Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Brazil has the largest Japanese-descended population outside Japan

 Yes — Japanese people did migrate to farm in Brazil, but mostly before World War II, with some continuing after the war. During the war itself, migration essentially stopped.

Here’s the clear timeline 👇

Before World War II (main period)

Started in 1908

Japan had population pressure, rural poverty, and limited land

Brazil needed farm labour after slavery was abolished (1888)

Japanese migrants were recruited mainly to work on coffee plantations

Many planned to stay temporarily, earn money, and return to Japan — but most ended up settling permanently.

By the late 1930s:

Brazil already had hundreds of thousands of Japanese immigrants

Many had moved from plantations to own small farms, growing:

Coffee

Cotton

Rice

Vegetables

During World War II (1939–1945)

Migration stopped

Brazil joined the Allies in 1942 and cut ties with Japan

Japanese Brazilians faced:

Travel restrictions

Language bans (no Japanese schools or newspapers)

Confiscation of radios

Social isolation and suspicion

They were not allowed to return to Japan during this period either.

After World War II

Migration resumed in the 1950s

Japan was devastated economically, so emigration restarted

New migrants again worked in agriculture, then gradually moved into:

Urban businesses

Industry

Education

Today

Brazil has the largest Japanese-descended population outside Japan

About 2 million people

Many are no longer farmers, but agriculture was the foundation of the community

In one sentence

Japanese migration to farm in Brazil happened mainly before WWII, paused during the war, and resumed after, eventually creating the world’s largest Japanese diaspora.

Iced Long Black coffee

 An Iced Long Black is a strong, refreshing coffee made by pouring a double shot of hot espresso over ice and cold water, preserving the rich crema for a bold, intense flavor, unlike an Iced Americano where water goes in first, resulting in a milder, more diluted drink. It's popular in Australia/NZ for a potent, cooling caffeine hit, offering a clean taste with deep aroma, perfect for those who enjoy strong coffee without milk. 

Key Characteristics

Preparation: Hot espresso (usually double shot) is poured over cold water and ice.

Flavor: Strong, bold, rich, and aromatic, retaining much of the espresso's crema.

Texture: Clean and crisp, with a pronounced layer of crema on top.

Difference from Iced Americano: An Americano adds espresso to cold water, diluting it more and dissipating the crema, making it milder.

Customization: Can be sweetened with syrup or made less intense by adding more water. 

In Simple Terms

Think of it as a chilled, potent version of a traditional Long Black (espresso over hot water), focusing on the pure, strong taste of the espresso in a cool, invigorating format.

 They’re almost the same drink, but the order of pouring and water ratio make a subtle difference.

Iced Long Black vs Iced Americano

Iced Long Black

Cold water + ice first

Hot espresso poured on top

Preserves more crema

Slightly stronger, bolder taste

Popular in Australia & New Zealand ☕🇦🇺

Iced Americano

Espresso first

Then cold water + ice added

Crema breaks more

Slightly smoother, more diluted taste

More common in the US/Europe

Why the order matters

Pouring espresso onto water (long black) protects oils and aroma

Pouring water onto espresso (Americano) disperses them faster

Taste difference is subtle but noticeable to regular coffee drinkers

Quick summary

Same ingredients ✅

Different pouring order 🔄

Long black = stronger, sharper

Americano = smoother, lighter

How To Make Easy Muesli

 Muesli checks all the boxes of a perfect weekday breakfast. You can make it in advance; it’s packed with whole grains, fiber, protein, and antioxidants; and it’s extremely versatile, both in how you make it and how you eat it. I like to make a big batch over the weekend to last throughout the week, which significantly speeds up my weekday morning routine. It’s toasty, nutty, chewy, and truly satisfying — finally, a breakfast that can hold me until lunch.

Quick Overview

A Basic Formula for Making Muesli

4 cups grains + 1 1/2 cups nuts/seeds + 1/2 cup dried fruit


Grains: Rolled oats, wheat bran, whole rye, whole barley, sorghum flakes, quinoa flakes, millet puffs, millet flakes.


Nuts/seeds: Sliced almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pepitas, chia seeds, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, unsweetened coconut flakes.


Dried fruit: Dried apricots, dried cherries, dried figs, raisins, golden raisins, currants, apple chips.


Why You’ll Love It

It’s simple. Muesli is super easy to make. All you need to do is toast the grains, nuts, and seeds in the oven briefly to amp up their flavor, and then stir everything together and you’ve got breakfast ready to go for days to come.

It’s customizable. You can add a combination of your favorite varieties of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and other mix-ins to make your batch of muesli your own.

Key Ingredients in Muesli

Rolled oats. Avoid quick and steel-cut oats here as they won’t retain the right texture for muesli.

Wheat bran. Wheat bran is the outer layer of the wheat kernel. You can often find it in the bulk section of the grocery store or purchase it online.

Almonds. We like sliced almonds here for their texture, but you can substitute chopped.

Pecans. Coarsely chopped pecans add nutty flavor to the mix, but you can substitute another variety of nut, like walnuts or hazelnuts, if you prefer.

Pepitas. Pepitas are shelled pumpkin seeds. Raw and unsalted seeds are best for this recipe.

Unsweetened coconut flakes. These can sometimes be labeled “coconut chips,” “grated coconut,” or “dessicated coconut.” Avoid sweetened coconut flakes for this recipe.

Dried fruit. We call for dried apricots and cherries, but you can substitute other dried fruits like apples, mango, or dates.

Instructions

Show Images
  1. Toast the grains, nuts, and seeds. Arrange 2 racks to divide the oven into thirds and heat to 350°F. Place the oats, wheat bran, salt, and cinnamon on a rimmed baking sheet; toss to combine; and spread into an even layer. Place the almonds, pecans, and pepitas on a second rimmed baking sheet; toss to combine; and spread into an even layer. Transfer both baking sheets to oven, placing oats on top rack and nuts on bottom. Bake until nuts are fragrant, 10 to 12 minutes.

    Depiction of the instructions in Instructions step 1
  2. Add the coconut. Remove the baking sheet with the nuts and set aside to cool. Sprinkle the coconut over the oats, return to the upper rack, and bake until the coconut is golden-brown, about 5 minutes more. Remove from oven and set aside to cool, about 10 minutes.

    Depiction of the instructions in Instructions step 2
  3. Transfer to a large bowl. Transfer the contents of both baking sheets to a large bowl.

    Depiction of the instructions in Instructions step 3
  4. Add the dried fruit. Add the apricots and cherries and toss to combine.

    Depiction of the instructions in Instructions step 4
  5. Transfer to an airtight container. Muesli can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.

    Depiction of the instructions in Instructions step 5
  6. Enjoy as desired. Enjoy as oatmeal, cereal, overnight oats, or with yogurt, topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, if desired.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Muesli can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Serving suggestions: To make overnight oats, combine equal parts muesli and milk or non-dairy milk (I prefer 2/3 cup of each) in a small lidded container (at this point I like to top mine with frozen blueberries, too). Refrigerate overnight and enjoy cold in the morning.


https://www.thekitchn.com/muesli-recipe-260252

+11
Yes, 
muesli is the widely used English name for a specific type of breakfast food
. The word itself is a loanword that originated from Swiss German. 
Origin and Meaning
  • Origin: Muesli was developed around 1900 by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner for patients in his hospital.
  • Etymology: The word Müesli is a Swiss German diminutive of the word Mues, which means "mush" or "purée" in Standard German.
  • Adoption: The term has been fully adopted into English and is found in major dictionaries. It is a common term in English-speaking countries, particularly in the UK and Australia, where it is a popular breakfast option. 

Description
Muesli is a cold dish, typically a loose mixture of untoasted dry ingredients, including: 
  • Rolled oats (the primary ingredient)
  • Other grains like wheat or rye flakes
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Dried or fresh fruits 
It is commonly prepared by mixing the dry ingredients with milk, yogurt, or fruit juice, and can be soaked overnight for a creamier consistency. 
Muesli vs. Granola
Muesli is often confused with granola, but the main difference is the preparation method: 
  • Muesli is typically raw and unbaked, with any sweetness coming from fruits rather than added sugar or oil.
  • Granola is baked with a sweetener (like honey or maple syrup) and oil to bind the ingredients together, giving it a crunchy texture. 


Monday, December 22, 2025

Urethral stricture

 






Urethral stricture means a narrowing of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body).

In simple words:

👉 Scar tissue forms inside the urine passage, making it tight or blocked.


What causes it?

  • Past infection

  • Injury or trauma

  • Catheter use

  • Previous surgery

  • Inflammation


What problems can it cause?

  • Weak or slow urine stream

  • Difficulty starting urination

  • Feeling that the bladder is not fully empty

  • Dribbling after urination

  • Urinary tract infections


How is it diagnosed?

  • Endoscopy (cystoscopy) – camera to see the narrowing

  • Urine flow tests

  • Ultrasound to check leftover urine (post-void residual)


Why is it treated?

If untreated, it can lead to:

  • Repeated infections

  • Bladder damage

  • Kidney problems (in severe cases)

----------------

Here’s a simple, clear overview of urethral stricture treatment options and how it’s different from prostate problems.


Treatment options for urethral stricture (general overview)

The treatment depends on how tight, how long, and where the narrowing is.

1. Urethral dilation

  • The narrowed area is gently stretched

  • Often done using thin medical instruments

  • May need to be repeated

Used when: the stricture is short and mild


2. Endoscopic treatment (internal urethrotomy)

  • Done using a small camera (endoscopy)

  • The scar tissue is cut open from inside

  • No large external cuts

Used when: stricture is short but tighter


3. Surgery (urethroplasty)

  • Scarred section is repaired or removed

  • Has the best long-term success

Used when: stricture is long, severe, or keeps coming back


4. Catheter (temporary)

  • Helps urine drain if there is severe blockage

  • Usually not a permanent solution


Difference: Urethral stricture vs prostate problem

FeatureUrethral StrictureProstate Enlargement
AgeCan happen at any ageMostly older men
CauseScar tissue in urethraEnlarged prostate gland
TestEndoscopy, urine flowUltrasound, PSA
LocationUrine tubeBelow bladder

Why treatment matters

If untreated, urethral stricture can cause:

  • Repeated urine infections

  • High post-void residual

  • Bladder and kidney problems

1. Scar and “to straighten” in penis (medical meaning)

Scar in the penis

This usually means scar tissue has formed inside the penis or urethra (the tube that carries urine out).

Common medical reasons:

  • Urethral stricture → a scar inside the urethra that narrows it

  • Past infection, injury, catheter use, or surgery

Effects:

  • Weak urine flow

  • Difficulty urinating

  • Urine left behind after peeing


“To straighten” the penis (medical context)

Doctors may use this phrase when treating:

  • Urethral stricture (scar causes bending or blockage)

  • Penile curvature due to scar tissue

“Straightening” usually means:

  • Opening or correcting the narrowed area

  • Restoring normal urine flow

  • Not about appearance, but function


2. Endoscopy meaning in this context

In urinary problems, endoscopy usually means cystoscopy.

Cystoscopy

  • A thin camera tube is passed through the urethra

  • Lets the doctor see scars, narrowing, or blockage

  • Helps decide if treatment is needed (like dilation or surgery)

So:

Endoscopy here = looking inside the urine passage to find scars or blockage


3. Post-void residual (PVR) – meaning

Post-void residual =
👉 The amount of urine left in the bladder after urinating

Normally:

  • Very little urine remains

High PVR means:

  • The bladder did not empty fully


4. Reasons for increased post-void residual

Blockage causes

  • Urethral stricture (scar tissue)

  • Enlarged prostate (in older males)

  • Stones or inflammation

Bladder muscle problems

  • Weak bladder muscles

  • Nerve problems (diabetes, spinal issues)

Functional causes

  • Pain while urinating

  • Poor urine flow due to narrowing


5. How these are connected

Scar → narrows urethra

Urine cannot flow freely

Bladder does not empty completely

Post-void residual increases

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

how to increase your productivity as a commerical accountant

 To increase your productivity as a commercial accountant, focus on a blend of leveraging technology, implementing effective time management strategies, and optimising your work environment. 

Leverage Technology

Automate routine tasks: Automate data entry, invoicing, and other repetitive manual processes to reduce errors and free up time for more analytical work.

Move to cloud-based software: Utilise cloud accounting solutions for data storage and collaboration. This provides secure, anytime, anywhere access to financial information, streamlining workflows and client interactions.

Master your software: Invest time in learning the full functionality, keyboard shortcuts, and capabilities of your existing software (e.g., Excel, ERP systems, data analytics tools).

Centralise data and workflows: Use modern practice management software and data hubs to integrate client and practice data, eliminating time-consuming manual collation from disparate sources. 

Optimize Time Management 

Prioritise tasks: Differentiate between urgent and important tasks. Focus on high-impact work first, and consider delegating or rescheduling less critical items.

Implement "Deep Work" time: Block off dedicated, uninterrupted time in your schedule for tasks that require intense focus, such as complex problem-solving or strategic analysis.

Structure your day with intent: Some accountants prefer to tackle the most challenging tasks when their focus is highest (the "eat the frog" method), while others build up to them. Find the method that works best for you and design your schedule accordingly.

Minimise meeting time: Advocate for shorter, more focused meetings with clear agendas and only essential attendees. Consider setting specific days to be meeting-free.

Manage communications effectively: Instead of constantly checking emails and messages, set aside specific times during the day (e.g., morning, noon, and evening) to review and respond to communications. 

Refine Work Processes and Environment

Standardise workflows: Create clear, documented processes for recurring activities. This increases efficiency, reduces errors, and simplifies training for new team members.

Delegate and outsource: Identify tasks that can be handled by junior staff or external experts, freeing you to concentrate on work that requires your specific expertise.

Maintain an organised workspace: A clean, organised, and comfortable office environment with minimal clutter can significantly reduce stress and distractions.

Take regular breaks and unplug: Schedule short breaks throughout the day to recharge your mind (e.g., using the Pomodoro Technique of 25 minutes of work followed by a break). Ensure you get enough sleep and take proper vacations to avoid burnout.

Invest in continuous learning: Stay updated on the latest accounting standards and industry trends through professional development opportunities and training

Thursday, December 4, 2025

bean counter

 noun [ C ] mainly US informal disapproving

uk  /ˈbiːn ˌkaʊn.tər/ us  /ˈbiːn ˌkaʊn.t̬ɚ/


an accountant (= someone who takes care of a company's financial affairs), especially one who works for a large company and does not like to allow employees to spend money:

It looked like the project was going to be approved, but the bean counters said it wasn't cost-effective.


bean counter

noun [ C ]   informal disapproving

uk  us 

Add to word list 

a person who makes financial decisions for a company or government, especially someone who wants to severely limit the amount of money spent:

The Treasury's role is to act as Britain's bean counter in chief.




"If you are interested, you'll do what's convenient; if you're committed, you'll do whatever it takes." - John Assaraf"
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