JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
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- Corporate Business English Trainers
- ACT Systems, Inc.（株式会社アクト・システムズ）, Tokyo
- Salary: ¥269,500 ~ ¥280,000 / Month
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- English Instructor (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe)
- Berlitz Japan, Inc. (ベルリッツ・ジャパン株式会社), Kansai
- Salary: ¥125,000 ~ ¥250,000 / Month
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- FT English Teachers for Kids - Osaka
- Kohgakusha Co., Ltd. （株式会社興学社）, Osaka
- Salary: ¥255,000 ~ ¥275,000 / Month Travel Expenses, Encouragement of Japanese learning*
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BeaverCleaver
"Furthermore, there is nothing in this article I see that signals bias or poor scientific protocol."
The overly broad definition of what is being called homosexual behavior indicates bias to me. It looks to me like they are doing anything they can to prove homosexuality in nature, even going so far as to imply that two animal blokes or two animal lasses pairing up to do most anything is homosexual behavior. That smells like a bias to me, and the bias seems to aimed at justifying homosexual marriage and child rearing. What other reason is there for such nonsense?
I was thinking more along the lines of an educated guess. I have offered very few absolutes here. I use words like "I think" and "I believe" and "smells like" very liberally for a good reason. That reason is, I have no proof. I see no proof in that article either, not about what we are speaking of anyway, and that is the question of whether homosexuality exists in nature.
My observations are more limited to domesticated animals which makes it good, but not the best method of observation. But my experience is extensive for someone not actually employed in any sector related to domestic animals. I have seen lots of homosexual behavior among many various farm animals and pets, but nothing to make me think that any animal was truly gay. But how could you know that anyway? I have heard some pet owners declare that their pets are gay. They might be correct. But just because a pet did not react to a female the way they expected does make the pet gay. No man would know what to do with a female if he had never seen one either, and that is the situation most pets are in. Some dogs think they are people and shun other dogs because they never got to socialize with dogs when young.
Posted in: US church creates stir with gay exorcism video
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BeaverCleaver
TheGeneral, you seem pretty bitter about this. I am sorry if my tone set you off.
"As for me, I'm not a scientist so I don't comment ignorantly on scientific findings. I rely on other experts to review and test them. That's how good science works."
Just by virtue of being a scientist it does not make their science sound and not their definitions either. I suggest you be more skeptical. There are plenty of people in the field of science who simply have no business being there. Just a general understanding of how few people out there have truly scientific minds compared to the number of people claiming to be scientists should tip you off to that.
"If cherry-picking means "reading and comprehending the entire article" to you, then I'm guilty as charged."
The article does not support the man's claim, except for the parenting claim, which is not homosexuality. I don't know why you can't see that.
As for digging up the actual reseach, I have to say that it smells so biased at this point, that I have no interest. I agree with the conclusion that homosexuality can be found in the animal kingdom often enough, but their method of proving that seems very off at this point. It looks like a long road leading the destination called "disappointment". I am not interested in taking that road.
Posted in: US church creates stir with gay exorcism video
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BeaverCleaver
teleprompter-"Gosh Beav, ya do a real good impersonation of a American ya do."
Thank you! I used to be one. (technically I still am.) Unfortunately, I cannot compliment your impression of an American, so I will just not say anything more about it. But I will suggest that inventing a home state might help make it more beleivable. See Taka's post.
Posted in: Minnesota court rules for Franken in Senate fight
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BeaverCleaver
Taka313: "I'm a native Minnesotan "
Sioux?
Posted in: Minnesota court rules for Franken in Senate fight
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BeaverCleaver
Al Franken calls a spade a spade. Doesn't he know you are supposed to politely kowtow to ridiculous lies for the sake of Repbulican group harmony? Doesn't he know that lies have many purposes, such as making the clever liars rich while giving us social problems to wrangle over and wars to fight? Because without the wrangling and the wars, what fun would our lives be? Without oppressing someone, how could we feel the joy of feeling superior to someone out there, at least? How could we feel the joy of getting something over on someone? Al Franken does not understand these things. He is not Republican. Next thing you know, he might be suggesting America do something about its oil dependency, nixing the prospect of future wars, manipulation of foreign countries, and prospects for some to grow rich while others die and we wipe blood from our hands.
He is not much of a leader. But that is ok. I don't want a leader. I want someone who is fair and honest, something the really good leaders are not. I can lead and think for myself. I am not Republican.
Posted in: Minnesota court rules for Franken in Senate fight
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BeaverCleaver
VOR-"Al Franken, the face of the Democratic Party. The clown of clowns."
Humor seems to increase intelligence. A lot of right wingers really should look into it.
I read his book "Lies and Lying Liars" and the guy seems to be very fair and very balanced right from the start, which are two things the right just cannot tolerate. As such, I guess he won't make much of a leader, because he does not manipulate or prod people or tell them what to do and think. Dumb people on the left need those things whether they like it or not, and it seems even more of the base Republicans do because they just don't have the capacity to think rationally very much or to lead themselves. They also think everything is a barter and you have to start from unfairness to get a deal.
I like Franken. He is a lot like me in the way he thinks. I can tell you that I wish those absentee ballots would have been counted if they were not, even if it meant Franken lost. A Republican would no doubt call that "weak" when it is in fact just "fair" and what people who believe in democracy do. Republicans are always just looking for a fight, and always support their side no matter how wrong they may be.
But its all too late now. We know few Republicans, and probably not many Democrats either (but just as tit for tat I think) would worry about those absentee ballots unless they were shown to have lost the election, of course. But its too long to go without a senator. The absentee ballots should have been counted a long time ago. Too late now.
Give the seat to Franken, and its nothing to do with the fact I like him. I am not Republican.
Posted in: Minnesota court rules for Franken in Senate fight
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BeaverCleaver
Flatearther, there were no flaws in my post.
"So your implication that homosexuality is only practiced by rejected males is wholly mistaken."
I never implied that. I offered three separate reasons why an animal did not mate.
I believe there are plenty of gay animals, and it seems to be a completely reasonable statement. Its just going to be hard to find actual proof of gayness. Assorted homosexual and homogender behaviors are not enough to proof actual gayness.
Posted in: US church creates stir with gay exorcism video
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BeaverCleaver
TheGeneral-"I guess it's useless if you're going to cherry-pick the article and respond with a pitiful analogy."
Actually, it was you who cherry picked. The article did nothing to back up the claim of homosexual mounting and courtship being common, and those are key to this issue. I might agree that it is, but the article does not back it up except for one reseacher declaring that it is in the statement you cherry picked. As this is a researcher talking, I would expect more to back it up, or think him biased for his lack of supporting evidence. My pitiful analogy was the same type of analogy featured in the article in that it did not back up the topic.
But even proving the courship and mounting does necessarily prove dedicated homosexual behavior, which is to be truly gay. Those are why I found the article to be useless, at least for factual and supporting purposes. But I suppose it does have value if you are trying to get the anti-gay pro-exorcism crowd to just lighten up by telling them something positive. Its not my way. I just want the facts.
Posted in: US church creates stir with gay exorcism video
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BeaverCleaver
Pump24-"But I worked several years as a parole/probation officer and saw first-hand the toll drugs take on the user, and the eventual victims. Stupidity is trying a drug for the first time."
Stupitidy is changing the subject. This does nothing to prove the gateway drug theory, and this is what you were called on. All you have done is throw an emotional appeal in and its not even related. Its a red herring and an awful method of discussion.
"But THC is a gateway drug---ask the majority of meth, cocaine, heroin users what their first drug was and they will say Pot."
...even though it was probably alcohol. You are not the only one confused about the issue. Even the users themselves are confused.
"And do not confuse alcohol with controlled substances---few drug addicts are alcoholics, and vice versa. "
Few morphine addicts are cocaine addicts too. Addicts tend to be addicted to only one drug, but have probably tried a few.
Yabits has rightly told you have things backwards. Your logic is like saying that all illegal racers got their start on street legal vehicles. No doubt. But the significant point is that most people who drive cars do not become illegal racers. Eliminating street legal cars will most likely spell the end of illegal racing. But why hold everyone to the standard of a few rotten apples? Its bull. But why am I not surprised an ex-probation/parole officer is falling into the logical fallacy of the gateway drug theory? I think its because it justifies the silly act of arresting people for marijuana possession is why.
Posted in: Should marijuana use be legalized?
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BeaverCleaver
dano2002-" most animals think of two things; food and sex. at a zoo they get both. so, while it make take them out of natural habitat they at least get to live their lives with their most important requirements. "
The food is a given. The sex is not. And whatever the animals may actually be "thinking" about, there are more requirements to leading a healthy happy life than just two that might be on an animal's mind most of the time.
I have seen footage of animals in the wild that was amazingly awesome! They beat the zoo hands down. Sometimes it was like the animal was right in your lap with the close-ups. You get to see them do what amazing things they really do, instead of doing the stir-crazy things they do in the zoo. And the TV never smells like an animal that has been rolling in his own feces and urine for weeks.
Petting zoos with domesticated animals can be ok though. But they are usually lacking as well.
Posted in: One zoo to avoid
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BeaverCleaver
flatearther, it is odd that you have taken issue with my post, yet written the exact same things I was talking about! Odd, and most annoying. Please read my post again. I cannot even be bothered to explain your mistakes as you did not even read carefully.
TheGeneral, that link is useless. Same sex pairing is not gay nor homosexual. A presidental hopeful and a vice-presidental hopeful is usually a same-sex pairing, as in two guys joining forces to accomplish a goal. Nothing surprising about that unless you do not realize that "sex" means "gender".
Two male penguins teaming up to take care of an egg are not gay unless one tries to mount the other. Its not love for eachother, at least not most of the time, its a sense of duty toward the egg.
Posted in: US church creates stir with gay exorcism video
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BeaverCleaver
The fetish begins as nothing more than an opportunity I think. Everybody drops their pants when they pee, so that is a chance to get a peek. I think it usually goes from there, with associations made with sex and toilet issues. Yet another fetish sprung directly out of sexual repression for the most part if you ask me.
I agree with others that this was probably more a business venture than self-gratification.
Posted in: Teacher, wife busted for filming women in toilet 'just for fun'
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BeaverCleaver
The most amazing thing about LIBERTAS' post is that I cannot decide what side he is on. Is ranting against child sex abuse or trying to promote it? Just like the numbers on this child porn ring, he seems to be telling us how popular this is. And just when you thought it was safe to be completely reactionary about this
Posted in: Swiss police uncover international child pornography ring
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BeaverCleaver
2000 people in 78 countries and just one ring? Either someone is inflating their numbers or something along those lines, in order to show what a great job they are doing, or else child porn is a whole lot more popular than we thought!
smithinjapan- "and child-pornography needs to be stopped and wiped out completely."
Aiming for impossible goals often yeilds bad results, such as getting the exact opposite of what you intended. This war on child porn has been going on about as long as any other modern war on illegal activity. What can be done has been done and I think the law of diminishing returns has taken hold. But if you are a corrections officer or lawyer or judge or an interest group champion fund sucker, there is everything to gain by pushing this more by such actions as inflating numbers and expanding the definitions of what child porn is and what a child sex offender is and driving punishments through the roof.
Posted in: Swiss police uncover international child pornography ring
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BeaverCleaver
Label a man a stalker, provide scant details, and watch people come toting pitchforks and shotguns. Being as he burnt the house down, it looks like he really was a stalker. But before that, what evidence is there? She reported him, for what we don't know. Maybe nothing but spite. The police warned him, and I would say that is appropriate. Most stalkers are going to stop there, people being people. But then he sends a slanderous letter. Oh my! If slanderous posts were stalking and a jailable offense, there would be maybe three or four members left here at Japan Today.
Ladies and Gentleman, get real. Minority Report was just a movie. The police used to be inept about this, but they are now on the ball about as much as is possible, and that is not much. If you have a stalker, you have to deal with it. The police cannot wipe everyone's bottom til its sterile.
Anyway, poetic justice. Too bad the woman and daughter lost all their stuff.
Posted in: Stalker dies after setting woman's house on fire in Wakayama
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BeaverCleaver
Thankfully, one brush with the law and most people do not repear their crimes. This one fell through the cracks it looks like.
What Japan really needs is course in school on how to meet women, date them, and get them to willingly go to love hotel with you. Those things sometimes seem like arcane knowledge here.
And give the good citizen who nabbed him a medal please.
Posted in: Transport ministry employee arrested for groping woman on train
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BeaverCleaver
Molenir- "The difference is of course, that homosexuality, is between consenting adults, and thus, not harmful to anyone but those who choose to engage in that behavior."
That is what is said now. Used to be, they burned homosexuals at the stake. They did not find them so harmless or curable then. What changed? Oh yeah! Feeble attempts by people of faith to understand science, that is what happened.
Homosexuality is not a disorder. That is because human sexuality is a product of our intelligence, which can lead us in directions Mother Nature did not intend. I would imagine homosexuality is common enough in the animal kingdom, especially among the more intelligent primates. But how to prove that? Did the animal not mate because its gay, or was beaten out, or was not accepted by a female? I am no expert, but I would bet their are plenty of gay bonobos. They get up to a lot of sexual monkey business and even the supposedly straight ones do a lot of gay acts. Some of them would have to be truly gay.
But it is fashionable these days to push the border between individual personality and disorder further toward disorder. The main reason seems to be the potential for profits from drugs and other treatments. True believers in this border change are less common than those who just quietly acquiese. Or so I hope.
Posted in: US church creates stir with gay exorcism video
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BeaverCleaver
I am not homosexual, but I am a supporter of their rights. We should thank this gang of idiots for doing more to support the homosexual cause than any argument in their favor. I know its not what they intended with posting a video of the exorcism, but its what they accomplished. Talk about shooting your own foot!
Posted in: US church creates stir with gay exorcism video
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BeaverCleaver
DickMorris-"The guy paid millions of USD to a kid to avoid child abuse charges. How can anyone mourn such an immoral guy? The world has gone crazy."
The case was closed due to lack of evidence. A little reading suggests the charges were entirely bogus. The boy in question first made the allegation after his father gave him illegal drugs. Even so, its hard for a celebrity to fight such charges, even when the kid's own father is doping him up. What was the father's complaint again?
I think people might appreciate Jackson for his extensive charity work. He opened the Heal the World Foundation and co-wrote "We are the World" with Lionel Ritchie. But all that charity and attempts to bring joy to children like he himself never had all fall by the wayside when one solitary drug addled child makes a nasty allegation, even if unproven, right? Yes, the world has gone crazy!
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BeaverCleaver
Madverts: "Here in France the headscarf is associated with Islam, right or wrong."
Was Jackie O. a Muslim? Her and other non-Muslim women often wear head scarves.
I am afraid I don't see your point at all. It some burqua or head scarf clad Muslim woman running for a parliament seat? It seems to me Sarkozy was on about ordinary people wearing them on their own private time, not people making government decisions.
Posted in: Sarkozy says burqas are 'not welcome' in France