Friday, January 09, 2009

January 09, 2009; Volume 05, Number 02

January 09, 2009; Volume 05, Number 02

Click here for the audio file of today's program

Click here for a transcript of today's program

Dreher Island State Park, SC
Click for More Photos

Greetings again from Columbia, South Carolina. Just back from Dreher Island State Park with the Japan Considered Mobile Studio. A beautiful place to visit. Right on the shore of Lake Murray, and less than an hour from Columbia. Here are some photos on the left. Just click the picture to go to the Picasa website.

This week we have another treat. This is two in a row. You'll soon be spoiled! The media in Japan is full of articles about the effect of presidential administration change in Washington on U.S.-Japan Relations. Most of those articles have been either blatantly speculative, or showing signs of tight political spin. A number of you have written in asking about this as well, and suggesting that I spend more time on it.

Well, this week we will. Robert M. [Skipp] Orr agreed to join us via Skype-Phone from his home in Kamakura, Japan. It would be hard to find anyone more qualified to discuss this issue. Skipp played an important role in the Obama presidential election campaign. Further, as a former senior U.S. government official, academic, and businessman, he's developed an incredibly broad range of personal contacts in Japan over the past three decades. So, he's the fellow to go to for some answers. And we did.

Please continue to send your comments and suggestions directly to me at RobertCAngel@gmail.com. They've been especially helpful during the past few weeks. And I thank you for taking the time to write. Even if you do not receive a direct reply, be assured I've read your note, and will take it into consideration when planning new programs.