Myschizlife

Hiragana: Voiced Consonants and Other Sounds

Though I covered in an earlier post all the distinct characters in Hiragana there are still a few additional variations and sounds that still remain.

Voiced Consonants

Voiced consonants are consonant sounds that require creating a vibration in your throat. A number of consonant sounds in Hiragana can be changed to their voiced counterpart by adding two small dashes to the upper-right corner of the character; namely the “k”, “s”, “t”, and “h” consonant sounds. There is also a semi-voiced consonant sound “p”, which is created by putting a small circle in the upper-right corner of the “h” characters.

Y-vowel sounds

A consonant can precede the three y-sounds: (や), (ゆ), and (よ). This is done by attaching a small, half-size version of the y-sounds to the consonant+i sounds as you can see in the table below.

Hard Consonant Sounds

While no single letter ends in a consonant sound except (ん), Japanese does have a way to carry over the next consonant sound back with a small (つ). This can be used with the consonants “p, k, t, s” to create a hard stop. For example:

ひと —> meaning “person“. It would normally be read as “hi-to”.

However, by adding a small (つ) the “t” consonant sound is carried back

ひっと —> meaning “hit”. It would be read “hit-to”.

The Long Vowel Sound

Finally we have the long vowel sound which is simply extending the duration of a vowel sound. You can extend the vowel sound of a character by adding either (あ), (い), or (う) depending on the vowel. See the following chart:

It’s important to make sure you hold the vowel sound to the full length of both characters because there are many similar words that are only different by the length of the vowel. An example:

ここ –> “here”

こうこう –> “High school”

Hiragana: An Introduction

Hiragana, Japan History & Culture

Hiragana is the main phonetic writing system in Japanese used to represent every distinct sound.

The table represents the entire Hiragana characters organized by the consonant and vowel sounds. Most sounds in Japanese are easily represented by a vowel or consonant-vowel, “chi,” “shi,” “fu,” and “tsu” are the only exceptions as shown in the chart. There is also one consonant-only sound: “ん”. The above chart also shows the stroke order for Hiragana.

A simplified chart without stroke order is shown below:

Here are a few sample words in Hiragana:

あう —> to meet

いえ —> house

おい —> nephew

うえ —> above

いう —> to say

Practice writing the hiragana characters to help commit them to memory. You can do this on a blank sheet of paper or here are some easy practice sheets you can print out below. Make sure you practice the proper stroke order. It will be helpful to get in the practice before moving on to the more complex Kanji.

Practice sheets: http://japanese-lesson.com/characters/hiragana/hiragana_writing.html

French Culinary Lesson: The Macaron

France, French Cuisine, Travel

French Lesson:

The Macaron…cookie was born in Italy, introduced by the chef of Catherine de Medicis in 1533 at the time of her marriage to the Duc d’Orleans who became king of France in 1547 as Henry II. The term “macaron” has the same origin as that the word “macaroni” — both mean “fine dough”.

The first Macarons were simple cookies, made of almond powder, sugar and egg whites. Many towns throughout France have their own prized tale surrounding this delicacy. In Nancy, the granddaughter of Catherine de Medici was supposedly saved from starvation by eating Macarons. In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the macaron of Chef Adam regaled Louis XIV and Marie-Therese at their wedding celebration in 1660.

Only at the beginning of the 20th century did the Macaron become a “double-decker” affair. Pierre Desfontaines, the grandson of Louis Ernest Laduree (Laduree pastry and salon de the, rue Royale in Paris) had the idea to fill them with a “chocolate panache” and to stick them together.

Since then, French Macaron cookies have been nationally acclaimed in France and remain the best-selling cookie in pastry retail stores.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Symptoms

Diagnosis Symptoms, Mental Health, Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder — one of several types of personality disorders — is a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that’s vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they’re not given the special favors or admiration they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships unfulfilling, and others may not enjoy being around them.

Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder centers around talk therapy (psychotherapy).

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and the severity of symptoms vary. People with the disorder can:

• Have an exaggerated sense of self-importance

• Have a sense of entitlement and require constant, excessive admiration

• Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it

• Exaggerate achievements and talents

• Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate

• Believe they are superior and can only associate with equally special people

• Monopolize conversations and belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior

• Expect special favors and unquestioning compliance with their expectations

• Take advantage of others to get what they want

• Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others

• Be envious of others and believe others envy them

• Behave in an arrogant or haughty manner, coming across as conceited, boastful and pretentious

• Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best car or office

At the same time, people with narcissistic personality disorder have trouble handling anything they perceive as criticism, and they can:

• Become impatient or angry when they don’t receive special treatment

• Have significant interpersonal problems and easily feel slighted

• React with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make themselves appear superior

• Have difficulty regulating emotions and behavior

• Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change

• Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection

• Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation

Causes

It’s not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder. As with personality development and with other mental health disorders, the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is likely complex. Narcissistic personality disorder may be linked to:

• Environment ― mismatches in parent-child relationships with either excessive adoration or excessive criticism that is poorly attuned to the child’s experience

• Genetics ― inherited characteristics

• Neurobiology — the connection between the brain and behavior and thinking

Risk factors

Narcissistic personality disorder affects more males than females, and it often begins in the teens or early adulthood. Keep in mind that, although some children may show traits of narcissism, this may simply be typical of their age and doesn’t mean they’ll go on to develop narcissistic personality disorder.

Although the cause of narcissistic personality disorder isn’t known, some researchers think that in biologically vulnerable children, parenting styles that are overprotective or neglectful may have an impact. Genetics and neurobiology also may play a role in development of narcissistic personality disorder.

Complications

Complications of narcissistic personality disorder, and other conditions that can occur along with it, can include:

• Relationship difficulties

• Problems at work or school

• Depression and anxiety

• Physical health problems

• Drug or alcohol misuse

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior

Prevention

Because the cause of narcissistic personality disorder is unknown, there’s no known way to prevent the condition. However, it may help to:

• Get treatment as soon as possible for childhood mental health problems

• Participate in family therapy to learn healthy ways to communicate or to cope with conflicts or emotional distress

• Attend parenting classes and seek guidance from therapists or social workers if needed

What constitutes a traditional Japanese craft?

Art, Japan History & Culture

According to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry’s (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) “Traditional Craft Industry Promotion Act” of 1974, traditional Japanese crafts must meet the following criteria:

1. The craft must be intended for use in daily life
2. The main components of the craft must be hand crafted
3. The craft must be crafted using traditional methods and techniques
4. The main materials used must be the same materials that were traditionally used to make the craft
5. A significant number of businesses in a specific region must produce or be engaged in the process of production of the craft

Origami: A Primer

Art, Japan History & Culture

Origami (折り紙) from ori meaning “folding”, and kami meaning “paper” (kami changes to gami) is the art of paper folding. In modern usage, the word “origami” is used as an inclusive term for all folding practices, regardless of their culture of origin. The goal is to transform a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques. Modern origami practitioners generally discourage the use of cuts, glue, or markings on the paper. Origami folders often use the Japanese word kirigami to refer to designs which use cuts.

Five common Japanese designs and their meaning:

Butterfly (Chocho)
Butterflies are a common symbol in Japanese culture to represent young girls. Just as caterpillars undergo metamorphosis to become butterflies, young girls begin to come into their own and become more confident and beautiful as they mature. Two butterflies flying together are also seen as a symbol for a happy marriage, as one butterfly represents the husband and the other represents the wife. Their carefree and happy nature reflects what the ideal marriage should be.

Crane (Tsuru)
In Japanese folklore, cranes are said to live a thousand years. Because of this, an origami crane represents a long, healthy life. Cranes are also viewed as symbols of happiness, and good luck. According to legend, if one thousand paper cranes are folded, it is said that one’s wish will be granted. After the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the origami crane also became a symbol of peace and nonviolence.

Fish (Sakana)
Fish are generally seen as symbols of happiness, good health, and well-being. Due to the fact that fish are able to roam the oceans as they please, they are also symbols of freedom. One Japanese legend tells of a carp that swam up a huge, powerful waterfall and into the sky to become a dragon. Because of this, fish have come to represent the strength, perseverance, and determination it takes to swim against the current.

Frog (Kaeru)
The frog has long been seen as a symbol of good fortune in Japanese culture. It is a common tradition to carry a small frog figurine in the bottom of ones coin purse or wallet to insure that even when money is spent, it will come back to you. Frogs are also often carried by people during their travels to insure that that person will return home safely.

Rabbit (Usagi)
As in many other cultures, the rabbit is viewed as a symbol of fertility and reproduction. It is also associated with the coming of spring and the metaphorical rebirth of the world. In Japanese lore, the rabbit is often portrayed as mischievous and tricky, often playing pranks or fooling others to obtain his goal.

Japanese Manhole Covers (マンホールの蓋): Art Beneath Your Feet

Art, Japan History & Culture

The Japanese are talented for elevating the mundane into a thing of beauty, an exquisite example of this is the humble manhole cover. Originally designed to make taxpayers more amenable to paying for costly drainage projects, Japan’s decorated manhole covers have become a source of local pride, highlighting regional attractions, wildlife, festivals, historic events, and even folklore.

19,000 different cover designs are in use in Japan, according to an estimate by the Japanese Society of Manhole Covers.

Handmade —> The manhole covers are cast in local foundries. Colored resin is poured by hand into the mold.

Drainspotting —> Dedicated “manholers” travel across the country, posting their favorites on social media.

Chigusa and the Art of Tea

Japan History & Culture, Mental Health, Tea, Zen Buddhism

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Written originally in 2014:

Yesterday (Sunday) I decided to jump on the metro and head into Washington DC and go to a museum. It is one of my favorite activities when I have the time after all. I am so lucky to be living in an area with so many high-caliber museums and even luckier that the vast majority of them are free. Having just moved to the area it is definitely something I am not used to and have been taking advantage of whenever I’ve had the opportunity. I glanced on the internet to check what temporary exhibitions were going on and my choice was simple as I settled upon the Freer / Sackler Museums of Asian art. After my morning coffee, a short walk, forty-five minutes of Zazen and a blueberry-banana smoothie I was ready to go.

I grabbed my copy of The Three Pillars of Zen that I have been re-reading and headed to the metro. I was rather excited to get to the museums as there were several exhibits that were ending today. Sorry folks if you are interested in them you won’t be able to see them. Among those exhibitions was one “Chigusa and the Art of Tea,” I was particularly interested in. If you are wondering what Chigusa is then join the club because I had no clue. Turned out it was, “a utilitarian piece, a large stoneware jar made in southern China in the 13th or 14th century and exported to Japan for use as a commercial container” (Smithsonian Institution).

My interest was piqued for sure and I grabbed my seat on the metro and heading into town. I have for a long time had an interest in asia and their affinity and significance they hold in tea with the Japanese Tea Ceremony in particular. This exhibit would have Japanese, Chinese and Korean tea artifacts as well as Chigusa of course.

I wouldn’t say the exhibition disappointed, but it was a lot smaller than I expected. I learned some interesting and valuable information such as “This mill for grinding tea leaves into fine powder is made of black granite from the Kamo River, which flows through Kyoto. The leaves are added from the opening in the top, and the powder emerges from between the stones, accumulating in the trough. It takes about an hour to grind enough tea for a bowl of “thick tea,” which is shared by all the guests, typically two or three people” (Smithsonian Institution).

Truth be known I don’t usually get all that excited about pottery or ceramics. I appreciate them and their historical significance, but usually my interest begins to mane after about half an hour. I spent a good hour examining the artifacts in this collection as other people at the museum came and went. I found the a tea caddy named Ueda Bunrin especially beautiful.

Chigusa

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons: Autumn and Winter

Art, Japan History & Culture, Zen Buddhism

Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons: Autumn and Winter

late 15th-early 16th century

Sesshu Toyo , (Japanese, 1420-1506)
Muromachi period

Ink, and color on paper
H: 178.3 W: 375.7 cm
Japan

After a period of travel and study in China in from 1467 to 1469, the Zen Buddhist monk and painter Sesshu returned to Japan. Recognized during his stay in China as a gifted artist, Sesshu directed his experience and skills toward creating a distinctive new Japanese interpretation of Chinese artistic traditions. In the pair of screens, he follows the Japanese convention of creating a landscape with a seasonal progression from spring at the far right to winter at the far left. The focus on birds and flowers, however, derives from a traditional subject of Chinese painting.

Sesshu’s painting style also reflects Chinese sources in its emphasis on three-dimensional form and observation of the natural world. His interest in dramatic compositions emphasizing spatial depth can be seen in the large, gnarled branch in the foreground of the screen at left, which disappears into water and reemerges to frame a view of the distant, snow-covered mountains. Precise control of ink tones and brush technique, which Sesshu learned from his study of Chinese painting, enhance the expressive quality of this image.

Source: Smithsonian Institution – Freer Museum of Asian Art Collection

Sleep Related Eating Disorder: Symptoms

Diagnosis Symptoms, Eating Disorders, Mental Health

Sleep-related eating disorder involves frequent episodes of out-of-control eating and drinking behaviors while in a state of sleep. You may be partially or fully unaware of your behavior while preparing and eating food, with little or no memory of these actions the next morning.

Sleep-related eating disorder can be dangerous because you could injure yourself during food preparation or eat inedible or toxic items. Sleep-related eating disorder can also have an impact on your health due to weight gain and obesity from eating high-carbohydrate and high-fat foods.

Sleep-related eating disorder can be associated with certain medications, eating disorders and other sleep disorders. Addressing these issues often resolves sleep-related eating disorder.

Symptoms

Sleep-related eating disorder is a parasomnia — abnormal activity or behavior that occurs while you’re falling asleep, sleeping or waking up.

Episodes of sleep-related eating disorder occur in the first half of the night after you’ve been sleeping and include:

• Frequent episodes, generally nightly, of eating and drinking in an out-of-control manner

• Impaired consciousness while preparing and eating food

• Little or no memory of these actions the next morning

• Eating high-carbohydrate and high-fat foods or odd combinations of food

• Possibly eating inedible or toxic substances, such as frozen foods, coffee grounds, cleaning solutions or cigarette butts

• Possibly experiencing injuries or engaging in dangerous food preparation activities

• Not being easily awakened or redirected during the episode

• Experiencing a negative impact on your health from the nighttime eating

Causes

Sleep-related eating disorder usually occurs during non-rapid eye movement sleep in the first half of the night and is associated with the transition from non-rapid eye movement to arousal during sleep.

The exact mechanism for why it occurs is not known, but sleep-related eating disorder often occurs in people who have a history of sleepwalking, so these conditions may be related.

Risk factors

Sleep-related eating disorder is more common in women and typically starts in the teenage years or the early 20s.

Increased risk of developing sleep-related eating disorder is associated with:

• Other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, sleepwalking, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome

• Hypnotic sleep medications, such as zolpidem (Ambien, Edluar, Intermezzo, Zolpimist), and certain other medications, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics

• Having a daytime eating disorder, such as bulimia or anorexia

• Having a mental health disorder, such as stress, anxiety or depression

• Having a first-degree relative — a parent, child or sibling — with sleep-related eating disorder or sleepwalking

• Experiencing sleep deprivation

Complications

A sleep-related eating disorder can result in:

• Dangerous use of kitchen appliances, falls, cuts, burns, choking, injury from eating something inedible or toxic, or eating something you’re allergic to

• Health problems, such as weight gain, poor diabetes control or dental cavities

• Feelings of guilt and helplessness over the lack of control

• Daytime tiredness from disrupted sleep