haoushokuhaki comments

The only difference between famous and average men and women who cheat is the power and money. Thus, famous people who cheat should be treated like every one else. Frankly speaking, people who cheat, as long as they quickly come clean about it, should be treated with respect. Unfortunately, many people like Tiger Woods and Arnold Schwarzenegger don't come clean for years and thus lose that respect and trust. You make a mistake; fine, but at least admit it and come clean once you do it.

It is too bad that people of Japanese ethnicity

Well, to be fair, I've seen this "labeling" happen across many ethnicities (e.g. "Chinese-American", "Hispanic-American" (aka "Latino-American"). It is actually quite commonly involved when talking about statistics about minorities and such. But I agree that they should just introduce her as an "American", and then point out that she was born to an American father and a Japanese mother, since it seems more important to mention that as it directly ties in to her musical roots and tastes.

Saw a sneak preview clip of his acting performance on CSI, and he was terrible. Heard that he was a little brat on the set too. He may one day end up like Lindsey Lohan; in jail.

Why on earth would she be called a 'sore loser'?

I think it's just many posters who are finally getting their chance to express the same thing that other posters have said when Mao Asada has been shown shedding tears on the podium. I remember when people would bash Mao for doing it and so I guess what's good for the goose would be good for the gander as well. IMO, Kim has a right to shed her tears. She has shown she is human after all and can't win em all. Miki in my opinion is now at the top of her game and has come a long way. If only Miki could always do a good short program, she would be perfect, since she always places first in the free skate.

So being a military helicopter rescue pilot is not a real job and he don't get a salary?

While being a "helicopter pilot" is a "real job", I sincerely doubt Prince William got the same treatment as any other helicopter pilot. His title no doubt offered him more preferential treatment and lessened the strict discipline other military grunts get.

It's reasonable for them to "ask" for some privacy, but I don't think they can reasonably expect it completely, due to their power and standing in society.

The wedding ceremony was indeed beautiful. Westminster Abbey looked absolutely splendid and it was great to see the weather hold up. Hopefully this marriage lasts, and doesn't end up like so many other British royal divorces. Then again, you never know since Prince William and Princess Kate have broken up once already.

Trump WAS once a registered Democrat. However, according to the New York City Board of Elections, in 2009 he switched his party affiliation to Republican, with some speculating his reason for being a run at the Republican presidential bid. What's even more befuddling about Trump was that at one time he was an Independent, and before that a Republican. This guy keeps switching parties left and right.

Foreigners bashing foreigners. Why is that? Can't the foreigners who stayed and the foreigners who left get along? It's not even funny the number of foreigners who've stayed that I've heard about that have been deriding the foreigners who have fled. It's like they suddenly feel they have some pride and balls to show off. And then there are the foreigners who have fled who suddenly feel like they need to show off their supreme knowledge of radiation and disaster awareness. They feel that they are the smart ones for fleeing while others will perish for staying. I say enough already.

Matsuyama was the top amateur and his story is more like a footnote

Well, I guess if you don't pay attention to golf, you wouldn't have heard his name. I actually heard about him back in October (or November) of last year when he won the Asian Amateur. I'm not sure if JT mentioned it, but it was on the major news stations such as NHK and Fuji TV. I remember him beating some Australian dude. They also reported something about him being able to possibly qualify to play in the British Open too. And let's not forget the reports about his connection with the people of Sendai and how he will go back and help volunteer. Anyway, congrats to Matsuyama for winning the silver cup as the top amateur at the Master's!

How safe is it for kids to be walking through debris like that?

Well, it could be dangerous, but I think it can't be helped as getting from point A to point B would sometimes involve going through some debris anyway; especially where they are living. Besides, I'm sure those people understand the danger, but won't let it stop them from looking for and through the place they used to call home.

people have a natural tendency to play up the dangers of unlikely but horrendous disasters, and play down the everyday and mundane threats we face...

Excellent point, griff. Yes, Japan is prone to earthquakes, but we are more likely to die from natural causes or an accident, than in a natural disaster.

Moderator: Stay on topic please.

Congrats to Schwartzel. Great fight and tournament by Day and Scott, but it was Schwartzel's day. It was only fitting that he birdied the last hole as it was a splendid round overall. Tough break for McIlroy. Holes 10, 11, and 12 just did him in. Also, great fight by Ryo. He should be proud for a top-20 finish. Also, great tournament for Matsuyama. He certainly didn't play like an amateur at all.

In the end, we all may or may not believe in "a religion", but I sure hope that most people out there believe in at least showing a sense of decency and respect and giving people at least a fair shake before knowing much about them.

Nice picture. I'd rather have someone pray for me than spew unhelpful negativity. I may not be the deeply religious type, but I do believe that there are such things as miracles and karma in life. 罰 ("bachi") does happen, so beware.

Maybe I'm just getting old, but they sure don't make music like they used to. Too many acts producing very unoriginal stuff nowadays. Give me the music from the 70's, 80's and 90's anytime.

If I had a vote in the Tokyo gubernatorial race, I would vote for Mr. Miki Watanabe as he has actual successful business experience and frankly a whole lot more common sense than the idiot Ishihara. What Japan really needs are more people with real CEO experience, and less former actors and other "talento".

they are plastic junk sheds.

derailer: Yes, but that so-called "junk shed" keeps people alive during an earthquake. The level 9 earthquake in Tohoku, was a 6 (which was about what hit Christchurch) where I live, and my house was intact with no structural damage. It saved my life. The same could be said of all the houses and buildings, which weren't in the path of the tsunami that survived, in the Tohoku region. Sorry to burst your bubble, but while you can make a house earthquake-proof, you can't really make a house tsunami-proof. Unless you intend to live in something water-proof, like a submarine.

Events like these really bring out the panic attacks in everyone, don't they. Any small sign of radiation detected in the world, no matter where it is in the world, is going to be blamed on the nuclear incident in Fukushima. And now that these scientists are reporting it so, I'm sure there will be a lot of people in states like Massachusetts and Nevada that will start buying up potassium iodide pills and bottled water like crazy. Gotta give it to those scientists to find ways to stoke the fears of them rednecks.

I give these guys a lot of credit. I can't even begin to imagine trying to work in protected suits that must make you sweat, with very little vision, while carrying tools, cables, etc. that must weigh a lot. Not to mention the fact that they are working in some of the most hazardous conditions you can dream of.

That's an amazing picture. The images I've seen with people sifting through the remains of their houses (some which have been carried several meters away) make me sad. However, I couldn't help but feel a bit of happiness seeing some of them find things such as pictures. The military has been doing such a wonderful job of sifting through the rubble and collecting valuables and then setting them aside for the victims to come and collect them.

This really does show their resiliency and patience in the face of adversity. No looting, sniping, rioting, and greed. Just simply bouncing back with the "Shoganai" and "Ganbare" attitude and being strong.

Wow. I gotta agree. Such orderliness. No rioting and no looting. An only in Japan moment.

Agree with everyone that the world's media (other than New Zealand's of course) has been sickening. Each country who has quake victims seem to only care about their own victims. It's horrible! Shame on all of them! In a time like this, they should all band together and stay out of the way of the rescue teams and let them do their job.

Good point, Tamarama. I totally agree. There may have been a few bad calls in this game, but from the live feeds of the game that I saw, the commentators on Fox Sports said that the officials called a pretty fair game overall. In all fairness, Japan and Korea both did well and played a mostly entertaining game; thus the 2-2 score at the end. Korea in my mind did not do enough to merit a win.

Even if Japan was not awarded the penalty, Korea would've continued to play the way they were playing and not have the deperateness to clinch the second goal, and thus it would've ended in a 1-1 tie and they would've had to go to a penalty shootout anyway. The onus was on Korea to nail those shots. I mean, didn't they feel the momentum after that 2nd goal? Shouldn't the Japanese have felt disappointed and dejected after having given up the lead? I guess not.

It's sad to see such a great pairing come to childish bickering of he said/ she said. Orser claims he doesn't know why Kim fired him, while Kim's agents and mom says he does know. Kim claims he lied to the media about their split, while Orser is claiming the same thing about her. Somewhere in all the this is the truth, which we may or may not find out about. It's probably best we don't.

I have a sneaky suspicion that Kim's mom (who is known to be overly protective) had some role in this escalating to the point it has become. I'm sure that neither Kim Yu-na, nor Brian Orser wanted this split to become ugly, but unfortunately third parties (agents, media, etc.) made it so.

It kind of reminds me of Lebron James (of the NBA) and how his handlers have run his whole career and seemingly make business decisions for him. Just glad they didn't air a half-hour show like Lebron did to announce "the Decision".

China has a long way before they surpass the USA

10 years is not such a long time, and that is the timeframe that many top investors are predicting.

In any case, it has been impressive until now how long the U.S. and Japan has stayed at the top, considering how much less of a population they have than China. I agree with you on that point.

China is #1 in Asia.

And I'm sure will be #1 in the world in the near future. I've read that investors predict it could be no more than a decade away, considering it's huge upside in growth and the U.S. extreme unemployment woes. However, it is worrisome that China's income per person ranks 124th in the world, far behind the U.S. (17th) and Japan (32nd).

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/China-surges-past-Japan-as-No-apf-3259091683.html?x=0

"Karate Kid"? I didn't know Jackie Chan does karate. I also didn't know they practice karate in China, and not kung-fu. Don't Americans know that karate and kung-fu are two different disciplines? It will further confuse them to think that if you are Asian looking, you must do karate.

But typical gift-oriented items tend to be things that keep - fresh fruit and veggies don't.

cleo, so what's your point? That you wouldn't appreciate being given anything unless it's chocolates? I just thank the people who gave me the gift and move on. In some cases I remember them and reciprocate at a later date, and in others I do not. Besides, chocolates rarely last for a few months (if kept in the refrigerator), and less in the torrid heat of summer.

it all has to be eaten within two days,

Wrong! Many of the food stuff I've been given last a lot more than that. In fact, I've received several "otsumami" items as gifts like dried nuts (e.g. almonds) and preserved fruits (e.g. mangos) that were still great a couple of months later, but then again, you wouldn't like them since they're not "chokkies".

Bottles of wine, whisky (preferably Scotch), tea, coffee beans (not instant), 100% fruit juices, pasta, cheese, biscuits, are all welcome.

tea, 100% fruit juices, cheese, I have all received as gifts. Also, have received fresh fruits and veggies from neighbors as gifts, but I guess you are not a fruit or veggie lover, huh? Frankly, I prefer fresh veggies and fruits to chocholates.

useless little hand-towels

Actually they can be useful as rags for cleaning. I've used them a lot, especially when I don't have any old underwear or T-shirts left.