RayInJapan

Unless we all carry around cards in our wallets that say "If I get murdered, I forgive the person, please do not execute them", then its all hearsay as to the desires of the victim. In many places in the US, family members of the victim are allowed to testify at the sentencing portion of the trial. Some family members do in fact ask for leniency and get it. Why they ask, is something I cannot comprehend. Different backgrounds obviously, but still very difficult to put myself the shoes of someone who forgives a murderer.

I'm gonna wag this one, cause obviously I really don't know, but I'm gonna say that the 6 or 10 or 20 year wait for a prisoner to finally be executed doesn't bother them. I mean, come on - they've already killed someone intentionally and without prejudice so why would the wait bother them. I'm guessing they're doing 1 of 2 things: Thinking of a way to escape, or celebrating that despite the fact they got caught, they're still alive. Me personally - I believe in the death penalty. Not as a deterrent to crime - most killers don't give a rats ass that they might get caught and get the de

As I said Barok - they have their niche, but they aren't topping all the charts, they certainly don't get much air time when I'm listening to the radio - even you said C&W, so that doesn't make them the most popular group - just popular with a certain genre... I'm sorry Powwers - I'm not a "turn the other cheek" kind of person. I do know the meaning of forgiveness, but I am my own person, and I choose when when to use it, and when "hit back" so to speak. It sounds to me like you're saying that if a friend of mine comes up to me and says "I really hate black people", that I should sa

The giant gal in the movie "Dude Where's my Car?". Well, more like lust, not a crush. I just saw the movie for the first time last night. She was the only higlight for me.

Not that we don't have enough controversial threads going already, but I just saw in the news that the United Nations has a committee that just recommended executions be outlawed. Thoughts?

When compared to the numerous 3rd world countries, I'd say the Japanese quality of life ranks amongst the best - which is one reason I've been here so long. But "quality" is in the eye of the beholder. I'm sure there is a farmer somewhere in the Gobi desert who is quite content where he is.

GG - check your private mail. Ray

no doubt there are a number of foreigners who disagree with US Foreign policy.

Hey - I just surgery, can I have some money too?

I've been off work since 29 March, and don't have to go back until 16 May... Unfortunately I also don't get to jet ski or moutain bike until Septish... I think I'd rather be working right now...

Powers - its hard to say the actual percentage of those polled that actually vote too. I guess we'll find out when the next election comes around. I suppose if there are enough people who dislike Bush when the next election comes around, then he won't get elected... You, me, and everyone has the right of free speech, but we must accept the consequences that go with that. For example, I'm a snowboarder. If I were to say that "skiers blow", don't you think that I should be prepared to suffer the wrath of the skiers? At the very minimum, I would expect to be immediately disliked by

America - the land of free speech Of course it is, but that doesn't mean everyone has to like whats being said just cause its free, and when you take a stance that is unpopular among your fellow countryman, you can expect to be shunned. Despite what many folks on this board, and in other countries around the world think, President Bush is pretty popular in the US at the moment - has something like a 70% approval rating. That means only 30 percent of Americans dislike OR don't care what Bush does. Thats not enough to "rule" in a democracy like the US... I doubt seriously that a

nan de daro nan de daro I can't think of a favorite Japanese word nan de daro nan de daro

I don't normally hold grudges, so I don't know how long this current dislike will last, but for now, I say "screw the french!"

You left out Echineko!

Scousers question: "do military types get paid much?" Can't speak for other countries, but US Military doesn't get paid much. The majority of military members get paid a low enough amount that they're eligible for special government tax credits and many also get subsidies for food. In the end though, I doubt anyone in any military anywhere gets "paid enough" when you consider their "job" is to be ready to give their lives in the defense of their country if necessary.

"Its the Japanese way" my ass - more like its the japanese way to not complain that something is bothering you and therefore these bleeping idiots don't know people hate them for what they do. Back in Okinawa, Momo's family owns a daycare center, and it never fails they drive by during the time when the children are power napping from noon to 2pm. Fortunately up here in Misawa, our house in in the sticks off a dirt road and we don't hear them or bososoku. I don't know anybody who likes these noisy vans. I swear that if any candidate ran on the platform of getting rid of them

BM - Momo's shoes are a size 24cm, and her Flow Ladies FL-5 bindings are a size M. They ratchet down tight, and there is more to go so I'll go out on a limb here and say they'll work on a 23.5 since there isn't much difference between a 23.5 and a 24. Let me know if you need more info... Ray

Like Kamo - I have to say "well said db". I'm not going to try and answer Klingons question cause its too vague. I will say this though - my definition of a hero is someone who willingly risks their own life to save anothers. Policeman, Firemen, and lifeguards are often heros. Many members of the military (no matter what side they're on) become heroic when placed in the right situations. There are some who choose not to be too. My experience is that most heros are not concerned with their own safety and truly care about the folks they are "saving", and therefore te

Have I ever seen them? No Do I believe in them - not sure but, Back home in Hawaii, there are a lot of ghost stories - these are a few I have been told - When I was about very young, I lived in Maili on the island of Oahu. One morning when I was about 9 years old, my mom told us that she woke up in the middle of the night because someone was choking her. Her arms were at her sides, and she tried to move them to wake up my father sleeping next to her but couldn't, she couldn't open her eyes, nor could she speak either. The choking continued until she almost passed out and th

Hi Ocean - domo! domo! The loosening of the Boa happened on both my K2 and Momo's Vans, but the calve hurting was only with my K2s. A combo of calve size, and the really thick, high back liners of the K2s. The Contras dont have a thick liner but then again, it might come back down to the even tightening of the boas, i.e., I can tighten regular laces tigher around the foot and leave the top portion "just right" so my calves don't hurt...I'd like to try a new pair of Contras but they cost a lot to find out there is not difference between them and the K2 Rivals... take care, Ray

When we moved up here from Okinawa, staying indoors while it was cold and snowy outside wasn't an option - we were going to the slopes to do something - and deciding to ski or board was easy, I surfed and skateboarded when I was a kid (skateboards had stone wheels when I first started), and wake board behind my jet skis, so I figured snowboarding wouldn't be too difficult... I was right - its not, and sometimes when the angle of the slope is just right, it feels just like I'm on a wave too...

The jury is still out FT but I posted a little info on the Vans Contra thread...thanks for asking - I'll keep this short since this is OC's thread... Ray

Very nice read Ocean...all in all, I'd have to say it "was a corker" for us too and look forward to next season too

Yes - I'm back, from my surgery on Okinawa, and recuperating quite well. So well that I think I'm ready to get on to my jet skiing season (especially since its so warm out) but Momo, and more importantly the doc (or vice versa?), say nothing physical until July, and no running or anything like that such as mountain biking, jet skiing, wake boarding, snowboarding etc for at least 5 months to give the bone graft and titanium plate/screws in my neck to become one...but enough about me, thats not what this thread is about... Momo used a pair of Vans Boa lacing boots all Winter and loved them