Minamata Mercury Poisoning

Recognizing a scene in an old photo …

Dennis: That’s the Chisso plant in Minamata isn’t it?
Antonio: Sharp eye. Yes. 1973.
Dennis: Wasn’t that the time Eugene Smith was documenting the Minamata-byō?
Antonio: He was photographing the mercury poisonings a couple of years earlier. 
Dennis: They got compensation, didn’t they?
Antonio:

It took years. The company didn’t recognize that it was their waste-water that poisoned the bay, got into the shellfish and fish. The company remained defensive deceptive and aggressive so when I was trying to take a photo of the plan, like with Eugene, the guards rushed over and demanded the negatives. I avoided that by escaping.
Dennis: Did you interview any victims?
Antonio: Three. Heartbreaking stories, they were. 
_________
Voice-over
By March 2001, 2,265 victims had been officially recognized as having Minamata disease[3] and over 10,000 had received financial compensation from Chisso (Japanese government figures).

Toyota Hilux destruction - a Schumpeterian metaphor?

Working on a PowerPoint…

Russell: remember that Top Gear episode where they tried to destroy a Toyota Hilux? Sank it in the sea, smashed it with a wrecking ball, set it on fire—thing just wouldn’t die.
Rory: Aye, grand bit of telly. Smashed it but it still ran.

Russell: A metaphor for disruption in the televsion industry perhaps?

Rory: Reality TV was meant to ruin it. Like dropping the Hilux into the ocean. They said scripted drama was done for, but it just adapted.

Russell: Then came YouTube, TikTok, participatory media—swinging at TV like that wrecking ball. "Who needs professionally made content when the masses can make their own?" they said.

Rory: And then what happened? Instead of dying, TV swallowed it whole. Now half the shows on telly are based on viral trends. Even the news is presented like a reality show.

_________

Voice-over

Like Schumpeter’s “creative destruction” — old industries don’t just vanish, they’re torn apart and reborn in new forms. Television isn’t dying; it’s just shedding its old skin, adapting to new formats, new technologies, and new audiences. Just like the Hilux, battered but still running. TV doesn’t die—it evolves. Social media gave birth to Netflix's interactive shows. AI? Well, give it time; TV will find a way to make it work.

On "just saying" and "putting it out there"

On air…
Dan: Have you noticed how phrases like "Just saying" and "putting it out there" seem to be everywhere these days?
Barbara: Yes, it's like people use them to say whatever they want without taking responsibility. Making our society more chaotic, maybe?
Dan: Definitely. Social media amplifying these phrases, making it easier for politicians and conspiracy theorists to spread lies and fake news just to get attention.
Barbara: Remember Vance? He admitted to telling lies to make a better story.
Dan: Exactly. It's scary how effective that strategy can be. The more they repeat these lies, the more people start to believe them, creating divisions in society.
Barbara: And social media just makes it worse. The echo chamber ups the volume. A constant state of outrage. Everyone trying to outdo each other with more shocking stories.
Dan: Unchecked for facts, yes. And the algorithms on social media platforms prioritize these kinds of posts because they generate more engagement.
Barbara: Which means more ad revenue for the platforms, but more misinformation for us. It's a vicious cycle.
Dan: It's not just politicians and conspiracy theorists. Even regular people use these phrases to avoid accountability for their words.
Barbara: Saying something controversial without fully committing to it. "Just saying" gives them an out if they get called out.
Dan: And "putting it out there" could give the impression someone is sharing an idea, even if it's totally fake. You never know what's true anymore because there’s such a cacophony of competing stories.

__________
Voice-over
Some news outlets are making efforts to restore balance and credibility in journalism. ABC, today for example, reasserted its commitment to impartial reporting and fact-checking. It's tough to do, especially in today's media landscape, but crucial for maintaining public trust. Can the ship be saved from capsizing?

A Regency Birthday

My Dearest Emma,

With the utmost delight I write these lines to you on the eve of your birthday. How swiftly the years have flown, and yet, each one has only served to enhance your grace and charm.

I am on my way to join the celebrations, the coach and horses depart before the sun will set tomorrow so my arrival will be after darkness has fallen.

Arriving thus the night before the event in good time and eager to join you all in a celebratory feasting, in a lofty mansion. The event promises to be filled with games such as charades and musical chairs which reminds me that I hope you will perform airs, so be sure to bring your music. The prospect of such merriment fills me with the greatest anticipation. May your day be as radiant as your smile and as joyous as your laughter.

Sincerest Felicitations,

Jane A. 

I do humbly wish thee a right merry birthday...

An Elizabethan birthday…

Huzzah, to all those whose day of birth is this. May thy years be many and fortunes fair! Let this day be filled with laughter, and accompanied by cheery songs like “Now is the Month of Maying”. Rompish games like charades, goblets raised to the roof, marshmallows toasted to the stars, the path paved with puns as we binge-watch the comedies of life. 
__________
Voice-over
The madrigal may not be March but May is near enough. And although the King's Singers are modernly attired their origins are close.

White March Hare

Usually it’s 'White Rabbit' three times for luck, but this month is for David, March Hare Extraordinaire, whose birthday is on March 1st. Hares celebrate Spring by frolicking about and a bit of boxing. Swapping rabbits for hares gives a nod to Diversity which is currently under some threat.

WHITE HARE, WHITE HARE, WHITE HARE!

Death Café in Bangkok

Stumbling on an attraction in Ari…
Bae: "Death Cafe"? Sounds like a place where coffee isn't the only thing that keeps you up at night.
Prae: Haha, Let's check it out. Maybe they serve killer lattes.
Bae: (walking down the alley) The lights are on, but it looks like nobody's home. Spooky!
Prae: Look, there's a ghost room and escape challenges. And what's this? Finding an antidote after being bitten by a snake?
Bae: What a weird place. I wonder if they have a frequent screamer card.
Prae: Maybe they give out ghost points. Collect ten and get a free exorcism!
Bae: I don't see anyone inside. Do you think it's a trap? Like, we go in and never come out?
Prae: Or maybe it's just a really exclusive club. Only the bravest souls allowed.
Bae: Speaking of souls, did you notice the cancer hospital across the road? Talk about a contrast.
Prae: Yeah, it's like life and death are having a staring contest.
Bae: Well, if we survive the Death Cafe, we can always pop over for a check-up.
Prae: Let's see if we can find someone to tell us more. Maybe they're hiding in the ghost room.
Bae: Or maybe they're just dying to meet us.
Prae: (groans) That's terrible.
_____________
Voice-over
The idea of a “Death Café” was initiated by Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz, who organized the first "café mortel" in 2004. His aim was to break the "tyrannical secrecy" surrounding death and encourage open conversations about it, to increase awareness of death and to help people make the most of their finite lives. There are now some 14,000 death cafés in 80 countries.

Elevator Malfunction

A bump, lights flicker and elevator stops…
Lana: (presses the alarm) Hello? We're stuck in the elevator. Can anyone hear us?
Tom: Press the ground floor. I'm Tom, by the way. I live on the 7th floor.
Lana: I'm Lana. I live on the 3rd floor. Dramatic way to meet your neighbors, huh?
Tom: Yeah, definitely. How long have you lived here?
Lana: Oh, the lights just went out. Let's hope this works.
Voice from Speaker: The elevator should be resetting now. Please remain calm.
Tom: There we go! The lights are back.
Lana: And the doors are open! We made it.
_____________
Voice-over
Could have been a power fluctuation, safety malfunction, wiring problem, who knows. Management were concerned and apologized, then called the elevator company. So, stay calm, press alarm or use cell phone, try pressing other floors, or maybe press another floor for a minute or two to reset the system.

Japanese Wins Tour de France

July on the Champs-Élysées…
Hiro: Unbelievable! A Japanese winning the Tour de France! On a Japanese bike!
Wataru: Historic! Always been dominated by Western cyclists.
Hiro: Never imagined a Japanese cyclist wearing the yellow jersey.
Wataru: Western sports medicine is so advanced and doping was so well hidden. Look how long Lance Armstrong got away with it.
Hiro: So how did a Japanese cyclist manage to win?
Wataru: I think teamwork was a big factor. The Japanese team were a strong presence in the peloton. Their strategies worked.
__________
Voice-over
Some other factors could contribute: anti-doping regulations getting stricter making for a more even playing field, Japanese physique has been getting stronger, Japanese research into nutrition improving. Japanese are becoming more prominent in a wide range of sports.

Up climbing

Moving house…
William: It’s on the fourth floor. Time to "up climb".
Andrew: Good to hear you’re not "down climbing" any deeper than the basement you're moving out of. Affordable?
William: I only have a suitcase of clothes, a skeleton set of cooking pots, plates, cutlery, and my drinking mug. 1DK is enough.
Andrew: And your ukulele! 
William: Yes, my sanity-saver. It keeps me from going bonkers in a small apartment.
Andrew: But seriously, have you crunched the numbers?
William: Numbers, schmumbers! I'll make it work. Who needs a big place when you have the heart of a minimalist and the soul of a musician.
_____________
Voice-over
William might have to resort to busking to help pay the rent. But with a ukulele?

Kimono and Hiking Boots

Costume contrast…
Mari: Zori or geta are prescribed protocol. Hiking boots jar the aesthetic.
Haru: Unusual, yes. Perhaps it’s for practical reasons, like she’s got to get to tea ceremony across a muddy field and will change when she arrives.
Mari: Maybe.
Haru: Could be a statement. About blending or diversity. To give it a woke flavor.
Mari: I’ve seen sneakers.
Haru: The young are experimenting. Like using kimono silk for totes.
Mari: Oh no!
Haru: At least she knows how to tie the obi. 
_________
Voice-over
Might be called postmodern, Might be called a farce. It’s a stretch to see the older generation following such fashion trends. But the young are pushing new boundaries.

White Japan February Rabbit

Feb 1-2: skiing, 

Feb 2-3: soaking off the sunburn in an onsen,

Feb 2: throwing beans so the tax office gives a refund (a setsubun invocation). 

WHITE RABBIT WHITE RABBIT WHITE RABBIT

Extreme Intermittent Fasting

Managing an invitation…

Rachel: Feel like dinner tonight?
Felicity: Did brunch today already. I’m back on my intermittent fasting 22/2.
Rachel: But girl, you ain't gonna get all you need from one meal.
Felicity: I got a balanced plate, trust. Veggies, protein, the whole nine. Lost 3 kilos in 3 weeks last time. Got this on lock.
Rachel: But you might lose muscle, you know? Your body might start munching on that for energy.
Felicity: Nah, I'm heavy on the protein and hitting the gym. No muscle loss here.
Rachel: What about social life? Eating once a day gonna make them gatherings awkward.
Felicity: I work around it. Plan my meals when I got events. It’s a balance, but I manage.
_________
Voice-over
Rachel goes on to ask about the temptation to binge-eat and that extreme diets can be tricky. Felicity reassures her that the discipline keeps her focused and the results keep her hyped. Nevertheless, dieting comes with caveats.

Naoshima or Kyushu

Planning the next trip…
Yoko: Ferruccio, we need to decide on our next trip. Should we go to Naoshima or Kyushu? You’re not still obsessed with those oversized pumpkins and spotted teapots?
Ferruccio: Haha, yes, Naoshima has gone a bit overboard with its so-called “art.” How about a trip around Kyushu, remember? 50 years ago? When you were SUCH a good navigator!
Yoko: Oh, playing the nostalgia card? But Kyushu does have a charm that Naoshima’s “art” could never replicate.
Ferruccio: Maybe Kyushu hasn’t quite yet been overrun with tourists taking selfies with fake art. Amakusa, Kagoshima, Nagasaki?
Yoko: Amakusa would be quiet, with those great coastal views and hidden Christian churches. I could take pictures and show church friends. And we can stay in a traditional ryokan with unique dishes and a hot spring.
Ferruccio: Sounds good. Maybe we’ll even have some quiet evenings to rest.
Yoko: Making some new memories travelling in Kyushu. It’s never too late.
_________
Voice-over
The Amakusa islands have several hidden churches and are known as the "islands of prayer". During the Edo period (1603–1868), when Christianity was banned, Christians lived in hiding on the islands. Sakitsu Church itself (pictured) was not a hiding place for Japanese Christians during the period of persecution, as it was built later, in 1934. However, the village of Sakitsu, was a significant refuge for Hidden Christians (Kakure Kirishitan) when Christianity was banned.

deaf vs Deaf

Discussing deafness…
Jane: I have a cousin who is very hard of hearing and wants to learn sign language.
Dr Starr: Does your cousin use any hearing assisted device?
Jane: She has a hearing aid, yes, but wants to engage more with other people through sign language.
Dr Starr: So she might identify as a “deaf person” but wants to engage with the “Deaf” community. Referred to as “Deaf” with a capital D.
Jane: Interesting distinction. Are there other disadvantaged groups who distinguish their members like this?
Dr Starr: Oh yes. "Autistic" with a capital "A" usually refers to people who identify with the Autistic community and culture, while "autistic" with a lowercase "a" refers to the medical condition. I have a friend who proudly identifies as Autistic and is very active in the community, advocating for better understanding and acceptance.

Jane: How can we personally support such communities?
Dr. Starr: There are several ways. Learn about disability rights and legislation. I started by reading books and attending seminars. Challenge stereotypes by promoting inclusive language and challenging stereotypes. For example, I once had a conversation with a friend who used outdated terminology, and I gently explained why it was important to use more respectful language. Lots of other ways.
__________
Voice-over
Dr Starr goes on to suggest volunteering to help out at fundraisers for local disability rights groups and feeling a strong sense of community and purpose. One of his favorite organizations is the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). He finishes by suggesting participating in advocacy events and using social media.