(506) Let’s invite Japanese politicians to Toastmasters Clubs!

 
   “Matsuyama Toastmasters Club is a non-profit, international organization for improving communication and leadership skills.” What should Toastmasters Clubs do under the situation of this corona virus pandemic. I’m thinking about this.

  The other day, our district director of Toasmasters mailed us a letter. He mentioned about leadership in it.

He wrote,

“Right now. Who are the leaders who are given good reviews in this crisis?”
 
“I would say that those make quick decisions and communicate well to the public.”

And he continued,

 “But, what about Japan? Do you feel that speeches by current politicians are clear? Are they easy to understand? Do they give you confidence? I would sadly say no.”

My answer is also “No”.

  He wrote, “in this time of crisis, communication skills are more important than ever. The people who can turn this crisis around will be the ones who can communicate their ideas, persuade them of their vision, and inspire the people to a brighter future beyond coronavirus.”

  Yes, yes, I absolutely agree with him!

Then he asked, “Where can we learn this skill?” And he proudly answered, “It is at Toastmasters.”

  I’m not so confident like him yet, but if this is true all we should do now in the crisis is one thing. Let’s invite Japanese politicians to Toastmasters and learn better communication and leadership skills together.

  I really hope Toastmasters experience would make us and our politicians much better communicators and leaders. Then our next steps would be clear. Things would be more confidently in the right direction.

  Once again, “Let’s invite Japanese politicians to Toastmasters, where we can learn better communication and leadership skills.”
Thank you for listening.
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(505) Handmade puzzles at home

  This puzzle was invented by the American Sam Loyd in 1898. It was printed on two pieces of card and sold more than 10 million copies.

You'll find when the discs are set one way there are 13 characters, but when they move, one of the people disappears!
http://www.murderousmaths.co.uk/games/getofftheearth.htm 

Ⅰ. There are 13 Chinese Swordsmen in this picture around the earth.

Ⅱ. A small disk and a large disk can rotate separately.
The earth (a small disk) rotates anti-clockwise a litter, so each character’s parts are separated.    

Ⅲ. The earth disk stops at 30 degrees rotated position.
Each swordsman’s parts meet together and we can see 12 complete swordsmen. Wow! One swordsman disappears.

I found this picture on the internet. Then I made “Get off the earth” puzzles myself by using several rotating mechanisms.

http://www.tokyomagic.jp/labyrinth/kiga/tanoshii-zukei-puzzle-01.htm
SAM LOYD the famous inventor of puzzles, often referred to as the most expert mechanic living, is the author of this wonderful “Get Off the Earth “ Puzzle. In a recent letter to the press Mr. Loyd says: “This puzzle may strike the average mortal1) as being a “bland2) and childlike” toy. Nevertheless, just for my own satisfaction, I offer six first class Bicycles to such as3) send the best answers to the mystery during the present year. I select the Columbia Bicycles, because from a mechanical and engineering stand point I consider them superior to all other.
Sam Loyd, P.O.Box 1821, New York.
The Sam Loyd Get Off The Earth Puzzle

1) mortal : a human being　人間
2) bland : tasteless 平凡な
3) such as : 〜してくれる人達

此人時常到佢要来収銀　（This person often comes to collect cash.）
此人出去了佢係欠你銀　（This person went out to owe you money.） 

Here are my handmade “Get Off The Earth” puzzles.

By using a shallow, round and disposable lunchbox of sushi.

By using music CDs and its case.

By using a music CD case.

By using laminated sheets.

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