Ideasabound

Jinternet (n) =blend of the Japanese word for people “jin” (人/hito) and “internet”. 人ターネット An ever growing network of friends of different backgrounds and walks of life from which one can share life lessons and knowledge. To jinternet (v) the process of meeting new people, sitting, talking, asking questions, listening and learning. Jinternetting is done in person. Neat and Simple, isn't it? Well I wish I could take full credit for it but I cannot. The idea of Jinternet came from a local friend by the name of Kusakabe Katsuhiko, a carpenter and father of three. While on a taiko and shishimai trip to Ise Shrine, we became acquainted and shared many perspectives on the world. He has not seen much of the world but grasps ideas through meeting people. He said, “I can’t use the internet worth a damn but I can use the Jinternet pretty darn well.” He explained that people use the internet to look things up and learn. He prefers to ask questions and listen. He knows that if the perso...

Cultural Immersion comes in 10 types.  We tend to think of cultural immersion as one big leap into another cultural. But in reality there are possibly 10 different levels of cultural immersion. Each one is regulated by our own desires to step outside of our comfort zones and try new things. 1) Superficial Going out to a Chinese restaurant 2) Partially Simulated Foreign language class or local cultural festival, Foreign language radio and television, via Internet download / streaming, shortwave radio, or FTA satellite. 3) Simulated Example:  Concordia Language Villages 4) Limited Taking a trip abroad 5) Semi-Limited Backpacking abroad 6) Semi-Intensive University Study Abroad 7) Limited Intensive Living abroad in an urban location 8) Intensive High School Exchange Program 9) Semi-Extreme Living abroad in a rural location and have limited outside contact 10) Extreme Living or studying abroad in a rural location completely off the technology grid The lines b...