My name is Kyle Thompson, I hold a BA (Hons.) in Asian Language and Culture from the University of British Columbia, and a MA in Communication from Simon Fraser University.
The Other Spiral is a blog that offers a Left perspective on current events. You will find my thoughts and editorials here, as well as links to news I found interesting and/or useful.
The title of the blog comes from a comment by Nick Dyer-Witheford:
“To speak of the circulation of the commons is to propose process in which eco-social labour and networked commons each reinforce and enable the other: in which the common goods and services generated by associations at one point in the circuit provide inputs and resources for associations at another.”
In this view the expansion of the commons would take a spiral form similar, but antagonistic to the one taken by capital – it would represent an alternative social spiral. By participating in the networked commons I hope this blog will help to perpetuate that other spiral process.
The Other Spiral 
Kyle, I did not know how else to reach you with a question. I apologize for writing a reply of this nature on your about page. You are the only person from the left I know with current knowledge of Japan. Do you happen to know if there is an English translation of the book of letters called “Love is like a Shower of Stars” by this Hotsumi Ozaki written while he was imprisoned: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotsumi_Ozaki. I am “desperate” for an English translation asap. I have seen one or two small excerpts in English, but I have had no luck finding the whole book. Thank you for your consideration, and as always for your excellent work of solidarity at this blog.
Francisco, it seems that unfortunately a full English translation of the letters has not been published. While there is an English title, this seems to only be a translation of the Japanese title “愛情はふる星のごとく” and not an actual title of a published volume. I’m sorry I couldn’t find anything for you.
It is very kind of you to try and to reply. I’m grateful. I do so wish I could read the letters. Maybe one day! In the meantime, thank you so much.