January 26, 2015
Anti-austerity won the election in Greece
The new administration is proceeding to change the direction. It is still unclear whether Greece will remain in Euro zone.
The Washington Post: Greece really might leave the euro
January 21, 2015
Islamic State takes Japanese hostages
According to the media, IS released a photo in which Yukawa was dead. They demanded the release of Sajida Mubarak Atrous al-Rishawi, a terrorist detained in Jordan and sentenced to the death penalty for attempted suicidal attack. Jordan is willing to accept the request in exchange for the release of Muadh al-Kasasbeh, a Jordan pilot restrained in IS. The negotiation is still ongoing.
The US and the UK have never negotiated with terrorists so far. If this exchange of hostages is established successfully, there is a concern about increased abduction cases in the future. On the other hand, it is also said that many American and British hostages were killed by Islamic Fundamentalists. The outcome of this hostage swap is paid great attention.
The Guardian: Jordan shows that negotiating with terrorists can reap rewards
By the way, some people in Japan made up funny movies and images by processing the movie uploaded by IS. Their works were gathered as "Kuso-Kora Grand Prix" (Shit collage Grand Prix). It ignited domestic criticism for indiscretion. On the other hand, some foreign media deemed their works as a protest against terrorism through discriminating their brute behaviors. Some IS members were banned from Twitter because they blamed the collages with too discriminating words.
The Daily Dot: Japan's silly response to ISIS propaganda did what the U.S. government couldn't
It is interesting because I guess most of the creators had no political intention. Some activities on the internet often influence on foreign culture unintentionally.
January 12, 2015
Crocodile bile kills 56 people in Mozambique
I read an article that crocodile bile is not poisonous, although some people in Mozambique believe it.
Forbes: Deadly 'Crocodile Bile' Brew Poison Identity Inconclusive, Says Mozambique Official
The Washington Post: At least 72 in Mozambique are dead after drinking ‘poisoned’ beer. Is crocodile bile to blame?
Why and how the victims were murdered in this event remains to be clarified. Some glycosides, methanol, or pesticides are suspected as ingredient, estimated from the symptoms appeared in the victims. The investigation encounters a difficulty due to insufficient resource in national Mozambique public health laboratories.
January 8, 2015
Charlie Hebdo shooting case
Al-Qaeda released a criminal declaration about this case.
It called a global discussion regarding the conflict between the liberty of expression and respect for religious thoughts. The response of the publishers varied; some published the issued image by Charlie Hebdo and others did not. In Japan, some newspaper made an apology for publishing the image afterwards. Many anti-terrorism demonstration were performed in Europe. But in some countries, they were interfered by the government.
Charlie Hebdo continued to publish new issues, owing to support of other publishers. Its sales have grown, opposing to the intention of the shooters.
January 5, 2015
Severe cold
It took more than one week to recover from the cold. I should be careful about my health status.
January 3, 2015
Bad luck brings you cancer
Unsurprisingly, this article received criticism. It is complicated to investigate the validity of the procedure adopted in this research.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
Skymark bankrupt
Skymark, the third largest airline company in Japan, applied to Civil Rehabilitation Law, meaning bankruptcy. Its debt came up to 600 million USD.
The president Shinichi Nishikubo resigned as being responsible for this failure. Masakazu Arimori succeeded. Arimori attributed this business failure mainly to weakened yen and a troubled negotiation with Airbus in an interview.
Reuters: UPDATE 3-Japanese carrier Skymark files for bankruptcy, blames Airbus
It is thankful that paralysis of the flights due to the default was avoided, according to the explanation of Skymark. They will continue to control the traffic currently working. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism was struggling in order to the soft-landing toward the failure of Skymark.
Mainichi: Skymark Airlines goes bust after losing ground to major airlines, LCCs
The Japan Times: Skymark to continue operations after filing for court protection
I referred to the situation around Skymark for some times. I was feeling that Skymark was going to ruin, to be honest.
My past entry: Skymark abandon to get Airbus A380
My past entry: Skymark seek to tie-up with JAL
My past entry: Skymark seek also ANA for collaboration
Skymark was an ambitious company to compete with the big carriers, JAL and ANA. Nishikubo identified Skymark as an inhibitor against inflexible boarding fee at a high level in domestic flight. He repeatedly conducted aggressive tactics for raising efficacy of business management. Some of his attempts were criticized, such as a sexual costume of flight attendants.
My past entry: Sexual costumes of flight attendants
I do not like Skymark very much, in my experience. Nonetheless, this result is so sorry. Many Japanese seem to think that sky trip must be a luxury, but I do not agree with this idea. Cheaper options are essential for convenience and quality control in every industry.
*Sequel
The president Shinichi Nishikubo resigned as being responsible for this failure. Masakazu Arimori succeeded. Arimori attributed this business failure mainly to weakened yen and a troubled negotiation with Airbus in an interview.
Reuters: UPDATE 3-Japanese carrier Skymark files for bankruptcy, blames Airbus
It is thankful that paralysis of the flights due to the default was avoided, according to the explanation of Skymark. They will continue to control the traffic currently working. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism was struggling in order to the soft-landing toward the failure of Skymark.
Mainichi: Skymark Airlines goes bust after losing ground to major airlines, LCCs
The Japan Times: Skymark to continue operations after filing for court protection
I referred to the situation around Skymark for some times. I was feeling that Skymark was going to ruin, to be honest.
My past entry: Skymark abandon to get Airbus A380
My past entry: Skymark seek to tie-up with JAL
My past entry: Skymark seek also ANA for collaboration
Skymark was an ambitious company to compete with the big carriers, JAL and ANA. Nishikubo identified Skymark as an inhibitor against inflexible boarding fee at a high level in domestic flight. He repeatedly conducted aggressive tactics for raising efficacy of business management. Some of his attempts were criticized, such as a sexual costume of flight attendants.
My past entry: Sexual costumes of flight attendants
I do not like Skymark very much, in my experience. Nonetheless, this result is so sorry. Many Japanese seem to think that sky trip must be a luxury, but I do not agree with this idea. Cheaper options are essential for convenience and quality control in every industry.
*Sequel
Thursday, January 29, 2015
French court does not admit chocolate name for children
There is a strange court decision about naming of a child reported in France.
The Guardian: Nutella not a girl’s name, French court rules
In this case, the parents of a girl attempted to name their daughter "Nutella". It is a famous brand of hazelnut chocolate in France. However, the family court did not permit the naming because such a strange name would cause the girl being bullied in the future.
Surprisingly, she was renamed to "Ella" by the court, because the parents did not appear in court, according to LA VOiX DU NORD.
LA VOiX DU NORD: « Nutella », « Fraise »: le tribunal de Valenciennes refuse les prénoms de deux bébés (in French)
In France, the variation of the naming had been limited to several popular ones until 1993, I mentioned in the past. After the regulation was relaxed, parents can name their children as they want. But the public officials can allege the case to the family court if they think that the name is potentially harmful to the interest of the child.
My past entry: Naming a child
I feel that French legislation is a little inclined to socialism. On the other hand, it is unclear why the parents were absent at the court. Anyway, I hope the happiness of the issued child.
Naming is a great matter for everyone. The manner of naming depends highly on the culture in each country. I feel that many American and British people share the given name, unlikely in Japan. I wonder it is a risk of misidentification, especially as they frequently use first names.
On the other hand, some people hate their name so much that they attempt to rename themselves. Drag queens were focused on the real-name policy of Facebook recently. Considering the fact that the modern society is vulnerable and rapidly changing, flexibility of altering names should be accepted in the future. Since biological certification will be realized for exact identification of individuals, the meaning of a unique name will shrink.
My past entry: Real-name policy of Facebook and gender minorities
By the way, I disliked my name "Akihiro" in my childhood. "Aki" means "bright", and "Hiro" means "big" in Japanese, but I did not think I was a bright and big boy. After grown up, my opinion gradually changed. I am now thankful to my parents for giving "Akihiro" as my name.
The Guardian: Nutella not a girl’s name, French court rules
In this case, the parents of a girl attempted to name their daughter "Nutella". It is a famous brand of hazelnut chocolate in France. However, the family court did not permit the naming because such a strange name would cause the girl being bullied in the future.
Surprisingly, she was renamed to "Ella" by the court, because the parents did not appear in court, according to LA VOiX DU NORD.
LA VOiX DU NORD: « Nutella », « Fraise »: le tribunal de Valenciennes refuse les prénoms de deux bébés (in French)
In France, the variation of the naming had been limited to several popular ones until 1993, I mentioned in the past. After the regulation was relaxed, parents can name their children as they want. But the public officials can allege the case to the family court if they think that the name is potentially harmful to the interest of the child.
My past entry: Naming a child
I feel that French legislation is a little inclined to socialism. On the other hand, it is unclear why the parents were absent at the court. Anyway, I hope the happiness of the issued child.
Naming is a great matter for everyone. The manner of naming depends highly on the culture in each country. I feel that many American and British people share the given name, unlikely in Japan. I wonder it is a risk of misidentification, especially as they frequently use first names.
On the other hand, some people hate their name so much that they attempt to rename themselves. Drag queens were focused on the real-name policy of Facebook recently. Considering the fact that the modern society is vulnerable and rapidly changing, flexibility of altering names should be accepted in the future. Since biological certification will be realized for exact identification of individuals, the meaning of a unique name will shrink.
My past entry: Real-name policy of Facebook and gender minorities
By the way, I disliked my name "Akihiro" in my childhood. "Aki" means "bright", and "Hiro" means "big" in Japanese, but I did not think I was a bright and big boy. After grown up, my opinion gradually changed. I am now thankful to my parents for giving "Akihiro" as my name.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Japanese women's cosmetic style reflect social economy
Shiseido, a popular cosmetic maker in Japan, published an idea that the cosmetic style of Japanese women reflects contemporary economic situation.
According to Shiseido, it investigated the trend of women's cosmetics for a century, finding the phenomena that their shades of lipstick become brighter in a boom, they draw eyebrow thinner in a recession on the other hand.
South China Morning Post: Japanese women wearing brighter shades of lipstick means economy is doing well, study finds
A spokesperson of Shiseido said that this research was so unique that there were no similar foreign studies. He also mentioned to the possibility of predicting the future through cosmetic trends of Japanese women according to another article in Japanese.
This result is interesting but seems too ordinary to surprise us. We are willing to make up in optimistic mood. Being anxious about economic status, we may dare not to behave gorgeously.
In addition, we should not forget the fact that leading companies often promote social trends. When the economy is growing, cosmetic companies perform various advertisement to create a new fashion, to make the costumers spend more money. Vibrant colors and highly impressive figures are likely to be chosen to attract attention of the consumers. In contrast, companies tend to reduce the cost of advertisement in a depressive tide of the economy. As a result, odd and eccentric fashions are unlikely to emerge, leading women to natural make-up styles.
Whether women's cosmetics can predict the future movement of the economy is complex. A common idea is that women change their makeup style following the tide of the economy, not the opposite. However, women are functioning as modifiers of the economy, as well as the observers of it. It is possible that the market recovers because many women become active. To prove the causing relationship of them, an extremely well-structured survey would be required.
I am disappointed to notice that this research seems not adhere to the academic standard. It is merely an advertisement of Shiseido. Nevertheless, its statement is a little enjoyable, ignoring its inaccuracy. It also published the history of cosmetic style of Japanese women and suggested the future trend at the Tokyo Olympic in 2020.
My Navi News: Shiseido prospects future cosmetic trend at the Tokyo Olympic, replicating the history of women's cosmetic as well (in Japanese)
According to Shiseido, it investigated the trend of women's cosmetics for a century, finding the phenomena that their shades of lipstick become brighter in a boom, they draw eyebrow thinner in a recession on the other hand.
South China Morning Post: Japanese women wearing brighter shades of lipstick means economy is doing well, study finds
A spokesperson of Shiseido said that this research was so unique that there were no similar foreign studies. He also mentioned to the possibility of predicting the future through cosmetic trends of Japanese women according to another article in Japanese.
This result is interesting but seems too ordinary to surprise us. We are willing to make up in optimistic mood. Being anxious about economic status, we may dare not to behave gorgeously.
In addition, we should not forget the fact that leading companies often promote social trends. When the economy is growing, cosmetic companies perform various advertisement to create a new fashion, to make the costumers spend more money. Vibrant colors and highly impressive figures are likely to be chosen to attract attention of the consumers. In contrast, companies tend to reduce the cost of advertisement in a depressive tide of the economy. As a result, odd and eccentric fashions are unlikely to emerge, leading women to natural make-up styles.
Whether women's cosmetics can predict the future movement of the economy is complex. A common idea is that women change their makeup style following the tide of the economy, not the opposite. However, women are functioning as modifiers of the economy, as well as the observers of it. It is possible that the market recovers because many women become active. To prove the causing relationship of them, an extremely well-structured survey would be required.
I am disappointed to notice that this research seems not adhere to the academic standard. It is merely an advertisement of Shiseido. Nevertheless, its statement is a little enjoyable, ignoring its inaccuracy. It also published the history of cosmetic style of Japanese women and suggested the future trend at the Tokyo Olympic in 2020.
My Navi News: Shiseido prospects future cosmetic trend at the Tokyo Olympic, replicating the history of women's cosmetic as well (in Japanese)
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
World obesity map
The world map of obesity was published.
It is well known that the US is suffering from obesity as a national problem. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had published the map of obesity in the US in 2010.
"Fat maps" show where the obesity epidemic has hit the United States hardest
Now, one-third of American and one-fourth of British are obese, according to the CIA. In addtion, there are higher proportions of obesity observed in some islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Gizmodo: How Fat the World Is, Visualized
American Samoa is the worst of the ranking, with 75% of the population reported as obese. One of the reasons for broadened obesity in Pacific islands is that Western diets have been brought to these countries by colonization, experts say.
Mail Online: How fat is YOUR country - and which nations have the highest obesity rates? These new maps may surprise you...
I am in the UK, seeing some obese citizens. But I do not feel that one-fourth of British is obese. It is no doubt that Japanese are not so obese compared to Western people. The proportion of obesity in Japan is only 5%.
Diet in Japanese has also been westernized. We are fond of eating bread and pasta. A large portion of fish has been replaced by meat on the dining table. Nonetheless, Japanese do not eat a large amount of meal. I felt American meal, but not English, was too big to eat completely on a business trip.
The likelihood of obesity highly depends on individual constitution. It is said that some black people are likely to store the fat they take. In an ethnically homogeneous group of people, some have more risk of obesity than others. Although dietitians always recommend us reduction of intake and regular exercise, the effect of such efforts considerably differs from each other, unfortunately.
Globalization is rapidly growing. But our constitution hardly changes in a short time. We should be cautious in altering our lifestyle.
It is well known that the US is suffering from obesity as a national problem. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had published the map of obesity in the US in 2010.
"Fat maps" show where the obesity epidemic has hit the United States hardest
Now, one-third of American and one-fourth of British are obese, according to the CIA. In addtion, there are higher proportions of obesity observed in some islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Gizmodo: How Fat the World Is, Visualized
American Samoa is the worst of the ranking, with 75% of the population reported as obese. One of the reasons for broadened obesity in Pacific islands is that Western diets have been brought to these countries by colonization, experts say.
Mail Online: How fat is YOUR country - and which nations have the highest obesity rates? These new maps may surprise you...
I am in the UK, seeing some obese citizens. But I do not feel that one-fourth of British is obese. It is no doubt that Japanese are not so obese compared to Western people. The proportion of obesity in Japan is only 5%.
Diet in Japanese has also been westernized. We are fond of eating bread and pasta. A large portion of fish has been replaced by meat on the dining table. Nonetheless, Japanese do not eat a large amount of meal. I felt American meal, but not English, was too big to eat completely on a business trip.
The likelihood of obesity highly depends on individual constitution. It is said that some black people are likely to store the fat they take. In an ethnically homogeneous group of people, some have more risk of obesity than others. Although dietitians always recommend us reduction of intake and regular exercise, the effect of such efforts considerably differs from each other, unfortunately.
Globalization is rapidly growing. But our constitution hardly changes in a short time. We should be cautious in altering our lifestyle.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Anti-austerity won the election in Greece
Yesterday, a general election was performed in Greece. As a result, anti-austerity Syriza party achieved a great victory.
Syriza is radical leftists opposing to austerity policy that has been proceeded by ruling New Democracy party (ND) following the suggestion by the EU and IMF. Syriza has won near to the majority of the seats in the diet. It is searching another party to make a coalition.
The Guardian: Greece elections: anti-austerity Syriza party sweeps to stunning victory
It is likely that crucial spending cuts during these some years harmed the citizens in Greece. Social security, health insurance, wages of officials were considerably reduced. It is no doubt that the policy of ND was unpopular to citizens.
However, the origin of this issue is the financial maltreatment continuously behaved by the Greece government. Large amount of debt and false reports regarding the economic situation brought the whole EU a crisis. The previous general election was a touchstone to evaluate the sincerity of Greece. The victory of ND relieved not only many European people but also investors in other countries. Citizens in Greece could not stand it anymore.
This winning of Syriza is definitely a risk of finance. Syriza is willing to negotiate EU and IMF for postponement of returning the debt. But persuasion will be hardly successful. I am wondering Syriza has an elixir to recover Greece without deteriorating pain.
In general, Southern Europeans are more optimistic and epicurean than Northern. Whenever I visited Italy, I was surprised to see the people so looking pleasured. On the other hand, Greek people looked not so delighted, but either not so pessimistic. It was impressive that the sun was extremely shiny in Greece. It was the most important difference from Northern Europe, I think.
My past entry: Journey to Greece (2)
I am not sure the new government will overcome this crisis responding the voice of voters to cry for help. In my personal feeling, EU legislation is too strict for Greece to adhere. Greece is not Germany. It is not surprising if Greece will withdraw from EU in the near future.
By the way, Japan is similar to Greece in terms of financial status. Although there are many differences between two countries, the case in Greece is somewhat suggestive to Japanese.
*Sequel
**Sequel
Syriza is radical leftists opposing to austerity policy that has been proceeded by ruling New Democracy party (ND) following the suggestion by the EU and IMF. Syriza has won near to the majority of the seats in the diet. It is searching another party to make a coalition.
The Guardian: Greece elections: anti-austerity Syriza party sweeps to stunning victory
It is likely that crucial spending cuts during these some years harmed the citizens in Greece. Social security, health insurance, wages of officials were considerably reduced. It is no doubt that the policy of ND was unpopular to citizens.
However, the origin of this issue is the financial maltreatment continuously behaved by the Greece government. Large amount of debt and false reports regarding the economic situation brought the whole EU a crisis. The previous general election was a touchstone to evaluate the sincerity of Greece. The victory of ND relieved not only many European people but also investors in other countries. Citizens in Greece could not stand it anymore.
This winning of Syriza is definitely a risk of finance. Syriza is willing to negotiate EU and IMF for postponement of returning the debt. But persuasion will be hardly successful. I am wondering Syriza has an elixir to recover Greece without deteriorating pain.
In general, Southern Europeans are more optimistic and epicurean than Northern. Whenever I visited Italy, I was surprised to see the people so looking pleasured. On the other hand, Greek people looked not so delighted, but either not so pessimistic. It was impressive that the sun was extremely shiny in Greece. It was the most important difference from Northern Europe, I think.
My past entry: Journey to Greece (2)
I am not sure the new government will overcome this crisis responding the voice of voters to cry for help. In my personal feeling, EU legislation is too strict for Greece to adhere. Greece is not Germany. It is not surprising if Greece will withdraw from EU in the near future.
By the way, Japan is similar to Greece in terms of financial status. Although there are many differences between two countries, the case in Greece is somewhat suggestive to Japanese.
*Sequel
**Sequel
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Tattoo seal saves diabetes
Finger pricking examination will be replaced by a tattoo.
An engineer of the University of California, San Diego developed an attachment device. It looks like a tattoo seal. Sticking to the skin, it enables to measure the blood glucose level.
Gizmodo: A Rub-On Tattoo for Diabetics Could Mean the End of Finger Pricking
Conventionally, patients with diabetes mellitus have to examine their blood glucose level every day using a pin pricking device. Its needle penetrates your skin to bleed you a little. As I tried it once for an experience, it was quite annoying even if not so hurt.
Many patients with diabetes withdraw from proper treatment. It leads them to sooner fatality. There are some reasons patients are difficult to continue treatment. They have to abandon sweets, are forced to perform daily exercise. Medication is also bothering. In addition, I think that daily blood examination is also a troublesome ritual for them.
This new tattoo seal cause less pain. Yet I am not sure how many times they have to change the seal in a week, the frequency may be less than daily. If so, the suffering of patients will be considerably mitigated. Furthermore, it is superior to bleeding examination in terms of prevention of infection.
In the future, I hope a device to be invented which senses the blood glucose level and release proper amount of insulin automatically. Long acting injection has been already realized in other kind of medication. However, excessive insulin intake during fasting state would be critical. An involvement of a self regulating system in a nano-machine will overcome this challenge.
Diseases are painful, because of its nature. Some treatments are so stressful that the quality of life is damaged. If their agony can be reduced, it is also innovative as well as improvement of the outcome. I expect early realization of this architecture.
（By the way, this person has tattooed a Kanji which means "raw." Why it was selected?)
An engineer of the University of California, San Diego developed an attachment device. It looks like a tattoo seal. Sticking to the skin, it enables to measure the blood glucose level.
Gizmodo: A Rub-On Tattoo for Diabetics Could Mean the End of Finger Pricking
Conventionally, patients with diabetes mellitus have to examine their blood glucose level every day using a pin pricking device. Its needle penetrates your skin to bleed you a little. As I tried it once for an experience, it was quite annoying even if not so hurt.
Many patients with diabetes withdraw from proper treatment. It leads them to sooner fatality. There are some reasons patients are difficult to continue treatment. They have to abandon sweets, are forced to perform daily exercise. Medication is also bothering. In addition, I think that daily blood examination is also a troublesome ritual for them.
This new tattoo seal cause less pain. Yet I am not sure how many times they have to change the seal in a week, the frequency may be less than daily. If so, the suffering of patients will be considerably mitigated. Furthermore, it is superior to bleeding examination in terms of prevention of infection.
In the future, I hope a device to be invented which senses the blood glucose level and release proper amount of insulin automatically. Long acting injection has been already realized in other kind of medication. However, excessive insulin intake during fasting state would be critical. An involvement of a self regulating system in a nano-machine will overcome this challenge.
Diseases are painful, because of its nature. Some treatments are so stressful that the quality of life is damaged. If their agony can be reduced, it is also innovative as well as improvement of the outcome. I expect early realization of this architecture.
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