Category: Curiosities

The meaning of Ic(h)or

During a dinner conversation with friends on Thursday night, the subject of ichor came up. (Don’t ask – the gentlemen who mentioned it writes crossword puzzles for a living.) Not surprisingly, none of us had the slightest idea what he was talking about. It turns out that ichor is essentially the blood of the Gods.

From Wikipedia:

In Greek mythology, ichor (Greek ἰχώρ) was a mineral present in the blood of the gods that kept them immortal. It was sometimes said to have been present in ambrosia or nectar. When a god was injured and bled, the ichor made their blood poisonous to mortals.

But the word did ring vaguely familiar. After a few seconds, I remembered having heard it mentioned once in an international trade theory class. Of course, the professor wasn’t talking about Greek Mythology. Not being able to recall what the acronym stood for, I sought to commit it to memory. Here’s what I found.

According to Deardorff’s Glossary of International Economics

The amount of additional capital that a developing country requires to increase its output by one unit; thus the reciprocal of the marginal product of capital. Used as an (inverse) indicator of how efficiently a country is using the scarce capital it acquires.

Sound complicated? Actually, it’s really not all that difficult. It’s basically a measure of investment efficiency. Chi Hung Kwan explains in an essay written for the Japanese Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (REITI):

When considering investment efficiency in macroeconomic terms, the “incremental capital – output ratio (ICOR)” serves as a guide. ICOR is obtained by dividing the ratio of investment to GDP with real economic growth, and the smaller it is, the more efficient the investment.

Here are some comparative figures from Mr. Kwan’s essay:

Icor

So, there you have it. The hematological and economic significance of ic(h)or. Two of the most useful words in the English (and Greek) language(s).

Mutant Frog Incorporated Reveals Secret Correspondence

UPDATE: Nichi Nichi also has a “sorry for not posting” post. Parallel lives!

Posts to MF have recently slowed to a trickle due partly to my increased level of employment and also the general busy-ness of others involved in this vital project. So in an effort to break of a little something for the peoples every now and again, I have decided to yank open the curtain of shame and reveal to you just what kinds of links writers from Mutant Frog Travelogue, Coming Anarchy, and Nichi Nichi (otherwise known as “Japan’s Gaijin Brain Trust”) e-mail each other back and forth:

First, a completely random picture to help broaden your horizons:

Found in an image search for “persistently.” This man is a member of the Motorcycling Amateur Radio Club. Their motto is “two great tastes that taste great together.” That guy looks really happy to have discovered a club that combines his two favorite and completely related things! It seems like it might be dangerous to take your hand off the bike to check in with your HAM radio buddies.

But what’s this? If you look closely at the photo you’ll see A GUY ON A CELL PHONE!!! This must be considered no less than blasphemy in a group of people who cling to obsolete technology, shocking beer bellies and tacky motorcycles.

But enough mean-spirited ranting. On to more links:

This was icky:

WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT (NSFW):

THE STORY:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8589349/

THE VIDEO:
http://www.jegergrim.dk/video/mrhands.mpg

I read that Kansai Electric is reporting something similar now:

Thursday, September 8, 2005

‘Cool Biz’ Saved 1 Month’s Power For 240,000 Homes: Tepco

TOKYO (Nikkei)–The Japanese government’s Cool Biz campaign, which encourages workers to dress lightly during the summer, saved the equivalent of a one-month supply of electricity for 240,000 households during the June-August period, Tokyo Electric Power Co. (9501) said Thursday.

For Tepco, the saved 70 million kilowatt-hours translated into a 0.08% loss in the volume of power sold, or 700 million yen in lost revenue, for the three-month period. It also contributed to a 27,000-ton reduction in carbon dioxide emissions at its fossil fuel power plants.

The firm estimated that the lost revenue would have little impact on its profit, given that the cost of power generation also dropped.

Cool Biz was implemented in an estimated 40% of office buildings during the summer, according to Tepco. Men were encouraged not to wear neckties. On average, rooms were kept 1.4 C warmer than usual, the company said.

(The Nihon Keizai Shimbun Friday morning edition)

Miss Nippon!

Strange headline: 在韓日本人、１０年で倍増　半数、統一協会関係者か
“Japanese Residents of Korea Double in 10 Years, Half Are Members of [Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s] Unification Church”

Anyone know any more about this? If so, do tell!

Muneo Suzuki, internationalist politician known for A) Hiring an African Secretary (pictures included) B) Bribing voters with rice balls stuffed with 5000 yen notes and C) Getting re-elected to the Diet this year even after being convicted of accepting bribes!

That’s all for now. Must catch bus home.

Mutant frog found

Unusual frogs found

By LAURA KIRBY, Gazette Writer

SOUTH RANGE – They’ve been “critter catching” for the last three years, but they’ve never seen anything like it.
Brothers Cameron and Christopher Lystila each caught themselves a “mutant frog” at Lake Perrault within a week.

“We’ve been catching frogs here for three years, we’ve never come across anything that’s mutant,” said the boys’ mother, Sherri.

Nine-year-old Christopher was enjoying Labor Day when he grabbed the one-eyed green leopard frog from the lake near South Range.

Later last week, brother Cameron, 7, found a similar oddity while creature hunting in the same spot. Both eyes intact, the second mutant frog had an extra leg.

“To see it first hand is actually quite a unique experience,” said Duane Pangrazzi, the boys’ science teacher. Pangrazzi said the one-eyed frog, under student observation for the past week in his South Range Elementary classroom, has been a hot topic of conversation, giving students a real-life scientific example, and even prompting some personal research.

Aichi Expo Update: Good news and “bad” news

Before you read this, remember the Osaka Expo in 1970 attracted a whopping 64.2 million people, so comparatively this one is a big flop!

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Number Of Visitors To Aichi Expo Tops Targeted 15mn

NAGOYA (Kyodo)–The number of visitors to the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi Prefecture on Thursday surpassed the 15 million mark, the target set by the Expo organizers, 40 days before the event’s closing Sept. 25.

According to the Japan Association for World Exposition 2005, the 15 millionth visitor entered the gate at around 10:15 a.m. on the 147th day of the 185-day expo, which began March 25.

”We believe we were able to achieve the goal more than a month earlier than the event closes because many people highly valued the exposition’s unique exhibits and a variety of events,” Shoichiro Toyoda, the association’s chairman, said in a statement. Toyoda is also honorary chairman of Toyota Motor Corp. (7203).

An association official said the number of visitors is likely to reach 18 million by the closing day of the expo and may even top 19 million.

Shortly after opening, the expo saw low turnout, blamed mainly on poor weather, but it began getting crowded after Japan’s Golden Week holidays in early May. The number of visitors each day has often topped 100,000.

About 216,000 people visited the expo July 17, a single-day record.

Five indicted for making porno video on Expo cable car

NAGOYA — Police sent papers Friday to prosecutors on five people on suspicion of shooting pornographic video footage on a cable car at the site of the World Exposition in Aichi Prefecture, in violation of the Minor Offenses Law, police officials said.

The police allege a 33-year-old producer, a 28-year-old director and a 31-year-old video photographer for a TV program production company, a 39-year-old actor and a 26-year-old actress of shooting the video footage for about a minute May 2 on the Kikkoro Gondola cable car. The case came to light after a person who saw the video on a pornographic cable channel informed the Expo organizer, Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition, about it, the police said. (Kyodo News)

Extra details on the porno incident from ZAKZAK:

According to investigations, the minute-long scene is of a man groping a topless woman on the Kikkoro Gondola. The gondola can seat 8, and the scene was likely visible to those outside the craft as it is mostly clear glass, designed to give a view of the scenery and activity below.

The five suspects originally planned to shoot a scene outdoors within the Expo grounds, but had to change the location to inside the gondola since the Expo was crowded with Golden Week tourists. The group also filmed a scene in which they ask foreign staff sexually explicit questions.

My jealous contempt of the Aichi Expo has been documented on this site before, so you can see why this incident steams my beans. Taken one way, this is a pretty good sign for the Expo — it was so crowded the porn directors had to change their location to someplace quieter! Curses…

Did you know that North Korea has an animation industry?

Uniting the Two Koreas, in Animated Films at Least (NYT)

“North Korean animators are excellent,” he added. “They learn quickly and work very hard.” The SEK animation studio in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, which did the animation, has been involved in an array of international productions since the late 1990’s.

[…]

Mr. Shin has not finished working with North Korea, though. He said that both North and South Korea have agreed to produce his next project: a six-part animated series on Goguryeo, an ancient state that once occupied the northern half of the Korean Peninsula and much of Manchuria about 2,000 years ago. China recently created a furor in Korea when it claimed historical ownership of Goguryeo.

While South Korea is well known as a source of low-end cell drawing and inbetweening contractors for Japanese and American animation studios, the number of creative productions coming from that country has been dismally low. Despite being a fairly big animation fan, I have only seen a single long piece, a beautifully drawn film called Oseam, and a few shorts. Why after all these years is Korean animation so undeveloped? Why haven’t they benefited from this so-called ‘Korean wave’?

Be careful what you say about kimchi in Pyongyang

Be careful what you say about kimchi in Pyongyang

By Nopporn Wong-Anan Wed Aug 31, 5:40 AM ET

PYONGYANG (Reuters) – In
North Korea, it may be a crime to speak ill of the Dear Leader, but visitors are also advised not to badmouth the beloved national dish.

“Kimchi can prevent
SARS and bird flu,” a North Korean official told reporters at a dinner in a state-owned restaurant in Pyongyang, urging them to spread the word around the world.

Kimchi, typically radish or cabbage that has been packed with garlic, ginger and hot pepper and then pickled, is a staple on both sides of the divided Korean peninsula.

Although kimchi has been said to prevent bird flu and SARS, cure the common cold, prevent certain types of cancer and improve the skin, few of the claims have a scientific basis.

That meant nothing to an official guide escorting a group of Thai journalists travelling with Thai Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon on a recent visit to the secluded Communist country.

Asked by one journalist how he knew the SARS and bird flu claims were true, the guide — who gave his name only as “Mr Kim”, answered in an angry voice:

“Where were you? I don’t understand why you never knew this information. Everybody in North Korea knows about it.”

North Korea had an outbreak of bird flu at poultry farms in Pyongyang earlier this year.

ALL HAIL THE LEADER ETERNAL

Other questions agitated the guide.

A journalist working for a Japanese news agency wondered aloud if North Koreans used “Ajinomoto” — a Japanese brand name for monosodium glutamate seasoning — in kimchi to make it so tasty.

“What do you mean?,” Mr Kim asked. “You said a Japanese word. We live in Korea and we only eat Korean food.”

North Korea’s official media roundly criticises Japan, the former colonial overlord of the Korean peninsula which was divided into North and South at the end of World War Two.

North Korea has stayed isolated since the split in the spirit of its national ideology of “juche”, or self-reliance, and is now feared by the international community to be building a nuclear weapons programme — the subject of so-called six-party talks being held on and off in Beijing.

Propaganda about North Korea’s leaders and the Communist revolution is part of life in the state. It assails visitors arriving at Pyongyang airport and thrusts itself from fields and roads on billboards in the countryside and from state television.

In fact, propaganda is launched at visitors before they even get out of the plane. Soon after touchdown, the plane’s speakers lauded Kim Il-sung — North Korea’s founding Great Leader, Father Leader and Eternal Leader — and his son, Dear Leader Kim Jong-il.

Billboards plastered with slogans are everywhere, from the government’s reception hall to paddy fields along highways.

“Long Live the Dear Leader, Kim Jong-il!” reads a group of billboards, each carrying a Korean syllable, erected in the middle of a paddy field outside Pyongyang.

Another row of billboards on a grassy foothill read: “Whatever the party decides, we will do it!”

When asked who put up the billboards, Mr Kim consulted a colleague, then said: “It is the people who put up those signs themselves.”

The visit by the Thai foreign minister was timed to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and North Korea. Foreign journalists rarely visit and are closely supervised when they do.

Koizumi: Star Trek fan… or ALIEN?!!?!?!?

I hope you all were able to catch this great picture of Koizumi chillin’ on the train:

I tell you, the man truly has a knack for photo opportunities and promotional appearances (see this earlier post to get a sense of what I mean). But what’s up with his left hand?

Try as we might, neither I nor Mrs. Adamu could contort our hands into that position. He either REALLY loves Star Trek or he’s some kind of veloceraptor in disguise. What’s behind that wild mane, anyway?

(PS: Found while searching for the Star Trek link: Most pedophiles are into Star Trek? You decide.)

The many Adam Richardses of the world

I figure this is OK to post since my full name is right on the sidebar of this page, so here you go. Ever Google yourself? I have, and I’ve noticed that there are some pretty successful Adam Richardses out there:

The heavyweight boxer (“Adam Richards (9-1) outpointed John Dixon of Gautier in a four round heavyweight fight.” Way to go, man!)

The local pro wrestler. Holy crap I’m such a badass! Check this out:

Name: Adam Richards

Nickname: The Chosen One

Faction: The Texas Mafia (w/ Kyle and Michelle Richards)

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Entrance: The arena goes dark and the lights begin to flash red as “New Abortion” by Slipknot hits the BlazenTron. Flames explode when the first yell is heard and when the first lyrics are heard, Adam Richards appears on the stage. After staring at the crowd, Adam makes his way to the ring, slides inside and moves to the far right corner of the ring to pose. Adam then jumps down, turns around and waits.

Fighting Style: Brawler

Persona: Adam Richards loves to scare the fans with all the painful moves in his repertoire. He hates the fans and everything they represent.

Signature Moves:
– Tornado DDT
– Frog Splash
– Standing Shooting Star Press

Finishers:
– Pure Impact (Swinging Sidewalk Slam)
– The Apocalypse (Electric Chair Drop)

Quote: “I live for the thrill of the violent moment!”

Superstar History: Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Adam Richards, who was trying to follow in his brother Kyle’s footsteps, tried to find a job in the wrestling business with no success. Even though Adam was a virtual unknown in the business, the Epic Wrestling Organization gave Adam a chance to compete with their company. It was on November 13, 2004, that Adam Richards worked his first match for the eWo against Devin Washington and Shane Nitro and impressed, even though it was in a losing effort. After a long wait in-between matches, Adam Richards got his first chance at eWo gold in a battle royal on December 22, 2004. The match was for the eWo National Championship. Adam lost the match, yet again impressed the company in a losing effort. On January 5, 2005, Adam Richards would again have a chance for more gold, this time for the eWo Gutz and Glory Championship. However, before the show took place, the company was bought by Kevin Void and has not had a show since. Tired of waiting, Adam decided to try his luck elsewhere and joined the Blazenwing Wrestling Federation to team with his brother Kyle and sister Michelle as the Texas Mafia.

Title History:
– BWF Hardcore Champion (1)

Way to be a champion!

The British Stuntman:

FIT AND CAPABLE TO UNDERTAKE ALL ASPECTS OF STUNT WORK, WILLING TO LEARN NEW TECHNIQUES.

Fight Director: Bugsy, Lion Witch Wardrobe, Man in the Moon, Team One

Special Skills: Twenty five years experience in the fighting arts both teaching and studying.
British National Martial Art Award for coaching.
Founded own style KUEN TAO.
Gymnastic instructor, personnel fitness instructor, Fencing instructor.
Coach to two British martial Art Champions in Kickboxing and Grappling.
Full Driving Licence including Fork lift and motorbike.
Fight Director.
Chinese Lion/Dragon Dance.
TRAINED IN HONG KONG.
First Aider.

Sweet! I need to get this guy to teach me how to take a punch.

The Australian Rollerblade Hockey player (of the “Snipers”). Lots of athletes, damn. I am such a dork, the only “sport” I play is Dance Dance Revolution.



The Australian commercial landscaper with a TV show. Lame!

The Utah engineering student:

Adam Richards dreams of designing or flying helicopters.

US: If you were a superhero, what would your name be? Why?

Richards: Super Dusty. Dusty was my nickname as a kid.

US: What is your pet peeve?

Richards: People that park next to the curb when their “only going to be there for a second”.

US: If you could travel anywhere where would you go? Why?

Richards: Alaska. It’s not crowded. I worked there for a summer and it’s really pretty.

US: What is your personal philosophy on life?

Richards: It’ll be all right.

US: What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken?

Richards: Any number of the stunts I did as a kid. They were all death defying – BMX riding, walking the conduit across the ravine, jumping off buildings trying to fly.

US: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Richards: Anything with a bunch of chocolate and caramel swirls.

US: If you could go on tour with a band, who would it be? Why?

Richards: Someone not on tour very long, I wouldn’t like it much.

US: If you had five hours of free time right now, and money was not an issue, what would you do?

Richards: Fly to Alaska and buy a plot of land. Then I’d figure out how to get back afterwards.

US: What were the last three books you chose to read?

Richards: “Fall of Baghdad,” “Ten Minutes to Normal” and “Plan of Attack.” They were just there at the library.

BOOOORING!!!! This guy can’t stop thinking about helicopters and Alaska… what gives?

OK, that’s enough for now… I’ll try and catalog some more Adam Richardses later.

The most badass story I’ve seen all month

Scientists Rescued as Polar Bears Closed In

OSLO, Norway (AP) — Three unarmed Polish researchers stranded on a remote Arctic island were rescued as polar bears were closing in on them, officials said Wednesday.
[…]
The men were rescued by helicopter Tuesday after 15 hours shipwrecked at the edge of a tiny bay between two glaciers, he said.

The three were aboard the Polish research ship Horyzont when they set out in a small inflatable boat to pick up equipment on one of the islands.

“Their boat capsized, and they lost all their equipment and weapons,” Braaten told The Associated Press. He said they swam and clambered over chunks of floating ice to get to the island of Egdeoya.

Braaten said the ship repeatedly tried to send in another small boat to pick them up, but conditions were too rough. He said the ship finally used a harpoon canon to fire a rope to land, so it could send the researchers food and water. Then it called for help.

“They managed to start a fire, to keep warm and keep the polar bears away,” he said, explaining that the men used the spark plugs from their capsized craft’s outboard motor to get the fire going. The island has some dried grass and scrubby plants.
[…]
Polar bears have no natural enemies in their frozen domain and regard all other living things, including humans, as potential meals.