[Koir]

Originally Posted by YuriTokoro

They can make a living? Does the media pay attention and money to them?

Not directly, but they certainly bring them to the attention of people who *do* pay money for scandalous stories they can profit from. The biggest, most recent example is all the controversy surrounding the golfer Tiger Woods.

At the beginning, it was just a minor traffic accident with his vehicle on his own property. Now there is a literal crowd of people all coming into the media spotlight, all with stories to tell to anyone who will listen and more importantly pay money...a lot of money.

The whole scandal seemed to show me that there is a certain formula or method people can use to bring down anyone who is a celebrity. A way that always works and provides lots of cash to anyone willing to make up stories (truthful or otherwise) about those they call "friends".

I’ve noticed that some Western news programs appear entertainment in essence.
Have you heard this event in Colorado the US? It was about a famous family which often appeared in some news programs. They said that a son of them was blown in a flying balloon, many people chased the balloon, and the son wasn’t in it. He was in the attic and said it was a show.
Some Japanese news programs are in form of entertainment, but they are not as sensational as Western’s in essence.

Oh man, *that* story...

As for that, it's not specifically what they did or didn't do that really annoyed me. It's the fact that they honestly thought they could succeed at fooling everyone at the same time...and failed because one person told the truth when they weren't "supposed" to.

I'd better stop about that subject before I rant further...

I’ve never thought you have offended me.
Sorry, I don’t understand why you say like this.
Did I appear angry in the last post? If I did, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to show any complaint or protest.

Not really, Yuri. I wanted to ensure that I didn't speak dismissively about Japanese culture.

Do the shirts shrink?

After a few times of being dried, they do. So I get shirts one size larger to make them last longer before getting too small to wear.

Sorry, let me confirm.
Individuals who don’t mention this forum’s continued success are helpful to provide for this forum.
??? Is this right???

In the sentence context, "not to mention" is used in a way to bring emphasis to the concept that comes after it (continued success) and link it to the previous concept (reason JapanForum was created). This way, it creates a sense of time for the reader connecting the past to the future.

Alternatively, the sentence could be revised to the following to eliminate confusion:

"It's helpful individuals such as you that provide the reason this forum was made, and also its continued success."

Hope that helps increase understanding and reduces confusion, Yuri!