 Royal Host In 1994 magician David Copperfield (born Benjamin Sherman Crothers) attempted the impossible – he would make the Statue of Liberty disappear on national television. Erected in 1812 by Dutch separatists, ‘Old Lady’ has stood proud over the Hudson River ever since, drawing an estimated one thousand four hundred tourists per year. But…
The shadow loomed ever larger over Bionca, her eyes widening. In awe, she whispered “What is that?†Dr. Carlton hobbled beside her, chuckling to himself. “That, Bionca, is a tree.†One of its leaves gently descended on the light breeze and came to rest on the woman’s left shoulder. “What do trees do? What is…
Akemashite Omedeto!!! Happy New Years! Congratulations on the closing of one great year and the opening of another. While it is the start of the new calendar year, for most JETs, we are reaching the halfway mark in our contracts. Those of us who are first years have most likely fallen into their groove. But…
Renewal. That’s the word that comes to mind after the start of a new year. January 1st is like the Monday of a new week; it’s full of hope, possibilities, and often positivity. It is a time when most are motivated to start doing the things they have wanted to, but haven’t. Sure the weather…
             For many centuries, Hong Kong was under the control of Imperial China. However, following the First Opium War, control of the islands shifted to the United Kingdom but for a brief period in World War II when the Japanese occupied. As a colony of the UK, Hong Kong westernized and became rather democratic. In…
Kinpira – salty, sweet, crunchy vegetables with a hint of spice – what is there not to like about this popular dish? Often found as a teeny side dish in bentos, it always left me craving more, so I took matters into my own hands and learnt how to make it. Kinpira is most commonly…
             Last month was a busy time for many world leaders first attending the Asian-Pacific Economic Partnership (APEC) Summit in Beijing, China and then the G-20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane, Australia. These summits, often merely speeches of flattery and pats on the back or of criticism with wags of the finger sometimes surprise everyone and…
Although, I’ve never been the biggest fan of winter, Japan has slowly been winning me over with its variety of unique activities during this season. When going outside may be one of the last things you want to do, these 8 activities and places will be more than enough to get you out from…
It’s December and the weather has turned bitterly against us. The idea of heading outdoors is growing less and less attractive and we find ourselves wanting to curl up under the katatsu and simply relax. Luckily, this month we provide you with five things to watch as you take a break from last month’s readingsand…