canola oil, red peppers, flaxseeds, dextrose, salt, textured soy protein (with caramel color), modified vegetable gum, natural cheese flavor, corn starch, torula yeast, hydrolyzed wheat protein, autolyzed yeast extract, spices, carrageenan, garlic powder, tomato powder.

The small companies still offer genuinely natural foods without all the additives, preservatives and taste enhancers, but once they become large and successful or get purchased by a larger food company, it seems like all the formulas suddenly change and it's just another "natural" brand of junk food.

I doubt there is anything that food companies wouldn't put in their foods as long as it's legal. I believe that food companies, especially the food giants, would put any chemical in their foods no matter how harmful, as long as it helps sell their products. The food industry has used hydrogenated oils for decades, and continues to use them in many foods, despite the fact that the scientific evidence has, for decades, demonstrated hydrogenated oils to be extremely harmful to human health.

In reality, food is the single most important factor in determining your state of health. Whether or not you acquire degenerative diseases, suffer from cognitive decline, suffer from chronic pain, or live life addicted to prescription drugs is almost entirely determined by what you eat or drink on a daily basis. Still, the food industry continues to claim that such a relationship does not exist and, astoundingly, many physicians actually agree. Avoid foods - even natural or vegetarian foods -- made with yeast extract or torula yeast.

rainy days in tokyo

Not a lot to report from the Tokyo front, except that it has been raining since Tuesday.. I guess it would be normal if I was in London. Apparently, according to the news yesterday morning, it is said that September is the month of rain. So we have another rainy month to contend with in Japan. Here was I thinking it was June! Ho hum..

Other things that have been going on. A brighter note, I was quite pleased with my assignment (the one that I had no real idea what I was getting myself in for and considered even pulling out!!), I ended up with 75%! Was I wrapped! So looking forward to finishing the second assignment. Due 6th Oct! Not that far away and still have yet to finish the draft. Not stressing yet, and not planning too either. Have the official exam for it on the 7th Nov. Novemeber looks like it's going to be turning out to be a test month that is for sure. Two other tests to be done within that month too. All good though, and they are all to do with Japanese so can't complain. Just have to make sure I study from now on - hard!

Met up with a recent newly-made friend, M, the other day. Lives in the same apartment building in the exact same amount of space that my apartment has. It's amazing how different one's apartment can be, just by the interior and the little difference in interior. Her place looks really cool, kind of a Frenchy-English taste to it, whereas mine is slightly on the Oriental/Japanese side. We both really like each other's interior's so it is always fun to go over and hang out. Always amazes me at how the interior of a room can be so different by just a few different touches. Most impressive. Always have been interested in interior design, and have always considered to go down that path. Guess I am waiting for the opportunity. All to do with the timing I guess.

Have been drinking a lot of green tea (about 3 cups a day, I think for the past 4 or so years). Not a day goes by without having a cup of green tea. Speaking of which, it was listed up on the 3 best things to take. That and salmon and blueberries!

(This is one of my favourite photos. I took this at an ocha-kai (tea ceremony drinking event) at Seikeien in Kanagawa prefecture. We drank from the same beautiful (most likely very expensive ma-cha bowl). I wonder what the perhaps conservative ladies in the kimono's thought about having a foreigner wearing jeans (!!) (I didn't know it was a really formal affair) there. Must have been quite perculiar. I guess it sure comes down to not what you know, but who you know with this event..

This weekend, is a long one. Monday is a public holiay. A celeb party to go to on Saturday night, Sunday perhaps a day in the country and a hot spring and on Monday a hot & cold stone therapy facial planned, followed by a look at some poodles perhaps.. As well as writing my assignment, which may be planned to do on the Sunday if I don't decide to take off to the country.

Tomorrow, am a bit nervous, as the owner of the apartment is coming over to check the flooring that squeaks. Not that keen about her coming over, but some how I agreed to her to come over and check it out. Oh dear, I wonder how much she will actually inspect it and if she will complain how I have the apartment??! Don't feel like any problems dealing with the apartment.
Will give you an update on how it goes.


> Green tea is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cell membranes. It has been proven to reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light, which in turn reduces the risk of skin cancer. Green tea is also high in polyphenols -- compounds that eliminate cancer-causing \nfree radicals. Recent research by scientists at the Medical College of Georgia shows that the polyphenol most abundant in green tea.
Salmon -- along with other fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed -- Essential fatty acids such as omega-3s\n help keep cell membranes healthy by keeping out harmful substances as well as allowing nutrients to enter cells and exit with waste products. Omega-3s also reduce the body\'s production of inflammatory agents that can damage the skin. \nIncreasing consumption of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as salmon\n will help keep the skin supple and youthful.
Blueberries are considered by many experts to be the highest food source of antioxidants, which target free radicals that can wreak havoc on skin cells. The antioxidants and phytochemicals (plant sources of nutrition) in \nblueberries neutralize DNA-damaging free radicals, reducing cell damage. When skin cells are protected from damage and disintegration, the skin looks younger for longer. Blueberries are also an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, healthy skin. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3s help keep cell membranes healthy by keeping out harmful substances as well as allowing nutrients to enter cells and exit with waste products. Omega-3s also reduce the body's production of inflammatory agents that can damage the skin. http://www.newstarget.com/antioxidants.html

The world is but a canvas to the imagination.
Henry David Thoreau

milk - some facts..

I like this article.. It makes sense, humans only produce milk for the young and so do animals, however, why do we keep drinking it when we are fully grown adults? Just another thing that is bad for us.. although if you have to drink it, try and drink the organic raw variety.. Or just use soy milk instead. :-)

http://www.newstarget.com/020374.html

Counterthink Cartoons are NewsTarget parodies or satirical commentary on various matters we believe to be of public concern and are offered as Free Speech within the protection of the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

It always amazes me to discover just how many consumers have been brainwashed by dairy industry advertising into thinking that milk from cows is some sort of essential food for humans. In reality, cow's milk is perfect nutrition for baby cows, but nutritionally incompatible with humans, most of whom are actually allergic to the substance.

Humans are the only species that will drink the mammary gland extract of another species. And we didn't even choose a species close to us like monkeys or gorillas. No, we've chosen to drink milk from furry, four-legged creatures mostly because they're the easiest ones to control and dope up with synthetic hormones that turn them into milk-generating machines for profit-motivated dairy operations.
All commercial milk from cows contains pus and blood, by the way. The USDA actually sets allowable limits of pus as a federal standard. (Check MilkSucks.com to see how much pus is found in milk in your State!) And that's not to mention the toxic chemicals, PCBs, pesticides, perchlorate and other substances frequently found in milk products. Even if they were somehow free of these chemicals, nearly all commercially-produced milk is pasteurized and homogenized -- a process that turns milk fats into artery-clogging substances that promote heart disease and atherosclerosis.

Yet western populations chug milk by the gallon, and then the people wonder why they suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, obesity, heart disease, sinusitis, acne, constipation and even diabetes. The answer is cow's milk, folks. You'd be better off drinking human milk, but even that's only for babies.
Truly, drinking milk from cows is about as silly as pushing a baby calf away from its mother and sucking on the teat yourself. Which is, of course, the very concept this comic is attempting to portray.
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Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

Thich Nhat Hanh

royal thoughts

I didn't think I would personally make a comment since this article sums up exactly my thoughts of the current situation.

JAPAN LITE
The Japanese Chrysanthemum Thrown
By AMY CHAVEZ

Congratulations to Princess Kiko and Prince Akishino on the birth of their baby! While the fact that it is a boy is even greater news for the royal family, it's a shame for Japan. Looking for excuses not to face modern realities, Japan may now wallow in its past of allowing only male heirs of male lineage to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne, rather than become a model of a progressive First World country.
I was in the train station when I heard the news, broadcast by hot-off-the-press special four-page editions of the Yomiuri newspaper in both Japanese and English. The last time I received one of these editions was when Crown Princess Masako had a baby girl. The current edition shouted headlines that the baby was "the first male born to the throne in 41 years," as if this was something highly unusual. It isn't, however, considering that previous emperors such as Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) used concubines in order to obtain a male heir. When Emperor Hirohito (1901-1989) made the decision to end the tradition of using concubines, one wonders if he didn't foresee the possibility of a woman ascending the throne.
Indeed, the timing of the 37-year-old princess' baby seems impeccable, as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a male himself, had just last year submitted a bill proposing that the Imperial Household Law be revised to allow females to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne. Like me, he seems to prefer a woman's touch when it comes to flowers.
If the Imperial household is based on hereditary blood lines, so be it, but why is it based on the male's line? Because it is superior? Cow patties! I have yet to see a comparison of the blood of male royals and those of female royals, or even commoners, showing that blood type "R" is better than A, B, AB or O.
The next in line to the throne should, quite simply, be the firstborn child, whether male or female. To tell the firstborn she cannot reign because she is not a boy is telling her she is, well, you know -- shhhhhh -- not good enough. It's bad enough that Princess Mako (14 years older) will have to yield to her younger brother, but Princess Aiko, the first born on the male line, is really getting stiffed. Not only will the emperor be inferior in age to her, he is also a mere cousin. Aiko can probably give up the hope of ever being called "sempai" by him.
If Princess Aiko, as the firstborn, were allowed to ascend the throne, she would be the ninth female monarch and the first since the 18th century. So what if the previous empresses were of the male line?
Yet everywhere you go in Japan, you see signs telling us, "Stop discrimination!" Japanese teachers are told to treat girls and boys equally in the classroom. The Ministry of Education seems to understand that favoring one gender leads to discrimination. We commoners also understand this. So why not the Diet?
Our current benevolent emperor (whose wife was the first commoner to become crown princess after the war) describes the job of the imperials family as "one in which the emperor and members of the Imperial family endeavor to share hardships and joys together with the people, and carry out their duties while wishing for the happiness of the people." Who is to say that Princess Aiko could not or would not do this?
So what's the big deal about having a reigning woman anyway? Exactly. There is no big deal. And everyone knows this. Apparently, however, some rightwing conservatives want to preserve the male lineage of Imperial succession. Why? They want to keep tradition. Cow patties! That doesn't explain why it should be continued. After all, many other traditions have changed over the centuries. For example, that car you're driving? We used to have a tradition of using horses.
Well then, perhaps it is because it's the Imperial Household Law, so it shouldn't change. Cow patties! New laws are made every day. The law of males in the male line to take the throne didn't even come into being until 1889 under the Meiji Constitution. Before then, women could and did ascend to the throne. Laws, clearly, can be changed.
The only answer as to why a woman cannot ascend the throne is, quite simply, male chauvinism.
But in these enlightened, modern times, must we be reduced to such ignorance that one sex, one race, or one religion is better than the next? I don't know anyone who considers themselves sexist, racist, or even a terrorist. People feel these labels do not apply to them because, they believe, their situation is different. It's because of tradition, history or God, and therefore is justified.
But the Japanese people will not be cowed. They know that, despite the Imperial Household Laws, the only way to stop discrimination is to treat everyone equally -- no exceptions. Ditto for the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Japan's Chrysanthemum Thrown. One small step for a man, one giant leap backward for mankind.
Amy Chavez is author of "Guidebook to Japan: What the other guidebooks won't tell you"

People love as self-recognition what they hate as an accusation.
Elias Canetti

shochu - the new sake...?

Recently, I have been exploring some new bars and new drinks and one of them is Shochu. It is different to sake, primarily due to the way it is made. Simply put, Sake is brewed and Shochu is distilled. A good Shochu is crisp, dry and leaves you wanting to drink more of the drink served on the rocks. Another good thing about Shochu (and Sake for that matter) is that it doesn't leave you with a sore head the next day. I have yet to explore the finer details about that, but, I have never had a hangover yet (touch wood) from drinking too much Shochu. Perhaps you say, I haven't drunk enough of it, however, ask any Japanese salaryman, and they will explain to you that Shochu doesn't make you feel hungover the next day. Maybe you can go out and try it yourself :-) Feel free to drop me a line if you can recommend me any good shochu's. I particularly like Torikai at the moment. A rice shochu, but has a sharper and smoother kick than it's Sake buddy. The alcohol content is also fairly important and there is a huge difference between 24 and 25 degrees. The 25 being a bit more complex and mature than the 24... (sounds like people in the twenties!)

(Maybe he had one too many sake's... or Shokusho (Chinese sake). This photo was taken in Shanghai last year when I was there.

We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same.
Anne Frank

meat - article

I liked this article and thought I would post it up on my blog. Also, I know the owner of Maru Gallery.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fa20060907md.html

Thursday, Sept. 7, 2006
TATSUZO HYAKUDA
Meat as modern art
By MONTY DiPIETRO

I've pretty much stopped watching nature documentaries on TV because when an animal, say, a rabbit, is presented, and I see it born and then frolic and so on, I can't help developing feelings for it. Then -- and it usually doesn't take very long for this to happen -- a predator comes along and tears the animal limb from limb before utterly devouring it. Which may be the way of nature, but is also a bummer.
Plus, I don't appreciate the heaping serving of hypocrisy that comes with the TV's portrayal of meat consumption. Other animals are shown gnawing at still-twitching carcasses but when it comes to humans, we instead get an entertaining chef finessing a stainless steel knife atop a marble countertop and well-dressed diners sitting at candlelit tables. We never see the terror in the cow's eyes, we never see the slaughterhouse worker hauling off his vat of offal.
That is because the process that puts veal on a china plate or a cheeseburger on our little plastic tray between the french fries and the diet coke is a disgusting one, and to accurately portray it would make us seem savage. And who wants to be a savage? Denial is easier to swallow.
I like Tatsuzo Hyakuda's new work at the Maru Gallery because he paints meat the way it is: Yucky. Which is not to say "realistically," as Hyakuda is one of those painterly painters disinclined to representation. So his meat doesn't look like the meat in a supermarket or the meat in steak house or even the paintings of meat by Chiam Soutine. It looks, well, brutalized -- as if it went with a struggle. It looks oily, smelly and it feels real.

Hyakuda, 40, is a big friendly guy, and also kind of weird. His previous work was of awkwardly-posed children with dark, disturbing eyes. Those netted him a number of prizes, including the 2000 Turner Acryl Award and a Jury Selection in the 2002 Philip Morris Art Awards.
Now he's moved onto meat. He says he once drew a little steak in a friend's high-school yearbook, and the memory came back to him recently while watching a television commercial advertising meat -- "because there are a lot of things going around in my head, and I just picked meat".
He decided to take raw meat as a subject because of the popular perception of it as attractive and delicious. The way Hyakuda paints it, it is neither -- bits of fat and blood coagulate on surfaces in broad gestural brush strokes, with splotches, streaks and drips. But the paintings are good.
The canvases are large but not gigantic, most about 120 cm square. There is a clump of brainlike minced meat and closeups of lean cuts. The acrylic on canvas work "Suet Cube" (2006) is an exception in the series as it is dominated not by pinks and blood reds but by the white of hard fat. It is no less powerful, though, in capturing meat's ultimate vulgarity.

"I'm not striving to communicate any message," says the artist, "When I create, it's no more than a child playing in the mud. Some have read melancholy and malaise into my paintings, others are comforted by their ambiguity."
Yes, such work can be difficult to characterize. Although it takes everyday objects as subject matter, it has little of the bouncy accessibility of neo-Pop. The rawness of it places it well apart from much of the new and cutesy art coming out of Japan. But this unwillingness to pander is a big part of Hyakuda's appeal. Here is a smart, energetic and talented fellow doing his own thing, and that's good enough for me.
The Maru has eight works in his new meat series and selections from Hyakuda's earlier series, including his pictures of children.

Tatsuzo Hyakuda's "Meat" is showing till Sept. 30 at Maru Gallery, 3-7-18-902 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo; open noon-6 p.m. (closed Sun. and Mon.). For more information call (03) 5443-2284 or visit www.marugallery.com