Goemon

As much as I am against the Chinese (and Korean)protest marchs, I will cede them one point: They come out in reasonable numbers on foot rather than just doing annoying unintelligible, loudspeaker drive-bys like the black vans targetting the Korean and Chinese embassies in Tokyo this past weekend.

woah woah. Check the winky smiley face. I was just kidding. I like your typing style.

Or you wear boxing gloves when you type.

I'd love to see your keyboard some day, Fattwins. I always imagine it's missing half the keys and the existing keys are in constant motion, like on a conveyer belt or something.

Why isn't George Bush on that list? I thought he'd be like "D-10, P-Too Late (times two)"?

Fattwins: I think O11's referring to the territorial dispute in the East China Sea (not the fluffed up textbook issue).

I am newly motivated by the image of Yama getting pounded Matrix-style by Indo.

Yama: No, but I got the on-line guide and instructions available here . That info was very helpful for preparing my documentation, but it is costly; PM me if you want some details.

The actual drive test only cost 2400 yen, but waiting two hours to take it and then "failing" cost me my soul. " title="" src="graemlins/cry.gif" /> I will take it again next Wednesday and hopefully report back with a more positive result. I can't imagine taking it 5-7 times.

Quote: What's the official procedure for reacting to being told that one's country is different from Japan? I guess I was supposed to act surprised at realizing I was not actually in the US and thank him for pointing this out to me (before heading to the airport, of course, to return to my rightful place).

Yama: I know from personal experience that the proctors are little bitch beaurucrassholes. I took my driving test yesterday and did everything perfectly...BUT was failed! The proctor told me that I did not fully stop at a white line/blinking red light (even though I did). There was a woman sitting in the backseat during my drive, waiting for her turn to take the test; she was equally shocked that he failed me for that reason because I clearly made a full stop, looked both ways and then proceeded. I think he did it to maintain his fail quota and also so he could give me a little speech on h

It's not that much harder for Americans; you just have to take a simplified driving test (still a pain, but not insurmountable).

btw, congrats to bobby12 and mrs.Ono-12!

Montoya: What do you plan to do when/if you have children? Whose name will they take? Just curious because my wife and I are in the same situation as you described.

Montoya: I'm going throught the same process right now, so PM me if you want some deets. Biggest hassle may be having the appropriate paperwork in order. The eye test is super simple (of course). The written test was just 10 simple questions done on a computer program entirely in English; it took me all of 2 minutes to complete. (Sample question: "True or False: If you run over an obaa-chan, you must back over her to make sure she's really dead.") I take my driving test next Wednesday morning. They provide the car, I provide the beer.

Get Your War On sums it up best.

Quote: Examples of "such question"? Sorry, but I actually didn't catch/translate all of the questions they were posing. The TV was on in the background and I could hear his loud protestations most clearly. I believe the questions were in the order of, "Do you think you acquired your Nippon Broadcasting shares legitimately even though they were bought before official trading hours?" He was instructed only to give "yes" or "no" answers to all questions. I could understand why he was angry (given the set-up), but...he didn't look so smooth with his railings. I'm hoping he posts something a

I saw some of that interview; pretty funny/sad stuff with the weird digitized female PA voice asking the questions. He was getting pissed: "Why are you asking these kind of questions?" "Do you want me to leave? I'm going to leave." "Who would ask such a question?"

How's this? You can even sexxx him up some if you like and throw a snowboard on him...

Seems like there's been ample time between updates for a visit from the stork...

No, no, no! I want to hear from someone who's ridden on a french fry; you're obviously swooshing down the slopes on a chip. That's an animal of a completely different color.

Has anyone gone for a slide on a Lib Tech board that has this new-fangled "Magne-Traction" design? I've never ridden on a french fry and am intrigued by the idea.

There's even a kankoku boom store now.

Wow, lighting strikes twice...

Yes, everyone is dressing up for it, so be sure to wear something outrageous and be prepared to dance in the aisles.