zones2surf comments

I think the writer overestimates the current interest in the Olympics, especially amongst Americans, particularly when compared to a few decades ago.

That is not for the lack of efforts by TV networks and advertisers to generate interest. They clearly are trying to ensuring they make money off of the money spent.

However, for the most part, I just don't see much interest, especially among younger people. Particularly in comparison to past generations.

"It's about manners. It's a shame,"

Exactly right!!

Visitors ANYWHERE, regardless of nationality, should behave as guests and be respectful. Frankly, Japanese historically have expected other Japanese to behave this way.

Two comments.

First, the full name of the public official is fully disclosed, whether that official is male or female. Their spouse is a private citizen, even if they are married to a public official. Therefore, I would be interested if the male spouse of a female public official that attended also was referred to similarly, meaning "Husband of XX" or if their full name was used. It would only be if their full name was used that one could argue that this was sexist.

Second, and related, in many of these gatherings, the public official may be known, but their spouse may be unknown. Truthfully, if the name tag denotes who they are, it is helpful for anyone approaching them that doesn't know them. Anyone who has been to formal gatherings of government, business and society leaders know how helpful this can be.

Third, just found it interesting the individual who this comment is attributed to. It seems to be an unusual topic for them to comment on.

Since 2021, there has been:

-- A rise in the underlying mortality rate in multiple countries, above the historical norms, in what is termed an "excess death rate" or "excess mortality rate".

-- An explosion in sudden deaths among young, healthy adults, including athletes.

-- An explosion in myocarditis, including among the young, something never seen before.

-- A rapid increase in aggressive turbo cancers.

Doctors and medical professionals say they can't explain it. But even though they can't explain it, they can say for sure that it isn't the COVID jab. That they know.

Really?!

Just coincidentally, the COVID jab was rolled out in mass quantities in 2021. But, of course, there is absolutely no question it wasn't the jab. And to suggest that might be the jab is considered misinformation and censored accordingly.

Big Pharma makes sure of that. By the monies they give to media in the form of advertising dollars and in the form of monies they give to doctors, hospitals and medical organizations.

Some government officials seem to have far too much time on their hands and are working really hard to justify their existence.... and their huge salaries!!

Different courses for different horses / different horses for different courses, they say.

And "Japanese rice" is not some uniform, monolithic thing. The rice produced in Japan comes in so many varieties. I mean, there is a huge difference between genmai and koshihikari. And even between koshihikari and hinohikari.

I think it is fair to say that the quality standards for rice produced in Japan are as high or higher than any other country in the world.

But, that said, the rice you would want to eat will very well depend on the food you are eating it with.

I mean, there are some meals / dishes where a basmati or jasmine rice is far more appropriate than a Japonica rice.

There is a reason why there are different types of rice in different countries around the world.

For me, I LOVE a bowl of koshihikari or Akitakomachi by itself fresh out of the rice cooker. Just amazing. But, its not what I want if I am going to be making / eating, say, red beans & rice.

I don't know why anybody in their right mind would buy an EV. A hybrid, I can understand. But an EV?

Anyone who has bought one has been sold a bill of goods. The environmental footprint of an EV is horrendous. And the maintenance & service costs skyrocket as the vehicle ages, especially if the battery has to be replace. And then there are those pesky battery fires.

Typical "elitist". With thinly masked condescension and contempt for the masses. Which sometimes comes out for all to see.

The airstrike in Syria killed Gen. Ali Reza Zahdi, who led the elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. It also killed Zahdi's deputy, Gen Mohammad Hadi Hajriahimi, and five other officers.

OK, so a dumb question.

What the heck were senior Iranian military officials doing inside of an embassy in Syria?

Were they engaged in diplomacy?

Or were they engaged in "diplomacy"?

The warmongers in the West want to have their cake and eat it too.

They want to provide arms and personnel to Ukraine to fight against Russia, while stating they are not at war with Russia.

Of course they are at war with Russia. Ukraine is their proxy. And Russia is making that clear.

They are saying... if you designate some asset for use by Ukraine to fight us, that asset is far game.

Which it is. And the Western warmongers know that.

If the U.S. and NATO want to fight Russia, they should just declare war and get on with it.

But they don't because they want to play games.

Here's hoping this admission of fault in such a complete manner truly results in a change in the culture of Takarazuka Revue.ReFuel.

The truth is that bullying and hazing has been an integral part of so many organizations for so long and this is not unique to Takarazuka Revue.

I love country music. Doesn't matter the race. White, Black, Asian or Hispanic, as long as it is authentic.

And, by the way, not a single mention of Darius Rucker in this article. He might want to have a word about "Black" country music.

Or perhaps the writer might want to consider Charley Pride when writing this article.

There are a few crimes that deserve the death penalty. This one, if proven, is one. Sorry, but capital punishment exists for a reason.

This "father" is no father. Not in the true sense of the word. He was the biological creator of this poor girl, but in every other way, he forfeited the right to be called her father.

I agree with the above commenters. Hakuho and his stable need to withstand the bullying and the jealousy of the sumo elders, who are using this to try to take down an outsider.

Russia's population is 143 million.

With a 77% turnout (% eligible voters), 87% voted for Putin. No evidence of rigging.

Shhh, don't share facts with the warmongers that hate Russia because it.... [checks notes].... stands for national sovereignty rather than a new world order.

They can't believe that, GASP, Russians actually love that Putin puts Russia first!!! Which is what any leader of a nation concerned about its own citizens should do!!!

The same leftist students and activists who passionately protested against NATO's actions confronting the Soviet Union in the '80s are now journalists and government leader enthusiastically advocating for NATO to go to war against Russia.

Strange times....

I remember when the Democrat Party were the anti-war party. How times have changed..... I am sure it has nothing to do with the personal bank accounts of politicians of both parties.

I don't have any issue with this. Provided that the money collected is actually used for the purposes it is supposed to be used.

A VERY BIG IF!!

It is easy to paint with broad brushes when it comes to home schooling.

Many opponents of home schooling argue that kids need the socialization of "regular" schools, as if kids in home schooling don't get that socialization and ignoring the very real downsides of "socialization" in many of today's schools.

Conversely, many proponents of home schooling suggest that home schooling is better in all cases, not taking into account the large number of wonderful schools that exist and not recognizing that some kids do better in a traditional school setting.

If families utilizing home schooling are fully integrated into their community and are dedicated to working with other families utilizing home schooling and the resources available to home schooling communities, home schooled students can do exceptionally well and have no issues with being "weirdos".

Taiwan is a wonderful country, with wonderful citizens who support Japan. It is heartwarming to see these Japanese cyclists show their appreciation to the people of Taiwan!

When government is in control of licensing, they have the ability to punish licensed professionals for whatever reason the want to.

Depriving licensed professionals of their livelihood because of the whims of government is an abuse of government's powers!

But of course,

The solution for nobody wanting to consume propaganda masquerading as journalism is....

To force taxpayers to subsidize that propaganda!!

Sure sounds like a great solution....

Until Japan signals that it is serious about protecting the territory it claims, the #CCPChinese will continue to do this.

Because they believe Japan is a weak, spineless country.

Which Japan gives every indication it is.

If #CCPChina sent an armada and seized control over the islands, what would Japan do??

Lodge a "strong" diplomatic protest!1

Japan are spineless cowards.

Defend your territory or shut up!!

Unfortunately, in many places, in many hospitals, patients often encounter imperious doctors, nurses and staff who are arrogant, condescending and abusive. They have no regard for the patient's wishes or the family's wishes. And they can cause situations that drive patients and their families to despair.

In such situations, some patients and / or their family members feel they have no recourse but to confront these medical personnel.

And then the medical personnel play the victim. When they are not.

Medical personnel are not always "paragons of virtue". And they often create such situations because of their arrogance, selfishness or unwillingness to listen to the patient.

The U.S. wants its forward bases because of regional strategic issues.

The central government wants the U.S, military in Okinawa because it means Japan doesn't have to fend for itself when it comes to China, etc.

And Okinawa?

They want to have their land back....

BUT.....

They want to all of the economic benefits that come with having the U.S. military bases in Okinawa!

If Okinawans were REALLY serious about an "independent" Okinawa, they would agree to kicking out the U.S. bases WITHOUT ANY COMPENSATION ONGOING FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT!!

But the truth is that the Okinawans want to have their cake and eat it too!! They want the U.S. military gone but they still want ALL of the benefits of the U.S. military being there!

Pathetic limp-wristed weak Japanese response!

The only thing the #CCP Chinese understand is force!!

Deploy ships to the islands, build a military base there with loads of soldiers and vessels!

And when the #CCCPChinese vessels invade Japanese waters, fire warning shots and threaten to sink them!

THAT is the only thing the Communist aggressors will understand and listen to!!

Hamas is a terrorist regime.

They decided to unleash terrorism on a stronger neighbor.

Now they are paying the price.

Israel has every right right to obliterate them.

Play stupid games, pay the price.

Prosecute them, sentence them to life sentences and then use the media to blanket the airwaves with their complete irresponsibility as parents! And the consequences!!

When it comes to kids dying in cars because of irresponsible parents, parents need to have the message of responsibility beat into them!!!

This should NEVER happen!!!

Japan needs to build a military base on one of the islands, stations ships, helicopters and armed units there.

And project force from there!

THAT is the only measure the Communist Chinese will understand and respect!!

Anything short of that will be viewed as weakness by the Communist Chinese!!

The UN agency has been nothing more than a front group for the Palestinian terrorists! Heck, even the UN hates Israel!