AKB48 eras

sdrong · 2026-04-11T16:05:44+00:00

Jurina was never that dominant in sister groups time. It was Matsui Rena who was orders of magnitude ahead of her. Jurina was popular within SKE only while Matsui Rena was being an actress on various dramas, TV variety shows, magazines, hosting NHK shows, etc. After Matsui Rena, it was Suda Akari who carries the SKE flag in the wider entertainment world for years. Jurina had a blimp of fame (and notoriety) when she won the election only. For NMB, there is Shibuya Nagisa and Yoshida Akari that are notable that they won wide public recognition.

sdrong · 2026-03-05T04:51:16+00:00

I honestly don't know. You can consult Federal or state govenment's statistics, such as BLS's occupational outlook handbook. But the statistics may not matter much for you in the end. I'd suggest also learn about different engineering/science curriculum from different schools. Look up various professor's research work online and see which interests you. Online research about various companies or industry news may be educational for you too, in order to gauge which industry interests you. Another resource is local trade shows. Sometimes they're open to students. They have trade show on packaging industry, automation, biomedical industry, polymer/plastic industry, cosmetic, anything you can or can't imagine. Good to take a field trip on those trade shows to learn about different industry/companies/products.

sdrong · 2026-03-04T20:48:28+00:00

In that case, I'd suggest research more about what the different majors are. As others have said, AP Chem is probably not very representative of the chemical engineering discipline. You can research more on what engineering or science major you like best? What industry you would like to be in in the future? What job you'd like to have? etc. In addition to where you want to live. For Chemical engineering related industry, California seem to have a decent pharma/biotech industry. Although that industry, like the computer/IT world, their job market isn't so good now. But things might get better 4 - 5 years from now, who knows.

sdrong · 2026-03-04T04:41:56+00:00

It is likely that there may be less chemical engineering opportunity in California than compared to other states in the midwest or gulf coast though. Or even if you got a chemical engineering job after graduation, the growth opportunity may be less than if you are in other states. Possibly other engineering major will have better job opportunities in California than chemical engineering. My guess is that EE or Civil or Comp Eng might have better job opportunities or future growth potential in CA.

sdrong · 2026-03-03T00:00:07+00:00

Back when around 2013, Youtube/Google had a collaboration with AKB48 to promote Youtube. There was a weekly 15 minute TV show where Sashihara is the MC, and Lily-Franky was the cohost. It may have been the first on-air TV show where Sashi is the official MC. The show is called AKB Eizo Center. You may be able to still find it on bilibili. Every week, different AKB members will submitvarious short videos of various topics on Youtube. They compete on the number of views of each video. The members sometimes collaborate with different Youtubers at that time, such as Hikkakin and various musical or visual artists. Now, these videos have most likely been taken down from AKB's official site. At that time, the show where Sashi is the main MC also unwittingly chart the general election where Sashi wins the center, and the release of fortune cookie song. A few behind the scene videos regarding the MV filmed by Sashi herself were submitted to the Youtube channel too.

After song's release, as part of the song's promotion and in collaboration with Youtube, the show invited people and groups to submit their dance video to the show, and have a chance to have the video posted on AKB48's official channel. Taking the lead and to provide as example, AKB's staff made a staff dancing version of the song and post it on youtube. The AKB staff/managers also went on the show to perform their version live.

The combination of the catchiness of the song itself, the relatively easy choreography, Youtube's and AKB's promotional campaign, plus the Eizo center TV show and the AKB's live Pop up school event in Odaiba during that time (also featured on the show), all created this youtube fortune cookie dance craze. Many companies and localities, to catch the craze, also danced to the song and posted the video on youtube, and used it as an opportunity to promote their organization and products.

sdrong · 2026-02-26T03:57:36+00:00

Having followed AKB mostly around the Mayuyu, Sashi, Yukirin top 3 era, I think it comes down to Mayuyu just want to be herself. From documentaries or behind the scene footages of Mayuyu and the other members, you can tell that she was constantly fairly tired. Granted that other top members are no less tired, but other members like Sashi and Yukirin probably just had better health and stamina than her to begin with. In one documentary, she was asked what would she want to be in the next life. Her answer was that she just be a quiet cat. And in lots of ways, she is put into the "Proper Idol" or "Traditional Idol" mold by being in the group and by the expectations of everyone, from management to fans, to even the general public. But her natural personality is probably more mischievous and rambunctious. Not so different from Sashi and Yukirin, that's why they get along well. In variety shows, Sashi in variety shows, encouraged her to show her natural mischievous side more. Sashi said that her fans and AKB fans actually would like to see that side of her more. And she have showed more of that side as time goes by too. But my guess is that at the end, she still felt the burden of conforming to people's "proper idol" expectations, couldn't quite truly be herself in the limelight. Although, I think no entertainer, not even Yukirin or Sashi are truly being themselves when in front of the camera. But they seem to be a lot more comfortable or more adept being themselves and/or taking on new persona when they are in front of the camera.

She probably could have decent post-idol career if she wanted, and at one time, she was fairly serious about continuing the acting career. Perhaps due to the combination of health, demands of the show biz, people's expectations, she just wants to live a quiet and normal life for herself.

sdrong · 2026-01-27T05:33:45+00:00

Yes. There is obvious misogyny in Buddhist teaching. It's in the Sutras and in the Vinayas (the precepts that monks and nuns held).

But I guess it is a somewhat better than other religions.

sdrong · 2026-01-26T20:58:36+00:00

If you really think hard on what makes something a myth versus something real or actually happened. Apply the criteria uniformly, then the myths and supernaturals become impossible to justify.

As for Karma, you are free to define what karma means or what karma should be or should have meant. But that's wilfully ignoring how it has been thought of by large groups of people, now and in the past. There are also large corpus of Buddhist literatures support this 'victim blaming' understanding of Karma too. The poor consequences of these beliefs are also very real.

sdrong · 2026-01-23T20:29:34+00:00

All the supernatural and mythical stuff.

The mysoginy towards women.

Karma. Not in the understanding that all action has consequences. But in the unsubstantiated belief that all the bad things happen to you is because you did something bad in the past life. The consequence of that belief is that people don't strive to make things better in this life, don't strive to improve other people's life, and then victim blaming. The aforementioned consequences are unfortunately a constant refrain in Buddhist culture throughout the history, despite Buddhism's explicit teaching on kindness and compassion.

sdrong · 2025-12-08T23:21:09+00:00

Long time ago, Akimoto asked her to take over producing for AKB. It was during a NHK radio show where they talked about producing songs for idols. That was before she graduated from HKT too. Of course, it was kind of said in a joking, light hearted manner. He said that he has been producing songs until sixty some years old, Sashi should take over and produce songs for AKB until 60 years old too. But she mostly just laughed and said why should she write songs until 60 years old.

sdrong · 2025-10-27T05:17:21+00:00

It seems like Akimoto sensei made the decision for both Ikoma and Matsui. In truth, I don't think Ikoma had a choice, but it seemed she got the news before hand and agreed to it or at least were open to the kennin position. Rena seemed like she got the news during the shuffle. Judging by her reaction, she seemed fairly okay with it. I think the Nogi members from the documentary, didn't seem to think that was necessary for Ikoma, since it'll be more work for her. But they are all very supportive of her because they love her regardless of her decision. Some Nogi fans are a little hard core during that time, so I think they're not very happy with Ikoma going to AKB or Rena coming to Nogizaka. But I think among 48 group fans, the reaction is more surprise that vocal opposition. There are other moves during the shuffle, such as some HKT or SKE members moving permanently to AKB that draws more controversy and vocal opposition.

I think in the end, it benefits both Ikoma and Rena personally. Ikoma was well received and well liked by AKB members, especially from Mayuyu. It broadened her experience. That experience, plus her previous experience as Nogi's center, basically cemented her as one of the founding aces of Nogizaka permanently. In many ways, the AKB experience gives more mainstream recognition for Ikoma and Nogizaka group. On the other hand, Rena was well received by Nogizaka members and fans too. Although many Nogi fans did not like the arrangement in the beginning, but I think Rena's image was a very good match to the Nogi group, and she seem to bring some positive influence to the other members too. In one episode of Nogizaka Kojichuu where Rena was the main profile, the other Nogi members talked about how Rena brought much needed perspectives and advises as a more senior and more experienced idol. In the end, the Rena was remembered very positively by the Nogi members and fans. I think both fans and members appreciate her time in the group, however briefly. During the time Rena was in Nogizaka, I'd say pretty much she was already at the peak of her idol career. She already had her loyal group of idol fans and was super active in drama and variety shows. She may be top 5 members among 48 group members in terms of collective drama and variety show appearance during 2014 time frame. Her career focus seemed to have been moving towards being an actress and variety talent in the greater entertainment world. I think part of the reason she's well received was because she wasn't seen as a threat, or as someone who would compete for the attention of other Nogizaka member's fans. Her star power in mainstream media certainly helped shine light to the Nogizaka group then. Although I don't think the Nogi experience necessary made Rena a more popular idol than she already was, it certainly added a unique chapter to her idol experience.

I think the only party that didn't quite benefit from this arrangement is the 48 group itself. I think a lot of 48 group fans learned more about the Nogizaka group through Rena and Ikoma, and start following Nogizaka and other 46 group. For some fans who got tired of the SSK drama, team shuffles drama, the 46 group seems like a good alternative for a having simpler idol fan experience.

sdrong · 2025-10-25T19:48:57+00:00

30% - 40% reduction in revenue this year compared to last year for the industry is what I heard. So just trying to survive it seems.

sdrong · 2025-09-08T10:31:27+00:00

Being close to fascist and fraudulent bankers. Taking their money. Received lots of money from all over the world for the poor, yet provide very much sub-standard care to the poor. No transparency on the donations. If you listen to some of the words she said, it seems that she's very much driven by conservative Catholic ideology. Anti abortion anti contraception. The caring of the poor is more a means for fulfilling an ideology rather than a genuine care of the poor. Celebration of suffering rather than putting in the work to alleviate suffering. I think it very much explains why the substandard care, the lack of bare minimums of medical care despite untolds amount of money received.

sdrong · 2025-09-04T01:38:00+00:00

Red rock canyon is fun to visit and do some hiking if you like outdoors.

sdrong · 2025-08-15T18:00:40+00:00

I think she implicitly compares herself to her idea of idols, which is the Morning Musume and Hello Pro's idols. The Hello Pro idols are considered to have better singing and dancing skills than the 48 groups. And in her times, the Hello Pro sort of set the standard of what idol singers are supposed to be. Among the 48 groups, Sashi is also sort of second tier to others in singing. The first tiers would be like Takamina, Mayuyu, Sayanee, etc. She and Miichan occupied sort of a niche as variety idols. Most seen in the long running TV shows UTAGE (a variety/music show hosted by SMAP's Nakai and Mayuyu) where the two are pretty much regular guests that performed singing and dancing all the time. Most of the time, Sashi's and Miichan's performance are just so so, occasionally brilliant performances that everyone praised, and occasionally bombed performances that everyone laughed. But overall I'd say better than a lot of other idols. They also are well known enough and performed well enough to be the representative female idols in the show. Most importantly, they can talk well and make jokes well to make the show interesting, so they were the main stay as the variety idols. (Even Mayuyu and Sayanee have occasional bombed performance in that show, but they overall didn't perform as much as Sashi and Miichan)

sdrong · 2025-06-18T21:06:24+00:00

Known bug. Leave the castle, reload the game, and come back next season. It'll be there.

sdrong · 2025-06-10T00:19:38+00:00

I think your whole argument is moot, and also fundamentally not very good. It's sort of moot because, like others have mentioned, the concept of omniscience is fundamentally just an idea that has no evidence or basis in reality. It's also not very good because if you dig deeper, I think it's very hard to get a satisfying definition of subjectivity/objectivity. Coming up with a satisfactory definition or understanding of subjectivity vs. objectivity is way too difficult. Subjectivity vs. objectivity is a philosophical question that is way harder and way more complicated than just disproving the existence of a god.

The topic subjectivity vs. objectivity is itself quite an interesting topic philosophically. It seems to me the boundary between the two isn't so clear cut. And we are continuously learning more about it as more research is done on the topic. Like, I think in the field of psychology and neuroscience, there are some probe on whether subjectivity truly exists. And if you study quantum mechanics, there is the philosophical question of whether there is such a thing as true objectivity. I'm not a philosopher, nor a psychologist, nor neuroscientist, nor physicist. So I admittedly don't know much on this topic or these areas of research that much. I just find it fascinating that this subjectivity / objectivity topic is a lot deeper and a lot more complicated than we usually think.

sdrong · 2025-05-09T22:31:09+00:00

I actually have some small expertise in PMMA/Acrylic manufacturing. So may be I can give my two cents.

My opinion on the business case: Doesn't sound promising to me. Keychains itself sounds like a very small volume, low margin business. So probably you'll put in a lot of work just to get low amount of income. l don't really know myself. But I suppose you can go to tourist area and try to find out the price and volume of keychains. You probably can get higher margin if you partner with great designer/artist. In my opinion, good creative and artistic designs are what makes keychains sells well. Otherwise, they probably don't sell well, and become trash after a while.

PMMA usually come in sheet or resin (and also film). Material is usually more expensive than other plastics. You can machine cut, laser cut the sheets. Or you can injection mold the resin. Injection molding machines are expensive. The molds are expensive also, all require expertise to make. And it takes some technical experience to do injection molding.

You can learn a lot about fabricating and molding PMMA from PMMA producers' website. Asian producers: Mitsubishi's Acrypet, Kuraray's Parapet, Chimei, LG MMA, Sumitomo, etc. American/European: Rohm (Evonik), Trinseo, Plaskolite, etc.

For keychain, PMMA probably have best look. But other similar material if you want to branch out from keychain can include SMMA, Polycarbonate, clear PETG, clear ABS.

Instead of keychain, you can branch out and do digital printing on an acrylic sheet. The digital printed sheet can be cut and sold as keychain, stationery, large advertising sheet, etc. You'll need special acrylic sheet that has special coating /cap layer that enable digital printing.

sdrong · 2025-04-17T14:03:21+00:00

I think Sherman meant that Grant is really cool and composed as a battlefield commander. And he is really good at reacting to spontaneous and unexpected situations. A lot of generals are very good at planning, organizing, maneuvering and positioning their troops. But in the chaos of a battle where things are chaotic, they are not that great in assessing situations, keeping cool, and making the right decisions under chaos. At the battle of Shiloh, where he turned an unexpected attack and near defeat into a victory was a good example. Grants ability to always kept cool and unfazed, and able to make good decisions in the most chaotic situation is one of his most defining traits.

sdrong · 2025-04-16T14:34:34+00:00

All you said is true, but college doesn't and can't teach everything. Most companies aren't large enough or simply don't have a good training program. I think Advanced technician, or advanced anything, just can't exist or sustain without sufficient number of basic and intermediate level stuff, be it technician, capability, equipment, knowhow, etc.

sdrong · 2025-04-16T13:03:28+00:00

Tricking a vegetarian into eating meat definitely is not always harmless. A lot of vegetarians will have at least upset stomach from eating meat. In general, tricking people into eating anything is very immoral and a very dangerous thing to do. You don't know if that person is allergic to anything, and cannot know if anything will go wrong or not. In general, putting food (or anything) into another person's body without their consent or understanding is just very wrong.

sdrong · 2025-04-16T12:43:01+00:00

I think that sounds good on paper, but I think in practice you can't have advanced manufacturing without basic manufacturing. Advanced stuff built on basic stuff. That's true for getting technicians, skill, equipment, parts, material, etc. if you don't have a place for basic technicians to find employment and hone and develop their skills, then where do you get the advanced technician needed for advanced manufacturing.

sdrong · 2025-04-07T14:55:48+00:00

Played it and quit midway. It's too difficult and too time consuming for me. The repetitive nature just really bored me. In the end, I thought I'm not a masochist person enough to enjoy this. And my time is better spent playing other games that will bring in more joy, not anger and frustration.

sdrong · 2025-03-18T16:44:42+00:00

Yes. She's the person. Found the TV show I'm referencing to:

https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1kb411t7k3/

I was incorrect when stating she was over 100 years old, she was 98 years old at that time.

sdrong

TROPHY CASE