Ippoippo

Ahhh, Japan. The country where materialism has gone into complete and utter overdrive .

I’m starting to lose count of all these various ‘gift giving’ opportunities spread throughout the year.

Discussions are taking place between China and Japan over disputed Gas fields.

I notice that Koizumi decided to Chidorigafuchi this time. This shrine is a secular one, and does not contain any memorials to War Criminals. However, I can’t help feeling this is still being somewhat antagonistic.

Now, I wonder. Did Koizumi go there to pacify the more right-wing elements within his own party, or did he go there of his own accord just to send out a personal message to the Chinese??

Interesting article about wanting to make (ex) Pope John Paul II a saint.
Although some of his anti-contraception views were abhorent in my view, but if the church wants to make him a Saint then fair enough. What I find hard to get my head around though is this miracle stuff. A ‘Saint’ isn’t just some posthumous-honour you get for exceptional service to a particular cause (in this the Roman Catholic Church) during your life. That I would accept really.

Ohh no, you have to perform two ‘documented’ miracles! One during your life and one AFTER you die! All documented of course, as proof! [Dr. Evil voice] Riiiiiight!?!? [/Dr. Evil Voice]
Excuse me if I sound somewhat uncertain about this.

I see what they mean by calling it a Rainy ‘Season’. It’s still raining! It hasn’t stopped since Sunday night.

EDIT: Oooo… sunshine now as the day draws to a close. Hurrahhh!