bobobolinski said...

bobobolinski at 10:21 PM JST - 21st November

It is definitely a sad story, and unfortunately one that will probably get worse over the coming years. But, I was really confused by the statistics provided. "Of the 24 who died, 10 were murdered" "five died of neglect" - isn't that murder? "two were killed in murder-suicide cases" -…

Posted in Elderly abuse cases by kin up 12% in FY 2008 at 10:21 PM JST - 21st November
bobobolinski at 09:30 PM JST - 21st November

Perhaps it is a traditional aspect of Japanese culture to use ivory? For inkan (seals)? If so, why should Western nations, who cut down trees to get wood for pencils, be able to stop this long-standing cultural practice?

Posted in Tanzania, Zambia seek one-time ivory distribution to Japan, China at 09:30 PM JST - 21st November
bobobolinski at 03:06 PM JST - 21st November

Hollywood often seems to use the documentary award to make a political statement, perhaps to try to redeem the image of the industry as money and status obsessed. I haven't had the opportunity to see the film, but from reviews it does seem to be a well-made documentary with considerable…

Posted in 'The Cove' shortlisted for Oscars at 03:06 PM JST - 21st November
bobobolinski at 03:01 PM JST - 21st November

It's one thing for a nation's media to boost their team before a tournament; that's how they sell themselves. But it is something else for a national coach to make these ludicrous claims. Both Japan and South Korea did well in 2002, with the tremendous advantage of playing at home,…

Posted in Okada confident Japan can reach World Cup semifinals at 03:01 PM JST - 21st November
bobobolinski at 10:50 PM JST - 19th November

Surgical masks, as many have already pointed out, are worn to prevent the spread of tiny particles of fluid which might carry infection from the mask-wearer to other people in proximity. They are effective for about 2 to 3 hours of use, after which they should be discarded. Dust masks,…

Posted in Most masks do not block viruses as much as they claim to, test shows at 10:50 PM JST - 19th November
bobobolinski at 04:58 PM JST - 18th November

It's not just Japan who are complaining about this; players and coaches from Spain, Netherlands and others have also said that the noise of thousands of these things makes it difficult to play; and seeing as Spain are one of the favorites to win the tournament, it is unlikely to…

Posted in JFA chief seeks vuvuzela ban at World Cup at 04:58 PM JST - 18th November
bobobolinski at 04:11 PM JST - 17th November

The whole thing is really weird. Leaving aside this nutcase's obsession, according to the story it took more than six months - from September last year to this May -- until one of the 11 pop idols noticed that she wasn't getting any mail. It then took the police another…

Posted in Man steals 200 fan letters destined for girl group AKB48 at 04:11 PM JST - 17th November
bobobolinski at 09:08 AM JST - 10th November

I would imagine the cookie stall will be a particular attraction this year.

Posted in Sacred Heart to host family festival on Nov 14 at 09:08 AM JST - 10th November
bobobolinski at 07:44 AM JST - 4th November

I don't know about skating, but I always thought Troussier did alright at the football. Won the Asian Cup in 2000, and in 2002 drew with Belgium and beat Russia and Tunisia, before going out in the knock-out stage; compare with 1998 (lost all three) and 2006 (one draw, two…

Posted in Is Miki Ando's skating coach a Japan hater? at 07:44 AM JST - 4th November
bobobolinski at 07:33 AM JST - 4th November

2,700 at amazon dot co dot jp $16.47 at amazon.com, plus $14 for postage to Japan

but it might be useful - it would be helpful to look inside

Posted in The Ultimate Japanese Phrasebook at 07:33 AM JST - 4th November