In the next installation leading up to the inauguration lets revisit Iowa. On January 3rd Barack Obama won out over John Edwards and Hillary Clinton, thus sending a signal that he was going to be a force during the primaries. Hillary came back in New Hampshire, and throughout the rest of the primary season showed the grit and determination that makes her who she is. That said, here’s Barack in Iowa. Paving the way for his ultimate victory in November.
Peace
To view the first part of this series, click here. To view part II of this series, click here.
A paradigm shift is taking place all over the world. People are starting to think differently about many things. Even in Japan where roles for men and women are still pretty much defined, things are changing (thankfully). The article, “Women’s dream of becoming airline pilots getting less elusive” by Mariko Yasumoto of Kyodo News accentuates this paradigm shift. Featured in The Japan Times Online it portrays an industry that has always had its gender roles strictly defined. It is interesting to read how some of the female pilots in Japan got their starts by breaking a glass ceiling.
This article also touches on a larger picture, that of a world where all hands have to be on deck. We face greater challenges and we need bigger solutions. Opening doors to all sexes is important if we want to give our young people wider dreams, more options, and sieze upon ideas that will change the world for the better.
In Japan where barriers are sometimes looked at as a test of endurance, it pleases me to see women going for their dreams by any means necessary. In the article one woman actually left Japan and gained her pilots license in the United States because Japan’s Civil Aviation College had a height requirement that she couldn’t meet (apparently Japanese airlines have no official height requirement to be able to fly a plane). Her 157cm frame didn’t meet the 163cm application requirement. Luckily, the U.S. flight schools didn’t have that requirement (another good reason to study English).
It was official. On a chilly afternoon in Springfield, Illinois Barack Obama announced that he was going to officially run for President of the United States of America. With over 15,000 onlookers it was a moment in history that will be looked back upon as defining. Let’s relive that moment just a bit.
I used to have pretty good handwriting – back in like the 7th grade. These days I scribble illegibly away on paper as I try to write as quickly as my brain is thinking. I then hopelessly try to read what I wrote wondering, “What kind of state of mind was I in when I wrote this?” More proficient with the keyboard than the pen, I say I will re-commit to improving my handwriting and getting back in to shape. And after reading this article via The Japan Times Online, I’m extra motivated to do so. (I have perfected quite an artistic signature, so not everything has gone to waste.)
Japan’s Koshu Morioka, 75,
talked with The Japan Times’: Words To Live By columnist Judit Kawaguchi about how everything relates to ones handwriting. This graphologist has explored the penmanship of Emperors and yakuza alike. He knows the character of a person just by looking at his/her kanji strokes (I wonder if he has studied any other languages, and the handwriting therein?). Best of all though he has explored the healing powers within refined handwriting. Check out the article for yourself.
2009 rolls in with a grand entrance; the world seems to be turning upside down and right side left. People will of course continue to speculate doom and gloom, as well as hope and prosperity. Whichever you subscribe to there can be no doubt that this year will be a turning point for many people, places, and things (I’m on the hope and prosperity side by the way.). With that, here’s to “Hope and Prosperity for 2009 and beyond!!!”
It all started back in 2004 when then Junior Senator Barack Obama, from Illinois, gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention (FYI – If you buy the latest printing of his book “Dreams from My Father” you can get the text of the speech). A hair raising speech that articulated his life, the message of the Democratic Party, and what would come to be his message throughout his future campaign. I was not alive at the time, but I imagine this is how people who witnessed JFK’s rise and development on the national political scene must have felt. Check out the first in a series of posts that documents Barack Obama’s key speeches as a sort of lineage. Of course, now that he is to become the 44th President of the United States of America, his actions will be louder than his words, but if his speeches can give any indication of his intentions then I think we are in safe hands.
I’m back from the abyss of my hiatus. I’ve posted a few messages and what not, but not the usually frenzied plethora of material that is common to UMInc. So let’s kick off this month with a quick but heartfelt update on someone I’ve been checking out for a few months now – Randy Pausch.
Unfortunately, Randy has passed away taking his journey for life to other realms. Time of departure is irrelevant, as Randy’s existence is timeless. For this secular world where we pay attention to physical time and the constraints arising there from it took Randy prematurely. But in doing so Randy gave us countless moments of life that will forever fill this World with joy and inspiration (see these two pages – Randy Pausch’s Home Page and “An Enduring Legacy”).
In a few days I will turn 33 years of age. I’m sure that most 33 year old men don’t believe that in 14 years they will no longer be on this Earth. I know I’m planning to live until a ripe old age. That said, Randy will always be in my mind as I travel through my years. I will try to make the most of each moment while living out the time I am given. I’ll keep an eye out for my health and do what I have to do to keep this aging body inline with a hearty spirit.
If you don’t know who Randy Pausch is check out his Carnegie Mellon University homepage for more information. As part of my motivation series I put up 2 videos of his “Last Lecture.” One is a ten minute video from the Oprah Winfrey Show, and the second is the full-76 minute speech from the halls of Carnegie Mellon University. Check out my Motivational page for the videos. He is pretty powerful, and a true inspiration. Enjoy.
Check out Back To The School for some cool educational happenings in Japan. If you have contacts in Japan inform them about Back To The School, as we are located in Japan. "Learning Never Stops" so always go Back To The School.
![Framing #2 - Drottningholms slott/Drottningholm Palace (UNESCO World Heritage) [Explore First Page, THANK YOU]](http://static.flickr.com/7102/7204258846_3843eb8ecb_t.jpg "Framing #2 - Drottningholms slott/Drottningholm Palace (UNESCO World Heritage) [Explore First Page, THANK YOU]")
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