Isn't it funny how half of this country is up in arms right now about immigrants who refuse to assimilate into our society, learn our language, etc., but when one of ours does just that somewhere else we denigrate him for his decision?

Personally, I applaud J.R. and wish him the best of luck.

So immigrants here, when they become citizens, change their last name?  I'll have to ask Mr. Reguschi and Mr. Martinez, and my great grandparents the Brunners what their name was before becoming citizens.  Assimilating doesn't usually mean giving up a surname.

Just tossing that out there.  I  really don't care what people do about changing their citizenship.  It's a personal choice as I see it, and  part of our human rights.

I also wish JR luck in his new life.

(WAIT..women almost always give up their surname when marrying.  Dang..I assimilated and didn't realize it.) 

Resistence is Futile, Nancy.  We are the Dyslexic Borg.  Prepare for ass-lamination.

Actually, Nancy, just check the records at Ellis Island.  You''ll find more than a few instances of familiy name changes, either voluntary or otherwise.  The primary reason for the change is that many Eastern European names were difficult to pronounce, and names were shortened or changed to make it easier for Americans to pronounce and remember. Maybe it doesn;'t happen as much today as it did in the past, but it does happen on occasion.

Japanese people have a very difficult time with American names and words, and it sounds like JR changed his name to make it easier on his new countrymen to pronounce and remember.

You'd think a name like mine (Jeff) would be easy  but it's not.  I'm called Je-fu when I'm there, and I have no problem with it.  If/when I move over there permanently, I'll probably change my name as well.

I was assimilated twice and decided the last time I'd just keep the name.  Too much trouble to go back to my maiden name which was Anderson.  I dated a guy named Anderson for a while and joked that if I married him I'd be right back where I started.

I discovered long ago that I didn't care what name you call me as long as my employer gets it right on my paycheck.

(well, within reason that is.)

Jeff..you are entirely right about the name change of a lot of Europians and the reason for it.  I maintain that people have a right to become citizens wherever the country allows it and am amused when someone gets worked up over it like it's a defection.  After all, does this young man owe East Bakersfield High or Bakersfield his life?

(wait..again.. What about those movie stars who changed their name for stardom?)

LOL..got it..thanks to google.  (what did I EVER do without it?)

spam code AAZLO...another name change?

"Speaking of names..where's Dusty?   She's MIA."

Yeah, she hasn't checked email in more than a week.

J.R. is a great kid. He is humble and soft spoken, (like his dad Milt, the head coach at East High),  and besides his obvious basketball skills, that humbleness is why the Japanese people have embraced him.

This is a chance to play in the Olympics. It's not Kobe playing for Italy. If Japan beats the U.S. in Basketball, it won't be because a guy who was cut by Vancouver decided to take advantage of a rare opportunity. If Japan even qualifies, it will be a major accomplishment. J.R. is one of the tallest guys in the J.P.L. at only 6'9.

I believe that the name he took is from a Japanese Anime character who was a gangster turned Dennis Rodman type rebounder. J.R. may play for Japan, but don't look for him to wear a dress anytime soon!

Good Luck J.R.!

I'll send again.  And I agree with you about life.  I just usually have a computer nearby.

(Maybe your email provider thought that something with five recipients was spam.)

Damn Matt, you sound older than that. That's a compliment by the way.

Go Blades!!!

mattloch~I was thinking the same as anti~but it did make me feel better about your fact retention,pc abilities~ah youth,I remember when I had it,I think..lol OT ,sorry

Audrey I agree~it's your name it should be yours do with as you see fit."We" thought about becoming "Schnacosta"~ a blend of surnames,and I believe the most completely confusing last name possible,but *some* people have no sense of humor.