sctaber56 comments

@Elbuda Mexicano: Safe and sane travels to you and blessings to your family in California (it's my home state, too).

Quite a pair of tremors early this morning in Nishinomiya. Glad my keitai emergency alarm woke me up just moments before I felt the first one. Glad that from the reports I've seen on TV, that the damage seems to just be structural. Reminds that I really need to tighten up my emergency preparedness plan...And, yes, please be safe, everyone.

As a baby boomer growing up in California, I rushed home after school to catch the Mickey Mouse Club on TV and Annette was always my favorite. Sadly a bit of my childhood died with her. Enjoy this video clip from her classic movie "Beach Blanket Bingo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ngTd7SPFCw

You shouldn't underestimate Ms.Kennedy, an accomplished author, attorney, and editor in her own right. She's NOT just another "blonde" celebrity.

I envy those who can read Murakami Haruki's works in Japanese. Alas, I will have to wait not so patiently for Jay Rubin's translated version.

Mr. Redford is one of my all-time favorite actors. And I support his politics. His Twilight Zone episode is a classic.

Typical Harrison Ford response --> always the cool guy!

I'm surprised that McDonald's didn't roll out this new green maccha and Oreo-flavored McFlurry and milkshake in time for St. Patrick's Day. Missed a very good sales opportunity the little leprechaun in me thinks.

I agree with other posters - Why are parents taking kids to a concert on a school night? They have no basis for complaining!

What a bunch of nay sayers. I think more coverage is a very good thing for the worldwide game of baseball. I hope folks do tune in and watch, especially when the Giants play my current hometown favorites, the Hanshin Tigers!

I'd hardly call these "islands". Not even habitable. "Outcroppings" really describes them much better. Take a look: http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&p=Senkaku+%2B+pictures

Looking forward to seeing SF 49er QB Colin Kaepernick in spectacular action. He's on fire!

The man was described as being in his 30s.

What's the basis for this eye witness account, given that the culprit was wearing sunglasses, a face mask, and a knit cap? He must have flashed his ID at some point so that his approximate age could be duly noted.

There IS a Tour of Japan cycling event: http://www.toj.co.jp/toj15/

While northern California is huge 49er country, of course, native son, Aaron Rogers (who was born in Chico, CA and played for Cal under former UC Berkeley Coach Tedford) is very popular, too. Hope it's a good game for both teams.

Congratulations to all the happy and courageous LGBT couples getting married on this most historic day in towns and cities all over the state of Washington in the U.S. on Sunday, Dec. 9th, including my daughter, Olivia Luna, and her longtime partner, Regina Buenaobra. Much love and support to you both - a successful marriage isn't easy, no matter the dynamics!

I don't go out to see movies much, but this is one film I'm very much looking forward to seeing. What a stellar cast with Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and so many others. Can't wait!

It's not a matter of Americans being shy and conservative in the area of personal hygiene. It's all a matter of marketing this wonderful product correctly and aggressively to the target population: aging middle class Americans. Nearly all my friends in the States who fit this demographic, have a box of so-called "baby wipes" (I affectionately call them "butt wipes") in their bathrooms, conveniently placed near the toilet. And whenever I share about my adored washlet toilet, everyone is so envious, asking "How can I get one for my house?". I truly believe that if Toto marketed their products in a smart way, there'd be a washlet in nearly every home in the U.S. and I'm sure that most if not all of Japan's current economic woes would be solved.

Rumor has it that a Giant Panda is on the loose and has been seen eating Tigers in San Francisco! Go SF Giants! Only one more win and the 2012 World Series is all yours.

As I live in Kansai now, I'll root for the Hanshin TIGERS. But as a native of northern California, my heart will always belong to the San Francisco GIANTS. GO GIANTS! Sweep the Detroit Tigers!

Hey, is Johnny Depp in Japan again, sans facial hair??

And who says that baseball is not an exciting sport to watch...Go San Francisco Giants! It's Orange October, baby!

It isn't that Ms. Lagarde is "sitting funny," it's that she's too tall for the chair size so she has so move her knees to the side in a genteel way, which, I imagine, is rather awkward. I love the power white ensemble she's chosen to wear! All eyes are on her.

Whether fishing from a boat or from rocks at the water's edge, wearing life jackets is a must. Might have saved both lives. How traumatic for the boy who witnessed his friend and grandfather both being swept away by what was probably a rogue wave. I do applaud the older gentleman for his efforts to save his grandson's friend.

Please take good care, everyone - no need to take unnecessary risks. Don't be going stupid.

I. too, grew up watching The Andy Williams show quite regularly along with the Smothers Brothers Show and Carol Burnett et al. Now THAT was entertaining TV programming! RIP, Mr. Williams. Your wonderful voice brought joy to millions.

Hope it won't be too impossible to get tickets as I would love to see the magnificent Mr. Watanabe perform live on stage.

I've been following the pre-production of George Takei's "Allegiance - A New American Musical," via its Facebook page for a few years. I really hope I get a chance to see it soon when I'm stateside. It's got an amazingly talented cast. If you are in the San Diego/SoCal area, you should make every effort to see it. Takei-san, Omedetou gozaimasu!

My dream would be for the Olympics to truly showcase the achievements of all the athletes and to leave countries and therefore politics, out of it.

Of ALL the possible pictures to run relating to Nadeshiko Japan's historic Olympic silver medal achievement, why THIS one depicting drunken frat boy-like behavior? Shameful at least.