The source of the problem is both sides can’t agree on a definition of an apology. If both sides could agree on an the terms of an apology, and fulfill those terms, the governments may at last be able to move forward diplomatic relations and resolve a number of disputes.

Terms of the apology could include no more visits to Yasukuni Shrine by current Japanese Prime Ministers, a visit to the Nanjing Massacre Monument by the Japanese Emperor or head of state, and require a certain amount of material in Japanese state mandated education to educate and reflect on Japanese aggression in Japanese history textbooks agreed to by respected Japanese and Chinese historians appointed by each government. The Chinese side could declare an official acceptance of the Japanese apology baring that Japan does not repeat past aggression.

Nationalism by both governments may make these moves difficult, but if both sides never agree to the terms of apology and acceptance, both sides may reignite bitter fortunes.

The benefits to the state are clear, a tax revenue windfall, decreased expenses for law enforcement and the state justice system in court costs and incarceration. It’s interesting to note that prison guard unions and prison construction company’s opposed legalization.

However, the potential pitfalls of marijuana legalization include a less productive labor force, higher rates of dropouts, increased number of accidents, and increase of people who are substance abusers.

They is evidence that marijuana effects people’s short term and long term mental capacities. Children of parents who use marijuana can also be negatively affected.

What may be the deciding factor is whether or not legalization was the right decision is how the majority of people react to legalization. By putting the issue in the open and giving people choice, it throws off some of the stigma associated with marijuana yet it loses some of it’s thrill.

Do why did Microsoft not allow updates to their own users browser? Because they want users to upgrade their operating system, meaning more money for Microsoft. However, the mistake is many people are not thrilled with the idea of upgrading and many will switch to another browser which works on XP. As the browser is such an important function for any computer user today, kicking those millions of XP users off to other browsers only reduces Microsofts overall grip on the computer market in general, once people try the other browsers, they may never come back to IE.

Idleness is the Devils playground – Proverb

It seems Stanley Kubrick’s movie “A Clockwork Orange” about young men with too much time on their hands engaging in violence for thrills has come to life. The Knockout Game as it is known, where someone tries knockout an innocent with one punch has become popular among young hoodlums. The targets are usually the elderly, homeless, or defenseless. Usually the attacks are done by sneaking up on or ambushing the victim.

As cowardly and outrageous as this is, nothing is done without a reason. In this case, I venture to guess it is idleness, boredom, cheap thrills. There could be peer pressure as well, young people wanting to look cool or brave to their peers.

How does society tackle a problem like young men playing a game in which they assault people? Do we need tougher punishments? Should we hold parents equally responsible? Are there preventative means to deter this kind of crime?

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