Wednesday February 15, 2012

Azrael's past comments

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    Azrael

    Just a customer's idea: "yes" or "no" questions should come with a poll. Or go in the poll section.

    By the way, we had a similar question of the day a week ago. As I said then, I think yes, people who overflow from one seat into the next seats do need an extra seat; not only because of their bodily volume, but also because of their own comfort and health. They should sit on front rows also, where if they have health problems (heart attack, diabetic shock, or other) the attendants could remove them from their seats quickly in order to give them assistance.

    If someone is too obese to go on Economy class and their body volume does not fit a single Economy seat, they could be made to pay the extra money to change their seat to an Business Class seat instead. That is I think, a cheaper, temporal option for airlines rather than enlarging the Economy seats of their whole fleet, which in the end allows less passengers in Economy and represents a loss for the company and more expensive Economy Class tickets for the whole of the passengers who travel in Economy Class for... economic reasons.

    A studio could be made to determine the ratio of obese passengers who need a second seat vs passengers who don't. Then the front rows for example, could be changed to bigger seats. However, there's always the risk that the ratio of obese passengers surpasses the amount of enlarged seats that would fit in the space for front rows seats... but it's an option. In any case, the obese passengers face a looming fate of being classified, sorted out for being obese and be treated differently (yet yes, with respect but different needs call for different solutions, not always pleasant). Would that be a sort of discrimination? Maybe. However, it would also keep the right the smaller-sized passengers have to travel as comfortably as they can afford (and actually paid for).

    As for being weighed at the airport... Maybe curtains will do.

    Posted in: Should overweight people be required to pay for an extra seat on planes?

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    Azrael

    I have seen no proof on paper, but miss He (one of the Chinese gymnasts) looks like a preteen girl. She could easily be 14 years old, among Asian girls. The lipsing incident sadly gives way to further suspicions. Allegedly there are cached Internet websites (copies of websites that remain stored as references in many internet search sites, which the admin of the original site cannot delete or cannot even know about how many copies exist) in Chinese about the age of miss He in previous contests, which were deleted but whose copies remain on the internet. That is possible. The simple fact that this is possible, adding the childish looks of He and the precedent of lipsing give way to suspicion. That is undeniable. What is questionable is, if such facts may be accepted as truth. The stain will remain, regardless if there was cheating about He's age or not.

    The listings found by Associated Press (Earlier this month, the AP found registration lists previously posted on the Web site of the General Administration of Sport of China that showed both He and Yang were too young to compete) apparently were found through the cached copies I have described, which where impossible to delete when removed from the Web site of the General Administration of Sport of China. Nothing is ever fully deleted, regarding digital documents. However none of the parties have presented a strong, official case.

    Given the usual history of denial to save face inherent to cultures such as Chinese and Japanese, it is unlikely that even confronted with proof the Chinese officials would backpedal. Besides, it would be a great shame for China to be found cheating like this on the Olympics and worse, while being the host country. Given this, I don't think there is a real possibility of cooperation in investigation of any sort, because even if the Chinese officials are correct, the simple stain of suspicion is too much to bear for China at present. Due to present economic and geopolitical reasons, I do not think the IOC would be officially backed to pursue an in-depth investigation.

    To summarize, it is unlikely that this case will be solved, and the shadow of suspicion will remain on He and the others for the rest of their lives.

    Posted in: IOC asks for investigation of China's gymnasts

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    Azrael

    What does the girl's virginity has to do with this? The fact is, the man who got involved with her (a minor, nonetheless) committed a crime according to Japanese laws. Worse even, being a government's employee, he should have known the risk he was taking. In that context, the girl's virginity is completely irrelevant.

    Posted in: Agricultural Ministry employee arrested for having sexual relations with high school girl in Kanagawa

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    Azrael

    About the Kobe earthquake, I have been told by architects who were there both dealing with shelter provisions for the people and emergency measures for important cultural property buildings damaged in the earthquake that the Yakuza showed up yes, but their "help" was a careful publicity stunt. The Yakuza chose a few spots, created a few grateful "witnesses," and had photographs taken as "proof." It was all psychological strategy, not real help.

    Long history or not, Yakuza are a social more, organized delinquents and a threat to society, specially to small merchants and people victim of Yakuza loan sharks, funeral services, sex slavery of foreign and local prostitutes, and so forth. I am guessing this "misunderstanding" by foreign Media this article alludes to means, the Yakuza are less dangerous and more helpful than Mafia, Chinese Triads and others, overseas. That is certainly untrue. Every large criminal organization is that: a criminal organization. It exploits, harms, maims and kills the weaker people. Considering the Yakuza has ties with the police and is semi-protected by the Japanese government, yes I'd say they are as bad as any Mafia anywhere; even if they are more on the brute force side than on the intelligence and information wars side.

    Posted in: Yakuza 'misunderstood' by foreign media

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    Azrael

    The apparent absence of breasts in the front cover illustration coupled with the "on the other hand, the lives of his wife and his mother, who supported him with stoic resignation, even to the extent of finally volunteering to be used as guinea pigs in his experiments" line in the review together make a disturbing description for this book... Then the anesthetic going wrong just crowns the art piece. It gave me the shivers!

    Posted in: The Doctor's Wife

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    Azrael

    I also agree with the self-victimization theory. It's very much like jilted lovers killing themselves to "punish" the one who rejected them. Such suicides are a form of revenge which is usually, ineffective. Life goes on without them, regardless. People adapt and change. Probably, the kid wanted to "punish" not only the teachers, but the ones who denounced him and maybe his parents.

    Posted in: 16-year-old high school student commits suicide after meeting teachers over online insults

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    Azrael

    Life is not about being kawaii. I admire those athletes. They are putting mind and body into a task not many could achieve.

    Article Unavailable

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    Azrael

    nisegaijin at 05:00 PM JST - 10th August: as usual, it's the beijing olympics where the only participant is Nippon.

    EXACTLY! Where's Japanese sporting spirit? They just won't broadcast any other countries events, only those vs Japan; that is DISAPPOINTING, to say the least. At the FIFA World Cup we didn't have this problem, and I could watch on TV most of the games, regardless Japan was a competitor or not. One of my friends has suggested, the ONLY JAPAN MATTERS broadcast style is a Japanese nationalistic reaction to China hosting the games. I guess she may be right.

    Posted in: What do you think of the TV coverage of the Olympics so far?

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    Azrael

    Spot on, Freespeech.

    This article seems to be based on hearsay. I still fail to see the connection between the article and Catholics in Japan as a group, what is exactly their relation (if there's any at all) to Shinto, Yasukuni and what's the relevance of their participation (if there's any participation at all). How many Catholics as a formal group visit Yasukuni? Do they bring the Vatican flag or any formal representation? Some historic and verifiable background would add credibility and perhaps some point to this article.

    Posted in: The Catholic Church and Yasukuni shrine

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    Azrael

    As both fuel prices and airfare soar like rockets, the issue of people taking two spaces and yet paying for one will have to be addressed. I guess it will only be squarely addressed once unavoidable, which is once airfare becomes a luxury.

    I am petite, around 5' and on a healthy weight. I am not bone-thin and yet I get plenty of room to move in an economy class seat. There's been one occasion when I was on a flight from the US to Narita, I was sitting on the window seat in a three-seats row, and the man in the middle seat overflowed to both my seat and the lady's sitting on the aisle. That was most awful. He was very uncomfortable as well (he couldn't even open his seat's tray, his body pressed against the seat in front of him) and every time I had to go out, both the lady and he had to -leave- their seats. He was like, twice or more my volume. If he would have got himself two seats, that lady and I wouldn't have to spend 13 hours in Purgatory.

    Talk about HIS comfort and safety, as well. What if he would have choked on something, have a heart attack or fainted? If I was suffocating at times, how did he feel squished into that space? It would have been impossible to remove him from his seat to give him aid! I think that, at least, clinically obese people should be put in front rows. There's more leg space AND it'd be easier to take care of them if any accident should occur to them. I think clinically obese people should be prepared to buy a second seat. Maybe they could be offered a discount, or be charged an extra to go on business class; but in any case they shouldn't be allowed to seat in a single seat on economy class - not only because they put great discomfort on long haul flights (or any flights) adjacent passengers, but because of their very own safety.

    Anyone with a difficult medical condition is usually prepared against it when taking a long trip; well just as stocking medications, getting a second seat in the case of the clinically obese comes just as a need, not a luxury or a punishment. They NEED that additional seat, and that is all. Travel agencies should "suggest" and gently "warn" the clinically obese to purchase a second seat, under warning that if they refuse they might be requested to buy one at the check in counter or else, be unable to board the plane if the flight is full.

    Posted in: How airlines deal with 'customers of size'

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    Azrael

    I think he fainted and needs help, but all the photographer thought to do was to take a photo of this man's distress and walk away with his loot.

    Posted in: Sleeping

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    Azrael

    Is it my imagination, or is this article squarely putting the blame for sex crimes on women? This is blatant sexism, and it's not professional reporting.

    Men have brains and are not simple instinct-based animals with definite mating seasons, by the way. It's the very first time I hear the smell of perspiration is enticing. Off with deodorants? Please.

    Posted in: Sex crimes rising with thermometer

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    Azrael

    I think Japan is not part of the West, nor geopolitically or geographically speaking. As others have mentioned, the "West" is formed of countries with Latin background - more specifically, countries with European roots and which once were (or are) eminently Christian countries. The cultural ties between them are the primary base for their geopolitical association.

    Japan, shortly before and after being forced open to the Western influences in the 19th Century, actively imported Western know-how and customs. It is important to realize that Asia was colonized by the West and thus Japan perceived fellow Asian countries as "inferior" (yet the historical reasons for Japan's recent contempt for Asia even after being itself a subject to China and having imported Chinese writing, Buddhism, laws and literature when Prince Shotoku turned Japan into an advanced nation in the 7th Century). Japanese education system for example, was a German import. The silk-processing factories (France) and other engineering processes came from Europe. Japanese changed their household habits to adapt those of Europeans including dress and architecture. Japanese aristocrats actively married Western ladies of standing, and sought mainly European husbands for their children. The contempt for Asia reached a peek with the "liberation campaign" (WWII) Japan unleashed on Asia. After being defeated, Japan never "returned" fully to its Asian roots. Japan, shielded from angry Asia by the United States, developed postwar Japan as a subject to the United States and actively keeps up with US policies. However, none of this ever made Japan a "Western" nation; and it did not because of the cultural definitions. Japanese culture was never assimilated or blended into Western cultures. In other words: Japan is a family friend, but not a family member.

    Even within the West there are smaller definitions where not all countries fit. For example, in the case of 9/11 the West was consternated to see how the US had been stricken, but that the reaction was quite different from Romance language nations when Spain's railways suffered the Madrid bombing by terrorists. In every Latin American country, street demonstrations and Media outrage were unleashed in a proportion unseen in 9/11. This does not mean a rift, but a part of the West the US could never call itself a part of.

    To summarize, it is not possible to force a cultural association without a common background which is strong enough and runs deeper than political ties. Japan does not need to be part of the "West" to be a modern and advanced nation. In fact, Westernization of Japan would mean assimilation of its Asian culture into the West's, and in terms of cultural heritage I think that would be most unwise. Japan should strengthen ties to both worlds, East and West; Japan has a unique opportunity to be a bridge. However Japan must also fix its ties with Asia beyond patches and half-hearted politics, starting with writing a History compilation in association with Asian countries which were accepted by all of them and even ratified (and protected) by law in each of the concerning Asian nations including Japan.

    That's only my opinion, though.

    Posted in: In the world of geopolitics, do you think of Japan as part of the West?

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    Azrael

    blauereiter: Correction noted. Thanks for your comments!

    Article Unavailable

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    Azrael

    • For a Westerner, such a phenomenon is hard to see

    Article Unavailable

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    Azrael

    I have a bold theory!

    Japanese as a whole are eminently exclusive towards foreigners, but at the same time there is a particular liking to "foreign" looks, mainly Caucasian. If you look at movies and advertising posters from the 19th Century, also 1920's and onwards in Japan, it is easy to see the ladies yet clad in kimonos (1920's and 1930's mainly) their faces were clearly taking after European facial features of the time. Remember the concept of beauty has changed ever since. Plumper, rounded-faced women were the norm in posters. Even later on, there is the example of the national obsession with Audrey Hepburn (petite, thin, with large eyes, straight nose and frail frame) whose style still greatly influences Japanese formal dress and female suits for those who can afford it; also hairdo and pearl strings like hers still are fashionable in Japan.

    Anime as well; from early works to present day, the faces have changed from definite Japanese features to more decidedly Caucasian features; not only hair color, large eyes and long, lanky bodies; but also the faces themselves.

    Japanese as a nation are reluctant to accept foreigners, as we all know. Yes, many of us have close friends and excellent acquaintances; but still even well-meaning Japanese draw a recognizable line between the pure bred and Hafu, Nikkei and Nissei; even progressive Japanese who call Hafu kids "Double" to highlight a multicultural child has broader heritage and is not "Half" human or anything, make the distinction. Japanese of mixed heritage with a Caucasian or just Western background on the other hand, please the Japanese fashion eye because they mix Japanese physique with Caucasian physique. They may be discriminated from almost imperceptible to high levels in different groups and situations, but in the world of fashion they are everywhere in posters and ads. Even Jero, whose grandmother was Japanese, may claim part of this phenomenon. Luckily for him, he can actually sing. In summary, people of mixed descent including Japanese blood have a likely chance of sparking higher visual interest in Japan because of their mixed traits.

    That is the case of Leah Dizon. She has a mix of Caucasian European, American and Japanese blood, which appeal to the Japanese people. If she can sing and perform, this only enhances the fascination. For a Westerner, such a phenomenon is hard to seem because she is "Not Japanese," just "American;" but for her handlers, her visual and psychological value resides in her blood mix, not in herself.

    Article Unavailable

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    Azrael

    Why is the photo so small? I'd like a larger photo n.n;.

    Posted in: Gov't gives foreign cosplayers official welcome

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    Azrael

    "Women asserting their sexuality" and "women confident about their bodies" are most of the time slogans of advocates of street soft porn. Assertive and confident women are the less likely to wear skimpy clothing, because they don't need to prove anything to anyone. That's what being confident is about. Comfort and elegance, poise and decency are on the other hand, the signature of a confident woman.

    I am guessing some details are missing in this article. I cannot speak from my own experience because I suspect people stare at me regardless of what I decide to wear simply because I am different (aka, a foreigner). Revealing too much may not only be skin, but the way in which that skin is shown. I do agree showing underwear is most distasteful. Translucent camisoles (as the article states those who are supposed to be underwear), bra straps and panties showing are simply and crass vulgar. There are garments which being lighter are not offensive and are great for summer. Shouldn't I know? I am from a tropical country and women there do know how to look stylish in the heat while keeping cool and tidy. I can only suppose it's the manner of wear, not the skin showing, which appears offensive from Japanese women's part here in Japan.

    Posted in: Young women’s summer fashions show too much, poll reveals

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    Azrael

    I NEED a Superman T-shirt like that kid's! >.>!

    Article Unavailable

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    Azrael

    Zen_Builder hit it right on the head when he said, "you also need to learn the culture in order to understand the language." That's the most basic an explanation can get.

    Regarding the fable that kanji gives "deeper" meaning to Japanese language, that depth stops at context. It is true some kanji may individually express several unrelated meanings, but the ability to communicate aims to express specific ideas; yes, with some wit,, flare, double-meaning, sarcasm and slang; but in every case you could hardly find more than two meanings to a given sentence within its own context.

    Latin based languages, for example. Every word has a basic root, which carries several meanings. Suffixes, prefixes, and complementary particles form every variation of words in Latin based languages. In that, it could be said that because words have roots in Latin based languages, the language itself has a deeper meaning. In the case of every language on Earth, the "deeper" meaning applied to isolated words simple fallacy. Languages aim to communicate feeling, knowledge and concepts efficiently. Finding out that some texts are not exactly shallow is like rediscovering lukewarm water. Every language and every culture have philosophers, historians, poets. I think the sole fact that such thinkers were able to express themselves in the living tongues of this planet is more than sufficient proof that such languages are efficient at transmitting deeper meaning. The deeper meaning is in the way a sentence is built, not in the separate characters that conform it.

    Posted in: No substitute for human touch in translating

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