Category Archives: Creativity

Life In Japan: Street Aesthetics

Posted on April 15, 2025 by johnrachel

The city here did an amazing job of improving the aesthetics of one of our traditional streets. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Taiko

Posted on March 25, 2025 by johnrachel

Taiko performances are common both in Japan and other parts of the world. We recently had such a performance at the castle grounds located in the heart of downtown Tambasasayama. Continue reading →

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Book Recommendation: My Father’s Journal by William Astore

Posted on March 16, 2025 by johnrachel

I have a great idea for you. Take a break from the horror show going on in the world and savor a brilliant memoir-tribute by a son to his father. Continue reading →

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Alisha Idlewild Performs “War Is Making Us Poor”

Posted on February 5, 2025 by johnrachel

How about some folk rock to make this a more peaceful world? Alisha Idlewild emerges from the cosmic white noise to sing “War Is Making Us Poor”! Continue reading →

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The Boll Weevil Bluegrass Band Performs “War Is Making Us Poor”

Posted on February 2, 2025 by johnrachel

Get out those straw hats! Bring on the moonshine! It’s time to sing along. Continue reading →

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Sarah Shipley Performs “War Is Making Us Poor”

Posted on January 30, 2025 by johnrachel

The lovely and talented Sarah Shipley sings out against war in this country version of my newest antiwar song. Thank you, Nashville for your excellent work! Continue reading →

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‘Meggie’ Taylor Performs “War Is Making Us Poor”

Posted on January 30, 2025 by johnrachel

Rapper Tyrone Megaton Taylor performs my new anti-war song, “War Is Making Us Poor”. Continue reading →

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Happy New Year! (from Japan)

Posted on December 30, 2024 by johnrachel

This is a holiday song of fellowship and unity for 2025. Considering the horror show we have unleashed in the world this past year, maybe this seems too wholesome, too positive. But I believe, when things are at their worst is when we must envision ourselves at our best. Continue reading →

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What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Deehl

Posted on December 6, 2024 by johnrachel

To those of you who want to know: Do mermaids speak English?

All I can now say is: That’s a very good question! Continue reading →

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What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Chif

Posted on December 4, 2024 by johnrachel

“Chif. You are stunning.” “I love that word. It can be taken a couple different ways. Am I a stun gun? Are you a drooling lump spread eagle on the floor? Have you lost control of your body fluids?” “I … Continue reading →

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