noriyosan73 comments

Posted in: Trump demands 3 Republican groups stop raising money off his name See in context

It is impossible for people to move on from Jan. 6. Correct? Just look at how many times the former president's name is mentioned in the postings. But, try, and focus March 5 and 6 USA time, and President Biden's attempts to make sound, reasonably coherent conversation. He cannot remember names of extremely important people , he cannot speak without a teleprompter, and he has bypassed the legislative duties of Congress. Rule by executive orders is how a dictator operates. The only bill to come out of Congress is the covid relief bill. Just try to have an open mind and listen to the man without the Jan. 6 baggage blazing in your mind. Certainly, you would have concerns if your grandfather in Biden's mental condition had the codes to launch nuclear weapons and he does even know the date or to whom he should listen. Again, open your listening to what he says in English. Americans are being prepared for the 25 Amendment that allows President Harris to take over the presidency. It is just a matter of time.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Posted in: 80% of prefectures unsure of securing doctors for vaccinations: poll See in context

In the USA a person can get vaccination at the pharmacy such as CVS or Costco. In Japan it would be Kyorindo (sp?) where everything is sold and drugs. Who gives the shot in the USA, the pharmacist. It doesn't take a lot of training to give a shot. This solution is something the the Japan health ministry needs to consider. The only problem is as delivery becomes more available, vaccine supply diminishes.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: 80% of Japan mayors oppose, wary of shift to Sept start of school year See in context

What's good for the goose, is good for the gander. Change is extremely difficult for the older generation. The goose wants to keep it the way it was for grandparents. The gander wants to consider change. The switch from kanji, et al, to romaji didn't happen because the goose (geese, pl.) didn't want it. Before covid-19 Japan was preparing for the Olympics and started changing signs so the rest of the world could read them in romaji.

Now, the question of changing the opening day of school was considered by the goose. The goose vote was overwhelmingly NO, probably without much research. The opinion of a few mayors is important but the NO vote is not necessarily the public's opinion.

There are probably plenty of readers who can list YES and NO reasons regarding the change. Perhaps some of them will follow this posting.

"Keep growing, keep learning, keep changing"

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Posted in: Trump resists national shutdown, leaving it up to states See in context

As an ALT given the assignment of presenting an "American Culture" course, it was the most difficult assignment I ever had. Notwithstanding the tremendous size of the USA and the wide varieties of local cultures in it, I tried to present many aspects. The most often asked question was why do the states insist on autonomy to the point they may completely disregard the federal government. Also, why can states disregard the suggestion of the president until certain declaration are officially made. It was difficult to explain, but I told them to study just a little about what was called the "Civil War" in the northern states and the "War Between the States" in the south states. The war was not just about anti slavery. Then, in any political discussion, they could ask is this one of those questions? The governors are responsible for the welfare and safety of the people in their respective states and that the president is responsible for defending the nation from hostile, foreign enemies.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: U.S. death toll eclipses China's as reinforcements head to New York See in context

Where did the virus start? Was it in an open society or closed society? Who are people in both societies supposed to believe? Certainly, for Americans a closed society's politicians are more interested in having people believe them than the scientific facts show. Do the leaders in closed societies have two hour interviews from politicians and scientists twice a day on television? The American people want to the politicians and scientists to give them hope and a solution. They do not want to hear criticism from people who only want to spew political philosophy.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: U.S. Osprey makes emergency landing at western Japan airport See in context

It is just the beginning. "Heads up."

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Pilot drinking again delays ANA flight despite new rules See in context

Require pilots and co-pilots to pass security at the airport four hours before the flight.

Require them to show their security badges to the servers at all bars, food restaurants and duty free stores that sell alcohol.

Program the computer to refuse service four hours before the flight exactly as the computer refuses a credit card or debit card without sufficient funds.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Posted in: American woman brings pistol, bullets onto Delta Air Lines flight to Japan See in context

Did she have the USA TSA Pre-check?

If TSA employee don't want to work responsibly, don't come to work. Go to your local bank for a no-interest loan.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Posted in: School teachers in Japan work more than 11 hours per day: survey See in context

Try the European or even the American system of education. Modern, up to date, competitively adopted textbooks, and limited school hours. Why do teachers present a lesson, say an English lesson, then ask the parents to pay for a cramming school to present the same lesson for review. Also, why are teachers expected to provide "day care" to jr high and high school student 7 days a week? It has been proven in all other cultures that the time children spend in a family setting, the more likely the children are going to become more self-reliant and productive citizens. If teachers are raising other people's children, then who is raising the teachers' children? TEACHERS.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Posted in: Letters From Japan: 'Is there anything at Japanese drugstores that can help me conceive?' See in context

The best therapy is to keep your husband out of baths that are hotter than 35 C. Public baths as well as home baths are often hotter than body temperature (37 C.) which is detrimental to the sperm in the testicle. Sleep in a cool bedroom, exercise by walking (both people) and try to conceive when your temperature is at the ovulation maximum. Finally, do not use any artificial lubricants. They are sterile in nature and kill sperm. Good luck.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Posted in: On Fourth of July, Americans celebrate life, liberty & the pursuit of hot dogs See in context

Do the Japanese have a fourth of July? Yes, it is between the third and fifth of July. May 3 is the day of honor and respect in Japan.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Posted in: Hot dog See in context

"There is always next year, Suzuki-san."

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Posted in: Senior education ministry official arrested over bribery See in context

A problem such as this story tells is exactly why the ministry adopts inappropriate basic English textbooks that do not prepare students to have English speaking skills.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Posted in: North Korea says U.S. threats make war unavoidable; China urges calm See in context

There is no need for war or sanctions. France, Germany, China, and numerous countries in Africa are ignoring sanctions supposedly placed on NK by the UN. Kim has won and intends to stay in power. Accept it world, because the almighty $$$ in any currency is what the world is about.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Posted in: Japan reports economy grew 2.5% year-on-year in July-Sept See in context

People are NOT hurting in Japan. There are numerous jobs available for anyone who is willing to accept the salary. What is the problem? Perhaps the salary is below what they expect to earn. JT reports there is a labor shortage. Imagine what the economy would be if either the welfare system were revised so people had to accept jobs in Japan or immigration of qualified workers were opened. Maybe both. A licensed nurse in California cannot work in Japan even though that person is a Japanese citizen, educated in Japanese junior college, and now has a bachelor's degree in nursing from a California university. Why? The archaic test prohibits it. Just another example of the government not meeting the need for qualified medical personnel for the elderly. Every reader should go to the local mall and count the number of bags people carry as they leave, then say the economy is weak. No way.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Posted in: N Korean boats off Japan spark spy scare, but some say they are just luckless fishermen See in context

FAKE NEWS! The crew keeps their mouths shut because of the 'uncle" bullets are aimed at their relatives.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: Arabs, Europe, U.N. reject Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital See in context

He should have done even more such as decrease the amount of US taxpayers money that goes to the UN as well the other countries supposedly helping their people but actually sponsoring terrorism. There is a saying, "Accept, expect." The UN accepts a certain amount of money from the USA and Japan, and expects it to continue to come regardless of any verified use.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Putin seeks new term as Russia president in March vote See in context

Czar?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: N Korean boats off Japan spark spy scare, but some say they are just luckless fishermen See in context

What are they going to spy on and to whom will they report? Good life, plenty of food, cars, television, and FREEDOM OF SPEECH? Nobody in control in NK will believe them because they are just trying to survive. The best suggestion is to bomb NK with internet ready mobile phones. Get the cheap bid from SK, and drone them over the border at night. Keep the delivery near the border. President Trump is correct; it is time to try something new and bold.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Gov't to set up public-private team for info sharing during disasters See in context

One of the over-the-air tv channels and one national radio station need to be designated as the English channel and one as another foreign language that non-Japanese speakers can go to immediately to hear and see information in a disaster situation. It would be helpful if a sign language interpreter were on the tv screen, too.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Posted in: Foreign job seekers need better preparation for working in Japan: experts See in context

The national English teaching and testing program needs complete revision. 1. English is not going to be taught the way it has been since the end of WWII. 2. English is going to be taught through the use of useful vocabulary that has variety and continual review. (Hello, how are you? I am fine, thank you, and you?) Those ideas are fine for a businessman or woman, but what about the other ways to ask and answer. 3. Silly stories such as the umbrella opening only when it rains are supplemental vocabulary. Students do not need to memorize key sentences in the story. 4. Send one Japanese English teacher from every school alone to an English speaking country, even if it is Hawaii or Guam (better the west coast of the USA) ALONE, so that he or she has to survive with the locals and not rely on a Japanese speaking traveling companion. 5. Ask American publisher for free copies of their Japanese textbooks that are used in the USA.

Something has to be done about the English programs in Japan or the conversation (pun intended) has to end.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Posted in: Emperor Akihito to abdicate on April 30, 2019 See in context

For England, everything is a contract. Charles refused to sign the contract that said if his mother retired, he would not become king. Another waiting game begins! Who will last the longest?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Posted in: Emperor Akihito to abdicate on April 30, 2019 See in context

What a way to say thank you to someone who was loyal to his life's assignment. There are very few employees at any level who could have done what he has done. Hasn't this retirement date been moved forward in time more than once? Is the goal to push it forward far enough that the succession problem will go away?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Posted in: Sumo grand champion Harumafuji retires over assault See in context

Why is he the "fall guy" for sumo? The Japanese government needs to look into fixing of bouts again, the finances, gambling, and anything else that has happened in sumo.

He leaves after having withdrawn. If sumo is not fixed, then he should not retire. He has fallen on the sword for a sport he loves. Everyone in the background is probably counting their blessings.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Sumo grand champion Harumafuji retires over assault See in context

Is there any possibility the stable master, et all, will join him in retirement because of the failure to instill discipline, morals and morale?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Posted in: Hakuho says he will tell truth about assault See in context

Without a doubt, he will tell the truth as he believes it to be. In many sports what happens in the locker room stays there. It would not be the first time a "professional" attacked another "professional" in a locker room. It does not justify the aggression, but this incident can lead to moving sumo from a profession to an entertainment such as "professional" wrestling in the USA. Professionalism is defined by behavior, and being arrogant after a win is taunting an opponent. A simple bow is all that is needed after a win or loss in sumo. Respect is needs to be demonstrated by all involved in the sport.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posted in: Gov't to request American schools in Okinawa accept Japanese pupils See in context

The better idea is to use the money the Japanese government plans to spend on education to send students and teachers to the mainland. Send the best students to American schools. The US government wastes billions of dollars providing housing and services to military dependents. The best idea is to build an island similar to Kansai and move the US military off Okinawa.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posted in: Japan to spend around Y2 tril to subsidise education: report See in context

This commitment to improving the archaic education system in Japan may just mean textbook revision that publishers may not want to do, but is absolutely necessary when it comes to teaching English at all grade levels. Question: "How are you?" Response: "I am fine, and you." In the public junior high school, it is the one and only response students have to satisfy an official test question. If the government wants student to enjoy learning English and, more importantly, be able to use it, the textbooks must be revised to teach a variety of answers. In addition, more vocabulary needs to be presented and presented over and over in later chapters rather than some very short story about an umbrella that only opens when it rains. That kind of material is very important, but it has to be supplemental material. The highest priority is to send all English teacher to the USA, specifically, the west coast. One contact is the California Foreign Language Teaching Association. It is ready to help find host families for teachers. Education has to be relevant and usable.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Posted in: U.S. slaps new sanctions on N Korean, Chinese firms See in context

The sanctions are of no value. It is just a show. Any country that thinks that the "nuclear cloud" only goes west after the destruction of NK is absolutely wrong. Kim thinks he can survive hiding in a spider hole like Hussein, but he has to come up to survive. Meanwhile, China and the rest of the world will see that the nuclear waste comes home to rest. Why don't the leaders of all the Asian countries understand that the problem and results are in their front yards?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Posted in: Survey ranks Japanese children's problem-solving skills near world-best See in context

Problem solving strategies is not putting 8 jr high or high school students together and asking them to solve a problem. The motivated students accept the challenge and go for it while the lazy students sit and wait for the answer. What is the teacher doing - taking a break. If every student were given a problem and the others at the table evaluated it, perhaps something could be learned.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

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