JAPAN TODAY
EARL’S WORLD---25
After using all the adjectives that I can think of, beautiful, modern, clean, disciplined, high tech, friendly, I’d like to reflect on my visit to Japan these past five days.
Like and ascent up the economic prosperity ladder, from the low rung of West Africa, around Cape Good Hope, over the Indian Ocean one sees one comes face to face with a rising Asian Century. India, South East Asia, China and Japan have risen from poverty, bondage, colonialism, wars and ashes to becoming the leaders in trade, economic growth and technology to make them them a dominant power in the world today.
Japan, though suffering through an economic down turn over the past 10 years could still be called the “Crown Jewel” of Asia. They are a monoculture with a population of 125 million and 99% Japanese. Their island is just a tad larger that California. Most live in large coastal cities. It is a beautiful country with mountain ranges, deep water ports and where you expect trash, you don’t see it Their rail system is the finest in the world. They are committed to safety, having an eternal threat of earthquakes.
The superstructure, buildings, highways, railways are built to be earthquake resistant. The Kobe quake 14 years ago killed 6000, destroyed 200,000 buildings. The city was rebuilt in 2 years. (New Orleans, damaged by Katrina still languishes.)
The people are sober in expression and somewhat intent. There is no loitering, no boisterousness. They love art, music (karaoke), beauty and make beauty. The public toilets are adorned with fresh flowers in artsy vases in addition to their functional hardware that exceeds what is expected or needed. (whistles, warmth, jets and music)
On the toll road from Kobe to Hiroshima we passed through more tunnels than there are in the entire US, I’m sure. Only 14 % of the country is flat enough for agriculture.
Americans are still liked and admired but our customs do clash in many ways. Materialism is of the small size, ie. Houses, automobiles, furniture, gardens. Wealth must be well distributed as one sees little evidence of poverty.
The downside that may create some problems for the future is the choice of the young adult generation to chose not to marry and have children. The “Parasite Singles”continue (age 25 to 38) to live with their parents (80%) and save money which they have in abundance. Fifty percent of pregnancies are aborted. There are 50% fewer babies than 15 years ago.
Japan has the world’s largest foreign debt. It has the largest number of retirees. It is said they can’t get out of their “old ways” and are in crisis with themselves.
It seems that we will become partners as we function in a global economy and a “flat”world. We’ve come a long way since being enemies.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Earl's World--25
JAPAN TODAY
EARL’S WORLD---25
After using all the adjectives that I can think of, beautiful, modern, clean, disciplined, high tech, friendly, I’d like to reflect on my visit to Japan these past five days.
Like and ascent up the economic prosperity ladder, from the low rung of West Africa, around Cape Good Hope, over the Indian Ocean one sees one comes face to face with a rising Asian Century. India, South East Asia, China and Japan have risen from poverty, bondage, colonialism, wars and ashes to becoming the leaders in trade, economic growth and technology to make them them a dominant power in the world today.
Japan, though suffering through an economic down turn over the past 10 years could still be called the “Crown Jewel” of Asia. They are a monoculture with a population of 125 million and 99% Japanese. Their island is just a tad larger that California. Most live in large coastal cities. It is a beautiful country with mountain ranges, deep water ports and where you expect trash, you don’t see it Their rail system is the finest in the world. They are committed to safety, having an eternal threat of earthquakes.
The superstructure, buildings, highways, railways are built to be earthquake resistant. The Kobe quake 14 years ago killed 6000, destroyed 200,000 buildings. The city was rebuilt in 2 years. (New Orleans, damaged by Katrina still languishes.)
The people are sober in expression and somewhat intent. There is no loitering, no boisterousness. They love art, music (karaoke), beauty and make beauty. The public toilets are adorned with fresh flowers in artsy vases in addition to their functional hardware that exceeds what is expected or needed. (whistles, warmth, jets and music)
On the toll road from Kobe to Hiroshima we passed through more tunnels than there are in the entire US, I’m sure. Only 14 % of the country is flat enough for agriculture.
Americans are still liked and admired but our customs do clash in many ways. Materialism is of the small size, ie. Houses, automobiles, furniture, gardens. Wealth must be well distributed as one sees little evidence of poverty.
The downside that may create some problems for the future is the choice of the young adult generation to chose not to marry and have children. The “Parasite Singles”continue (age 25 to 38) to live with their parents (80%) and save money which they have in abundance. Fifty percent of pregnancies are aborted. There are 50% fewer babies than 15 years ago.
Japan has the world’s largest foreign debt. It has the largest number of retirees. It is said they can’t get out of their “old ways” and are in crisis with themselves.
It seems that we will become partners as we function in a global economy and a “flat”world. We’ve come a long way since being enemies.
EARL’S WORLD---25
After using all the adjectives that I can think of, beautiful, modern, clean, disciplined, high tech, friendly, I’d like to reflect on my visit to Japan these past five days.
Like and ascent up the economic prosperity ladder, from the low rung of West Africa, around Cape Good Hope, over the Indian Ocean one sees one comes face to face with a rising Asian Century. India, South East Asia, China and Japan have risen from poverty, bondage, colonialism, wars and ashes to becoming the leaders in trade, economic growth and technology to make them them a dominant power in the world today.
Japan, though suffering through an economic down turn over the past 10 years could still be called the “Crown Jewel” of Asia. They are a monoculture with a population of 125 million and 99% Japanese. Their island is just a tad larger that California. Most live in large coastal cities. It is a beautiful country with mountain ranges, deep water ports and where you expect trash, you don’t see it Their rail system is the finest in the world. They are committed to safety, having an eternal threat of earthquakes.
The superstructure, buildings, highways, railways are built to be earthquake resistant. The Kobe quake 14 years ago killed 6000, destroyed 200,000 buildings. The city was rebuilt in 2 years. (New Orleans, damaged by Katrina still languishes.)
The people are sober in expression and somewhat intent. There is no loitering, no boisterousness. They love art, music (karaoke), beauty and make beauty. The public toilets are adorned with fresh flowers in artsy vases in addition to their functional hardware that exceeds what is expected or needed. (whistles, warmth, jets and music)
On the toll road from Kobe to Hiroshima we passed through more tunnels than there are in the entire US, I’m sure. Only 14 % of the country is flat enough for agriculture.
Americans are still liked and admired but our customs do clash in many ways. Materialism is of the small size, ie. Houses, automobiles, furniture, gardens. Wealth must be well distributed as one sees little evidence of poverty.
The downside that may create some problems for the future is the choice of the young adult generation to chose not to marry and have children. The “Parasite Singles”continue (age 25 to 38) to live with their parents (80%) and save money which they have in abundance. Fifty percent of pregnancies are aborted. There are 50% fewer babies than 15 years ago.
Japan has the world’s largest foreign debt. It has the largest number of retirees. It is said they can’t get out of their “old ways” and are in crisis with themselves.
It seems that we will become partners as we function in a global economy and a “flat”world. We’ve come a long way since being enemies.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Earl's World--24
EARL’S WORLD—24
Hiroshima
For a year that I missed the fall season in North Carolina, third time in my life, I had a joyful time absorbing the beauty surrounding Peace Park, in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Cradled by mountains that were speckled by orange and red maples, a chilly light wind scattering yellow gingko leaves along the walk ways, watching school children in their colorful uniforms frolicking and chatting in small groups on their way home and feeling the stimulation of cool air was my one day of the favorite season of the year. It was a special day but for other reasons.
On August 6, 1945 at 8:15 AM over this spot in the heart of Hiroshima, 500 meters above ground the first Atom bomb was exploded. It hastened the conclusion of World War II but it introduced to the world a weapon of such power of destruction that mankind has wrestled with its containment ever since. Hiroshima was flattened for distance of over two miles. 140,000 citizens were killed out right. Most were families, women and children and over a thousand Korean workers brought to the city under force to dig bomb shelters. The death from irradiation killed many quickly but thousands died over the next few months and years from radiation sickness, leukemia and burns.
A second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki 5 days later. The Japanese surrendered on August 15th, 1945. On that date I was a Pharmacist Mate in the navy, aboard the USS Gosper in San Francisco Bay, preparing my ship for the invasion of Japan.
The beautiful Peace Park now represents the extent to which Japan has recovered. The Museum records the horror of that day with vivid images, of human suffering that is painful to view. Recorded reactions from world leaders spoke of the necessity of removing Nuclear weapons from the face of the earth; that no human should ever have to face the possibility of a nuclear holocaust. Reduction of nuclear warheads is not the answer. It may be a start, but universal removal of all nuclear weapons is the only answer to the nuclear weapon dilemma. Let’s hope the “peace children” of tomorrow can live to see this accomplished.
Hiroshima
For a year that I missed the fall season in North Carolina, third time in my life, I had a joyful time absorbing the beauty surrounding Peace Park, in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Cradled by mountains that were speckled by orange and red maples, a chilly light wind scattering yellow gingko leaves along the walk ways, watching school children in their colorful uniforms frolicking and chatting in small groups on their way home and feeling the stimulation of cool air was my one day of the favorite season of the year. It was a special day but for other reasons.
On August 6, 1945 at 8:15 AM over this spot in the heart of Hiroshima, 500 meters above ground the first Atom bomb was exploded. It hastened the conclusion of World War II but it introduced to the world a weapon of such power of destruction that mankind has wrestled with its containment ever since. Hiroshima was flattened for distance of over two miles. 140,000 citizens were killed out right. Most were families, women and children and over a thousand Korean workers brought to the city under force to dig bomb shelters. The death from irradiation killed many quickly but thousands died over the next few months and years from radiation sickness, leukemia and burns.
A second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki 5 days later. The Japanese surrendered on August 15th, 1945. On that date I was a Pharmacist Mate in the navy, aboard the USS Gosper in San Francisco Bay, preparing my ship for the invasion of Japan.
The beautiful Peace Park now represents the extent to which Japan has recovered. The Museum records the horror of that day with vivid images, of human suffering that is painful to view. Recorded reactions from world leaders spoke of the necessity of removing Nuclear weapons from the face of the earth; that no human should ever have to face the possibility of a nuclear holocaust. Reduction of nuclear warheads is not the answer. It may be a start, but universal removal of all nuclear weapons is the only answer to the nuclear weapon dilemma. Let’s hope the “peace children” of tomorrow can live to see this accomplished.
Friday, November 13, 2009
EARL'S WORLD--19
EARL’S WORLD---19
Hong Kong-The Crown Jewel of Asia
This city must be the capital of the 21st century. Sailing into the harbor among the mountains and seeing the ethereal sight of towering Hong Kong is one of the world’s great travel experiences. Looking east, north, south and west and your eyes are riveted on massive buildings, moving ships and blue water. The M/V Explorer docked at Ocean Terminal in the center of Kowloon. A front row seat of the harbor and the city.
Hong Kong is situated at the mouth edge of the Pearl River several miles down river from Canton and that is significant because of British trade with that city though early history. The British acquired the island of Hong Kong in 1840 after winning the first opium war against the Chinese. This became part of the British Empire. Canton was the exporting city of Chinese goods and materials to the world which the British bought with silver, and later opium. They brought opium from India, a British Colony, and exchanged it for spices, silk and other fineries. Hong Kong expanded by 1860 after the second opium war which the British won. Further expansion in 1897 occurred when a treaty was signed granting ownership to the British for 99 year. In 1997 Hong Kong was turnover to the Chinese.
The modernizing Chinese policy of Deng Xiaoping allowed Hong Kong to continue operating as a capitalist economy. He ordered “one country, two systems” and the city has prospered and grown exponentially since. There are fault lines and skirmishes but the Chinese have their eye on the “bottom line” over all else. It is the money capital of Asia.
A gaze around the harbor one sees all the skyscrapers with familiar names we see on our appliances and gadgets at home. There are 7 million people here, Chinese and Asians and Europeans and Americans. Space is a problem and they move traffic with impressive designs; two tier streets, elevated pedestrian walkways, four harbor tunnels, double decker buses. The Shopping malls are world class and are full or the young generation of Orientals, richly dressed, and spending money. Christmas decorations are already in place. Construction material is glass, terrazzo tile, marble, brass and silver and everywhere it is spotlessly clean. Deng Xiaoping, the instigator of the new China would be very pleased.
Hong Kong-The Crown Jewel of Asia
This city must be the capital of the 21st century. Sailing into the harbor among the mountains and seeing the ethereal sight of towering Hong Kong is one of the world’s great travel experiences. Looking east, north, south and west and your eyes are riveted on massive buildings, moving ships and blue water. The M/V Explorer docked at Ocean Terminal in the center of Kowloon. A front row seat of the harbor and the city.
Hong Kong is situated at the mouth edge of the Pearl River several miles down river from Canton and that is significant because of British trade with that city though early history. The British acquired the island of Hong Kong in 1840 after winning the first opium war against the Chinese. This became part of the British Empire. Canton was the exporting city of Chinese goods and materials to the world which the British bought with silver, and later opium. They brought opium from India, a British Colony, and exchanged it for spices, silk and other fineries. Hong Kong expanded by 1860 after the second opium war which the British won. Further expansion in 1897 occurred when a treaty was signed granting ownership to the British for 99 year. In 1997 Hong Kong was turnover to the Chinese.
The modernizing Chinese policy of Deng Xiaoping allowed Hong Kong to continue operating as a capitalist economy. He ordered “one country, two systems” and the city has prospered and grown exponentially since. There are fault lines and skirmishes but the Chinese have their eye on the “bottom line” over all else. It is the money capital of Asia.
A gaze around the harbor one sees all the skyscrapers with familiar names we see on our appliances and gadgets at home. There are 7 million people here, Chinese and Asians and Europeans and Americans. Space is a problem and they move traffic with impressive designs; two tier streets, elevated pedestrian walkways, four harbor tunnels, double decker buses. The Shopping malls are world class and are full or the young generation of Orientals, richly dressed, and spending money. Christmas decorations are already in place. Construction material is glass, terrazzo tile, marble, brass and silver and everywhere it is spotlessly clean. Deng Xiaoping, the instigator of the new China would be very pleased.
EARL'S WORLD--19
EARL’S WORLD---19
Hong Kong-The Crown Jewel of Asia
This city must be the capital of the 21st century. Sailing into the harbor among the mountains and seeing the ethereal sight of towering Hong Kong is one of the world’s great travel experiences. Looking east, north, south and west and your eyes are riveted on massive buildings, moving ships and blue water. The M/V Explorer docked at Ocean Terminal in the center of Kowloon. A front row seat of the harbor and the city.
Hong Kong is situated at the mouth edge of the Pearl River several miles down river from Canton and that is significant because of British trade with that city though early history. The British acquired the island of Hong Kong in 1840 after winning the first opium war against the Chinese. This became part of the British Empire. Canton was the exporting city of Chinese goods and materials to the world which the British bought with silver, and later opium. They brought opium from India, a British Colony, and exchanged it for spices, silk and other fineries. Hong Kong expanded by 1860 after the second opium war which the British won. Further expansion in 1897 occurred when a treaty was signed granting ownership to the British for 99 year. In 1997 Hong Kong was turnover to the Chinese.
The modernizing Chinese policy of Deng Xiaoping allowed Hong Kong to continue operating as a capitalist economy. He ordered “one country, two systems” and the city has prospered and grown exponentially since. There are fault lines and skirmishes but the Chinese have their eye on the “bottom line” over all else. It is the money capital of Asia.
A gaze around the harbor one sees all the skyscrapers with familiar names we see on our appliances and gadgets at home. There are 7 million people here, Chinese and Asians and Europeans and Americans. Space is a problem and they move traffic with impressive designs; two tier streets, elevated pedestrian walkways, four harbor tunnels, double decker buses. The Shopping malls are world class and are full or the young generation of Orientals, richly dressed, and spending money. Christmas decorations are already in place. Construction material is glass, terrazzo tile, marble, brass and silver and everywhere it is spotlessly clean. Deng Xiaoping, the instigator of the new China would be very pleased.
Hong Kong-The Crown Jewel of Asia
This city must be the capital of the 21st century. Sailing into the harbor among the mountains and seeing the ethereal sight of towering Hong Kong is one of the world’s great travel experiences. Looking east, north, south and west and your eyes are riveted on massive buildings, moving ships and blue water. The M/V Explorer docked at Ocean Terminal in the center of Kowloon. A front row seat of the harbor and the city.
Hong Kong is situated at the mouth edge of the Pearl River several miles down river from Canton and that is significant because of British trade with that city though early history. The British acquired the island of Hong Kong in 1840 after winning the first opium war against the Chinese. This became part of the British Empire. Canton was the exporting city of Chinese goods and materials to the world which the British bought with silver, and later opium. They brought opium from India, a British Colony, and exchanged it for spices, silk and other fineries. Hong Kong expanded by 1860 after the second opium war which the British won. Further expansion in 1897 occurred when a treaty was signed granting ownership to the British for 99 year. In 1997 Hong Kong was turnover to the Chinese.
The modernizing Chinese policy of Deng Xiaoping allowed Hong Kong to continue operating as a capitalist economy. He ordered “one country, two systems” and the city has prospered and grown exponentially since. There are fault lines and skirmishes but the Chinese have their eye on the “bottom line” over all else. It is the money capital of Asia.
A gaze around the harbor one sees all the skyscrapers with familiar names we see on our appliances and gadgets at home. There are 7 million people here, Chinese and Asians and Europeans and Americans. Space is a problem and they move traffic with impressive designs; two tier streets, elevated pedestrian walkways, four harbor tunnels, double decker buses. The Shopping malls are world class and are full or the young generation of Orientals, richly dressed, and spending money. Christmas decorations are already in place. Construction material is glass, terrazzo tile, marble, brass and silver and everywhere it is spotlessly clean. Deng Xiaoping, the instigator of the new China would be very pleased.
Monday, November 9, 2009
EARL'S WORLD---18
EARL’S WORLD---18
Vietnam Countryside
Farming is a struggle. Growing largely rice it is a crop that requires back breaking hand labor: planting, transplanting, harvesting, thrashing, drying, bagging, all by hand. Back problem are prevalent and older workers wear out before ageing. Young people are going to the cities where they seek education and a higher standard of living. The water for farming is supplied by the state from canals and pumps. Rice requires 2 months of water covered fields, then a dry field month before is turns yellow and need harvesting. There are two growing seasons per year. Housing has progressed from bamboo to concrete and brick. Property for a house is bought or granted from the government. A house is taxed by the number of frontage feet (Meters) thus most are about10 feet wide, and 40 to 60 feet long. Walls are poured concrete and look like bunkers. Joint walls are not used for privacy reasons. The front ground floor is usually and shop for a business, craft work, repairs, food marketing and cooking or any of dozens of endeavors. It is like tables in Wal Mart stretched our along main street with a wall between them and each a private business enticing the masses of people and motorcycles passing by. There may be a mobile phone shop, or a glidden paint shop every half mile. With such limited space I assume one sells white and one sells yellow. The house toilet and kitchen are usually separated from the house, in back. Cost for a family of four, about $20,000.
Electricity is from coal burning plants and near Hanoi and is the world’s largest, built by the Japanese. Air quality seemed quite good so they must have modern technology.
Education is not free. The family pays, the schools are inadequate, the day divided so the child goes in the mornings or afternoon. The government supplies their uniforms. There is no more land for young people so most are moving to cities.
Gas is $4.00 a gallon, most for taxes and is high to discourage automobile use. The city of Ho Chi Minh has 5 million motorcycles registered.
Vietnam Countryside
Farming is a struggle. Growing largely rice it is a crop that requires back breaking hand labor: planting, transplanting, harvesting, thrashing, drying, bagging, all by hand. Back problem are prevalent and older workers wear out before ageing. Young people are going to the cities where they seek education and a higher standard of living. The water for farming is supplied by the state from canals and pumps. Rice requires 2 months of water covered fields, then a dry field month before is turns yellow and need harvesting. There are two growing seasons per year. Housing has progressed from bamboo to concrete and brick. Property for a house is bought or granted from the government. A house is taxed by the number of frontage feet (Meters) thus most are about10 feet wide, and 40 to 60 feet long. Walls are poured concrete and look like bunkers. Joint walls are not used for privacy reasons. The front ground floor is usually and shop for a business, craft work, repairs, food marketing and cooking or any of dozens of endeavors. It is like tables in Wal Mart stretched our along main street with a wall between them and each a private business enticing the masses of people and motorcycles passing by. There may be a mobile phone shop, or a glidden paint shop every half mile. With such limited space I assume one sells white and one sells yellow. The house toilet and kitchen are usually separated from the house, in back. Cost for a family of four, about $20,000.
Electricity is from coal burning plants and near Hanoi and is the world’s largest, built by the Japanese. Air quality seemed quite good so they must have modern technology.
Education is not free. The family pays, the schools are inadequate, the day divided so the child goes in the mornings or afternoon. The government supplies their uniforms. There is no more land for young people so most are moving to cities.
Gas is $4.00 a gallon, most for taxes and is high to discourage automobile use. The city of Ho Chi Minh has 5 million motorcycles registered.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
EARL'S WORLD----16
EARL'S WORLD--16
The Vietnam Experience
One travel guide book says that Vietnam is the most intoxicating place on earth. Maybe that is the way to begin this saga because it impacts all ones emotions and you are well "spent" as you depart this country.
There was much history and turmoil here long before it bacame a contentious issue for the United States.
America's interest was the threat to critical natural resourses, oil, tungsten, manganese and the preservation of democracy in countries of South East Asia. America exerted it's inflences in Vietnam for 25 years and during the terms of six presidents. It began by our supplying military advisors and weapons. Later our role escalated as we sent in ground troops and air support. By the time the war ended 58,000 American troops, and 3 million Vietnam soldiers and civilians were killed. After the massive resistance to the war at home the war ended with the Paris Peace Accord in January, 1973.
The United States never declared war on Vietnam.
With the country in disarray 200,000 "boat" people left South Vietnam for other countries. With the countryside poisoned and covered with land mines, the economy dysfunctional, with the people in dispair and bitter, there was peace but the struggle was not over.
In 1976 the country was offically reunited as one Vietnam under control of the communist party. Ho Chi Minh was president and conflicts with China and Cambodia presisted for a decade. Russia with drew it's influence as Gorbachev was reconstructing that country with Glassnot, openness. After 1989 Vietnam followed Russia and adopted a new policy of openness to counter serious economic depression. This action began a recovery that resulted in the modernization and economic growth we see today. President Bill Clinton established full diplomatic relations with the country. Tourism is on the increase, the country is a member of the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization.
Two thirds of the citizens of Vietnam was born since the American War.
The Vietnam Experience
One travel guide book says that Vietnam is the most intoxicating place on earth. Maybe that is the way to begin this saga because it impacts all ones emotions and you are well "spent" as you depart this country.
There was much history and turmoil here long before it bacame a contentious issue for the United States.
America's interest was the threat to critical natural resourses, oil, tungsten, manganese and the preservation of democracy in countries of South East Asia. America exerted it's inflences in Vietnam for 25 years and during the terms of six presidents. It began by our supplying military advisors and weapons. Later our role escalated as we sent in ground troops and air support. By the time the war ended 58,000 American troops, and 3 million Vietnam soldiers and civilians were killed. After the massive resistance to the war at home the war ended with the Paris Peace Accord in January, 1973.
The United States never declared war on Vietnam.
With the country in disarray 200,000 "boat" people left South Vietnam for other countries. With the countryside poisoned and covered with land mines, the economy dysfunctional, with the people in dispair and bitter, there was peace but the struggle was not over.
In 1976 the country was offically reunited as one Vietnam under control of the communist party. Ho Chi Minh was president and conflicts with China and Cambodia presisted for a decade. Russia with drew it's influence as Gorbachev was reconstructing that country with Glassnot, openness. After 1989 Vietnam followed Russia and adopted a new policy of openness to counter serious economic depression. This action began a recovery that resulted in the modernization and economic growth we see today. President Bill Clinton established full diplomatic relations with the country. Tourism is on the increase, the country is a member of the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization.
Two thirds of the citizens of Vietnam was born since the American War.
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