JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION
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Why do Japanese change their attitude when they communicate with foreigners?
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Confrontation
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U.S. Navy investigating how parts fell off aircraft near Atsugi
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California court to decide if SeaWorld whales are illegal 'slaves'
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Kuroki reported pregnant 2 weeks after denying relationship with Akanishi
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- Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Kanto region
- RCS (RCSコーポレーション), Kanto
- Salary: ¥180,000 ~ ¥250,000 / Month includes performance bonus
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- Assistant Language Teacher - TOKYO - late-March start
- Interac, Tokyo
- Salary: ¥230,000 ~ ¥255,000 / Month
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- Assistant Language Teacher - Kanagawa Prefecture - late-March start
- Interac, Kanagawa
- Salary: ¥230,000 ~ ¥255,000 / Month
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KumaNiku
Probably further away than Halliburton's.
I reallly want to see the latest South Park episode about this - those boys don't pull any punches.
Posted in: Bushes and Obamas: All smiles at the White House
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KumaNiku
Yep - we all know how much bling the apostles had. Look at the Pope today - he has more bling than rapper.....
Posted in: 2,000-year-old gold earring found in Jerusalem
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KumaNiku
bushlover - roll over and take it? What a crass comment. Who are you to comment on my 'lack of will to anything about crime'? Being against the death penalty makes me soft on crime? You know nothing about me. Your concept of 'justice' is nothing more than tabloid 'hang 'em high' herd mentality. What I am concerned most about is the 'eye for an eye' mentality which terrorism ultimately feeds off - precedent in dealing with terrorism is vital, and making martyrs of them to thier cause does not help one bit.
You simply do not do your image on this forum any favours with such petty and thoughtless comments and insults.
KN
Posted in: 3 Bali bombers executed
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KumaNiku
Yasukuni - the problem is that moderate messages and peace don't make headlines. The vast majority of Indonesians are moderate people like most people anywhere.
http://www.theage.com.au/world/a-peaceful-village-ashamed-of-the-sons-who-brought-it-infamy-20081109-5kxn.html
Has these executions made us all safer? No. Has it brought anyone closure? No. Has it sated our visceral bloodlust for revenge? For a day or two perhaps. Has it weakened the resolve of fundamentalist terrorists? Harldy - it has done the opposite.
KN
Posted in: 3 Bali bombers executed
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KumaNiku
CavemanLawyer - hear, hear. Whether these executions were done in an 'Islamic Fashion' or not, they will be used by radicals or 'terrorists' as examples of matyrdom and/or further evidence of a corrupt state which must be overthrown.
These executions have been a public spectacle which ultimately serves the radical's purpose. Life imprisonment would have been far better - they would soon be forgotten and the illusion of matyrdom would not be present. Justice is not after blood. That is revenge - something that should and must be beneath the civilized.
Killing these 'men' won't bring the victims back. If they are behind bars, away from civilization where they cannot harm others anymore, why spill more blood?
Posted in: 3 Bali bombers executed
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KumaNiku
Perhaps people responded to his articulate vision for a better America and world. Given the current context and his opponents, it was head and shoulders above the current and the alternative.
Being 'qualified' is entirely subjective. Having 'experience' is less important than having nouse, principles and a clear direction. Being reasonably pragmatic is necessary as well - Obama's cabinet and staff choices should confirm this.
KN
Posted in: Obama begins assembling team
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KumaNiku
That is true for others as well - LBJ is known mostly for the Vietnam war, but up until that time, as a President, he did more for Civil rights than anyone else.
I sincerely hope that Obama can make a dent or real progress in working out the numerous issues facing the US and indeed the world. I am not naieve enough to think that one (or perhaps two) term is enough to fix things, but starting progress is the key to solution. I am optimistic about Obama, personally. His 'positive presidency' does a lot for confidence - and that is a key first step.
KN
Posted in: Republicans in tatters, look to regroup
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KumaNiku
We are not in tatters, no way buster!!!
The Liberal media and its lies elected Obama, nothing else,do you understand NOW???
Yes, it sure did... but comments and bluster like this does far more damage to 'patriots' such as yourself than it does to 'lefties' or the 'liberal media'. If the 'left' or in this case the Democrats are so wrong, why not strive for a Republican dictatorship? Then you wouldn't have to worry about the 'liberal media' ever again, and only 'patriots' would be in control. Again, just bluster and nothing constructive.
KN
Posted in: Republicans in tatters, look to regroup
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KumaNiku
'Warns of a humanitarian Crisis'? What did the estimated 3 million deaths in Congo's civil war in the last couple of decades constitute? A shame? If the developed world is serious about human rights, then all this 'It's Europe's fault' and 'The US won't bother because there is no oil' rhetoric garbage has to stop. But then again, they are only Africans, right?
KN
Posted in: West warns of humanitarian crisis in Congo
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KumaNiku
One of my good friends is a staunch McCain supporter, which is fine. I must say I know more people (American and non American) who are for Obama - overwhelmingly so.
What disappoints me though was that my McCain friend got lulled into the tabloid sensationlist tirades against Obama "He's a socialist/Marxist, He will surrender to Iran, The founding fathers would be against him (how the hell can ANYONE know that?), etc." whereas up until a few months ago, discussions were about policies and solutions.
That to me is what has coloured the last few weeks of the campaign - the tabloid nature of it - the trashy attacks on Obama and on Palin and on a side note - there was a good Opinion piece about the attacks on Palin in Today's Melbourne Age (1/11):
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/men-dont-cop-this-abuse-so-why-palin-20081031-5fjs.html
I personally support Obama, as I feel that he has presented a much more pro-active and inclusive platform, but that's just one denizen of downunder's opinion.
This election has electrified and mobilised more people than any in recent history - and whatever the outcome, that can only be a good thing.
KN
Posted in: Across the globe, Americans gear up to vote
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KumaNiku
I always find it curious that in the US (by some staunch Republican friends) is that apparently, the Democrats can never do anything right, and Republicans are always the best choice and vice-versa for other acquiantances.
I then draw the conclusion and ask "What is the point of having a democracy if one of the alternatives is always wrong? Wouldn't it be easier to have one party in power the whole time, considering that in your opinion the other is never right?" The usual response is something about 'democracy' and 'choice' etc.
As a non-American observer, I feel that Obama will win, going by publicity, polls and the turmoil faced by McCain and the Republicans. I also think that as far as campaigns go, Obama's has been more 'Presidential' in the sense that it has discussed issues more than McCain and has largely refrained from mud-slinging and name-calling when compared to the GOP.
Personally, I think it is just silly to call Obama a 'Socialist' - he is very far from actually being one, no matter what comments or quotes are bandied about on talk shows and forums such as this. If anything, it proves that perceptions of 'Socialism' and 'Left wing' are vastly different in the US when compared to other countries. Also, making such comments (for both sides) is intellectually insulting - it does not or refuses to consider the rich, varied and nuanced political tapestry of the USA.
Less Tabloid Campaigns and more debate and discussion, please Messrs. Obama and McCain.
KN
Posted in: McCain says pundits being fooled; promises victory
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KumaNiku
What is wrong with simply defaulting out of the debt? Historically, it has been defaulting which has 'shaken off the chains' (to quote Solon) and enable rebuilding and re-establish prosperity. Of course, if this happens, we would have to use our memory to stop this from happening again. That can be a big ask for the elites and those in power when tabloid politics is all that seems to count.
KN
Posted in: $700 bil rescue plan finalized; House to vote Monday
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KumaNiku
I remember my climb up Fuji too - great experience, which I want to do again. Word of advice: Climb in proper footwear and WITHOUT an ingrown toenail.
KN
Posted in: Mt Fuji
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KumaNiku
Interesting article. I've had my share of experiences with Tokyo Taxis, most of them pretty good - including one where I gave the cabbie an improptu English lesson and he knocked 2000 yen off the fare (almost 50%)... Also, having a Japanese girlfriend who can talk her way out of anything can save a bit of cash on cab fares as well......
Posted in: Sex and the city: Tokyo's taxi drivers see it all
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KumaNiku
Here's the website for the pub. Where it is St Kilda in Melbourne is known for it's risque venues.
http://www.thesainthotel.com/
Posted in: Aussie pub offers free drinks to women who take off panties
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KumaNiku
I can just imagine watching this sped up with Benny Hill 'Yakety Sax' music playing.... Isn't there some sort of RSPCA/Animal Control Organisation in Tokyo?
KN
Posted in: Wild monkey continues to elude Tokyo police
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KumaNiku
I agree. It's logical to have the armed forces as part of disaster relief plans - they are often the largest and most capable logistic and support organisations nations have. The JSDF is capable, effective and is trained (to an extent) for disaster relief.
KN
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