Tsering Om and the Endless Knot

Japanese scientist visiting the United States... is Science Universal?

2009-07-10T09:12:00.013+06:00

Dear reader,

In this article, a biologist visiting the United States from Japan describes the differences he found between the 2 countries, not only on the cultural level, but also in science.

"I had always regarded science as universal and believed there are no differences in science at all between countries. But I was wrong. People with different cultures think in different ways, and therefore their science also may well be different."

Tatsuo MOTOKAWA
Department of Biology, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-01 Japan
Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, 32: 489-504 (1989)

The world has progressed in terms of scientific knowledge, but there are still wars and strife

2009-07-10T08:56:00.005+06:00

Many people believed that science would be the saviour of humanity.
While science has bring admirable achievements, the root causes of war and strife still remain beyond the realm of science...

This interesting article on KUENSEL explores what Buddhism have to say about this.

Individualist vs. Collectivist Societies

2009-06-16T10:43:00.003+06:00

Dear reader,

Here is an interesting thought about different ways Societies are built.

Harmony and the dream

The article explores the continuum that exists with the most individualistic societies — like the West — on one end, and the most collectivist societies — like China or Japan — on the other.

I hope the reading will be inspiring, enjoy it and leave a comment if you feel like it.

The Great Pacific Garbage

2009-05-23T15:32:00.009+06:00

Dear reader...

Decide by yourself if it is time to stop the plastic...
Watch the Great Pacific Garbage on this slide show...
or on TED: Capt. Charles Moore on the seas of plastic

... and eventually, stop using unnecessary plastic bags!
... if you are in Japan click here.

Ganbatte!!

STOP THE ENGINE - japanese text

2009-05-09T18:24:00.008+06:00

Dear reader,

You live in Japan and feel terrible when you see people (most of the time taxidrivers sleeping) inside their car parked with the engine running?

You would love to tell them that the engine running during parking time is an avoidable act of unnecessary pollution?

You can print this message and show it to them (or leave it on the wipers for when they wake up)!!!

It says something very simple: "Stop the engine for the Earth!! Thank you very much!!"

If we spread this meme... we are contributing to the change!

Good luck!

can vegetarians perform as well as their carnivorous counterparts in physical competition?

2009-05-08T09:36:00.004+06:00

... of course YES!!! :D

This is a question that is often risen... so let me share this link: click here.

NO PLASTIC japanese text

2008-11-26T11:01:00.013+06:00

Dear reader,

You live in Japan and cannot stand the inmense ammount of plastic used in this country?

You would love to explain to the people at the combini (or other shops) that you don't want the plastic bag or the tape that they are imposing to you?

Tell them you don't want them because you don't need them and do not want to contribute to the pollution of the Earth.
If we spread this meme... we are contributing to the change!

Print this message and show it to them in their next attempt of plastification!!!

Japan has a strong culture of wrapping, but, come on!! the unnecessary enormous tragic use of plastic cannot be justified by that!!!

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's coronation

2008-11-07T20:38:00.010+06:00

Dear reader,

I would like toshare with some links to videos and photos of the CORONATION of the 5th King of Bhutan that took place on November the 6th. Beautiful!

BBC video
BBC pictures
Repubblica pictures
Le Monde pictures
skynews video and pictures
kuzoo.net videos
bhutan-360 videos

Tashi Delek!

Bhutanese impressions on America

2008-10-08T13:09:00.004+06:00

Dear reader,

I would like to share with you a funny, true, beautiful written article from Kuensel.
It's a collection of impressions of a Bhutanese living in America.

click here to read it

"You need both hands to hold a medium sized drink."
:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke of the Week XLI of the year MMVIII

2008-10-06T14:58:00.004+06:00

(This poster can also be found displayed in the metro of Tokyo!)

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Studies on vegetarianism and CO2 emissions

2008-08-27T11:47:00.005+06:00

Dear reader,

Meat-eaters' diets is responsible for almost twice the CO2 emissions of those of vegetarians, according to a German study.
Read more here.

Ah, just found another study on that: check it here.

One more reason to become veggan...

Joke of the Week XXXII of the year MMVIII

2008-08-06T15:06:00.004+06:00

(you can actually find this poster displayed in the metro of Tokyo)

:D :D :D :D :D :D

a month without plastic...

2008-08-05T09:51:00.006+06:00

Dear reader,

aaahhh... I cannot bear all the enormous amount of unnecessary plastic packaging and plastic bags in Japan!!! I try hard to avoid all the plastic I can... but I find it so hard in this country!
Even when you have your own bag and refuse the plastic bag at the supermarket or conbini or whatever shop, they will stick a piece of tape (plastic!) on each item you buy! Of course, I refuse that also... but no one seems to understand it.
I strongly believe they need a change of approach.

So, I was very happy to find this interesting BBC blog: someone is attempting to live 1 month without new plastic in the UK.

... and I am sharing it with you here.

I hope it will inspire you!
ganbatte!

Tsering!

play against all odds

2008-07-02T17:20:00.003+06:00

Experience the life as a refugee with this game of UNHCR.

click here to start

"Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution."
- Article 14 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

raising awareness about environmental issues in 1992

2008-07-02T16:56:00.004+06:00

Dear reader,

This video shows a 13 year old girl telling the UN what she is worried about.
It was in 1992... did something change 16 years later?

click here to watch the video

Touch and see!

2008-07-01T10:24:00.008+06:00

Have you ever tried to see with your hands? and repair radios without using your sight?
Nawang Rabsel does it all the time with great pleasure, helping the community and amazing the audience.
Click here to read a nice report on Kuensel.

Welcome to your senses!

What kind of leader do I want?

2008-06-19T13:47:00.005+06:00

Dear reader,

The Kingdom of Bhutan became a democracy on the 24th of March 2008. The Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, decided to give his power to the people. Although the majority of the Bhutanese didn't like the idea, they went to vote because their beloved King told them to do so.

As it is said in Buddhist philosophy: Everything is in constant change and not lasting... so, here comes the change: democracy.

I would like to share with the reader these beautiful thoughts from Tashi Gyeltshen (a freelance writer and a filmmaker) about leadership. He wrote this entry 2 days before the elections. I am sure it will make everyone think about how a leader should be.

... for those who want to know more, Tashi Gyeltshen owns this worth seeing blog about Bhutan. The blog is plenty of interesting articles, opinions and photos!

Tashi delek,

Tsering Om.

Joke of the Week XXV of the year MMVIII

2008-06-16T17:53:00.004+06:00

:D :D :D :D :D :D

The best way to find meaning at work - BBC article

2008-05-26T12:02:00.003+06:00

For us, people who are asking themselves everyday if our job is a waste of time, there is a nice article to read on the BBC.

Joke of the Week XVII of the year MMVIII

2008-04-23T11:49:00.001+06:00

ready to laugh? click here.

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke III of the Week XVI of the year MMVIII

2008-04-16T11:43:00.002+06:00

Q. How did the rocket lose its job?
A. It was fired!

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke II of the Week XVI of the year MMVIII

2008-04-16T11:40:00.003+06:00

Q. How does a tree count?
A. One, two, tree!

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke I of the Week XVI of the year MMVIII

2008-04-16T11:38:00.002+06:00

Q. Which is the most dangerous star?
A. The shooting star!

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke of the Week XV of the year MMVIII

2008-04-07T11:12:00.007+06:00

Mujo is walking in the park. He suddenly sees his friend Haso sitting on a bench. He walks towards him.

Mujo: Haso! what a nice day! what are you doing? sitting and thinking?
Haso: No, just sitting.

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke of the Week XIV of the year MMVIII

2008-03-31T11:49:00.001+06:00

Which is the most musical fish?

... the tuna!

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke II of the Week XII of the year MMVIII

2008-03-22T17:55:00.005+06:00

A quoi sert une moitié de chien?

... à guider un borgne!

(source: carambar)

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke of the Week XII of the year MMVIII

2008-03-22T17:54:00.001+06:00

knock - knock

- Who's there?
- Cook
- Cook who?!?!
- Stop making bird noises and open the door!!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke II of the Week X of the year MMVIII

2008-03-07T22:16:00.001+06:00

Fata: Mujo, where are the Alps?
Mujo: I don't know! YOU were cleaning the house!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke of the Week X of the year MMVIII

2008-03-04T14:18:00.006+06:00

Mujo and Fata have a cat... and Mujo hates him.

One day, Mujo decides to get rid off the cat. After thinking and thinking he has a perfect plan!

The next day, when Fata is not home, he takes the cat and leaves it at the other side of the city, far from home... When he comes home, the cat is happily sleeping on the sofa!

The day after, he decides to take the cat to another town. But, when he comes back home, again, the cat is peacefully sleeping on the sofa!!!

Fed up with this story, the next day, he goes to the forest at the end of the city. He leaves the cat in the middle of the forest. However, when he tries to come back home, he gets lost... luckily he has his mobile and calls Fata:

M - Fata, is the cat home?

F - Yes.

M - Can I talk to him?

:D :D :D :D :D :D

TANUKI trailwalker

2008-03-01T12:30:00.009+06:00

Could you walk 100 km and tackle poverty at the same time?

We will !!!
This year we are going to participate in the Oxfam trailwalker Japan.
Check everything here!

Support us!!!
Sponsor us!!!

TANUKI - YOGA in Hiroo

2008-02-28T21:09:00.005+06:00

Where did Tanuki - yoga go?

Because of the limited space in Yoyogi-Uehara, Tanuki-yoga had to move to another studio.
Follow this link to find everything about Tanuki-Yoga.

We wish all Tanuki - yogis and yoginis wonderful future yoga practices in Hiroo!!

Namaste!

Joke II of the Week IX of the year MMVIII

2008-02-28T20:40:00.003+06:00

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke of the Week IX of the year MMVIII

2008-02-27T12:24:00.002+06:00

Fata: Are you hungry?
Mujo: Yes!!
Fata: Do you want to eat the remains of yesterday?
Mujo: Yes!!
Fata: OK, then come tomorrow!

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke of the Week VIII of the year MMVIII

2008-02-19T12:51:00.005+06:00

:D :D :D :D :D :D

The story of stuff

2008-02-14T10:35:00.004+06:00

Dear reader,

Do you want to know why the system where most of us are in is wrong and meant to fail?
You will get a little idea watching this super short video: the story of stuff.

Think!
and ACT!

Joke of the Week VII of the year MMVIII

2008-02-12T21:01:00.001+06:00

Q. What did the mother bee say to the baby bee?
A. Beehave yourself!

:D :D :D :D :D :D

News from Bhutan - Male Earth Rat year predictions

2008-02-12T12:52:00.001+06:00

Dear reader,

After the Losar (Bhutanese new year) celebration, find here the predictions from the Institute of Astrology for this year [Male Earth Rat].

Good luck,

Tsering!

Joke of the Week VI of the year MMVIII

2008-02-07T08:51:00.000+06:00

Mujo and Haso are driving a car. They run out out of petrol.
Mujo: why did we stop?
Haso: we ran out of petrol!
Mujo: oh, you are so clever! I would have continued to drive!!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Joke of the Week V of the year MMVIII

2008-01-28T12:31:00.000+06:00

Two psychologists meet:
- You are OK. How am I?

:D :D :D :D :D :D

refugee game

2008-01-26T14:41:00.000+06:00

Help Aissa to find food and shelter ... and remember it is not just a game!

click here to play.

Joke of the Week IV of the year MMVIII

2008-01-23T20:00:00.000+06:00

Q. Why do you take a ladder into school?
A. Because I am in high school!!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D

Bhutan and Television

2008-01-22T20:05:00.002+06:00

Dear Reader,

Bhutan was the last country in the world introducing television. It happened in 1999. Did King Jigme Singye Wangchuck make a good or a bad choice?

You can find 2 short videos about this issue here.
You don't have the good player and still want to know about it? You can read the story here.

Feel free to post any comments!!

FreeRice

2008-01-22T19:48:00.001+06:00

Dear Reader,

Do you want to test your English vocabulary and at the same time contribute to feed hungry people?
join FreeRice!

click here to start playing!
and find more info about it here and here.

yoga at veggie paradise - WE MOVED!

2007-12-16T19:11:00.008+06:00

TANUKI-YOGA MOVED! we are now in Hiroo!!!
CHECK this link for more information!

Dear reader,

Our yogi friend Tanuki woke up after a 3 months siesta and is ready to continue enjoying super yoga with all of us!
Come and join from January 11th 2008!

Where?: Veggie Paradise, Yoyogi Uehara, Tokyo see map
When?: Friday evenings, 20.00 - 21.30 (please arrive 15-20 minutes before)
How?: contact me to make a reservation at tanukiyoga@gmail.com
How much?: check here to see the prices (first time: 2.000 Y)
Who?: check my bio "Joyce" here

For more information, check the blog!

It is an all-levels hatha yoga class. Beginners are welcome!!
Bring comfortable clothes. We have mats and other yoga tools at the studio. Try not to eat 2-3 hours before the class.

If you are hungry after yoga, you can enjoy a yoga-dinner, vegan with option raw, downstairs at veggie paradise! ... or try the Bhutanese cuisine at Gatemo Tabum (hot! and super!).

uhuu!!! see you on the mat!!!

* are you interested in private lessons? contact me at tanukiyoga@gmail.com

Namaste,
Joyce!

Here are some pictures of a partner yoga session in Wako-shi:

News from Bhutan

2007-12-16T18:58:00.001+06:00

Dear reader,

What a beautiful action to save goats!
What do you think about this?
:D

News from Bhutan

2007-12-16T18:42:00.000+06:00

Dear reader,

Wouldn't it be nice to have news written like fairy tales?
Here is one: Phugay La, the leopard killer.

reasons to be vegetarian

2007-12-16T09:41:00.001+06:00

Dear reader,

Many people ask why vegetarianism?... let me contribute to answer this question...

maybe because it is healthy? maybe because it is more environmental-friendly?

or maybe also because of this:

To become aware of things is a gift. Let me invite you to this truth: the meatrix

and if you want more, you can watch this particular video or click here to check the whole video collection...

or check this slide show...

naka-meguro map

2007-12-01T14:51:00.000+06:00

Follow the line and you'll be at Tsering and Ugyen's home!

From naka-meguro station (hibiya line and toyoko line), turn left, walk for about 5min along yamate-dori until you reach a crossing with am-pm on the left and mini-stop on the right. Turn left and, after a wedding house on your right, you'll find the building "Meguro Heights". We live on the first floor, door 106.

From ikejiri ohashi station (den-en-toshi / hanzomon line), take the east exit and inmediately turn left into the "shopping street" until you arrive to yamate-dori (a big avenue full of cars). Turn right and walk for about 2min along yamate-dori until you reach a crossing with am-pm on the right and mini-stop on the left. Turn right and, after a wedding house on your right, you'll find the building "Meguro Heights". We live on the first floor, door 106.