text: Acura released a fresh batch of commercials that will debut on Season 3 of Jerry Seinfeld's "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" web series, premiering on January 2, 2014. Written in a retro 1960s-style as a spoof of old-time advertising, the eight ads were directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, famous for his work in the Men in Black movies. While Jerry Seinfeld starred on camera in Acura's 2012 Super Bowl commercial, this time his role was behind the camera, as writer and creative collaborator. The ads are for the 2014 Acura MDX SUV and 2014 Acura RLX sedan and emphasize the cars' qualities in a funny way – in one of the spots, the voice-over mentions the MDX's easy-grip door handles and real nylon carpeting as highlights of the car. "Acura has enabled me to extend the concept by creating ads that fit the comedy tone of the show. I can't think of a similar situation ever occurring anywhere and I am enormously grateful to Mike Accavitti for his vision and confidence in us. This could not be more fun," said Jerry Seinfeld. I don't know about you, but something in these ads reminds me of the Dodge commercials featuring Ron Burgundy. I can't put my finger on it, but maybe you can after you watch them.By Dan Mihalascu


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With 10 points of advance Mirai or Mao have to really take the title
Still brave of Yu-Na. I hope she takes a nice, restful vacation (she deserves it) and come back with a vengeance next season.
With 10 points of advance Mirai or Mao have to really take the title
130 only? does that mean she was overscored at oly? cos she still landed the jumps with highbase score
Yu-Na was OK, shes tired and it was still a nice performance but what I really hate is the inflation in scores we have suffered this season. Last year a LP of 130 points was an amazing feat for the top girls now its just a subpar showing for them. It's like the financial crisis hit the ISU scores too LOL
The crazy thing is that it's not outside the realm of possibility that Kim will still actually win. What the hell is going on? She should not win worlds skating like she did.
a few mistakes - but still beautiful skating from Yuna. Much better than Miki IMO.
This should be Mao's WC to win or lose now.
I'm very surprised with Viktoria! She's doing well!
Go Cynthia, stay in top 10.
What did I miss now? Silverlake predicted Yuna score? I wonder if she can see Mao's future... not just possibly winning these championships.
I hate it that my work computer tends to crash whenever I try to watch skating.
Actually thought miki did better, but yuna had bigger jumps. and considering her pb to be so high that was not too unreasonable.
still very brave of her though. it was nice to see both miki and yuna actually smile after their programs.


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Insomniac Talks Favorites, Many Love Red Dead Redemption
It's always cool to see what games a great development staff really appreciate, so Insomniac's Favorite Games post over at the PlayStation Blog is definitely worth a read.
Included in the praise are the likes of Super Meat Boy, Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty, Bayonetta, Alan Wake and Heavy Rain. A few people even named Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and Dragon Age: Origins...despite being a year late to the party. Aw, but that's okay; these guys are busy making Resistance 3, and they need to have focus. But anyway, despite the eclectic selection, there is one game that seems to stand out to the majority of the staff: Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption. Here are two separate personal reminiscences:
"It was an emotional experience. You had real empathy for the character over the course of the game…. And not just in the main storyline, but I also got very attached to my horse, and when he died, I felt real loss…had to go through almost a mourning period before getting another. And these were never 'canned' experiences either…they usually happened so dynamically, that it never felt like an event 'forced' upon me by the designer….which gave it that much more impact."
"I also remember back when the game came out, each morning people would gather in the kitchen and tell their 'RDR stories' from the night before. '…and right after that, I was wrestling this bear with only my bare hands…when all of a sudden, a cougar jumped out and mauled my horse…' It was great."
We have to agree; RDR was a memorable experience and one well worthy of any praise and attention it receives. GameSpot awarded it their Game of the Year and it's certainly nominated here at PSXE. Well, actually, the awards are already done but we won't be giving away anything early...
Tags: insomniac, insomniac's favorite games, red dead redemption
12/29/2010 10:45:30 AM Ben Dutka
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 11:12:50 AM
I think most developers would feel tge same way. Thats what i love bout this industry minus activision abd microsoft. Is that as a whole developers like Sucker Punch and Insomniac for example take prise in what they do but more importanty give recognition to those games that deserve it, and not just talk bout their games. Because most of them are probably gamers themselves.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 12/29/2010 11:16:02 AM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 11:33:53 AM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 11:49:24 AM
Personally speaking, though ME2 might not have been as much of a technological feat, or as complete of a package, I found it to be better paced and more fun. RDR's ending (excluding the very ending of course) was even more depressing than GOW3's. But since we're strictly talking PS3 and 2010, RDR definitely makes it to the top 3 along with GT5 and GOW3, IMO. Haven't played AC:B, yet, though, so that ranking might change for me.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 2:01:21 PM
I'm not much for the GTA games, largely because the content is such a turn off to me. PLaying a game as a modern thug engaging in criminal activity in society just doesn't appeal to me. Granted, I played through GTA3 and it was fun because of how it seemed to have kicked off the open-world genre, but after I got my thrills from the freedom of it's design, I found other games like Infamous much more to my liking, content-wise. I think another negative factor for me is Rockstar. The majority of their games seems to attract a similar audience who like un-inhibited and menacing behavior in society.
But it seems that RDR is getting so much praise, my interest has been somewhat piqued. It would seem cool playing a game that has a quality old west presentation.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 12/29/2010 2:02:17 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 3:17:02 PM
Yes, as you surmised, I mention it amongst GTA entries, as much of the GTA formula is found in it (besides not having radio when driving/riding, the gameplay includes a homebase save system but with a new makeshift save\transport camp system, GPS, side missions, errands, diversions, shopping, etc) but the pacing is a bit different. And instead of mostly being in the middle of the hustle-bustle of a city, the source of immersion is more often than not the lonesomeness of the wilderness. It's important to mention it is slower paced than typical GTA's, but knowing that you do have a fondness towards open/hub-world games such as ME/ME2, this game maybe worth checking it out. I liked it, and deeply appreciated it, but personally had more fun with inFamous, ME2, GTA4, and GTA:EOLS.
But while we're on the topic, I avoided all previous GTA's, like yourself, as I was under the impression the goal of such games was to simulate and fantasize vehicular homicide, theft, and mayhem, of which I had no interest in. After reading Psxextreme's review, along with couple others', I got the gist that supposedly GTA4 was a more dramatic/serious themed game. And I found out for myself why this game was so unanimously and highly rated. Perhaps, it was because I didn't play the previous entries, and therefore was not jaded, but I was blown away, and I picked up episodes of Liberty City as soon as the PS3 version was released. Much of the crime enactment isn't even a mandatory element of the gameplay. You don't HAVE to run over people, and you have to go out of your way to pick up a street-corner girl, for example.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 10:06:01 PM
And, btw, I know video games aren't reality. I had some good laughs driving down roads plowing through people and street signs etc while trying to fight off the onslaught of cop forces in GTA3. More of a grown up "Looney Toons" in that outrageous violence is, in part, made humorous because consequence is only confined within the medium. I'm not a Jack Thompson advocate who believes that video games are going to drag everyone to hell. My only real concern, is for those who choose to deny responsibility and prosperity by being lazy and idle wasting their time away playing game after game after game letting their life and family slip by to self indulgence etc.
I just find the whole criminal-thug vibe a lot less interesting than cool ninjas, fantasy, and sci-fi stuff etc =)
Thursday, December 30, 2010 @ 2:16:50 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 11:57:30 AM
LOL! This is comedy. I never felt that way. I thought it was funny when my horse got killed. Especily when I was on it trying to run away. Or when I would fall off a cliff. I don't know, the game made me laugh more than anything. I really liked RDR but it's one of those games that's hard to get back into once you've completed it.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 12:20:52 PM
After a firefight, with a theif, I whistled for my horse; but nothing came. Worriedly, I went round the hill, to find the sight of my dead horse. Then I got angry and took their horse caridge & jumped out of it while approaching a cliff at high speed. I wasnt angry because of my horses death, its the fact I had just boughts the blighter for $1500! Lol
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 2:08:40 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 3:55:02 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 12:08:51 PM
Lawless SXE
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 12:09:04 PM
I like that RDR has gotten this near unanimous praise from gaming outlets, and there is no doubt that it was one of the best games of the year. Sadly, it still felt too much like a GTA clone to me to really stand on its own. It definitely could have been better if R* had given it a new structure. On the other hand, the story was great, but I still don't see the point of the time John spent in Mexico. I really did enjoy the way that you engaged with him. Riding into the sunset on the lone prairie with no-one around by the wild animals; it made the ending all the more unbearable. But I've already reviewed the game, so I'll shut up.
Oh, and personal best of the year: Heavy Rain.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 6:05:11 PM
Lawless SXE
Thursday, December 30, 2010 @ 12:26:18 AM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 1:45:43 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 1:59:01 PM
Last edited by Jawknee on 12/29/2010 2:02:53 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 2:37:18 PM
GTA needs a pickmeup too. But wandering around a big city as at least a lot more interesting that wandering around a freakin desert (That was a big issue in New Vegas too)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 3:10:37 PM
It being a huge desilit desert fit the time period. To make it more replicated it had to be done this way. Civilization was prominent but it was widely spread out. How they filled the map in RDR was brilliant. Some of my best experiences in the game were riding through tall trees just as the sun was coming up. Theirs lots their you just looked past it.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 12/29/2010 3:11:40 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 4:01:01 PM
It's the action packed ones i dislike ala Infamous (still good). I like immersion and character development.
Atmosphere is key.
The story in RDR was gripping, shocking, emotional and overall great. Infamous was the cheesiest comic book you have ever read with cringe worthy one liners! lol
RDR is the new king of sandbox.
Last edited by Lotusflow3r on 12/29/2010 4:02:49 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 4:31:35 PM
Its difficult to prove that Games like infamous will take over as sand box games because well RDR did so well and they are played very differenty.
Im not going to get in to which is better because i loved both. But i will say that for both jawknee and world something couldnt keep them involved. For me RDR was such a breathe of fresh air and as the game, characters, and story progressed so did my enthusiasm for the game.
Westerns are not about large amounts of action. Especially old classic movies. They focus on te atmosphere, music, characters, and story. The gun fights and action are a huge plus. Thats why i say you missed a lot by not just enjoying what Rock star surrounded you woth in RDR. It was about the atmosphere you were put in, which ultinately made it arguably the best western to date. Everything meshed so brilliantly between the story, characters, music and atmosphere that it brought back what the western era was like. To me there is nothing like RDR and thats why its so good.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 4:36:51 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 6:11:17 PM
Yeah, it kind of went another direction once you went into Mexico, but I was never bored. More or less turned off by some hit/miss humor.
As much as I enjoyed Infamous, I found RDR better. I will admit, the game got boring during some stretchs because they tried to make it all cinematic, but I loved it. Infamous may have more replay value than RDR, but I never once thought Infamous was better than RDR. And you didn't find Infamous repetitive. But Infamous hides it behind all the crazy crap you can do. I guess it just depends, but I definitely agree with what you said for the most part. I tried to play RDR again and it didn't have much replay value just like Assassin Creed 1-B.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 3:01:34 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 3:49:19 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 8:43:44 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 9:04:40 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 4:12:06 PM
I remember the first time my horse died. I whistled for it, and it came running to me across some train tracks just as a train was passing by. Horse meat everywhere. Stupid horse put loyalty ahead of personal safety!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 7:12:58 PM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 @ 7:21:51 PM
Thursday, December 30, 2010 @ 12:15:36 AM
its just such a long game, and to be honest is not exactly entertaining so sitting through another 10+ hours just to see the ending is not really sounding that great to me.
id rather catch up on CLOS which i was actually really enjoying.
have to finish the game before i get to the DLC though.
lucky i got a month till DS2, and ME2 come out so that should give me enough time to finish split second, BLUR, RDR, RDR DLC, enslaved DLC, CLOS and all the PSP games i downloaded.
Thursday, December 30, 2010 @ 4:36:39 AM
Both without a doubt the finest games to be released in 2010.
Next to that, you had Heavy Rain, Starcraft 2, Gran Turismo 5, Rock Band 3, Dance Central, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Donkey Kong Country Returns!!!!
Bring on 2011, finally... the true, without doubt, year of the PS3!!
Sir Dan
Thursday, December 30, 2010 @ 7:36:26 AM
My funniest laugh out loud moment was the time I went on a bounty hunt and ambushed the target and his gang in Tall Trees. I'm picking off his gang from behind a rock and all of the sudden I see on my radar the bouty's dot going fast from right to left. I headshot his last henchman and take off after him. When I get close I see him being chased by two bears and a cougar. Before I can shoot the animals they all catch him at the same time and maul him to death. Just fantastic stuff folks. I loved my horse too! A wolf came at us under his chest and in a panic I shot him in the head trying to take out the wolf. LOL. Undead DLC in a real blast. Loved the flaming horse War. Fun to run around lighting zombies on fire with it. I'm still not done with this game. Playing the crap out of it still.
Thursday, December 30, 2010 @ 12:00:17 PM
I had what seemed like an instant karma event which resulted in her demise. Almost immediately after roping a corset adorned strumpet, putting her on my horse and galloping off, my first cougar ever encountered, felled my beloved and then finished me off. Thus began my raging cougar vendetta!
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If you've visited basically any of Google's major services over the last several weeks, you may have noticed a little orange box that pops up as soon as you get to the page, sometimes hanging out right over the spot you wish you could click. "We're changing our privacy policy and terms. This stuff matters. Learn more or dismiss." By now a lot of people are used to seeing policy and ToS and EULA updates so often that one more notice from yet another service that they use on a daily basis just ends up in their mental spam filters.
Google's Walls Come Crashing Down
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It is the custom in the Orthodox Church on August 6th, the day of the Transfiguration of our Lord on Mount Tabor, to bring the first fruits of the fall harvest into church, as a first offering to God from the gifts that He so richly bestows upon us. Of course He personally does not need any material goods from us, as the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, but He so desires to see us displaying a giving and loving heart "a humble and lowly heart, God will not despise" (Ps. 50).
What God hopes is to see that we stop for a minute and reflect on the relationship the exists between us


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Feb 26, 2013 Cherrie Lou Billones Features, National 99
After the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) released a video over the weekend countering the claims of Japan's Institute of Cetecean Research (ICR) that it was the conservationist group that was to be faulted for the altercation that happened on February 25, the ICR has released today its own video and statement to support its earlier claim. In the statement, the ICR described the actions of the SSCS as "malicious and unacceptable."
The whaling ship was said to have abandoned the refueling operations after it had been allegedly struck five times by the smaller boats of the SSCS called the Steve Irwin, Bob Barker and Sam Simon while they were obstructing the refueling operations. The ICR, through the statement, said, "The sabotage is not only malicious but inconceivably obstructive actions. Thus it threatens safety of our research ships and lives of crews on them and is therefore completely unacceptable." SSCS Director, Doctor Bob Brown denies any such accusations. "It is the factory ship that is closing in the tanker," he said. "To get close to it, to get refueled, and that's what Sea Shepherd is preventing."
Yesterday, the SSCS said that the 12,000-tonne vessel, the Shirase, from the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force arrived to help the whalers refuel. According to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke, Japan has denied that there is a connection between the icebreaker and the whaling fleet. Brown said, however, that the icebreaker's three helicopters were helping a Korean fuel tanker come close to the Nisshin Maru. He added that he feared violence could erupt between the activists and the whalers.
Video 1 – Sea Shepherd's Bob Barker sails into the Nisshin Maru.
Video 2 – Afterwards, the Bob Barker collides with the Sun Laurel refueling ship.
UPDATE: February 26th, 4:56 PM Video embedded with additional footage and comments from Paul Watson about the latest collisions.
[via ABC News]
Well so much for it's the Japanese evil whalers who rammed into us, he? Sea Shepherd, just a ruthless bunch of pirates. No better than the Nigerian ones, breaking the law. They should be prosecuted and jailed to the full extent of the law. Even if their intention, ie to stop whaling, may be good, resorting to such extremist actions and putting people's life in danger is just unacceptable.
I think we learn to live with many things that are unacceptable, I can say that is especially true here in Japan. Take a deep breath and say "Shoganai"
What is interesting about this clash is what is NOT happening,
18 or so days and counting.
There are many things unacceptable in many parts of the world. Japan or Australia are nothing special nor particular, and I would not trust whatever info is provided by Sea Shepherd. Unfortunately for them, they have a track record of being deceitful.
I seriously believe that in this age, deceitfulness and media go hand in hand, truth hardly matters anymore. For example throughout the nuclear meltdown, NHK kept reporting there was no meltdown but a year later we realized it was of course not true. Using media is a game, and whatever your motivation, you are either good at using media, or not, truth rarely seems to matter. Only the result seems to matter.
"The medium is the message"
I agree with you.
And how Sea Shepherd is perceived outside of Australia (because inside there is just way too much bias)? What's the quality of the image of the organization? What do people think about whalers? Do they believe this is bad that Japan kill whales to eat them? Do they even care?
Objectively answer those questions, and you will see that:
1) Sea Shepherd has very low credibility, because to gain credibility you must at least seem to face up when you mess up and take responsibility, something that they fail to do.
2) People are not sensible to this issue, because it lives in a gray area of who is right and who is wrong. When 2 parties attack each other like that and there are too much facts, the average person just put the 2 in the same basket and discard them.
3) It is a long way from home from most of the rest of the world, so people do not care.
Has Sea Shepherd communicated well so far? No. Is the public opinion in the world sensible about this. Not really. Sure if you ask them, most people will say it is better not to kill whales, but if you ask them to put some money on it, they just won't. Had Sea Shepherd done a real job on tackling the core issue, you'd get a more positive answer.
That's the ugly truth.
I can tell you how the Sea Shepherds are looked on in the US. You have those that are for saving the whales, some at any and all cost. These are the people that are giving Sea Shepherd donations. These include everyday people, as well as well known celebrities. The Bob Barker is named after a game show host who is an environmentalist who gave them $5 million. These people also volunteer to get on the ship with the Au and Nz crew. Plus, don't forget the Whale Wars tv show that is very popular over here. You have the watchers of that who now make donations.
There are also people who either don't like Paul Watson or don't care what he or the Sea Shepherds do. But, No matter what, the eating of whale and dolphin meat is considered taboo here. It is extremely looked down upon. I am not trying to denigrate the Japanese culture, just let people know of our differences.
Popular in the U.S.? Really? Where??
I can see it is popular in Australia sure, but in the U.S., not really. People in the U.S. are sensible to Justice, and the latest is that Sea Shepherd lost its Court case and the Supreme Court recently stayed the lower Court ruling. Sea Shepherd is perceived as ruthless. That does not pass too well.
I think I have to agree with you here mostly but on your last paragraph, we need to wait until either whaling ends or SS is somehow clearly defeated by its opponents in order to say for sure. When either side lies, I think their respective supporters basically brush if off as part if the media war. It's a wait and see situation.
Yes, I agree.
I hope you don't call yourself a journalist. Any objective observer looking at all available videos of the ramming events would conclude it is the rage-full captain of the Nisshan Maru that is the aggressor. Do your job and report the news accurately. And how about reporting the use of concussion grenades by the Japanese security personnel, some that have landed on the deck of the fuel tanker. The only one putting lives in danger is the Nisshan Maru captain.
His name is Tomoyuki Ogawa. I want to be the one to coin the term,
"The Ogawa maneuver"
Oh no that guy is a head of me at the gas station! Time to use Ogawa maneuver!
And then later do the 'Sea Shepherd PR Maneuver', ie lie it was your fault in the first place 😉
I find it hard to believe anything that comes from the whaling fleets, especially after they took ¥2.28 billion (US$29 million) in disaster funds earmarked for earthquake and tsunami relief and instead used it for whaling fleet security. As one of many who sent supplies, as well as monetary donations, and donated time to help people who needed help. To have some of what we sent, used to fund something completely against what we believed it was being used for. And to have it used for something that most of us who donated feel is a barbaric pastime, Such shame you should feel. There is no honor to take from the injured and homeless so that your company can defeat a tiny non-profit organization. As much as I don't agree with some of Paul Watson's tactics, he is showing to be more of a warrior. Facing down ships that are much larger as well as a Japanese Military ship. All this while Interpol looks for him. The man has some brass ones as big as shot puts.
Personally I don't trust either side. They both have vested interest to be doing their respective show.
If it is true that they diverted disaster funds to support whaling activities, then I agree it is a shame.
I would be interested to see any evidence of that.
Paul Watson is nothing of a warrior. He is everything of an outlaw conducting extreme action to do what he and few other feel is right in defiance of international regulations. Even if he had noble sentiments, which I question too, he is still reverting to illegal actions, making him an outlaw and a person that public opinion cannot trust, thus damaging the very purpose of your cause.
Goggle "tsunami relief funds used for whaling" enjoy the list.
I didn't say he isn't an outlaw. He's got a good deal going. He's the captain of 3 or 4 ships, he's got a tv show, his living expenses paid for, and he's top dog on a ship with a lot of hot hippie chicks. He's got a good life. But he also has something else. He believes in what he is selling. He hasn't run away. He might run from jail, where he would be killed, but he won't run away from this fight or any of the others that he does. That makes him dangerous.
Thanks for sending me on an errand, but if you don't have a source, then that's fine, but please don't make claims.
I heard from Sea Shepherd staff themselves that Paul Watson is not even a Captain. Again another lie….
Honestly I think he needs to go to jail, even for the good of your cause. It was a pretty good move to replace him. There needs to be a change of strategy if this organization is genuinely interested in eradicating the problem that is.
@Ogawa Maneuver – FAIL
You see, you just prove yourself what sloppy shitbags Sea Shepherd can be with their propaganda. No foreign or even Japanese donations were used for the sake of the whalers. It came from tax allocated relief funds.
I have no idea what Sea Shepherd said that. There's a few such case that raise suspicions about them, stating the Senakaku Islands were taken aggressively was another. Complete and outright lie.
Wow Far East and Think, let's keep the conversation civil. I didn't insult you two and would appreciate you not insult me. Secondly, you seem to think I either work with Watson or approve of his antics. Wrong on both accounts. What I did say about the man is that he believes what he is preaching. That is what makes him dangerous. If it was about money, He wouldn't try so hard.
Oh and since you wanted links, here you go. Links from actual news agencies around the world. US, AU, UK, NZ, even, Japan.
want more?
Insult you? You must be mistaken. I don't insult people. Not civil. Make you ridicule, yes certainly, but insult, no. Or show me where I made you an insult and I will apologize.
In Japan the tsunami fund scandal was a major point the LDP used against the ruling Democratic Party in power at the time. Prime minister Noda brushed it off as bureaucratic error.
I can say many people maybe forgot already but the folks still living in "temporary" shelters near my office remember very clearly.
Also I have to be clear no donations were used, it was government tax money allocated for tsunami relief. This is undisputed.
If it is, show me your sources. Show me an article online of a reputable Japanese newspaper. In Japanese too if you want, I can read and write fluent Japanese… If you cannot produce anything, I'd recommend you'd start there before making those claims.
I live in Japan, and read and speak Japanese fluently. I have never read or heard apart from anti-whaling activities about this so-called misuse of disaster funds.
I know about the people living in temporary homes, and it has everything to do with their living area being still not habitable as of yet.
I saw this covered for at least a week just before the last election. Thought they did lump the whaling money along with construction projects and business subsidies from other prefectures, but as I said, the LDP used it to attack PM Noda, and Noda also made many comments to defend himself against it. I saw it on NHK because that is the only news channel I watch.
Anyhow I won't argue about it, it's not really that important, I was pretty angry about it myself but finally I moved west. I realize that the people are in their shelters for a variety of reason, but I honestly don't feel the government has done all that they could, maybe it's just Fukushima people but we don't really trust the government anymore.
Great, because I am a paid subscribers of NHK (yes, I am one of the few) and I watch their news everyday. That's actually the only Japanese TV channel I watch when I watch TV. I never seen this piece of news, and I'd be surprised it would be aired on NHK since it is basically government controlled and sanctioned pretty much like the Chinese Xinhua or the North Korea State TV.
They didn't take anything. They applied to the fund and where found to meet its requirements. It wasn't earmarked 'for earthquake and tsunami relief', it also was a general Japanese economy stimulus plan and many other non-tsunami related projects received funding, like a new radio tower near Tokyo.
Then why is it being reported by various news outlets as coming from the tsunami funds? The ones I used are credible news sources. That is the message we are getting here in the US. If it is different, then it needs to come out.
Because those 'credible' news sources are no such thing. They have agendas, biases and want to make money off getting people to visit their website. They also do knowingly sloppy journalism if it meets their biases and gets people to their website.
And I am sure on almost all of those sources all you will find is that it was tsunami relief funds, they won't actually claim the money was from donations they just use the name and imply it was from donations. While just a little research would find the truth.
Here is a source that makes clear it is tax money not donations, it also mentions some of the other projects and the fact that those non-tsunami projects seem to be legal.
And a few others.
Thanks ddpalmer, those were more accurate than the US ones I found. Seems they were told it was from the donations fund while you just showed me it was from the tax fund for reconstruction. I stand corrected.
I'll say one thing Ogawa, you've performed a miracle … getting ddpalmer and myself to agree on something. I am sorry but you were not the first to come onto this site and make that false claim thereby proving the extent of Sea Shepherd's false propaganda.
God, it gets worse …
It's a 'idiot spill' spewing out across the internet
If you want to get the correct information to the US public, then the best bet would be to send the correct information to first non-biased news like USAToday. Then send even more to a very conservative site like FoxNews. Fox is very anti-Watson. And very pro-Japan. This is the way of the US news, most agencies now put a political position instead of just telling just the news. Now no more arguing fellas.
Mr. Data, Perform the Ogawa Maneuver!!! I Love It!!!
Paul Watson and the SSCS will do anything to "create" an incident to increase media attention and to bring in donations. As Watson stated in his book "Earthforce" it is acceptable to lie and distort data. He did this with the fishermen of Eastern Canada, using sealing to bring in money and media. He is no longer in Eastern Canada as the Canadian Government seized his ship. Japan should seize Watson's fleet. They are nothing more than pirates…
I read the same book, I cannot say that Paul Watson is doing a bad job with the media, as it is now 90 percent of media sources are reporting the Japanese to be at fault, in the end the truth is very irrelevant, it's all about perception and I think Watson seems to be doing quite well.
The only point I disagree with is that Paul is doing it for the money, if he successfully ends whaling, he its himself out of business, that doesn't make sense to me. Also money is great but what good is living a life on the run? I think a person needs to be motivated by more than just money to make the choices he made. In the end only Paul knows why he's is doing what he is doing.
I'd have to argue about that Sea Shepherd is doing a good job. Did the whaling stop? No. Did he continue to bring funding for his organization? Yes. Is the funding based on the stopping of the whaling or the fighting of the whaling? The latter right? If so, Sea Shepherd has every bit interest in maintaining the conflict and wishing for the whale killers to pursue their activities.
Like I said, if they REALLY wanted to stop this, they would tackle the problem at its core: 1) the consumer demand with communication campaign 2) on the legal ground. Anything else is just theatrical display for them to continue to get money.
Once whaling is shut down, if it can be shut down, there are plenty of other causes to move on to. Therefore, I don't think that is a fair argument.
Direct action and targeting economic damage against exploitative or abuse companies can work, it can. It has shut down many such business in the fur and animal-experimentation industry and others. It's successfully challenged and change many government policies. If you are interested in this area you really ought to read up a bit on the history of it. It can also become counter-productive if taken to far … but I think it's too early for us to know which or how long this will go on for next.
I disagree with the "it's only for the money" argument too. It's clearly not. Yes, running an NGO and a fleet of ships costs money but that is not the only purpose.
How much and how long would doing it from the consumer up take?
I think what people entrenched in the 'conservatives versus whale-hugger' battle don't appreciate is that within Japan it is a very, very, very good thing for the absolute authority of the blood sucking Japanese ministries, in this case MAFF, to be challenged and humiliated in such a way.
Watson is absolutely right about that. It's just as shame it was not a Japanese person who was doing it.
If you knew anything about the scale, economies and modus operandis of the ministries you would understand why that is being said.
If only he or someone else like him would take on the construction industries within Japan and stop them concreting all the islands over.
Direct action in an attempt to increase their cost of doing business will not make a big dent since there is still demand to pay a premium for this kind of product. The fur business has seen its end by communication and making it endorsed worldwide as 'not cool' to wear fur. If Sea Shepherd is communicating, it is doing so by lying evidently, so poorly.
It is working on putting a bandage on the hemorrhage rather than the root cause. It's just a show in a way, so let's appreciate it for what it is then.
The anti-fur campaigns in the most successful nations which have now banned fur farms, like the UK, were brought to the public attention by high-profile attacks on fur farms, shops, designers and users.
First the public awareness was raised through dramatic events, then the arguments heard, then the political changes made; therefore one has to support the role of direct action in such campaigns. Of course, it also has its limitations as conservative forces generally use it as an excuse for crackdowns and further limitation to human freedoms.
Sea Shepherd appear to be widely supported in this and increasingly effective in stopping the whale slaughter. I think if they were to focus only and entirely on this they would still be supported by the general public. The figures for the slaughter this year, e.g. how much it cost, how many whales where slaughtered and how much meat was sold will be interesting to look it.
It's about time the ministry in question got over its pride, let the issue go and converted the Nisshin Maru into a vessel for humanitarian aid or something that would bring Japan worldwide respect rather than condemnation.
I disagree with you. The anti-fur campaign worked precisely because it was brought to the public by stars who posted naked and the media have shown what the massacre meant on those animals. However, every time one heard about animal activists extremist actions, people reactions were very contrasted.
There is no better proof than looking at the past result. Did it stop? No. Is there an overwhelming support in favor of Sea Shepherd? No.
Sure Sea Shepherd should take actions, only those actions should be legal and pacifist and then everyone would have sympathy and side with those people. Do you see the difference and how it will yield better more sustainable results?
The stars came a long time after the movement was already picking up.
The campaign had its roots in ALF direct action, e.g. setting fire to shops and farms, pickets, throwing paint, releasing animals etc.
You see, "the stars" only become attracted to such campaign by the time it is of some benefit to them and deemed safe by their publicists. And they are often counter productive because their involvement is superficial.
You're talking about PETA etc. PETA just picked up on an already rolling campaign as SSCS have and exploited it for its own ends. It was people like the ALF, LYNX and small groups that drove it under in nations where the campaign was successful.
But, arguably, the fur industry is also a bad example to chose because consumption/production has not stopped, it's really only changed location and targets different and less refined audiences, e.g. Russia, China etc. In more developed nations, it was already a dying trade. A bit like whaling in Japan really.
Trying to tarnish previous victory is not fair play….
I am not denying that, and it does not really matter who gets the credit. This is not a show, right? The purpose was to end the killing of animals for their fur. The participation of those stars and the intense communication that followed tainting this industry image and hurting the consumer demand is exactly what I am advocating.
Sea Shepherd wants to impress by putting on a show that, in fact, is not stopping the whaling activities? Fine, but let's stop the hypocrisy of it please. Sea Shepherd doe snot do it for the whales, it does it to get sustainable funding by appealing to people emotions.
… So the ICR would have us believe, which is why they spend Japanese tax payers money on English language PR campaigners to try and establish such ideas.
Of course, SSCS is worthy of criticisms but have you ever spoken to any of their members or volunteers?
They do it to raise fund and then spend them on what the fund givers wish … to stop the whalers. That is what all NGOs do.
I cannot afford the time to do x, y, z and so I donate to a charity who goes on and does it on my behalf.
You should ask yourself, "why is the ICR putting out such an idea?" and it has everything to do with the general opinion or lack of understanding and appreciation of NGOs in Japan, especially vocal NGOs.
Japan is not a democracy like those in the West yet.
I don't know exactly ICR is up to, but obviously they are defending their business. I mean what else can you expect of them?
I am sure that the Sea Shepherd staff intentions are genuine, but as fact-based assessment, I can only face up objectively to the achievements so far, and so should you.
It is always easier to appeal to our emotions and basic instincts for revenge, and hatred and revert to physical actions. But I think we are better than this, and you have to ask yourself if this is the best way to make this permanently end. I did, and that's why I continue to believe this is in no way the best way to fight the whaling.
And for the record, let me say that the line of reasoning by ICR that because this is cultural, hence others have to respect them for doing it seems to make sense, but history shows us that our habits, and culture in general just change. The Japanese way of life 200 years ago is not the same than now. Few Japanese actually support whaling activities. It is time to change. And Japan is a complex society split in 2: the 'old Japan' and the 'new Japan'. You must understand this if you want to be efficient at getting rid of whaling activities. When Sea Shepherd perform those stunts, it is like when there is an act of war or terrorism on the U.S., all citizens unite against the threat, and this is EXACTLY the stupidity those extreme actions yield, i.e. a radicalization and entrenchment of public opinion.
If Sea Shepherd were REALLY interested in ending this, they would communicate and persuade by, notably, working on dividing further the Japanese opinion and mounting them against the whalers. And it would be really easy since Japanese are animal lovers, but you guys at Sea Shepherd are too dumb and instead are uniting Japanese no matter how wrong the whaling activities are. Sea Shepherd suffer from an extremely bad reputation and not just in Japan.
Hence, my original conclusion that in fact Sea Shepherd care little about truly ending this. It lives in this state of war with extreme actions that define them. It is proud to attack the whalers in the so-called name of defending the whales, but the achievements just show otherwise.
Releasing animals. Yes I remember how direct action animal rights activists in the 1990's launched an assault on expensive biomedical laboratories and "liberated" the laboratory animals, setting back medical research for years. I remember them marching through lab buildings vandalizing walls, floors and ceilings. I also remember mailed package bombs sent to geneticists and immunologists at universities up and down California, some of which blew up in scientists hands and faces, maiming them. Needless to say these tactics did not win people over.
No, I'm talking about back in the 1970s in Europe, not any excess Americans might have gotten up to. Campaigns tend to be reflections of the nations within which they happen and American is a far more violent, aggressive and extremist society.
If you care to give us some links, I'll look at them. Sadly, people like you and the pro-whalers have a tendency to over-exaggerate.
I think as a whole, society really has little sympathy for individuals who torture animals for a living and shares in the disgust of the vivisection industry.
If they were going to be maimed, I think most people would just shrug their shoulders and say it was their fate for what they did for money.
Problems like that arise where democracy fails under the influence of the money making corporations. Most people want vivisection to end. That is the decision of a democratic society but the corporations and governments ignore it and go against the people's will … so what do you expect the people to do? A certain % will reaction in that way.
I am not condoning it, I am condemning the corruption of democracy by non-democratic money and vested interests which brings about such strong reactions.
The same dynamic is happening within the whaling context.
Here are some two recent examples of what in my opinion is
extreme direct action that has been going on for awhile and continues in the US.
Animal-Rights Extremists Target UCLA Researcher Again (Nov
Animal rights Group suspected of cutting brakes (May 2010)
And by the way, I try very hard NOT to exaggerate.WP
I know all too well what you are saying so I really admire and applaud the Japanese crew members aboard the Sam Simon. Many citizens and tax payers are really quite powerless to change much. If a Japanese tries to support anti whaling it has serious social problems .
Ok I see your point. I would like to say that SS represents only one part of a greater effort to end whaling. Your two points about legality and consumer demand are equally important and are being handled by other entities. Until whaling ends, SS supporters have to take it on faith that Paul's goal is genuine. Whether it not he truly is will be left to be seen. As it is,the support base seems quite stable and his enemies seemed to be pretty upset ( being that Paul is on the Interpol list usually used for murders and terrorist) by those facts alone I'd say any person donating to SS be it Bob barker or Sam Simon, can't be too upset so far.
So on a global scale, what is your opinion on the results of this years whaling efforts? What are your opinions on the ICR public relations efforts? Do you think Japan did well this year? Honest question for you and everyone on this thread.
My opinion is that Sea Shepherd ruthless actions has entrenched people who could have otherwise been swayed and thus radicalized the public opinion, not only in Japan, a country of animal lovers — one could even say they love animals more than humans, but even abroad.
ICR and the whaling activities has a bad reputation for sure, but people in the world fail to care. There are other more important issues for them. I am not impressed by Sea Shepherd's results if we use this metric.
Again, I agree with you I see the entrenchment. Direct action has this effcet it is raw and palpable. Having said that however, people who use or support direct action usually feel there is no other way, or they feel that it will work despite it drawbacks. It's a wait and see situation at this point.
When I asked about your opinion on whaling efforts, I meant what do you think about it achievements, I.e. number of whales caught, or increase in deficit, or decreas in profitability, or change in economic sustainability.
I say this because Japanese media has said of last season that the catch was much lower than expected due to Sea Shepherd interference. I am curious to see what the result is this year. Do you think they caught less than last year? Do you think they spent more resources than last year?
I think they achieved very little and instead they just sustained the confrontation with this ICR for a bit longer, incidentally or purposively sustaining their funding and their incomes.
I have read report that the whalers cost has outgrown their revenues, but this makes little difference since this niche targets consumers who are ok to pay a premium.
They are just outlaws doing their own justice by themselves. They are rogue and dangerous, putting people's lives at risks.
Tackling the problem at its core, right? Meanwhile whales are being killed, though.
And what will you do when people will also be killed because of those stunts?
"Stunts" knows what they will be facing when boarding the Sea Shepherd ships. And whalers too.
Every time a media article comes out of The Japan Daily Press about whaling, it is completely bent and altered as expected by the corrupt Japanese government and do all they can to save face towards the world.
If you dissect the video released by ICR, it has clearly been edited to support their claims. There is no question this is all about using propaganda to bend minds and nothing more. This is not about truth, this is about saving face and not allowing anyone to see the truth and facts of what actually happened.
Ask why is there a Japanese military ice breaker in Australian ocean waters?
What kind of science is being conducted by these violent and barbaric acts by the Japanese Whale Poaching fleet? This is very clearly a commercial venture that has absolute nothing to do with any science.
No reputable scientist will exhibit this kind of extremely aggressive and barbaric behavior.
Japan should be proud to show who they really are, cruel, barbaric, expansionist nation trying to take over new territory by force.
What Japan is doing is an act of war in Australian ocean waters.
There is a very similar historic event during World War Two, the Japanese military knew they were defeated yet continued to order their pilots to crash the aircraft they were fling into ships killing themselves and as much harm as possible..aka Kamikaze. Imperialist Japan swore to fight to the very end.. Until two Japanese citied were bombed with the first nuclear weapons..
All this suffering, death, waste of resources and more to save face…
The shame of failure appears to be worst than death.. yet this ideology which is baked into Japanese culture and society is not likely to change anytime soon. Yet, for the nation of Japan to mature and grow up there comes a time when these cultural and social beliefs and traditions must pass for the Nation to mature…
This also means to stop killing whales and other marine mammals,not over fish the world's oceans and being a compassionate member of human family.
No nation lives alone in a vacuum, all nations must learn to share the limited resources of planet earth and treat living beings with respect.
In comparison to American, Australia and other developed nations, which consumes the least animal products per capita and which consume the most and widest amount of plant-based foods per capita, it's Japan.
Do "reputable scientists" in American, Australia and other developed nations not carry animal experiments far worse than whaling?
Do they not work for the vastly larger meat industries?
Do the militaries of America etc not use and harm marine mammals in their training?
Please keep your racist, demented, ignorant WWII white supremacist propaganda crap out of the whaling issue.
Does anyone know how the media in Japan report about whaling? I've found in my travels that most Japanese are pretty oblivious about whaling and how it is perceived outside of Japan. Are there any organizations within Japan that are against whaling?
For the most part it is a tool of the government and repeats the ICR's propaganda. Their job was made much easier by the utterly racist behaviour of Scott West and his Sea Shepherd followers in the first season of their Taiji campaign. Actions which have done irreparable damage to the cause.
Yes, there are anti-whaling and animal rights and animal welfare organizations within Japan. They are very, very small, mostly voluntary and under-funded. Their job has been made far more difficult by Sea Shepherd raising the anger of nationalists, a dynamic which had never existed against animal rights and animal welfare activists before. A reaction against Sea Shepherd's behaviour within Japan rather than the issue itself.
For example
Thanks for the link. So it wasn't just my impression. I was working for a Japanese company and we received a very threatening letter once about whaling and most of my colleagues didn't understand what it was about. I also spoke to people here and there about it and most said the only time they ever ate whale was in school and the don't really found it any good. The only one who was adamant about it was an old Yakuza guy… so basically a nationalist.
See this makes me very upset, I don't believe Japanese people are well represented here! Most people don't eat whale! All the whaling you see is the effort of a small group of people with money and political power. You can hate them if you are against whaling, but don't hate all Japanese, remember the Japanese are also aboard the Sam Simon. If you start hating on all Japanese people then you are taking the bait of the Japanese nationalists. It's not an issue of Japan vs, the world, it's an issue of whaling, I'm sure anti whalers would be just as upset if whaling happened in another country.
If you are not working for a whaling company you really don't deserve any threatening letters.
Of course it is not an an issue of Japan vs, the world, it's an issue of a dying whaling industry fighting to life off government welfare in cahoots with a corrupt ministry fighting against budget cutbacks. It's them versus the greater welfare of Japan.
Unfortunately, the pro-whale and dolphin movement has more than its fair share of inexperienced idiots which do as much damage as good.
In Japan there is also Elsa Nature Conservancy, which was founded in 1976, and does good work. Western activists should support more work within Japan.
I was working for JALPAK at that time and that letter was scary, but not addressed to us specifically. Nothing came of it, thankfully.
I completely agree with you. Sadly I don't really see much protest against Norwegian whalers, even though that's much closer to home. I wish the distinction between people supporting whaling and those that don't within a population would be made.
Yes I can tell you in Japan it is usually not reported at all. Whaling is not an issue as far as most people are concerned. Also the whale wars are very under reported. The first ramming incident this season got all of 10 seconds on the evening news and was never followed up. For good or for bad most people here don't think about it. Correct me if I'm wrong anyone else here who also lived in Japan.
If there is a good he will hopefully send another Tsunami and end it once and forever.
This isn't all about anti-whaling its about Japan ignoring Australian law in regards to whaling whith in our territory. I would vote for any government that would use the Australian naval forces to enforce our laws within these waters. If Japanese vessels refuse to leave, board them, remove the personal and sink them. Our gov is too weak and won't risk trade with Japan, as Japan will react like the idiots with the biggest case of small man syndrome. Unfortunately we import a lot from Japan such as those horrible toyotas they love so much and export beef etc for any such action to ever occur.
It is not your territory.
The Antarctic Treaty protects the region for "peaceful purposes only" and it's guidelines state that "wildlife will not be disturbed".
How does the slaughter of whales for commercial benefit fit into that?
Australia has a claim on the waters with a fairly rational based and uses its influence to conservation of Antarctic marine living resources. Japan has no claim on them and is attempting to exploit them disputing Australia's claim because it wants to do so.
How does fishing for rockfish fit into that? Or harvesting krill?
And actually the word 'wildlife' appears no where in the treaty. So maybe
you can modify your claim to comport with fact?
CCAMLR is the part of the Antarctic Treaty System that deals with marine
living resources and it most certainly doesn't operate on the principle that
"wildlife will not be disturb". What they say is:
"The convention defines three principles of conservation which any
harvesting activities must comply, these are:
-the prevention of the decrease in the size of any harvested population to
levels below those that ensure its stable recruitment
-the maintenance of the ecological relationships between harvested, dependent
and related populations, and the restoration of depleted populations, and
-the prevention of changes or the minimisation of the risk of changes in the
marine ecosystem, which are not potentially reversible over two or three
So obviously harvesting the living resources is allowed within the
guidelines. Oh and CCAMLR defers to the IWC/ICRW in regards to whales.
"Because neither the United States nor Japan recognizes Australia's
jurisdiction over any portion of the Southern Ocean, Cetacean owes no respect to
the Australian order." US 9th Circuit Court.
Even Australia didn't try and assert its 'claim' before the ICJ in their
case against Japan. Why wouldn't they do that? If it is their territory then their case is a slam dunk. No matter what the ICRW says, if it is theirs then they can ban whaling and they win against Japan; while there case based on the ICRW depends on what the judges decide is research under Article VIII. So it appears they don't even believe they have "a
claim on the waters with a fairly rational based".
You keep lying and I keep pointing out your lies.
"Even Australia didn't try and assert its 'claim' before the ICJ in their case against Japan. Why wouldn't they do that? If it is their territory then their case is a slam dunk. No matter what the ICRW says it is theirs then they can ban whaling and they win against Japan; while there case based on the ICRW depends on what the judges decide is research under Article VIII. So it appears they don't even believe they have"
Its because the japan Gov chooses to disregard and fail to recognise the Australian federal court, so Australia cant take any legal action against them (this is why its in the International court). Sure we could go and force ably remove them from our waters but again our Gov wont risk trade with Japan over whaling (as japan is like a child and doesn't like other countries telling it what to do, and will react as such)… but if it had more economic value such a oil or minerals, japan wouldn't be able to get near it.
Like I say ddpalmer, you don't understand the law. You don't even understand the purpose and position of the law within society.
You can string together whatever propagandistic sentences you like … but who is it convincing and what it is achieving?
The only reason I can think of is that you get paid by the post and so keep on making them.
Why else would anyone else invest their life defending a bunch of butchers and slaughtermen in a rusting tincan hunting endangered species for rich businessmen in Tokyo? That is all it is about.
What next? Are you going to get a job defending the African poachers who gun down rhinos so some rich and impotent guy can get a horn? There is probably money in that too.
Honestly, you keep refusing to answer this. Off all the causes in the world, why this one?
So Australia did not bring their claim about the ATS to the court because they can't but they can bring their claim about the ICRW? Yeah that makes sense.
You're not making any sense. You're just making nonsense.
Of all the causes on earth, what motivates you to defend a tincan full of butchers and slaughtermen killing endangered species?
Surely it can only be money?
sry quoted wrong part
We own the majority of Antarctica and where these whalers are poaching is off the coast of our territory, it is classed as Australia's economic zone. The only way the japs can whale there is to refuse the authority of the Australian federal court!!! It would be well within our rights to take actions against poachers within this zone/territory.
No you don't. You claim it but most of the world doesn't recognize your claim
and you don't assert the claim anywhere but in Australia proper. It most
definitely isn't an Australian EEZ as that claim was made after 1961 which is a
clear violation of the Antarctic Treaty. Even an Australian Federal judge said
that Australia can't enforce its laws against foreign nationals or vessels in
the waters around Antarctica.And Australia itself doesn't seem to really believe it is theirs or they would have used that claim in their ICJ case against Japan.
It would be a violation of international law for Australia to take action
under their bogus EEZ claim against anybody other than an Australian. And the
country of the vessel/people involved could take it as a declaration of
Now you can whine and claim it is yours all you want, just like Iraq did
about Kuwait or Argentina did about the Falklands. But everyone saw what happened when those claims were pushed and I don't think most Australians are stupid enough to try something like
lol what is japan gonna do? side with a Hitler like figure again and try and dominate the world? we saw what happened then didn't we… but not after japan tortured POWs and nurses. Australia wont risk trade with japan over the matter but hopefully by the end of the year they will have sorted it out in the International court. Its also another reason Australia is playing it safe with the current conflicts, that and our Gov is weak.
If you are off the coast of Somalia and a ship approaches you so close you could run into each other, they shoot objects onto your deck and they try to ruin your ship; you might think they are engaging in piracy. This has to be treated the same.
You can't be expected to know it's just a bunch of self important hippies. There are rules. I'm surprised it hasn't escalated further really. Yes there should be attention paid to declining populations of species and prevention of extinction, but there is like a million Minke whales and Japan takes 1,000 per year. Even if a million is high there is a significant enough number to justify hunting them to a degree.
Now I know everyone on the Sea Shepherd boat is probably a vegetarian & that's fine, but really we kill millions of cows and billions of chickens in America each year not to mention all the piggies and turkeys and ducks and we have no problem eating them.
The bottom line here is a lot of people are talking about deceit and lies. There is none bigger than the Japanese saying that the slaughter of whales is for scientific reasons. This is an absolutley ludicrous claim and if anyone believes this they must also believe pigs can fly! The other important fact here is that the Japanese are breaking laws and have no regard for other nations territories. The japanese take advantage of Australia's inept ability to enforce these laws. Japanese people are a proud race but there is absolutley nothing to be proud of here in what they are doing or how they are conducting themselves and should hang there heads in shame!
So the published research papers don't exist?
And the US 9th District Court just ruled that Japan isn't breaking the law and that the SSCS are pirates.
No, the court did not try whether what the Japanese were doing is breaking the law or not.
Please don't twist the facts.
Yes they do claim the whaling is legal.
"Even if one believes it is barbaric to harvest whales for any purpose at
the beginning of the 21st century, as practiced by Cetacean, it is clearly
permitted under international law. See International Convention for the
Regulation of Whaling art. VIII, Dec. 2, 1946, 62 Stat. 1716, 161 U.N.T.S.
"The United States, Japan and many other nations are signatories to the
International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling art. VIII, Dec. 2, 1946,
62 Stat. 1716, 161 U.N.T.S. 74, which authorizes whale hunting when conducted in
compliance with a research permit issued by a signatory. Cetacean has such a
permit from Japan."
"Our laws defining the public interest in regards to whaling are the
Whaling Convention Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, both of which
permit whaling pursuant to scientific permits issued under the Whaling
Convention. 16 U.S.C. § 1372; 16 U.S.C. § 916c. Cetacean's activities are
covered by such a permit and thus are consistent with congressional policy as to
the marine ecosystem."
But you can continue to lie about the facts. And I
will continue to point out your lies.
Legal … only if you fall for the line that it is "research", which most of the world does not (and has yet to be tried).
OK, let them do real science then and not put meat on the plates of rich Tokyo businessmen or force indoctrinate children into their cult.
As I wrote before, you don't understand the law … and Chief Judge Kozinski is just a whack job libertarian with a taste for farmyard pornography. The guy who's website had, "half-dressed man cavorting with a sexually aroused farm animal" and is now into defending whale abuse.
Is it really such a surprise? He obviously has no ethics when it comes, excuse the pun, to animal abuse.
Why on earth do you pick such absurd heroes and defend a tincan full of slaughtermen? I mean, of all the causes in the world, why chose to defend the butchers and slaughtermen of endangered species?
You must be getting paid to do this … I cannot believe anyone would do such a thing for nothing.
Do you have any ad homs to throw at the other 2 judges who ruled against Sea Shepherd and believe the Japanese are doing research?
And you seem inordinately obsessed with this farm animal website. Let me guess, you are just upset at him because he blocked public access to the site and you can't go there any more?
Yes it is very easy to publish research papers on anything. Don't know if you have heard the recent comments by the Japanese Fisheries minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, on the 19/2/2010 were he admitted the whaling conducted by the Japanese was "not"for scientific research but was for food because eating whale was part of their culture!
In regards to the US court finding in favour of the Japanese, correct, this is after they
removed Judge Jones from the three member panel. Judge Jones actually ruled that Sea Shepherd was acting in the public interest for the protection of wildlife and the earth! And also went on to say the group's activities amount to nothing more than low level harrasment! So nothing dubious going on there either.
I will also add that Australia is taking Japan to the International Court of Justice.
But don't you worry have a look out your window you should see that pig flying past any moment!
Yes, I have read the statement, well actually an English translation of the
statement, and he admits no such thing. You could read his statement to mean
that, if you are already bias to that belief, or you could read it to not mean
that. But so what? If the do research and also get meat or if the get meat and
also do research, what is the difference? There is research so they are
following Article VIII which allows their actions.
And now you prove you are completely clueless. Judge Jones is a judge in
the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, while the ruling was from a 3 judge
panel of the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Jones was never on any 3
judge panel and thus was never removed from any panel. His ruling was appealled
and the appellate court over ruled him. Something that happens all the
So now you are adding things that anyone who has kept up with the issue has
know for over a year. Well aren't you special. And let me add that taking a case
to court and winning are two very different things. But now I think it is time
for you to go feed your unicorn and collect the gold at the end of the rainbow,
along with whatever other fun things you do in fantasy land.
I have lived quite a long time in the U.S. myself 🙂
I know Animal Planet of course, and I have it also in Japan. I just never saw it, but then again I don't watch this cable channel often. I think this owe it more to the sensational aspect of their stunts rather than to the real interest of the people.
Just so you know, I am not Japanese, but I know them fairly well. Almost as well as the Americans…
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, Chief Judge Kozinski writing the unanimous opinion: "You don't need a peg leg or an eye patch. When you ram ships; hurl glass containers of acid; drag metal-reinforced ropes in the water to damage propellers and rudders; launch smoke bombs and flares with hooks; and point high-powered lasers at other ships, you are, without a doubt, a pirate, no matter how high-minded you believe your purpose to be…The preliminary injunction we issued on December 17, 2012, Inst. of Cetacean Research v. Sea Shepherd Conservation Soc'y, 702 F.3d 573 (9th Cir. 2012), will remain in effect until further order of
this court."
From the injunction:
"In no event shall defendants [SSCS] approach plaintiffs [Japan ICR] any
closer than 500 yards when defendants are navigating on the open sea. In no
event shall defendants approach plaintiffs any closer than 500 yards when defendants
are navigating on the open sea."
Apparently you don't have a clue as to what is involved in a refueling operation at sea (UNREP) and the ships in the photo are the Nisshin Maru, Sea Shepherd (Ship?) and a
Korean fuel tanker – Sun Laurel. Both the Nisshin and the Sun Laurel have too conduct and maintain an extremely dangerous distance in order to refuel, both ships have to maintain an exact speed and distance for this evolution to be done safety. (If that's what they are doing)? What the Bob Barker is doing, is premeditated negligence and a total disregard for life and property at sea. Not to mention the environment – if a serious collision were to happen.
I agree with this origination's' mandate, however, its means are in question? – It's about "Safety At Sea and the Law of the Sea! Ask any Blue Water Sailor/Professional Seaman, and they would agree that Mr. Watson and his crew's actions are not that of pirates, they are that off "Terrorist – On the Hi Sea's. Also, research, Mr. Watson s' Seaman's Documents,
experience and real background – FOS! Yes, Japan should stop its illegal activities – but, two wrongs don't make a right.
Also, ask yourself, would you like to be a crew member on one of those Japanese ships – Dead In The Water (DIW) on the Hi Seas, because Sea Shepherd fouled your Prop – that could also cause damage to your main engines and even a crankcase explosion? My qualification – 35 years at sea, US Navy – (SS) (MDV) (NSW), US Merchant Marine
(CHENG) (Ret), Founding Member of Save The Bay -1979.
As for WHALE WARS – please, it's television at its worst. I'm sure the producers encourage, what real seaman would never consider and then have the money to keep the real issues in the courts for years to come – the negligence, ignorance, and irresponsibility of the ships officers and crew.
To be fair we have to prosecute both sides to the fullest extent of the law.
Yes – Stop Whaling, – Boycott Japanese Products, Protest at Japanese Embassy, Write to Elected Officials.
Yes – Stop Sea Shepherd – Don't Donate, Don't watch Whale Wars, and Send a letter to the companies that advertise during the TV show.
Japanese shouldnt be killing whales for any reason in a whale sanctuary. You deserve what you get Japanese Whalers…
oh yeah… research by killing 75 whales and will continue to do so. why dont you start a research on how japanese breed by killing and cut open japanese people 75 people per day and pack their flesh? only morrons fall for the "research" masquerade. puny capitalists.
oh yeah it is research, and they kill a lot more than 75 whales.
Sea Shepard is a terrorist group and only get away with such tactics because they operate in international waters. We in Alaska allow over a doze native American tribes to practice there cultural heritage of whale hunting. If sea Sheppard came into US waters Flying a Dutch flag and attacked Native Americans- the US Coast Guard would seize their boat and arrest them. This is why terrorist groups operate in places where they know they can get away with such tactics. As a Mariner I know it is wrong to Ram another's boat. It is wrong to disable another boats propulsion which renders that ship unable to navigate ocean sea state and righting ability. This would only result in that disabled boat to capsize. As a Mariner I know it is wrong to use a cannon to launch frozen spuds 200 meters at another boat which could result in bodily harm or death. As a Mariner I know it is wrong to board another's vessel without permission! As a Mariner I know it is every Mariners right to take necessary action to defend your vessel and it's crew!
I am also glad Japan was able to get the US Courts involved. The US court has the power to issue arrest warrants for Contempt of Court. Not a nice thing to have floating around when the Sea Shepard Terrorist group is headquarter in Washington State. You can bet a lot of video will taken and Sea Shepard's attacks all documented.
Why does the international maritime community tolerate this BS from the Sea Shepherd? Putting people's lives at risk, not to mention property damage. Nowhere in US waters would any of this be tolerated. I have spent thousands of hours in the Gulf of Mexico, and I for the life of me can't wrap my head around this.
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Oasis 22 - Hamilton Island
House, Hamilton Island
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Ah, I should have included the name for those that don't know or it doesn't make sense. :lol
My name is Tania. Pronounced TAN-ya. Try it, I guarantee you'll whine, or you're pronouncing it TON-ya. ;)
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Ah, I should have included the name for those that don't know or it doesn't make sense. :lol
My name is Tania. Pronounced TAN-ya. Try it, I guarantee you'll whine, or you're pronouncing it TON-ya. ;)
Aw, I was feeling all superior since I remembered your name. Now I'm shoved back with the pack again. *sigh* :)
sher is my nickname - short for sherri.
[leanan] sidhe is a faerie. a bad, bad heartbreaking, man crushing, soul wrenching faerie.
and though i pronounce my name sher-sid-he, the proper pronunciation is shersheeeeeeeee.
Paulie, does it help if I give you brownie points for your memory? :) It's nice to be remembered.
Of course that helps, Miss F! You can ask Fluff about my memory, BTW. It's kind of frightening how I latch on to little tidbits like people's names, birthdays, cup sizes, and so on. ;)
For some reason, Sher, I always said your screename was "sheridishe." (Pronounced: share-i-dee-she) I don't know why, but I was just proven wrong when you told your story. :D So, now I'm all corrected!
Me too Mdrio!!
Oh Paulie, don't worry. Quite proud of my little B's if I do say so myself. :)
I am so boring!! I tried for the longest time to come up with some "good" screen name when I first started on the net and I used to be known everywhere as aqualibra...aquarius for my husband's sign and libra for my own. Wellllllllll 3 years or so ago when we were on the verge of divorce (round one for that) I dropped the aqua and became libra_ or libra__ but that name is rarely ever available so now I use the 1022 (my bday of course) after it. I'm also known as libby and bubbles online depending on where I'm at and what names were available.
I love this thread. All the stories are so interesting. Even the ones who think they are boring reasons still have good stories.
When I was very little, my grandmother used to tell me and my sisters a story about two sisters, ClaraBella and Bella Bella. ClaraBella was very very bad and Bella Bella was very very good. To make a long story short, Bella Bella (she was a real suck-up) did everything her mother told her and always did her homework and her chores but when ClaraBella was told to do her homework and chores, she would always say NO!. At Christmas, Bella Bella got wonderful toys and presents and ClaraBella got coal in her stocking.


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Koyono Spokes Model, Jed Hildebrand
Aside from his appearances on Survivor - Thailand, Jed Hildebrand has traveled internationally as a dental missionary working remote villages and refugee camps in Cambodia and Thailand. During 2003, he provided care to villages and tribes in India while traveling on camelback with his brother, Sloan. Even off-camera, all eyes are on Jed and he relies on his BlackCoat to keep him warm, dry, and looking good.
See Jed's profile on the CBS Survivor web site.
Buy a BlackCoat just like Jed's...
Jed Links on SirLinksAlot


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It's the ultimate NBA popularity contest: the annual list of the league's best selling jerseys. Fans put down their hard - earned cash to support the players they love the most. While some players remain consistently popular there are always surprises who crack the top 10.
The NBA's top-selling jerseys list is based on sales on NBAStore.com since the start of the 2010-11 NBA season and is the official list released by the league.
So, which players wear the best-selling NBA jerseys? Click ahead to find out!
By Tom Rotunno
Posted 13 April 2011
For years, the NBA and NFL have put out their best selling jersey sales. It's the best measure of marketability and popularity, since it's fans voting with their wallets.
Major League Baseball, which set a record for merchandise sales last year, is entering the game with its top selling jerseys over the past year. Sales are from the 2010 calendar year and recorded by its official jersey maker Majestic.
So, what were the best-selling MLB jerseys, by player, in the past year? Click ahead to find out!
When LeBron James left the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer of 2010 and became a free agent, many teams tried to gain his services. A media frenzy ensued and in the hours leading up to the announcement of James' new team, speculation reached a fever pitch. Finally, he ended the suspense and announced that he would sign with the Miami Heat.
The Cavaliers were forgotten in the chaos and without him they became just another team, at one point losing 25 games in a row and, according to analysis from one sports investment banker, are now worth $100 million less than the $375 million that owner Dan Gilbert paid for them.
Many other sports teams have seen their fortune go from good to bad when a star athlete jumps ship, and though they may not have been as costly as the James-Cavaliers defection, the team suffers nonetheless and may take years to recover, with some feeling the pain more than once. These defections are a direct result of the player's choice, instead of them being traded from team to team, so these moves were basically all up to the players.
Click ahead to see some of the most painful defections in sports history.
By Daniel Bukszpan, Special for CNBC.com
Posted 18 Feb 2011
This year's Super Bowl features the Green Bay Packers against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But there will be no cheerleaders. The Packers and the Steelers are just two of six teams (along with the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears) that don't field a pom-pom waving squad.
Although their seasons are over, cheerleaders are an important part of the NFL offseason for the 26 teams that do have them. Why? Because, when executed well, they provide endless clicks for Web surfing fans and additional revenue in appearances (teams usually charge between $100 and $500 per hour per cheerleader) and swimsuit calendar revenue. In fact, with plenty of women to audition and money to be had (most cheerleaders make less than $100 a game), the number of cheerleaders has increased exponentially in recent years.
In 2010, 15 teams each dressed more than 30 cheerleaders for games and have found ways, especially online, to generate revenue from their top squads. However, as valuations go, NFL teams are hesitant to put a dollar figure on their cheerleading squads, but the use of these cheerleaders as a vehicle for marketing is certainly in the public eye.
Here is my ranking of the top 10 teams that take the most monetary advantage of their cheerleaders.
By Darren Rovell
Posted 27 Jan 2011
With more than 40 percent of NFL fans being female, jerseys tailored for women have become popular in recent years. So it's interesting to see what jerseys men buy that women don't and vice versa.
With sales of female jerseys rising exponentially, there's big business in selling player specific apparel to the female NFL fans. According to data provided by NFLShop.com, the jerseys that are popular among women are much different than those favored by men.
So, whose jersey sells the most? Click ahead to find out!
By Darren Rovell
Posted 25 Jan 2011
Professional football is the nation's most popular sport with most NFL games being sellouts.
For many highly coveted games, die hard fans without season tickets have to tap into the secondary market to score a seat. Although many games remain in high demand, the NFL expects overall ticket sales to be down this year, while at the same time 18 of 32 teams raised prices for the 2010 season, due to the effects of today's economy.
To get an idea of which seats are the most expensive in the NFL, ticket search engine FanSnap.com put together the top 10 average listing prices by game.
Ticket values are as of 9/9/10 and are based on current asking prices from sellers in a secondary marketplace, which may not equate to ticket face values and will fluctuate depending on demand.
So, where are fans paying the most for their seats this season? Click ahead to find out!
By Darren Rovell
Posted 9 Sept 2010
With the college football season upon us, it's time to look at the most coveted games. Rivalries and powerhouse matchups dominate the most sought-after tickets, but which games will cost you the most to attend?
To answer this question, FanSnap.com , an online ticket search engine, organized the ticket prices for games based on highest average asking price on the secondary market, culled from more than 60 ticketing web sites.
Ticket values are as of 9/2/10 and are based on current asking prices from sellers in a secondary marketplace, which may not equate to ticket face values and will fluctuate depending on demand.
So, where will fans be paying the most for their seats this year? Click ahead to find out!
By Darren Rovell & Paul Toscano
Posted 3 Sept 2010
By Darren Rovell
Posted 3 June 2010
On June 2nd 2010, Ken Griffey Jr, one of the most prolific home run hitters in baseball history, announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after 21 years playing the game.
In honor of Ken Griffey Jr.'s retirement, I've put together my list of the most iconic baseball cards of all-time, taking a look at the cards that have most dramatically caught the eye of collectors around the country. Griffey Jr's cards were highly coveted early in his career – not only because he was a fan-favorite and highly marketable – but also because his early career put him on a trajectory to shatter records.
Keep in mind that the cards listed here aren't necessarily the most valuable, instead, they have received the most chatter from collectors and baseball enthusiasts over the years. But to give context, we've included price information from Beckett.com .
So, what are the most iconic baseball cards of all time? Click ahead to see the list!
CNBC Sports Business Reporter


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The new Bentley Mulsanne will go on a US dealer tour starting from September.
"We prefer more one-on-one marketing," said Bentley's U.S. spokesman David Reuter in a telephone interview with Inside Line on Wednesday. We had asked if the Mulsanne would be Bentley's first product to have its own Facebook page.
The Mulsanne tour begins at Bentley's California dealerships and then will hit Texas, Miami, Chicago, Detroit and New York through November. The tour will not include test-drives of the car, which was officially launched last weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The Mulsanne will go on sale here in summer 2010, just behind the car's spring launch in Europe.
"Traffic flow on our Web site and calls to the hotline have been overwhelming," said Reuter, who added that he was unable to quantify the response at the moment since the car is only a few days past its debut.
Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Bentley Mulsanne
Source: Inside Line


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I Reach Faster When I See You Look: Gaze Effects in Human-Human and Human-Robot Face-to-Face Cooperation. Frontiers in Neurorobotics. 6(3). 2012.
Three-Finger Precision Grasp on Incomplete 3D Point Clouds. IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA2014).. 2014.
DForC: a Real-Time Method for Reaching, Tracking and Obstacle Avoidance in Humanoid Robots. In proceedings of IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots.. 2012.
Ranking the Good Points: A Comprehensive Method for Humanoid Robots to Grasp Unknown Objects. IEEE International Conference on Advanced Robotics (ICAR2013).. 2013.
Cooperative Human Robot Interaction Systems: IV. Communication of Shared Plans with Naïve Humans Using Gaze and Speech. in IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems. Abstract. 2013.
EFAA - A Companion Emerges from integrating a Layered Cognitive Architecture. In Human-Robot Interaction (HRI 2014) 9th ACM/IEEE International Conference on.. 2014.
The Encoding of Complex Visual Stimuli by a Canonical Model of the Primary Visual Cortex: Temporal Population Code for Face Recognition on the iCub Robot. Proceedings of the 2011 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics . :313-318. Abstract. 2011.
Towards a Platform-Independent Cooperative Human-Robot Interaction System: III. An Architecture for Learning and Executing Actions and Shared Plans. IEEE Transactions on Autonomous Mental Development. 4(3):239-253. Abstract. 2012.
The Coordinating Role of Language in Real-Time Multi-Modal Learning of Cooperative Tasks. Transactions on Autonomous Mental Development, 2012. Submitted. 2012.
Automatic kinematic chain calibration using artificial skin: self-touch in the iCub humanoid robot. IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA2014).. 2014.
Exploring affordances and tool use on the iCub. IEEE/RAS International Conference of Humanoids Robotics (HUMANOIDS2013).. 2013.


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E.S. Wesley
Latest posts by E.S. Wesley (see all)
- The Outs releases today!! - January 24, 2017
- Someone knows. Find them. - January 8, 2017
- I didn't get my agent through #pitchwars. Here's why you should join Pitch Wars anyway. - July 20, 2016
This is a follow-up to my previous post on What is a Servant Author?
Servant Authors Have a Different Definition of Success
When I talk to people about being an author, and about the amazing things happening in my author journey, inevitably the conversation turns to imagining what could happen if my books take off. "Could you imagine what it would be like to get a $1m advance?" "Do you think that movie deal is going to go through?" "How much will you make if…?" And I'd be lying to say those things didn't cross my mind. But there's something else that crosses my mind more than all that.
How can I keep doing what I'm doing?
People sometimes wonder why I'm not more excited about the prospect of movies and becoming a bestseller. But there's a reason I temper my excitement. At the end of the day, I know the most important thing is that I'm establishing a foundation from which I can help and serve others. I'm not trying to sell manuscripts–I'm trying to build a platform. I want this career to benefit the world; not just me.
Therefore the central story question in everything I'm doing right now is, "How can I keep doing what I'm doing?" The pie in the sky dreams of fame and fortune can be alluring, but for me they're an albatross. If I'd been overly worried about making a fortune on my work, I wouldn't have gone with a small press. My career would be on hold. In fact, if I were to focus on those monetary measures of success I probably wouldn't make it in the publishing world at all. Because contrary to popular opinion, there isn't a lot of money in being an author.
Selfishness Is a Servant Author's Weakness
I'm reading Brandon Sanderson's Reckoners series right now (yes, Brandon Sanderson fans, I'm WAY behind…he's just got too many GREAT books for me to keep up), and one of the concepts there has really been poking my mind lately.
In book 2, Firefight, people with super-abilities have taken over the world and rule as malevolent super-villains.There are ostensibly no superheroes, because the use of super-abilities corrupts the user's mind, making them prone to evil and murder and all sorts of general nastiness. The power these people possess can ruin even the best people, turning them into monsters.
This is also true in my upcoming book The Outs. An honor student allows himself to take a step down a destructive path, and before he knows it he's dragged kicking and screaming into America's Most Wanted, becoming a different kind of monster entirely. And it's all because he embraced selfish thoughts.
Selfishness is at the heart of pain. It destroys people, in both fiction and real life. And in the end, it destroys more than it creates. It's humanity's weakness, and I'm not prepared to give in.
What a Servant Author Values
If I'm to stay on the path I'm on, I have to angle myself away from selfishness. I'm a creator, not a destroyer. I want my words to bring life to the people who read them, and that can only happen if I'm setting my eyes on the good goals. In the words of Dumbledore, I need to "choose between what is easy and what is right."
Publishing is a high-risk, high-investment, low-reward profession. I have to always remember that, or else I will get discouraged. And I can't get discouraged and quit, because if I really believe I'm a servant author, then I'm not doing this for myself. I'm doing it for something more important. Something greater than me. And that something is more valuable than million-dollar advances.
What Do Other Authors Have to Say?
If you're an author and this resonates with you, good or bad, I want to hear from you. Please leave a comment down below telling us all what you think.


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Little Ashes
In the midst of the repression and political unrest of pre-Spanish Civil War, eccentric artist Salvador Dal� and renowned poet and revolutionary Federico Garc�a Lorca find their artistic and sexual freedom. The two form a bond challenged by their fierce ambitions, their friends, the struggle between a love for Spain and a love for each other
Starring Javier Beltran, Robert Pattinson, Matthew McNulty, Marina Gatell, Esther Nubiola
Directed by Paul Morrison
Running Time - 1:52
Genre - Drama
Opened in Theaters - Friday, May 8th, 2009 (3210 days ago)
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