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smart move by these women, limit his limelight pandering to an idiot makes you one
Posted in: Korean 'comfort women' cancel meeting with Hashimoto
Yeah, looks pretty safe to me, too! That's what I wear to work every day (for…
Posted in: Safety upgrades at Hamaoka plant
Thanks for the information, Harald and bigfujiyama. So we could still get big ones here in…
Posted in: M8 earthquake hits Russia's Far East
I find it a bit hard to believe that they felt that earthquake in Moscow when…
Posted in: M8 earthquake hits Russia's Far East
"Finance Minister Taro Aso said the aim is to bring about long-term improvements." And the awareness…
Posted in: Abe, Aso defend economic policies as markets settle
-1
Leonard Carlson
BreakingStaind
Most people don't understand that the shooter in the recent tragedy had to be skilled and knowledgeable with guns. Even if he had a high capacity magazine w/ 30 to 50 rounds he had to reload several times. What seems like a smiple task of reloading can be quite difficult under intense presure (drop clip, grab new clip, ensure clip is inserted correctly and tight fitting, send bolt foward). One victim had 11 rounds found inside of him...
So I'll say it... GDKP, PKP...
I'm all for making gun laws more strict by making it harder to own them. Not for taking them away from responsible adults. The right to own a gun is part of what makes America, America. People who are dead set on killing others will use what is readily available. When I return to America I will purchase and register a weapon or two. I will keep them secured behind lock and key, each weapon with gun lock, and ammunition seperated. I will even teach my daughter when she is old enough that guns are not a toy and to be respected.
No for taking away guns.
Yes for increased measures to purchase/own a gun.
Yes for increased penalties of having an unregistered gun, high capacity magazine, home made full auto conversions, etc.
Posted in: From Davy Crockett to Dirty Harry, guns tied to U.S. identity
5
Leonard Carlson
Great news to read first thing in the morning!
I'm wondering if the man/men (I say that in general terms, it could very well be a woman/women...) donating were themselves an orphan in the past. People who are often so selective in matters likes this often have some sort of underlying personal emotion attached. For Example, each year I make small monthly donations to 3 charities. I won't name them, but in the past I required assistance from one and the others also hit closer to home.
Posted in: Orphanage receives mystery donation from Tiger Mask
8
Leonard Carlson
I would bet someone at the orphanage knew the individual who donated the fish. I would also guess he does this each year.
Although, trying to plays the devil's advocate... I'm trying to decide if I would let my daughter eat the fish. All I can say is I would be much more inclined if I knew the guy who donated.
Possibly, the world is coming to the day in age where we can no longer trust acts of kindness from strangers. Sad day indeed if that's the case.
Posted in: Man leaves box of fish at Japanese orphanage
9
Leonard Carlson
I understand where both Horsefella and Tokyo-Star are coming from... Maybe I'm just naive in my way of thinking, but I refuse to believe someone would stoop that low as to donate/poison an orphanage.
I would also like to think the staff used their judgment in this matter.
Posted in: Man leaves box of fish at Japanese orphanage
14
Leonard Carlson
People like that help keep my faith in humanity.
Just a couple days ago when buying a couple presents for my daughter at what would be the equivalent of a "Toy Store" on Yokota AB. The woman in front of me had nearly $400 worth of small toys. I kept thinking to myself I wish I got in line sooner to avoid being stuck behind her. After she finished and I paid for my gifts. I exited the store and noticed she put all the toys in a donation box to be given away to those less forunate. Just watching this made me reflect a little for a couple minutes.
Small gestures like that man and the fish may not seem like such a big deal, but to children who are often forgotten it can make a positive impact, especially during this time of the year.
.
Posted in: Man leaves box of fish at Japanese orphanage
0
Leonard Carlson
Speaking from experience... Being put on this order before in the past I can say I never drank when ordered not to. This was a Navy order so it doesn't apply to me being in the Air Force. However, I will say if placed on this order in the future I wouldn't drink because of the off chance I got recalled or something happened.
I'm guessing 98.99% of the individuals followed the order. 1% didn't follow the order. .01% got caught not following the order. Keep in mind that is just a guess and it could be more or less...
Posted in: U.S. Navy eases nighttime drinking restrictions for personnel in Japan
2
Leonard Carlson
Continued...
I will say many states in America have no chase laws or certain stipulations. When it presents a clear danger or in certain city areas they are ordered to back off and distance themselves. If the Japanese Police deemed it necessary to chase the bike then we should not complain. Citizens of Japan put those Police in that position of power to make those choices. If you don't like their decisions as whole, do something about it to bring a change. However, if an individual Police Officer does something that does not reflect Japan Police as a whole, he should be held accountable.
Let me ask this question. Would you rather the Japanese Police used excessive speed and possibly hurt innocent bystanders or backed off and caught them after they wrecked / stopped somewhere and thought they escaped?
If they are only stopping the bike for a noise complaint it's not worth putting lives in jeopardy. If they are responding to a murder or some other serious crime then it might be...
Posted in: 17-year-old dead, 16-year-old seriously injured following police chase
2
Leonard Carlson
Slightly disappointed in some of your comments. You seem to give up on that group of youth and put a stigma on them. Sure some of them might be full of hate and downright criminals, but for the most part most they are lost, lonely, following the crowd, poor, or whatever the case might be. For anyone who has read my posts you know I am all for a 16-17 year old being tried as an adult and punished for the crime they committed.
Slightly back on track... Everyone is under the assumption it was bosozoku or another bike gang. Do we know for sure? I'm also well aware and often seen firsthand the acts described by individuals. They are actually becoming more frequent around the Tachikawa area. Last weekend 2 bikes with their license plates bent up and mufflers removed drove up to the bus stop near the Koban. They proceeded to get the attention of the Police until the Police started chase. Cops returned and maybe an hour later they were back at it... It's a game and the Police have to react accordingly.
Posted in: 17-year-old dead, 16-year-old seriously injured following police chase
4
Leonard Carlson
KariHaruka
Yes and some might say it sounds silly... but wear a helmet....
I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt. Rather than call them idiots I like to think of them as having a lapse of judgment... As you and Semperfi stated, if you have nothing to hide don't run.
Posted in: 17-year-old dead, 16-year-old seriously injured following police chase
-1
Leonard Carlson
kimuzukashiiiii
The Police chasing or the boys?
I don't know these individuals personally but chances are the 1 did not deserve to die like this. A bad choice made by 2 young men and their families will suffer for a long time...
Does anyone know if either was wearing a helmet or other protection?
Posted in: 17-year-old dead, 16-year-old seriously injured following police chase
0
Leonard Carlson
Why? Maybe other than just because they can steal the knives... I sometimes wonder what goes through peoples heads.
Posted in: 257 kitchen knives stolen from stores in Ibaraki, Chiba
5
Leonard Carlson
gaijinfo
Referring to me? Not exactly what you meant by your post... It's just nice to see my hard work and dedication, even if it's a small piece of the puzzle, being used for something positive. Rate me down all you want.
smithinjapan
To be honest. I think most of the Anti US Military in Japan consist of such a small number of people. I rarely find people who are Anti US Military in Japan and most often find people who appreciate us being here. It just seems the bad news gets publicized so much more than the positive news. I'm not downgrading the complete disregard and unacceptable acts of a very small percentage of the service members stationed in Japan. I just think when you look at the big picture this is what's important.
Maybe this is a chance for Japan to show they can start to take care of themselves.
Posted in: Japan issues order to shoot down N Korean rocket
0
Leonard Carlson
This makes me feel a true sense of accomplishment being a Military Member stationed with the US Air Force in Japan. Ensuring those SAM-3's make it into the hands of the JASDF, safely and without accidents.
Who is to say that N.Korean Rocket wont stray and accidentally kill innocent people. If the JASDF don't blow it out of the sky I hope the US Navy Aegis equipped cruisers will!
Posted in: Japan issues order to shoot down N Korean rocket
3
Leonard Carlson
Just purchased an electronic copy of the book!
Amazon has them on sale for $7.95 new, FYI
Having experienced the March 11th Earthquake firsthand, I can still remember exactly where I was and who I was with. The ensuing months of organized chaos, Operation Tomodachi, aiding the victims, remains recovery, making house calls to people inside the restricted area, seeing Fukushima with my own 2 eyes, will be something I will always remember. The thing that still hurts to this day is the memories of all the children who lost their families and living in shelters with complete strangers. I would love to go back and see the recovery efforts and help out again.
Posted in: 'Strong in the Rain' - compelling and terrifying accounts of those who survived March 11 disaster
5
Leonard Carlson
Mirai Hayashi
I don't think you are giving credit to the negative potential some Japanese youth could possibly have. Youth all over the world have well organized gangs full of 16 and 17 year olds. Starting with small crimes like these can eventually lead into major crimes. Combine that with large numbers in a gang and it gets even worse. Kids want to fit in and in large groups sometimes have a "mob mentality". I'm a big guy and normally can always walk around without any fear. However, even I know to avoid groups of teens in a dark alley that look like they are up to no good.
Watch City of God, Konkurito, etc.
Do a Google search for "Kids in Gangs" or "Young Gang Leaders". Even go back a couple months here on JapanToday and you will find numerous times kids have beat up, broken personal property, tossed homeless guys into the water, etc. Some of those event the kids might not of been in gangs at the time. Sadly, those types of kids often end up in gangs....
I've lived in Tachikawa for the past 3 years and often frequent the evening scene. There have been very few times that I've seen what I would suspect are teenage gangs. I bet it's even harder for the Police to find as I'm sure the kids avoid them like the plague.
Posted in: 15 teen gang members arrested for assault
0
Leonard Carlson
Remind me not to loan money to a girl working at a Hostess. Not that I frequent those establishments...
Posted in: Former bar hostess sentenced to death for two murders
4
Leonard Carlson
Ridiculous!
You ever try to drive around Tokyo on a Sunday afternoon/evening? What takes 2 hours on the train could possibly take 5 hours because of traffic. I drive a fairly nice car and I hate putting stop-and-go miles on it and risking the chance for a wreck.
If going to Hakone, beach, something like that = car
If around the local area = car
If you plan on drinking = train
If during rush hour = train
Nothing wrong with planning to meet somewhere for a date. You get there your way and she gets there her way.
You can also make public transportation somewhat romantic/interesting. Take the Subway to see the Skytree. When finished take the waterboat from Asakua to Odaiba. Enjoy walking around, shopping, nice meal, lights and sights of the bay. After take the monorail across Rainbow Bridge. Almost any girl would enjoy doing that. Especially during the Holiday Season...
Posted in: Men who use trains on dates: Please stay single
0
Leonard Carlson
If you don't like it don't fly with them, write a comment card or pack your own food for the trip.
Honestly, I'm not a fan of KFC in Japan after trying it 7-8 years ago for the first time. Seemed to be more greasy than I remember.
As stated before I buy from whatever company gives the best deal. Unless another company has a slightly higher price and choose them for the miles.
Posted in: Kentucky Fried Chicken to be served aboard some JAL flights
8
Leonard Carlson
Inexcusable crime regardless of mental status. I can only imagine the fear and how traumatizing it must have been for a 7 year old. Hopefully someone comes forward with some new information. RIP
Posted in: Police ask public for help in finding killer of 7-year-old girl in 2005
1
Leonard Carlson
realdoll
Wow... You know you are putting down Okinawans just as much as you Americans? You basically said the people of Okinawa are not capable of friendship and love.
Posted in: U.S. Navy restricts nighttime drinking by all personnel throughout Japan