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I am still waiting to make the proper arrangements to help with relief work. The e-mail I received from Amy Eby was quite promising but when I sent a check up e-mail she was no longer available for contact. As it looks now is they might be interested in getting me volunteering at their HQ Office in Tokyo and going out on Relief Work when needed.
I need everyone for pray that GODs hand will be in this and help provide me with decent housing for I really don't want to stay in a lonely hotel. If I can find reasonable housing then the cost of my trip would be much less and the duration can be much longer.
Round Trip Flight: $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 Hotel: $50.00 to $100.00 /per day times 30 = $1,500.00 to $3,000.00 Food: $50.00 /per day Trip Cost: $3,000.00 to $6,000.00
Hoping to provide more details very soon.
www.japan-m9.com - Donate | Volunteer | Pray.
When you study a foreign language, sometimes one of the first things you learn unavoidably are the "naughty" words -- that's just human nature. However, students of Japanese are often surprised to learn that most of the bad words they're used to in English don't map over very well. The most common Japanese insults include baka(BAH-kah, stupid), aho (ah-HO, the Osaka-ben version of the same word), and boke (BOH-kay, basically meaning "nim-wit"). Almost all the anatomical words you may be used to just don't work in Japanese, nor does the "F" word, which doesn't even exist, except occasionally in English as a foreign loan word. The most basic Japanese swear word is probably kuso (KOO-soh), the "S" word, yet it's interesting to note that it's not considered a bad word, as it's used in children's anime like Yu-Gi-Oh quite often and no one thinks anything of it. It addition to the primary meaning, the word kuso can also refer to various bodily products. The stuff that comes out of your nose is hana-kuso (nose-sh--), and ear wax is mimi-kuso (ear-sh--). The stuff that builds up in your eyes as you sleep is me-kuso (MEH-kuso), and plaque on your teeth is calledha-kuso. Now you know some interesting (and probably useless) Japanese vocabulary words!
 The ongoing crisis in Japan has caused a lot of deep thinking about the country in general by the Western media, and one article I caught on CNN was titled, "Are the Japanese Different?" This is certainly an interesting question: does Japan's calm, ordered response to this unparalleled disaster indicate that they're somehow fundamentally different from the rest of us? On the one hand the answer is yes -- Japan is an island nation with an incredibly unique and strong culture that enabled it to resist colonization by the Mongols and the European powers (the only Asian nation other than Thailand to achieve this), and it spent 250 years closed off to other nations, living in a highly structured inward-looking society. On the other hand, the common Japanese belief -- really more of a national meme -- that they are fundamentally different, that (for example) the Japan ese langauge is more difficult than every other language in the world and that Japanese brains are are uniquely tuned to speak it, is obviously untrue. These beliefs are part of what's called nihonjinron (lit. "theories of the Japanese people"), a body of ideas about the Japanese as a race put forth by both Japanese and Western writers who were trying to describe Japan's "special" role in the world before, during and after World War II. Among other things, the Japanese fascination with blood types determining one's personality derives from nihonjinron ideas, from back in the days when the Japanese Empire tried to figure which blood type made the best soldiers (it was type O, if you're wondering).
 You might have heard of the movie coming out called "Battle of Los Angeles" but did you know it was based on a real event. In 1942, five years before Roswell, a huge craft was spotted coming in low over Los Angeles. It was hit by spotlights and photographed. The first thoughts were not of Extra-terrestrial but that it must had been sent by the Japanese. While it sat over the city, nearly motionless, and in plain view of thousands of folks and because of the recent Pearl Harbor incident the army started shooting anti-aircraft guns at it. 1300 rounds, 6 people died and shrapnel rained down. What ever it was, it eventually cruised off over Long Beach and disappeared into the night. The next day the above photo was published in the LA Times. Several years later the government claimed it was a weather balloon. Why is that always their explanation?
 I would just like to give people a heads up on my current situation. I have just been notified by CRASH Japan that I just might be a contender to volunteer for relief work in Japan. I am very emotional right now because I feel like this is it. That GOD has been preparing me for the last 6 years and did not let me go to Canada because this is what he wants me to do. I am asking that people pray for the blessings of GOD to rain down because in reality if they ask me to volunteer I don't know how I can pay for the whole thing and even if it will be possible. I am completely putting my faith in GOD that if I am to do this that it will happen and it will the greatest testament to GODs glory and grace.
Thanks, Joel Greene
 Please consider making a donation to the U.S. Red Cross or CRASH Japan. CRASH Japan is a network supporting Christians to do relief work in Japan and around the world.
It's moments like these when you really see the good in people, and Japan has been touched by the outpouring of help from other countries in their hour of need -- 91 countries so far. Everyone is thankful for the rescue teams coming from the U.K., South Korea, Germany, Mexico and yes, New Zealand (thank you everyone!). The U.S. brought the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan and several destroyers in to airlift water, food and other needed supplies, a mission that's been named "Operation Tomodachi" (Operation Friendship), and I saw more than a few Japanese on Twitter saying things like, "I laughed at the silly-sounding name...then I cried and cried." There was a massive show of support on Pixiv, the Japanese artist community website, as artists from Japan and around the world created art of Miku Hatsune saying, Ganbatte, nihon! ("Do your best, Japan!"). It's been really amazing to see.
USS Ronald Reagan is in Japan
The character of the Japanese people is really visible at a time like this. While it's common for disasters to be followed by certain desperate actions by the citizenry, e.g. looting, this idea would be unthinkable in Japan. At the shopping mall in Tokyo, Japan, when the quake hit everyone ran outside holding the items they had intended to purchase. Though they could have just kept on going to their cars, everyone waited for the shaking to stop then went back inside to make their purchases before rushing home. There were no reports of looting or other problems, though basic foodstuffs and gasoline disappeared pretty quickly. In general Japan has been extremely calm and collected considering what they've been up against.
As some of you might have heard I have run into a huge road block on my way to Prince Albert, SK, Canada. I, Joel T Greene, Was denied access to Canada. I tried to enter on two separate days and the first day I was told no because there was no proof that I had any intention of leaving the country. Then the second day the Border Agent denied me access for he was concerned that I would be performing work while on a visitors visa. This is a huge disappointment but I believe that there is a reason stuff happens.
I can not believe the major disaster that happen this morning in Japan. There was a M8.9 off the coast of Sendai and the tsunami that followed destroyed a lot of structures and reshaped that coast line. Please pray for the Japanese as GOD helps them get thought this. Partially because my trip to Canada failed and because I have a heart for Japan, I am looking to volunteer for any groups that will be helping with the relief efforts.
 By and large, Japan is mostly free of corruption
I happened to catch an article about some corruption scandals cropping up in India recently, which are causing some big problems for the country. I've heard stories along these lines from friends who have lived in India before, for example the speed that the phone company installs your phone line is proportional to the size of the bribe you pay the clerk. That's one good thing about Japan: compared to most countries, it's very "clean," and the idea that you'd get someone to do something by applying palm grease is all but unheard of -- heck, you can't even tip someone who has given you outstanding service, as the custom of tipping never caught on here. So important is personal honesty that a ridiculously small campaign contribution of just $500 has brought down Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, who quit his post over the weekend when the news leaked out. (He received the campaign contribution from a "foreigner," which is not allowed under Japanese campaign law, though the individual who made the donation is azainichi Korean, born and raised in Japan but maintaining South Korean citizenship for cultural reasons.) Of course, I'm not saying Japan is perfect. Influential Japanese politician Ichiro Ozawa is under indictment over a controversial land purchase, and Japan still has a big problem with hakomono, lit. "box-thing," the name for pork barrel construction projects with little social value. Still. as a rule Japan does pretty well at keeping corruption at bay. When Vice Defense Minister Takemasa Moriya was found to have been receiving financial and other perks from defense contractors, he was promptly arrested, and prosecutors descended on the Ministry of Self Defence to collect evidence. Can you imagine the U.S. Justice Department executing search warrants and scouring the Pentagon for evidence of wrongdoing under any circumstances?
Well, here is my promise for a post at stop number one. I am writing from a hotel room in Saint Cloud, MN. After a rocky start this morning I got on the road and drove 8 hours with only two stops. Well, my parent were a bit concerned with me driving 15 hours the first day so they forced/asked me to travel over two night instead of one. This hotel is not bad and personnel are quite nice. Tomorrow I plan to get out at about 6 am and travel 12 hours to Regina, SK, Canada. This will be the longest leg of the trip and I pray I will have to ability to battle it out. As so as I can find my data cable for my phone I will have several pictures on my trip. So, if you would excuse me I finished dinner am going down to the pool for a dip.
As I approach my final 12 hours at home I think about all the things that I will miss here. Like the ability to talk with my okasan (mother) or otousan (father) when I desire and the familiar scenes of America the beautiful. Watashi no kozoku wa ai desu.
Yesterday after getting my oil change and as I drove past the Borders Book Store I noticed a BIG YELLOW BANNER under the sign that read "STORE CLOSING". I have bought all my Manga from this store.
"My favorite Borders is closing"
This Saturday I visited Mitsuwa in Arlington Heights to buy Yoshi and Kevin a thank you present. I love the unique Japanese Environment, authentic Japanese Food in the food court and the Magazines and Books imported straight from Japan. This is one place the really gets the blood flowing.
 "Mitsuwa the Japanese Grocery Store is awesome"
"My Favorite Ice Cream is Green Tea"
There will be more posts to came from each major stop so please stay tuned.
 Every man in Japan looks forward to receiving chocolate on Feb. 14
Valentine's Day is an important day in Japan, a time for couples to show their affection through the medium of chocolate. As is probably well-known by now, in Japan it's common for women to give chocolate to the special men in their lives, and in the days leading up to February 14 millions of fathers, husbands, boyfriends and would-be-boyfriends look forward to scoring some chocolatey goodness. There are two kinds of chocolate,honmei-choco or "real heart" chocolate, given to someone you actually care about, and giri-choco or "obligation chocolate," the kind female office workers feel obliged to give to the male employees at work, and their bosses. Chocolate companies are always trying to create new chocolate-giving trends, like the year they promoted gyaku-choco or "reverse chocolate," trying to get males to give chocolate to females as they do in the West, or this year's new buzzword of tomo-choco, chocolate given between friends. Of course, you never get a gift in Japan without giving one back in return (called o-kaeshi, a return gift), and March 14 has been designated as White Day, a day when men who received chocolate from women the month before should give something back, usually white chocolate or sometimes lingerie. South Korea also observes Japanese-style Valentine's Day and White Day, and has added a new tradition: Black Day on March 14, a day when single men who received no chocolate bitterly eat a kind of noodles in a black sauce.
Sayounara, ジョエル グリイン
Since I am so very interested in Japan and so many people I talk to don't know any more then me I would start making a post every so often with something I find interesting about the Japanese People or their culture.
 the Japanese get red-faced when they drink.
I have had my fair taste of alcohol but I know I would never make it a habit like my aunts have made it but I have found this fact about the Japanese very interesting. Did you know that Japanese often get really red in the face when they start drinking, a phenomenon known as the Asian Flush Response, which has to do with some Japanese (and many other East Asian people) lacking a liver enzyme that breaks down chemicals in alcohol. I hear it's hilarious to see. Some will drink just one highball and suddenly they turns as red as a lobster, although they are not drunk at all. You occasionally see this phenomenon represented as a slight reddening of the face in anime characters when they drink too much, but don't be fooled: I hear the real thing is much more brilliant to behold. A similar phenomenon unique to Asians is the "Mongolian Spot," a blue bruise-like spot visible on the rear ends of Japanese babies until the age of 2.
Sayounara, ジョエル グリイン
Just thought I would post some crazy pictures of this crazy winter blizzard we are experiencing here in Homewood, Illinois.
Current weather map at 1:25 am. 10 hours in.
 Northbound Picture of Kedzie (2:30 pm)  Southbound Picture of Kedzie (2:30 pm) Picture taken at the 5th checkout in my locale walmart. Seriously, 20 to 40 minute checkout times. Come on people, This storm will only last two days not a week.
Just a few hours ago I drove to my dads work to pick him up because the van would not start. Most of the time I could not see any more then 20 feet in front of me.
Just thought I would give an update to my previous post because I have worked out some more of my trip details. I'm really excited that my new room mate is going to be Yoshi Makino who is a natural born Japanese Citizen and has been living in Canada for the last 6 years.
 Yoshi Makino
My plans so far is to leave February 28th and arrive in Prince Albert, SK, Canada on March 1st. With no set return date.
There are two things that really make me believe that this trip to Canada is a calling from GOD. First one would be two people in my life that I really did not think would support this. The first one was my Dad who has been since my lay off putting a lot of pressure on me to look harder for a new job. The second person that surprised me would be my grandmother on my dads side who has always been nagging me to just to go to College, get a good job and become an engineer like your grandfather. Secondly, Like I had said in letter "My passion for Japan", "I believe that when the time comes the money will be there" and so far I am seeing a lot of money that I can scraping off the walls then I first thought. As far as its looking now I will have more then enough money for this trip and then some to put into my future trip to Japan. (Which could come sooner then me or you could think.) God has allowed huge blessing in my life over the last month. I am believing there is more to come.
Being that Christmas was very recently and Christmas was about the same time that Ebenezer Scrooge took a journey of his Christmas past, present and future in the classic "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, I figured it would be appropriate for me to do the same but instead do a review of the last year finishing with what is to come. And away we go.
"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
Beginning the year of 2010 I had already been at AT&T for about 6 months. I remember making plans to take my Japan trip in June of that year. I had saved over $2500 and I had enough vacation to take two to three weeks. My biggest problem was who to go with. As much as I agree with them my parents I was desperate enough to be willing to just go and wing it. (Foolish I Know!)
My problems never seemed to have been solved with my Manager (Jonas Denose). All the work I was trying to put in improving my numbers never seemed to help because of the lack of involvement my manager took with me. I remember him always saying my problem was customer service but never once during my visits did he engage with my customer. I honestly believe that is he took more involvement in my work, he could have greatly help improve my numbers. Once March came around I found out that Jonas was being transfered to the Northlake Garage and my new Manager was going to be Tony White. Only two days on the job with him and I was greatly encouraged by his positive words and engagement. I remember having a repair job where I had to completely rerun all the wiring and hang a new drop and he came all the way out to my job and gave me a hand. I come into work on April 10th and tried to dispatch when my IFD refused. I remember going to Tony White and pointing it out. Several moments later he calls me into a meeting with my rep and garage manager. I was informed that I being let go (General Discharge). The actual reason was never solidly said and I remember being devastated for a couple months after.
AT&T is one brute of a company.
To make a long story short, Two months later after fighting the lay off. I was told by my rep that they will not be bring my case to arbitration. I asked why and he said that during my hearing I used the sentence "I think I remember doing bla bla bla" when I should of said "I don't remember". He said that saying that makes me look guilty to the arbitrator.
The crap that AT&T does is so stupid being that people who deserve to be fired keep their jobs and those who should not get the short end of the stick. Which is exactly what I got. Tony White and my Union Rep said I did. A good example of such bone-head-ness (Yes, I made it up. Do want to fight about it?) is in august I get delivered a summons by an Illinois Sheriff. Apparently some guy who rear ended my work truck the year before was suing me and AT&T personally for several thousand dollars. It took me a week to try to get a hold of someone within AT&T who could help me. Last I heard AT&T assigned my case an attorney. Literally the LAST I HEARD. I have no idea where it will go from there and they better hope I'm not OUT OF THE COUNTRY when the court date comes. The reason I say silly is because I can give you a 95% chance that the guy was just paid off.
I had a meeting with my Pastor back in December over my Passion for Japan and was very encouraged by his positive belief that this is really a great calling on my life. I remember mentioning that I'm starting to get concerned that because I just turned 24 years old and many of my friends from youth are already married that this would be a burden on my calling. He came right out and said that maybe GOD has placed this calling on your life at this age because he is calling you to actually marry a Japanese Woman. This shocked me because My parents and I were thinking the same thing. (Yes, Grandma you have a good chance of having Japanese Great Grandchildren.) As for the meeting I had wrote a three paged letter called " My Passion for Japan". Please take a moment and read it. Later this year I might have to write a revision to cover my current situation.
Sakatoon, SK, Canada
Back last year I remember giving the year of 2010 the name of "The year of Growth and Reward", I Think, But I never would have imagined that it would not be in physical means but of character and spirit. As I mentioned in my post on September 6th I went to World Revival Church in Kansas City, Missouri. I went to take a further seeming of GODs calling on my life but in additional I believe it was GODs will that I met Pastor Kevin Tabuchi. (Read more about him in my letter.) Hes an experienced missionary to Japan and pastors a church in Canada. After much time of communication last December he invited me to come to their church in Saskatoon, SK Canada. As it stands now I am leaving out on February 14th which will get me there late on the 15th because its a 23 hour drive. We are making plans for me stay for about 2 weeks to whenever. We have decided to work out a deal that because I would be on a Visitor Visa (Can't get paid) we would exchange work for Room and Board. They want to put me up in a room with a roommate by the name of Yoshi who I a Japanese Citizen. He has said that this will be a huge opportunity to met new people and learn lots about the Japanese People. Supposedly Yoshi is the son of a pastor back in Japan who is good friends with Tabuchi-san. I really don't have much to say until I get closure to February 14th. I called the other day and talked with Kevins Wife. When she answered the phone she asked who was calling and after I answered my name she instantly (Not to even pause to put a face with the name.) said "JOEL!!! It's so awesome to talk with you." Talking with them I feel like I'm some LONG LOST friend or even family. I'm very much looking forward to February and coming later this year I'm hoping that I will be able to join their missions trip to Japan.
Please stay tuned as I'm planning on writing frequent posts on the whole trip.
I can not believe it has already been about two months since my last entry. Thanksgiving was just yesterday and I think it was the largest yet. Last Saturday we went to my aunts house for the main family get together then yesterday we went to my cousins house for a smaller but still large dinner. I just want to remind who ever reads this post that Thanksgiving was and still is not about the Indians helping us get thought those difficult times but instead its thanks for the failure of socialism. When the pilgrims first came to America there first experiments with government was socialism. All property belonged to the government and everyone was assigned a plot of land and was required to put their goods in a common store. The Governor noticed that since no single person could benefit more then his neighbor then people would do the minimum required just to get by and some were lazy by producing no goods. The year they promoted capitalism instead, the harvest was much larger then years before, so they gave thanks. If the true story of Thanksgiving was told in schools then I bet that most of the socialism that is invading are country today would not be happening.
Just this past week I wrote a three page letter about my passion for Japan. I'm trying to make arrangements to meet with my pastor to ask for direction and further guidance on how to pursue my dream. Because no matter how hard I try the doors just do not seem to be opening. You can read my letter by click this link. I think this time of unemployment has opened my eyes to see more clearly of my calling in Japan. But my flesh is still going crazy trying to think of how this is going to happen. I have to keep telling myself that it is all in GOD's hands and it will happen. I am a bit discouraged that I can not get in touch with Kevin Tabuchi. I was really getting encouraged with his proactive support for my dream until now. This is what always happens in the past. I make the connection then it fades out because of communication reasons. Now I do understand he might just be busy with the holiday season. So heres to hoping that my favorite contact will not fade away.
I'm still putting a lot of work into developing GetPlugged + Japan. I'm in the process of starting a Anime Rental division of the business which I hope brings in some good business. I am thinking about setting up a second website dedicated to promoting Christian outreach to Japan using GPJ as a portal.
PLEASE PRAY FOR ME AS I GO THOUGH THESE DIFFICULT TIMES.
 The best BBQ around.
I am finding it very unbelievable that when you do the right thing GOD rewards you in ways you would have never believed. For example when we were in Kansas City we visited Jack Stacks BBQ and ordered two deserts after dinner. When we got the check the waiter forgot to add the deserts on. Being that the check was already very expensive we were tempted to take the easy way out and say nothing but being a good example we decided to notify the waiter. (Weird, The waiter responded with Sorry when Thank You would had been more in order.) Then we went on our marry way and enjoyed that nights revival message. The next morning my dad asked me to get McDonald for everyone while my they got ready for church. I had just ordered breakfast when a lady walked up to me and offered $20 to pay for our food. She claimed the she felt like GOD was telling her to give it to us. My mom is very good at spotting GODs blessings and she said this must have been because of us doing the right thing during dinner the night before. GODs blessings happen all the time and most of the time they are less noticeable that others. Regardless that I'm on unemployment and money is tight I always pay no less then 10% tithe to my church and I have seen blessings in my own life because of it. Weird as it is my budget has always magically balanced its self when I made sure that the tithe was paid but during other times when I would skip out on the tithe and for some reason would bounce a check or two. So I find it very important that we do the right thing and follow GODs commandments. Even if it has no effect on your entry into Heaven.
 Prairie State College
To continue from my last post. People have been asking me what my test score were like at Prairie State College from the Compass Test. Well basically, I'm fine with pre-Algabra but need work with just Algabra (Math was and still is my least favorite subject). When I visited the councilor she sat me down and said that these result are weird because she has never seen someone get a 89 in Reading and 39 in Writing (on the computer part of the test) but because of such a good hand written essay, I was put in English 101 which the the highest level they can give you for this test. I am very happy with those results.
It is a bummer because of timing I missing out on the fall classes plus there was not to many I was interested in to begin with. In the mean time I'm applying for Financial Aid which is a pain because of Unemployment and I will apply for the spring classes on November 5th.
I am glad that Kevin Tabuchi in Canada with Canadian Revival Center is keeping contact. I got an e-mail from him and he told me that they have someone by the name Yoshi who is a exchange worker from Japan and is also in Revival Ministry Training. He said that Yoshi might be interested in me coming to Canada for a visit and experience their outreach to the Japanese and their revival in Saskatoon, Canada. But because of very little transportation options to Saskatoon it is about $600 oneway. So a trip to their church for almost a week would be about $2000 and that is a bit steep for me. I would really like to go because I could make connections with the Japanese Christian Ministry in Japan. Tabuchi-san already said they are planing a trip to Japan later this fall. I just love this sort of stuff.
This week I found out that the Steve and Kathy show has finally got their own building for production and are starting production of a full feature length movie called Three Blind Saints. Sounds really funny. See the Facebook Fan Page Here.
 Sold Out!!!
Well it has been six weeks now and I am excited to announce I am sold out. Possibly tomorrow I will go up north again and buy a second case. I never imagined how well this would sell. I was asked by someone who is the owner of two tie kwan do dojo in my area to sell Matcha in his shop area. I have already setup my display this last Monday and he has already sold two cans. WOW!
I can not believe how quickly time has pasted. Just yesterday I noticed how
the temperature has taken a dive. Two weeks ago my family and I visited World Revival Church in Kansas City, Missouri and I had a really great time seeking god and asking him to help me get though these troubled times. On the first day my parents returned from a conference they had attended and told me they met a guy at the conference named Pastor Kevin Tabuchi from Canadian Revival Center in Canada. He is the third generation of his Japanese Immigrant Grandparents as well as a missionary to Japan for several years. Later that night I personally met him and the first words from his mouth was "My wife and I are believing that your dream of Japan will happen.". That was the most encouraging thing anyone has ever said to me in years. He gave me some advise but held him self back out of reverence of the wises of World Revival Church. We exchanged contact information and he wants to keep in contact.
 Pastor Steve and Kathy Gray.
During the last two weeks I also took the compass test at Prairie State College (Community College) to get in and take some class to obtain from certifications. I will be seeing a counselor tomorrow to see my results and what classes they think I need to take. Lucky for me I don't need to take these classes if I'm only pursuing a certificate. The three subjects I'm really interested in taking are Computer Networking, Japanese Language, and Anime Art. Unforchantly PSC dose not offer the last two subjects but when I see a counselor tomorrow I will ask if any other community colleges offer these subjects.
The other day my brother and I went to the rental house my family rents out in Lansing to pressure wash the foundation. Once I got there I realized that I forgot to grab the full gas can at home. So I went to ACE Hardware to buy a new can and then the gas station for some gas. I entered the store and went to the Gas Can Aisle to discover new safety Gas Cans with three switches you have to pull or twist in order to get a stream of gas and if that was not enough the can cost any where from $10 for a small 2 gallon can to $35 for a large 5 gallon. I asked if they still sold the older HAZARDOUS cans in which I get the reply of no. What happened to buying a normal 3 gallon gas can for only $5 maybe $7??? After buying gas and filling the pressure washer I realized how annoying this new can was and how people who make SO MANY MISTAKES (or just stupid) make this world so much harder for us smart people who remember that Yes, You boil water or soup it WILL be hot or Yes, Gas WILL spill and WILL ignite.
 Stupid people make the world harder for us smart people.
A joke I once heard was "If Burger King married Dairy Queen, their child would be Jack in the Box." Many adults know how creative children can be, making up nonsensical new sentences in ways adults never could, bound as we are by social norms and expectations. I find the fun thing with learning a new language like Japanese is you get to be just as creative as children with no boundaries. Japan is absolutely one of the most pro-American countries in the world, with most people possessing a positive view of the U.S. which is one traits of advertisers in Japan. Japanese generally have the impression that America is kakko ii (meaning "good style" or cool) and are often open to owning items like Zippo Lighters, a set of Coleman outdoor cooking gear and clothes from Old Navy. Breading your product as American can often bring a boost in sales, which is why companies like Jack Daniels or KFC wrap themselves in images of old Tennessee or Kentucky. Levi Strauss struggled to build a name for themselves in Japan during the 1970s, until they hit on the idea of using iconic Hollywood stars like James Dean, John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe to advertise their jeans (they came cheap, since they were dead), which has to have been one of the most successful advertising decisions ever. And of course Harley Davidson sells a huge number of bikes in Japan, and has many dedicated fans.
 would you like to wash your hair with "rinse in shampoo"?
Whether you're talking about Singapore or South Africa, Jamaica or Japan, every country is going to adapt the English language to their own local needs. In Japan, people generally learn six years of English in junior high and high school, yet because no one really needs it once they've taken their college entrance exams, it often becomes more of a decoration for society. One pattern I've noticed is that English gets shortened or simplified in ways that might seem strange to us. Hair conditioner in Japanese is called "rinse" (shortened from "cream rinse"), so it makes perfect sense to Japanese people that "rinse in shampoo" would be what conditioning shampoo would be called. In Japanese a convertible is known as an "open car," a name which gets the job done without adding any unnecessary complexity, while an RV your family can sleep in is referred to as a "camp car." One of my favorite Japanese word simplifications are Phillips and regular screwdrivers -- the Japanese just call them "plus" and "minus." I don't blame them with this one I called them that for years.
As much as you probably know I have been off work since April, 2010 and it is probably safe to tell everyone that I was laid off from AT&T. During the past year I have been asking GOD why this stuff happens to me. I tell you, I feel like I have been though more hardship then what is really necessary. My family and I have become more involved with the Revival going on at World Revival Church in Kansas. (Not to mention the trip my family is taking to World Revival Church this weekend.) The other day I listened to a message by Pastor Steve Grey. He said that the fact hardship is present in your life is just a sign that GOD has not abandoned you and he still loves you. I have come to figure out I am like two people from the bible. First one being Joseph and the second being Abraham. I believe that my dream of Japan is similar to GOD's promise to Abraham that he would give him a son and my hardship is similar to Joseph being betrayed. When I was younger I was always jealous of people who always got an easy pass to do what they thought they really wanted to do. I remember when we had are youth trips costing about $450 and I had to raise that money all by my self going door to door selling chocolate bars, but some kids parents would just whip out their check book and write a payment in full on several occasions. I have come to understand that I learn more from a experience simply because I worked very hard to get there. If you compare my current state to Josephs Path then this should be my last major fall and things should start to really look up. To starting with, My dad informed me that his work is about to hire four new employees for Coffee Services (Dunkin' Donuts Equipment Repair and Install Service) and since I have experience with service calls this job be a good choice for me. According to my dad, the Manager of Coffee Services personally requested I turn in a resume. I know both Steve (Coffee Service Manager) and Dave (Warehouse Manager) because last time I was unemployed I helped my dad with Equipment Deliveries to the stores. The only downside to this job is if I get hired I might have to relocate to around the Orlando, Florida Warehouse. But I believe if I get the job then moving will be good experience for me when Japan comes.   Hardships are sign of GODs love. | My dad works as a truck driver for Dunkin' Donuts DCP. It's funny how perceptions work differently in different languages. If you're below a certain age, the most famous Chinese name after Mao Zedong (or Mao Tse-Tung if you're even older) is probably Chun Li, the cute fighting vixen from Street Fighter II who shouts "Yatta!" ("I did it!") after she wins a fight. While the brains of English speakers labor over properly memorizing a strange-sounding name like Chun Li, which has no mental hooks for us to attach it with, Japanese have the benefit of being able to internalize the name using kanji characters. Because kanji names have meaning, Japanese might get the impression that Chun Li was a beautiful baby born in the spring, since the characters mean "Spring Beauty."
Someone I am paraphasing this paragraph from said he has a house in Tierrasanta area of San Diego, and just for fun he asked his Japanese daughter what she thought the name might mean. Her answer was really cute: "It means Santa Claus wearing a tiara crown." I want to tell everyone that in my spare time I am building a website called GetPlugged :: Japan, Please visit it and support me by using it. Please cometinue to read my blog posts and pray for me.
Well our Florida vacation has come and gone. I was a real blast. We went to Innesbrook a nice but old resort near St. Petersburg, FL, which of course is were I was born. Then we went to my grandparents house for a few days and finally enjoyed the Greene Family Farm in Tennessee for several days. I drove my car there and back with a trip of over 3000 miles and about 27 MPG on the highway. Excellent!!! Then over the weekend my grandparent came to our house. This was a big vacation. 
The HCG Diet is bar noneI have been on the HCG Diet for about 30 days now and lost a total of 21 lbs. I'm down one pant and shirt size. I am very happy to finally start dropping weight. It would have been more if I did not cheat on my vacation but hey I almost had no choice. I am hoping to hit a least 30 lbs. by the end of this session in 10 days. Then at the end of August I definitely want to start a second session of this diet. 
Did you know the Japanese drive on the left side of the road.Today I had to go and get my Illinois Vehicle Emissions done and realized how happy I am of the improvement of the system because now all they have to do is pull in a cable read your vehicle codes and either pass or fail you. Then I realized that the Japanese don't have it this easy because the Japanese Government requires vehicles to be tested much more intensively and they charge anywhere from $1000 to $1500 for a single test. In comparison to the costs of the shaken a full diagnostic inspection of the very same Japanese models in the U.S. may cost less than $100 USD (9,400 yen) or free (TAX MONEY) if you live in Illinois. 
Entrance of the Emission Facility (Wait time visible on sign. Who is the Air Team?)
Waiting to be tested.Sayounara,
C3
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