OzOzOz

Quote: They get paid a lot of money, they get given a lot of privileges, they get a lot of adulation. What do they give in return? - they give their best in the game for their team. They have not entered into a contract with their "fans" who give them the adulation to do PR and to do nice things like making paper cranes with children. They have become stars and idols because they are good at football. Thats it. Thats what they give. There should be no need for more. If there is more, great. Quote: Do you seriously believe that the Japanese team will score more goals for being

What actually is the "worth" you talk of that the teams who are "open" and do "cultural exchange activities" will get?

Excuse me for butting in on this discussion. The way I see it, isn't it less a matter of "secrets" (which ARE important - are you a football fan Ocean11) - and more one of what's best for the team in the build up. The town I live in was "dame" for a World Cup training squad precisely because there are too many surrounding hills where people can "watch" practice. I'm sure the teams do something locall though don't they? It's surely not all secret/security.

Something to remember: In football it's not always the better side that wins, it's the one who scores the most goals. Often overlooked.

Post details on here and some of us who are not in the area might be able to make a decision. It's a bit far for me too.

They work the celebs here really really hard, the poor puppets.

Good to be able to buy so many 7-11. They have some DVDs in my local Tsutaya but not that many. I think they take lots of the extra "goodies" off the rental DVDs as well (like the commentaries, docus etc)

Beckham, I reckon. He's going to come back stronger than ever. I hear he is swimming and walking now and almost 100% certain for the tournament.

Axiom is near Koide, but not - alas - using capitals (from what I remember). Here's another question - what's with Hakuba Cortina? Why that then?

If we are lucky it won't be too bad. BUT, by then it will be hot, sticky and quite possibly very wet with rain - it's the rainy season. We can only hope for decent weather, but seems like a very poor time to hold the event.

Torquay / Wotsits~!!!

It was surely a one off at that heat, but it is interesting how sprinng and fall seem to last about a week each here in Japan. Japan has 4 seasons? More like 2!

Non Japan, but how about... Runcorn/Widnes artificial run with any smelly cheese. ?

Snowboarding is here to stay. As is skiing. People will just do what they want.

Anyone know? No-one goes there! Just doing it for fun?

Amped on the XBOX is better.

H-A-R-D-C-O-R-E Acciiiiiiiiiiiid

Know nothing at all camel. Please tell......

Considering the sun and mildness of the first part of March, good conditions as we had some new snow over the last few day. Great weather too this morning. Time to get out there. ......bye!

I've never been impressed with that region of Niigata the 4 or 5 times I have been there. For me Myoko/Arai wins out easily compared with Yuzawa. Yuzawa wins over so many people mainly because of how easy it is to get to from Tokyo.

Looking at resorts now, it's almost impossible to visualise how bad it was. Good thing for us of course. Think of yourself as lucky if you are new to the scene here in Japan.

About 30 minutes south of the main Hakuba resort region. NICEEEE place to live, I can tell ya.

Thinking of taking a trip down to NZ for their snow season this year. Any top tips anyone? Thankyou

Sure have, almost every other day since late November. It helps living close by to the Hakuba resorts.