Posted in: Do you keep photos of your relatives who have passed away, those still living, including your children, as well as memorable family events such as weddings, birthdays, etc, on your mantle or in albums at home, or are all your photos just online? See in context
All the photos are on my computer, and periodically backed up on an external HD.
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Posted in: Sinner destined for greatness -- but first comes doping hearing See in context
I think he already is. The fact that he could stay focused and win basically everything while embroiled in the doping scandal speaks a lot about his focus and dedication, and about his tennis level. I hope wada will not get too crazy and respect the decision of the independent tribunal.
And if everything goes well and he also stays injury free, I look forward to an extremely exciting rivalry with Alcaraz.
-1 ( +0 / -1 )
Posted in: Japan gasoline price hits 17-month high of ¥185.10 on subsidy cut See in context
Costco may be cheaper, but they are not all over the place: the closest Costco to me is 40 min by highway (1750 yen one way), or 1 hour 15 min by normal roads.
John, at least in Tokyo area most of the gas stations are self service. Last time I used a manned one was a few years ago somewhere in Niigata.
3 ( +3 / -0 )
Posted in: Sinner races into semifinals as Swiatek closes on first Australian Open title See in context
I like De Minaur, but Sinner completely outclassed him, it was savage. The semis will be very interesting.
Iga is back with a revenge, after that doping masquerade and a poor year fr her standards, she wants to make a point.
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Japan gasoline price hits 17-month high of ¥185.10 on subsidy cut See in context
I don't know where you guys live, but it's been around the 170 yen mark for one year or so in Tokyo (gasoline, standard). I've noticed the last 2 weeks or so that it is going up, this morning it was 179 yen, with member discount.
5 ( +5 / -0 )
Posted in: Djokovic row as 'dizzy' Sinner reaches Australian Open quarters See in context
I watched the Sinner-Rune match intermittently while at work, in the first set I thought Sinner will quit, he was shaking and limping. He got a medical time up, he still looked bad, but he started playing more steadily, and the next thing you know Rune was struggling physically. Huge grit from Sinner. With Alcaraz, Djokovic and Zverev in great form, I look forward to the next matches.
And Monfils, I felt so sorry for him, after 3 insane sets his body gave up. Much respect, fighting his heart out at 38 years old (Shelton is 22!).
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: Is there any item with 'older' technology you still use because you are not interested in the modern version? See in context
I don't know if it qualifies as "older technology", but MT car. Not in Japan, but whenever I go back to Europe I love to drive my parents' MT car, or rentals.
And books, of course. Not too much time unfortunately
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Man arrested for attempting to kill father after argument over taking out trash See in context
Meiyou, 船着数吉容疑者. Boat arrival
3 ( +5 / -2 )
Posted in: If you live in Japan, which city other than where you now reside, would you like to live in? See in context
1) Fukuoka; 2) Kobe; 3) Sendai
3 ( +4 / -1 )
Posted in: Eye on the ball See in context
An amazing win. Muchova is in good form, won their last match, and started very strong. Then somehow Osaka started playing insane tennis.
3 ( +3 / -0 )
Posted in: Former MUFG Bank staff member arrested over safe deposit box thefts See in context
"46 years old, working at the bank for more than 25 years and held various managerial positions." Somehow the numbers don't add up, either she graduated early (which was close to impossible in Japan 25 years ago), or she joined the bank without graduating from college, which I highly doubt.
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Goodman out of Inoue title fight after reinjuring eye See in context
Sarcasm, do names like Manny Pacqiao or Floyd Mayweather, just to name the most famous, ring a bell?
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Posted in: Osaka to play Australian Open after 'devastating' injury pullout See in context
Tokyo Guy, Emma had 3 surgeries in 2023, I wouldn't really call that a pinkie injury.
I don't really understand all the negativity against elite sport players who have been struggling with various problems and work their butt off to climb back to the top. What's wrong with "Good luck, do your best"?
4 ( +4 / -0 )
Posted in: Porn for women in Japan: No plumbers or pizza delivery men here See in context
As I've heard from a friend, Japanese AV has all the possible subgenres imaginable catering to all and everybody. Including women, of course.
2 ( +4 / -2 )
Posted in: Australian Open 2025: There really isn't much time off in the offseason for tennis players See in context
Absolutely. The schedule has ben getting cramped with various events, the game become slower and more athletic, and longer rallies tear down the players. Together will the mental toll of the loneliest game, constant travel preventing any kind of normal life, and nonexistent vacation, the appeal of a pro tennis career is fading. Not to mention that despite all the titanic work, only about 100 people in the world ca live decently from tennis!
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Djokovic has point to prove against younger rivals at Australian Open See in context
He was seeded no. 7, after a very poor year (by his standards). I do believe he still has fire for 1-2 slams, but his recent form and motivation have been low. Maybe Murray will reignite some.
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Posted in: Sinner turns focus to Australian Open defense after 'amazing' year See in context
Because you know better than the International Tennis Integrity Agency?
Wada is a great mess, Iga got a meaningless 1 month suspension, and they somehow want to prove a point with Sinner as well.
-1 ( +0 / -1 )
Posted in: Djokovic beaten by big-serving Reilly Opelka in quarterfinals of Brisbane International See in context
The guard changed last year. My guess is Djokovic will aim for 1-2 more slams and call it quits. This year will be about the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry, unless wada makes a stupid call
1 ( +2 / -1 )
Posted in: Kashimayari Ski Resort offers beautiful views of Japanese Alps and is an excellent place for skiers of all levels See in context
I went to Kashimayari a lot when I was a student, the best price/quality option in Nagano area. A bit far from Tokyo, but it doesn’t matter if you go with the overnight bus
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: PlayStations for guns are offered up in New Orleans See in context
allows most people 18 years or older to carry a concealed weapon without a government permit, a firearms training course or getting their fingerprints taken
but no beer allowed, that’s too dangerous for a 18 year old
5 ( +5 / -0 )
Posted in: Man arrested on suspicion of breaking into female acquaintance's house with stolen key See in context
There must be more to this story, things just don't make sense: 20 years old "acquaintances", a "stolen" key, things moved around the house, security camera installed.
0 ( +1 / -1 )
Posted in: Djokovic eyes more Slam glory as Swiatek returns under doping cloud See in context
It will definitely be an interesting Australian Open. Djokovic chasing records, Sinner clearly top favorite, but having a suspension pending, Alcaraz trying to get back on top, Kyrgios back in action on home territory, plus a bunch of other guys going strong: Sverev, Medvedev, Fritz, Dimitrov, Ruud, maybe Tsitsipas back on form?
0 ( +0 / -0 )
Posted in: What are some Christmas-themed movies and TV shows that you try to watch every year? See in context
absolutely, I just watched Bad Santa again last weekend. masterpiece
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Posted in: Murakami tells alma mater he was a 'terrible student' See in context
I'm not sure on what world are you living, but he is a best selling author, both in Japan and abroad: "His novels, essays, and short stories have been best-sellers in Japan and internationally, with his work translated into 50 languages and having sold millions of copies outside Japan." (wikipedia)
2 ( +3 / -1 )
Posted in: Is there a time in your past that you are nostalgic for? If so, when and what made it nostalgic for you? See in context
I was blessed with wonderful parents and grandparents, so basically all my childhood
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Posted in: Kinugawa Onsen reversing 'ruins' image amid foreign visitor boom See in context
Same here, went to Kinugawa with the family and we loved it. Not very crowded, kids had a great time
3 ( +3 / -0 )
Posted in: Prince Hisahito, 2nd in line to throne, to enroll in University of Tsukuba See in context
Because the high school is affiliated with the U. of Tsukuba, every year several students are admitted through recommendation and essay/interview only.
Nice to see he is interested in science, but it will a logistic nightmare, all the security during classes and I don't imagine what will be when he chooses a lab to do research in the fourth grade. Let's hope they keep it in a low key.
-3 ( +0 / -3 )
Posted in: Japanese scientists were pioneers of AI, yet they’re being written out of its history See in context
Today from 1 pm, Prof. Shunichi Amari will give a talk on the Nobel prize, looking forward to that!
For most recent discoveries, there is always the dilemma for the Nobel prize: who to choose? The pioneers who put some theoretical foundation, or the people who actually made that into something useful? Usually it is a blend of both, but being restricted to 3 scientists alive, it's not always easy. And history typically remembers just the winners, which is very unfair and unfortunate.
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Why did Iga Swiatek get a one-month doping ban, while Sinner was fully cleared? See in context
Ian, melatonin is not supposed to contain TMZ, it was inadvertently contaminated by the maker, who will be probably sued out of their existence. The trainer can't do chemical contaminants testing for all the medications and supplements he/she buys
1 ( +1 / -0 )
Posted in: Government watchdogs fired by Trump sue his administration and ask a judge to reinstate them
Posted in: Trump to announce reciprocal tariffs by Thursday as trade war fears mount
Well done President Trump. Finally bringing peace.
Posted in: Trump makes first big foray into Ukraine diplomacy, speaking to Putin, Zelenskyy
This is just another way for the government to say that apple prices are going to up even more. I…
Posted in: Apple harvest threatened after heavy snow blankets Aomori