sf2k said...

sf2k at 06:06 PM JST - 15th June

there is less suspicion about returning Japanese and an increasing realization that living overseas can enhance an individual’s skills

so this is just recent confirmation that Japan has updated? I can't say how far behind this is to Western countries, as it would vary. I suppose it's welcome. Seems some…

Posted in Japanese housewives in Britain acting as unofficial envoys at 06:06 PM JST - 15th June
sf2k at 04:16 PM JST - 13th June

tourists are not in a rush, they like to y'know...walk. How much shopping does he expect exactly? Anyway that's not the point, he wanted to mention Tokyo's Olympic

Posted in Ishihara opens Tokyo's newest subway line at 04:16 PM JST - 13th June
sf2k at 04:06 PM JST - 13th June

level not levels (grr no edit)

Posted in Japanese happy after UK waters down English tests at 04:06 PM JST - 13th June
sf2k at 04:03 PM JST - 13th June

Seems to me that going from B2 to A1 is a pretty big step down.
A1-A2 (beg), B1-B2 (int), C1-C2 (adv) for european framework.

At least B level would be useful in a business setting. A1 is just beginner and Japanese would have this already. It's so low as to…

Posted in Japanese happy after UK waters down English tests at 04:03 PM JST - 13th June
sf2k at 04:54 AM JST - 10th June

Seriously, I'm afraid awl is going to be our mainstay energy source for the next few decades. There simply aren't any serious alternative energy sources that can compete with awl, even at awl's record high prices.

This isn't going to work. Unfortunately oil is most certainly not going to be…

Posted in As fuel prices continue to rise, the fuel surcharge on airfares is also increasing. What's your view on the issue? at 04:54 AM JST - 10th June
sf2k at 04:27 AM JST - 10th June

My city of Toronto lost to Beijing because the previous IOC prez Samarach (sp?) wanted a legacy. Beijing continues to go back on it's committments made in 2001, and by the time the Olympics roll around, the planning stages will be too late as this report suggests.

Athletes are the…

Posted in TV networks clash with Beijing Olympic organizers on security, freedom to report at 04:27 AM JST - 10th June
sf2k at 04:01 PM JST - 9th June

However, come winter time in Japan with all those kerosene heaters, the pinch will be on.

Posted in As fuel prices continue to rise, the fuel surcharge on airfares is also increasing. What's your view on the issue? at 04:01 PM JST - 9th June
sf2k at 03:56 PM JST - 9th June

It's called Peak Oil.
Here's a primer on Peak Oil from http://www.energybulletin.net/primer.php . I would also recommend the documentary called "End of Suburbia" which is probably on bittorrent by now, to help you put this into context. I wonder if they ever translated that one into Japanese?

With more than…

Posted in As fuel prices continue to rise, the fuel surcharge on airfares is also increasing. What's your view on the issue? at 03:56 PM JST - 9th June
sf2k at 09:46 PM JST - 4th June

If the rate is 32K per year, then 84 a month attributed to hydrogen sulfide gas isn't many if Japan is looking at literally 87 people a day. Only something like 0.2% are choosing this method, so the media fasination with it doesn't do justice to the other 99%.

So…

Posted in 34 evacuated from apartment as man commits suicide with poisonous fumes at 09:46 PM JST - 4th June
sf2k at 09:12 PM JST - 4th June

omg

Posted in Toshiba says subcontractor illegally hired 8 teens under 18 to inspect nuclear plants at 09:12 PM JST - 4th June