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Recent Posts: M Thomas Apple Author Page
AI scammers — stealing our work then trying to trick us again for PR
“As a science fiction author, I’ve always loved hearing from fans of my fiction,” [US based author Jason Sanford] tells the Guardian. “But now when someone emails saying they loved one of my stories, my first thought is that this is yet another scammer setting me up for the kill.” https://www.theguardian.com/books/ng-interactive/2026/mar/12/ai-book-scams-publishing-fraud?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other Yet another reason I […]
“Don’t worry about it” — Van Allen A to burn up tonight
“For the average person, it will be a nice light in the sky if you get lucky and, otherwise, don’t worry about it,” Dr. McDowell said. “We have much more scary re-entries that happen. Occasionally, there is a 20-ton Chinese rocket stage that comes down. Those are much scarier for me.” https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/10/science/space/nasa-satellite-earth-re-entry.html?unlocked_article_code=1.SVA.dk5d.09lMgapDCbYq&smid=nytcore-ios-share OK, granted that the odds […]
Dear Diary – October 5, 2003
I feel as if I have two personalities, one which speaks English and one which speaks Japanese. The one which speaks English can never get past being a high school geek. The one which speaks Japanese cannot get past being a “strange foreigner.” The only time I feel comfortable now is when I am teaching. […]
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Tag Archives: child care
Toy Boy?
This past weekend, my wife and I stopped by at a nearby “home showcase.” Basically, the idea is that a number of construction companies build a model house in the same area, and then you can visit all the big … Continue reading
Posted in baby toys, day care, family outings, roles
Tagged at home dad, baby toys, child care, child-raising, day care, gender roles, half-Japanese, Japan, Japanese, parental roles
7 Comments
One if by Land, Two if by Sea…
Last weekend, my family went to Nagoya. The impetus was a concert by a local chorus my wife had once belonged to, but since it was an overnight stay, we also had a chance to take our daughter sightseeing. It … Continue reading
Posted in family outings, politics, trips
Tagged aquariums, child care, child-raising, dolphins, family leave, Japan, Japanese, Nagoya, parental leave, Paternity leave, politics, Sea Shepherd, Taiji, whales
2 Comments
Where no toddler has gone before…
Now that our daughter has stood up on her own (albeit for seconds at best), and has shown signs of beginning to walk, my wife and I started “baby-proofing” the apartment. We were particularly worried (of course) about the kitchen, … Continue reading
Posted in child safety, day care, parenting
Tagged child care, child safety, child-raising, Japan, Japanese, Paternity leave
3 Comments
Taking Leave 