knews comments

Fifty followers isn't exactly a large group of people in the United States. It's a pity that a man of the cloth (if he can be called that) wants to try and stir up emotions by burning things that others respect and thus creating more tension. But, as someone wrote above, we'd probably all be better off without religion. Buddhism is the only one I can think of that doesn't seem to espouse violence. Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism are all messed up in their own ways. I believe in me!

There aren't many movies that I can't get through all the the way to the end but "The Brothers Grimm" was one. "Oh, Brother" with George Clooney was another (although I usually like his movies). But my all time worst would have to be one of those flicks from the 80s like "Revenge of the Killer Tomatoes" (even though it was so bad that it was funny).

Eight potential Darwin Award candidates in the future! Keep an eye on them.

Hmm, dumbocracy in the Un-tied States...is the truth finally coming out?

sourpuss

Well, how about prison as would be the case in a country with some sort of civilized legal system? I'm sure Saudi prisons are not fun places to be in. As I re-read the article, the part that reads "Those who are sentenced to death are often not informed of the progress of legal proceedings against them or of the date of execution until the morning on which they are taken out and beheaded. Crucifying the headless body in a public place...." is also extremely worrying. Funny how the West is much quieter regarding human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. Wouldn't have anything to do with oil, would it? hmmm.

It's disgraceful in this age of technology and advanced civilization (well, one hopes we are) that such primitive punishments are considered. Unbelievable. I would be ashamed if my country discussed such punishments even as a remote possibility. Gandhi couldn't have been more correct when he said that an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. Regarding Islamic law, the Saudis are living in medieval times. Also, doctors take the Hippocratic Oath and swear to help people, not intentionally paralyze them.

There was a poster at a station on the Odakyu Line that was an ad for Tahitian Noni Juice and the catchphase was, I kid you not, "Everyone, Everywhore" !!One of my all-time favorites.

If only more people were more interested in actually learning more about other religions and cultures. The first reaction by most is to reject such a building, mainly because they don't actually understand what it is and why it may be important to some people. More exchanges between countries are necessary. More study abroard programs. More foreign language study. More homestays in the Middle East and so on. That is how this unfortunate, but understandable, lack of knowledge about one another continues generation after generation.

Bored

Just out of interest, are you satisfied with your salary and bonus now?

Some say the Listerine regular mouthwash actually makes bad breath worse because it kills both good and bad bacteria in the mouth, thus making the mouth produce more of both.

Also, it is said that if you brush correctly, you don't actually need to use toothpaste. Toothpaste just gives your mouth a nice taste.

Alright. I'll put some of them up here when I finish the shoot.

kokmunch

Did you actually stop to think how hard it would be to use only your arms to push youself in a wheelchair for 42.2km? Actually, it's hard to imagine doing it at all. I'd say it's a very impressive time because her time is faster than the fastest "regular" marathon runners and you would think that a runner could run faster than someone on wheels.

Amazing that being the most punctual still didn't help them avoid bankruptcy.

Visited Narai about ten years ago and it is definitely worth seeing. There were virtually no other tourists when I went there. Great place for those who want to see a bit of old Japan (without the thousands of other tourists).

nisegaijin

Sorry, but on all four of your points, you are incorrect.

They did actually decide to test the emissions of the idle-stop vehicles and overall these vehicles are more environmentally-friendly than regular ones.

The starting is automatic when the accelerator is revved (or, in the case of buses, the pedal is pushed) so there is virtually no delay.

The engines have been designed to be stopped and started.

Failed starts would be like any vehicle breaking down i.e. it may happen once in a while when there is a fault.

Sorry part two. It's actually Shichirigama!

Sorry, Shichigahama

Been to his Shichigama restaurant for brekky and it was bloody nice. The scrambled eggs really were good. Pricey, yes, but worth it every now and then.

Stranger_in_a_Strange_Land

Why on earth would you need to say in Japanese "It's none of your business what I'm doing"? What situation? That you need to say that tells me you must do things that attract people's attention and makes them wonder what the hell you are doing!

The economic downturn affects all businesses...

Stranger_in_a_Strange_Land

I don't think you've learnt much then.

Maybe the writer inadvertently had the music coming out of the ipod speaker itself and the headphones.....

No. Someone once said that there is absolutely no logical reason for there to be anything after death except death. I agree. Imagining that there is life after death is simply a denial (and/or fear) of reality. Remember dying means we die. It is the end of life. Nothing more nothing less.

Does that count as official parking space?

Stunning!

Apsara

It may sound better if the words "he" or "she" are used instead of "it" to refer to a child.

True! But of course that can be done in Japan as well.

I totally disagree. There aren't many reasons to go to a bank anymore anyway. The furikomi system is fantastic. Where else in the world can you transfer money to anyone else's account at an ATM? Sure it costs a bit but I'd take that system over a cheque any day. Totally unnecessary but I love knowing I can deposit and withdraw coins at many ATMs! Classic stuff! Also, Japan still has the highest ATM withdrawal limits of any country I know (was 2 million yen a day at some banks until a couple of years ago). I'm not surprised about the Traveller's Cheque story someone mentioned above. I haven't used a TC for many years and don't feel any need to. I also like Shinsei Bank because there are no fees and 7-11 is open 24 hours.

It would be far more efficient if the explosive detecting machine just automatically detonated any explosive it detected! Save us all a lot of trouble.

and watch the demand for whale meat go up here too...

all very unnecessary.

This pro-whaling protest is a result of Sea Shepherd's antics down south. It may well turn out that Sea Shepherd has actually ended up creating a strong pro-whaling movement in Japan amongst younger people that didn't even exist before.....

Well done Sea Shepherd!