Awaji Effigies

Proof that centuries ago, the lap dog was just as absurdly wired as they are today. Have you ever seen such an insane looking creature? Why was it appointed to occupy this most important point in space--for centuries. This Pekinese adorns the corner of the massive main gate into a large shinto shrine between Sumoto and Shizuki. Now his upteenth ancestors are carted about in shopping baskets and handbags for continued adoration of their cuteness. 06feb5.

It's Beef World. Along route 28, along the beach dreck and odd juxtapositions of ferry wheels, decaying theme parks, piles of rubble awaiting yet more endless road construction, and aging boat yards, this mighty cow is standing on top of the world. The stock yards below were probably the unhappy few moments in many a placid cow's life, so let us appoint this effigy the Beef-kami and politely pray for their souls before we dig in.

The Blue Whale sails beside Hwy 28 somewhere in Mihara, by a bookstore. Recently repainted, does it remind everyone to read, or just how tasty Kujira-kun really is.

It's News in Japan

Nara worker fired after 5 years on sick leave

"NARA--Nara Mayor Akira Fujiwara on Friday dismissed a 42-year-old employee of the municipal government's sanitary division who worked only eight days over five years claimin sick leave.

The mayor and Shigetada Fukui, deputy mayor, are to receive pay cuts to take responsibility for the employee's absenteeism.

The city government will punish 27 officials, including Yuzuru Hiraoka, head of the mayor's office and former chief of the sanitary division, with either paycuts or warnings.

According to the city government, while on sick leave, the dismissed employee often visited the municipal government to find projects for his wife's construction business, asking city employees whether there was any urgent work to be done." Yomiuri Shinbun, 2006.

© 2008. Comments to Patricia Yarrow
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