Elephant Cries

　　
　
Elephant Cries

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Subj:
One of those days!



From: barclay1720@aol.com
to: diane@vancouver.ca
Monday, May 27, 6:47 P.M.
(Pacific Daylight Saving Time)

Hi Diane,

How are you doing?
We have non-dependable lousy weathers these days.
But I assume you're enjoying life as much as I do.

You often look for me when you're visiting Joe Fortes Library, eh?
Me, too!



I haven't been lucky enough to see you now for a bit.
You see... there are only two blue computers at Joe Fortes Library.

I need to sit at one of those two for hours.
I don't want to occupy one of those as if it were my own.

So, instead, I walk to the central library.



I can use any of offline blue computers for hours and hours.

Well, as you guess, I'm doing okay and having lots of fun in writing a number of articles.
Now, I've just finished one for you.

This is called "Price of your life."
To find it out, please click the following link:


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■"Price of Your Life"

...hope you'll enjoy it to the bone.
I also wish you've been enjoying chi-gong & yoga classes, and you're staying healthy as ever.

Your skinny Socrates, Kato
with a lot of love

 

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Subj:
Conrad Black

coming into town!

From: diane@vancouver.ca
to: barclay1720@aol.com
Tuesday, May 28, 7:48 P.M.
(Pacific Daylight Saving Time)

Hi Kato,

That's the beauty of the Central Branch ... more room, more computers, more ambiance, more everything ... including more of Kato, too.
Yes, the weather sure has been lousy the last while, but hopefully things will pick up real soon.
Keeping busy, but not too busy and hope you're doing well.

I'll keep looking for you, kiddo, and hope to see you soon.
Thanks for sending the latest article.


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Luv, Diane ~

P.S.:

Do you know that the infamous Conrad Black is going to be at the Central Library tomorrow evening?
You might...
It should be an interesting event.
He's promoting his latest book "Flight of the Eagle" about American politics.
It will start at 7:30 p.m. in Alice MacKay Room at the lower level.

You know him for sure, don't you?
To be on the safe side, here is his short bio:

Conrad Black



Conrad Black (born August 25, 1944) is a Canadian-born former newspaper publisher, an historian, a columnist, a UK peer, and convicted felon for fraud.
He once headed the third-largest newspaper group in the world.
Lord Black controlled Hollinger International, Inc that through affiliates published major newspapers including The Daily Telegraph (UK), Chicago Sun Times (U.S.), The Jerusalem Post (Israel), National Post (Canada), The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia), and hundreds of community newspapers in North America.

Black is also an author, having written two memoirs ("A Life in Progress" and "A Matter of Principle") and biographies of Maurice Duplessis, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Richard Nixon.

In 2004, a shareholder-initiated prosecution in the United States of Black began.
Black has publicly maintained his innocence since the original indictment.
However, he was convicted of three counts of fraud and one count of obstruction of justice in a U.S. court in 2007 and sentenced to six and a half years' imprisonment.
Two of the charges were overturned on appeal and in 2011 he was resentenced on the one remaining count of mail fraud and on the one count of obstruction of justice to an amended prison term of 42 months and a fine of US$125,000.



Black was released on May 4, 2012.

 

Subj:
Everybody knows him!

From: barclay1720@aol.com
to: diane@vancouver.ca
Wednesday, May 29, 10:13 A.M.
(Pacific Daylight Saving Time)

Hi, Diane,

Yes, of course, I know the notorious Conrad Black,
but I didn't know he would visit Vancouver to promote his book.

I've just checked the events at the library.
It says:

Join us for an evening with acclaimed writer and historian Conrad Black

as he talks to Kirk LaPointe about his new book "Flight of the Eagle"---a strategic history of the United States.


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I didn't know that he is also a historian.
Anyway, I'm gonna do my best to attend the event.

Thanx for the information!

...hope we get together someday.

 

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Subj:
Must be a nice event!

From: diane@vancouver.ca
to: barclay1720@aol.com
Wednesday, May 29, 2:59 P.M.
(Pacific Daylight Saving Time)

Hi Kato,

I'll watch for you.
It should be very interesting; ... very interesting.



Luv, Diane

 

Subj:
I can hardly wait ...

From: barclay1720@aol.com
to: diane@vancouver.ca
Wednesday, May 29, 3:44 P.M.
(Pacific Daylight Saving Time)

Hi, Diane,

Yes, yes, yes ... I really hope it'll be quite interesting and thought-provoking and entertaining ...
I can hardly wait to see you ...

Kato, I was looking for you, but you hadn't shown up. 　What happened to you? 　I thought you might've probably gotten a heart attack while making up an extremely sensual naked woman.



Yes, you're quite right, Diane. 　I had a heart attack while creating the picture below:


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And I was rushed to the hospital by an ambulance.



Oh, my God! 　No kidding!

Of course, I'm only jesting. 　He, he, he, he, he ...

Kato! ... You're such a naughty brat. 　Don't give me such a shocking fib. 　So what really happened to you?

Well ... I couldn't attend the event because the elephant cried.

The elephant...? 　What the heck are you talking about?

It's a long story.

Make it short, will ya?

You see, I really wanted to take a look at the infamous Conrad Black by all means.

Were you in the central library?

Yes, of course, I was writing on the 6th floor, and finished writing an article for the next day at about 6 o'clock. 　I had still an hour and half before the event would start. 　So I decided to view one of the DVDs I'd borrowed.


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■“Actual Catalogue Page”



So, Kato, you viewed the above DVD, didn't you?



Yes, I did. 　The story was quite fascinating.

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This is a 2005 drama directed by Shunsaku Kawake (河毛 俊作) based on a true story "Shining Boy & Little Randy (ちび象ランディと星になった少年)" written by Sayuri Sakamoto (坂本小百合), whose son (Tetsumu 哲夢: 1972 - 1992) died young at the age of 20 due to a traffic accident.

The Ogawa family runs an animal production company that rears and provides various animals for TV and film production.
One day, the mother (played by Takako Tokiwa: 常盤貴子) tells the family that she will purchase an elephant since it was her childhood dream.
Although the family is in a financial problem, she manages to acquire an elephant by selling off some animals.
Eventually, she keeps three Asian elephants---"Mickey", "Randy" and "Minister".
These elepants interest Tetsumu (played by Yuya Yagira: 柳楽優弥) greatly so much so that he decides to become an elephant trainer and goes to Thailand to study at an elepant training school.


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In the first several months, Tetsumu has a hard time in getting along with other students and living in a Thai style.
Bullied once in a while, he studies hard for a year and half and becomes a trainer.


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In 1992, he returns to Japan and enters a high school, but quits soon afterwards because the study at school doesn't interest him any more.
So he works as a full-time elephant trainer with little Randy, teaching Randy several skills.
At an elephant show, Tetsumu meets a girl (Emi Murakami) played by Yu Aoi (蒼井優), and their relationship deepens.


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In November 1992, however, Tetsumu died a sudden death in a traffic accident.
After the funeral, Emi meets his mother and gives back Tetsumu's drawing about an elephant-retirement park he was planning.


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"Do you know, Mrs. Ogawa, how he became interested in elephants?" asks Emi.
The mother listens intensely.
"'Cause keeping an elepahnt is your dream, and it becomes his dream likewise. 　You see, he really loves you."
Upon hearing this, the mother bursts into tears.


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In the summer of 2005, the ex-classmates in the mountains of Thailand names a young elepant "Tetsu", honoring their deceased friend.

It is really a touching story.
The scenes in Thailand are beautifully filmed with a memorable background music.
The fact that it is based on a true story makes it even more poignant.
I think this film ranks as one of the greatest animal films like "The Black Stallion" and "Never Cry Wolf."

If you're an animal lover, this is a must-see movie.
Unfortunately, this DVD version has no English subtitles.

... sounds quite interesting.



Yes, it really is. 　You bet on that, Diane. 　I was actually fascinated by the movie.

So, Kato, you were engrossed in the movie so much so that you forgot to attend the event. 　Is that it?

On, no, I didn't forget. 　Half way through, I took a look at the time on the lower-right-hand cornet on the screen. It was 7:20 p.m., and I rushed to the elevator and went down to the lower level, then asked a nearby librarian to tell me how to get to Alice MacKay Room. I've never entered the room. 　She said, "It's in a different part on the lower level. You must take the elevator, go up to the main floor, get out through the main entrance, then walk to your right and find the stairs, which lead you down to the room.


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I did as she told me. 　I was totally flabbergasted to see a long waiting line on the stairs, but the sign said that the room was full and that no more tickets were available.



So, you were too late, weren't you?

Anyway, I rushed to the doorway, but there stood a stout female bouncer, who blocked my way and said, "What the hell do you think you're doing, Mister?" ... I said, "Oh, ... well, one of my lady friends is waiting for me in the room. 　So I just wanna say hello to her and get back here. 　So, please let me in."

What did she say?

The wry-faced fat bouncer told me, "Don't give me such a foolish fib. Once you get in, you'll never come back. 　It's obvious! 　Get lost!"


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Did she really tell you that?



Oh, I'm just joking ... The thing is, my God wants me to continue to view the movie, instead of watching the infamous Conrad Black. 　So, I rushed back up to the 6th floor and continued to see the movie.

Kato, why didn't you knock her out at the door and rush in for the event?

Diane, be reasonable and sensible! 　I couldn't do such a mean thing. 　Even if she looks so ugly, she's still a human being.

But I tell you, Kato. 　It was truly a wonderful evening. 　You really missed one of the most priceless events.

Oh, ... did I? 　What is so good about it?

You see, I was expecting it would be quite interesting, but it went way beyond that to totally engaging and entertaining and illuminating as well. I say, it was most impressive. I really hope you enjoyed it as well.

Was it really that good?

Oh, yes, you bet, Kato ... Who could have thought US politics could be so fascinating?

Mind you, Diane, I really wanted to attend the event, but somehow my God prevented me from attending the event, I assume.

No, that's not true. 　You simply made a big mistake because you didn't quit watching the movie much earlier so that you could get a free ticket for the event.

Diane, that's why I'm saying that I was engrossed in the movie, which is more fascinating, engaging, and entertaining than the Conrad Black event.

You didn't even hear Conrad Black. 　How could you possibly say that?

Conrad Black may be innocent as he insists, but he gave an impression of a fraudulent man to the ordinary people---to the jury, in particular. 　That's why the jury gave him a guilty verdict.

Yes, that was a fact, but he was talking about US politics, which is so fascinating.

Maybe, US politics is fascinating, but I don't think Conrad Black is living a good life. 　I don't dislike him personally, but I don't belive a man who gives an impression of a fraudulent man. 　Besides, the movie I viewed is about a young man who died at the age of 20, but whose good life is remembered even by Randy the elephant.

His good life is remembered even by the elephant. 　Why is that?

Well... After the movie, I watched the following video clips:

Reunion after 13 years (Part 1)



Reunion after 13 years (Part 2)





These clips are recorded from the TV program called "True Touching Story" aired in Japan. 　The mother of the deceased son hasn't shown Randy his son's picture since his death because she thought it would depress the elephant.



She decides to show it to Randy now?

Yes, she does 13 years after his death.

Does Randy still remember her son 13 years after his death?

Yes, Randy still remembers him.


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When the mother shows Randy a controlling stick that his son used to train Randy, the elephant remembers it.



How do you know?

... Cause the son used the stick differently from other trainers and he caressed the elephant with it gently and lovingly.


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As if to show how the son did it, Randy rubs his front leg with the controlling stick in the manner the son did.


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Randy even cries while doing so.


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Wow! 　It's really touching, isn't it?



Yes, it is ... Well, I wanted to attend the event, but I didn't miss it 'cause I really enjoyed the movie and learned that the son really lived a good life with Randy, who remembers the son even 13 years after his death.

It's a heart-warming story, isn't it?

Yes, it is, but I really miss you, Diane.

Well ... we are always together virtually, aren't we?

Yes, yes, yes, ... but I'm talking about it in the real life.

【Himiko's Monologue】



What an amazing story it is!
I'm, of course, talking about Randy the elephant, who remembers his master 13 years after his death.
It is really fascinating and heart-warming story, isn't it?

In any case, I hope Kato will write another interesting article soon.
So please come back to see me.

Have a nice day!
Bye bye ...

If you've got some time,

Please read one of the following artciles:



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■"Halifax to Vancouver"

■"A Thread of Destiny"

■"Fujiyama Geisha"

■"Beaver Lake"

■"God is Near!"

■"Holy Cow@Rose Garden"

■"Vancouver Earthquake"

■"Birthplace"



■"KIFF"

■"You Love Japan, eh?"

■"Eight Bridges"

■"First Love"

■"Fright on Flight"

■"Boy's Movie"

■"From Summer to Eternity"

■"Sōseki & Glenn Gould"


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■"Dream Dream Dream"

■"In Search of Your Footprint"

■"Little Night Music"

■"Merry X'mas"

■"Happy New Year!"

■"Long live Diane!"

■"Mona Lisa"

■"Flu Shot"

■"Selfish TD Bank"

■"Talk with Mozart"



■"Bliss for Diane!"

■"Romantic Bohemian"

■"TD Bank or Mozart?"

■"Diane@TD Bank"

■"Tear Jerker"

■"Diane in Chorus Line"

■"Pork or Friend?"



■"Easter Bloopers"

■"Beauty is Heart-deep"

■"Romance@South Pacific"

■"Art Gallery"

■"Diane Hypatia"

■"Cherry and Silk"

■"Price of Your Life"






Hi, I'm June Adams.

I love animal stories.

How about you?

Randy is still living in the "Elepahnt Kingdom" in Ichihara, a city located in Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

As of April 2012, the city has an estimated population of 279,065, with a population density of 758 persons per km².

The total area of Ichihara is 368.20 km².

The city is home, together with Chiba City, to the JEF United soccer team.

Naturally, the elephants in the Kingdom like to play soccer.



Randy shows up in the above clip.

ところで、愛とロマンに満ちた

レンゲさんのお話をまとめて

『レンゲ物語』を作りました。

もし、レンゲさんの記事をまとめて読みたいならば、

次のリンクをクリックしてくださいね。

■『愛とロマンのレンゲ物語』



■『軽井沢タリアセン夫人 - 小百合物語』

とにかく、今日も一日楽しく愉快に

ネットサーフィンしましょうね。

じゃあね。