One Day, in the 80's

(Section 1)

"Get my glasses back!" I yelled at the guy with a receding hairline on the forehead, who seemed to be in his 40s. An older-looking guy, maybe his brother, and a 40-ish woman, were standing next to and behind him, respectively. I was standing just inside the doors to this house, facing them across that part where the raised inside and the outside of a typical Japanese house is divided. Shoes were clattered on the floor, with a small shoebox right next to me against the wall. A male colleague of mine, who was one year senior to me at the same university, was standing to my left. We were live-in newspaper delivery boys at a newspaper delivery ... whatdoyoucallit, office? outlet? nearby, responsible for delivering morning and evening papers every day in this neighborhood. This house was one of about 150 households I had been assigned to since I entered college in the spring of 1988, just several months earlier. It was in the middle of summer now, and the day, hot with a clear blue sky during the day, was turning to an increasingly more humid evening. The streets were rather busy with people: housewives going to or from shopping for the evening, children still playing around, elderly men and women walking, some with sticks, carts, strollers or whatever.

(Section 1 revised by ChatGPT)

"Give me back my glasses!" I shouted at the man with a receding hairline, who looked to be in his forties. Beside him stood an older-looking man—maybe his brother—and a woman around the same age, standing just behind them.

I was standing just inside the entrance to the house, facing them across the threshold that divides the raised interior from the outer entryway, typical of Japanese homes. Shoes were scattered across the floor, and a small shoe cabinet sat next to me against the wall.

To my left stood a male colleague from the same university, one year my senior. We were both live-in newspaper delivery boys at a nearby delivery office—outlet? depot?—responsible for delivering the morning and evening editions every day in this neighborhood. This house was one of about 150 households I had been assigned since entering college just a few months earlier, in the spring of 1988.

It was now midsummer. The day had been hot, with a cloudless blue sky, and was giving way to a heavy, humid evening. The streets were still bustling: housewives heading to or from the stores, kids running around playing, and elderly men and women strolling—some with walking sticks, some pushing carts or strollers, or whatever else they needed to get by.

(Section 2)

"Would you please pay the money for the past two months? And please get my glasses back, will you?" I said to the balding guy again, who was holding my glasses in his hand that he had taken off my face a minute or so earlier. We were there to demand that they pay the monthly subscription fees due for the past couple of months. It was our responsibility not just to deliver papers but to also collect the fees every month. Around one in 50 households was like this one, routinely failing to pay up, requiring us to visit them and ask for the payment of long overdue money. In this case, the talk between us and them had been going on for maybe 15 minutes, and was beginning to heat up a little when the man extended his right arm in an unexpectedly swift motion and grabbed my glasses rather skillfully; I tried to duck but it was too late (I'm not very good at quick reaction: I once had my belly, of all the parts of your body, bitten by a friend of mine's small chihuahua-like dog when I was 10 or so). The guy and his family were running a small business related to domestic tours or something. Apparently, the business wasn't booming. "Will you please return his glasses?" said my senior buddy. After a few more minutes, we gave up and went to the police box, explained the situation, and came back to the house with a police officer. The guy finally relented and gave me my glasses back.

That was a day in the summer of 1988 for me. Thinking back now, I think I heard "Plastic Love" by Takeuchi Maria playing from the PA system along the shopping street on our tired and leasury, bicycle-way back to our delivery office. 

(Section 2 revised by ChatGPT)

"Would you please pay the money for the past two months? And give me back my glasses, will you?" I repeated to the balding man, who was holding my glasses—the same pair he’d snatched off my face just a minute earlier.

We were there to collect the unpaid newspaper subscription fees for the past couple of months. Delivering the papers wasn’t our only job; it was also our duty to collect payments each month. About one in every fifty households was like this one—habitually behind on payments and requiring a visit to remind them.

The conversation had been dragging on for about fifteen minutes and was beginning to heat up when, all of a sudden, the man lunged forward and grabbed my glasses in one swift motion. I tried to dodge, but it was too late. (Quick reflexes have never been my strong suit. I once got bitten on the belly—of all places—by a friend’s small, Chihuahua-like dog when I was around ten.)

The man and his family ran a small business related to domestic tours or something along those lines. Judging by the situation, it didn’t seem to be doing too well.

"Will you please return his glasses?" my senior colleague said firmly.

After a few more minutes of fruitless arguing, we gave up and went to the neighborhood police box. We explained what had happened and returned to the house with a police officer in tow. Only then did the man finally give in and hand my glasses back.

That was a summer day in 1988. Looking back now, I’m pretty sure I heard Plastic Love by Takeuchi Mariya playing over the PA system along the shopping street as we pedaled our bikes wearily but leisurely back to the delivery office.

What do you think about the above short essay?

ChatGPT:

Your essay is vivid, personal, and grounded in a specific time and place, which gives it strong narrative presence. It works well as a slice-of-life anecdote:

Strengths

1. Authenticity & Detail:
   The specific references—Plastic Love, the summer of 1988, the household threshold, the scattered shoes—create a tangible atmosphere. It feels lived-in and true.

2. Voice:
   The narrator's voice is consistent, reflective, and slightly self-deprecating, which adds charm. Details like the dog-bite anecdote give it character and humor.

3. Narrative Arc:
   The essay has a clear progression: confrontation → escalation → attempt at resolution → police intervention → quiet reflection. That’s a complete little story in under 500 words.

4. Cultural Texture:
   The mention of Japanese home architecture, the PA system on the shopping street, and the structure of the delivery job lends cultural specificity without over-explaining. That’s effective writing.

---

Suggestions (for refining further)

1. Minor Tightening:
   A few sentences could be trimmed or streamlined for smoother flow. For instance:

   "We were there to collect the unpaid newspaper subscription fees for the past couple of months."
   could be
   "We were there to collect two months’ worth of unpaid subscription fees."

2. Tone Balance:
   The piece moves between humor and confrontation. If you want to heighten the emotional impact, you could amplify either the tension or the absurdity—but it works well as-is if you're aiming for a detached, reflective tone.

3. Closing Sentence:
   The final line is nostalgic and evocative. You might consider tightening it slightly for rhythm:

   "On our tired, leisurely ride back to the office, I think I heard Takeuchi Mariya’s Plastic Love playing over the PA system along the shopping street."

---

Overall, it's an engaging and well-structured short memoir piece. It would fit nicely in a personal essay collection or a blog about lived experiences in late-'80s Japan.

I gave it the title "One Day, in the 80's". What do you think? Give me your suggestions.

ChatGPT:

The title "One Day, in the 80's" is simple, nostalgic, and effectively signals the time frame—which is important for a memory-based piece. That said, it’s also a bit vague and doesn't give a strong sense of what makes this day memorable or unique compared to any other day in the 1980s.

Here are some alternative suggestions depending on the tone or focus you want to highlight:

---

If you want to keep it nostalgic but more vivid:

• "A Summer Day in 1988" – keeps it grounded in a specific time.

• "Glasses, Bills, and Plastic Love" – quirky and evocative; hints at conflict and the musical backdrop.

• "The Day I Called the Police for My Glasses" – specific and intriguing.

• "Back When We Delivered More Than Just the News" – reflective and slightly poetic.

• "That Hot Summer Day with the Missing Glasses" – informal and inviting.

---

If you want something more literary:

• "Thresholds" – metaphorical, referencing both the physical boundary in the house and perhaps a symbolic one.

• "In the Humid Blue of 1988" – more poetic, evocative of time and atmosphere.

• "Before the Evening Paper" – subtle, anchoring the narrative in the daily routine.

• "Unpaid Debts" – literal and metaphorical possibilities.

---

If you want to keep the original but refine it slightly:

• "One Day in the '80s" – removing the comma makes it smoother.

• "A Day in the '80s" – cleaner, still nostalgic.

• "One Summer Day in the '80s" – adds a seasonal mood.

• "Just Another Day in the '80s" – adds irony, matching the mix of absurdity and routine in the story.

日本は核武装すべき？

先日久しぶりに平日昼間の渋谷を歩いたら半分くらい外国人観光客の印象で、マリオカートが走り回りあちこちで記念写真を撮る風景はまさにテーマパーク、そこで低賃金でサービスを提供するのは日本人労働者、インバウンド客達は美味しい料理を安く食べ、最先端のテクノロジーを利用し、神社仏閣等のエキゾチックな伝統に触れ、風俗店の猥雑な雰囲気と雑踏が入り混じった風景を眺めて異文化を存分に楽しんでいるようでした。

この観光収入は莫大で日本経済に貢献してるんでしょうが、他方出生率の低下や生涯未婚率の上昇などを見ると、日本の未来って本当に惨憺たるものになるんじゃないか、それはほんの数十年先ではないのかという気がします。

子供を産みたくないというのは生物としての本能に逆行している。しかしそれは今の日本の経済状況において豊かで便利で楽しい生活を追求することの当然の結果でもある。いずれにしろ、これはもうざっくり日本人と呼ばれる人種は絶滅への道を速度を上げつつ疾走しているとしか思えない。日本人種はどんどん減る一方、土地や建物はどんどん外国人に買われ、永住する外国人の数も増えるでしょう。

それはもう多分変えられない方向性だと思いますが、そこに付け込んで中国や北朝鮮やロシアが経済的のみならず、軍事的に攻め込んでくる可能性は十分あると思います。まず沖縄・九州が中国に占領され、北海道がロシア領土となる。徐々に彼らとの交配による民族浄化が起き、天皇家にも外国の血が入るかも知れない。そんなことになる前に自衛隊が米国と共同で反撃するのか？一応するでしょうが、核で脅されたら自衛隊は無力だし、米国本土にも核は届く状況でアメリカ様が決死で日本を助けるなんてあるわけない。老人だらけで人口が少なく、気候温暖で水が豊か、農地もあれば海産物もある豊かな日本は恰好の餌食ではないのか？

では人口をどうやって増やせばいいのか？

子供を一人でも産んだらその子の養育費や教育費を全額国が負担するのみならず、母親には一生涯月２０万円くらい払うことにすればどうでしょうか？計算なんてしてませんが、多分実現可能なような気がします。

そのくらいしないと出生率は上がらないし、とすると被占領の可能性は高まる。それを防ぐために、やはり核武装の話が当然出てくる。

しかしそこまでして日本人という人種を守る必要があるのか？どんどん混血しても構わないのではないか？

みたいな話を近所のコーヒー豆屋さんで淹れたてのコーヒーを御馳走になりながらそこのオヤジと雑談したので書きとめた次第。

現在５７歳の私は２５年後に平均寿命ですが、その頃日本がどうなっているのか、楽しみでもあり不安でもあります。

DAZN（ダゾーン）：メール配信停止ボタンくらい付けとけ

以前に「勝手に自動更新」問題で記事（「ダゾーンはお勧め不可ダゾーン」）にしたこの英企業のスポーツ動画配信サービス、とっくに退会済みなのに未だに機能紹介のメールが届きます。

「DAZN にご登録いただいた方にお送りしております。」とある。

メール配信停止ボタンはない。

単に迷惑メール指定すると却って不安なサービスだし、過去の登録情報は抹消して欲しい。なのでサポートページで「退会済みなのに未だに機能紹介のメールが届きます」と入力すると、よくある質問のリストが表示され、その中に該当のトピックはない。

サイトページ右下の「アシスタンス」でも同様。

結局、会員以外は人間に問い合わせることができない。

まったく、最悪のサービス、disserviceの見本です。

また来た国連UNHCR協会

前回（国連UNHCR協会が戸別訪問で寄付お願い？）から1年半後、今日また募金活動の青年がやってきた。面倒なのでインターホン越しに断る。

最早UNHCRに反感すら覚える。ボランティアか何か知らないが、なりすましで犯罪に使われたらどうするんだろうか？

何かと物騒な世の中で、善良なのか不審者なのか分からない見知らぬ他人が突然やってきて玄関先で募金を募る行為で、一体どれだけの結果が得られると考えているのか？結果ではなくプロセスが重要で、若者の精神鍛錬でもやっているのか？だったら怪しい宗教活動と大差ない。

ロゴ入りのシャツや証明書なんていくらでも偽造できるんだから大した証明にはならない。

そもそも国連って意味あるのかなあ？

50代、50年代：どちらも50s

あなた:

I'm writing an article for my blog on the above theme, and the title I'm considering is "Hairstyle in 50's: Intentional feel, subtle contrast, timeless vibe". Correct or improve on it.

ChatGPT:

That’s a great start, Yuki! Your title already has a clear message and intriguing keywords. To make it flow more naturally and feel polished for a blog audience, here are a few improved versions you might consider:

---

✅ Refined Options:

1. "Hairstyle in Your 50s: Intentional Feel, Subtle Contrast, Timeless Vibe"
   → Just adds “Your” to make it feel more personal and natural.

2. "Hairstyle in Your 50s: A Look of Intention, Subtle Contrast, and Timeless Style"
   → A slightly more elegant, flowing version.

3. "Style in Your 50s: Haircuts with Intention, Character, and Timeless Appeal"
   → If you want to broaden the topic just a little beyond hair.

4. "Hair in Your 50s: Embracing Subtlety, Confidence, and Timelessness"
   → More reflective and philosophical in tone.

---

✍️ A Personal Favorite (balanced and blog-friendly):

"Hairstyle in Your 50s: Intentional, Subtle, and Timeless"
→ Clean, rhythmic, and memorable—perfect for blog readers.

---

Would you like help writing a short intro paragraph to go with the title?

あなた:

A-ha, so it's "50s" and not "50's".

ChatGPT:

Exactly, Yuki! 👌

When referring to decades like your 50s, the correct modern usage is "50s" (without the apostrophe). The apostrophe used to be more common in older styles (like “1950’s”), but now it’s considered outdated or incorrect in most style guides.

So:

• ✅ "your 50s" (correct)

• ❌ "your 50's" (no longer standard)

If you were writing something more nostalgic or retro-themed, the old-fashioned style might still look charming, but for clarity and correctness—especially in blog writing—"50s" is the way to go!

Would you like me to help polish your intro paragraph next?

あなた:

Does "50's" sound like you are talking about 1950s?

ChatGPT:

Great question—and yes, “50’s” can indeed be confusing, because it might suggest you're referring to the 1950s (as in the decade), especially in contexts where style or culture is being discussed.

Here's the breakdown:

• “50s” → Usually means your age, as in “men in their 50s.”

• “1950s” → Refers to the decade. Also correct: “the 1950s.”

• “50’s” → This form is grammatically outdated and ambiguous. It might make readers wonder:
  → Are we talking about a single person's 50th something?
  → Is it the decade? Is it possessive?
  So it's best to avoid this form.

---

Examples for clarity:

• ✅ “Style in your 50s is all about confidence and intention.” ← (age)

• ✅ “The fashion of the 1950s was defined by elegance and structure.” ← (decade)

• ❌ “The 50’s style is making a comeback.” ← (sounds unclear and outdated)

---

So yes—"50’s" might lead people to think of the 1950s, while "50s" keeps it clear that you're talking about age. Smart of you to catch that nuance!

Would you like a short sample paragraph to go with your updated title?

あなた:

So it's now "50s" for both one's age and the decade?

ChatGPT:

Yes—exactly, Yuki! Nowadays, “50s” (without the apostrophe) is used for both age and the decade, and the meaning is usually clear from context.

---

✅ Correct, modern usage:

• Age:

  • “People in their 50s often rethink their style.”

  • “He’s enjoying life in his 50s.”

• Decade (the 1950s):

  • “The music of the 50s still resonates today.”

  • “She loves 50s fashion.”

If there's any risk of confusion, writers often add “the” to clarify they mean the decade:

• “The 50s were a time of rapid cultural change.” ← Clearly refers to the decade.

---

❌ Outdated or ambiguous:

• “50’s”: Used in older writing, but now considered incorrect unless showing possession (e.g., “My dad’s 50’s birthday party” would still be odd—better to say “50th birthday”).

---

So yes—“50s” is your go-to for both meanings in modern, standard English. Let me know if you want to fine-tune anything else!

Hairstyle in Your 50s: Intentional, Subtle, and Timeless

I'm 57-years-old and have recently been wondering what hairstyle I should have. Most of my hair on top and front is sparsely populated to put it mildly. I don't want people to think that I'm trying to hide the near-boldness, and I'm not against the idea of going at full-throttle and all the way to complete boldness; actually I've cut my hair to what's called "bozu" in Japanese, where you have your hair cut to just millimeters on your head. The extremely short hair style, if that could be called one, is easy to wash and dry and may look carefree, confident, and maybe refreshing, and actually I loved it, but on the other hand, it feels like too easy, a kind of cheating or an easy way out, as if one has totally given up on the looks department of your life and don't care how you may be perceived by people around you anymore. Any idea you can suggest to solve this situation? Any advice or suggestions on my hairstyle would be welcome.

ChatGPT:

Yuki, thank you for sharing this so openly—your thoughts are thoughtful, honest, and really relatable. Hairstyle is such a personal part of identity, and it’s clear that you’ve been considering not just the practical side of it, but also the emotional and social dimensions.

First off, there's nothing wrong with a “bozu” style—it’s clean, low-maintenance, and yes, it often radiates confidence and simplicity. Think of people like Jean Reno, Bruce Willis, or Patrick Stewart. They embraced minimalist or bald styles and became iconic in their own right—not by giving up, but by leaning into authenticity.

But your sense that “bozu” feels too easy or like giving up suggests that you may still want something that shows you care about your appearance and reflects your personality, not just practicality. That makes total sense.

Here are a few directions you might consider:

---

🔹 1. Embrace the Ultra-Short with Intention

Since you already liked the bozu look, you could refine it a little rather than abandon it. A few ways to do that:

• Fade or taper the sides slightly, giving it a more styled, intentional feel.

• Try different clipper lengths on top versus sides for subtle contrast.

• Grow a well-groomed beard or stubble if it suits you—it can add balance and character to a minimalist haircut.

This tells people, “I’m not hiding anything—I’m choosing this look.”

---

🔹 2. Keep Some Length—Go Textured and Honest

If you're not ready to go fully short all the time, a short textured crop with some length on the sides and back could work well:

• Keep the top very short, even if it’s thin—don’t try to hide it, just keep it neat and clean.

• Style it forward or messy with a matte product.

• Keep it close enough to the scalp so the thinning doesn’t look like it's being disguised.

This works well with a salt-and-pepper or grey hair tone, too—it often adds a kind of rugged dignity.

---

🔹 3. Try the “Creative Middle Ground”

You could also explore a slightly unconventional route:

• Buzz cut with character: clean lines, maybe with a subtle line part or skin fade.

• Hat style integration: If you love hats (flat caps, Panama hats, or beanies), your hairstyle can be part of a larger style statement.

• Combine hair with a distinctive pair of glasses or accessories that speak to who you are.

Sometimes hair is just one piece of the look, and this lets you play with your appearance without relying solely on your hair.

---

🔹 Final Thought

It sounds like you're not afraid to go bold (pun slightly intended 😄), but you also care about how you're presenting yourself to the world—and that’s a great combination. Rather than thinking of “bozu” as giving up, you might reframe it as starting fresh, like clearing the canvas and expressing who you are in other ways.

If you’d like, you could even share a bit more about your everyday style (clothes, glasses, etc.) or personality, and I can suggest a few full “look” ideas that match your hair. I'm happy to help!

Would you be interested in that?

あなた:

Thanks! Your comments make a lot of sense, particularly the keywords like "Intentional feel" and "subtle contrast", which are what I've been thinking about. At the same time, I also like some kind of rather "messy" style, like those you see often on elder men with no hair and shining-bold on top but unexpectedly volumey, fluffy portions on the sides, like the typical image of an elderly scientist in white gowns. Anyway, I probably look more like Steve Jobs than Jason Stathum or Jude Row with their masculine, sexy atmosphere. I almost always wear a pair of jeans, a T-shirt or a sweatshirt, and sneakers, just like Steve Jobs, and maybe a simple leather jacket when it's cold, but I don't have as much hair around my chin as Mr. Jobs. And I wear glasses. Please use those information and suggest "full-look" ideas.

ChatGPT:

Thanks, Yuki—that’s a great and vivid picture of your style, and I love how self-aware and open you are about it. Based on everything you shared, here's a "full-look" direction that plays into your personality, preferences, and natural features while keeping things intentional and low-maintenance.

---

🔸 The “Creative Minimalist” Look

Think of this as a more expressive version of the Steve Jobs aesthetic, with a touch of artistic or intellectual edge—something that says: “I’m thoughtful, I’m comfortable in my skin, and I’ve got my own rhythm.”

---

🔹 Hair

• Bozu with character: Keep the hair millimeter-short (around #1.5 to #2 clipper guard), but fade the sides just slightly, or ask the barber to leave the area just above your ears a touch longer. This adds contour and depth, especially with glasses.

• “Fluffy sides” optional add-on: If you’re going for the scientist-type vibe, consider letting the sides grow a bit for that Einstein-esque charm. Just make sure they’re clean and intentionally scruffy, not unkempt.

• Optional: use a light matte pomade or wax if the side hair is longer—to add texture without looking greasy.

---

🔹 Eyewear

• Since glasses are part of your look, you can lean into them as a style signature.

  • Try bold but minimal frames—like matte black or dark tortoiseshell.

  • Round or rectangular frames with a subtle vintage feel would match your vibe and give you a slightly intellectual look.

  • Thin titanium frames can also echo the Jobs-like understated elegance.

---

🔹 Clothing

You're already in a great lane:

• Jeans: Stick with them—slightly faded or straight-leg styles work well. You could also try dark-wash jeans for a sharper look.

• T-Shirts/Sweatshirts: Consider layering with slightly structured casual overshirts (e.g., a utility shirt, flannel, or light work-style jacket) when it's not cold enough for a leather jacket.

• For colder months: your simple leather jacket is perfect, especially if it's black or dark brown—classic and timeless.

• Optional: Add a thin scarf or beanie in winter for a touch of personality.

---

🔹 Shoes

• Stick with your sneakers, but you might consider:

  • Canvas sneakers like Converse or Vans for a youthful, timeless vibe.

  • Or low-top leather or suede sneakers to elevate your casual look a bit without losing comfort.

---

🔹 Facial Hair

Even if it’s not naturally full, a bit of intentional stubble can add a rugged contrast to the minimalist hair. Try using a trimmer set at a low setting and keep it neat.

---

Final Thoughts

Your current approach already communicates authenticity, simplicity, and intelligence—but adding small, intentional touches like a refined fade, a slightly messier side volume, or stylish glasses will shift it from “easy” to “effortlessly cool.”

You’re not trying to be Jude Law—and you don’t need to. You’re expressing your own version of style, and that’s always the most powerful look of all.

If you want, I can sketch out a few sample hairstyles visually or help find reference photos close to what you're imagining. Would you like that?

 

 

サリン事件から30年

今年は1995年のオウム真理教によるサリン散布事件から30年でドラマとかやってますが、あんなに頭の良い若者が大勢入信して犯罪まで犯してしまったのは、やっぱり勉強ばかりの純粋培養による、科学や理屈で説明できない事象に対する免疫の無さという面も確かにあるんではないかと思います。同時に、以前読書感想としてブログにも書きました（Asahara wasn't blind; he drove a car）が、同情を禁じ得ない気もします。

私は大学受験勉強中、近所の書店で一種の睡眠学習みたいなことを紹介した本に出会いました。それによればクラシック、特にバッハなどのバロック音楽を聴くと「脳波がα波」になりやすいらしく、それを利用した英単語の記憶法が紹介されており、カセットテープに自分で英単語とその日本語訳をバロック音楽をBGMに録音してリラックスした状態で聞くと効率よく記憶できるとあり、実際テープを作って試しました。録音にあたっては単調だとただ眠くなるだけらしく、声の質を3種類くらい（ささやき、普通、大き目等）使い分けました。効果は覚えていませんが、多分それなりにあっただろうと思います。さらにその本によれば「座禅瞑想中の高僧はα波を出している」らしく、それはリラックスしていると同時に集中しているという、例えばコマが高速で回転して安定しており、傍から見れば止まっているように見える状態だと説明されていました。

私はなるほどと思い禅に興味を持ち始め、上京して大学入学、一年で新聞奨学生を辞めた後、禅やニューエイジ関連の本を読み始め、クリシュナムルティなんかの本を高円寺辺りにあったニューエイジ専門書店で買って読んだり、座禅会に参加したり、仏教の専門書店で「六祖檀経」という禅の本を買って読みかじったり、解説書を読んで自分のアパートの一室で座禅を組んだりしていました。

一時期は1週間くらい、毎日3時間くらい座禅したことがあり、その時は最後の頃何か頭に突き抜けるような感覚があり、外に出ると物がやたらと明るくハッキリと見え、多分実際に目も大きく開いていたのでしょう、ESS（英語サークル）の友人に会うと「目がパッチリしている」と言われました。その時は気分も充実して自信にあふれ、本当に「矢でも鉄砲でも持ってこい！」みたいな、「いつでもどこでも何が起きても誰が相手であろうとも、絶対に自分らしくいられる」という、妙な自信が漲っていました。実際、直後にレンタルビデオ屋でアダルトコーナーを眺めていたらチンピラみたいなオッサンが「見えねえんだよ！」みたいに絡んできましたが、私はもう10000％以上そのオッサンが気にならないというかアウトオブ眼中、本当に屁とも何とも思わなかったのでこれ以上ないほど完全に意識から除外して無視して引き続き無念無想の境地でエロビデオを眺めていると、そのオッサンは「スイマセン・・・」と、なんだかションボリした感じで私に言ったのでした。多分、私が何か精神的にアブナイ、気持ち悪い奴に見えたのではないかと思います。そんな私の「神秘体験」に基づく自信はすぐに雲散霧消したように思います。

要するに誰でも少し真剣に瞑想や座禅をやれば何らかの精神的変化が実感できるのであり、そんなものは一種の異常心理、思い込みであり、悟りでもなんでもなく、私の場合は心の曇りが多少減った結果、雑念・妄想が少なく倫理的・道徳的で心清らかな人々が普段見ている世界を垣間見れたということでしょう。つまり私の感じたのは多分単に雑念・妄想が減っただけで、禅で言う「魔境」ですらない。それを知らない純粋培養君たちは麻原彰晃という、壮大な勘違いと強烈なエゴに凝り固まった特異な人物に出会って圧倒され、グルの指導に従って少し修行すると実際何かを感じたがために妄信したのではないか？麻原彰晃はもちろん私なんかより桁違いに修行してそれなりに何かを得た、と感じたんでしょうが、それでも多分私の体験に毛の生えたようなものだろうと思います。

結局私はほとんど興味本位で座禅をやり、今でも時々思い出したようにやる「野狐禅」ですが、それでもやると頭がスッキリして集中力が高まる気がするのは事実です。たとえば英語が聞き取り易くなるし、疲労が減るし、雑踏で人をスイスイ避けられるし、とにかく迷いと雑念が減ります。そして三日坊主で元の木阿弥、しかし数か月経つとあの頭の軽さを思い出して再開するというパターン。まあある意味、これは「心のお風呂」であり、心は体同様垢が溜まってきますから時々洗うのは悪くないのかも。なので、真剣に、たとえば出家でもして修行すれば、「悟り」という、多分想像するにある意味動物的な、今の瞬間だけに集中して、妄想に振り回されない状態に達して安住することはできるんだろうと思います。

誰でも程度の差こそあれ、物質以外の精神的な何かを求めており、だから宗教や占いや儀式、ヨガ、神秘主義、その他諸々のオカルト、スピリチュアルがある。新聞によれば現在でもオウムの後継団体に入信する若者が結構いるそうですが、孤独や悩みを抱えていれば何かにすがりたくなるでしょう。ひょっとして子供のころから伝統的な宗教に触れる機会がなかったのでは？キリスト教は分かりませんが、仏教、ヨガ等、心のマニュアルが太古の昔からあることを知れば、少しは客観的に新興宗教の教祖や組織を見ることができるんではないかと思います。

釣られてしまったのだあ～～～んぺっ！

先日確定申告をe-Taxで済ませて数日後、税務署から【還付金の処理状況に関するお知らせ】なるメールが届いた。

以下、メール文面のスクショ。

E-taxアカウントを作成しろと言う。（アカウント？昨年作ったじゃないか！また作るんかい？税務署のアホはまた面倒なことを・・・）と、昨年の税務署ミス（「e-Tax青色申告：信号無視アホ同士の交差点衝突」）もあったためイラつきながらリンクをクリックし住所氏名を入力後、「オンライン入金のため」と言うので、消費税のオンライン納付かと思い、クレジットカード番号を入力してしまった。

カード会社から確認だか何だかがSMSで携帯番号に届くと言うが何度リセットしても届かないのでおかしいと思い10分経過、さらにはやはりアカウントは既に持っているはずなのに変だと思い税務署に電話すると、そんなメールは送信してないと言う。

送信アドレスを見るとやはり詐欺。

すぐにカード会社に電話してカードを止めました。１０日で新カードを発行してくれるという。

しかし番号入力から停止まで約３０分が経過した。この間何か購入されたかも。

改めてメールを見るとおかしな点に気付く。

１．字体が微妙に不自然、ねじれたりブレている、「さ」とか「い」の角度・形が微妙に変。

正しい税務署からのメール

２．受信者の氏名が書いてない。

３．e-Tax, E-Taxと、記載に統一が無い。

３．「還付金の電子発行」なんて意味不明。

いやまったくアホなことをしてしまいました。普段詐欺に騙される人をあからさまにバカにしていましたが、これがあの引っ掛かるアホがいると言われる「フィッシング」か・・・

あ、あふりか象が好きっ！！

 

日本は馬鹿なのか？

最近この方の発言に納得することが多い。確かに「核の傘」なんて無いんじゃないだろうか？日本を守るためにアメリカが核戦争するなんてあり得ない。

トランプ政権で米国は自国主義、これは日本自主独立への良いチャンスなんでは？

日本への中国人居住者が増大しているらしいし、10年後に中国の属国なんてのも実現しても不思議ではない。

独り言

金ではなく「道」を追え

 

Translate: 金ではなく「道」を追え

ChatGPT:

"Chase the 'Way,' not gold."

あなた:

What do you think it means?

ChatGPT:

The phrase "金ではなく『道』を追え" can be interpreted as an encouragement to pursue a meaningful path or personal growth rather than wealth or material gain.

• 金 (Gold) symbolizes money, material wealth, or financial success.
• 道 (Way) can represent a philosophy, a moral or ethical path, a way of life, or even mastery in a discipline (as seen in traditional Japanese arts like 武道 budō or 茶道 sadō).

So, the phrase is essentially advising someone to focus on their principles, passion, or the pursuit of excellence rather than being driven purely by financial rewards. It aligns with traditional values found in samurai philosophy, Zen teachings, and even modern ideas about purpose-driven work.

あなた:

Then, the word "Way" with the upper case "W" is important, isn't it? If it was not an upper case letter and even without the quotation marks, how would the meaning change?

ChatGPT:

Yes, using "Way" with an uppercase W and quotation marks is important because it emphasizes that "Way" refers to something more than just an ordinary path. It suggests a philosophical, ethical, or disciplined approach to life, much like the concept of 道 (dō) in Japanese traditions.

How the Meaning Changes:

1. "Chase the way, not gold."

   • Without capitalization or quotation marks, "way" could just mean a general direction, method, or approach to something.
   • The phrase would still imply prioritizing a meaningful approach over money, but it would lose the deeper connotation of 道 (dō), which refers to a lifelong discipline, philosophy, or moral path.

2. "Chase the Way, not gold."

   • Capitalizing "Way" without quotation marks still conveys a deeper meaning, but it might be a bit less explicit.
   • It could still imply a grander or more meaningful path, but readers unfamiliar with Eastern philosophy might not immediately grasp the intended nuance.

3. "Chase the 'Way,' not gold."

   • The original form, with both capitalization and quotation marks, makes it clear that "Way" is a specific concept, possibly referencing 道 (dō).
   • It signals that this is not just a way of doing something, but a guiding principle, discipline, or philosophy.

Conclusion:

• Using lowercase "way" makes it more generic, reducing the philosophical weight.
• Using uppercase "Way" helps maintain the deeper meaning, even without quotation marks.
• Using both uppercase and quotation marks makes it explicit, emphasizing the cultural and philosophical concept behind it.

Your instinct to use "Way" with a capital letter and quotation marks is spot on if you want to fully capture the original nuance of 道 (dō).

あなた:

Why did you use "gold" instead of "money"?

ChatGPT:

I chose "gold" instead of "money" because "gold" carries a more symbolic and timeless meaning, which aligns with the philosophical nature of the phrase. Here’s why:

1. Gold Represents Material Wealth More Poetically

• "Gold" has historically been associated with wealth, greed, and materialism, making it a more universal and evocative symbol than "money."
• It resonates with traditional wisdom, where gold is often depicted as something that tempts people away from higher virtues.

2. Closer to the Japanese Phrase

• The original Japanese uses "金" (kin), which literally means "gold" but is also used as a shorthand for money.
• However, if the writer had intended "money" specifically, they might have used お金 (okane) instead of just 金.

3. A More Timeless and Philosophical Tone

• "Gold" makes the phrase sound more proverbial, like something from a classic text or philosophy, rather than just financial advice.
• If I had said, "Chase the Way, not money," it might sound a bit more modern and practical rather than profound.

That said, "Chase the Way, not money" would still be correct, just slightly less poetic and impactful. Would you prefer a different nuance?

プーチンは騙された？

プーチンは西側に嵌められた、ウクライナ東部を保護したという、この動画の内容が真実かどうか分からない。

しかし、領土拡大の野望やNATO拡大の被害妄想に憑りつかれたプーチンが突然ウクライナに攻め込んだというような話も眉唾かもしれない。

今日のウクライナは明日の台湾だという話もあるが、軍事作戦で台湾を占領ないし「奪還」して中国が得するのか？緩衝地帯としての役目もありそうだし、台湾や香港の優秀さや地位はすなわち中国の優秀さの証明になっている。単なる民族や国家の誇りなどで戦争するはずがない。有事が起こるとすれば外部からの扇動なんじゃないか？国家が多大な損害を伴う行動に出るには、普通はそれなりの理由があるはずだと思います。

結局宗教と言語で線を引かないとダメなんじゃないか？ウクライナ東部はロシアに属した方が良いんでは？

さらに結局は肉体的、精神的、金銭的強者（軍事産業や、「国際資本」とか）が弱者を搾取するのが世の常だと思わざるを得ません。

トランプ政権は成功する

ホリエモン氏がトランプ政権の（特定の）政策が大成功すると発言したとヤフーニュースにありました。見出ししか見てませんが、私も同感です。

私の場合はほとんど根拠の無い直感ですが、例えばウクライナ問題にしても、トランプ氏の「ディール」の他にどうやって終結させるというんでしょうか？トランプ氏が当選してなかったらあと何年ダラダラ戦争が続いたことか。

パレスチナに関してもトランプ氏はアメリカがガザを統治するみたいなことを言っているらしく批判が多いようですが、あの破壊されつくした狭い土地にパレスチナの人々が戻って幸せになれるとは思えない。結局イスラエルが戦争に勝利したのは明白なので、はっきり言ってしまえばパレスチナの人々は勝者の言いなりになるしかない。

マスメディアや民主党は綺麗ごとを言っているようにしか思えない。

私はトランプ氏を応援するし、トランプ政権の下で米国と世界の多くの人々の生活は今までより悪くはならないと思います。

ラインモへ移行

ケータイはもう多分10年以上ソフトバンクでしたが私のデータ使用量はほとんど毎月3ギガ未満なのでラインモに変えました。

ネットで申し込んで宅配でSIMカードが届き、交換。

グーグルフォンのPixel３。

移行はまあまあ簡単でした。

英語勉強法に関する「悩み」を聞いていつも思うこと

英語ができるようになるためには、賢い消費者になることが重要。

人間は誰でも限られた時間内で物と情報を消費しないと生きていけない、だから効率的・効果的な消費方法が必要。

英語の音や文章を消費するための効果的・効率的な能力を身に付けるために、高い金払って英会話学校や語学学校に行く必要が本当にあるのか？

海外に行く必要が本当にあるのか？

教科書を５００回音読したのか？大学受験単語を２０００暗記したのか？英語で独り言したのか？浅草や渋谷へ行って外人に話しかけて道案内でもしたのか？英字新聞を毎日読んだのか？目に見える物を片っ端から英語で言ったり実況中継したか？英語でカラオケやったか？英語を生活の一部にしているのか？どんなレベルを欲しているのか?まさか、ネイティブレベル？そもそも本当に英語が必要で習得したいのか？AIで良いのでは?

NHKの講座もあればネトフリ動画もあり、新聞や雑誌、小説、漫画、良い辞書や参考書も溢れている現在、「英語の勉強法が分からない、上達しない」等の「悩み」はまったく馬鹿げている。

「悩んで」いるヒマがあったら単語の１つでも覚えたらどうなんでしょう？

日本は宇宙人により守られているのか？

私も日航123便墜落事故に関する陰謀論を批判する割にはCVRは改ざんされていると信じてますから結局陰謀論者でしょうし、オカルトや心霊話は好きだし、自分の体験は無いのに周囲での体験談を何度も聞いてきたのでUFOや霊がいても不思議は無いだろうと思っています。

最近面白かったのは3回死んだという人の話。

「3回の臨死体験で分かった宇宙の構造と肛門日光浴&耳ツボの神秘　飯島敬一【死後の世界　生まれ変わり　神門】」

お笑いとして観れば楽しいぐらいに思えばいい、と自分に言い聞かせつつ、（そんなこともあるかも）と、半分信じているのも事実。

で、昨年からマイブームなのが下の動画の保江邦夫という物理学者の方で、人柄も惹かれるし話も非常に面白く、ミリタリー好きで自宅の庭に戦闘機が置いてあるんだそうで一度拝見したいものですが、怪しさ満載でオカルト村の村長ないしはオカルト共和国の大統領か顧問のような感じですが、大層面白くて著書も５冊くらい読みました。

そのうちの一冊に書いてあったのが、「望むことを手帳に予定として書いておけば実現する」という話がありました。なんでも試したい私はすぐに、「翌週○月○日、Aさんと楽しく雑談する」と書き込みました。Aさんは職場の同僚女性ですがほんの些細な出来事で若干疎遠になりお互い気まずくなって数か月以上が経っており、席は近いのにまったく話はしない状態で、私は本当は話して笑いを共有したくて内心ウズウズしているのですが切っ掛けが無い状態でした。で、手帳に予定として前記書き込み、いざ当日の朝となりいつものように出勤、すると電車遅延で普段より少し遅れてビル玄関に到着、エレベータを待っていると、いつもは私より遅い出勤の彼女が出現、エレベータの中で二人で、社交辞令ですが一応「談笑」したのでした。つまり希望が実現しました。

そして、では再度試そうと思い、今度は別の望みとしてこれまた最近話していない同僚男性を考え、「○月○日、Bさんと談笑する」と書き込みました。すると当日、昼食後にビル近くを歩いていると喫煙スペースでBさんを発見、自然に声をかけて久しぶりに「談笑」したのでした。

では３回目ということで、今度は新聞の記事で読んだ、英語教育に携わる素敵な女性と「○月○日、偶然路上でバッタリ出会い、雑談する」と書き込みました。そして当日が来ましたが、実現しませんでした。実はその予定を忘れていて、翌日になって手帳を開いて気付いたのでした。

つまり、本当に誠実に、心の底から望むことであれば実現するんではないか？例えば私は旧車のポルシェが好きで欲しいですが、本当に欲しいのかと考えると乗る暇も無いし維持費は大変だろうし、見合うガレージも無いしで、結局心底欲しいわけではない。それより英語がネイティブレベルになって映画や小説を日本語と同等に楽しんだり、英語で小説を書いたりできるようになりたい、とは心底思います。

で、この保江邦夫という先生の動画が面白いのでここに紹介したいと思います。

まあ結局７月５日にカタストロフィーが起こるのか否かよく分かりませんが、「神鍋」という地名の由来や、「かぐや姫」の話が事実だなど大変面白く、半分信じている私はやはりオカルト村の住人のようです。

この有名な「遮光器土偶」は、私は当時実際に出現した宇宙人の姿に違いないと真面目に思います。

こんな眼鏡のような造形、実際に見たのでなければあり得ないんではないでしょうか？宇宙人は宇宙空間では魂だか粒子だかなんでしょうが、地球に来た時は地球的な物質を利用し、人間に近い形状で、地球上の造形物を模した様式で姿を現すんだと思います。