Sequels in September 2014

September 24, 2014
24 hours Tube coming in London

By the way, automated tube will not be realized for a decade in London, according to the authority. In addition to technical challenges, I guess it makes the issue more complicated that driverless tube would rob the seats of lots of employees. Mechanization is always both the friend and foe.

London Evening Standard: Driverless Tube trains on London Underground 'won't run until 2030'


September 20, 2014
Scotland chose not to be independent for a while

After the historic vote, the UK seems calm. The GBP is stable afterwards.

*Sequel


September 18, 2014
New gadgets from Apple, Samsung, and Amazon

I am wondering if I buy Kindle Voyage. Its 300 dpi resolution is so attractive that I expect to read some materials with PDF without stress. However, it is more expensive to buy one in the UK than in Japan by almost $100.


September 12, 2014
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, novel and play (2)


In the day I watched the play, I got a prize because I took a seat whose number was a prime number and the number calculated with a certain rule from my own name was a prime number. It is a cool gimmick.

September 8, 2014
Trying instant noodle in London

Recently, I found Demae-Icchoh, a popular instant noodle in Japan at Morrison's. Demae-Icchoh is a well known bland spread to Asia. I will try it soon.

September 6, 2014
Seeking house in London (3)

To be honest, I experienced serious discomfort about the accomodation. The landlord is a nice guy, but the agency is terrible. I am still in a trouble.


September 2, 2014
Giffgaff, a nice mobile carrier in the UK

Unfortunately, Giffgaff soon changed the paying policy. My usage of the internet is no more unlimited with the same monthly fee.

Amazing Spider-Man2, meaning of the death

Finally, I watched through the movie, "Amazing Spider-Man 2," recently. The reason I had hesitated to watch this film is that I do not like the previous work.

This is a sequel to Amazing Spider-Man. Peter Parker as Spider-Man is a superhero who has amazing spider power. He is struggling to know the truth around missing of his father. His sweetheart, Gwen Stacy, is frustrating from his frustrating attitude. Peter is afraid that she will be damaged due to being concerning to him. And it becomes true.

In this film, a total of three villains appear: Electro, Green Goblin, and Rhino. To be honest, I feel each of them not so attractive. Rhino has a very limited role in this film. Electro is the main villain . However, his motivation to attack Spider-Man is so weak. I understand his rage to citizens, but he becomes merely envious to Spider-Man. He lacks a philosophy as a villain.

Instead, Harry Osborn as Green Goblin is admirable. He is in a way to promised death and he is eager to gain Spider-Man's power. He seems to have no friend to trust. So, he has no option but to propose a deal with money to Spider-Man, to be refused. As a result, it collapses the friendship between him and Peter. I can be empathic to his agony. It is unfortunate that we have to wait for him to become Green Goblin till the latter part of the film. Actually, the middle of this story is rather boring.

In the climax, Gwen Stacy is killed by Green Goblin. Although I had heard the story in the original comics before, I was surprised. In this film, I have a difficulty how I should interpret her death. At a glance, she seems to die in vain. Indeed, it was for the first time that a heroine was killed uselessly in an American Comic.

She dared to be accompanied with Spider-Man. So, she was responsible to some extent. It was her intention to support Peter with her own life. However, she had no contribution in the battle with Green Goblin.

Peter was suffering from regret that he could not save her life. Listening to her speech at the graduation ceremony, he regained the courage to be the Spider-Man again. This scene is a little heartwarming. Nevertheless, I think her death is described rather too lightly. Watchers without knowledge of the original stories might be confused, I guess.

The battle of Spider-Man is continuing. Mary Jane Watson will appear in the next film. I am waiting for her.

Personal Rating: 3 (fair)

Three things far from my prediction in London

Actually, I had visited London three times before. So, I had an image of daily life in London. It is not surprising, however, that real experience is different from imagination. I think there are three things I experienced with surprising.

1. London food is not bad

To be honest, I did not expect London cuisine at all. Whenever I visited London, I was disappointed in the taste everywhere. However, the era has changed. I am satisfied in many restaurants this time.

Some cakes tasted very well. I had some bitter memory of the cakes I ate in foreign countries. They were often too sweet, poisonous. But some cakes I ate at a lunch buffet were gentle.

Nonetheless, I dare not try Sushi in London. It is exclusively Japanese cuisine.


2. Clothes are not easy to dry

Some Japanese living in London say that you need not use an umbrella during rainy day, because wet jacket would become dry soon. London air is so dry that clothes is easy to dry after washing, according to them. I hate to say that, they are liars.

When I wash my clothes using an automated washing machine, it takes over one day to dry them. So I am struggling to keep my clothes and towels prepared to change.

By the way, I heard Londoners do not wash towels so often. The frequency of washing towels after using them are various in Japan. I would like to wash it every time after using it. When I lived in a flat shared with the owner, he looked at me washing my towels with curiosity.


3. General rules are not strict

I have heard that the UK is a society of contract. To some extent, it is right. But in many positions, UK citizens are loose. To begin with, buses and tubes are frequently late. Maybe due to this fact, the UK people are not so punctual. They are tolerant to time.

However, I should be aware to the point. In some manner, UK can be so strict.

Japan Matsuri 2014 in London

Today, I visited Trafalgar Square to see Japan Matsuri.

Japan Matsuri is an annual event held in London. It is organized by Japan Matsuri Ltd., comprising the Japan Association in the UK, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UK, the Japan Society and the Nippon Club, and supported by the Embassy of Japan.

Japan Matsuri 2014

Trafalgar Square is a famous spot located in the center of London. A gigantic spring and statue of a cock are the symbols of Trafarger Square.

Today is a usual day in London, so cloudy.

But there are lots of people in Trafalgar Square.

The entrance of Square was crowded.

On the stage, some events were held, such as Karaoke, one after another.

This is Eisa, a traditional dance in Okinawa.

This is a Japanese exercises named "Radio Taiso". I think it is a nice idea to introduce Radio Taiso. But the space was too limited for us to join in. Only few people moved the bodies together.

There were several stores opened to sell some Japanese cuisine.

I ate Curry Udon and Takoyaki. They tasted not well, unfortunately.

Behind the field, there were some street performers. Yoda was floating.

There were not only Japanese but also many English visitors. I enjoyed the time.

Going to Institute of Psychiatry

Now I am studying in the Institute of Psychiatry, which was very recently renamed to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN).

King's College London: From IoP to IoPPN

This kind of renaming is frequent, nowadays. In Japan, the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry was renamed a few years ago, from "Kokuritsu Seishin Shinkei Senta [National Center of Psychiatry & Neurology]" to "Kokuritsu Seishin Shinkei Iryo Kenkyu Senta [National Center of Medical Care and Research in Psychiatry & Neurology]", though the English name not altered. This kind of renaming may reflect the increase of the participants in each organization. Psychologists are devoting to psychiatry much more than in the past. Not a few psychologists engage in neurocognitive research. The field of psychiatry has also broadened.

IoPPN is located next to Mauseley Hospital.

This is the main building of the IoPPN.

The entrance doors automatically open. I was nearly hit by the door.

By the way, this is Guy's campus, another area in King's college London.
Guy's hospital is near the campus.

It is also brave.

This is Green Wood Theatre in Guy's campus, though whose color looked not green.

And this is the headquarter of University of London.

I am so excited staying here for a while.

24 hours Tube coming in London

London underground railways, called as "Tube" are quite common not only to citizen, but also foreigners. I hear that underground railways in Tokyo were constructed referring to Tube. Tube originates from its round form of the corridor in which trains are running. And this circular figure was developed to diffuse the pressure of soil effectively to any directions.

Very recently, Transport for London published that some of the Tube lines will be available in 24 hours. From September 2015, we can utilize the Jubilee, Victoria and a part of the Piccadilly, Central and Northern lines on Friday and Saturday night.

The Guardian: London Underground to run 24-hour weekend tube from September 2015

BBC: 'Night Tube' weekend service to launch in September 2015

Currently, from 1 to 5 O'clock we cannot enter the underground. If the Night Tube plan is realized, the situation will be considerably changed.

First of all, we will not need to worry about the final train when attending a dinner party on the weekend. It is a common desire for drinkers regardless of the countries. Second, the midnight administration of the railways will vitalize the industry around the regions. Of course, more employment is required.

There will be a need for 24 hour stores in the stations. Unfortunately, current space of underground stations is limited. Some stations are to be considered of reformation.

In Tokyo, many homeless persons gathered under the subways where anyone could stay regardless of the time. Since it was deemed to cause exacerbation of safety, the metropolitan police had to deal with them. The same issue may occur in London.

I am not sure whether this decision will make a profit for the railway company. Ironically, I seldom use Tube, because the buses are less expensive.

*sequel

McDonald's in London

To be honest, I visit McDonald's almost every day after I moved into the flat.

I do not like McDonald's so much. In Japan, I seldom eat there. However, I have not utilized the internet in my flat. In addition, I cannot use tethering service with my smartphone because Giffgaff does not permit it. Therefore, I have no choice but to go to McDonald's to for the usage of the free Wifi connection.

Actually, McDonald's free Wifi is excellent. It is faster than that in the college.

McDonald's is not to be mentioned popular fast food franchise. It is a so big company that it is sometimes referred to especially in a critical context. For example, stereotypical tasks demanded for unskilled employees are often called "Mc jobs." McDonald's had also been targeted by anti-obesity campaigns. Several dietitians and pediatrists blamed McDonald's as it made a cause of increase of persons with obesity. A film director made an experiment that how would he gain the body weight if he ate hamburgers every day.

I think that some of the criticisms are pointless. Few people want McDonald's to serve healthy food. We do not need to eat the same menu every day. McDonald's shows only a dilemma between cost and quality.

By the way, I am a little surprised that McDonald's provides almost same qualified food in various countries. The taste of a Big Mac and French fries are quite similar in each country. "Big Mac Index" is a measurement of price for international comparison.

Several years ago, I read an article that Olympic athletes were thankful to eat in McDonald's because they felt relieved to eat as the same hamburgers as in their home countries. McDonald's is one of the biggest companies which sponsor Olynpic. However, I laughed at the episode, as Olympic athlete should be aware of their foods.

After all, it is no doubt that McDonald's is a symbol of globalization. By the way, I am anxious how long I have to visit McDonald's to use the internet.

Controversies in eating disorders

Eating disorder (ED) is a quite complex syndrome.

ED and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have some common characteristics, it makes us confused. Both happen in young adult ages. Cognitive distortions are the core in both diseases. And behaviors in both patients are often extremely odd, so that we hardly understand.

The author of this article below had a son who suffered from OCD, which was misdiagnosed as ED.

PsychCentral: OCD vs. Eating Disorders

I agree with most of the content by the author. OCD is sometimes difficult to distinguish from ED. I have some similar experiences. In many cases, the patients had to be hospitalized due to excessively low body weight. We suspected they were suffering from anorexia nervosa. However, the true reason they hesitated to eat was an irrational thought, such as they get ill when they eat something unless they wash the hands properly in advance. In contrast, it is rare that we misdiagnose an ED as OCD.

By the way, I am wondering about the gender rate of patients with ED. In DSM-5, the female/male rate of prevalence is estimated at 10:1 in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. On the other hand, male patients with binge eating disorder are nearly as many female patients. Some studies support this description. The data in the US show that the female/male rate of all eating disorders are 2.5:1 in most of the states.

ANRED: Statistics: How many people have eating disorders?

ANAD: Eating Disorder Population by Gender in each State

In my experience, male Japanese patients with EDs are less than one-tenth of the female, at least in a clinical setting. I met more than one-hundred patients, but only 4 were male, of which one was diagnosed as obsessive compulsive personality disorder and another became schizophrenic soon after recovered from ED.

It is also under discussion whether AN and BN have a common root. It is no doubt that some AN patients change into BN as the therapy proceeded. DSM-5 has not proposed an answer to this question. I think that a few patients with AN have specific, maybe genetic or endogenic, factors which cause resistance to treatment. They have often poor prognosis. Other patients are reactive to cognitive behavioral therapy or other intervention. The other day, some of my colleagues attempted to distinguish the two types using blood analysis, but the result was not satisfactory.

ED is one of the most curious mental illnesses. The genesis of this disease is partially related to modern lifestyles. However, it cannot give the entire explanation of its pathology. Some patients need extremely intensive care. We have to be more skillful to deal with this complicated disorder.

Attachment style

Attachment is a major, but a still controversial concept to understand our mentality.

Many psychologists agree with the hypothesis that we establish our own style of attachment during our childhood. We have a great opportunity to learn about the mutual relationship from our parents, siblings, and friends and teachers. Stable and reliable relationships with them in early life stage make us self-confident and independent. In contrast, failure in the development of attachment can cause some emotional difficulties. In many cases, they appear in the late adolescent or early adulthood. Trouble in attachment is hypothesized as one of the cause of Borderline Personality Disorder.

This thought above is delivered from numerous clinical experience and observation. However, this kind of concept is not free from the change of social culture and lifestyle. Nowadays, many couples choose divorce, with ease compared to the past. The divorce rate is up to one-third even in Japan. Single Mother is frequent in the US. In such social circumstance, are many children suffering from attachment difficulties? Is the situation the same if the divorce reaches the majority?

By the way, attachment style can be categorized in with methods. This is an example to analyze your attachment style developed by R. Chris Fraley. You can try the test for free with several minutes. Note you have to input your information such as age and nationality in advance.

Attachment Styles and Close Relationships

In this method, attachment style is assessed using two axes; anxiety and avoidance, in close relationship. Anxious people tend to worry about whether their partners are truly concerned with them. They are fearful to be rejected. On the other hand, avoidant people hesitate to open their mind to others, even closed.

According to this questionnaire, my attachment style is located in the center of the graph. I am not so anxious or avoidant either. A good result, isn't it?

However, as no examinations are perfect, this questionnaire is a little questionable. First, avoidant people are usually anxious. Rather, to deal with their anxiety people tend to behave avoidant. An extreme example of this coping pattern is Avoidant Personality Disorder, who are quite reluctant to make mutual relationships with others because they are anxious about being rejected by others. Second, I felt that attitude and behaviors to closed ones are different from them to other people. I love my family truly, but I would not like to be a family with everyone, not to mention about it.

Of course you can alter your attachment style, at least many therapist believe you can. However, it is not easy because attachment style is one of basis of you in many occasions in which you should make a decision. Cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy are utilized to solve the problems among human relationship.

PsychCentral: How to Change Your Attachment Style

Scotland chose not to be independent for a while

A historic referendum resulted in winning of remainists.

The majority of Scot voted against the independence of Scotland from the UK. However, the difference of the both sides was very low, as  2,001,926 versus 1,617,989. The vote rate was over 80%, the highest of all referendums ever held in Scotland. It shows the high concern of Scot to this matter.

The Guardian: Scottish referendum: Cameron pledges devolution revolution after no vote

David Cameron, the Prime Minister and his administration were relieved to know the result. If independence had been realized, he would have been forced to resign. Nonetheless, he has to manage the interests of both sides deliberately. The opposite parties are willing to take the next move on this matter.

The Guradian: Scottish referendum: Cameron pledges devolution revolution after no vote

BBC: Scottish referendum: Gordon Brown vows 'powers will be delivered'

This result was delightfully accepted by Spanish PM, too. Catalan have also ambition to be independent from Spain, whereas the Spanish government does not permit the referendum by Catalan, different from the UK.

The Guradian: Scotland chose best option, says Spain's PM as Catalan campaign continues

I have thought the independence of Scotland would make some risks as I wrote. So, I feel rather safe to know this result. The market seems to respond as same. A Japanese blogger being married to an English man welcomed this result, too. Her husband was anxious about the chasm between Scot and English occurred by this augment.

My past entry: Independence of Scotland, referendum is approaching

Mainichi: Pound, stocks rise as Scotland votes to stay in UK

Scotland Hikikomori Nikki (Scotland withdrawal diary, in Japanese)

Many politicians are eager to make the end of the conflict. The motivation of Scot to become independent will be extinguished at least for a while. However, it gave me many things to consider.


*Sequel
**Sequel

New gadgets from Apple, Samsung, and Amazon

In the near future, a war of gadgets will begin again.

Samsung will release a new model of Galaxy Note, named Galaxy Note 4 in the next month. It equips 5.7 inch display with over full HD resolution. 

It is obvious that Samsung deems Apple as a rival. Compared to iPhone6 plus by Apple, it seems quite similar in spec. The display may be superior. I am afraid that the Android OS is slow to manipulate than iOS. AT&T and Verizon in the US will offer a 2-year contract package with discount of the price.

Engadget: Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 will land in the US on October 17 

Meanwhile, Amazon has reported about their new models of Kindle and Kindle Fire HDX, at last.

Kindle Voyage is a new flagship model of Kindle family. It has over 300dpi resolution. Amazon also renewed other products. In Japan, products with advertisement in exchange for 2,000 JPY ($20) discount will be introduced for the first time.

I bought Kindle Paperwhite 2 years ago. But after introducing iPad mini with retina display, I recognized the importance of high resolution. So, I am very interested in Kindle Voyage very much.

*sequel

Something strange in London

London is a quite big, and wonderful city. Although I have lived in London since half a month ago, I found various things amazing, or rather strange.

This is a restaurant featuring Sherlock Holmes.

The menu includes the names of Mrs. Hudson and Prof. Moriarty.

Unfortunately, I was not starving when I found the restaurant. So I did not try it.

This is a toilet place nearby a park. It looked like a space ship. Unfortunately, it was not so clean or functional, I thought.

In autumn, it sometimes sunny.
I like vapor trail. It makes me happy.

There are shampoos placed on the rack. You can choose your favorite one from a large amount of candidates. However, It is a little difficult for me to identify their characteristics at a glance.

This is a caution about a fire extinguisher. Each solution can their own advantages. But I wonder if I can choose the correct one according to this caution in an emergency.

In London, we sometimes encounter a demonstration. It was not certain what did the persons claim. Regardless of the thought, any claims should be respected, unless they cause violence.

Fortunately, I have not encounter any accident in London excepting some troubles. I am thankful about it.

Schizophrenia in a decade

Today, I took a class to learn basic knowledge about schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is one of the mental disorders which is recognized from long time ago. Nowadays, it is deemed to be a brain disease, however, its cause and etiology are under discussion.

When I became a psychiatrist, I was told that schizophrenia was so difficult to treat that you should care for them with comprehensive welfare. After a decade, the situation regarding this severe disease is not changed so dramatically. Nonetheless, some findings have been done with the devotion of researchers.

The other days, it was said that men and women were equally likely to get schizophrenia. However, recent data suggest that men are more likely to become schizophrenic. Meanwhile, the relationship between schizophrenia and autistic disorder has been reassessed. According to latest epidemiology, men have more risk for schizophrenia as well as autism, and patients with autism are at risk for schizophrenia. On the other hand, the prevalence rate of autistic disorders is rapidly increasing. These facts are quite complicated with one another. In my opinion, not a few autistic boys were underestimated or misdiagnosed as schizophrenia in the past. The distinction between schizophrenia and autism should also be discussed more in detail.

Treatment strategy for schizophrenic patients is developing for several decades. Clozapine, cognitive behavioral therapy, and community based care are all innovative. Many patients are saved with those therapeutic approaches. However, prognosis of schizophrenia has not been improved, at least in statistical data. Schizophrenia in approximately one-thirds of the patients are progressive. In addition, almost 10% of the patients commit suicide. It is uncertain whether our treatment can protect the patients from these miserable outcomes.

To be honest, I was overly optimistic about this matter when I was a medical student. I assumed that someone else would identify the ultimate solution for schizophrenia in a decade. Still now, we are in the center of battlefield against this disease.

London City Mapper and transportation

London is a big city. I often lose the way.

When you look around London, I recommend you to use Citymapper.

Citymapper

It is an excellent application to view the map of London. It is available in both iPhone and Android smartphone. It can show you some alternative ways to the goal you input. With this app, you can utilize all London tubes and buses.

London Underground is very famous. However, buses are less expensive. You have to pay only 1.5 GBP regardless of the length of riding on. Unfortunately, buses are vulnerable to traffic jam. In addition, crowded Buses sometimes go through a station without stopping. Actually, traffic position in London is so terrible that the Minister is concerned about it.

Chronic overcrowding on London commuter trains must be solved, says Transport Minister

Digital maps help us greatly. Nowadays, there is also such a map, suggesting the territories of gangs.

Google MAP: South London Gang Regions

London cats

There are a lot of cats living around my flat. They are truly charming.

It is a cat kept in a store near my flat. I visited there frequently to see it.

It lives around a park nearby Sainsbury, a popular supermarket. It was very accustomed to human.

It is also quite cute. It looked to be fond of lying down on the ground.

It looked like a raccoon, having very rich fur.

London cats are active, and often shy. It is difficult to take a photo of them.

This cat was so beautiful. It looked conscious to the camera.

I saw it recently. In spite of its prettiness, it never got out of a gap between the dust bins.

Cats living in London are clean and magnificent. How lovely they are!

Afterthat cuisine in London

This entry is a sequel to the one regarding London food.
As I wrote before, I cannot use a microwave oven. So I had to go out for meal almost every day.

The ninth day, I visited a South Indian restaurant, named Ganapati. I ordered rabbit curry with coconut rice. It had very spicy and rich flavor. Extremely delicious.

The 10th day, I went to the center of London. There was a vast variety of restaurants near Picadery Circus. I enjoyed an afternoon tea at The Montague garden. I could try any of 12 kinds of tea leaf there. I stayed there for hours, reading e-books.

The 11th day, I ate fish and chips at Flying Fish.
Whenever I try it, I feel happy for the first bite. However, it is too fatty for me.

The 12th day I visited Nando's again. I tried a hamburger with chicken breast. It was also yummy.

The 13th day, unusually I had a meal outside twice in a day. I ate a full English breakfast for the first time since I arrived in London. It contained so large amount of calories. Brown mushrooms were very delicious, but I left boiled beans.

In the night, I went to a local cafe which serves Indian vegetarian cuisine. Different from its image, it had a rich taste. I liked it.

Soon, I will move to a flat as a tenant. Then I will cook something on my own, because it is rather expensive to go out for dinner every day.