Author Archives: John Rachel

Ban the Bomb!

Posted on November 7, 2021 by John Rachel

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 →

Posted in Peace Dividend, Philosophy, Political Analysis, War and Peace | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Woke Venus de Milo

Posted on October 19, 2021 by John Rachel

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 →

Posted in Art, Deconstruction, Nihilism, Satire, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Can you say p – p – p – p – poetry?

Posted on October 13, 2021 by John Rachel

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

Posted on October 7, 2021 by John Rachel

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 →

Posted in Japan, Social Commentary, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Life In Japan: Vending Machines

Posted on October 1, 2021 by John Rachel

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

Posted in Deconstruction, Japan, Social Commentary, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Life In Japan: Respect for the Aged Day

Posted on September 21, 2021 by John Rachel

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!

Posted on September 14, 2021 by John Rachel

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 →

Posted in Deconstruction, Music, Nihilism, Satire, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: “Savings”

Posted on September 13, 2021 by John Rachel

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

Posted on August 27, 2021 by John Rachel

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 →

Posted in Deconstruction, Japan, Religion, Social Commentary, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted on August 17, 2021 by John Rachel

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 →

Posted in Japan, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment