News and Views
Interesting news items from around the world, and some of my views about the world we live in, culture, society, life, or frankly anything that will stimulate discussion.
Lessons in this Series
7
Japan, Finally
Well, finally a breakthrough! The travel ban was lifted, and we were able to return to Japan again! Sure, testing required, and a tedius airport experience upon arrival at Narita.
Leaving Afghanistan
A heavily criticized withdrawal by the USA and its allies from Afghanistan that even today is the subject of intense debate. Was the evacuation haphazard as the critics said? Or was it all just inevitable?
War in Ukraine
It's the beginning days of another war of conquest by Russia. What is it all about? Why now? Wasn't Russia satisfied with capturing Crimea? Civilians are killed, and the world is shocked. What will NATO do?
Guns In the United States
Gun violence is continually rising in the United States. Do Americans favor new gun laws to stop it? It is an excellent subject to discuss in your English class, especially for those that study US culture and trends. The interesting vocabulary is very specific to this subject area.
Japan to Allow Tourists Starting June 10
Japan is slowly opening up to the world. There are new rules that enable tourists to visit, with limitations. Is this the start of a wider opening of the country to tourists?
Dual Massacres Show Disturbing Parallels
History can draw some strange parallels sometimes. Two horrid massacres, though completely disconnected, reflect the level of discrimination that existed in the early 20th century in Japan and the United States.
US Presidential Election Deja Vu All Over Again
Here we are the day after the presidential election in the United States. Who would have guessed that Trump would win? Everybody, duh.