When I first heard the word Minimalist it was in context of Techno music. Also I’ve seen it as pertaining to interior design. But did you know that Minimalism is also a full-fledged lifestyle movement? So what do Minimalists do? They get rid of unnecessary stuff (clutter) in their life try to live their lives…
Lifestyle
Minimalism: Spiritual Materialism in Disguise or: The New Religion of “Living with 100 things”
Lifestyle
Instruction is a River Into the Mind
In Japanese, the kanji (Chinese character, the hieroglyph-ish stuff) for “instruction” combines two components. The first component is “words”: that which pours out of a mouth. This is the component, or “radical,” on the left. The second component is the radical for “river.” In itself, this kanji, on its own, represents a channel carved into…
Other Languages
Facts and Futenma
Futenma (kanji: 普天間) is the name of the big American air base on Okinawa that has been the subject of much political controversy in recent years. The current Prime Minister of Japan, Yukio Hatoyama, has decided, under heavy, even overwhelming American pressure, including a personal visit by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to allow American…
Other Languages
Japanese Keigo (Respectful Speech)
The Japanese language has the interesting and curious trait of actually varying the forms of verbs used in otherwise normal, standard sentences to convey greater politeness and respect. This is often done in business, particularly in hospitality; however, “polite” speech is also the standard form in classrooms, on news broadcasts, and so forth. Japanese Keigo…
News
Looking for Justice – A Parable
They speak about someone who lost his way. And as the evening approaches he reaches a great cave. He enters the cave and the cave is filled with candles. He turns around, squints his eyes and aks, surprised by the way his voice sounds in the hollow of the cave: “Hello! Is there anybody here?”…
Other Languages
How To Learn Japanese
There are many schools of thought for how to learn Japanese. Allow me to briefly present mine. #1: Settle On A Goal If your goal is to know a few cool words to impress your friends, you do not need to learn very much. If your goal is to hold a brief oral conversation with…
Meet detectives Baumgartner & Momsen and learn German effortlessly with special emphasis on idioms and natural language crammed with humor and suspense.
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Want To Study At A Japanese University?
If you’d like to study at a Japanese university, read on. If you don’t… read on anyway! You might find this interesting. At the present time, Japan is undergoing a chronic shortage of students for its well-respected universities. (Most of you will have read one of the numerous news reports in recent years concerning Japan’s…
Other Languages
Sun Tzu: Ancient Wisdom, Relevant Today
Sun Tzu was a general in ancient China, known almost exclusively for writing the book known in the English language as “Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.” This book has been exhaustively studied by great generals of Chinese, Japanese, and in more modern times, European and American fame. Today, the book is studied to some…
Other Languages
Mystic Tales from the Zohar Naso
Introduction to Idra Raba (The Great Chamber) Rabbi Shimon and his nine friends were sitting silently in The Great Chamber but their hearts were afire in the threshing field of revelations. Thus Rabbi Shimon opened and said: “A gossip walker reveals a secret, and a spirit trust person covers it” (Mishlei 11, 13) He spoke…
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Mystic Tales from the Zohar Mishpatim
Hasaba (the Grandfather) – Part I Rabi Hiya and Rabi Yossi met one night in the tower of Zor. They sat together around a table and were delighting in each other’s presence. Rabi Yossi said, “I am so happy that I have seen the face of the holy spirit, this delicate meaning with you, my…
Other Languages
Japanese Culture: Why “Gaijin” Isn’t So Bad After All
The Japanese concept of 内と外 (uchi to soto; inside & outside) is considered a cultural concept that perpetually keeps the 外人 (gaijin; foreigners) on the outside of society. In some sense, this is entirely correct. However, it is not the complete story. “Uchi and Soto” is, first and foremost, a linguistic concept. Take Las Vegas….
