Beelzebub said...

Beelzebub at 08:01 AM JST - 14th May

I don't recall offhand, but "Combat" was one of the most popular imported shows in the old black and white TV era (NHK satellite still shows re-runs) and I think Rick Jason made several publicity trips to Japan. But TV in those days seldom used subtitles, partly, I think, because…

Posted in 'What are Nazis?' Today's kids can't handle movie subtitles at 08:01 AM JST - 14th May
Beelzebub at 07:49 AM JST - 14th May

The correct response to the question, "What are Nazis?" is, of course, that they are one of a select number of perennial movie villains whose badness is immediately evident and who are essentially immune from assaults of political correctness. Also the original players fully dressed the part, with monocle, riding…

Posted in 'What are Nazis?' Today's kids can't handle movie subtitles at 07:49 AM JST - 14th May
Beelzebub at 11:02 PM JST - 12th May

Although Tokyoites go to great efforts to ignore one another, I revel in scaring the bejesus out of them at every possible opportunity, addressing them heartily in their own language whenever I see them engaging in thoughtless, self-absorbed behavior. (Which is often.) \

They must realize they have truly created…

Posted in Should Japanese language ability be a factor in determining the maximum length of stay on visas for foreigners? at 11:02 PM JST - 12th May
Beelzebub at 10:30 PM JST - 23rd April

I liked that remark about farting on the birthday cake. This is sophisticated criticism and definitely deserves further scientific investigation. Would it blow out the candles, or set off an explosion?

Posted in Japan’s best-known novelist fails to deliver—again at 10:30 PM JST - 23rd April
Beelzebub at 11:38 AM JST - 23rd April

Japan residents should know about this (from Debito's website)

WHAT TO DO IF... ...you are asked for your passport number at a hotel, despite having an address in Japan.

http://www.debito.org/whattodoif.html#refusedhotel

Posted in Nagano hotel association told to check foreign guest IDs ahead of torch relay at 11:38 AM JST - 23rd April
Beelzebub at 12:34 PM JST - 22nd April

Hey, good timing. The Chinese are so busy rampaging against the Mayor of Paris, Carrefours and CNN that they're too distracted to notice.

Posted in 62 lawmakers visit Yasukuni Shrine at 12:34 PM JST - 22nd April
Beelzebub at 10:17 AM JST - 20th April

This is sad. I think we are looking at the makings of a permanent underclass.

Posted in Arrears of public high school fees totaled Y439 million in FY 2006 at 10:17 AM JST - 20th April
Beelzebub at 09:56 AM JST - 20th April

I believe there are university sociologists at this very moment researching a thesis to prove that people who consume corn dogs, big macs and other varieties of western junk food are more likely to commit violent crimes than those who eat rice balls produced with umeboshi and other home-grown ingredients.…

Posted in British chef of restaurant to be used during G-8 summit held for assault at 09:56 AM JST - 20th April
Beelzebub at 09:47 AM JST - 17th April

And media outlets like this one certainly don't help...so be careful about what you read.

desune, are you attacking the message or the messenger? An article advising people to take a few common-sense precautions isn't quite as extreme as the kind of fear-mongering that drives them to sleep with a…

Posted in Young women lax on security at home at 09:47 AM JST - 17th April
Beelzebub at 03:58 PM JST - 16th April

They used to make good ones, I recall. Basically an affiliate of Panasonic.

Posted in JVC to withdraw from domestic TV business at 03:58 PM JST - 16th April