Category Archives: Creativity

Life In Japan: My Pergola

Posted on October 10, 2020 by John Rachel

Spoiler alert: Here I am tooting my own horn. Last summer, I spent four weeks putting together a structure which provides in our very modest yard, a place to relax, have fun, read a book, drink tea, eat lunch or barbecue. Continue reading →

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“Outside The Box”: Does it pass the sanity test?

Posted on September 30, 2020 by John Rachel

My insanely weird short story “Outside the Box” is featured in the most recent anthology from SCARS Publication. Apparently they liked it, since they named the entire collection after it. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Jennifer the Cat, Media Darling!

Posted on November 16, 2019 by johnrachel

As an attention-starved author and overgrown baby, I of course am always trying to attract publicity. Again, one of my kitties has humbled yours truly by being featured in our local newspaper. Maybe I’m approaching this wrong. Do I need to learn how to purr to get noticed around here? Continue reading →

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Creativity: Two Existentialists Walk Into A Bar . . .

Posted on July 28, 2018 by johnrachel

I never should have called Professor Dornberger an insatiable proof sucker searching for the perfect syllogism. Hindsight is so powerful but ultimately useless. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Western Arts – Pt 1

Posted on March 25, 2018 by johnrachel

Japan has an interesting, kind of bizarre romance with Western culture. This has been going on for some time. It’s fascinating to see the juxtaposition and fusion of two such diametrically different cultural milieus, especially what emerges in both the popular and classical arts. It works because regardless of what’s imported into the culture here, the people remain at core so essentially Japanese, respecting and honoring a long, unique heritage and an unparalleled work ethic. Continue reading →

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Life In Japan: Arthur the Celebrity Cat

Posted on February 12, 2018 by johnrachel

My adorable cat Arthur beat me to the punch and got in the newspaper. And he doesn’t even have an agent. What do I need to do to get some press around here? Continue reading →

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A Simple Straight-Forward Message for a Complex Convoluted Time

Posted on December 30, 2017 by johnrachel

This is about “Happy New Year”, my holiday greeting card to the world, a song I wrote three years ago, performed by my lovely and extremely talented wife and myself, here in my home studio in Japan. I believe it offers a simple straightforward message for a complex convoluted time. Continue reading →

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Shameless Self-Promotion – Part 2

Posted on December 19, 2017 by johnrachel

Desperate times call for desperate measures. But this? “Buy my book or I’ll shoot this dog”? That’s disgusting! Insane! Maybe you should buy my book so I can get psychiatric help. Continue reading →

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Shameless Self-Promotion – Part 1

Posted on November 30, 2017 by johnrachel

In my last posting, I generously offered advice on how my readers can reduce stress and introduce unparalleled happiness into their lives. This is the first in a series of articles on how my readers can reduce stress and introduce unparalleled happiness into MY life. Continue reading →

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P is for popular . . . S is for stupid!

Posted on October 30, 2017 by johnrachel

As you probably know by now, I’m not a humble person. But recently I received a blow to my ego that sent me reeling. I may never recover. It has to do with something covered with fur. Continue reading →

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