Made it Through Another Examination Hell!

Last year two of the kids had entrance exams, and this year one.  Ai's junior high school recommended her to her first choice high school (public).  She also passed both of the exams she took at two other schools (private) in town.  There is still one more exam (public) in March, which she will not need to take now that her decision is settled.

Congratulations Ai!  But remember, just because you don't HAVE to study for the March exams, doesn't mean you get to goof off, either.  (Well, too much anyway.)

Japanese DRAGnet: Undercover Cover Girl Cops

Here is the recent attempt at fighting crime in Japan.

Good luck running in high heels.

Nagoya policemen dress in drag to nab purse snatchers

NAGOYA —
An all-male police squad dressed as women has been deployed in Nagoya with the goal of catching attempted purse snatchers. The policemen, dressed in short skirts, stockings, high heels, wigs and carrying designer bags, have been walking the streets of Nagoya since last month in a bid to lure bag snatchers.

One 26-year-old officer said: “It’s cowardly to target women who are weak.” Another 25-year-old policeman admitted that he “panicked” when a male driver propositioned him from his car.

The unit consists of four male officers who are at least 160 cm tall. They all have a black belt in judo, karate or some other martial art. The squad works out of Naka police station which is in the center of Nagoya’s entertainment district.

A spokesman for the police said that the squad has so far failed to nab any would-be thieves.

Are My Kids Eligible?

I often joke that in our family of 6 we have 5 Japanese and 5 Americans. Hmmm? It's this way. Dad and the four children are Japanese. Mom and the four children are American. At least, the children are able to hold dual citizenship in accordance with each country that issues their passports. So, that means they can continue being both US and Japanese citizens in America's view. And Japan states that they must chose one or the other at the age of 22. Figure that one out yourself, I guess.

Anyway, one of the topics we have pondered is: Wouldn't it be something if one of the children became the Prime Minister of Japan, and another the President of the United States, serving at the same time? Goofy talk around the dinner table really.

That is what initially led me to take an interest in Barack Obama's situation. A judge has set a tentative date, January 26, 2010, for his trial. Is he a citizen of the United States of America? What will transpire?



HT BNI

Scream & Shout!

I've heard of screaming in your pillow, but here's a festival in Oita, Japan where you can get rid of your stress! There are festivals around the country for just about everything.