Now Out: Essay 1779 on 弊 (harmful influence), a Video of a TV Show Filming, a Radical Note, and 5 New-Monics

The 269th essay has posted! Essay 1779 on 弊 (harmful influence; worn out; humble prefix) is now available for purchase. Here's a preview:

Japan may pride itself on its long traditions and conservative ways. But armed with 弊, people criticize antiquated thinking and talk about abandoning customs. The same kanji enables the Japanese to discuss exhaustion and worn-out objects. Despite all this negativity, people commonly use 弊 for upbeat statements such as “Thank you for your interest in our company.” 

Using the accompanying game on the Character Home Page, you can practice the vocabulary in the essay after reading it.

I finally have an update on something pending from last year! In November, a TV crew from the reality TV show Nippon ni Ikitai! ("I Want to Go to Japan!") came to my house to film me. I was one of four finalists in a competition. The winner would get a free trip to Japan. The others would at least be in a YouTube video. Time passed—a lot of time!—and I heard nothing further. This week a Japanese Facebook friend stumbled upon the YouTube video. It was posted in June! As I surmised, I didn't win, which is just fine! My segment comes first, running from 0:00 to 2:54. I've been dubbed into Japanese, which is really freaky to hear!

Back to JOK business! Radical Note 55 on the “letter H” radical 廾 has become available. This resource is free!

Finally, Ulrike has produced the following new-monics (which are free!):

遊 (402: to play)
借 (502: borrowing)
類 (602: category)
錯 (1302: crossing)
掌 (1402: palm of the hand)