Ken Shimura passed away due to corona pneumonia

Ken Shimura, a famous Japanese comedian died after being infected by COVID-19.

According to the media, Ken was hospitalized because of corona viral pneumonia. As its mortality rate is said to up to 10%, we were anxious about his prognosis. Now, the worst scenario is realized, unfortunately.

Ken was 70 yo. He was not young, but healthy before the infection. He was going to play a protagonist of a cinema movie for the first time. If he had not been infected by COVID-19, he would have been alive now.

Also, Ken delivered smiley acts every day for several decades to many Japanese. His symbolic comical acts were mimicked by many children.

I pray for Ken’s peaceful afterlife. And we have to continue to fight against this deadly virus.

AI image diagnosis is promised

Technology in medical science is very rapidly developing. Especially, AI solution is one of the most promised region.

Recently, some cases were reported in which an AI diagnosis was superior to doctor's. It is uncertain whether the machine will overwhelm human doctors completely. But, as far as limited to the issue of image diagnosis, we should properly rely on AI support.

Inverse: A NEW A.I. SYSTEM COULD MAKE SURE WE NEVER MISDIAGNOSE CANCER AGAIN

Because pattern recognition is a core element of image diagnosis. Radiologists are familiar to make a diagnosis with one snapshot. But they are not only trained to evaluate each image with a digital scale but also accustomed to distinguish some unnatural beings in a film. Their sense is similar to an instinct.

On the other hand, AI can learn something from massive number of films which were tagged as normal or abnormal. These tags are basically reliable because they had been investigated by physicians previously. Thus, AI can experience astronomical numbers of cases before facing a real patient.

Therefore, AI's sense is similar to those skilled radiologists have acquired. It does not matter whether it should be called a sense or not. It is certain that this learning process is quite rational.

Also in psychiatry, research for improving the quality of AI diagnosis is ongoing. But it will be much more tough, in my opinion. It is because each case are hardly tagged to "correct diagnosis."

A critical bug is found in Windows

Microsoft released an information of a critical bug. through the bug, a hacker could compromise the Windows PC.

Independent: MAJOR WINDOWS BUG IS LETTING HACKERS ATTACK USERS, SAYS MICROSOFT

According to Microsoft, it has started addressing this issue. But, the actual influence of the bug remains uncertain.

In recent, the share of Windows PC in the market is decreasing, not only due to rise of Mac but also the spread of smartphone. Nonetheless, when a critical bug is found in Windows, the social impact will be still high.

Air pollution reduced due to COVID-19

Accumulating evidence suggests the level of air pollution was reduced significantly in these days.

It is no doubt that the outcome is thankful to corona virus pandemic followed by the lockdown in several cities such as London and New York.  But not only urban areas but also some rural areas were given clearer air recently. It may be partially because the fact that many factories are crippled due to shortage of workers.

Evening Express: Air pollution falls as UK goes into coronavirus lockdown

Air pollution is one of the biggest problems of environmental issues. Dirty sky is estimated to take 40,000 people's life in the UK. In this sense, it is more awful than COVID-19.

Researchers say the influence of cleaned sky will not be able to be calculated exactly because many people died by COVID-19. Many victims are elder so that they might be dead by other reasons even if not infected with COVID-19.

Nonetheless, this phenomenon tells us many things. First, air pollution is without doubt caused by human activity. Second, it is reversible, and the effect of stopping activities will be gained soon.

Some regions have started to restrict air polluting activities such as driving a car in city. It is possible that temporal suspension of industrial activity such as "no NO2 week" will be a political practice in the future after overcoming the pandemic.

Loss of smell is an early symptom of COVID-19 infection

A latest study suggests a way of quick diagnosis of COVID-19.

According to the researchers, loss of smell may be a fastest symptom after you are infected by corona virus newly developed. The abnormal sense of smell emerges before the you have dry cough and fatigue, main symptoms the virus inflicts. Loss of taste also can be a hint.

Time: Why Losing Your Sense of Smell Could Be a Symptom of COVID-19

Though I did not know, it is not rare a kind of viral infection cause anosmia. Also, there are several elements the change of smell can tell us about our health status, as I wrote in the past.

My past entry: AI smells your disease
My past entry: Smell diagnosis, is it no more fantasy?

At present, PCR method is used to diagnose COVID-19 infection. But its sensitivity is only 70%. Thus, a negative result hardly guarantees your safety. It is ironic that such a primitive sense of smell is superior to a latest technology.

After all, walking is good

There are several hypotheses to improve your health status. Thousands of methods have been developed. Most of them, however, are biased or unrealistic, unfortunately.

I have to say that walking is good practice to promote your health. It is highly trustworthy, at least compared to other numerous ways. In a recent study, the effect of walking is promised regardless of your exercise level.

The guardian: Higher step counts could lower risk of early death, study finds

As the author mentioned, this study is not free from the possibility of reverse causality. Thus, it is possible that only people can walk many steps will receive the benefit of walking. Walking harder will expand your life has not been proven, theoretically.

Nonetheless, I shall say, walking is not bad. Different from other type of exercises, walking is universal, and easy to be done for most people. The more you walk, the more you become healthy, with only little exceptions.

In recent days, many people are hesitating to walk out because of afraid of corona virus. It is no good in sense of primary health care. I recommend you to go out in fresh air.

Emoji will be an evidence?

I am a forensic psychiatrist. I am often summoned to a court as an expert witness. Making a presentation to explain the defendant's psychiatric diagnosis to the judges and lay judges is an important part of my work.

There are several kind of expert witnesses in court. Among them, forensic linguist has a role to interpret the document subjected of the conflict. According to the article below, the subjects of his or her investigation is now expanded to Japanese emoji.

The Conversation: Forensic linguists explore how emojis can be used as evidence in court

Emoji was Japan original culture, and now has been spread all over the world. Apple's latest iPhone has introduced a system to create emoji referring your face.

Many people send emojis with their smartphone. Their memorandum includes several emojis. Thus, it is possible that they are picked up in an evidence in court. Indeed, I sometimes see documents with emojis in court document. So I have to estimate how the author feels when using the emoji.

Olympic game decision will be made in 4 weeks

The Olympic game in this year is now in peril.

The Guardian: Olympics postponement to 2021 on cards as IOC gives itself four-week deadline

This coming Tokyo Olympic 2020 is approaching in only some months. But Japan is now struck by deadly corona virus. Even the current situation is not so dreadful than reported by the mass media,
it is no doubt many people are hesitating to attend.

Japan Olympic committee keeps aggressive attitude to be willing to implement the whole game. Previously, the IOC also seemed optimistic. However, several nations including Germany and the US are opposing to perform the game as planned. Therefore, the IOC declared to make a decision within four weeks.

It means that the possibility of postponing has been increased. The committee will face a tough negotiation between stakeholders.

I myself am not so interested in the Olympic games. But, I understand the influence of the performance of this event on Japan as well as other nations. I expect the game will be held normally without troubles.

Gamebook conference

Recently, I attended a conference of gamebook creators.

This event was held in Tokyo. In spite of corona virus shock, there were several audience who are interested in this theme.

Gamebook, or interactive novel, was developed in 1970s and became popular in late 20th century all over the world. In Japan, several foreign gamebooks written by famous authors, such as Steve Jackson, Ian Livingstone, and Dave Morris, were translated into Japanese.

Also, many gamebooks were released in Japan. Among them, novelization of computer game softwares, especially Family Computer, a Nintendo game console, was so successful that many best-selling FamiCon gamebooks were released one after another.

One presenter in this session was a writer of many FamiCon gamebooks. He was fond of playing computer games. Therefore, he would like to express fascinating elements of computer games on a paper gamebook.

However, as computer games became popular and easy to purchase, gamebooks declined rapidly. Considering the situation changing, he dropped himself out from the publisher to change the job, said he.

Now, gamebook is a minor media, but is still surviving. It is difficult to monetize gamebook publishing business. On the other hand, Kindle Direct Publishing and other digital publication service have significantly reduced the publishing cost. Indeed, I have published some original gamebooks on Amazon.

I believe gamebook will become a little more popular again as a casual habit in the future.

3D printed valves for COVID-19 pandemic

Many researchers as well as practitioners are struggling to overcome the fear of spreading corona viral infection. Their activities are not only to develop vaccines but also produce several gadgets whose shortage is problematic.

Recently, an Italian group of volunteers successfully created valves to be connected to a ventilator using a 3D printer.

The Verge: Volunteers produce 3D-printed valves for life-saving coronavirus treatments

Many medical devices are exclusively used for one purpose. A limited number of such devices are produced in general because excessive stocks are burdening for hospitals. Therefore, a serious shortage of items occurs in the case of urgent demand such as a pandemic.

I am not sure if 3D printing architecture will meet this kind of need. Actually, 3D printing itself is a developing technology. In my sense, consumable items which do not need so strict standard are suitable for 3D printed.

Several ideas will be realized with 3D printing. I hope they will enrich our life.

iPad Pro and MacBook Air updated

Apple disclosed the information about the coming iPad Pro and MacBook Air.

According to the media, the new iPad Pro will be released on 24 March, 2020.

TechRadar: New iPad Pro 2020 release date, price, news and everything you need to know

Of course, the new iPad Pro has faster CPU than the previous model. In addition, it will equip a triplet camera on the back, which will enable an enhanced AR experience.

Apple also will release a new cover with keyboard. It will be called Magic Keyboard, same as previous ones attached with Mac family. This keyboard equips a track pad. It means the new iPad OS will support a mouse.

This improvement will help people who would like to use an iPad Pro as if it is a note PC. Their desire is reasonable. But I am doubtful if iPad should be like a PC.

In summery, the new iPad Pro is not fascinating for me so much because no innovative change has been done compared with precious models. If you have no iPad Pro, the newest one will match your curiosity.

Mushroom is useful for many ways

Do you like mushrooms? I like very much.

Mushrooms is strange species. They are categorized as fungi. they parasites other plants to survive years. And they spread massive spores to reproduce them.

Some people dislike mushroom. It is perhaps because of its unique smell. But other than eating them, mushrooms are very useful in our daily life.

Inverse: 9 MUSHROOM USES: SURPRISING USES FOR THE FUNGUS THAT IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

I knew mushrooms are utilized as a fuel material. As well, it is commonly knew that some mushrooms are used for resource of Chinese medicine. But it is surprising that mushroom can be a building material as well as alternative leather.

By the way, I will tell you that Japan is a mushroom-rich county. In Japanese "mushroom" means so-called brown mushroom popular in Western countries. But there are many kind of names suggesting mushroom, such as shimeji, shiitake, hiratake, enoki, nameko, kikurage, and so on.

Among them, Matsutake is the most luxury mushroom in Japan because it cannot be produced in an artificial environment. It is deemed as a representative cuisine in Autumn. Japanese love matsutake's smell like French people love truffle's smell.

But, in terms of taste, shimeji is superior to matsutake, as many Japanese admit. Shimeji is very cheap, but a delicious item. In traditional saying, "Kaori matustake, aji shimeji [Matsutake smells best, but shimeji tastes best.]"

Utilizing smell to good sleep

Smelling is one of the oldest senses human developed. We are usually unaware of our smell. Rather, deodorant is a modern trend in developed countries. But, once in an issue of instinct, this primitive sensor has a great role.

A recent finding suggests a lover's smell leads us to good sleep.

Mic: The scent of your partner's shirt could make you sleep better and longer

Smell is an important factor to make a couple also in human. We may identify our partner unintentionally with smell.

Also, in medical region, some researchers are eager to utilize the smell of human's tissue, or even urine, to diagnose cancer or other diseases in the early stage. According to latest paper, some bacteria can distinguish the smell of tissues produced with abnormal process.

In the modern era, sense of smell tends to be regretted. But it is possible to make use of it in an innovative way.

Stock market collapsing due to corona virus

Monday, the New York Dow recorded a historic decline.

It was due to Donald Trump’s comment to the current situation of corona virus pandemic. He expected that the outbreak would last until this August, and the US may be headed for recession.

Forbes: Dow Plunges 3,000 Points As Trump Says U.S. ‘May Be’ Headed For Recession

The magnitude of water falling in this day was approximately 13%, the worst ever seen in the history of New York Dow Johns.

Also in Japan, many people is afraid of this worsening situation. Some remember the bitter memory of Lehman Brothers shock. Bitcoin and other crypt currencies were also seriously damaged despite they were deemed as a risk-off stock.

Trump looks a little anxious about this issue. Indeed, the opinion about when the corona virus spreading will be terminated is split among experts. Corona virus is vulnerable to warm temperature. But the COVID-19 is newly emerged one. Little facts have revealed regarding this tiny foe.

Stress resilience

In the academic region of mental health, the influence of stress and how to manage it have been a core field of discussion. According to the up to date evidence, it is proven that chronic stress can do damage on you for a long time, unfortunately. Thus, when you are exposed to a tough situation which can be long-lasting, you may be inflicted considerable damage even after the stress is gone.

This fact suggest the importance of daily management. It is not a wise idea to be patient for a while. Rather, you should install several methods to mitigate the influence of stress in your daily activities.

So far, physical exercise and conversation with others are the best ways to reduce stress reaction. Also, learning new things is beneficial for not only satisfying your curiosity but also modifying your biased thought.

The Conversation: How chronic stress changes the brain – and what you can do to reverse the damage

In addition, I recommend you to maintain your regular day cycle to make you resilient to stress, though there is scarce evidence. regulatory walk is superior to occasional hard exercise. Regulated sleep rhythm should be adhered to keep your health and concentration.

Finally, stress cannot be avoidable at all while you are alive. Resilience is essential. Any experience of managing stress must make you stronger.

Olympic game issues in corona pandemic

The WHO declared pandemic of corona virus recently. It means that the virus has become uncontrollable all over world.

For avoiding the expansion of the infection, several events are forced to be cancelled or postponed. Also in Japan, there are only few events conducted in Tokyo in these weeks. I myself, had to refund the tickets of comedy show etc.

People pay attention to the decision of Olympic games. On 24th July this year, the Summer Olympic games 2020 will be held in Tokyo. Japan became enthusiastic when Tokyo won the race for the invitation. But now, we face to a difficult decision making.

Until now, the organizing committee in Japan seems not to have the idea of postpone the Olympic games. The Olympic frame torch left Greece to be brought to Tokyo.

On the other hand, some people suggest the possibility of cancelling of the Olympic games.

Forbes: A Symbol Of Hope—Japan Adamant Olympics Will Go Ahead As Flame Is Lit In Ancient Olympia

Even conducted as planned, some athletes may be absent, or cannot attend the game because of the restriction of international journey, or due to the fear of infection. In that case, the game will have to become shrunk and undervalued.

It is essential to evaluate the changing situation for proper judgment. Anyway, I hope the viral storm will terminate soon.

Financial Times in smartphone

Recently, I installed Financial Times application into my smartphone.

Since the organization I belong to has made a contract with FT, I can read any articles in FT for free. It is very helpful for some employees considering that FT provide highly qualified articles everyday.

Several years ago, I had been subscribing FT via Kindle. It took approximately 30 USD per month I remember. I tried to read leading articles every day, for improving my English skills and insight toward the world's current situation.

However, it was too difficult for me to understand the articles in FT. not only its high-graded English, but also discussion in detail in each article hindered me from easy reading.

As a result, I withdrew from FT a few month later. Few articles were read.

Now, it is the second chance for me. I am not confident, but try it again.

Psychological pain in Uygurs diaspora

There are still several issues around ethnic conflict all over world.

Even moderated than the past, many people seek their home town. Uygurs diaspora is one of the largest isses.

According to the media, these people are suffering from psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. 

South China Morning Post: ‘Psychological torture’: Uygurs abroad face mental health crisis over plight of relatives who remain in Xinjiang

Actually, psychiatric problem occurs not limited in suffering people. But longitudinal exposure to insecure circumstance is a great risk factor to mental illnesses. A survey revealed that over 90% of the respondents in Uygurs diaspora had some mental symptoms.

Although I sense this result is a little exaggerating, it is highly likely a considerable percentage of people needs psychological help.

At the same time, shedding the light to mental status of people itself is rather pleased. In a more critical situation, mental health would not be concerned at all. I believe the situation is getting gradually better thanks to endeavor of relevant activists.

Ice wine and global warming

Do you have drunk ice wine? I have.

I had one in Germany several years ago. It was extremely delicious. Ice wine contained the sweetness of grape. Some people would not like it. But for me, as a sweet lover, it had heavenly taste, though I can drink only few amount of alcohol.

Ice wine is made from frozen grapes. Therefore, global warming is very hostile for ice wine makers. Indeed, the production of ice wine is decreasing in recent years.

On the other hand, in some regions farmers began to produce precious ice wine. The warmer the winter becomes, the more expensive the product is. Also they are engaging in keeping, further improving, the taste and flavor of the ice wine.

Reuters: Frozen harvest: German ice wine maker defies climate change

Global warming is an big issue. But it means the change of the environment. We have to adapt the changing game, besides of maintaining the current situation.

Dark Phoenix, cheap visual and thin story

I have to write about Dark Phoenix seen when I was left from blogging.

Dark Phoenix is a movie of X-Men series provided by 20th Century Fox. The series began with X-Men trilogy (X-Men, X-2, and the Last Stand), followed by the new trilogy (The First Class, Day of Future Past, and Apocalypse.) As well, Wolverine trilogy was released as a spin-off work.

Dark Phoenix was the last movie of X-Men movie by the 20th Fox because it is decided that members of X-Men will join to Marvel Cinematic Universe. Thus, this work should be a historic work.

However, the first impression of this movie for me was horrible.

First of all, the scenes are very cheap. The final battle was conducted in a locked space of a train. Even after breaking the door, the sky was so dark that I hardly saw the detail of each person's movement. Darken background is often used to save the budget since it does not cost so much.

The story also does not make sense. The core of this film is Jean's trauma that she unintentionally killed her mother with her uncontrollable power. Professor X sealed her memory to protect her from the trauma. But finally she remembered it, to make her furious.

Meanwhile, some aliens come to the earth to bring Phoenix force to restore their own planet. Phoenix force comes into Jean's body. The leader of the aliens tries to get her trust to make use of her Phoenix force.

Thus, there are two parallel themes described at the same time. Therefore, the audience have difficulty which do they concentrate on. As a result, Jean realizes Professor X's conscience all at sudden. And she realize the importance of her own emotion to defeat the aliens. These sequences are not persuasive at all.

Compared to The Last Stand, Dark Phoenix is far inferior, I sense.

By the way, I like the music in this film very much. I listen to the album frequantly.

My personal rating:2 (poor)

Low-carb diet prevent dementia?

The standard of nutrition frequently changes. Until recently, it was not recommended to eat multiple eggs in a day. But latest studies suggest that taking eggs would not contribute to increasing blood cholesterol.

As well, there is broad controversy regarding proper strategy for healthy diet. Some people recommend to reduce total amount of calories. Others emphasize the balance of carb and fat. Most researchers agree with the importance of exercise. But the magnitude of its effect is still under argument.

In recent, low-carb diet is popular for years. Many practitioners share the opinion that taking excessive carbohydrate, especially in a short time, is harmful. But why?

A recent study suggests the possibility that low-card diet reverses the aging of the brain, surprisingly.

The Guardian: Low-carb diet may reverse age-related brain deterioration, study finds

This article is written based on an academic paper published in PNAS. In this paper, the researchers claim brain deconstruction begins in late 40s. And changing diet to low-carb style will prevent the deterioration and even reverse the brain damage.

PNAS: Diet modulates brain network stability, a biomarker for brain aging, in young adults

The researchers hypothesize that brain degeneration while aging is accelerated by metabolic stress. They believe that the balance between glucose and ketone has a crucial role in brain damage.

However, they have not proven the concrete effect of low-carb diet on aging. As they mention, our dietary activity is so complex that it is difficult to make an experimental evidence.

At present, I believe the hypothesis that highly carb-dependent diet will harmful for your brain. But it is not sure how reducing carbohydrate is beneficial for cognitive function.

Daily activity should be prioritized in this situation

Japan, as well as other nations, is covered by the fear of corona viral infection. The stock price is falling down all over the world, while it is partially due to the breakdown of oil price. In Japan, Abe administration is eager to establish a law to enable a declaration of an emergent state.

In such a situation, everyone tend to lose temper. But, I have to emphasize that daily activity should be prioritized now.

In a critical state, adrenergic hormone is released excessively. It help us to move quickly, decide a courageous act, and become aggressive. On the other hand, adrenaline does damage to our health in a longitudinal view.

If you are upset, be aware to adhere your daily lifestyle. Enough sleep and regular diet are essential to maintain your health. Concentrate on your own task, not being anxious about vague things. Adequate exercise is beneficial.

I remember this matter when watching an article regarding climate change. In recent years, the degree of carbon emission is decreasing significantly, according to the media.

Independent: Carbon emissions fall at fastest rate in 30 years as electricity sector moves away from coal

Climate change is a chronic issue which we cannot forget. There are many people to be engaging in this issue even now.

Wingspan, a bird-breeding game

Last weekend, I attended an analog game meeting. Most of the members are not Japanese. I had to communicate with members in English. But I enjoyed the event perfectly.

I played Wingspan, a newly developed board game, for the first time. The theme of the game is bird-breeding. you can get several birds to hay eggs in your board. Each kind of bird has abilities to make you advantageous. You have to get food, eggs, and bird cards balanced.

BoardGameGeek: Wingspan

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/266192/wingspan

It took two and a half hours for the five players game. But I did not feel exhausted at all. It is because of its simple rules and scarce competitive elements.

More than one-hundred types of birds are present in Wingspan. Each of them has a realistic illustration and wingspan data. for bird lovers, Wingspan is worth to possess even not playing at all, I guess.

Members were very polite and kind. Thanks to the host and all attendees.

UK ban several cigarettes

The UK will ban a variety of cigarettes on the April 2020.

The Bulletin Times: Some types of cigarettes are being banned in the UK from next month

The newly developed legislation includes many types of fruite flavored cigarettes in the subject of restriction. They have been popular in youth, according to the media.

It is no doubt that cigarettes are harmful to human health, as many studies suggest. I agree with the stricter regulation for protecting youths' health.

However, this policy will be effectively decrease the exposure to cigarettes in youth, I am afraid. In the UK, cannabis use is also forbidden. But many people freely use cannabis. As cigarette are more common, it seems difficult to ban the cigarettes entirely.

Also, youths often break a law as an expression of their courage and belonging to a gang group I guess an official inhibition will ignite the curiosity and increase the motivation of breaking a law.

As well as alcohol, tobacco is not easy to be ban from the society. I hope the government's intention will be successful.

Gamebook authoring

Recently, my hobby is to write a gamebook.

Do you know gamebook? Gamebook is also called interactive novel. It was a genre of novel. But different from other type of novels, you can choose your own story in a gamebook.

Gamebook was spread in 1980s. Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone were legendary gamebook authors. They built a mega-hit series of gamebooks.

But, as computer games become popular, the need for gamebooks got diminished. Till the end of 20th century, gamebook providers are almost perished, unfortunately.

Recently, we can write a gamebook with some useful tools. Also, Kindle Direct Publishing, as well as E-Pub format and also PDF style, helps both reader to read the gamebook easier and authors to publish their works. Therefore, newly developed gamebooks are published one after another.

I have published some gamebooks via KDP. You have a chance to see an English gamebook written by me.

US Presidential campaign

The US Presidential campaign is approaching the turning point.

AFP: Warren, once a frontrunner, ends her US presidential campaign

Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Senator, declared to abandon the seat of candidate for the US President.

Firstly, several politicians stood for the Presidential campaign in the Democratic Party. But most of them could not survive the race in the middle way. After Warren's withdrawal, there are only two candidates, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders.

Sanders fought well with Hillary Clinton in 2016 Campaign. Finally Ms. Clinton gained the appointment, but she was defeated by Donald Trump. I guess not a few members of Democratic Party believe Sanders would have won the Presidential vote if he had been appointed.

However, Sanders is suffering from difficulty to get the poll against Biden. Biden is highly likely to be victorious, considering the current situation.

To be honest, I am afraid neither Sanders or Biden will defeat Trump. The present President is greatly advantageous in the final vote. Also, Trump grabs support of many citizens, especially who are white, middle-class, men. I dislike Trump's ideology. But it should be noted that his economic policy made America somewhat better. For more four years, the US will led by Trump, unfortunately.

Manners in dinner

In recent years, I have more opportunities to take a dinner in a gorgeous restaurant, fortunately. I am fond of delicious meals. And I am curious to take specific cuisine in each region.

However, some first-class restaurants make regulations such as a dress-code. To be honest, I am often annoyed to obey such requirement.

Of course, rich meal matches rich clothes. It is not cool to enter a gorgeous restaurant with tiered clothes.

On the other hand, waiters often recommend me to take wines with each dish. Tasting wines with appropriate meal is splendid with no doubt. The issue is, however, I cannot drink alcohol.

Nowadays, some restaurants offer non-alcoholic drinks. I am very thankful to these treatment. In my sense, waiters in a European restaurant tend to feel surprised when I reject a wine. It is perhaps that few European people cannot drink. I myself, would like to concentrate the dish without alcohol.

Betelgeuse will vanish soon

In the vast universe, a star is going to end its life, perhaps.

Science Focus: Is the Betelgeuse star about to explode?
https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/is-the-betelgeuse-star-about-to-explode/

Betelgeuse is a magnitude 1 star located in the constellation of Orion. It is the largest star whom we can see with naked eyes. It is one of the more popular stars in the sky I guess.

On the other hand, Betelgeuse is recognized as a very old star. A star dramatically expands when its mortality is coming. Recently, it was observed that Betelgeuse is changing its brightness for some months.

Nature: Mysterious faded star Betelgeuse has started to brighten again
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00561-z

What is happened at Betelgeuse is discussed among astrologists. Some researchers prospect Betelgeuse will explode soon. After that, it will become a black hole. If this expectation is correct, we will be able to see the historic phenomenon that a star is dying.

However, others are against this idea. It is so difficult to recognize the status of the space far away from the earth.

Anyway, what we see now is the figure of 700 years ago since Betelgeuse is distant from earth by 700 light year. The fate of Betelgeuse has been already determined. It looks strange.

Driving licence issues for elderly and disabled

In Japan, traffic accident caused by elder drivers is focused.

Japan is already an aged nation. Elder people are dominant in Japan society. On the other hand, the more getting older, the more our cognitive ability becomes worse. It is an inevitable nature.

Therefore, Japan government began to monitor elder driver's ability more strictly than the past. Elder people have to take a cognitive screening when renewing the driving licence. Persons failed to the test have to meet a doctor to prove they have still capacity of driving.

However, it is not easy to judge if a person can drive a car safely. Rather, we psychiatrists have not been trained to evaluate one's driving technique. It is a task of trainers in driving school.

Nonetheless, Japan government established a new scheme to demand psychiatrists to judge if a person, both elderly and mentally disordered, can drive the car. This policy does not make sense.

Recently, I heard some patients with mental disorder were requested repeatedly to submit a doctor's certification while renewal of the driving licence. It looks like a discrimination against disabled people.

In my opinion, giving a driving licence is an issue of the driving center. And if they cause a traffic accident, they should be responsible for the damage regardless of their mental status unless there are some exceptional reasons, since anyone must manage their state for safety driving once take a wheel.

Ceasefire with Taliban

The US and Taliban representatives made a signature to stop the war in Afghanistan. This ceasefire terminated the conflict which was been continuous for a couple of decade.

Aljazeera: Afghanistan's Taliban, US sign agreement aimed at ending war

According to the agreement, the US troop will be withdrawn until this summer.

Afghan war has taken many lives both of natives and the US military. Donald Trump was eager to stop sacrificing US people. It is no doubt that this ceasefire will have an impact to the next Presidential election vote.

On the other hand, there are several phobias for foreign nations in the US citizens. Some aggressive people do not welcome the decision of withdrawal. Also, an attack of Taliban to take US soldiers' life brought hatred of Trump last year. It is not guaranteed that the peace will come soon to Afghan. I hope no more blood will be consumed for the conflict.

Rehav to write blogs

I had been left from this blog for one year for some reasons.

A long-term absent got rid of me some skills, not surprisingly.

I often read English articles both for work and for fun. So, I believe my reading speed has not become slow.

However, I seldom read English newspaper recently because there was no need to collect materials of blog writing. Therefore, I have got unfamiliar to world news in recent days.

Also, English writing skill is another issue. Grammar and knowledge of words are kept as I sometimes write academic articles in English. But, the speed of writing became slow.

As I understand, language skills are similar to physical exercise. Being immobilized for a while reduces your strength. I need some rehabilitation.