New species of fish!

Check it out!
http://www.livescience.com/animals/080821-goliath-grouper.html

Aso Taro LOVES rich people!

Taro Aso, secretary general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said Saturday that stock dividends up to 3 million yen should be exempted from tax as part of efforts to stimulate the lackluster Japanese economy. ‘‘Top policy priority should be given to spurring the economy,’’ Aso said in a speech in the city of Sapporo. Aso said the proposed tax reform for stock dividends would encourage people to shift savings to investments. ‘‘I’m thinking about lifting all stock prices in Japan,’’ he said.He also proposed tax breaks for home purchases and capital investment to help stimulate the economy. Tax incentives are expected to be focal points as the government and the ruling coalition parties explore fresh measures to spur the economy, observers said. Under the current tax system, 10% of a stock dividend is withheld at source as tax. The current tax rate, half of the original 20%, was applied from fiscal 2003 as a temporary tax incentive for a five-year period to bolster sagging stock markets.

Most people do not own stocks. I'd like to know what Aso's plan is to help regular and poor people in this struggling economy. His plan sounds like more Koizumi-economics.
Justin

Help the children

http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/no-of-child-pornography-cases-hits-record-high-in-january-june
I am completely outraged by this. This is a relatively small story in the media here. I think this is one of the most serious problems in Japan. Disgusting. Completely disgusting.
http://www.gvnet.com/childprostitution/Japan.htm

Justin

Jet Lag

When I travel to Canada, it is always to the East coast. There is a 12 hour time difference between there and Japan. The first few days are always difficult as I suffer from severe jet lag.
Here are some tips to help:
http://www.japantoday.com/category/top-in-category/view/beating-stress-and-jet-lag
And here is a useful article about jet lag
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_lag

Jus

Australian slang

I found something funny on the internet. It is a guide to Australian slang. I have some trouble when listening to Australians speak. They use alot of slang and it is not so easy for me to know what they mean. I understand British slang very well, but Australian slang is so different.
Check it out, please.

http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html

Justin

Tunnel to the other side of the earth!

If you dug a hole straight down, through the core of the earth, and out the other side, where would you be?
Enjoy!
http://www.freemaptools.com/tunnel-to-other-side-of-the-earth.htm

Justin

Like coffee?

I don't. But many people do.
In America, not so many people are drinking coffee at Starbucks.
They will close 600 coffee shops!
http://www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080701.wrstarbucks/BNStory/Business/home

Justin