Debbie Itabashi's past comments

  • -1

    Debbie Itabashi

    Got it 57.375 mph....

    Posted in: Strong winds hit Kanto region, causing transport delays

  • -1

    Debbie Itabashi

    Ok... Need a bit of math help here... 25.2 meters per second would be what for miles per hour??

    Posted in: Strong winds hit Kanto region, causing transport delays

  • 0

    Debbie Itabashi

    I have 2 cats... I have full pet bottles in my kitchen, entry way and other places. My cats like to like the bottles, when there is condensation on them. Doesnt keep them away from any spot I have them in. .... But then again my cats are strange... They like to take a bath in the tub. If they dont do that frequently enough... They play with the toilets bum wash spray - like a shower.

    Posted in: Keeping cats away

  • 0

    Debbie Itabashi

    Tell me when, where and why I should be shocked and surprised. All I can really do is drop my head, sway it back and forth in disgust - concerning how this whole this has been handled - not controlled - by the ones that should have a clue about something that went wrong.

    People will look back (in a not so close future) and pin point these 2 years as the area that started the mess they are in then.

    Posted in: Nuclear Regulation Authority scraps reactor stress tests

  • 0

    Debbie Itabashi

    To me... The list reminded me of 14-17 year olds... When the voice is dropping, body oder is sort of leveling off - so the fabric softener starts to stand out more. Ragged hair? Yeah, my almost 15 year old son rarely brushes his... It grows so fast that it stands like a peacock when cut. Slender hands? Teenage boy - with manly body? School time club? White skin? They are in school while the sun is up, of course they look like the vampire set croud? Plus they are too tired to run around, so they sit and do psp, ds3, manga and such. Subjects they talk about? Their only real activity of course. The rest is studies. Clothing? Well they have what ... 2-3 outfits since they are in uniforms all day snyway? Lol!!! These girls asked (even though it says 20,30 after their name... ) must really be jr high - high school age?? Right??

    Posted in: 9 things that make an ‘ikemen’ (hot guy)

  • 1

    Debbie Itabashi

    Techall... Good to keep an ear and eye out for... Cause then thats when I head to Narita with my family and get off this island. Once that puppy explodes... No plane will be taking off either.

    Meanwhile - life is same ol' same ol' with the ocacasional PTSD from 3/11 attacks.

    Posted in: Mount Fuji 'under more pressure than last eruption'

  • 0

    Debbie Itabashi

    I have been in Japan now over 20 years. While I can not speak of Europe, Australia or other Western Countries... I can speak of America. Wrapping: US. that is what service counters are for. Jp. I comprehend the politeness, but I dont always need my chocolates wrapped individually, in a box, wrapped in paper then put in a bag - when they wont make it home in the first place. Eating facilities: US. Yes fast food is just that fast - speed doesnt always (tho in a perfect world should) mean clean. Not all places are attentitive, while others earn (plus more) the tips that are left behind. Jp. I agree (someones comment above) that fast food is slow in the wait - and I dont want to hear about how they make sure the order is correct. Thats BS! Plenty of my orders have been messed up enough that I (normally a patient person) call the manager. Just last night my husband and I took our children out to celebrate our 19 th wedding anniversary - the place we went to, while the food tasted great ... The service was - well if tips were given here, I would have left none (& Im a good tipper)!! Our meals came so erratic that my husband & I finished our shared desert before any of our children were even brought theirs. When asked where the deserts were the waiter replied - that they were waiting in turn of the order .... We ordered the deserts at the same exact time. Mean while while waiting we watched 2 persons standing in the kitchen ( behind a glass window for all to see) eating, chatting and laughing ... Hello? I have had bad service in America as well. So?

    There are many many more items that I can point out... But (yes, I have a huge BUTT)....

    My answer is - Japan is not better - nor worse than other countries. Each place has its good points and its bad points ... But all in all they are all equals. Everyone just has to decide which points are most important to them and live in that place - or learn to survive with their surrounding bad points.

    Posted in: Customer service in Japan vs Europe

  • 2

    Debbie Itabashi

    Chiba track and field (Ken Sou Taikai) was held on July 27-28. My 14 year old son was out in that heat from 10 - 2 on Saturday. He was only out there half as long as a few of his team mates and friends. I was there with 2 younger kids, with a cooler box full of: fresh fruit, water, jello cups, tuna sandwiches, beef jerky and 2liter bottles frozen into ice - that melted and used to drink/cool down bodies. With sunscreen and huge beach umbrella - we were still burned in the bleachers. I was told later that the track was 38 at noon. Its a no wonder most of the boys throwing shot put (usual average 10 meters) were tossing 6-7 meters. My son that throws over 11 meters only made 10 plus, as his best that day. There were at least 1000 other junior high students involved, plus their team mates, coaches, families and such there. We saw 2 ambulances pulling away, its a suprize that there wasnt more. (after our cooler box drinks were gone, between going to the car and getting home, we purchased: vending sports drinks, shakes from McD, flavored water from convieniant stores ... 3 total... All this in the 20km to get home, mostly for my 14 year old.) So yes, why are these high energy, fluid draining, outside events not held at a better temp. Season or month? I suppose Japanese tradition dictates this, but isnt their someone strong enough with common sence to say 'Hey, what going on?!' in leadership?

    Posted in: 16 dead, 8,670 treated for heatstroke July 23-29

  • 0

    Debbie Itabashi

    ">a foreigner married to a Japanese had normally been given the status of “spouse of a Japanese.” This will not entitle such a person to permanent status automatically, but rather one of four categories with the length of stay ranging from six months to five years—to be determined by immigration. When the date of expiration approaches, the spouse must apply for an extension,"

    We had planned to apply for my permanent residence status this year. Am I reading this wrong, but because of the new law - it will be harder to get? Or is this saying all those with PR status will have to renew every 5 years? At the moment I have spouce of a J. National...

    Speaking of which... Im scared now... Reading this reminded me that I renewed my passport and status last year and still have not gone to City Hall about it as of yet. I wonder how much trouble I may be in for?

    Posted in: Cool Japan? With new resident system for foreigners, 'Cold Japan' fits better

  • -1

    Debbie Itabashi

    Like others I too am from America and have lived in large cities in places most folks dont visit. Raised by a State Trooper (dad was in the USMC prior to that).... Im the oldest of 6 with both parents working full time, did home stay child care, worked in a hospital (details stave lives) a Mother of 5 (& the worries that come with babies, toddlers, children, teens and keeping them in sight and care from strangers or running off)... Then all the same reasons as OMGhontoni ... I notice the stares, comments, points, glares... Conversation topics change to how much or what English do they know. To many times while walking with my husband (who is Japanese) - I have had to pull him out of the way of bicyclists.

    I can understand some lack of paying attention around you... But to not have any clue how anyone could totally not know their surroundings? This leaves me bemused.

    Posted in: In terms of personal safety, when you are out and about, whether you are walking along the street, waiting on train platforms or in shopping centers, and so on, how attentive are you to what people around you are doing?

  • 0

    Debbie Itabashi

    Well, 9 babies will be small and have problems at birth... Each one will need constant care. I wish her, family and friends all the best. I dont think this selfish or careless of her. I know plenty that do their best to exaust all ways to have a child. Not everyone qualifies for adoption. But not knowing their details - I congratulate this family and sincerely do wish them my best and the good health to her and her children.

    Article Unavailable

  • 2

    Debbie Itabashi

    I do realize that as Jonathan Prin put... If you do enough background looking he could have found all the information he asked for. Thats nice - except if he truly wanted to appologize ... The right thing would have been to do this officially. Have the police ask each family to get together and let this man face them in a controlled situation.

    Earlier railings were mentioned... That they are not the responsibility of the police, but the citys. A group of friends of mine earlier this week was just talking about sidewalks. We each have had children hit or had a near scrape from the vehicles (trucks, cars & taxis) during their commute to and from school. I get once sometimes twice a year a policeman on my doorstep counting induviduals in our homes, asking if there is anything they can do. They did fix it so that taxis dont use our street as a quick way to get around traffic lights, in front of the hoikuen parents cars use the parking lot to pick up their children instead of blocking one of the main streets into our neighborhood. If the police can do this... Then why shouldnt they be able to work with the city and get protective areas for school routes? Speed bumps in areas where there are a lot of children? I realize I am asking the forbidden question - but.... What about common sense?

    Posted in: Police gave victims' contact info to father of driver in fatal car accident

  • 0

    Debbie Itabashi

    12 TONS ... Is a lot to me, but combined with everything from the last year plus - how much ocean (and things inside of it) has been effected? How far - in distance before items are safe for consumption? Ok, I feel like I should be freaking out and panicing right now... Yet Im not.

    With school and its lunches starting soon.... I not being proficiant in my Jp reading skills, need help with some comprehension. I am sure there are others out there that are like me as well. We are one of those families that are not able to just uproot and move because of a scare.

    Food and water, I would like to know what areas are not the good (official and unofficial) places to buy from. I want to feel like I am trying to do my best (under conditions) for my family. Vegitables, grain and such ... Water wise, with this leak combined.... What about the fish, Seaweed, other things we get from the ocean? How far away from Fukushima land and water do we need to look at?

    Can anyone point me (and others reading this) in a better direction then just personal assumption?

    Btw - I really have learned a lot from the many points of views ... Thank you! That must be partial of the reason why Im not freaking out - like my head tells me that I should be doing.

    Posted in: Water containing strontium leaks from Fukushima plant into sea

  • -4

    Debbie Itabashi

    Gramie, didnt say it was THE answer, but even if any of their effects were about... Science - still learning of things about space - it is still an observation of things that may or may not have direct effect on how Mother Nature reacts to things here on planet Earth. Solar flares not even directed towards us still seem to effect things just fine.

    Posted in: Series of quakes rattle Japan, but cause no damage

  • -4

    Debbie Itabashi

    Making observations here... I read somewhere on a science page that the moon was at its closest to the Earth the week of March 11th. I was reading on Space.com threw facebook that the past 48 hours both Jupiter and Venus was lining up with the moon. Gravitational pull could have a portion of say about this.

    Animals and bugs, I have been noticing and commented about the fact that I havent seen as many animals running around as I normally do - since the begining of February. I also havent noticed any crows either. Bugs wise, by now I have spiders and ants all over my front entry way - yet none yet. Over by the train station there is normally a large amount of cockroaches.... Yet seem to be very deminished this year as well. I dont know how to read the meaning behind it ... As I said on a post on facebook, but I would like to know. So mean while I am going to live my life - but keep an eye/ear out for watching what mother natures living non humans are trying to say.

    Like I said, making some observations. Anyone else notice any of these as well?

    Posted in: Series of quakes rattle Japan, but cause no damage

  • -1

    Debbie Itabashi

    I agree wirh others that this is a tragedy. But it is just 1 fanily while there are many many others out there in simular problems with their tiny ones.

    We have all seen the movies, tv shows and such where in a child development class each student must care for a baby/egg. I agree with this. Jr high 3rd year (9th grade) ... an entire year dedicated to child development. Starting off with care of pregnancy for 9 weeks. Care of an egg then a doll (mechanical with crying too if possible). Teaching about the needed essentials, food, daipers, sleep, money... Leading up to a requirement of a number of volunteer hours at a day care and/or kindagarten prior to graduation. This would not only teach boys and girls child care but it would also lower teenage pregnancy and other concerns that stem from this.

    As I told my kids... Daddy and I wanted to play, so now we gotta pay.

    No I dont condone what happened... It is awful, a tragidy. But it should not happen again .... Which is why things need to change on how teens perceive babies, children, adulthood, parenthood - and family care for all. Or its only going to get worse.

    Posted in: Woman arrested for abusing 2-week-old twins

  • -1

    Debbie Itabashi

    Nessie - you need to check all your facts before you tell me no... try this link for starters... from the Washington Post Social Reader. I couldnt find a better link - sorry. https://apps.facebook.com/wpsocialreader/me/channels/78114/content/8X6rk?fbactionids=316032438442732&fbactiontypes=news.reads&fbsource=othermultiline

    it starts off with (paraphrased) 3 Surprising Reasons to Give Up Soda (published 8 weeks ago) 1. It causes invisible fat buildup around your organs. In the latest bad news for the soda industry, Danish researchers discovered that drinking non-diet soda leads to dramatic increases in dangerous hidden fats. 2. Some contain toxic flame retardants. Some popular soda brands, including Mountain Dew, use a toxic flame retardant chemical ingredient to keep the artificial flavoring from separating from the rest of the liquid. 3. You're taking part in the biggest science experiment on the planet. Many soda brands on the market in America today are sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, a heart-harming man-made compound derived mainly from genetically engineered (GE) corn.

    you need to read the entire article to get the full detail. But this is the start.

    Posted in: Coke, Pepsi make changes to avoid cancer warning

  • -2

    Debbie Itabashi

    I understand the effects of all soda - that it is bad for you and that it also builds up a fatty layer over every inner part of your body ... bones, intestines, liver, stomach, kidneys, lungs, heart, etc... so over years (even diet drinks do this) you have a beer belly... I get it - its bad for you.

    All things done in moderation is the key. I enjoy my soda. I love it... I was an addict - to the point if I went longer than a day without it, I would get shaky. Over pregnancies and lifestyle for my kids I have weened myself from it. Yet that doesnt mean that I dont enjoy a good soda --- cola included --- every so often.

    While this is good to know... I will continue to drink it as I like. ... only with moderation compared to my younger days. I do appriciate Californians for caring enough to at least try to make their 'bad for you' time a little less bad for you.

    Posted in: Coke, Pepsi make changes to avoid cancer warning

  • 0

    Debbie Itabashi

    Considering that in order to graduate - even if the student just attends all classes and sleeps threw them ... Graduation is guarenteed. So its possible, all his students were asleep - he did announce it, nobody can confim nor deny it then he did it to get them out of their catatonic stare ... Just thinking out loud here... Not necessarily true, but plausible.

    Posted in: Professor wraps electrical cord around student's neck in class

  • 1

    Debbie Itabashi

    Ok, when Noda says everone must share the pain... This group of everyone extends how far? The 20 km around Fukusima? The 80 km around Fukushima? The areas that radiation hot spots have shown up in (which have popped up not far from my home)? How about everyone that uses TEPCO? Maybe all of Japan? Or further?

    These lists and sites of what the Jp government has listed as 'safe' ... I want to know how they deem them safe? I want to know how these people choose their fresh vegitables, rice, water to consume?

    I have always heard that TRUST IS EARNED, not given away freely. I want to know how TEPCO and Government officials have EARNED the TRUST they are asking for?

    I am in awe at how much information I can trust from the comments made on articles here. Yet at how I question & not trust EVERY ITEM I buy when I food shop for my children.

    This speaks volumes to me.

    Posted in: Noda says no individual to blame for Fukushima nuclear crisis

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