More on M, Episode 6: Part 2

Presenting Part 2 of the interview with our recently minted teenager, who is eager to discover more about...everything.

What makes you happy about the way the world is now?

It's changing a lot. And there's more technology so it's easier to do things.

Are you worried about climate change--you know, the Earth is overheating, too much plastic in the oceans, that kind of thing?
Not really. Like, I'll probably die by the time the Earth melts.

Do you believe there are aliens that live on planets beyond Earth?
Yes.
Why?
Well, first of all, I think that the Earth is just like a small snow globe. You know, the one you shake with snowflakes in it. Yeah, that's us, a toy for aliens, in a snow globe sitting on a cabinet. Okay, so like there's lots of aliens that keep us in a small snow globe. [Smiles mischievously] So we're some alien’s pets. We entertain them. We're like hamsters.

That's an interesting way of looking at it. All right. Next, sort of a serious question: what makes you sad about the way the world is now?
There's still animal testing for makeup and skincare products. I'm sad because animals die because of me.

Okay, so will that make you want to give up using makeup or eating meat?
No, I'll just use cruelty-free makeup.

What goals are you trying to achieve these days?
Getting better grades at school.

And how are you doing that?
I'm studying a lot. I go to a study group at cram school. Almost every day. Even though I'm busy with track. So, I'm studying hard.

And why, all of a sudden, do you want to study harder than before?
Because I realized that middle school is a lot different than elementary school. And the tests are a lot harder. And your grades will get you into a good school, or not, in the future.

What are your favorite social media sites?

I like TikTok and YouTube.

You've got an Android phone--what apps do you like?
Line. Because I can use it to message with my friends. I also like Shein for online shopping. It's really cheap, and there's a lot of cute clothes in it. You can get anything.

Do you have a favorite historical person or celebrity that inspires you?
Not really.

So who is the coolest celebrity for you?
Doja Cat. She's a really good rapper.

What about a sports star or politician?
I don't know any politicians. No favorite sports stars. I don't care. Okay?

When you compare basketball and track & field, which one is more difficult?

Basketball is more difficult because there's a lot of running. A lot more running. And it's also more fun. Track is good, too, but I just started, and I haven't gone into any competitions yet. But with basketball, you work together as a team and it's really fun when you get a basket and you win. Yeah--it's satisfying. So basically I like the teamwork.

Is there teamwork actually in track and field?
No. You basically just fight within yourself. Sometimes it's good though…

Maybe that's one reason why you're studying harder, because you're more disciplined? You push yourself.
Yeah, I guess so.

Do you think you're a good person?
Um, I guess so. Yeah.

And what makes you interesting for other people? Why do you have friends?
I've been to lots of other countries before age 10. My friends ask me about it.

And what about your experiences or language? Do they ever ask you about English?
Well, like they don't really ask me because they know I can speak it.

Overall, do you think you are nice or mean?
It depends on the person. My attitude depends on the person. I’m normally nice but mean when necessary. Yeah.

How many people do you consider real friends? Truly, really good friends?

Most of my friends. But the closest ones I have are four or five really close friends.

Are they mostly at school or on your track team?
They're mostly from my old school or on the track team.

Are you getting along with your sister these days?
She's kind of like in a bad mood because of exam season, but I tried to avoid her. So normally yeah, it's fine.

This question is how would you describe your relationship with your big sister? Is it's okay, or you avoid each other? Or maybe in the future you'll get along better or what? How do you feel?

As far as I know, after listening to my friends and their little sisters and their conversations, Elena and I are honestly not that bad. I see my friends and how they act with their little sister or brother, they can be super mean. So, compared to them we’re like, no problem. Parents overreact.

How about your relationship with your mom and me?

These days, you're really annoying. You always ask me to do stuff when I'm busy. But I guess you’re fine.

Do "they" give you an allowance?
Yeah, they do. But "they" make me work hard for it.

So they're pretty nasty parents then!
Yeah, yeah.

And these days, what do you want to be, when you grow up to be an adult?
It changes a lot. In the past two years, it's changed to two different things. I started with flight attendant. And then I wanted to become an independent businesswoman. And then it changed again. And now I'm back on being a flight attendant.

Anything else you want to say to yourself? That do you want to say to your future self?
No. I mean, "I'm good. "

The End

The Big Diverse: Celebrating Canada Day

I tend to be extra patriotic on Canada Day because I've spent so many of them outside the Great White North. Doing so does lends perspective. Nowadays, I have been thinking about the country's great experiment with immigration and how the resulting diversity is building a stronger country. And, I think, there is an aspirational element that is truly optimistic and could become a beacon to the world of what the collective future can look like. So don't muck it up, Canucks!

In a world grappling with declining birth rates and aging workforces, Canada stands tall as a pioneer, boldly betting on a massive new wave of immigration to fuel its economic prosperity. During the 2021 Census, nearly 1 in 4 people counted were or had been a landed immigrant or permanent resident in Canada, the highest proportion since Confederation. With the population recently surpassing 40 million for the first time ever largely thanks to immigration, growth shows no signs of abating. This immigration-positive approach allows us to establish a distinct international presence, independent of the shadow cast by our larger neighbor below the 49th parallel,  a.k.a. "South Canada."

One of Canada's defining characteristics lies in its vastness and its welcoming nature. Except for the Indigenous peoples, we all come from somewhere else. We are a young country, bursting with potential and untapped possibilities.

While our geography may suggest a diverse nation, the overwhelming public support for immigration is striking, especially from my overseas viewpoint. Most Canadians understand that embracing newcomers not only strengthens our economy but also enriches the very fabric of society. We cherish our core values of inclusivity and acceptance. I believe diversity is not just a checkbox to complete, but a source of strength to be celebrated. And it makes Canada more interesting.

Credit: Global TV or CBC TV?

Canada is opening its arms wide. We have space. And the right attitude that recognizes contributions from new Canadians enrich our lives and pave the way for a brighter future. And that recipe could be an example that influences the way the world evolves in the years to come. All this makes me proud to be Canadian.

Happy Canada Day!

More on M, Episode 6: Part 1

Nearly two years have passed since our last check-in with the younger Rising Daughter, the mighty M., who recently entered her teens. Teens develop profoundly over the course of two years, and that can be stressful. In this latest Q&A, we delve into the changes in the life of this spirited young lady. For more on her thoughts, trials, and triumphs, read on.

Marina's elementary school graduation ceremony

How have you changed in the last two years?

I want to grow my hair longer. I had it cut short two times; it's short again, which is good when it's hot weather. I like it the way it is, but I also want it longer.
I am now in middle school. That means I had to stop playing basketball for the local team, but I am now on the school's track and field team for distance running. I wanted to try a new thing, and it's fun and healthy.
My school subjects are a lot harder now and I need to study more. Plus, I have some different friends I hang out with at my new school. I also have a new morning routine because the time when I need to leave home for school and classes and stuff is later.

What are your favorite clothes these days?

I like big, oversized clothes. And I also like overalls with longer jeans.
I really want Nike Dunks but they're really expensive. So I think I'm gonna save up for it.

Why do you like the word "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"? How did you learn it?
I like it because it's very long and it's the song from Mary Poppins. No--I just I saw it on TikTok…not TikTok. I just like, I don't know where I saw it first, but I really like that word.

Any new hobbies or sports?
Like I said before, I am doing long runs during track practice. I wanted to try something new. And I like it. But I think I might go back to basketball when I get to high school.

What's your favorite ice cream/or candy?
I like Super Cup Banana Chocolate. And I still like Green Tea flavored ice cream. And then for candy--chocolate. Small chocolates. And gum.

Who is more fun to hang out with, boys or girls?
Really, Dad? This question again? Okay…it's still girls.

What's your average day like?

I study.
[Editor's remark: I think that's bull****.]
OK, it depends on the day. Yesterday, I studied for four hours. And I didn't do anything else because I had a test today.

Okay, so you're studying. If you have big tests, you study a lot, but if you don't have big tests, what is your opinion about studying?
I don't think you really need to study. Why do it? Because most of the stuff you learn at school you're not going to use in the future.

Tell us about the new middle school experience. What have you learned?
The first big tests were really hard. I didn't get good grades because I didn't know how to study the right way. In elementary school, it wasn't that hard. So I studied hard for the recent tests, but the way I studied didn't work well and I got bad grades. Not "bad", but not good, either. It was harder than I expected, and that's the tough thing. One good thing is I joined track, and I got to try something new and it's fun.

What books are you reading lately?
I'm re-reading Geronimo Stilton. But I want to get more new books because that one was boring.

Classic "self-care" pose in springtime

What’s your favorite thing to do these days?

I am into self-care time. And I like to FaceTime with my friends on the Line app.

What would you like to say to your future self when you’re 21?
Learn how to study, then study hard to get into a good college.

In what place are you happiest?

In my room in my bed, because it's where I sleep, and I like sleeping.

What is your greatest challenge now?
Finding a new way to study for tests.

-- Stay tuned for Part 2 --

Smackdown Sisters

The Rising Daughters™ are squarely in the Teenage Girl bracket now. The telltale signs are surging hormones, evident young womanhood, experimental makeup sessions, and helter-skelter moods. A side effect of this stage of life is…sibling rivalry and sister smackdown fights. I'm talking about psychological drama, people.

Lately, Lady E. and the M. often antagonize each other for various reasons. One cause of conflict is their diverging taste in music. The younger teen has developed a fondness for pop music choices heavily influenced by TikTok memes. The older, more urbane sister is obsessed with brooding Billie Eilish and Lana Del Ray tunes. Competing for airtime when we're together as a family creates some strife. Invariably, I invoke some form of democratic compromise in what music we all hear--and enforce it. The aftereffect of that is nasty words muttered with disdain between the sisters. Then everyone whips out individual smartphones, earphones inserted, and peace ensues. Everyone does their own thing. Sad, but at least it's music without rancor.

Another battleground is selecting what TV shows to watch. In bygone days the girls could enjoy some common shows, laughing at silly sitcoms with wholesome, PG-rated life lessons. My teens have detected that scam and their viewing preferences have evolved. The remote control has become a coveted prize, with both of them vying for dominance over the living room entertainment center. The remote control sparks more grousing and competing for screen time. Often a Parental Peacekeeping Force (PPF) will invoke a ceasefire and police the remote, and keep the two warring factions apart.

Same thing with clothes, which have provoked fashion fights. The Rising Daughters are almost the same size now. You'd think two closets would yield some sharing options. Yet closets are a minefield. Daughter #2 leans toward colorful and quirky ensembles, while Daughter #1 prefers a sophisticated and demure fashion sense. Yet they both tend to want to borrow my T-shirts and ratty old pullovers. Usually at the same time. Competition and scarcity equals danger.

Privacy is a foreign concept to Marina. Except when it's her privacy. She *had* a habit of barging into her older sister's room unannounced. Whether it's to "borrow" a favorite top without permission, or to seek a missing pair of socks, her disdain for boundaries sparks epic feuds. And many slammed doors. Preceded by sharp words and warnings, Lady E. counters with commando raids to get her clothes back when M. isn't there.

Food is sustenance, but snacks are more important than life. Both daughters have a stash of snacks we tolerate but try to moderate. In general, meals must be almost the same for each daughter. Otherwise, their sense of natural law triggers fierce cries of injustice such as "why does she get a bigger piece than me?" or "if she doesn't have to eat broccoli, then why do I?" Desserts, offered as a pleasant way to end a family meal, often devolve into low intensity invective. Who gets first pick at the dessert – which is usually the same treat – is coveted. Any minor difference in the size or appearance of the dessert creates strife.

Amid these frequent conflicts, their war of words usually holds a hidden undercurrent of affection. As adults and parents, we get annoyed, but we understand they are navigating the uncharted waters of teenage sisterhood. They will test boundaries, hopefully learn to coexist better while keeping their individuality, and find moments of connection during the chaos.
We hope.

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Scooting for sanity

When the pressure of everyday life gets too much, Naomi and I like to flee our familiar surroundings with a getaway drive on my 125cc scooter. It's liberating to drive wearing only a T-shirt and shorts, and with the wind in your face. When it's my turn to pick the destination, I prefer drives that take us to the ocean. Seaside motorvating offers soothing views of the sea and invigorating aromas.

This time our destination was the bottom part of the Miura Peninsula not far from our digs in Yokohama. We kicked off our adventure early in the morning, taking advantage of less traffic on the roads. Scooters are prohibited from using toll highways, so regular roads were our only choice. I set course southward through the cityscape. We made a pitstop near Oppama to refuel ourselves with a cup of coffee. Energized and ready to continue, we tooled along the coastal highway, with the occasional palm tree and pleasing views of Tokyo Bay.

Our plan to have lunch at a favorite hotel in Kannonzaki was foiled by renovations. That didn't dampen our spirits. Instead, we explored the nearby Kannonzaki Park. It's a former WWII-era naval fortress transformed into a park lined with pleasant green spaces and neatly maintained walking trails. The exercise did wonders for our sore behinds.

With appetites calling, we hopped back on the scooter and found a seaside café on Rt. 134. It was the perfect spot to savor both the flavors and the coastal semi-cheesy charm.

Continuing our mini adventure, we navigated the narrow roads on the lower part of the Miura Peninsula, passing by numerous vegetable farms. Driving the scooter in these bucolic surroundings was pure joy, with the salty air and refreshing breeze best savored at lower speeds.

Arriving at Jogashima, the southernmost point of the peninsula, we indulged in a leisurely stroll around the park, and couldn't resist venturing down to the rocky coastline. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore supplied a calming backdrop, allowing us to further relax and forget about weekday worries. With the Rising Daughters™ busy doing their own thing, it was nice downtime apart from the kids.

Reluctantly, we accepted it was time to embark on the 50 km journey back. As we zoomed along the roads homeward, I was happy thanks to the joy of sheer motion, and the time spent not thinking too much. Day trips like these are a reminder of how energizing it is to escape our regular lives for a few hours, without a schedule or even a real purpose except to wander around and share the experience with the ones we love.

Speak Japanese Like a Hack

[ Ed. note: parody and humor, folks]

Hey Pilgrim!

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Just go to our super-easy online platform and start right away. www.stinkogo-wtf.com 

You learn the language by speaking it.

It’s that E-Z: "Just speak it."
The app and your brain take care of the rest.

What people are saying:

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  - Jaypee El-Tee

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  - Shia Hen

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  - Tony DaTiger

So what are you waiting for? Grab your phone, download Stinko-go, and get ready to rock Nihongo like a boss.

Pand-ended Part 2: Petering Out

The dreaded COVID-19 pox has not been completely beaten yet and has left us with unforgettable scars. The World Health Organization (WHO) said in March that it expects to declare an end to the COVID-19 pandemic sometime in 2023. As of March 2023, there have been 765 million confirmed cases and 6.9 million confirmed deaths worldwide. These are staggering numbers, but we don't see them in the news as often anymore.

Pandemic fatigue has set in. People have become complacent, accepting a certain number of deaths as a cost of returning to normal. Even in conservative and safety-conscious Japan, masks, social distancing, and frequent handwashing have become more and more relegated to the traumatic past that nobody seems willing to think over.

"It's an individual's choice now," we are told. For me, that boiled down to building up the courage to flaunt my maskless mug on trains along with a few independent souls willing to flaunt the majority still wearing masks. It was getting hotter on the Tokyo trains, and I found the masks to be too much. I eyed other "normal" looking office workers like me not wearing masks. No other people were showing their discomfort by leaving empty seats unoccupied, nor doling out the stink-eye of disapproval. I figured, why not try going maskless? And I haven't looked back. I am now both mask-less physically and mentally. And it feels good.

Progressively Pandexcellent re-entry process in Japan
One sign of social shifts underway in Japan is the official abandonment of any kind of border controls related to the virus. Starting on April 29, passengers arriving in Japan no longer had to provide proof of vaccination or negative test results, according to media reports, as the country braces for an influx of travelers during the Golden Week holidays.

This progress took time. The re-entry process for me at Haneda Airport in February 2023 took less than an hour, a significant improvement from the convoluted testing and confirmation process that took hours in April 2022. International travel was enough of a hassle in the "early COVID" era, with visa applications, baggage rules, and the other umpteen logistical arrangements to consider. Then came the COVID tests, the border restrictions, and QR code apps that varied across countries. Untangling the rules cost untold hours scrutinizing endless pages of travel guidelines on the websites of foreign embassies. But now, in Japan, a super-simplified immigration re-entry system has evolved with the diminished viral threat.

Where are we now? We can travel. We can party. We can try and pretend the last three years never happened. But COVID-19 turned social norms upside down for three years, and there will be lingering effects. I'm hopeful that the long-term effects of the pandemic will be piddling even as we learn valuable lessons from this terrible ordeal.

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