I don't know diddly about ceramics, but I do know Japan, and I know it is really quite difficult to identify more obscure makers of a particular product (not to be taken to mean less valuable or diminishing quality). In large part, that is probably due to the fact that many Japanese made products of the time (and still to the day) where not manufactured in a single factory or facility. Rather, it was standard practice for a "contractor" (if you will) to enlist the services of many (sometimes in the thousands) small family operated shops to produce a certain item to specification. Those items where then sold under a general "maker". As such, one particular "maker" or "contractor" might have sold nearly identical items, but the unique labels may have numbered into the hundreds. For your particular mark, the naka may refer to a particular family (nakano, nakagawa, nakashima), a particular region (nakajima, tonaka), or to a particular location. Possibly an abbreviation for chuo (meaning central or city center). Laurie - It's highly likely that I am mistaken, but I do know that Lefton (refuton) was one maker that used cursive writing on their markers. If I remember correctly, it was in red ink and in a circular pattern ("hand painted" "occupied Japan") with "Lefton" "Made in" printed horizontally in the center. Just an idea :-)

The market has continued to reject CFLs ... Not really. The only documented decline in CF sales I can find was in 2008, and that was largely caused by the worldwide economic crash. Last I heard, something like 20% of US replacement lamp (light bulb) sales were CFs. In Japan, it's eighty percent. Possible reasons for this difference will be left as an exercise for the reader. ... daylight phosphors ... Daylight phosphors have never been common in residential size retrofit CFs. The vast majority offered in stores were and still are 2700K or 3000K, and 82+ CRI. In recent years "full spectrum" (not really, just 5000K+, which is more or less daylight CT) CFs have become more available. Also, dollar stores sometimes sell the cheapest of the cheap CFs, with obsolete (but cheap) low CRI cool white halophosphate phosphors. Anybody so skinflint as to buy that garbage deserves what he gets. (FWIW, a drugstore near here is currently selling 23 watt Bulbstar CFs in packages of 2 for $1! I was sorely tempted to pick up a pack to see how they worked, but didn't. I know the parts and labor that go into a CF, and anything sold at that price has to be outright junk.) IMO, the big issue hurting adoption of CFs has been not short lifespan, but inconsistent lifespan. It's quite possible or even likely that the 6,000 - 10,000 hour averages the manufacturers quote are correct. However, when 3 of the half-dozen 6,000 hour CFs you bought last 12,000 hours and the other 3 fail in the first thousand, you're going to be understandably upset even though the average life is actually better than advertised. Another factor operating here is simple fashion. Through the early 2000s it was trendy to be "green." CFs were not only so perceived, but also showed that you were thinking long-term. Currently in the US there seems to be a backlash against conservation and even against saving money. Weird. There's also the entirely understandable resistance people have to being told what to do. What I find bizarre is that this often leads people to do irrational things - folks who despise high efficacy lighting mainly because the law requires it, for example. Or my friend who actually stopped wearing her seat belt, which she'd done for years, when the state passed a law requiring it. And finally we have a new generation of fearmongers who peddle unjustified worries about mercury (the additional electricity generated to power an incandescent instead releases far more mercury into the environment). They also contend (with no evidence whatsoever) that the reduction in waste heat from CFs means that people will turn up the thermostat and use more energy. Now that is REALLY grasping at straws.

Yes, what texanjana said. An unconscious person cannot control such bodily functions, so farting during surgery has got to be a very common occurrence. I'll admit I've never thought about it until now though. Also what dedtired said. I inexplicably turn into a 6 year old boy when it comes to "toilet" humor. Always have, and at this stage of my life, I can say with confidence that I always will.

* The Ginza in Japan is a must-see if you like old-fashioned department stores. Definitely time-warp yourself to 1962 with a department-store restaurant lunch (but with tastier food). Picking a menu item will not be a problem because most restaurants in Japan have models of the food they serve in the front area. * If you are taking a train trip of more than 2 hours, get to the station early and pick up an "ekiden"--to-go packaged train lunch--from one of the stores in the station. You will be able to get a packaged lunch with local specialties (the equivalent of, say, clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl in San Francisco). Very tasty, not expensive. * Japanese temples are very interactive and fun for children. Pack some change so that you can make wishes. * People in Japan carry handkerchiefs and they come in very handy. The souvenir handkerchiefs at gift shops can be gorgeous--definitely put some money aside. You will need handkerchiefs while you're there, and they make great souvenirs for you and surprisingly great presents for people at home. I gave my mother a handkerchief I bought in Japan one Christmas and was surprised to hear BOTH my sisters draw in their breath and say--in stereo--"That is a BEAUTIFUL HANDKERCHIEF."