Handwriting

I have been attracted by beautiful handwriting for decades, but my skills have been poor since my childhood. I almost gave it up as crying for the moon.

Recently, there are so many opportunities for me to write letters of gratitude to other doctors around here. I always felt miserable whenever I saw letters in my handwriting.

Thus, I have made up my mind to practice; so far, I repeated the textbook three times that my wife got for me. Now I can figure out what makes beautiful handwriting beautiful.

I feel that my writing skills have been gradually improving. I am really happy with my improvement, although not satisfied yet. I will keep practicing. I am looking forward to seeing letters in my handwriting next year.

Shogi: Japanese chess

Recently, I have been into Shogi, also known as the Game of Generals, which is a two-player board game.

The rule is simple; you win if you capture the opponent king. It is not necessary to find a person who plays the game with you when you want to play Shogi. You can enjoy it even when you are alone since your computer can be a good player. What more, you can choose the level of the computer according to your level.

I have learned a lot about how to win Shogi by watching YouTube posted by Tetsuya Fujimori, one of the professional Shogi players. His comments are so amazing, helping lots of people to improve their Shogi skills. The channel is available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Ije5dQVFx9uTGddG_U5XA.

 

My rank is just a beginner but I am sure that I can raise it without difficulties thanks to the free app of Shogi, Shogi Wars, and his YouTube. Before long, I hope that I become a high-ranked Shogi player.

Good bye, U-Page+

It was before 2000 when I released my on-line page for the first time. The home page was regarding Ramen noodles, named "ラーメン探偵団", where guests could ask me to research Ramen shops. I assessed the shop and made comments, such as "The taste is good, but the temperature of the soup is too hot." or "I hate the bathroom because it's dirty." Looking back, I may have to apologize to the owners of the Ramen shops for my critical criticism. I am pretty sorry that the page, even the archive, was no longer available; the server run by SONY was closed more than ten years ago.

The day before yesterday, U-Page+, a web service also provided by SONY, was shut down for unknown reasons. A home page for Kusunoki-Satsuki Cardiac Conference had been there since around 2010, as shown below.

I move the homepage to the server run by the hospital that I work for, Matsushita Memorial Hospital or Panasonic hospital. The design is identical except for the lack of the visit counter.

I cannot complain U-Page+ since it had worked as a server during a period of over ten years without advertisements. Many thanks, U-Page+, for the service where I have learned a lot about how to create and manage digital content.

Thanks, 2020 and Goodbye, 2020!

Today is the final day of the year 2020. Tons of things happened this year, such as the coronavirus pandemic, which is the topic that I have been fed up with talking about.

I would like to state something positive on new year's eve.

1. My apps are listed on the Japanese College of Cardiology (Click here for the apps)
2. Junko keeps supporting her family without complaints (and being attractive to me)
3. Yuto turns 20 years and can drink with me although he rarely tries
4. Aya has gotten great points in high school and becomes the No.1
5. Kosuke is super active, talkative, and hilarious like a comedian

I am not going to make any wishes for the coming year since my current condition could not be better. If forced to answer, my new year resolution might be a next year which is the same as in previous years.

Japan Series 2020

I do not think that I am a big fan of baseball although I do not think I hate it. Nevertheless, I watched the Japan series in a row for the first time in my life. This was because my elder son, Yuto, was really into the final series.

The Softbank Hawks got the Japan title. As a matter of fact, their victory was almost expected, but I was surprised at the way that they won. The Yomiuri Giants were miserably defeated without winning only one game, as seen in the previous year.

I have never thought that there was a huge difference in the baseball between the Pacific League and the Central League. The best members selected from the whole Central League might not fight well against the Softbank Hawks.

CiaoItalia 2020

All of a sudden, my son, Yuto, asked me to take him to CiaoItalia 2020 a day before the event. I have never heard of it and did not know about it, but I promised him since it was quite rare for him to ask me something.

Next day, my two sons and I left home before 6:30 AM and arrived at Central circuit in Hyogo prefecture. We were so surprised to see lots of Ferrari in the parking lots.

Rare models such as Ferrari F40, FXXK, and SP2 were in the pit garage, which made us excited. What's more, we could real feelings of F2003-GA rushing close to us, as shown in the video below.

I have been a big fan of F1 and this event is one of the best moments that I have ever experienced regarding cars. Thaks, Yuto.

This event reminds me of my good old day when my Dad took us to a supercar event in Osaka when my brother and I were in elementary school. I hope that my two sons would remember today's event when they get older.

Second Festival Hall

My wife and I went to Festival Hall in Osaka to celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary. Hakase's performance on the violin was amazing and we had a really fun time together.

This reminds me that we came to the hall to watch K-BALLET COMPANY for a date almost 25 years ago when I was in medical school and she was a college student.

This is my second time coming here. During the 25 years, lots of things have happened, e.g., we got married and have three kids.

It couldn't be better. I owe all to everyone and everhything. I know I have to keep doing something better for society in return. I am sure that I will.

More beautiful than ever

Aya and I continue to go on a short trip every weekend during the mid of the pandemic.

Last week, we visited the west area of Lake Biwa in Shiga prefecture. On the way there, the traffic was congested, so we almost gave up and changed our destination from Shiga to Kyoto. We managed to get there although it took more than two hours.

We were so amazed to see the scene of Metasequoia in Takashima district, which was beyond the description, as you can see below.

This may be by far the most beautiful scene that I have ever seen - a perfect combination of blue sky, white clouds, and fresh green trees. For me, besides, not to mention Aya. She has really grown up to a wonderful lady.

What's more, the condition was so comfortable under the giant trees despite the harsh condition outsides, sizzling hot and humid, which is typical in the summer of Japan.

P.S.
We had ell bowls at an exclusive restaurant, Nishitomo. They were also one of the most delicious ells that I have ever eaten.

During the 2nd wave of COVID-19

We are in the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Especially, Osaka is one of the epicenters of the outbreak in Japan.

We should be careful to avoid spreading the disease, but I do not think that we keep staying home on weekends. With caution, such as social distancing and wearing masks, Aya and I have actively enjoyed short trips to Amanohasidate, Izushi city, and Hemeji castle.

To our surprise, all the three sightseeing spots were not crowded at all, making our visits safer in terms of getting infected.

Given that my daughter is a teenager, who in general want to be independent of their parents, I am super lucky to have a fun time with her every weekend. She always falls asleep on the way home, but I cannot complain.

I am so excited to think about our next destination!

Educational free games

During the COVID-19 outbreak, all conferences and meetings had been suspended for almost two months in the hospital that I worked for.

Thus, I have released four educational free games for resident doctors. These games are useful in self learning in terms of electrocardiography, blood gas analysis, Gram staining, and cardiac auscultation.

The process to develop the games was not easy, especially about writing code in java script, but I think that I did a good job. I have improved my programming skills.

I would be very honored if these games could motivate young medical professionals to master the essential elements of internal medicine.

Play and have fun!