November 21, 2016
Abe meets Trump
After the meeting, Abe was criticized by the opposing Democratic Party as his affirmative TPP is not approved by Trump. Abe is eager to enforce TPP. But it seems almost impossible. I heard one foreign politician saying "if TPP were renamed to Trump Pacific Partnership, Trump would have accepted TPP." I think this joke is so sweet that it expresses Trump's narcissistic character well.
November 14, 2016
Treatment of depression: multi-angle approach
Recently, I read some article about sleep deprivation therapy. It seems quite promising, but evidence about its efficacy and practical examples are still limited.
November 9, 2016
Gloomy Donald Trump's triumph for presidential vote
Now, Donald Trump is making several speeches as the President-elect. He declared to build a great wall on the border between the US and Mexico, using Mexican budget, as he promised before the Presidential vote. Some of his policies seem rational than as expected before. And the market responded his words, resulting in the stronger USD. The future is still in the deep mist.
November 2, 2016
Park Geun-hye in peril
At last, Park presented an intention to resign the President.
BBC: South Korea's President Park 'willing to resign'
Her resignation is perhaps to minimize the degree of damage on herself and the government, avoiding from the impeachment. On the other hand, she will take the risk of being arrested after stepping down from the Presidential seat. Anyway, the political life of Park seems to be terminated.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Meaning of negative emotions: “The Upside of Your Dark Side”
Just now, I have completed reading "The Upside of Your Dark Side," written by Todd Kashdan and Robert Biswas-Diener. This book has translated into Japanese, and it is available in Kindle Unlimited service.
Amazon.com: The Upside of Your Dark Side: Why Being Your Whole Self―Not Just Your "Good" Self―Drives Success and Fulfillment
The central claim of this book is to emphasize the benefits of your negative emotion such as anger, anxiety, and remorse. The author begins to indicate that modern society, especially in the US, is pursuing individual happiness too much. Everyone should be happy, pleasant, and cherish. Optimism and mindfulness are recommended by many leading people. However, these positive emotions are not always beneficial for the better life of ours, according to the authors.
For example, getting angry sometimes brings us a drive for improving the current situation. And remorse is necessary to learn better behaviors in the future.
In addition, the authors presented several results of experiments suggesting the efficacy of negative emotions. Optimists are often vulnerable to tough situations whereas pessimists are well tolerant to unexpected disasters. They emphasize the dangerousness of ignoring your negative emotions.
Mindfulness is also subjected of criticism. The authors agree with the importance of mindful thoughts. But actually, we usually behave mindlessly. Automated behaviors are often optimized to each of daily situation.
After all, the authors believe in the value of “wholeness,” which means balanced mind. You can accept your negative emotions as well as positive ones. Joy and meaning, novelty and stability are both elements of value in your life.
I totally agree the authors’ claim. You need not eliminate negative thoughts and emotions from your heart.
Though many experiments are referred in this book, source of each study are hardly clarified. It is not an exception of the same structure in a similar type of books. To be honest, I am doubtful about most of the results of studies introduced by the authors. But it is difficult to examine them. I think it is a serious flaw of this kind of books.
Amazon.com: The Upside of Your Dark Side: Why Being Your Whole Self―Not Just Your "Good" Self―Drives Success and Fulfillment
The central claim of this book is to emphasize the benefits of your negative emotion such as anger, anxiety, and remorse. The author begins to indicate that modern society, especially in the US, is pursuing individual happiness too much. Everyone should be happy, pleasant, and cherish. Optimism and mindfulness are recommended by many leading people. However, these positive emotions are not always beneficial for the better life of ours, according to the authors.
For example, getting angry sometimes brings us a drive for improving the current situation. And remorse is necessary to learn better behaviors in the future.
In addition, the authors presented several results of experiments suggesting the efficacy of negative emotions. Optimists are often vulnerable to tough situations whereas pessimists are well tolerant to unexpected disasters. They emphasize the dangerousness of ignoring your negative emotions.
Mindfulness is also subjected of criticism. The authors agree with the importance of mindful thoughts. But actually, we usually behave mindlessly. Automated behaviors are often optimized to each of daily situation.
After all, the authors believe in the value of “wholeness,” which means balanced mind. You can accept your negative emotions as well as positive ones. Joy and meaning, novelty and stability are both elements of value in your life.
I totally agree the authors’ claim. You need not eliminate negative thoughts and emotions from your heart.
Though many experiments are referred in this book, source of each study are hardly clarified. It is not an exception of the same structure in a similar type of books. To be honest, I am doubtful about most of the results of studies introduced by the authors. But it is difficult to examine them. I think it is a serious flaw of this kind of books.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Fidel Castro’s death and the relationship with the US
Fidel Castro, the former Cuban President, was dead at the age of 90.
He was recognized as a revolutionist. He defeated the previous Cuban government which had kept a close relationship with the US. And he reconstructed Cuba as a socialist state. He had been the President for nearly a half century.
The Atlantic: Reactions to Fidel Castro's Death: Live Coverage
Cuba and the US had been in a tense relationship since Fidel seated the leader of Cuba. On the other hand, he was very friendly to Japan. He often admired the accomplishment of Japanese athletes in Major League. Some Japanese are fond of visiting Cuba because Cuban government permits Japanese tourists to enter Cuba without a visa.
In recent years, thanks to Obama administration’s effort, the international relationship between Cuba and the US is becoming closer. In 2015, Obama and Fidel met each other officially, which was 59 years after the previous meeting.
My past entry: US and Cuba is approaching
However, Donald Trump seems to identify Cuba and Fidel as an enemy. He mentioned Fidel as a brutal dictator, as Obama said as a singular figure. Trump said that the death of Fidel would make Cuban people free from suppression.
Hindustan Times: Obama calls Castro ‘singular figure’, Trump says he was a ‘brutal dictator’
It is not sure how Trump will deal with Cuba. Some American people consider that Obama’s foreign policy was too coward and just for making a legacy. Considering that many Republicans still do not like to normalize the tie with Cuba, the relationship between the two nations will be deteriorated, I am afraid. It is consistent with Trump’s policy for the solitude of the US.
The Guardian: Fidel Castro death: Donald Trump hopes for a free Cuba – as it happened
Not only for Americans but also Cuban people, the rise of Trump and the fall of Fidel will have a great impact. I hope it will be beneficial for them.
He was recognized as a revolutionist. He defeated the previous Cuban government which had kept a close relationship with the US. And he reconstructed Cuba as a socialist state. He had been the President for nearly a half century.
The Atlantic: Reactions to Fidel Castro's Death: Live Coverage
Cuba and the US had been in a tense relationship since Fidel seated the leader of Cuba. On the other hand, he was very friendly to Japan. He often admired the accomplishment of Japanese athletes in Major League. Some Japanese are fond of visiting Cuba because Cuban government permits Japanese tourists to enter Cuba without a visa.
In recent years, thanks to Obama administration’s effort, the international relationship between Cuba and the US is becoming closer. In 2015, Obama and Fidel met each other officially, which was 59 years after the previous meeting.
My past entry: US and Cuba is approaching
However, Donald Trump seems to identify Cuba and Fidel as an enemy. He mentioned Fidel as a brutal dictator, as Obama said as a singular figure. Trump said that the death of Fidel would make Cuban people free from suppression.
Hindustan Times: Obama calls Castro ‘singular figure’, Trump says he was a ‘brutal dictator’
It is not sure how Trump will deal with Cuba. Some American people consider that Obama’s foreign policy was too coward and just for making a legacy. Considering that many Republicans still do not like to normalize the tie with Cuba, the relationship between the two nations will be deteriorated, I am afraid. It is consistent with Trump’s policy for the solitude of the US.
The Guardian: Fidel Castro death: Donald Trump hopes for a free Cuba – as it happened
Not only for Americans but also Cuban people, the rise of Trump and the fall of Fidel will have a great impact. I hope it will be beneficial for them.
Jigsaw puzzle
Recently, I bought a jigsaw puzzle for killing time.
I had only a couple of experiences of completing a jigsaw puzzle. I remember I achieved a puzzle composed of 400 pieces. It was a tough work in my memory. However, I am over 40-year-old. So, I decided to challenge a 1000 pieces puzzle.
Amazon.com: Ceaco Thomas Kinkade - Sunset on Lamplight Lane Puzzle (1000 Piece)
The picture printed on the pieces was drew by Thomas Kinkade. He created several works including Disney characters. I was fascinated in his beautiful drawing. Repairing his picture would be an exciting attempt, I convinced.
First, the frame should be completed.
After then, some specific pieces were fixed with ease.
But it was time-consuming to complete this work. It took over a week.
Finally, I got it!
Now, I am wondering how to treat this complete puzzle. I can stabilize the puzzle with a glue. But I have no space to display it in my room. I have to consider it.
I had only a couple of experiences of completing a jigsaw puzzle. I remember I achieved a puzzle composed of 400 pieces. It was a tough work in my memory. However, I am over 40-year-old. So, I decided to challenge a 1000 pieces puzzle.
Amazon.com: Ceaco Thomas Kinkade - Sunset on Lamplight Lane Puzzle (1000 Piece)
The picture printed on the pieces was drew by Thomas Kinkade. He created several works including Disney characters. I was fascinated in his beautiful drawing. Repairing his picture would be an exciting attempt, I convinced.
First, the frame should be completed.
After then, some specific pieces were fixed with ease.
But it was time-consuming to complete this work. It took over a week.
Finally, I got it!
Now, I am wondering how to treat this complete puzzle. I can stabilize the puzzle with a glue. But I have no space to display it in my room. I have to consider it.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Is Santa lie acceptable?
Do you believe Santa Clause is delivering toys to children on the Christmas Eve? Of course not. So, why do you tell a lie to your kids?
It is a question which is old, but still hard to reply. Indeed, many parents seem to trick their kids to make them believe the existence of Santa Clause, although it is obvious one day the children will know that they had been deceived by the parents for a long time.
Christopher Boyle and Kathy McKay suggest that it is because parents would like to become children accepted to believe the fantasy. According to them, Santa lie is not a white lie, but merely a selfish trick.
International Business Times: A wonderful lie - Here's why telling kids Santa is real is not such a good idea
In the article published in Lancet Psychiatry, they take a warning that such a lie can do damage on their children’s mind later in their life. Unfortunately, I cannot read the whole article now. Therefore, I do not know how they justified their hypothesis.
Lancet Psychiatry: A wonderful lie
But I am doubtful that their opinion was properly constructed through a scientific process. The influence of an experience in later life is quite difficult to be proven. In this case, I should conduct a longitudinal cohort study whose subjects are at least hundreds of children in each group, of which guys having told, or untold, about Santa by their parents, are participated. It is an absurdly large study protocol.
In Japan, Santa fantasy is also popular albeit not so many Japanese are Christians. I think some parents are eager to trick their children because other families do the same. They tend to think their child will be bullied if their he or she is the only one in the class who does not believe Santa. Such an idea is particular in Japan, in my sense. I am curious how European people feel about it.
And in my opinion, telling about Santa is neither beneficial nor harmful to children. Sooner or later, children learn the fact that, every people make a lie, and their parents are no exception.
It is a question which is old, but still hard to reply. Indeed, many parents seem to trick their kids to make them believe the existence of Santa Clause, although it is obvious one day the children will know that they had been deceived by the parents for a long time.
Christopher Boyle and Kathy McKay suggest that it is because parents would like to become children accepted to believe the fantasy. According to them, Santa lie is not a white lie, but merely a selfish trick.
International Business Times: A wonderful lie - Here's why telling kids Santa is real is not such a good idea
In the article published in Lancet Psychiatry, they take a warning that such a lie can do damage on their children’s mind later in their life. Unfortunately, I cannot read the whole article now. Therefore, I do not know how they justified their hypothesis.
Lancet Psychiatry: A wonderful lie
But I am doubtful that their opinion was properly constructed through a scientific process. The influence of an experience in later life is quite difficult to be proven. In this case, I should conduct a longitudinal cohort study whose subjects are at least hundreds of children in each group, of which guys having told, or untold, about Santa by their parents, are participated. It is an absurdly large study protocol.
In Japan, Santa fantasy is also popular albeit not so many Japanese are Christians. I think some parents are eager to trick their children because other families do the same. They tend to think their child will be bullied if their he or she is the only one in the class who does not believe Santa. Such an idea is particular in Japan, in my sense. I am curious how European people feel about it.
And in my opinion, telling about Santa is neither beneficial nor harmful to children. Sooner or later, children learn the fact that, every people make a lie, and their parents are no exception.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Trump dismisses NASA's research of climate change
Donald Trump, the President-elect, seems to abolish the division of NASA which is investigating the climate change. According to Trump, NASA should focus on investigating outer planets, and climate change is a subject to be addressed by other organizations.
The Guardian: Trump to scrap Nasa climate research in crackdown on ‘politicized science’
His comment sounds rational at a glance. However, he also said that climate change was a hoax created by Chinese. It is absolute nonsense. Indeed, the cause of recent climate change is hard to be proven. Nonetheless, there is rich evidence suggesting the influence of the modern human activities on global warming during decades.
As I wrote before, climate change is a very complicated issue. It will take more than a century to prove the effect of current attempts for reducing greenhouse gasses. Nobody who is responsible for it will survive when the outcome becomes apparent. In addition, the climate is typical public goods. Thus, if only the US is eager to address the sustainability of the current environment, the benefit of the US' endeavor will be spread all over the world. Therefore, there is no incentive for the US alone to invest the maintenance of the environment.
My past entry: Climate is a public goods
For these reasons, a populist politician like Trump has no motivation at all to contribute to preventing the climate change. It is obvious that Trump is attracted by an exciting project such as deep space investigation than climate change.
In my opinion, regardless of the level of his business skills, Trump is unfamiliar to scientific sense. The US Scientists will suffer from opposition by politicians for some years, I am afraid.
The Guardian: Trump to scrap Nasa climate research in crackdown on ‘politicized science’
His comment sounds rational at a glance. However, he also said that climate change was a hoax created by Chinese. It is absolute nonsense. Indeed, the cause of recent climate change is hard to be proven. Nonetheless, there is rich evidence suggesting the influence of the modern human activities on global warming during decades.
As I wrote before, climate change is a very complicated issue. It will take more than a century to prove the effect of current attempts for reducing greenhouse gasses. Nobody who is responsible for it will survive when the outcome becomes apparent. In addition, the climate is typical public goods. Thus, if only the US is eager to address the sustainability of the current environment, the benefit of the US' endeavor will be spread all over the world. Therefore, there is no incentive for the US alone to invest the maintenance of the environment.
My past entry: Climate is a public goods
For these reasons, a populist politician like Trump has no motivation at all to contribute to preventing the climate change. It is obvious that Trump is attracted by an exciting project such as deep space investigation than climate change.
In my opinion, regardless of the level of his business skills, Trump is unfamiliar to scientific sense. The US Scientists will suffer from opposition by politicians for some years, I am afraid.
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Historic cold wave strikes Japan
Today, it snowed in Tokyo.
It is for the first time in this year. Moreover, we seldom encounter snow in November in Japan. Today's weather is a very rare phenomenon, according to the authority. The reason of the snow and cold weather is considered to be a gigantic cold wave.
In 2014, we experienced some heavy snowy days, referring my past entries. In 2015 winter, I was in London, and never saw snow.
My past entry: Heavy snow
My past entry: Cold day
My past entry: Great snow strikes Chiba
Recently, we frequently see the report mentioning the abnormal weather. It may suggest global climate change is progressing. In this year, we encountered some big earthquakes as well. We should prepare for adverse occasions.
It is for the first time in this year. Moreover, we seldom encounter snow in November in Japan. Today's weather is a very rare phenomenon, according to the authority. The reason of the snow and cold weather is considered to be a gigantic cold wave.
In 2014, we experienced some heavy snowy days, referring my past entries. In 2015 winter, I was in London, and never saw snow.
My past entry: Heavy snow
My past entry: Cold day
My past entry: Great snow strikes Chiba
Recently, we frequently see the report mentioning the abnormal weather. It may suggest global climate change is progressing. In this year, we encountered some big earthquakes as well. We should prepare for adverse occasions.
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