Author Archives: John Rachel

Ban the Bomb!

The first philosophy book I ever read was Bertrand Russell’s Common Sense and Nuclear Warfare. I was 13 years old. It shaped my life. Continue reading

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Woke Venus de Milo

Thanks to the enlightened activism of woke warriors in our midst, we are one step closer to a world which makes sense for everybody, not just some lascivious old white men. Continue reading

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Can you say p – p – p – p – poetry?

Alright . . . it’s not Elle or Guns & Ammo or The Atlantic. But it’s a real magazine and it’s out of San Antonio, Texas. A POETRY MAGAZINE! I’m darn proud to say that a recent poem of mine got published in this particular issue. A miracle if there ever was one! Continue reading

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Life In Japan: Police Power IV

It’s hard to exaggerate the contrast of what looks like the horror show of police brutality in the U.S. with what life is like here. But I’ve tried to capture it in a few stories. This is my latest. Continue reading

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Life In Japan: Vending Machines

I distinctly remember the first thing that caught me somewhat baffled eye here in Japan. Vending machines! They seem to be everywhere! Continue reading

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Life In Japan: Respect for the Aged Day

This past Monday was a national holiday here in Japan: 敬老の日, Keirō no Hi, Respect for the Aged Day. My neighbor brought me a very special gift from the people of Tambasasayama. Continue reading

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Wow! Britney Spears!

After years and years of struggle and legal battles, this courageous lady has finally escaped the court-ordered lockdown which imposed on her the random tyranny of a bunch of old white men, and kneecapped her brilliant career. We should all be very grateful that her nightmare is over. Britney Spears is free! Free to lead us to a glorious and redeeming future. Or at least get us dancing. Continue reading

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Life In Japan: “Savings”

This story wanders around a bit but I think it’s fun and certainly offers something inspiring about people in Japan. Continue reading

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Life In Japan: Special Purpose Temples & Shrines

The really fascinating temples and shrines in Japan are the special purpose ones. There are shrines and temples devoted to the usual things: money, health, happiness, long life, good marriage. There are ones dedicated to uniting two people in love or in friendship. Interestingly, there’s at least one shrine for breaking up! We spent the day at one my wife calls the “Karma Temple”. Continue reading

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Life In Japan: Kamikochi . . . “Japanese Alps”

My wife and I just spent three days in the “Japanese Alps” — Kamikochi — a mountainous region of Nagano Prefecture the beauty of which is simply impossible for words. So feast your eyes on the pics! Continue reading

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