Paul McCool comments

The USA has gone big SUV and truck happy.

Amen, to that. God forbid they should just build a regular station wagon. I drive a Ford Fusion sedan, because they only offer a wagon in Europe (as the Mondeo). Here in the U.S., I have to buy an SUV to get that same functionality.

Looks like I'll need to take a jar of Vick's with me when I go to Japan. I don't do well with, uh, "personal" smells, especially that particular funk of cheap cigarettes, mixed with B.O. and old perfume that wafts along with so many old ladies. A smear of Vick's under my nose works to dilute most odors, plus it makes people think I've got a cold, so they give me some space...

Gasoline fires make HUGE amounts of toxic smoke. Years ago, I took a class as part of my job in proper use of a fire extinguisher, taught by the local fire department. For the fire, they used a 4' by 6' pan with about 20 gallons of gasoline in it. Once that pan was set on fire, it made such an enormous plume of smoke that we had a police helicopter fly over to check it out, because it had gone several hundred feet into the air. Knowing this makes the explanation about the KyoAni fire completely plausible.

My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of all the victims of this horrible act. I cannot fathom the level of depravity it would require to commit such a vicious crime.

This is very true. The animators of today would likely have been the directors and producers of the next decade, so the effects of this tragedy will have a ripple effect on the industry for a very long time. I only hope that KyoAni can rebuild and continue doing the quality work they've become known for.

I will never understand what drives someone to act in such a depraved manner. Yes, I know mental illness must play a part, but ultimately, it takes some serious personal demons to want to lash out so violently.

When did the G20 become "Take Your Daughter To Work Day"?

Nah, I'll keep making mine the regular way. Microwaved beef is like shoe leather...