Posted in: Pity those with 'monster neighbors' See in context
You know nothing, Jon Snow!
I had a neighbor who tried to enter others apartments. She also used to play loud music at 3AM and went nuts when the landlord tried to evict her. I had bosozoku neighbors, with those long white coats with writings on their backs, who s...t in front of the door when they got evicted. I had an elderly neighbor who used to place his garbage in front of my door ( and any other garbage he found in the vicinity) until I complained to the landlord. I had a neighbor who went away leaving her alarm on, so every morning at 4:30 it would start screaming fo an hour, and that lasted about two weeks. I had a neighbor who demanded 2000 yen worth gift as an apology when our cat fell on his balcony. We never let poor animal out after that. Can you imagine how stressful it was for her? And the last, but not least - being the parent of an ADHD child can be a curse. The woman downstairs kept complaining and b...ing until our landlord got fed upand asked us to leave. Mid winter. Now we live on the first floor and at least no one complains about the noise.
-1 ( +2 / -3 )
Posted in: If you could live in any city in the world, other than where you live now, which one would you choose and why? See in context
When I grow old, I want to live in one of those small Hobbit houses in New Zealand, grow my own vegetables in a small orchard, have few cats and maybe a dog, enjoy the beautiful nature, away from annoying crowds, with no tv and a lots of books.
4 ( +4 / -0 )
Posted in: Jordan executes 2 prisoners after IS killing of pilot See in context
No,no, Sajida was a symbol, an important symbol for the terrorists, sort of an inspiration, and Jordan made her a martyr. No, they should have killed the symbol before the person- that would enrage, but also bewilder and hurt ISIS. Jordan should have drugged her and filmed her eating pork chops, drinking alchohol and shaggin' infidels, and enjoying it. Then this all goes online. This will be the end of Sajida, as a person and a symbol. But it will be such big huge insult to the whole idea of Islam promoted by ISIS, and it would damage the very image of ISIS among their followers.
-2 ( +0 / -2 )
Posted in: Sayonara Japan See in context
Well, clearly he's not a fan of walking or cycling.
3 ( +5 / -2 )
Posted in: Tsukuba University lecturer arrested for 'assaulting' ambulance See in context
He is teaching information technologies there. I can only guess what his poor students are subjected to.
3 ( +3 / -0 )
Posted in: 47-year-old man arrested after body parts of missing 6-year-old Kobe girl found See in context
Local Japanese press informs that the guy has registered at online dating site, looking for foreign girlfriend. Just as I thought- that the killer is male, probably living alone, not many friends, if any, not working, have been living in the vicinity for a long time, and the crime wasn't premeditated. He was in a hurry to dispose of the body, and he made a mistake. I have been living with this case since the very beginning. The girl resembles mine so much, and from the description one of her neighbors did, she had the same issues- restless, fearless, overly trustful. I couldn't sleep tonight, learning of the gruesome way they found her. And the guy was preying on foreign girls too. I would so like to go Ramsay Bolton on him...Well, this is how a mother goes paranoid, now.
1 ( +3 / -2 )
Posted in: 2 school girls jump to death from Tokyo apartment building See in context
Japanese media drops hints that the reason might have been the excessive stress around their JHS entrance exams. They were supposed to go to juku, which they went to together, but missed today. They were described as excellent students, leaders in their class, but recently used to complain about their increased workload, and decreased time for sleep. Sorry, this is one aspect I don't want to subject my kids to, that's why I'm considering Europe for their education.
6 ( +6 / -0 )
Posted in: Dressed-up dog See in context
It could be worse.
I just watched a video of dog, dressed as giant spider, who scared the living s...out of some poor folks at night.
Then I see this photo and think: yes, this one is having it easier, even in these silly clothes.
-1 ( +0 / -1 )
Posted in: Fukushima fallout: Resentment of evacuees grows in nearby city See in context
O-mo-te-na-shi...
15 ( +16 / -1 )
Posted in: Anna and Elsa ready to visit homes in January with 'Frozen' New Year’s osechi meals See in context
Let it go already!
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Gov't trying to confirm report of Japanese man held in Syria See in context
Well, according to the Japanese news, this guy is neither doctor, nor journalist. He is arms dealer . He used to buy US weapons, and to sell them to the JSDF. He was in Syria to trade weapons, obviously.
1 ( +2 / -1 )
Posted in: 'Ninja Warrior' competitor wants to inspire others See in context
Actually, few years ago there was a guy , I think from Russia but I could be wrong, Eastern Europe in any case, former world champion in gymnastics, who , although being in great shape, failed at the final stage, "The Spider".
I'm already inspired by her, even though I'm not a professional athlete like her. She won over the toughest guys, in their game. Hats off to her!
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Messi named player of the tournament; Neuer wins World Cup Golden Glove See in context
Dear, dear, let me give you a hug. You'll do better next time.
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Germany scores in extra time to win World Cup 1-0 See in context
Although my hearth bleeds for Lionel , Germany were the better team, better organized and working together. Kilnsmann is great both as a player and as a coach. I actually cheered for both teams, and the cruel irony was to see them face each other at the final. Well done, Germany, well done, Argentina, and Messi is still the MVP.
-2 ( +2 / -4 )
Posted in: Should you put your child on a leash? Japanese mothers weigh in See in context
My daughter is with ADHD. Only those with ADHDkids would know how hard it to look after one. They have less sence of danger than the other kids, and are very impulsive. I turned into a nervous wreck first 3-4 years. Add to that her being a late talker and not quite understanding why something is dangerous...That leash(which actually was really cute bag with her favorite character on it) saved her life on number of occasions. First, holding her hand was enough, but then, when my second child was born,and I had to push this big stroller with both hands, going out became an ordeal. Of course, in parks and other facilities for kids she was leash-less, but outside, in the trafic she was on the leash, until she grew wise enough to avoid dangers. Even now outside i hold her hand or insist she holds onto the stroller or my handbag.I've heard a lot, especially from elderly women, and it hurt me always, because they talked without knowing what I'm through, without even knowing what ADHD is. I hated them bitterly, but kept my mouth shut. No more. My son is quiet, and walks with me, but if ever he needs a leash for his own safety, and somebody "disapprove", I'll probably go ballistic, for all these years of stress and ijime.
7 ( +8 / -1 )
Posted in: What are your three favorite animated films of all time? See in context
My ultimate No1 is Tonari no Totoro. I've watched it maybe hundred times. 2 and 3 are also Miyazaki movies- Spirited Away ( Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi) and The Grave of The Fireflies ( Hotaru no Haka).
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Even if viewers threaten to cancel payment because of my remarks, they still have to pay if they own TVs. See in context
How about computers and tablets?
2 ( +2 / -0 )
Posted in: Fake brand-name goods confiscation at all time high; 90% originate in China See in context
Sue, they are mostly Russians and Japanese, who provide for the poor but pretentious part of their consumers. Eastern Europe has many such tourism based trade companies. Last time I went home and saw the situation I nearly cried. Brand goods are sold with 300% taxes and added price , and even people with average income cannot afford them.
0 ( +1 / -1 )
Posted in: Should operators of websites be held criminally responsible if users post death threats, notices of intent to commit crimes, instructions on how to build bombs, etc? See in context
It depends, really. I voted No in general, but I think they should be held responsible in three cases:
As Cleo said above- for not removing the content and failing to monitor the board for clearly illegal activity. Second case, if they notice the threat, and remove it, but fail to notify the police. Third case, if the police gets involved, and they refuse to collaborate by providing user login data or other info which would help catch the perpetrator.
1 ( +2 / -1 )
Posted in: McDonald’s Japan celebrates spring with pink buns See in context
Sorry for being such a person, I know it's totally Freudian , but I was sort of grossed out by this hamburger, and I don't think I'm going to put it anywhere near my mouth.
3 ( +6 / -3 )
Posted in: New online menaces: from spamming fridges to hijackers See in context
I want a fridge which sends spam. Can they program it to send sandwiches and bento too?
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Review: An epic battle gets blockbuster treatment See in context
At least it is not like that porridge Hollywood made some time ago. We watched it with a Russian friend of mine and we both were like, WTF?
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Name your 10 favorite TV shows of all time. See in context
Law & Order (the original +SVU) , Stargate Atlantis, Supernatural , Poirot, CSI (all of them), Chuno, Iljimae( only the first season), Commissar Rex( the German version) and the new Sherlock, of course. Benedict rocks!
0 ( +1 / -1 )
Posted in: Man arrested for stomping on children’s feet See in context
Last news about that guy- the court has let him go. Prosecution' s move for detention has been denied despite the guy' s confession. Yes, and he is board member of certain IT company... Mental with excellent computer skills, or at least having subordinates with excellent computer skills. BTW, the kidnapper of one of the girls who went missing was working at an IT company too, again in his late 30s. Do you see a pattern here? What's going on?
3 ( +4 / -1 )
Posted in: Deciding whether or not to help a crying child is complicated in Japan See in context
Some time ago, in Y! Japan's Chiebukuro, a woman shared her experience in a department store , where she tried to help another crying little girl. She approached the girl, who was crying and seemed lost, and took her to the nearest store employee. Then the mother suddenly showed up and started yelling: " Kidnapping! Arrest this woman!" at the lady who actually tried to help her daughter. Fortunately, other people, who had observed the scene, explained her everything before someone had called the cops. The woman asked if she had done something wrong by trying to help the girl, and what would everyone else do in such situation. The answers were mostly like , it's the mother's fault, you've done the right thing, etc. but It was clear the woman was still in doubt. Helping others is not an easy thing and it has it's risks every time. A good doctor saves lives every day , but also risks his life and reputation in case of mistake. If he didn't want to take this risk, he would become waiter , or salaryman in some small company. A firefighter or a soldier get paid to risk their lives for others, but if they didn't want to help others, they would find other jobs without such risks. If you really want to help a crying child, you should consider that there is some risk of being questioned by the police, get yelled at or get funny looks. If it matters to you that the child could be in danger and a young life can be lost, then it would be worth the risk, I think.
5 ( +5 / -0 )
Posted in: What is the most environmentally friendly way to keep warm in winter? See in context
Wear warm clothes made of thick textile and shoes with thick soles. Then you can manage to stay warmer without wearing a ton of paper thin clothes.
Eat better and exercise- increased metabolism makes you feel warmer.
Keep a thermos with warm tea or coffee at hand.With temperatures sometimes minus 25- 30 C, waist high snow and soaring heating prices, how do you think we survive in my country the winter.
2 ( +2 / -0 )
Posted in: Kiki will deliver meals to you for real See in context
Where is the cat?! Where is Gigi!? It had very important role in the anime! Was it that hard to get some trained cat and to make it talk and act using CG?
This movie is soooo going to flip...
1 ( +6 / -5 )
Posted in: What do you like about the way Christmas is celebrated in Japan, and what don't you like about it? See in context
I come from a slightly different culture, and our Christmas is different from the western one, includes way too many rituals and symbols, vegetarian dinner, Christmas carols are different, etc. Therefore, for me Christmas in Japan is completely different, culturally incomparable experience, and I try to enjoy it. There's not much I don't like in the Japanese Christmas, but, still I can point out 3 main things that I find irritating:
It is supposed to be family holiday, but how can one celebrate with their family if they have to work, as always.
Decorations are set up too early. Sort of wears off the festive mood.
KFC for Christmas?! What's next, festive burger and Santa - shaped French fries?1 ( +2 / -1 )
Posted in: Hemsworth back as Thor but won't be type-cast See in context
Chris, you are super hot and I really like you, but the fact is, right now Tom Hiddleston is stealing your movie...
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: American casting for 'Hana Yori Dango' (Boys Over Flowers) TV series receives harsh Japanese criticism See in context
Just to clear something - the show is set up not in a high school, but in certain grad school, hence the older age. Although I highly doubt any grad school student would put boys or friends or anything else before their research. The staff is multiracial, which is good thing, unless they decide to play on every known racial/ ethnic stereotype
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Over 100 hotels in Japan fall victim to Booking.com phishing scams
Posted in: Stolen ¥10 mil gold bowl found in secondhand store
Posted in: Woman arrested after stealing box with GPS tracker from man’s doorstep
Posted in: China sends fighter jets to shadow U.S. Navy plane over Taiwan Strait