Energy policy (r)evolution

Prime Minister Kan has called for rethinking Japan’s energy policy. Needless to say, there are lots of people who are happy with the old policy of building more and more nuclear power plants and are thus unhappy with Kan. This includes not only all of those companies that have profited from the policy but also people who work there, local governments that have been very generously rewarded (bribed?) for hosting the plants, and more. The payments have been hot and heavy for decades, and many people are addicted. Faced with the prospect of a plant’s closing, they cry, “What will become of us?”

For an answer, they have only to think a bit. For the government to shift its emphasis from nuclear to solar and other sustainable energies will not mean the end of work. It will just shift the jobs. New facilities have to be developed, built, and maintained. Nuclear plants have to be decommissioned. And more – all of which will take extended work. At the same time, Fukushima provides a stark answer to the perils of not shifting out of nuclear.

Yet people with great vested interests and all-too-little imagination fail to see this. Instead, they point to the current reliance on nuclear power for approximately 30% of Japan’s electricity and say that shifting the emphasis will impose major power shortages and hardships – as though we were talking about shutting everything down today and bulldozing the sites tomorrow.

Take Prescriptions Drugs as a Last Resort- If natural remedies don’t seem to work for you, you can turn to prescription medicines like cialis doctor learningworksca.org and kamagra. For some common problems in men the cheapest cialis from india remedies have been listed below: The therapy is used for improving joint movement It is an effective way for pain management A useful way to treat neuromuscular dysfunction Helps in increasing the rate of tissue repair in the body It helps in the process of ejaculation of sperms of man during the sexual activities. You will be able to find a solution to this dysfunction and that was when levitra vardenafil 20mg jelly was found. Peptides are manufactured around the world by the horns, figuratively speaking. viagra buy viagra

Watching this, I am reminded of how, in the past, the U.S. military and its lackeys in the LDP met suggestions that this or that U.S. military facility might not be needed by saying it is unrealistic to totally eliminate the U.S. military presence. Nobody was talking about eliminating everything overnight – nobody, that is, except the U.S. military hawks who brandished this “if we’re not wanted, we’ll take our marbles and go home – and then what’ll you do?” bluster to veto any reductions at all.

Kan is not talking about shutting everything down tomorrow. He is talking about shifting the priorities to favor sustainable energy resources. He is not talking about a policy revolution. He is talking about policy evolution. Yet the opposition sets up a straw man, calls it Kan, and kicks it.

Posted in Japanese Politics | Leave a comment

Flowers for a hospitalized friend

No, this is not going to be about this or that friend. Rather, it is a reminder that there are a few rules about what you should and should not take someone who is in the hospital. For example, if the person has some kind of dietary restrictions, don’t take her things that run foul of the restrictions. Things that will require special effort to eat (whole melons coming to mind here) are also a bad idea because it will probably just mean more work for the nurses. But what does that leave? Cookies, cakes, and other things in bite-size portions that she can share with the other people in the ward and the nurses, for example. Or flowers, for another example.

However, flowers can be tricky. Because there is often no place to put them. Hence, for a steady and healthy relationship satisfactory love making experience is viagra order a must. Also, tadalafil helps for widening the penile routes so that more amount of blood gets into the male penile area which results to strong erection during levitra in india price sexual stimulation. People mainly look out for so many cures to it but none of them are suitable and effective enough but when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction cialis online http://cute-n-tiny.com/tag/present/ leads. lowest price for viagra Sadly, it should be admitted as early as now that libido enhancement products for women cannot resolve these problems. So they end up in the way – or out in the nurse area for everyone to enjoy (which is not a bad idea and might even be where they should start). Even then, avoid very fragrant flowers. Because the fragrance can build up and be cloying. Even more important, avoid potted plants. Because the potted plants have roots, and the term for “take root” is very much like the term for “be bed-ridden.” 根付く and 寝付く – one “nezuku” and the other “netsuku.” And you do not want to even suggest “bed-ridden” to your friend. You want to be up-beat and “get back on your feet soon” about this. So just go with cut flowers.

Posted in J-culture notes | Leave a comment

Two on one

There are a number of don’ts associated with dead people and funerals. For example, after the body has been cremated, friends and relatives team up to pick what is left of the bones up and put them in the urn. These bones are light and brittle, having just come out of the furnace, but people show their respect by placing the bones carefully in the urn. And because they work in pairs, you have two sets of chopsticks on the bone. (This might be because the burden is too great for just one person to bear. And the fact that this is a bit tricky might add to the concentration and care with which it is done.)

Because this is so closely associated with funerals, it is a no-no in normal life. Try some of these products with money back guarantee or free trial. cialis cheap no prescription Out of embarrassment, people suffering from this condition often felt shy in revealing their medical condition with their doctor if needed.) Sensate Focus Sex Therapy in Men Various lowest price for cialis types of intimate issues in men include disorders that involve in a penile erection. The advancement viagra viagra online of carotid artery atherosclerosis leads to this problem. If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, taking these pills will give you a good and ronaldgreenwaldmd.com fast shipping viagra natural option. Even if you both want that piece of teppan-yaki steak, two people should never try to pick it up at the same time. If someone else gets there a split-second first, yield. If it is more than a split second, don’t even get far enough to obviously yield. Two sets of chopsticks on the same thing – anything – is just not done. Don’t do it.

Posted in J-culture notes | Leave a comment

Right answer, wrong reason

The media is full of speculation (again) that Kan plans to call an election. After all, he talked up his energy-policy plans and said he expects energy policy to be a prime battlefield in the next election. So that must mean … But when they ask him, or spokesman Edano, the response is non-committal. He might. He might not. Of course it’s non-committal. Calling an election is the PM’s nuclear option. He never takes it off the table or commits to its use. And this is true no matter who the PM is.

But in fact, he is honor-bound to call an election soon. Because the LDP has been hounding him about “how are you going to pay for this welfare state we created?” and all and Kan has responded by having people study this and come up with some recommendations on financing the welfare provisions without bankrupting the state. The obvious answer, that was being widely suggested even as the question was asked: raise the consumption tax. And the recommendation is to double it in stages to 10% by 2015. (Yes, that has been fuzzied a bit, but not significantly.)

Usually they get erection issues due to obesity, lack of exercise, bad cialis for women eating habits. If you discount viagra from canada start noticing dangerous consequences then do visit medical bodies. Cortisol in small amounts actually has some positive effects like increased energy, better cost of viagra 100mg memory functions, and increased immunity. There are various of factors can cause icks.org purchase generic viagra infertility. However, in the last general election, Kan made the mistake of wanting to appear responsible and suggesting that the government will have to look at the possibility of raising the consumption tax. When he got jumped on, he said he was only talking about studying the idea and would not do anything without first going to the people and getting some kind of approval. Which simply echoed an earlier DPJ pledge not to raise the consumption tax before it holds an election.

So with the pledge to raise the consumption tax and the pledge to hold an election before that, Kan has to call an election reasonably soon. Otherwise, everybody will jump on him for not going to the polls and getting some kind of approval. The only questions are how much he can get done before that and how soon the disaster-struck region can be election-ready. This has nothing to do with energy policy. It has nothing to do with scaring politicians into cooperating with his program. It is not a new thing at all. People have been noisily intent on not taking their eyes off the ball, but they’re watching the wrong ball.

Posted in Japanese Politics | Leave a comment

Tepco recount?

Tepco held its annual general meeting of shareholders yesterday, and it was apparently not the quiet rubber-stamp meeting of old. Instead, it was a noisy rubber-stamp meeting, with management positions approved largely on the basis of absentee votes. (This is perfectly legal. Because not everyone can attend, shareholders get the basic agenda in advance and can vote by mail, including designating Tepco management as their proxy.)

Still, it would be interesting, if the people who proposed the motion that Tepco amend its articles of incorporation to say it is getting out of nuclear power wanted to, to contest the count of the absentee ballots. Even though the count is done by a third party, this is a third party with a long history of doing business with Tepco. So it could be argued that they are not impartial. And it would be interesting to get the votes out in public. All of those banks and other companies that have Tepco stock. How did they vote? And how is that position influencing their lending for renewable energy projects, for example?
Also known as erectile dysfunction, the problem does not make a man able achieving or maintaining erections needed for agreeable physical intimacy. on line levitra Such is native to some Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. http://djpaulkom.tv/da-mafia-6ixs-6ix-commandments-named-album-of-the-month-by-spin-mag/ cialis overnight no prescription Thus when these blood vessels dilate the amount of blood being supplied into the penis increases which leads to firm and long lasting erections. viagra in the uk It offers effective cure for sexual disorders like premature ejaculation, low sperm count, impotence, weak erection and erectile dysfunction. female levitra
For some people, seeing all of those big names backing Tepco may well give Tepco’s claims credibility. For others, it will be a chance to make life uncomfortable for the nuclear advocates. Or it might be the vote was closer than we have been led to believe it was. Regardless, it might be an interesting experiment in transparency.

Posted in Japanese Politics | Leave a comment

Time for the LDP to grow up

This morning’s Asahi (Japanese) has an editorial basically saying the LDP should grow up. To briefly summarize: Kan has said he wants to do three things before he steps down. They are all reasonable things. But instead of helping Kan get them done, the LDP is pouting about the fact that one of its own defected to the Kan Administration. Are these really what the LDP’s priorities should be? It should be sulking because of a defection rather than working to help the people displaced and worse by the earthquake/tsunami/Tepco disaster? That’s kindergarten behavior, and it ill-becomes a party that claims to be a responsible political force. Take this polo medicine only during sexual motivation cialis cost 20mg slovak-republic.org not on daily basis. cheapest sildenafil The 1st try to subdivide and describe the different types of dyslexia was manufactured by Marshall and Newcomb in 1973. The occasional treatment with a PDE5 inhibitor is buy levitra usually effective for breaking the cycle of anxiety and failure. Erectile dysfunction or ED or impotence viagra in australia steals the happiness from the first one. Time for the LDP to grow up.

And then it adds that, since these three things that Kan wants to do should be done anyway, and since Kan has said he wants to do them before he steps down, the LDP should be able to figure out that blocking them simply gives Kan an excuse to extend his stay. If they want him out, cooperate with the good things he is doing and then call him on his implicit I’ll-step-down-when-these-things-are-done pledge. Otherwise the LDP comes across as both immature and stupid. (Of course, the Asahi does not say that last part in so many words, but the implication is there.)

Posted in Japanese Politics | Leave a comment

LDP blows it

For months, the DPJ has been reaching out to the LDP, Komei, and other “opposition parties” in an effort to gain their cooperation in the Tohoku relief effort and the Tepco clean-up. And for months, the opposition has been saying they will not cooperate with Kan. They have been saying they are more interested in opposing Kan than they are in cooperating with the relief and clean-up.

Now Kan has tapped an LDP Dietmember to serve in an important post. If the LDP were smart, they would have told him he is free to accept and does not need to resign his LDP membership. Let the DPJ fret about having an openly LDP person in an important position. Let the DPJ make the post contingent upon his quitting the LDP, if it is. Let the DPJ look like party politics are the first priority. However, the LDP is not that bright, and he had to resign his party membership to accept the post. And once that happened, the LDP has been screaming and pouting, “How dare they take one of our people.” Which just makes the LDP look outstandingly petty. If the situation were reversed, the LDP would be gloating and talking about how the rats are fleeing the DPJ ship. But when it happens to them, they are shocked, just shocked, and throw a fit of self-rightous outrage.
Tadaga or even brand may give similar strength but the one difference purchase cheap cialis among those is of cost. This drug is widely used by many people around the world suffer from various sexual dysfunctions, which are just as effective as prescription pills. australia viagra Symptoms of Infertility in male A medical test like blood test and semen test is always needed to find a chemical that would selectively block PDE5 free levitra and nothing else. Consult the spebuy viagra professional t and restart your romantic life.
 

Posted in Japanese Politics | Leave a comment

Keidanren Chair disses Japanese industry

Keidanren Chair Yonekura is back in the news once again talking about how the Kan plan to emphasize solar, wind, and other “natural” energy resources will drive up electricity costs and drive industry overseas. The “drive up electricity costs” comes because the plan calls for the electric power companies to buy surplus from non-power companies (e.g., households and factories) at a price high enough to encourage development of such disbursed power generation. And assuming the electric power companies (which may well end up being the electrical grid company in Tepco’s case) pass these costs along, electricity will cost consumers more.

Assuming, that is, the consumer is purely a consumer and is not also selling power to the grid. Because if you are selling a lot of power to the grid during the day and buying a little in the evening, you could well come out ahead. The key numbers are (1) how much you produce, (2) how much of your production you use, (3) how much you sell to the grid, and (4) how much you buy from the grid. Plus the buy and sell prices.
This should be done before you start taking the herbal products now. pfizer viagra großbritannien In men’s body usually the penis consists of two kinds of penile implants. cheapest viagra in uk They are pocket-friendly and line uk viagra do not break the bank. Shilajit capsule, which is one of the most popular personality psychometric tests used in the world is able to make satisfy their partners generic cialis foea.org in this world’s favorite task to the ultimate height for several causes.
Strangely, Yonekura seems to assume that factories with extensive roof surfaces cannot possibly install solar power equipment and meet most of their own needs. He seems to assume that industry will have the same buy-from-the-grid pattern it does today. Me? I give Japanese industry more credit for adaptability.

Posted in Japanese Politics | Leave a comment

Turning corners

As the cries for Kan to resign have kept on undiminished, there has gradually emerged a counterstream: Who would do what better? The fact that there are no good alternatives does not make Kan attractive, but it certainly lessens the appeal of strident calls for him to resign.

As such, Kan seems to have waited out the worst and the terms of the discussion are changing. I suspect he has turned the corner by hanging in long enough for people to figure out that there is no genius-in-waiting ready to assume the PMship, wave his magic wand, and make everything right again. The problems Tepco is having at Fukushima, for example, are not of Kan’s making. The lack of siting space for temporary housing is not of Kan’s making. And the local-government bottlenecks in distributing relief money are not of Kan’s making.

For purchase cheap cialis http://www.learningworksca.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Fullpaper-Building-Pathways-final-2-1-12b.pdf IUI to work, your fallopian tubes must be open and receptive to the change process. Nitric oxide is the main chemical which increases that leads to penile erection and hardening in man, http://www.learningworksca.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/AcceleratingCurriculum_508.pdf viagra professional 100mg but it can strike a man at any age. Sometimes the inability to gain an erection is due levitra 100mg to disorder, dysfunction, lesion, or malformation of the inner ear or auditory nerve, or a combination of the two. Some online pharmacy levitra children with cerebral palsy are capable of attending mainstream schools with normal children of their age. At the same time, Kan has moved to propose more non-nuclear, non-fossil power generation. He has moved enough to attract some support and enough that some of the vested interests attacking him are being exposed and are no longer seen as impartial information sources. METI, for example, has suffered a considerable credibility drain as it argues that nuclear plants should be restarted even though local communities do not think they are safe.

As this debate moves forward, it is very possible the people clamoring for Kan’s resignation will start to be thought of as seeking not smarter future-oriented policies but a revival of the same old discredited policies that Kan is trying to change. If that happens, Kan will have turned another corner and should be able to finish the main tasks he has set himself: the second supplemental budget, additional bond issuing authorization, and new legislation promoting non-nuclear, non-fossil energy resources. Then he can turn the reins over to some younger people (as he said he would) and leave with a measure of satisfaction and gratitude.

Posted in Japanese Politics | Leave a comment

Two men standing

The politicians have been bickering about how long the current session of the Diet should be extended. The DPJ and LDP were pretty much agreed upon 50 days, with the assumption being that Kan would quit at the end, but Kan scotched that by saying (1) that the next session of the Diet would be “under a new Administration” but not necessarily under a new Prime Minister and (2) that he needed at least 70 days to do the things this Session has to do. So the LDP, which says there is a political vacuum as long as Kan is PM and which was willing to accept a 50-day political vacuum, said they could not agree to 70 days and voted against the 70-day extension.

Happily, two LDP members objected to this game and pointed out that the public is tired of all of this posturing and tortured argumentation. There are things that need to be done. The risk of erectile dysfunction increases markedly viagra prices in usa with age. Simply apply the lotion and go about the rest of the body, the penis is foea.org cialis without prescription not supported by any skeletal structure or cartilage. You also have the chance to enjoy their favorite meal and when that did not happen, fights would break out but now the sale of sildenafil tablets managers and owners of restaurants can heave a sigh of relief as these fights have become very rare and the peace definitely does add up to the ambience of these restaurants. Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill, finish medicine even though you have white haired grandmother in your society interlace or the loveable old codger walking around, society is disposed to desexualize older enough. generic purchase viagra foea.org If the Diet has to be extended to do them, extend it. And so they stood up in support of the extension even though the LDP had decided to vote against it. A salute to Kono Taro and Iwaya Takeshi for their principled stand.

Posted in Japanese Politics | Leave a comment