Lighten Up

No matter how stressful and hectic life gets something always comes around to lighten things up. It hits when you least expect it and you've just got to laugh out loud and enjoy doing so. Hence this picture. I was sitting in a car staring out the window and being just a bit too serious. Then literally out of the blue comes this thing. This car is a corporate campaign character called “ぴちょんくん” (Pichokun). The vehicle is for the Daikin Air-Conditioner company's Eco Seed project. These cars distribute sunflower seeds to people all over Japan and their aim is to deliver seed packages to 100,000 people. The premise is that sunflowers consume a large amount of C02, thus making the environment greener. Who ever dreamed up this hare-brained idea had good sense to them as these character cars seem to have a positive energy about them. All along the highway this car was turning heads, having people snap impromptu mobile phone camera shots, and causing a lot of pointing. I'm not sure what the Daikin Company is all about and if their products are indeed greener. I'm not even the least bit interested in plugging or endorsing these guys via my blog. What I can say is that seeing this thing rolling down road was funny. As life here has been somewhat intense lately this was a much welcomed distraction. With that in mind I took it easy today.

The Train

linhvienthai's photostream on Flickr.
The first time I saw the train it was plowed into a house. As our vehicle crossed over what was left of a few railroad tracks I spotted it far across a debris field. It was green and tan. It was bent, twisted and arched slightly upwards. From a distance it was unreal. During my first trip, I was able to go atop a hill and view that another car was pushed up the steps of a cemetery and along its path it had knocked over graves and memorials. It was on its side and resting across a walkway. I left and at home I checked to see if it was on Google Earth, surprisingly the area was and it was up to date.

A few weeks later, I returned to this site to explore. I noticed that there was yet one more train which was dragged down the valley. This third car was orange and on its side. In its path it had snapped concrete with reinforced steel rebar telephone poles in half. I imagined the sounds and energy it took to move locomotives and defy gravity. I walked around them and climbed into them. Inside the seats, rails, and hand straps were in disarray. Something ordinary that we feel safe and secure riding in on any given day can be tossed about like a toy. There was a silence inside the cars and you can't help but recall and wonder about all the passengers that have shared the seats and boarded. Just standing in the midst of all this puts how fragile we are in perspective. When things like a tsunami strikes, it doesn't matter how much power or physics we've been able to resist, use, or harness. We'll never be able to control nature.

I continued the walk and followed the tracks to see that they led to a tunnel in which a slight glint of light from the other side could be viewed. At dark moments like these, perhaps it's not the light at the end of the tunnel that matters, but the light within. These are times when I feel people need to find a way to turn all this into something better. I shared this story not to reveal shocking imagery. I did it to raise awareness and shed some light on what's within this dark place in time. It's hard to see, but I have faith it will get better.

Be Moved

It's mid Golden Week here in Japan and a lot of people have used their time off to do volunteer work in Tohoku. For many Japanese, Golden Week is among a few times in the year where they take vacations. Therefore the entire country shuts down together. Unlike other places where people schedule their time off according to their own requirements. Japanese take time off in mass at times such as Golden Week, Summer Obon (Ancestral Holiday), and New Years. Therefore everyone travels during these days and peer pressure usually prevents many to not take time off at other times. This year a lot are joining volunteer teams in order to contribute. It's good and I hope that the flow of philanthropy continues after the holidays. I hope that the influx of volunteers are used efficiently. It's very common here to see an inefficient use of man power. On tasks that require only 3 or 4 people, you may see that 12 are assigned. On a whole a lot of redundant tasks here are not as effectively administered as they should be. My point is that because there will be a lot of available human resources this week; I hope the orchestration and organization of the clean up/assistance will be efficiently and effectively rendered.

My other wish is that those who see for themselves what's happened to this beautiful country come back on their own when there are no scheduled holidays. At times like these, employers and co-workers should be more understanding in allowing their colleagues to take time off during non holiday weeks. This will be helpful as there will be a steady flow of contribution and it's not a one week trend. For those who are going this week, be moved. Be moved to come back on your own and do as much as you can. As for me, I'll be back in a few weeks. I was slated to go tomorrow, however I see that the group that I would be going up with already has too many people. I'll go when I know I'll be better needed and make a difference.

Blending In

If I were a 6'6" über-rich maniacal leader of a secret society (and I'm not saying I'm not) poised on world disruption and domination; hiding from the CIA, NSA, MI6, FBI, and the IRS. I believe I'd pick a better place to hide than in a massive walled compound 1000 meters from the military academy of a country that's working with the U.S. on the War on Terror. I would find it a bit too bling and less incognito to have a $1,000,000 mansion located in a country where the average annual income Per-Capita is $1,051. I would do my best to blend in and stay off the radar. Likely live in a cave or the dense foliage of a jungle. In a place like Afghanistan and or Pakistan, I may even cross the line and wear a burkha. In short I would be in a less conspicuous locale laying really low. Hiding and living simply.

That's of course if I were not being helped by say the Pakistani ISI or Inter Service Intelligence agency.  Is it me or do these guys have a lot of explaining to do? How in the world can a man build a massive mansion 40 miles from their capital that's completely distinctive from the other structures in the neighborhood and no one had questions for him. Is it likely that no one came by to see what it's all about? I'm sure the concept of zoning permits has not hit Pakistan, but gee wiz; didn't a few drunken military cadets stumble upon it and try to climb over the wall to check it out? "Hey guys this place may have a pool..." It's as if no one had a clue or noticed anything at all. Goodness even a guy named Sohaib Athar with a Twitter Account tweeted about the SEAL TEAM's helicopter on the night of the raid. 

Am I to believe that there was no assistance on their part in hiding Binny?  It's amazing and will be quite interesting seeing what happens next. I read that Pakistan claims that the raid violated their sovereignty. Well as our supposed friends I think aiding and abiding Osama Bin Laden violated our sovereignty. As well as this Pakistan sat and did nothing as we lost soldiers fighting the war on terror. Let's also not forget the other terrorist attacks that have occurred since 9/11. If Pakistan knew and assisted al-Qaeda then there should be no holds barred when it comes to the war on terror in their back yard. If for some odd reason they did not know; then that's just plain stupid. .I don't know which is is worse. Having them as our enemy or having them as a friend that's completely incompetent.

Long Time Coming

Unless you've been hiding in a cave today and or your own little private secret mansion with a walled compound in Pakistan; you've noticed that there's one less evil terrorist in the world. Midday today, when I clicked on my favorite source for news online, I could not believe it at first. As report after report regarding the death of the terrorist mastermind was posted, I felt vindicated. Then the president came on. Although I've never been a fan of teleprompter driven political speeches, President Obama's speech was moving. Actually his speech/announcement did not even seem political. He was upfront and inspiring. Today I'm proud of my president. Finally and a long time coming the U.S. Forces got Osama Bin Laden. After all this time of wondering if he was even still alive, we find out that he's been shacking up quite comfortably in Pakistan. Oddly his not so humble abode was right up the road from the Pakistan's primary military academy. I wonder how in the world you hide a large walled compound in the middle of a city that's close to your capital. Upon doing some research on Abbottabad I discovered this area is a scenic hot spot. Well, If you are the most wanted man on earth, hide in style. I can't help but conclude that the Pakistani government are suspect. If some mad serial killer was hiding in your back yard in a Winnebago and you had no idea he or the motor home was there, I'd start to be concerned. Anyway, a few days ago his address was Abbottabad, Pakistan. Tonight he's the newest high profile resident in "Hell" (Crackle Crackle)

Now with all seriousness, 9/11 was one of the worst days in each of our lives. Everyone has a memory of exactly when and where they were. It'll be something the keeps us reflecting back forever. It was not and act of war, it was an act of cold cruel murderous terror.On that day,  I was on a flight to Beijing and landed in the evening. It was about 10:00 PM when I arrived at my hotel in the Wangfujing district right near the Forbidden City. I came to my room and put on the TV. As I opened my bags to settle in, I was using CNN as background noise. At first I thought I was watching a Jerry Bruckheimer film. Then I was amazed that the film's news report looked liked a real news report. With closer inspection and as I saw the iconic antenna and tower fall into a dark cloud of gray smoke, it hit me. This was real. I called a friend who worked at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. He gave me an update and it all became clear. Even as we spoke the other events of that day were unfolding. I was up all night watching news and taking calls. The next day I met my friend at the Embassy and we had lunch in the shopping alley nearby. There was an air of silent rage. At that point everything was speculation. In Beijing, our access to information was limited.

When I finally returned to the U.S. later that winter I visited my beloved city of New York. As I drove in on a rainy night, the ground zero site had banks of lights illuminating in the footprint of the old towers. The ghostly beams plowed upwards into the sky at heights even surpassing the original towers. With the rain, the beams of light were even more luminescent. It was powerful.New York has always been a part of me as I studied there in college. The World Trade Centers were always a landmark I used to figure out where I was. My best friend's wedding reception was held atop one of the towers in the restaurant Windows on the World. Good memories and even now as I glance at the skyline on each visit. It just feels empty. I'm not sure if the new Freedom Tower will ever fill that void.

 As for the Pentagon, I know that building quite well as I started my career as an engineer there. Some of my best experiences and learning was done in that building. When I was there, they were renovating the section which was where the Army had its offices. The helipad was right on that side as well. A few years after I had left and just as they had completed the work, it was leveled by a plane filled with innocent people. It's been about 10 years, and 10 years too long for the man responsible to enjoy his freedom and status. Even in death it seems that he's receiving undue treatment. I read that in observance to his Islamic faith they gave him the proper rites of body washing, wrapped him in a white, cloth and dignified him with a burial at sea. Now I'm not saying don't bury the guy. But why worry about his dignity. What about all the unburied that he's killed. Many of the people who died because of him were Muslims and Jews who shared the same requirement in terms of  funerary traditions. Many did not receive any amount of concern or respect. Dumping his body into the ocean from a ship is nice way to make sure he's not enshrined. But it's also a good way to fuel the imaginations of the kooks and conspiracy theorists out there. They should have brought him back, put him in a viewing and then dispose of him in a way where he'll never have pilgrims.

My closing thoughts are for all the families affected by this tyrant. May they find that this event brings some form of closure. It will never recover the loss, but it could perhaps bring peace. My respects go to the men of that SEAL team who will always remain nameless. Those are indeed heroes for their achievement. Thank you.

Stark Contrast

It's amazing what can survive an earthquake and a tsunami. Spring has reached Tohoku and so has the Sakura. Right in the midst of this disaster zone, flowers are blooming. Although many trees have been snapped in half or destroyed by sea water. A few have remained and defying the gloom with their vibrant colors. On the way up, I noticed that the sakura had reached this northern area of Japan as the migrating blossoms edged northward with the warming spring. They were seen along the hillsides and around the inland areas as expected. But I was taken by surprise to see them here.  As fierce as nature can be, it also can remind us that it can be beautiful when it wants to. It's an odd moment as I usually welcome them when they come each year. When you stare at a single blossom its an intricate grouping of 5 delicate pedals. Each one slightly different, light, and airy. When you stare at tree as a whole, it's as if the branches have been engulfed by a subtle pink cloud.  This time around I can't seem to allow myself to get lost looking at them. The best expression to describe my feeling is "Stark Contrast." Seeing them this year gave me no sense of comfort. It's sad as when they arrive it's usually a time for celebration and lightheartedness.

Surge

It's Golden Week here in Japan. This means it's a week full of public holidays which are dated next to each other. Think of it as a Spring Break for all of Japan. Most Japanese have taken a few days off in order to have the entire week free. Many go on vacation and many go abroad. What I've read is that there is going to be a mass of people going north to do volunteer work. The government has noted that traffic may be heavy on the Tohoku expressway. Good news as it seems that a lot of people are going to be helping out with distribution and clean up efforts. It's a turning point as things are gaining momentum. This surge will make a difference since cleaning up enables the rebuilding of the infrastructure. One step at a time as the difficult journey back is a long one. This photo which I shot speaks more than my words can regarding this topic tonight. It captures the current spirit of things here as we are all rising above this situation together.

Giving

In front of the supply depot with the volunteers of the Peace Boat NGO

We arrived in Ishinomaki the late afternoon from Tokyo. Our destination was Ishinomaki Senshu University where various relief groups were staging their supplies and coordinating volunteering efforts. Our contact here had sent us a list of things which were needed by the various shelters and groups assisting the earthquake and tsunami survivors. These items included cooking oil, soy sauce, soup stock, noodles, eggs, broth, as well as hardware for clean up work. Sand bags were one of the most requested items on the list. These were used to contain the mud and sludge which were shoveled from homes. We purchased nearly 2,000 of these. As well as sandbags, garden hoses, crow bars, work gloves, masks, goggles. and ropes were requested and given. These supplies were stored in a warehouse and a large white tent with the UN's WFP (World Food Program) markings on it.

We organized and executed this delivery run on our own as I did not want to wait for some coordinator to decide when and if I could be on a list of volunteers to come to Tohoku. Did not think waiting was a productive option. So with many calls and emails, here we are.  I'm honored to have been able to get 2 friends together to collect the funds and donations for our run. In order to make sure we made a difference, I made sure we contacted and worked with the right people. In Tokyo, I contacted 2nd Harvest who then put me in touch with the teams at the university. One active group was Peace Boat; who had a lot of youth volunteers.

Driving into the campus I was happy to see a lot of cars and a tent city which made up a crowd of volunteers. The license plates and signs showed that many had traveled from all over Japan. As volunteers it's nice to know that we are not alone so that the ones who need us are never alone. The first task was to sign up for the following day's work on a clean up crew. The second task was to drop off the hardware at the warehouse. As we unpacked I never thought I'd see people so excited to see hoses. When we showed them that we brought a few hundred meters of garden hoses a few of the depot workers cheered. Of course the sand bags and other items were also gratefully received.

With the hardware unloaded we drove over to the tent to unload the cooking supplies. Both of the storage facilities were well organized and workers hastily recorded the inventory and marked them for future distribution. Everyone on site looked exhausted but still very motivated. Any donation, effort, contribution, and assurance will definitely contribute greatly to the needy and the rebuilding of the surround area. Once we finished we left for Onagawa. I wanted my friends to see for themselves why were were there. The drive from Ishinomaki to the coastal town of Onagawa took us through a few hills and inlets. The damage had gradients which match the elevation of the places along the way. At some points there could be total devastation, then with a slight incline up a hill the area was untouched. Once back into a valley, it was again filled with wreckage. When the road opened up to a flat plain that stretched to the sea. It became difficult to find anything that was not broken or ripped apart. People's homes were nothing more than splinters and shells. The roadside and blocks were piles torn pieces ranging for cars, clothing, household items, and structures. It was as if everything was put through a shredder. There was an uncomfortable silence then a mix of bewildered words. Why did this happen became a paradoxical question. Why we had come all this way and if we were doing the right thing became clear. When you witness the remains of this type of disaster you know that entire lives were torn to bits. People are physically and emotionally ripped apart. The depth of where the tectonic plates slipped and shifted can be measured as well as the tsunami; but the pain and human cost of it all is unfathomable.

There are many events like these in the world today. I read that in the US there were many tornadoes have ravaged towns in the mid west. It all gives each of us reminder of how fragile life is. It also brings out the best and worse in us. I tend to seek out the good. At times like these anywhere, I fundamentally it's important to do something right and give what you are able. It doesn't matter if it's here or there; it just matters.