zabutonsenbei comments

Posted in: Refereeing standards in spotlight again at Asian World Cup qualifiers See in context

In a sense, both teams suffered from the refereeing in this game. I don't think either team had an advantage. There were bad calls and missed calls on both sides. That being said, FIFA does have to raise the standards, especially for WC qualifying matches.

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Posted in: Golden oldies See in context

I like Jaws too, but how can you not like the original Psycho? The music was outstanding, and the direction and acting were great. I would buy all three on dvd.

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Posted in: 5 elderly people killed in minivan-truck collision in Fukushima See in context

Sad accident. I hope the fifth woman car passenger and the truck driver and passenger all survive. RIP to the others.

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Posted in: Comedian apologizes for not helping mother get off welfare See in context

His mother admitted that she was in the wrong, and that her son shouldn't be blamed for anything. Maybe he should've told her to stop accepting benefits, but it is ultimately up to her. I think a proper penalty for the mother would be to have her pay back the benefits she received after her son started helping her out financially. Her son can help her pay it all back. The sad thing is, he will probably be black listed, and all the shows and commercials he was on will probably get rid of him. I think what they should really be doing is fixing the system. It's too easy to abuse it, and unfortunately in the new Japan, there are too many people who will take advantage. In the old days, people were ashamed of taking a hand out, even if they really needed one. Nowadays, well...

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Posted in: Sawajiri promises sizzling scenes in 'Helter Skelter' See in context

Looking forward to seeing it. Saw the promos on TV and it looks interesting.

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Posted in: 7 killed as bus on way to Tokyo Disneyland crashes in Gunma See in context

Very sad accident, RIP to the 7 who died, and I hope that the others recover quickly, both physically and mentally. Am I the only one that thinks there should have been a guard rail in front of the sound barrier wall, to prevent a fast moving vehicle from being cut in two? If there had been one, there would have still been an accident, but the bus wouldn't have been sliced in two, and perhaps there wouldn't have been any deaths. The news hasn't said anything about this, but I think they really should rethink the design.

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Posted in: Search continues for missing tsunami victims at families' request See in context

Bones and clothing would give more closure than nothing. I hope they find them, but as everyone has pretty much said, it will be nearly impossible. Sad.

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Posted in: Ailing maestro Ozawa cancels all performances for rest of the year See in context

It's so hard to deal with lower back pain, especially if you are standing for hours with your arms in the air. Best wishes for a full recovery.

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Posted in: Company sues Apple over iPad name in Shanghai See in context

The Chinese are amazing, and I don't mean that in a bad way. On the news last night they reported that the entire alphabet from aPad to zPad have been trademarked. There was even a flashlight seller who trademarked the name iPhone for its flashlights, since they aren't phones I guess it's OK. Anything to get ahead in a highly competitive market I guess. I think that China will not risk Apple moving its business elsewhere, and will allow Apple's claim to stand. I am also tired of hearing the complaints against Apple regarding Foxconn factories. Why only investigate Apple when so many other companies' products are produced by Foxconn? I guess it's just because Apple is doing so well, and is therefore an easy target.

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Posted in: Swiss develop space cleaner to scoop abandoned satellite and rocket parts See in context

Seriously though, something has to be done with all that stuff floating around out there. They should see if there is any way they could recycle it, maybe even up there in space.

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Posted in: Swiss develop space cleaner to scoop abandoned satellite and rocket parts See in context

Isn't that an old US TV series called Quark?

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Posted in: Welles' Oscar for 'Citizen Kane' sells for $861,000 See in context

I thought it was an unwritten rule that Academy Awards were not to be sold.

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Posted in: Japan's CO2 emissions see first rise in three years See in context

With everyone saving electricity, it seems strange that CO2 is rising, but I'm guessing it's because more fossil-fuel based power plants are being relied on. Not sure, but seems likely. I work at a company that changed its work schedule during the summer months to save electricity. Unfortunately it ended up actually using a lot more electricity because parts of the office were basically open 7 days a week instead of 5. I say give Masayoshi Son, president Softbank, a chance to build his mega-solar plants. Can't hurt.

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Posted in: KEEN Footwear See in context

USB, one possible reason for the higher price is the duty on leather goods here in Japan. I bought a $20 pair of sandals as a gift for my wife from another shoe place, unfortunately it had leather straps. The duty was, if I remember correctly, 4,500 yen! Over double the price of the sandals. Needless to say I never ordered another product made with leather again. It especially irks me because I can't find my size over here.

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Posted in: 'Mezamashi TV' anchor Otsuka sends message from hospital See in context

I hope he gets better. Watch Mezamashi every morning, and it's weird not seeing him. I still think he looks a bit like an Oompa Loompa though.

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Posted in: Apple's tongue-tied Siri faces 'Singlish' rival See in context

I'm sure Siri will be updated soon to work for more languages in the near future. Voice control is the wave of the future. Isn't there a voice controlled air conditioner out now? The world of Gene Roddenberry has come even closer to reality. Hurry up with the transporters.

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Posted in: Moody's downgrades a dozen UK banks See in context

Who downgrades the downgraders?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Posted in: Battle to sell iPhone heats up as Softbank undercuts KDDI on monthly fees See in context

I wonder if KDDI will allow foreigners to get a phone without using a credit card. I understand the reason behind this Softbank policy, but it makes ya feel like a crook or something. It is good that there is some competition going on, competition seems to be a rare thing here. It's all about maintaining the WA I guess.

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Posted in: NHK president pledges crackdown on artists with yakuza ties for 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' See in context

I imagine most of the Enka singers won't be on the stage.

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Posted in: Apple announces death of Steve Jobs at 56 See in context

A sad day indeed. My condolences to his family and friends. Whether you like Apple or not,, he had such an impact on so many people's lives, and so many industries, besides the computer industry. Music, movies, TV, and designs that influenced so many. I remember when the first iMacs came out, they were see-through in a multitude of colors. Suddenly all kinds of see-through multi-color products came out. I think I still have some extension cords from that time. A visionary, an innovator, someone who truly "thought different" and brought about a world of change. Thank you Mr. Jobs, your legacy will live on forever.

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Posted in: Samsung starts new chip line to boost flash memory See in context

Hope they didn't increase production to meet the growing demand for iPods, iPads and iPhones, because according to a lot of other news sources, Apple is buying more from Japanese makers and less from Samsung. Wonder if it has anything to do with all the litigation from both sides.

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Posted in: Ai Kago in apparent suicide attempt See in context

Some people have said that she made a lot of money. I really wonder about that. I think that the members are paid a monthly salary, but it's not anywhere near the amount their cds, etc., bring in. I think Yoshimoto also pays a monthly salary, don't they? More successful performers probably get a little more, but I really wonder how much they get. Anybody know?

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Posted in: Ai Kago in apparent suicide attempt See in context

She started in the entertainment business with Morning Musume, I think, when she was 12 or 13. Got busted by some weekly mag for smoking underage, and was basically thrown away by the entertainment business. I think an apology and a month vacation to repent would have sufficed, but this is Japan. This started her down the road of depression, I think. I agree with steve@CFPC and JapanGal, she needs help. Frankly I don't think she will get the kind of support she needs from her 44 year old boyfriend with the dubious background. I hope she can find help through a support group or her family and friends. If the press starts hounding her and putting her under a microscope, I'm afraid the next time the result may be different.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Posted in: Giants stun Carp with 3-2 victory in Central League See in context

I live in Hiroshima, and I must say pawatan, you are sadly correct. They are more stunned when the team comes from behind and wins.

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Posted in: Nadeshiko Japan earns Olympic soccer berth See in context

Very glad that Nadeshiko is through to the London Olympics, but not being able to score in the game against North Korea is not good. After the own goal by NK, Japan seemed to stop and try to play possession, which was a big mistake. The NK players were very determined. I think the reason that the players and fans looked down, was because of the way the game went. No goals by Nadeshiko, mistakes leading to the NK goal. They also looked down because they had to wait for Australia to win, before they were assured of their spot in the Olympics. Kudos to the team, and play your hearts out against China on Sunday!

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Posted in: Nadeshiko Japan beats Thailand in Olympic qualifier See in context

In the first half, they played well, but they just didn't have that final pass and shot on goal. In the second half, with the addition of Aya Miyama, it seemed like they had found the missing piece. The lineup was very different from their world cup lineup, and I think it was a good idea to try out some new things in this game. On a side note, I was surprised at the result of the Australia vs North Korea game.

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Posted in: Belgian soccer match halted after Fukushima taunts See in context

Here's a link on Youtube that still works. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdbpgURYA8E Worth a look, if you're interested. Sad that these few "fans"using this chant ruined the image of their team and their fellow fans in the eyes of many.

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Posted in: Steve Jobs resigns as Apple CEO See in context

A great man, a great legacy. He brought Apple back from the brink, and blew away its competitors. From the first colorful round iMac, the iPod, the iPhone, all the way up to the iPad2, changing the standards, and creating new ones. The future is still bright for Apple. I just feel for the man and his family. I hope that he can show up for an occasional "One more thing..." in the future, but other than that, I hope that he has long quiet retired life with his family.

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Posted in: Suspect in woman's death commits suicide in Hiroshima See in context

@bookowls I live here too, and I watch the news everyday too. Doesn't it seem to you that we are hearing about more murders this year? Parents being killed because the kids don't want to, or can't, take care of them. A son killed his mother for that reason in Onomichi last week, I think. Little children being killed by neglect, or abuse. It just seems like a lot more than usual this year.

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Posted in: Toys 'R' Us adds Lalaloopsy dolls to its Japan stores See in context

@SquidBert

LOL! Thanks for doing that research for me.

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