motytrah said...

motytrah at 04:48 AM JST - 30th April

In the US, Flags of our Fathers was way more popular than Letters, pulling in almost double the gross. However, because Letters was incredibility popular in Japan (something like $50M USD gross) Letters actually pulled in more money world wide. But Flags wasn't a thud by any means.

Posted in Japan honors Clint Eastwood in spring decorations at 04:48 AM JST - 30th April
motytrah at 02:41 AM JST - 30th April

Last time I flew NRT-ORD the plane was maybe half full. JL also has sizable Business and First class cabins which appear not loading well either. As far as your fuel surcharge, just because oil prices went down doesn't mean JAL hedged fuel correctly and is paying market.

Posted in JAL forecasts Y63 bil net loss at 02:41 AM JST - 30th April
motytrah at 12:06 AM JST - 30th April

JAL is one of the largest operators of 747's in the world. A fully loaded 747 has a huge potential for profit. A 747 will a lot of empty seats has a huge potential for loss.

As far as tourism, that's not enough to keep the airlines afloat. 40% of…

Posted in JAL forecasts Y63 bil net loss at 12:06 AM JST - 30th April
motytrah at 04:47 AM JST - 28th April

I'm going to assume the folks posting the Uncle Ben's comments are having a laugh. The whole rice in a pouch craze is just horrid. There's a lot of off "flavors" get from that junk.

That being said, a good rice maker really does matter. But only to a certain…

Posted in Steam rice cooker at 04:47 AM JST - 28th April
motytrah at 10:39 AM JST - 27th April

It's a bunch of nerds having fun. Not a big deal. Kind of fun. Every time I see the negative comments on the Akih stuff I can't help but to picture some old dude shaking his fist at "kids on the lawn".

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motytrah at 05:15 AM JST - 24th April

They likely thought he was on drugs. Though, you would think that after the urine test was negative they would not have been allowed to search.

Posted in SMAP member Kusanagi arrested for stripping naked in Tokyo park at 05:15 AM JST - 24th April
motytrah at 02:34 AM JST - 18th April

I don't know how many times I have to say it. Japan is not a socialized medicine state. There is a higher percentage of private insurance and private hospitals in Japan than there is in the US. What Japan does have is strict price controls. Those prices need a modest…

Posted in 65-year-old man dies after being rejected by 7 hospitals at 02:34 AM JST - 18th April
motytrah at 10:40 AM JST - 15th April

We can't farm our way out of it. In particular since there are some many countries that don't/won't honor fishing quotas.

Posted in Bluefin breeding population may disappear by 2012: WWF analysis at 10:40 AM JST - 15th April
motytrah at 01:08 AM JST - 14th April

What's that gadget in the middle of the street near the police officer?

Traffic signal override. So they can set up the photo-op quicker.

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motytrah at 06:43 AM JST - 8th April

As far as stealth is concerned, yes the F35 will be far less advanced. But, the 35 will be a utility fighter. The platform can be a jump jet for the Marines, a traditional fighter for the Air Force, and Carrier based fighter for the Navy. Capable of precision bombing…

Posted in Gates' proposal to end F-22 fighter jet production will impact Japan at 06:43 AM JST - 8th April