Cut what's not needed ... No more waist !!!

2月

9日

What is USAID.GOV?

USAID (United States Agency for International Development) was a U.S. government agency that provided aid to developing countries. Its main roles included:

- Humanitarian Assistance - Emergency aid for regions affected by disasters and conflicts
- Economic Development - Support for poverty reduction and job creation
- Healthcare & Education - Improvements in public health and education support
- Promotion of Democracy - Assistance in political stability and human rights protection

Through these activities, USAID aimed to promote global stability and development.

Annual Budget and Abolition

USAID's annual budget for the 2023 fiscal year was approximately $40 billion (about ¥6.6 trillion). This massive budget was fully funded by taxpayer money, yet there were frequent concerns about unclear expenditures and misalignments with U.S. national interests. As a result, the agency was effectively abolished on February 7, 2025.

Following this decision, nearly all of the more than 10,000 employees were laid off, leaving only about 300 staff members to handle remaining administrative tasks. Additionally, the official USAID website (USAID.GOV) was shut down and is no longer accessible.

Do Similar Tax-Funded Agencies Exist in Japan?

Could there be similar tax-dependent organizations in Japan? If vast amounts of taxpayer money are being allocated to unnecessary agencies, a reform similar to that of USAID may also be needed in Japan. Wouldn’t cutting such wasteful expenditures be a welcome change for the public?

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

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#AI #CustomWebDevelopment #CustomerSupport #KidneyTranslplant #PSPINC #WebDevelopment #WebProgramming

Diabetes to Kidney Problem

2月

9日

Here is the English translation of your blog entry:

Yesterday, I shared my story about being diagnosed with diabetes. Today, I’d like to talk about what happened next.

It had been quite some time since I was diagnosed with diabetes, and I believed I was managing it fairly well. However, one day while playing golf, I suddenly became short of breath. I felt dizzy and unsteady. At first, I thought maybe I hadn't eaten enough, but in reality, I was experiencing anemia.

Diabetes causing anemia? I had never heard of such a thing. I went to the hospital, but they couldn’t determine the cause. Eventually, they referred me to a nephrologist. That’s how I ended up visiting the BelleVue Kidney Center in Bellevue, where I met Dr. Phil King. He diagnosed my symptoms as early-stage anemia caused by kidney disease.

To manage the anemia, I started receiving injections of medication, similar to how I had been managing my diabetes. However, it was also at this point that I was told my kidney function was declining. From then on, I had to undergo monthly blood tests and kidney function assessments. By that time, my kidneys were probably functioning at less than 35% of their full capacity.

At one of my checkups, the doctor told me, “If this continues, you will eventually need dialysis.”

Seriously? That had never even crossed my mind. At that point, I didn’t fully understand what dialysis entailed. But one thing was clear—I didn’t want it. The idea of spending hours at the hospital for treatment was something I wanted to avoid at all costs.

So, I continued managing my condition by “tricking” my kidneys while relying on anemia medication. However, it goes without saying that I could no longer live as energetically as before. My kidney function gradually declined to the point where dialysis became inevitable.

Now, I’m beginning to accept the reality that I will eventually need dialysis.

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

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#AI #CustomWebDevelopment #CustomerSupport #KidneyTranslplant #PSPINC #WebDevelopment #WebProgramming

My New Home Office

2月

9日

I've been setting up a home office over the past few days by purchasing various items from Amazon to create a productive work environment, making up for the time I can't be in the office. Today, the setup is finally complete with the arrival of a 28-inch Samsung monitor.

Here’s a picture of my new setup. The biggest change is switching from using my MacBook Air M4's built-in display to this larger external monitor, which has made navigating menus and working much more convenient. Instead of the built-in keyboard, I’m now using an Apple Bluetooth keyboard and a Bluetooth mouse, making the overall experience much more comfortable.

I've also adjusted the monitor settings to display eye-friendly colors, allowing for long working hours without strain. Once everything is properly set up, it naturally boosts my motivation. While I won’t be going to the office, I plan to do as much work as possible from home.

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

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#AI #CustomWebDevelopment #CustomerSupport #PSPINC #WebDevelopment #WebProgramming

New Prescription ... New Like

2月

9日

As a result of the organ transplant, my previous medications are no longer needed, and I have to switch to new ones. I was already taking a lot of medication, but it looks like I will be taking even more from now on.

Since the surgery, my urine production has increased significantly, forcing me to go to the bathroom multiple times during the night. However, it's not just a simple process—I struggle to urinate, and it takes time and effort, which makes me feel like my strength is gradually being drained. Additionally, as of this morning, my weight has dropped by 5.352 kg compared to before the surgery. I haven’t been dieting, but my appetite has decreased, which might be the cause. However, if this continues, I might lose muscle mass as well, so I need to consciously ensure that I consume enough protein.

The road to recovery seems long, but I am determined to push through so that one day, I can look back and say, "I remember those tough times." Please support me as I work toward that day.

Also, ever since the surgery, I’ve had a sore throat and lost my voice. I was told that it’s due to the breathing tube inserted into my airway during the two surgeries. This has been quite tough as well, but I believe I will recover little by little.

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

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#AI #CustomWebDevelopment #CustomerSupport #PSPINC #WebDevelopment #WebProgramming

How to Make Your Website More Widely Known

2月

8日

To make a website more widely known, it is essential to find a way to reach a large audience. When considering how to achieve this, what comes to mind? Advertising, perhaps?

There are various types of advertising, including traditional methods such as newspapers, TV, and radio, as well as modern online ads on platforms like Google, Yahoo!, YouTube, and Facebook. These online advertisements typically operate on a pay-per-click basis, where advertisers pay a fee for each click on their banner ads, directing users to their website. While this method incurs costs similar to traditional advertising, there is no guarantee that the results will directly translate into success.

The Shift Toward Organic Promotion
Recently, instead of spending money on advertisements, many businesses and individuals have taken a different approach—creating their own blogs, websites, social media accounts, or YouTube channels to promote their content. While this approach does not require direct advertising costs, it still demands significant time and effort.

In fact, some companies specialize in these services, offering content creation and promotion for a fee. However, outsourcing promotion may not always be the most exciting or cost-effective option.

Can You Do It All In-House?
I believe it is possible. My company is currently testing this approach. While the growth rate may not be as fast as paid advertising, it certainly delivers results. Since my company is not an advertising agency, I want to establish a system that enables us to offer this kind of support to our clients as well.

Are you interested in this topic? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

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#AI #CustomWebDevelopment #CustomerSupport #PSPINC #WebDevelopment #WebProgramming

How my Diabetes Started.

2月

8日

Here is my photo from 20 years ago. Even now, I look at it and see how bloated I was. I was eating hamburgers, drinking Coca-Cola, drinking Gatorade, and working hard with love for what I did. Then one day, I started feeling extremely thirsty. My mouth was always dry, and I constantly needed something to drink. But water didn’t quench my thirst. I kept Coca-Cola and Gatorade next to my desk, drinking them frequently while working. On top of that, I could no longer eat spicy food at all.

I knew then—I had developed diabetes. So, I went to the hospital, and sure enough, the doctor confirmed it. My blood sugar level was over 350. I realized this was serious, but the doctor prescribed me Metformin, and once I started taking it, my thirst disappeared. It felt as if nothing had ever been wrong. As a result, I continued living the same unhealthy lifestyle while taking the medication. That was the beginning of my life with diabetes. Yet, at the time, I didn’t think of it as the beginning of a diabetic life.

If I had done something at this early stage, things might not have gotten progressively worse. But maybe that was my weakness. No, I don’t think it’s just me—when symptoms disappear, many people tend to believe everything is fine again. Looking back, I probably had other warning signs before reaching this point. But this was 20 years ago, and from here, it took another 15 years for the problems to reach my kidneys. This is the true danger of lifestyle diseases—you don’t feel the symptoms, yet they are silently damaging your body.

I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did. If you start experiencing even minor symptoms or if a doctor warns you that you are prediabetic, take it seriously. Control yourself, hold back, and do everything you can to avoid developing diabetes. But even if it seems difficult, it’s still not too late. Always keep it in mind—it’s a tough battle, but please do your best.

This is the story of how my life with diabetes began. I’m not a health advisor—in fact, I am the very definition of an unhealthy person. That’s why I am only sharing my own mistakes. I don’t want anyone else to make the same ones. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime.

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

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#AI #CustomWebDevelopment #CustomerSupport #PSPINC #WebDevelopment #WebProgramming

Be Healthy

2月

8日

I visited Virginia Mason Hospital for the first time since being discharged. As soon as I arrived, I went to the lab for blood and urine tests, then waited about 30 minutes for my doctor's appointment. The first thing the doctor said to me was, "Congratulations on your new kidney!" I’m still in recovery and haven’t fully grasped the feeling of celebration yet, but it’s definitely something to be grateful for. My kidney is working well—perhaps too well, as I keep running to the bathroom! But even that makes me happy. I can feel excess fluids leaving my body, and my hands even seem a bit wrinkled. But that’s a good thing.

I had been on dialysis for nearly three years, waiting for this day to come. It was impossible to know when it would happen, but as soon as I was told, the very next day, I was in surgery. Because of this, I had to cancel my business trips to Japan in February and April. It was a big expense, but that doesn’t bother me at all.

There are many people like me who were once told they were prediabetic, later developed diabetes, and eventually suffered kidney failure, requiring dialysis and, ultimately, a transplant. Looking back, if I had put in even one-tenth of the effort when I was first diagnosed as prediabetic, I might not have ended up here. Many people today are either prediabetic or have mild diabetes. People often associate diabetes with the risk of limb amputation, but the truly frightening part is how it silently damages vital organs like the kidneys. I was lucky to be given a second chance through a kidney transplant, but this is not something everyone gets.

I am not a health expert, but in a way, I might be an expert in chronic illness. I have experienced diabetes, kidney disease, dialysis, and now a kidney transplant. I sincerely hope that none of you ever have to go through the same thing. That’s why, if there is anything you can do to prevent it, please do. If you can reduce your alcohol intake even slightly or cut back on smoking, please do so. Your future self will thank you.

I never drank alcohol, and I didn’t eat many sweets, yet I still developed diabetes. It was likely due to consuming too many carbohydrates. I truly wish you all good health. Please take care of yourselves. And if you ever want to hear from a health expert, feel free to reach out anytime.

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

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#AI #CustomWebDevelopment #CustomerSupport #PSPINC #WebDevelopment #WebProgramming

Isn't human great!

2月

7日

During my recent kidney transplant, I had the opportunity to see my new kidney with my own eyes. It was about the size of a chicken breast. Looking at it, I thought, "This is a kidney, and it's about to become a part of my body." At that moment, I reflected on the dialysis treatments I had been undergoing due to my failing kidney.

Dialysis is a medical technology that partially replaces the kidney’s function by mechanically filtering the blood. Typically, it requires three sessions per week, each lasting four to five hours. The dialysis machine itself is about the size of two office copiers. Even with such a large device, it can only replicate a small fraction of what this tiny, chicken breast-sized kidney does naturally.

The human body is truly incredible. No matter how advanced AI or computer technology becomes, it still cannot fully replicate the complex functions of the human body. Nature’s power continues to amaze me.

I hope my new kidney functions well and keeps me healthy. Keep up the good work, kidney!

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

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#AI #CustomWebDevelopment #CustomerSupport #PSPINC #WebDevelopment #WebProgramming

Ken Uchikura Newsletter Vol. 323 Pros and Cons of Using a Free Email Services for Business

2月

6日

Pros and Cons of Using a Free Email Services for Business

If you use free email services like Gmail or Yahoo Mail for your small business, it could leave the following impressions:

Positive Impressions

Convenience and Efficiency
Free email services are widely recognized and easy to use. For small businesses, where speed and convenience often take priority, they can be seen as a practical choice.
Cost consciousness
Using free email demonstrates efforts to minimize expenses, which is often understandable for startups and individual entrepreneurs.

Negative Impressions

Lack of Professionalism
Free email accounts are commonly associated with personal use. When used for business, they may give the impression of lacking reliability or seriousness.
Weak Brand Presence
An email address with a custom domain (e.g., info@yourcompany.com) represents your business or brand. In contrast, free email accounts might fail to convey your brand’s identity, leaving an impression that your business is small or not formally established.
Security Concerns
Free email services are sometimes perceived as less secure. For businesses handling customer or confidential information, custom email accounts tend to inspire greater trust.
Risk of Being Flagged as Spam
Emails sent from free email addresses are more likely to get caught in spam filters, increasing the risk of delivery failure.

Tips for Professional Email Practices

Use a Custom Domain Email
Investing in a custom domain email address (e.g., contact@yourcompany.com) enhances your professional image. Although it involves a cost, it significantly improves trust and strengthens your brand identity.
Supplement Free Email Usage
You can use free email as a backup or for personal communication while relying on a custom domain email as your primary business address.
Start Simple with Reliable Hosting Services
By using hosting services like PSPINC, setting up a custom domain email becomes quick and easy. Our Dreamersi service is designed to be user-friendly and cost-effective, making it an excellent option for small businesses.

Conclusion
While free email services offer convenience, custom domain emails are preferable when it comes to business trustworthiness and professionalism. First impressions matter, especially when dealing with new clients, and a small investment in a professional email address can deliver significant returns.

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

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#AI #CustomWebDevelopment #CustomerSupport #PSPINC #WebDevelopment #WebProgramming

Come to Work or Resign

1月

30日

The Trump administration has asked all federal workers (approximately 2,000,000 people) to stop working from home or remotely, or resign. The government expects about 10% (200,000 people) will choose to resign.

I am not a fan of remote work. Here are my reasons:

1. Job Fairness – Some jobs require employees to work outside the home. Why should certain job types allow some people to work remotely while others cannot?

2. Security Concerns – Remote work increases exposure to security risks, making sensitive information more vulnerable.

3. Improved Communication – Communication is more than just exchanging words; in-person interactions foster better understanding and collaboration.

4. Fewer Distractions – The workplace has fewer home-related distractions, leading to increased productivity.

5. Demonstration of Commitment – Being physically present at work shows dedication and engagement.

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#AI #CustomWebDevelopment #CustomerSupport #PSPINC #WebDevelopment #WebProgramming