Recently, Amazon.com, an internet retail company has been criticized regarding the environment of workers.
Don’t Support Wage Slavery: Boycott Amazon.com Corporate and the Washington Post
Time Tech: Read more: Amazon Employees Carried Out of 115-Degree Warehouse by Paramedics
According to the reports, the employees are forced to stay working in a warehouse with the extremely tough situation. They are not allowed to rest and even going out is restricted. The reporters also referred to the low reward.
Similar criticism is seen in Japan, some big companies such as Watami, a franchise of pub diners, and Uniqlo, a low cost apparel industry, are facing to broad criticism.
It is no doubt that the right of workers should be protected. Then, are these companies evil? IT is a little difficult question.
First, whether they adhere the regulation or not is quite decisive. Breaking the legislation is absolutely inappropriate. Then, as far as they obey the law, is it OK?
Second, the contract between the employee and employer is also definitive. There is no problem if the both sides have accepted the condition of the work contract. But is it true? For example, in developing countries, some local citizens may have no choice other than working at the place even in the disadvantageous condition. Is it fair?
Some people take account of these points, declaring "fair trade". They dare not to buy the products made from the exploit of the workers.
So, is it a sincere act?
If we never buy items from Amazon, however, Amazon would be bankrupted. At the time, all the employees will be fired. Is it an admirable consequence?
Finally, all we have a desire to get valuable things with less cost. This kind of desire perhaps makes the supplying companies more competitive. As a result, personal expenses will be cut down. We are the cause of slavery!
After all, I do not blame any companies. No one wants to be poor. Capitalism helped us to be rich. Meanwhile we have to accept the warp accompanied by this system. The only thing we can do is to be engaged with our own work sincerely.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Railway accidents, a terrible worry
Today I had an extremely negative image.
Recently, traffic accident frequently occurs in a certain route of the railway. I hear the news of stopping the train every week. Yesterday, I intended to go to the destination via the train. But this railway got unavailable due to an accident. So I had to change my route. It took me spend additional time.
I am not sure but I guess most of this kind of accident is caused by suicide, throwing in front of a train. In Japan, diving is one of the common ways of suicide, even not as frequent as hanging. It is quite problematic that there are lots of places where we can easily dive into the railway. Many stations have not equipped a barrier on the edge of the platform.
In addition, mass media tend to report the fact of suicidal case in detail. The scene with a particular name of the station may encourage the impulse to suicide in the persons who potentially have a desire to die.
I am also concerned about a court case that a railway industry pursued the family members of a person who was suffering from dementia to be killed by a train. The judge accepted the claim that the financial damage of the railway company due to this accident should be compensated by the family, in according to the duty to protect the demented patient from the accident.
I think this decision is ridiculous. Furthermore, I have a terrible imagination. Knowing about this news, someone would have an intention to revenge his family members through his own fatal accident. It is no other than sequential tragedies. I truly hope that someone would not become a victim any more.
Recently, traffic accident frequently occurs in a certain route of the railway. I hear the news of stopping the train every week. Yesterday, I intended to go to the destination via the train. But this railway got unavailable due to an accident. So I had to change my route. It took me spend additional time.
I am not sure but I guess most of this kind of accident is caused by suicide, throwing in front of a train. In Japan, diving is one of the common ways of suicide, even not as frequent as hanging. It is quite problematic that there are lots of places where we can easily dive into the railway. Many stations have not equipped a barrier on the edge of the platform.
In addition, mass media tend to report the fact of suicidal case in detail. The scene with a particular name of the station may encourage the impulse to suicide in the persons who potentially have a desire to die.
I am also concerned about a court case that a railway industry pursued the family members of a person who was suffering from dementia to be killed by a train. The judge accepted the claim that the financial damage of the railway company due to this accident should be compensated by the family, in according to the duty to protect the demented patient from the accident.
I think this decision is ridiculous. Furthermore, I have a terrible imagination. Knowing about this news, someone would have an intention to revenge his family members through his own fatal accident. It is no other than sequential tragedies. I truly hope that someone would not become a victim any more.
Friday, December 6, 2013
South Korea participates in TPP
South Korea is willing to participate in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP)
The National Business Review: Korea suddenly wants into TPP, resumes FTA talks with NZ
TPP is an economic alliance among the nations. The participants are encouraged to get rid of any barrier, either economic or other social, to proceed free trade. Now, the US, Canada, Japan, and other several countries have declared to join in.
In Japan, a wide discussion was burned up before the political decision to participate in TPP. Some economists warned that Japan would be exploited by the US. Others were afraid of the damage traditional farmers would suffer due to import of low cost crops.
South Korea had not shown any curiosity to join TPP. It seemed that Korea was much concerned about rather Free Trade Agreement (FTA), bilateral alliance, than TPP. The most crucial reason why Korea has changed the policy is requirement of growing export. Korean economy strongly depends on export. However, FTA with China or Japan is not progressing now. South Korea had no choice than joining TPP.
Some insist that South Korea should not participate in TPP because that help Korea to keep good relationship with China. During FTAs works effectively South Korea had no disadvantage due not to join TPP. However, it seems to be difficult for Korea to handle the situation without TPP now.
The Diplomat: Korea Should Stay Out of the TPP – For Now
Decided to join TPP, South Korea will be not able to control the regulation regarding the trade in TPP, because it is too late to take part in the argument. South Korea will face to the tough time, I am afraid.
*sequel
The National Business Review: Korea suddenly wants into TPP, resumes FTA talks with NZ
TPP is an economic alliance among the nations. The participants are encouraged to get rid of any barrier, either economic or other social, to proceed free trade. Now, the US, Canada, Japan, and other several countries have declared to join in.
In Japan, a wide discussion was burned up before the political decision to participate in TPP. Some economists warned that Japan would be exploited by the US. Others were afraid of the damage traditional farmers would suffer due to import of low cost crops.
South Korea had not shown any curiosity to join TPP. It seemed that Korea was much concerned about rather Free Trade Agreement (FTA), bilateral alliance, than TPP. The most crucial reason why Korea has changed the policy is requirement of growing export. Korean economy strongly depends on export. However, FTA with China or Japan is not progressing now. South Korea had no choice than joining TPP.
Some insist that South Korea should not participate in TPP because that help Korea to keep good relationship with China. During FTAs works effectively South Korea had no disadvantage due not to join TPP. However, it seems to be difficult for Korea to handle the situation without TPP now.
The Diplomat: Korea Should Stay Out of the TPP – For Now
Decided to join TPP, South Korea will be not able to control the regulation regarding the trade in TPP, because it is too late to take part in the argument. South Korea will face to the tough time, I am afraid.
*sequel
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Walking Smartphone is dangerous?
NTT docomo, Japanese biggest company of telecommunication will release an application to prohibit the use of a Smartphone while walking.
NTT docomo - New functionality to stop yourself using a Smartphone while walking
This software sense the tremor of the Smartphone to warn the user about the risk of traffic accidents. NTT docomo aims to reduce the accidents due to loss of attention.
Regarding driving car, using a mobile phone has been illegal already in Japan. Meanwhile, talking with a hands-free gadget is allowed. And there is no regulation about using phones while walking.
Indeed, this idea is cool. However, I am wondering how dangerous usage of a Smartphone on the road is.
Many years ago, some people criticized Walkman, portable music player made by Sony, for the reason of covering the ears. They suggested that a person listening music would not be able to hear a horn. However, I have not heard someone was crashed due to music players.
Of course, there is a difference between sight and hearing. Human behavior strongly depends on the sense of sight. Crossing a road with gazing a monitor instead of looking around is very risky.
By the way, how about Google Glass? Is it safe? Google must have done a lot of experiments. Nonetheless, we have to pay attention about it. Google car will be more secure. The times are always changing.
NTT docomo - New functionality to stop yourself using a Smartphone while walking
This software sense the tremor of the Smartphone to warn the user about the risk of traffic accidents. NTT docomo aims to reduce the accidents due to loss of attention.
Regarding driving car, using a mobile phone has been illegal already in Japan. Meanwhile, talking with a hands-free gadget is allowed. And there is no regulation about using phones while walking.
Indeed, this idea is cool. However, I am wondering how dangerous usage of a Smartphone on the road is.
Many years ago, some people criticized Walkman, portable music player made by Sony, for the reason of covering the ears. They suggested that a person listening music would not be able to hear a horn. However, I have not heard someone was crashed due to music players.
Of course, there is a difference between sight and hearing. Human behavior strongly depends on the sense of sight. Crossing a road with gazing a monitor instead of looking around is very risky.
By the way, how about Google Glass? Is it safe? Google must have done a lot of experiments. Nonetheless, we have to pay attention about it. Google car will be more secure. The times are always changing.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Cloud Gap
Nowadays, the word "Cloud" is extremely common in our society. Of course it means Cloud Computing. But its definition is very wide. Banking is also one of the clouds. We use the cloud systems unconsciously every day.
One of the beneficial services in the cloud is online storage. In the past, we had to equip hard discs in the office to keep important data. We hardly accessed to the data from the outside of the office. There were considerable risk of vanishing data due to some troubles of machines. Now, we can upload the data immediately after gaining it. We can refer the data without being concerned about where the data is placed. It likes to watch a cloud.
However, cloud storage has a disadvantage. It is that we cannot utilize the storage when we have no connection with the internet. This is an obvious matter, but it is sometimes decisive.
First, I work at a hospital. And it is prohibited to use WiFi in the hospital to avoid the malfunction of the medical machines. Thus, I cannot search the cloud drive in the hospital. It is so inconvenient.
Second, in foreign countries, I am often confused to notice that the there is no internet connection. I hear that there are lots of Free WiFi spots, however actually I had to make great efforts to establish a connection. Tethering with my mobile phone is also available, but it cost a lot. Some people buy a pre-paid Sim card to attach their own Smartphone. It is also bothering.
Several services are constructed with an assumption that all of the users are able to connect the internet. This idea is troublesome. Several years ago, Koei released some PC games with an internet security system as a copy protection. Whenever I play the game, I had to connect to the server of Koei to let the program run. This process strongly annoyed me. It was not surprising that this infamous system was cancelled a few months after the launch. Recently, I heard that Xbox one by Microsoft would introduce a similar system. I am afraid that Microsoft would be criticized by the gamers.
The cloud system has been established as an essential infrastructure. In contrast, I think that the mobile networking system is not utilized completely. In Japan congestion of the electric waves is growing to a big problem. Each mobile phone company is struggling to enhance their circuits. I name the phenomenon as "Cloud Gap". I predict the situation will continue for some years.
One of the beneficial services in the cloud is online storage. In the past, we had to equip hard discs in the office to keep important data. We hardly accessed to the data from the outside of the office. There were considerable risk of vanishing data due to some troubles of machines. Now, we can upload the data immediately after gaining it. We can refer the data without being concerned about where the data is placed. It likes to watch a cloud.
However, cloud storage has a disadvantage. It is that we cannot utilize the storage when we have no connection with the internet. This is an obvious matter, but it is sometimes decisive.
First, I work at a hospital. And it is prohibited to use WiFi in the hospital to avoid the malfunction of the medical machines. Thus, I cannot search the cloud drive in the hospital. It is so inconvenient.
Second, in foreign countries, I am often confused to notice that the there is no internet connection. I hear that there are lots of Free WiFi spots, however actually I had to make great efforts to establish a connection. Tethering with my mobile phone is also available, but it cost a lot. Some people buy a pre-paid Sim card to attach their own Smartphone. It is also bothering.
Several services are constructed with an assumption that all of the users are able to connect the internet. This idea is troublesome. Several years ago, Koei released some PC games with an internet security system as a copy protection. Whenever I play the game, I had to connect to the server of Koei to let the program run. This process strongly annoyed me. It was not surprising that this infamous system was cancelled a few months after the launch. Recently, I heard that Xbox one by Microsoft would introduce a similar system. I am afraid that Microsoft would be criticized by the gamers.
The cloud system has been established as an essential infrastructure. In contrast, I think that the mobile networking system is not utilized completely. In Japan congestion of the electric waves is growing to a big problem. Each mobile phone company is struggling to enhance their circuits. I name the phenomenon as "Cloud Gap". I predict the situation will continue for some years.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Antivirus software for Windows
As a Windows user, which software should I choose against malware is a troublesome issue. Although I have installed several security softwares ever before, none of which is decisive.
To begin with, being attacked by a malware is a rare experience for an individual who is not concerned with some special works. Thus, we cannot refer to our personal experience to determine the software to adopt.
Then, we sometimes watch special issues focused on security softwares. In some articles, several specialists investigate the softwares to compare the quality of them. However, these articles also can be inclined to one or some particular software. Softwares made by a small company is not even possible to be introduced.
Besides, it is not only the quality of detection of malware for security software to be evaluated but also some other features. In other words, most internet security companies tend to add multiple function other than antivirus on the software because antiviral ability is difficult to distinguish from competitors. Several companies advertise additional function such as password administration, registry maintenance, and so on.
From my own experience, almost all software does not differ from each other. I will write my impression below;
Norton Antivirus
Norton by Symantec is one of the most popular internet security software. It includes lots of function. However, I have experienced an erroneous move by auto input system that my e-mail address was inputted intentionally at a public space.
Virus Buster
Virus Buster by Trend Micro is my first antivirus software. In Japan, it is criticized regarding its burden to the computer. But I was not so serious about this matter.
McAfee
McAfee is often bundled with other softwares. It makes me unhappy. The reason is that some troubles tend to occur when uninstalling McAfee.
Kaspersky
Just System made Kaspersky is one of my favorite companies. The detection rate of virus is said to be splendid. However, when I set up the Window Home Server, it caused some troubles.
ESET smart security
I used this one for a year. It was not impressive but no disadvantage I noticed. It has gained high reputation on the internet.
Virus Security Zero
This software is sold as "Virus Security Zero" by Source Next in Japan. Once introduced, you need not pay additional fees for continuation of using it. It may be a great advantage. I do not know the true quality of it.
Once the ultimate software is established, someone will create a new virus which overcomes the king. After all, periodic change of the security software is recommendable.
To begin with, being attacked by a malware is a rare experience for an individual who is not concerned with some special works. Thus, we cannot refer to our personal experience to determine the software to adopt.
Then, we sometimes watch special issues focused on security softwares. In some articles, several specialists investigate the softwares to compare the quality of them. However, these articles also can be inclined to one or some particular software. Softwares made by a small company is not even possible to be introduced.
Besides, it is not only the quality of detection of malware for security software to be evaluated but also some other features. In other words, most internet security companies tend to add multiple function other than antivirus on the software because antiviral ability is difficult to distinguish from competitors. Several companies advertise additional function such as password administration, registry maintenance, and so on.
From my own experience, almost all software does not differ from each other. I will write my impression below;
Norton Antivirus
Norton by Symantec is one of the most popular internet security software. It includes lots of function. However, I have experienced an erroneous move by auto input system that my e-mail address was inputted intentionally at a public space.
Virus Buster
Virus Buster by Trend Micro is my first antivirus software. In Japan, it is criticized regarding its burden to the computer. But I was not so serious about this matter.
McAfee
McAfee is often bundled with other softwares. It makes me unhappy. The reason is that some troubles tend to occur when uninstalling McAfee.
Kaspersky
Just System made Kaspersky is one of my favorite companies. The detection rate of virus is said to be splendid. However, when I set up the Window Home Server, it caused some troubles.
ESET smart security
I used this one for a year. It was not impressive but no disadvantage I noticed. It has gained high reputation on the internet.
Virus Security Zero
This software is sold as "Virus Security Zero" by Source Next in Japan. Once introduced, you need not pay additional fees for continuation of using it. It may be a great advantage. I do not know the true quality of it.
Once the ultimate software is established, someone will create a new virus which overcomes the king. After all, periodic change of the security software is recommendable.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Colored leaves in Kyoto
I went to Kyoto on this weekend to attend an academic conference.
It was a considerably cold, but Kyoto was just covered with full of colored leaves. Everything was beautiful.
This is an epigram which is argued in the internet. What is the meaning "Now life is living you"?
This is Honganji temple. So solemn.
By the way, local government of Kyoto has decided to reform the description of the places, as I knew at a newspaper. For example, from "Hongan-ji" to "Honganji temple". In Japanese "ji" means temple, but it may be hard for foreigners to understand the real meaning of the former description. It is cool decision I think.
I visited Kyoto Gyoen national garden. It took over 30 minutes from Kyoto station on foot. I experienced a fair exercise.
It was extremely wide inside the garden.
And there were a large amount of trees.
Some of the trees had changed red or yellow.
This is a maple tree. Maple-tree viewing is a popular leisure in autumn in Japan.
The gardens are illuminated in several temples so that you can walk around to enjoy colored leaves at night. However, the streets are extremely crowded. Unfortunately, I was also not able to enter the garden at night. I heard that Kyoto citizens dare not to walk around at this term.
And then I stayed at a temple inn. It was so sophisticated. In addition, the landlady was very kind.
I have visited Kyoto for several times. As this was a tiny trip, I would like to stay longer in the next visit.
It was a considerably cold, but Kyoto was just covered with full of colored leaves. Everything was beautiful.
This is an epigram which is argued in the internet. What is the meaning "Now life is living you"?
This is Honganji temple. So solemn.
By the way, local government of Kyoto has decided to reform the description of the places, as I knew at a newspaper. For example, from "Hongan-ji" to "Honganji temple". In Japanese "ji" means temple, but it may be hard for foreigners to understand the real meaning of the former description. It is cool decision I think.
I visited Kyoto Gyoen national garden. It took over 30 minutes from Kyoto station on foot. I experienced a fair exercise.
It was extremely wide inside the garden.
And there were a large amount of trees.
Some of the trees had changed red or yellow.
This is a maple tree. Maple-tree viewing is a popular leisure in autumn in Japan.
The gardens are illuminated in several temples so that you can walk around to enjoy colored leaves at night. However, the streets are extremely crowded. Unfortunately, I was also not able to enter the garden at night. I heard that Kyoto citizens dare not to walk around at this term.
And then I stayed at a temple inn. It was so sophisticated. In addition, the landlady was very kind.
I have visited Kyoto for several times. As this was a tiny trip, I would like to stay longer in the next visit.
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