stanoue said...

stanoue at 10:55 AM JST - 23rd August

Crucifier- the whole point of difference in the relay race is the baton. If 3 countries dropped it, then they screwed up and suck- regardless of how fast 4 individual runners might be, it doesn't matter if they can't grasp the main part of the relay - balancing a fast…

Posted in Japan claims historic bronze in men's 4x100-meter relay at 10:55 AM JST - 23rd August
stanoue at 10:35 AM JST - 23rd August

This was a great race and the Japanese guys were just so stoked to come third. I love watching races where third-place (sometimes even 4th or 5th place)-getters show joy - because it is amazing to get that far.

Posted in Japan claims historic bronze in men's 4x100-meter relay at 10:35 AM JST - 23rd August
stanoue at 07:21 PM JST - 12th August

Nah - Japanese women still suck at female artistic gymnastics compared to some of the Western countries even. Funny how the mens program is so much stronger in Japan, though. The gap in gymnastic standards between Asian countries and others is not just body types (good body type helps but…

Posted in Japan takes team silver in men's gymnastics, China wins at 07:21 PM JST - 12th August
stanoue at 07:14 PM JST - 12th August

Aren't 'voluntary' school fees at public schools the norm these days? To cover the shortfall for technology & sports items that the government payments just don't cover. If the shortfall was being covered out of staff's own salaries/pockets I would say it is ridiculous, but I don't mind it coming…

Posted in School staff covers children's unpaid school fees in Osaka Pref. at 07:14 PM JST - 12th August
stanoue at 05:27 PM JST - 9th August

Of course the Olympics on their own will not bring about reform - could they act as a catalyst? Maybe but not likely

Posted in Do you think the Olympics will bring democratic and economic reforms to China? at 05:27 PM JST - 9th August
stanoue at 02:31 PM JST - 9th August

I thought the ceremony was great and I love seeing each team come through - the athletes were just glowing, weren't they? I think they need to limit the parade to athletes only though - would save time and no need for those coaches/officials really. Like some of the teams…

Posted in What did you think of the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony? at 02:31 PM JST - 9th August
stanoue at 08:52 PM JST - 7th August

Ah I am slow in returning so this will probably go unnoticed.
\ Imagawa - it is not the IOC's 'fault' that China was picked to host the Olympics. They had tried the past two times before the current Olympics to host and had proven every time that they were,…

Posted in China says it regrets beating of Japanese journalists over coverage in Xinjiang at 08:52 PM JST - 7th August
stanoue at 08:42 PM JST - 7th August

And as for theneworder and others reference to 'human rights' and Japan's lack thereof - depends whether you put priority over collective or individual human rights when assessing that. Eastern/Asian countries have typically emphasised collective rights over individual rights - it it one thing that distinguishes them from the West…

Posted in In the world of geopolitics, do you think of Japan as part of the West? at 08:42 PM JST - 7th August
stanoue at 08:38 PM JST - 7th August

Japan is not a part of the West. Not because of some of the stupid reasons written here, but more because of its historical background and how it has developed as a result.

Posted in In the world of geopolitics, do you think of Japan as part of the West? at 08:38 PM JST - 7th August
stanoue at 07:57 PM JST - 5th August

Haha chinpira - I agree with you, think how easy it would be to top someone you didn't like in Japan. Just fake a murder-suicide - everyone is oh so happy to assume that is what every tragic death in Japan is, anyway.

Posted in 4 found dead in Osaka home; murder-suicide suspected at 07:57 PM JST - 5th August