Planes, Trains and High-Speed Boats [#21]
Konichiwa!
I've just returned from a blur of traveling around Japan in every mode of transportation imaginable, including a high-speed boat, to get to the G7 summit in Ise-Shima. It was an intense trip, not just because of the bus rides and charter planes and long waits for things to happen, but because we ended the trip in Hiroshima, where the president became the first commander-in-chief to visit nuclear ground zero. That place is a gut punch.
What I Read
How expensive housing cost America its mojo. The Onion's take on high pollution. Women in Korea are fed up with the misogyny around here. The sorrow of a secret loss. How your siblings affect your success, according to science. People say they're busier than they actually are. (I never feel busy because I'm what you'd call a lazy ambitious person.)
What I Wrote/Made/Talked About
A lot of observations on being at Hiroshima's memorial for Morning Edition, a produced piece on the Hiroshima speech for All Things Considered, and the longer written version of that day for NPR.org. Why Okinawa threatened to overshadow the week. A look back at the trip, in a few photos. Discovered spiny lobster flavored ice cream is a thing. And before the latest Japan adventure, a look at a place in Korea that welcomes foreigners more than the rest of the country.
What I Watched
We think about hard choices the wrong way. This is belated, but, Silicon Valley is back! The season opener where there's a duel of "Aviato" pronunciations is worth getting back into it.
ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD BE WATCHING/READING? Send ideas on over!
Before wrapping this up, Happy Anniversary to my spouse of six years, Matty Stiles. (I think he receives the Hu's Letter, anyway.)
E