Travel in japan

Departures part 3

2012-02-25T20:35:00.001-08:00

Departures part 3 Tube. Duration : 9.02 Mins.

Film: Departures Directed by Yojiro Takita Japan (2008) Melodrama 14 parts/130 mins In Japanese with English subtitles (default) Please be sure to turn on the CC (closed captions) button to view subtitles Subtitles are translatable to any language and can be moved by clicking and dragging the subtitles. (Rated PG13 by MPAA for thematic material) Departures, which won the 2009 Oscar for best foreign film, is a mix of ambition and modesty, a graceful, sometimes comical work that has transparent designs on our emotions. Synopsis: Masahiro Motoki stars as Daigo, an out-of-work cellist who, crushed at the breakup of his Tokyo orchestra, retreats to his picturesque northern Japan hometown to find his true calling. His first bold, life-changing move is to become a Nokanshi; a professional who ritually washes and clothes bodies prior to the funeral. While this unusual change of career gives Daigo a new purpose in life, it creates conflict with his young wife Mika (Ryoko Hirosue) and others around him. Review: Some context is in order. In Japan, the job of Nokanshi is an unusual one, as working closely with death has the connotation of high regard. Here is what the director said about his goal: "I wanted to make a film from the perspective of a person who deals with something so universal and yet is looked down upon, and even discriminated against. Other than doctors, very few people have much to do with dead bodies, and it's not the kind of occupation or subject that often ...

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How Much Does it Cost to Do a Japan Internship?

2012-02-24T20:20:00.001-08:00

A Japanese internship can be highly enriching in terms of the learning and exposure to work methods in some of the most efficient and quality conscious organizations in the world. It can also introduce you to a new language, a new culture, and different traditions.

Alongside the career and learning benefits, it is also necessary to consider the costs when planning an internship in Japan. As a prosperous and developed country, Japan has a high standard of living. The costs of food and accommodation can be quite high and so need to be given proper consideration before you get ready to fly off to Japan.

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There are also a number of other expenses that you should plan for. The first step is applying for an internship. If you go through a professional organization, you would probably have to pay an initial enrollment fee. This could be anything from to 0 and would be non-refundable. Many organizations also charge you a document processing fee of up to 0. This fee is sometimes refunded if you are not selected for an internship in Japan.

How Much Does it Cost to Do a Japan Internship?

Some organizations and consortiums in Japan, especially those in the service sector require international interns to submit a security deposit prior to issuing a letter of confirmation. This deposit can be from 0 to ,000 and is non-refundable. Once you have received confirmation of internship placement, it is time to get your visa. Thankfully, there are no fees for obtaining a Visa to Japan.

The next and perhaps one of the biggest overheads for your Japan internship is the cost of your flight tickets. There are many low cost carriers that fly into most major cities in Japan from the US and other destinations worldwide. Even with low cost carriers, the cost of air tickets could range from between ,000 to ,000 for a round trip, depending on the time of your travel and whether you select a direct flight or a stopover.

These are all the initial costs that you would have to incur prior to starting your Japan internship. Once you are in Japan, you would have to consider the costs of living. These include expenses for food, accommodation, travel, and leisure. Different cities in Japan have different living costs with the capital region of Tokyo being the costliest.

Before you accept the internship offer, you must carefully research and understand all of these costs. Most professional consultants will provide you with detailed breakdown of the costs you are likely to incur when you are in Japan. If the internship you have been selected for is a paid one, you would not likely be able to take care of these costs through your stipend. However, if your internship is unpaid, all of these costs would be out of your pocket.

Unpaid internships often come with free food and accommodation; if your internship program is a similar one, then the only costs you would incur would be those for travel and leisure. However, for unsupported students, these costs could go up to ,000 a month. Accommodation in Japan costs between 0 and 0 a week and depends on the kind of arrangements you select.

Calculating the total of all these expenses and considering your internship to be of 9 weeks, the total cost you are likely to incur for your Japan internship could range between ,000 or more. Therefore, it would be wise to seek out internships which offer employer-subsidized accommodation and meals, in which case your budget would go down to around a much more reasonable ,000 for the entire internship period.

How Much Does it Cost to Do a Japan Internship?[字幕付き] Japanese Onsen! 温泉が苦手な外国人のため！ Video Clips. Duration : 2.25 Mins.

Ignore my haggard appearance, I just spent 11 days touring FREEZING COLD CANADA. ブログ ciaela.wordpress.com ツイッター http フェースブック www.facebook.com I have to go to work so I'll write this later gator! Happy to be back making Japan-related videos.

Tags: Onsen, Japan, Travel, Advice, Micaela, Ciaela, Saga, Sazanka, No, Yu, Hot, Spring, 山茶花の湯, 温泉, 外人, 感想, アドバイス, トラベル, 英語, ミカエラ, 福岡, 佐賀, 金髪, 外国人

Chris Rea - Driving Home For Christmas (Snow Japan, Very Rare) 720p HD

2012-02-23T20:45:00.001-08:00

Chris Rea - Driving Home For Christmas (Snow Japan, Very Rare) 720p HD Tube. Duration : 4.55 Mins.

CHRIS REA Snow (Rare 1987 Japanese-only 6-track CD including Driving Home For Christmas). His song "Driving Home for Christmas", which originally reached #53 in the UK chart when first released in 1988, re-entered at #33 nineteen years later in December 2007, making it the first time the song had made the UK Top 40. In a live interview on the BBC Radio 4 programme Today on December 16, 2009 Chris Rea said he wrote "Driving Home for Christmas" many years before he first recorded it. His wife had come down to London to drive him home to Middlesbrough in her Austin Mini to save money because it was cheaper to drive than travel by train. Inspiration for the song came as she and Rea were stuck in heavy traffic heading out of London with a long drive to Middlesbrough ahead of them. Chris Rea said "Driving Home for Christmas" is a "car version of a carol". I'm driving home for Christmas Oh, I can't wait to see those faces I'm driving home for Christmas, yea Well I'm moving down that line And it's been so long But I will be there I sing this song To pass the time away Driving in my car Driving home for Christmas It's gonna take some time But I'll get there Top to toe in tailbacks Oh, I got red lights on the run But soon there'll be a freeway Get my feet on holy ground So I sing for you Though you can't hear me When I get trough And feel you near me I am driving home for Christmas Driving home for Christmas With a thousand memories I take look at the driver next to me He's just ...

Tags: Chris, Rea, Driving, Home, For, Christmas, Snow, Japan, Rare, 1987, Song

Tips For International Travel

2012-02-22T21:10:00.001-08:00

So you have decided that it is time for you to hang your boots for a couple of weeks and take the plunge. I mean take a trip somewhere with your family. Rather, take a trip to some other exotic country and cool your heels off. What are the preparations you need to make such a travel or trip successful? Here are some quick tips:

1. Geo political basics of your destination:

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Location and Demographics: The first thing you have to do for any international travel is to know more and more about the place you are scheduled to visit. Where is it located.? Which are the major states/provinces?
Political : What kind of a government does it have. Does it have a monarchy ( Brunei) or a democratic (India) or communist government (Cuba).Does it recognize human rights? Is the country part of UN? Is it a religious state especially an Islamic country (Saudi Arabia)? Does the country have political instability (Pakistan or Iran)?

Tips For International Travel

Society : is it socially safe? Does it have ethnic/religious discord amongst its people like Iraq or Myanmar or Indonesia? Is it safe for tourists where Afghanistan is not? And if you are a westerner, check it twice.

2. Climatic conditions:

Try to learn about the climatic conditions prevailing during the time of visit. Colder climates would mean packing your luggage with more woolen and warm clothing. Warmer or seaside climate means mostly Tees and light coloured clothing. In case you are travelling to the middle east , pack some sun screen lotion too. So it is imperative that you know the expected climate and temperatures for that location.

3. Culture and Society :

Some countries have very orthodox cultures and expects to impose the same to all citizens and residents or even travelers who come to their country. The best example of this would be Saudi Arabia. They do not tolerate any deterrence from the rules and cultures they have and would like you to observe while on their soil. Women must be fully covered from top of their heads to toes. No movies or liquor anywhere in their country. Violation brings strict punishment even leading to public beheading. Some other countries which though they have orthodox cultures are not of an imposing nature. An example is Japan which has very conservative and strict way of life but they do not impose it upon foreigner or travelers. So before you embark on your trip it is very essential to know the cultures and the practices of the society of the country that you would be visiting.

4. Language :

Try to know the main language or languages that are spoken and the areas where they are spoken. In many countries it is usually one or two languages which are spoken and a little idea of one of them would sail you through. You would find that in almost all British colonies English would be fine, so would be French for French colonies. In most south American countries Latin or Spanish would do the trick. But in some countries, there are a lot of languages spoken and it changes with every sate province you travel A fine example is India which has about 17 popular languages along with Hindi which is their national language and about 53 dialects. So for most countries, you can keep a language /translation book handy and it is better to know the basic questions and the basic cordialities.

5. Food habits :

Learn the basic food habits of your destination country. In most countries sandwiches and juice/milk/cereals are available for your basic nourishment. Learn about the cooking techniques used. Countries in the far east would predominantly be light cooked food with steamed food being more popular. China has a history of serving snakes and scorpions as delicacies. The orientals are also heard of serving monkey brains too. India serves one of the regions most spicy food of the world, and so does Mexico. Middle east serves grilled and smoked food.Russia serves vodka during daytime. Italians serves wine for lunches. So it is always better to know the local food habits. Identify some local food which might be fine with you or you would like to taste while in your visit. Keep some basic digestive pills handy before you do so. And always drink safe bottled water when you are a foreigner.

6. Logistics:

Zooming on to the location of travel , it is always better to know the common modes of travel available in the region. Can you rent a car there? Is the driving licence you have recognized in that particular country? How far would you need to travel for sight seeing? Where is the closest airport terminal or the local rail station? Does it have public transport? Is it safe for tourists to avail them? What are the chances of getting mugged or pick pocketed in the streets? My advice is don't take your chances when a foreign country and play it safe.

Thanks for reading this post. Comments are highly appreciated.
Will soon have an article on what to pack in your travelbags !!!

Tips For International TravelGeisha Drinking Game Tube. Duration : 0.70 Mins.

My friend is playing a traditional geisha drinking game "konpira fune fune" with a maiko, who is a geish in training. More travel information of Kyoto, visit www.shunkoin.com

Keywords: Geisha, Drinking, Game, Japan, Kyoto, Travel

Life in Tokyo #57: Surviving Japanese TV

2012-02-21T21:30:00.001-08:00

Life in Tokyo #57: Surviving Japanese TV Tube. Duration : 7.22 Mins.

So a few months ago I was working on an ABC reality show called "I Survived A Japanese Game Show." Its currently broadcasting on ABC, so I recommend checking it out. It was an interesting experience for me since it was the first time Ive worked with a non-Japanese TV crew in 7 years. All of the staff were from LA, except for me and the other local hires. Look for my name under "Japanese Crew" though last time I checked... I'm not Japanese. But then, I suppose in this case I am. Also, some of the footage from my confessional room interview during my short period as a contestant nobody else knew about. Im not actually in the show of course, I was just on the production staff. "I Survived a Japanese Game Show" Is on ABC Tuesday Nights at 9/8 Central, Summer 2008. ***The background is Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo***

Tags: survived, japanese, gameshow, tokyocooney, japan, tokyo, life, work, job, money, crazy, TV, abc, tuesday, night, 2008, youtube

The Last Worlds' Fair--Lisbon, l998

2012-02-20T21:55:00.001-08:00

Last of the 20th Century's World Fair's/ and those books

I said to myself, Dennis, you love to travel. You got a little business, and a professional job, and your 51-years old. The time is right. This is the last of the world fairs for this century. I sat on that thought for a week or so. Then I said, lets do it; meaning me. And so I took a flight to Lisbon, picked up a few books prior to my departure, one on traveling within Lisbon, and around it, and a book called: "The Night in Lisbon", by Erich Maria Ramarque; very interesting; about WWII. Not that it would have a lot to do with my trip. But I like getting into the mood. And such things help me set the mood for my adventure.

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This was not the first time I used books, and great authors to pave my way mentally to visit a once in a life time geographic location in world, such as Lisbon, and a once in a century World's Fair. I guess if the Worlds Fair wasn't going to be there, my interest would not have been as passionate as it was. But being in Seattle Washington in l967, and going out to the Space Needle, helped me make up my mind. The Worlds Fair was their in l961 or l962, I think. Plus, Elvis made that move: "It Happened at the World's Fair", in l963. Put that all together, and along with the thinking period, the ingredients were just right.

The Last Worlds' Fair--Lisbon, l998

Back to the books though, books with such great authors like Hemmingway, who loved Paris, and Mary Renault who loved Greece, I read most all of their books from cover to cover. And Ramarque, who loved to write about Europe and WWII, all inspire me to travel; some to their personal locations. The places they write about in their novels. Their books helped me make up my mind. And everyone needs a little help in such conspiring. And these people I mention, when I visited their locations where they have gone and lived, stayed, or visited, I which I call their cities, I always feel a little more at home, welcome when I arrive. As if I know some one there. I never feel the stranger. If I look up, it is because of something new, not because I feel like a tourist.

I travel a lot, as you may have figured out, and I put a lot of thought, planning into each trip. It's like having a great dinner at each location; if anything, one can due, and the rest, I really don't care about. And in making a comparison, with selecting a trip, vs. a dinner, you don't pick out the wine usually before you select the main course of the dinner. That is to say, you know what kind of dinner you're going to have [city or location] usually before you make all the plans. I like fish, steak, pasta, and Chinese food. And so there are many cities I can go to, and enjoy them. Now it's simply getting the right wine [author and the story] to help with the trip. That is, the wine, I mean. The mood will be set automatically thereafter. For some reason it fuels itself. Like passion. The fuel for Lisbon was the World's Fair. The passion was set probably a long time ago by Elvis, and his movie, in l963. And Ramarque refueled it in l996. And the passion too, was refueled. And when I heard about the Fair, the stage was set. I had the money. Passion is a most interesting thing some times. But you really need the package. And don't expect someone to make the party for you. You make your own happiness. I met a girl in Iceland once that thought like that. Oh, well, that's another story. I best say with Lisbon; anyways, a zebra.

That is to say, some times it is so strong, my desire that is, it is like the stripes on a zebra. You can't get them off, only cover them up. Trying to change is like trying to stop an alcoholic from taking the next drink. As long as there is a will, there will be a way. Or put the opposite, if you have a way, it's hard to counter the will and say no. But it is a good passion I think. It hurts no one, adds to the world economy. I have my bills paid. I do not drink or smoke, and so this passion seems to be in check.

I'm not sure what I would call my city, besides St. Paul, Minnesota; and although I was born there, and have a home their, so did F. Scott Fitzgerald, the great author who wrote: "The Great Gatsby", who, matter-of-fact, lived but 2-miles from my home. And so maybe it is really his home. It was before it was mine anyways. But there are other cities I could live in. Maybe call my own. Such as: Seville, but it was home to Hercules, his birth place, and so it belongs to him. I could say Paris or Lisbon, but we agreed it belonged to two other authors, Hemmingway and Ramarque.

I'd say Kyoto, but my wife would get mad, it is where I went after reading the book: "Memoirs of a Geisha", by Arthur Golden. And so I best allow him to take ownership of the city, and leave well enough alone. Now that were on Kyoto, let me share a moment. I went down to the Goon, district, the area Mr. Golden talks about so much in his Geisha book, and talked to a few Geisha's there. One showed me around her café-of sorts; maybe I should call it a tea house. Another Geisha allowed me to take her picture. Funny thing happened when I got back home from that trip, I discovered the Geisha I met on the main street in the Goon area was in a book I happened to pick up at Barnes and Nobel, in Roseville, Minnesota; small world.

Maybe the Inca city, called Cuzco, at the top of the world, over 12,000 feet high, in Peru, I could call my own. And it is beautiful; but when I was there having dinner one night [gunny pig], a woman from Australia, happened to say to me as I was eating looking out the 2nd story window at the beautiful, Cathedral, "I love this city; I've been here over a dozen times. I'm going to sell everything and move here soon". So it is really her city. I had never been to other city 12-times; New York, 3 times, and Paris 3-times; but a dozen times. In my head, that means she owns the place. It's an astronomical figure to return to a place 12-tiems, unless you had business, or some other ties there. She has probably set up house there already. It was in l999, I went there.

And so I can't comment to any city. Wait a minute, I just thought of one; a city that is. Maybe, just maybe, La Paz, Bolivia, could be my city. But I've yet to return. I've only been there once. About six months ago. Someone said every time I return from a location, a city, to be exact, I say I want to move there. Maybe, more then one person has said that too me. Anyways, the city is grand, and it is higher then Cuzco. It has a beautiful Cathedral like Cuzco. It has an archeological site called Tiwanau, which has the famous: "Gate of the Sun, "and of course, like Cuzco, which has Machu Picchu. But I won't jump the gun. I remember what everyone said, and I need to at least return more then 3-times because I no longer want to live in New York, or Paris.

After traveling 490,000 air miles I've yet to find a place to say it is my city; as others have done. And it doesn't seem to bother me all that much. St. Paul and Lima, Peru are my homes. Family and friends are there. And for now they are great places. Maybe the world is my city. And I will have to live with that. Actually that is not hard to swallow.

Now back to the books. You might be surprised what you find in these books, novels if you will, about the locations you are going to. I started to read the book: Seville, by James A. Machinery, before I took my trip to Spain. I never did finish it. But Seville won my heart. I even went out and bought a car by that name.

After reading these books and then visiting the places I had read about, some of its history seems to fly right out into my face. The paths, city streets all come alive. You will remember them on your trip; and if you forget, you will most likely try to find out what that memory loss was, when within arms reach of it. If you are like me, you will take a few notes after reading the book. Like when I went to Asia Minor, and visited Troy. I took a book with me, although I had read it prior to the trip, three or four times. I'm not sure if I even looked at it while on the journey. But when I got back, I kind of felt the book and I had taken the trip together. And I did a little journaling. Not enough to distract me from my living in the moment though. I don't like to miss too much. That is why I do not take movie cameras. It takes the sport or fun, or whatever it is great, out of a trip. A camera does not seem to do that as much.

It is part of my adventure, the book reading that is. Troy will stay within me forever, as will Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, and Virgil's Aeneid; as will as Malta, and its sister island Gozo, where I ventured into Odysseus' cave. Where I was told, it was the very place he lived for seven years after leaving victoriously from the besieged city-fortress of Troy, journeying home, around 1260 BC [but of course not making it for a long spell]. I visited Troy in l996 and Gozo in 2001. In my mind, one is linked to the other; although I never knew I would be going to Gozo, '96. It kind of did a closing on Troy for me. When on Gozo I could visualize Odysseus' long journey home. And in a like manner, when I was at Troy I could visualize the 10-year battle that took place there.

Maybe Malta will be my city-state. There I go again. I have not even booked a second flight there yet. It is a country island. It is about 20-miles long, and 10-miles wide; and has two other small islands belonging to it. One could almost jump to each of the other islands as they are so close. I think the small one is something like 1-miles long, and half of that wide; and Gozo about 10-miles long and 5-miles wide. St. Paul, Minnesota could put all three of them city-states into its city boundaries I think. Yes, I love to travel as you can see.

Anyways, you end up having coffee at the same locations the people do in your books, automatically; or going to the edge of the docks in Lisbon looking out into the ocean and wondering about the great earthquake that took place there a few hundred years back, devastating Lisbon. You hear the romantic and tragic voices of the past. That makes ¼ of my trip. That is, trying to experience a moment of what they did, or what happened. Standing in their foot prints kind of. Not becoming them, just visiting them. I like being Dennis, so I don't take it to the point of trying to be like an Elvis imitator. But I like his music.

When I arrived in Lisbon, I went as usual, to my hotel first. And as usual, I could not really sleep. I figured out my system for jet-leg thought. I usually try to adjust either by taking a 30-minute nap after arrival at my destination, or look at the clock, and adjust to the time of the location, tired or not. If it is 9 PM then I get ready for bed. If it is 3 PM, I go get a cup of coffee. If it is 6 AM, I get another cup of coffee, and if it is 10 AM, I look for a nice location to have brunch. In 36-hours my body will start to shut down; shortly after that, I may sleep 13-hours straight, -- adjusting.

Prior to this, as I have indicated, coffee, a little brunch, and I will have been so wound up thereafter, that there is not way of standing still, and so I usually go and see a site. For instance, the Tower of Belem, in Lisbon, is a reminder I to me that this area of the world was once a world power. It was built around AD 1515.

I think what I liked about Lisbon the most, was that it had a little of everything, at a decent price; that is to say, a little of San Francisco, some of Rio, and a lot of the old winding streets of Paris, or Malta; and a number of grand churches. But this is not why I came, even though it was one of the best hidden secrets in Europe.

Yes, you got it; it was the last World's Fair of the 20th century. About a year after I had attended the Fair, I heard that only about 100,000 Americans had went to visit the fair. Most were Europeans, to my understanding. I am not sure why, but they did very little advertisements on it. I had found two articles on Lisbon's world fair to be, about 6-months prior to it, in some newspaper, and magazine in St. Paul, Minnesota. And the second magazine I found, about 3-months prior to going, in an article while it was taking place. They did a marvelous job in cultivating the land scope for the project. It's clowns, and monitorial, space tower, along with its grand aqueous, many foods made it a success, but not in the advertising department, or in the number of American people that attended. I had heard not too long after the Fair, it fell quite short of a profitable attendance mark.

Although I like the Worlds Fair, what I guess I felt was lacking was the rides; or at list the kid in me felt that. The Midway area for what I am use to seeing a fair, was more of a plaza area for world cultural venders; what happened to the roller coaster, the merry-go-round is what my mind was telling me. No candy frost and very little circus type atmosphere. It was more on the scale of an international United Nations get together I told myself, so clean, too clean. No hot dogs, peanuts, or candy; but some real nice well looking restraints. But maybe that is the American in me. I am glad I went, but it was too conservative for my liking. But maybe that is how it is suppose to be. I guess I was judging it by the movie Elvis put out called: "It happened at the Worlds Fair"; which he acted and sang in during the early l960's.

That day at the fair, I had lost my travelers checks, which were replaced the next day; either someone pick pocketed me, or they simply dropped out of my spot coat sometime during my visit. And I did get to see all I wanted to, for the most part. But I was glad to go back to the hotel that evening. The fair was just something I had to do, like when I went to Japan, I had to go see an International Sumo wrestling tournament. It was costly, but it was great. But after a while it got boring. As in Maui, Alaska, and Iceland, I had to go to such things as whale watching, submarine diving, and exploring a glacier.

But Lisbon would remain one of the great cities I would tell myself I could live in if necessary. And to this writing there are only 5 or 6 locations in the world I could make the claim for; or would put into this category. Along with Lisbon's great scenery, and foods, it has a marvelous history. Portugal's Temple of Diana located in the town of Evora, about 100 + miles from Lisbon, was a grand, site; a monument the Romans were surely proud of, as well as the inhabitants of the area, to this day.

One of the other great features of Lisbon, especially by night is St Georges Castle [Costello de Sao Jorge] which I could see each evening and morning out of my hotel window, was a nice reminder of their beautiful stone work.
But the one thing I loved the most and I don't know why, was the "Elevator de Santa Justas". I went there about 5-times, going to the top of this cast-iron tower having brunch. I loved the view, and the uniqueness of it. I doubt there is another like it in the world. Maybe that was my Lisbon. I always seem to find something I like a little more then anything else. It reminds me of going to San Antonio, in Texas, and going to the Alamo five times. I just never got tired of it: --or Paris, which I've been to three times, and I seem never to get tired of the grand church of Notre Dame and walking along the river front.

There was no real suspense on this trip [which I am happy for], to make it stand out, other then at the World's Fair, when I got a little pushy trying to get ahead of few people, who would not let me to get into see the huge aquarium. The guy got a little resistant, and so I walked over to the police, and told him I needed to get ahead of the line, which consisted of about 3000-people, because of my heart condition [which I have, but for the most part, was not really a question of being in danger at the moment, although standing in line a few hours more could have provoked something, I'm still trying to justify it]. In any case, he put me in front of the line. As I was walking out of the aquarium, after seeing everything, that other trouble maker [me being the first] was just coming in. He looks at me, and didn't say a word. Revenge can be sweet, even if you really don't seek it, but it happens automatically.

Not sure if that makes me a trouble maker, but it didn't get out of had. It was just a nice low key adventure; the dancers on the sidewalks, the hiring a taxi for 4-days to drive me around the city, and country side, the site seeing, the people watching, shopping. And so good night my lazy city, sleep will, and prosper, you have done well.

The Last Worlds' Fair--Lisbon, l998Loituma - "Ievan Polkka" (Eva's Polka)1996 Tube. Duration : 2.77 Mins.

Finnish: Nuapurista kuulu se polokan tahti jalakani pohjii kutkutti. Ievan äiti se tyttöösä vahti vaan kyllähän Ieva sen jutkutti, sillä ei meitä silloin kiellot haittaa kun myö tanssimme laiasta laitaan. Salivili hipput tupput täppyt äppyt tipput hilijalleen. Ievan suu oli vehnäsellä ko immeiset onnee toevotti. Peä oli märkänä jokaisella ja viulu se vinku ja voevotti. Ei tätä poikoo märkyys haittaa sillon ko laskoo laiasta laitaan. Salivili hipput. Ievan äiti se kammarissa virsiä veisata huijjuutti, kun tämä poika naapurissa ämmän tyttöä nuijjuutti. Eikä tätä poikoo ämmät haittaa sillon ko laskoo laiasta laitaan. Salivili. Siellä oli lystiä soiton jäläkeen sain minä kerran sytkyyttee. Kottiin ko mäntii ni ämmä se riitelj ja Ieva jo alako nyyhkyytteek. Minä sanon Ievalle mitäpä se haittaa laskemma vielähi laiasta laitaa. Salivili. Muorille sanon jotta tukkee suusi en ruppee sun terveyttäs takkoomaa. Terveenä peäset ku korjoot luusi ja määt siitä murjuus makkoomaa. Ei tätä poikoo hellyys haittaa ko akkoja huhkii laiasta laitaan. Salivili. Sen minä sanon jotta purra pittää ei mua niin voan nielasta. Suat männä ite vaikka lännestä ittään vaan minä en luovu Ievasta, sillä ei tätä poikoo kainous haittaa sillon ko tanssii laiasta laitaan. Salivili. English: The sound of a polka drifted from my neighbor's and set my feet a-tapping oh! Ieva's mother had her eye on her daughter but Ieva she managed to fool her, you know. 'Cause who's going to listen to mother saying no when we're ...

Keywords: Suomi, loituma, finnish, suomalaiset, Anita, Lehtola-Tollin, Hanni-Mari, Autere

Traditional Japanese Sushi

2012-02-19T22:25:00.001-08:00

Traditional Japanese Sushi Tube. Duration : 5.90 Mins.

Hey this is a sushi train kinda shop in Tochigi , i here with my host family, they were invented and made by Japanese people so there traditional Japanese sudhi ahahhahah

Tags: Aaron, Olsen, Sushi, Japan, Japanese, Traditional, Exchange, Tochigi, Genki, Osushi

Ninja Warrior - Stadium Climbing Final... FINAL! - #7 of 7

2012-02-18T21:25:00.001-08:00

Ninja Warrior - Stadium Climbing Final... FINAL! - #7 of 7 Tube. Duration : 1.72 Mins.

(Note to fans: I know I said my 6th Stadium Climbing Video was my "final" one, but I decided to make just one more. So, here it is--my 7th and VERY LAST Stadium Climbing Video. Thanks). My collection of "Stadium Climbing" videos are designed to chart my personal progress. It was only a little over a month ago that I first reached the top of the stadium pillar, and it took me a total of 37 seconds to do it. I can now climb it in 13 seconds! This is progress that I and everyone can easily see. I hope you'll continue to watch and enjoy my videos. I'vealways considered myself to be moderately strong, fit and healthy. I've been into weight-lifting for years; I've competed in many long-distance races, including one marathon at the young age of 16; and I've obtained the rank of Black Belt in Korean martial arts. However, it wasn't until November of 2007--the month I was introduced to the competitors of Japan's famous Sasuke "Ninja Warrior" Competition--that I realized what it really meant to be strong. Powerful men and heros such as Makoto Nagano, Mr. Ninja Warrior, and Shunsuke Nagasaki acted as the catalyst to spark my desire to compete in Ninja Warrior, and so I immediately began my training. As I mention in the video, my goal is to compete in the SPRING, 2009 Ninja Warrior Competition (in March of 2009), and I've trained hard for it. Of course, I'll continue my training, always progressing in strength, speed, agility, endurance, and flexibility, and I'll do my best to create ...

Tags: human, flag, flags, american, challenge, competition, course, g4, hilton, jake, japan, japanese, ninja, obstacle, people, sasuke, music, training, warrior, muscle, ups, chin, up, work, out, parkour, free, running, stadium, climbing, climb, vertical, stunt, death, defying, weight, lifting, biceps, bodybuilding, pull-ups, weighted, very, heavy, strongest, explosive, performance, health, fitness, freerunning

Ryukyu Kimono Part 1 - Introduction & Bingata Dyeing

2012-02-17T21:35:00.001-08:00

Ryukyu Kimono Part 1 - Introduction & Bingata Dyeing Video Clips. Duration : 6.88 Mins.

Ryukyu Kimono : The Spirit of Okinawa Part 1 Introduction & Bingata Dyeing

Keywords: Japan, Kimono, Ryukyu, Okinawa, Kasuri, bashofu, bingata, hanaori, arts, crafts, technology

Area 51. Spacesynth Music. Rygar laserdance product. Elektro. Melodic.

2012-02-16T21:45:00.001-08:00

Area 51. Spacesynth Music. Rygar laserdance product. Elektro. Melodic. Tube. Duration : 6.42 Mins.

Area 51.A great track with a lot of space synths and a great beat. ( A Laserdance produkt )MUSIC Copyrights infringement not intended. I do NOT own the rights for this music. I do NOT sell the music. I do NOT take any credit for music. The song is available on CD, in stores. Buy it there. IF THE MUSIC ARTIST WANT ME TO TAKE THE MUSIC AWAY I MUST DO IT. I don't want any trouble with the artist. VIDEO Copyrights If you have some questions, about my videos you welcome to mail me. Kindly regards. Dj Bjarki. Thanks for enjoy my site. :-)

Keywords: area, 51, spacesynth, synth, space, techno, trance, aalborg, esbjerg, new, age, electronic, elektro, synthzeiser, dance, pop, hits, danmark, denmark, germany, poland, music, laserdance, laser, koto, zyx, marco, rochowski, anders, 80s, 90s, 70s, krystof, radomski, protonic, storm, galaxy, hunter, video, home, made, power, director, movie, maker, light, speed, warp, snow, arctic, north, pole, transport, train, travel, cold, europe, europa, euro, disco, jylland, jutland, supernova, bjarki, mikkelsen, rene, vork, comet, meteor, japan, alaska, usa, 80's

The Bullet Train "Dr.Yellow" -the high speed test train- 1/2

2012-02-15T22:15:00.001-08:00

The Bullet Train "Dr.Yellow" -the high speed test train- 1/2 Tube. Duration : 7.12 Mins.

The Bullet Train "Dr.Yellow" -the high speed test train- From Japanese TV program "Minna no Tetsudo"(Railways for everyone)

Keywords: Railway, Japan, JR, Shinkansen, Bullet, Train, Dr.yellow, Nozomi, Tokyo, Hakata

Travel Japan (Okonomiyaki)

2012-02-14T22:35:00.001-08:00

Travel Japan (Okonomiyaki) Tube. Duration : 5.52 Mins.

Lance Attenbrow makes okonomiyaki in the restaurant in Tokyo.

Tags: okonomiyaki, Lance, Attenbrow, japanese, food, restaurant, bubio, studio, bubiostudio, laboparty, labo, party, travel, japan, trip, to, せぴあ亭, 経堂, 千歳船橋, 世田谷, お好み焼き, 東京, chitosefunabashi, setagaya, tokyo, ブビオスタジオ, Canon, ivis, HF10, Raynox, HD-5050PRO, yoshio, nakahara, 中原義夫, 中原, 義夫, English, canopus, edius, pro5, aftereffects

The History of Japanese Koi Fish and The Magoi

2012-02-13T22:55:00.001-08:00

It's kind of hard to imagine that the beautiful Japanese Koi fish came from a rather plain and ugly fish, but that is exactly where they came from! The current day Koi are actually descendents of a black fish called a Magoi, or the common carp. There was little to be said for the common carp, but they were prominent all over Eastern Asia. Dating back almost 25,000 years ago, they were found in the Black, Azov, Caspian, and Aral seas all around China. There is some speculation about how the carp actually ended up in Japan, but many believe that they were brought to Japan by way of traders.

Experimentation

Tavel Japan,shopping Japan

Around the 17th century, many rice farmers in Japan begin to raise carp in their flooded rice patties to supplement their diets. Over time, they begin to notice slight color variations among the carp (mostly reds), and started picking them out from the crowd. As years passed, they began to cross-breed the colored fish, and experimenting with the different varieties that formed. In the early 1800's color mutations started to appear and the once common black carp now came in red, white, and even light yellow.

The History of Japanese Koi Fish and The Magoi

And it really didn't stop there! Koi breeding is still alive and well today, and there are over 100 different color varieties on record.

Colorful Writing

While it is difficult to pin down certain facts about the Koi's history, we do have clues in many Chinese and Japanese books. One of the first known writings (a Chinese book written during the Western Chin Dynasty, 265-316 A.D.) referred to the Koi or Nishikigoi as being white, red, black and blue. In later years, many Japanese breeders began to document their color variations and experiments.

Prize Winners

Think that your Koi has what it takes to win a competition? Then you are not alone. Koi judging is an art form, and many Koi breeders travel all over the world today showing off their beautiful fish. In 1914, there was an exposition in Tokyo that featured some of the most beautiful colored carp in the entire world. Prize winning Koi can sell for thousands of dollars, sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Future

No one knows for sure what is in store for the once plain colored fish, but it is sure to be bright and colorful. Every day, Koi hobbyists are hard at work trying to come up with the next color variety or pattern.

The History of Japanese Koi Fish and The MagoiToyota i-REAL - Tokyo Motor Show 2007 : DigInfo Tube. Duration : 2.08 Mins.

movie.diginfo.tv DigInfo News Related Link: www.toyota.co.jp Continuing the evolution of Toyota's personal mobility vehicle development, which began in 2003 with the unveiling of the Personal Mobility concept car, is the i-REAL. "The concept of this vehicle is that you can use a cellphone with one hand and drive with the other and also stop easily, you can also drink at the same time as controlling the vehicle, we wanted to make a vehicle that safely allows for this." "These are the levers used to control this vehicle, by pushing forward you accelerate and pulling back you brake, you can also brake by pressing this button on the lever, just by turning the lever in the direction you want to go, makes the vehicle move in that direction." The i-REAL uses three wheels which at low speed shorten the wheel base allowing the passenger to maneuver through pedestrians at a similar eye level without taking up a lot of space, the wheel base extends out when traveling at higher speeds, providing better performance with a lower center of gravity and therefore more stability. "In walking mode this vehicle can go at 6 kilometers per hour, when you change it into car mode you can travel at 30 kilometers per hour." The i-REAL also has a built-in social networking service allowing you to communicate and create a community with other i-REAL drivers nearby. A collision detection system constantly monitors the surrounding landscape using perimeter monitoring sensors, and alert the driver by ...

Keywords: diginfo, ireal, i-real, toyota, tokyo, motor, show, 2007, concept, japan

Teaching in Asia: Korea or Japan?

2012-02-12T23:05:00.001-08:00

Teaching in Asia: Korea or Japan? Tube. Duration : 6.40 Mins.

==Websites== Twitter: twitter.com Blog: kobekevin.blogspot.com Korea vs. Japan? A question I get a lot. In the next few videos I will explain some of the basic differences between the two countries for those interested in teaching English abroad. Of course, these are just my opinions. Intro music by "betamaxdc" www.youtube.com Check out my blog de Asia: kobekevin.blogspot.com Rate, Comment and SUBSCRIBE!

Tags: teaching, teach, english, abroad, esl, south, korea, japan, teacher, travel, work, osaka, tokyo, seoul, busan, public, school, efl, first, experience, better, preference

Airport Hotels - Top Places to Stay

2012-02-11T23:05:00.001-08:00

If you're travelling to Europe for a hard earned holiday or on a business trip, arriving relaxed and refreshed can really make a world of difference. On the other hand, the typical budget traveller or student might choose to catch the red-eye or try to get comfortable in the airport itself, to save on a night's accommodation costs.

When travelling to Europe, a stop-over in Asia seems to be one of the most popular ways to go. Many travel hubs, including Singapore and Hong Kong have convenient airport hotels attached to the airport, so you never have to step out of the terminal. Meanwhile, you can make the most of your holiday and choose to take a few days to explore a new area - a mini-holiday if you will - before continuing on to your final destination.

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Popular stopovers
Hong Kong - Hong Kong has always been an epicentre for global business, which makes it one of the most popular stop-over points for business travellers and holiday makers. Convenient transport makes it easy to head into the city for a night of fine dining and entertainment or a short 24 hour tour. Singapore, Singapore - have you got a few hours to spare? The Singapore tourism board offers a free tour of the city for travellers that are in-transit at Singapore's award winning Changi International Airport. With over 300 retail shops and dining facilities, there's plenty of entertainment on-site to make you forget the 2 hour delay. Meanwhile, the hotel attached to the airport itself, offers comfortable overnight accommodation, so you never have to exit the terminal. Bangkok, Thailand - get a taste of true Thai culture on your Bangkok stopover. With both temples and shopping centres lining the streets of the city, it's worth a daytrip to drop into one of the most culturally unique areas of South East Asia. Tokyo, Japan - descend on the bright lights of Tokyo for a taste of Japan. Tokyo offers travellers the perfect blend of modern convenience and cultural tradition. For a truly unique overnight stay, check into a capsule hotel - they're most popular with Japanese businessmen. Dubai - the Middle East is fast becoming a travel destination of choice, with some of the most unique architectural projects and experience holidays available. If you're flying to Europe, Dubai offers travellers a one-of-a-kind luxury getaway - even if it's just for a day.

Airport Hotels - Top Places to Stay

Airport hotels in Australia

Meanwhile, if you're flying through one of Australia's capital cities before heading onwards, a Sydney airport hotel offers you a comfortable and affordable stay in one of the most metropolitan cities in the world.

Airport Hotels - Top Places to StayTokyo DisneySea Revealed (1/5) Tube. Duration : 9.85 Mins.

Part 1. Travel Channel provides the secrets that made and are still being done at the original theme perk in Tokyo, Japan - Tokyo DisneySea Revealed. See how intricate design can make astounding landscapes and mammoth mountains. Watch at how thousands of "cast members" go about their day. And see the magic that comes from this magical sea-based environment.

Keywords: Tokyo, disneysea, Disney, Sea, Revealed, Disneyland, Japan, Travel, Channel, Secrets, theme, park, water, tv, making, of

Take a Tour of Asia For a Once in a Lifetime Experience

2012-02-10T23:35:00.001-08:00

Asia could be the perfect destination for travel. Not only does Asia offers a wonderful vacation experience but can also provide a great educational opportunity to learn about all of its different cultures and attractions. This especially true in programs such as the study abroad South Korea or study abroad Thailand trips.

In these enchanting nations, you'll quickly find adventure, fun, nightlife and a great opportunity for cultural education. Tourists and students alike take delight in the enticing and charismatic attractions of these many nations. Over the past few years, travel throughout the different countries of Asia and programs such as study abroad Malaysia have become very popular and trendy. From the nature guides of Thailand to the fashion boutiques of Tokyo, Asia offers a once in a lifetime experience for anyone interested.

Go Japan, Trip To Japan,japan Culture

Vacations on the beautiful sandy beaches of Asia are popular for many Americans and Europeans. As you travel through the countries of Southeast Asia, your trip isn't complete without at least attempt at surfing and one fun beach party. There aren't many travelers and students who can walk away from Asia's beaches without a lasting memory of their white sands, which are quite rare..

Take a Tour of Asia For a Once in a Lifetime Experience

A trip to Asia gives you the chance to fully discover what nature's beauty holds. If you are planning a vacation or thinking about signing up for a study abroad Thailand program, this part of the world is the perfect destination. Everyday you wake to the discovery of new cultures. Become fascinated with the world famous hospitality of the Asian culture and tradition. Here are a few more good reasons why you should sign up for a study abroad South Korea or study abroad Malaysia program:

A long getaway is an excellent chance to spend some time in Asia. You are almost guaranteed a great time while staying within your spending budget. This is because of the favorable the dollar exchange rate with the currency of the countries of Asia. What can possibly be better than having a great time while basically spending no money to do so?

If you want to do a little bit of homework, you can easily find some inexpensive tour and travel packages. It isn't difficult to find some travel agencies which are offering discounted prices for the entire vacation experience. There are also plenty of vacation rentals available offering a relaxing experience that you soon won't forget.

The Southeast Asia region is world renowned for its stunning collection of beaches. Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia have some of the most beautiful beaches found anywhere in the world.

Take a Tour of Asia For a Once in a Lifetime ExperienceFor Japan Farmers, Radiation Fears Mean Economic Pain Tube. Duration : 3.98 Mins.

I'mAlex Villarreal with the VOA Special English Agriculture Report, from voaspecialenglish.com | http Japan's nuclear crisis may mean greater demand for imported food and less competition from Japanese products on world markets. But it also means that Japanese farmers and others who make and sell food have to worry about their future. Yasumichi Tanaka sells fish at one of Japan's busiest fish markets. But now there are fewer fish to sell. He says: "Fish supplies from the radiation-contaminated regions have been totally halted."The radiation is from the Fukushima nuclear power station that was damaged by the March eleventh earthquake and tsunami. China joined a number of other countries that have banned imports of food from the affected areas. Chinese media said the banned items include milk products, fruit, vegetables and seafood. Singapore also has a ban in place. Restaurant manager Connie Hon says some people are worried about eating Japanese food. The United States has also banned foods from radiation-affected areas, and so has the Japanese government itself. Radioactive particles travel in the wind and get absorbed into soil with the help of rain and snow. Then plant roots take up the material and the plants become contaminated. Animals eat the plants and their products become contaminated. Some kinds of radiation stay in the environment longer than others. Medical physicist Jerrold Bushberg is a radiation expert at the University of California, Davis. Professor ...

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Life In The Hot Sahara Desert

2012-02-10T00:05:00.001-08:00

The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert and is spread across 8.6 million square kilometers in Northern Africa. The average year round temperature in Sahara exceeds 30°C with the temperatures rising above 50 degree centigrade during summers and the winter temperatures falling below freezing point. With the daily temperature variation fluctuating anywhere between the values -0.5 to 37.5 degree centigrade, the conditions are really harsh and difficult to sustain life and this condition is further deteriorated due to the hot, dusty winds. The high temperatures during summer, scanty rainfall, and freezing winters, along with the severely dry weather make Sahara's weather very inhospitable. As a result, plant and animal population is sparse.

Plants and animals develop certain adaptations in order to adapt to life in the harsh desert conditions.

Tavel Japan,shopping Japan

Desert plants possess very long roots that penetrate very deep into the earth, and their broad leaves are replaced with spines, and thick green stems in desert plants like cactus where the spines help in preventing excessive water loss while the stem performs photosynthesis as well as holds water for a very long time. Xerophytes, grasses, shrubs, and trees comprise the common vegetation in the Sahara desert.

Life In The Hot Sahara Desert

Desert animals rarely come out in the hot sun and instead stay underground during most part of the day and eat such foods which contain a lot of water content. The desert animals are also smaller in size which minimizes water loss from their bodies. The animal species found in the Sahara include the desert hedgehog, gerbil, jerboa, cape hare, common jackal, dorcas gazelle, oryx, dama deer, Nubian wild, barbary sheep, anubis baboon, spotted hyena, sand fox, Libyan striped weasel, the slender mongoose, rattlesnakes, kangaroo rats, kit foxes and numerous species of frogs, toads, crocodiles, lizards, chameleons, skinks, cobras snails, brine and algae shrimps.

Life In The Hot Sahara DesertDowntown Tokyo Japan Video Clips. Duration : 1.50 Mins.

Tokyo, Japan 'Flight of the Bumblebees'

Keywords: tokyo, japan, buskers, music, fast, travel

Learn Basic Japanese With Software

2012-02-09T00:30:00.001-08:00

My entire life has been spent in pursuit of a trip to Japan. As a child, I befriended Asian kids at school, and insisted on bowing my head to people when I met them. I learned origami and the martial arts, adored anime, and virtually anything that was even remotely Asian. But, my real love was Japan. I knew that one day I would visit Japan.

When I entered high school, the only language classes were Spanish and German - neither of which appealed to me. I begged the administration to let me learn basic Japanese on my own, but they forced me into Spanish class. My knowledge of Spanish consists of asking how someone is doing and saying, "Bueno."

Go Japan, Trip To Japan,japan Culture

In college, I finally got the opportunity to learn basic Japanese. One might think that after all the years of studying the culture, I would realize that the language was difficult to learn. I had always just assumed that I would be a "natural". After flunking out of that first semester of Japanese, I realized that I wasn't as smart as I thought I was.

Learn Basic Japanese With Software

After several attempts at organized schooling in the language, a lot of reading, some audio books, and even friendships with Japanese people who refused to converse in English with me, it took a software program to actually get me to the point where I could speak and understand basic Japanese.

I know there are several programs out there, but Rocket Language's Japanese program was the one that worked for me. So, after years of dreaming and scheming, I finally made it over to Japan last summer. It was everything I had dreamed of and more, and being able to speak the language made me capable of being more than just a tourist, but an active part of Japanese culture.

Learn Basic Japanese With SoftwareTraditional Japanese Sushi Tube. Duration : 5.90 Mins.

Hey this is a sushi train kinda shop in Tochigi , i here with my host family, they were invented and made by Japanese people so there traditional Japanese sudhi ahahhahah

Keywords: Aaron, Olsen, Sushi, Japan, Japanese, Traditional, Exchange, Tochigi, Genki, Osushi

Have The Experience Of A Lifetime By Studying Abroad In Japan!

2012-02-08T00:45:00.001-08:00

If you are looking to study abroad in a place that is both dramatically different from the United States but celebrates many aspects of American culture, Japan may offer the unique mix you are looking for. Many students today have an interest in Japanese culture, having grown up loving Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and other staples of Japanese entertainment. Of course, there is much more to Japan than your favorite cartoons. As a study abroad student, you should be prepared to explore a culture like no other.

Japan is a very popular place for American students to study abroad. You'll also find thousands of other international students there, taking advantage of the outstanding educational resources. You probably already know that Japan places a high value on education and has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. It celebrates the educator and the student. You'll also find the latest technology no matter where you turn, making it a great place for a computer or technology science student to spend a semester or year abroad.

Tavel Japan,shopping Japan

You'll also find American products, icons, and celebrities wherever you look! American culture is very popular in Japan, which may help you to alleviate your homesickness as a study-abroad student. You'll find aspects of the Japanese culture that are far removed from that of your American lifestyle, however, which will make your study-abroad experience educational.

Have The Experience Of A Lifetime By Studying Abroad In Japan!

What is there for a study-abroad student to do in Japan? You'll have tons of options to fill your free days, from visiting ancient temples such as the famed Temple of the Golden Pavilion to visiting historic Kyoto, full of Geishas and gardens. You can even hike up Mount Fuji, if you are so inclined. Remember that most of your learning will actually take place outside of the classroom, so get out and explore your surroundings when you have some time off from your studies.

Depending on where you are attending school during your study-abroad program in Japan, you will likely experience high-energy nightlife like you have never before seen. Tokyo, especially, is a place of wonders for the international student who wants to have fun. Japanese discos and arcades populate the streets. You can even sing karaoke, a favorite Japanese pastime.

The best way to experience Japan as a study-abroad student is to be both courageous and open-minded. Try new foods willingly, and you'll soon discover tastes that you can't get enough of. Strive to have new experiences every day, and step out of your comfort zone if you want to make the most of your experience. Living and learning in a frenetic Japanese city is not for the unadventurous.

You'll likely find most Japanese people you meet to be welcoming. Many Japanese people are as interested in American life and culture as you are interested in Japanese life and culture. It is a good idea to brush up on some basic Japanese words and phrases before traveling, but you'll find that many people speak English.

Have The Experience Of A Lifetime By Studying Abroad In Japan!Traditional Japanese Sushi Video Clips. Duration : 5.90 Mins.

Hey this is a sushi train kinda shop in Tochigi , i here with my host family, they were invented and made by Japanese people so there traditional Japanese sudhi ahahhahah

Tags: Aaron, Olsen, Sushi, Japan, Japanese, Traditional, Exchange, Tochigi, Genki, Osushi

Lego - A History Of These Building Blocks Of Imagination

2012-02-07T01:06:00.001-08:00

Lego bricks. Creativity. Childhood. They go together like Mickey Mouse and Disney, wizards and Harry Potter. Lego has been a part of childhood for more than three generations. Nearly everyone under 50 has played with these building blocks of imagination. There is no telling how many engineers and scientists were spawned by these plastic building blocks.

Lego is synonymous with plastic toy bricks that can be easily transformed into buildings, space ships, cars, boats, trains and a myriad of other toys. The key is that the child gets to assemble the toy from the basic building blocks. Each toy can be assembled, disassembled and reassembled in enough new shapes and forms to tickle the imagination and stretch the youngster's creativity.

Go Japan, Trip To Japan,japan Culture

Today, Lego is much more that the simple blocks invented in 1949. It is toys, theme parks, movies, and CDs. Lego building blocks and other products are distributed around the world. These tiny plastic bricks and the company they have built, are a phenomenon with a success as remarkable as Mickey Mouse.

Lego - A History Of These Building Blocks Of Imagination

Lego Bricks Become The Building Blocks Of Fantasy

Where did Lego come from and how did it get to be such an important tool for childhood creativity?

Our story begins in Billund, Denmark. It is 1932. Master carpenter and joiner Ole Kirk Kristiansen opened a new business. His little company makes stepladders, ironing boards and wooden toys. He has just six employees. Nobody could have imagined, but Lego and the little building blocks of imagination had just been born.

Two years later, Kristiansen adopted the name Lego as a brand name for his toys. The name is derived from the Danish words "leg godt," which mean "play well." Ironically, he later discovered that Lego in Latin means "I put together." Lego has truly come to mean "put together" and "play well" in virtually every language. At this time, all of the company's toys were being made from wood.

In 1942, the Lego factory burned to the ground. Kristiansen rebuilt.

In 1947, the Lego Company became the first company in Denmark to buy an injection-molding machine. It began making plastic toy dolls and other toys. The famous bricks were yet to be invented.

It was not until 1949 that the Lego company introduced the Automatic Binding Brick, a little plastic brick, some with four studs and some with eight. At this time, the company was producing about 200 different plastic toys. The Automatic Binding Brick was sold exclusively in Denmark.

By 1950, plastic toys became half of the company's business. Ole Kirk's son, Godtfred Kirk, who had worked in the company since age 12, was appointed junior vice president at age 30.

In 1954, Godtfred Kirk made a trip to England to meet with a purchasing agent. The purchasing agent told Kristiansen that he thought the Automatic Binding Bricks lacked an idea and system. Godtfred returned to Denmark. The Lego System was developed.
The following year, Godtfred introduced the Lego System at a toy fair in Germany. It was the first time it was introduced outside of Denmark. The results were disappointing. Kristiansen did not give up. Later that year, the Lego System Play was developed. It was an improved system for the Lego bricks. The Lego System Play was exported to Sweden, where it sold well.

In 1959, Lego bricks and the Lego System were introduced in Great Britain, France, and Belgium.

It wasn't until 1961 that Lego bricks were first marketed in the U.S. and Canada. They were an immediate hit and distribution around the world continued. By the end of that decade, 843 people in Billund worked for the Lego company. The first Legoland film was produced. In 1969, the DUPLO system for children under age five was introduced.

By 1970, there were almost 1,000 employees at the plant in Billund.

In 1980, the Educational Products Department was established. The DUPLO Rabbit logo was introduced and a survey showed that 70 percent of all Western European families with children under age 14 had Lego in their home.

As 1990 unfolded, the Lego Group had become one of the world's 10 largest toy manufacturers and the only toy company of that size in Europe. The others were in Japan and the U.S. More than one million people visited the LEGOLAND theme park and Godtfred Kirk Kristiansen celebrated his 70th birthday. Lego Publishing was renamed Lego Licensing and the LEGOLAND Band issued an LP.

With the beginning of the new century, LEGO continues to grow. It has also continued to remain a family owned company. These days, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, the grandson of Ole Kirk, runs the company.

In 2003, a record 1.63 million people visited the LEGOLAND theme park in Billund. The Lego mini-figure celebrated its 25th birthday and the BIONICLE film "Mask of Light" was released to great success. Representations of the Lego mini-figures Biff Starling and Sandy Moondust are the first earthlings to reach the planet Mars onboard the NASA Mars rovers "Spirit" and "Opportunity." The Lego Education Center in Shanghai opened. The concept was aimed at children from age three to age twelve. There are more than 80 Lego Education Centers in Korea alone. http://www.lego.com receives around four million visitors per month.

Lego bricks are more than just building blocks. They are learning toys. They build on favorite themes and children's stories and allow the child to exercise his or her own imagination and creativity. Offshoots of the basic brick include such toys as Lego Robotics, Star Wars Lego, Harry Potter Legos and many other building toys and kids' games. It is truly amazing what a few bricks and a full measure of imagination will produce.

Lego - A History Of These Building Blocks Of ImaginationJapan-Tokyo "The Travel Bug" Tube. Duration : 7.55 Mins.

Morgan visits Japan. Such an amazing country to visit, there is so much to see and do. We had to dedicate 2 episodes of season 1 to Japan, we simply couldn't cut it down to 1 hour, yet we have only touched the tip of the iceberg with this country.

Tags: Travel, adventure, Manila, Philippines, Vanuatu, Fiji, Korea, Japan, Papua, New, Guinea, Hawaii, South, Australia, Outback, Tahiti, scuba, diving, Sharks, Tourism, Touring, The Travel Bug, Experience, Culture, Food, Holiday, Vacation, Planet, Discovery, nature, outdoors, wilderness, Moorea, Bora Bora, Tokyo

Tokyo Japan travel tips by YLC

2012-02-06T01:25:00.001-08:00

Tokyo Japan travel tips by YLC Tube. Duration : 6.32 Mins.

Travel guide and experience japan as tourist

Tags: Travel, Log

Around the World with an iPhone & Lisa Bettany

2012-01-30T06:00:00.001-08:00

Around the World with an iPhone & Lisa Bettany Video Clips. Duration : 1.23 Mins.

Lisa Bettany captures her bucket list photo in Japan of Shibuya Crossing. mostlylisa.com

Tags: mostlylisa, lisabettany, iphone, Cameraplusapp, iphoneography, photography, shibuya, tokyo, japan, travel, world, trip

Super Mario World theme song cover - vocal & guitar multitrack Nintendo - Trudbol & SongeLeReveur

2012-01-29T06:10:00.001-08:00

Super Mario World theme song cover - vocal & guitar multitrack Nintendo - Trudbol & SongeLeReveur Video Clips. Duration : 2.42 Mins.

♪♫ SHARE OUR VIDEO AND GET TONS OF 1UPS! ♪♫ ► Facebook: www.facebook.com ► Twitter: twitter.com ► Make a donation: tinyurl.com A vocal & guitar multitrack collab remix of the main theme from the Super Nintendo classic hit "Super Mario World", performed by: - SongeLeReveur (guitar): www.youtube.com www.nesblog.com - Trudbol's One Man A Cappella Quartet (vocals): www.youtube.com Super Mario World, also formerly known by the subtitle "Super Mario Bros. 4" in Japan, is a platform video game developed and published by Nintendo as a pack-in launch title for the Super Famicom/Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and is the fourth game in the Super Mario series. The game centers on the quest of Mario and Luigi to save the Dinosaur Land and rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser, the series' antagonist. The two brothers must travel across seven worlds to restore order to Dinosaur Land. It built on the gameplay of previous Mario games by introducing new power-ups that augment character abilities, and established conventions that were carried over to future games in the series. The game was a critical and commercial success, gaining a legacy and selling over 20 million copies worldwide. It has been re-released three times, first as part of a combo with Super Mario All-Stars on the SNES in 1994. Secondly, it was released on the Game Boy Advance with modified gameplay, as the second part of the Super Mario Advance series. The third re-release was for the Wii's Virtual ...

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TRAVEL-NOTE เที่ยวญี่ปุ่นกับเต้ย 5.avi

2012-01-28T06:30:00.001-08:00

TRAVEL-NOTE เที่ยวญี่ปุ่นกับเต้ย 5.avi Tube. Duration : 6.30 Mins.

Keywords: TRAVEL, NOTE, เที่ยวญี่ปุ่นกับเต้ย, 5

The Thyroid Adrenal Pancreas Connection

2012-01-27T06:50:00.001-08:00

The Thyroid-Adrenal-Pancreas Axis

In addition to gastrointestinal and blood sugar disorders, adrenal gland dysfunction is the most commonly seen imbalance in today's society. Adrenal gland imbalances are also one of the major factors that cause thyroid hormone imbalance. Stress from work, relationships, electronics, poor diet choices such as consumption of refined carbohydrates and trans fats, infections, and environmental toxins all contribute to adrenal disorders.

Tavel Japan,shopping Japan

The Adrenal Glands

The Thyroid Adrenal Pancreas Connection

The adrenal glands are about the size of a walnut and lie on top of the kidneys. The outer adrenal cortex comprises eighty percent of the gland and produces many hormones including cortisol and DHEA from cholesterol. Ninety percent of the cholesterol in the body is made by the liver and only ten percent comes from the diet. Cholesterol converts into the hormone pregnenolone in the adrenal cortex which then converts to cortisol, the stress hormone, or DHEA, the sex hormone source, immune enhancer and anabolic. Cortisol is our "fight or flight" stress hormone. Cortisol slows down digestion, suppresses immune function and raises blood sugar as a survival mechanism when we are under stress. The problem arises when this becomes chronic and over time, elevated cortisol will tear down your body. Cortisol is secreted on a circadian rhythm with highest production in the morning that slowly tapers off as the day progresses. Sleep is when our bodies repair and rejuvenate but high cortisol during sleep will prevent this from happening.

Hormones Secreted by the Adrenal Glands

DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor to estrogens, progesterone and testosterone. DHEA is extremely important for immune system function and anabolic (building up) processes in the body. DHEA levels begin to decline after age thirty-five but cortisol can remain elevated during continuing periods of stress. Low DHEA levels are also found in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, fibromyalgia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis and of course, thyroid disorders.

Healthy adrenal glands are required for the conversion of inactive T4 into active T3.
When the adrenals have reached a state of fatigue, they are no longer producing sufficient cortisol or DHEA. This leaves individuals more susceptible to chronic diseases from an inability to compensate for the stresses they encounter on a daily basis. It is very important to treat the adrenal glands before commencing treatment of the thyroid. Increasing thyroid hormone production while the adrenals are in fatigue can overwhelm the adrenals and lead to further exhaustion. I have found that once the adrenal glands are healthy and the other related system/factors associated with thyroid imbalance are optimized, there is no need to treat the thyroid directly.

The inner medulla produces adrenalin and noradrenalin also known as norepinephrine and epinephrine. The cortex is under the control of hormones produced in the brain and the medulla is under the control of the nervous system.

Healthy adrenal glands are vital for women who are peri- and post-menopausal. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing the majority of sex hormones in a menopausal woman once the ovaries stop functioning. If the adrenal glands are fatigued and not ready for menopause, there will be an exaggeration of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, sleep problems, bone loss, mood swings, depression, anxiety, loss of sex drive and vaginal dryness. Healthy adrenals ensure an easy transition into menopause and beyond. A vast majority of the women I see in practice approach menopause with adrenal fatigue leading to severe menopausal symptoms and hormone dysfunction.

Aldosterone
Aldosterone is produced by the cortex and causes sodium absorption and potassium excretion. Low salt diets and high water intake put a major stress on the adrenal glands to retain as much salt as possible as the blood becomes more diluted from the extra water intake. One of the easiest ways to maintain healthy adrenals is to consume a half- teaspoon of unrefined celtic sea salt every morning with a few glasses of water. It's important to consume half of your bodyweight in ounces of water every day but it must be balanced with salt to remove stress from the adrenal glands.

Cortisol
Cortisol is also produced by the cortex which increases blood sugar when it is low or if the body is under stress. Cortisol will cause glucose production in the liver or it will strip muscle tissue of protein to make glucose. Excess cortisol over long periods of time can increase the risk of diabetes due to prolonged blood sugar elevations.

Adrenaline
Adrenaline produced by the adrenal medulla will also raise blood sugar if there is stress on the body. Adrenaline will also increase fat circulation so that it can be burned as energy. This is not a good scenario for someone who is sitting at a desk and under major stress. Large amounts of fat and sugar floating in the bloodstream should be utilized to run from a saber-toothed tiger which is our built-in survival mechanism. If there is no activity, the excess sugar will be converted into fat and stored mainly around the mid-section, hips and thighs.

The adrenal cortex communicates with the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain. The hypothalamus reads the amount of circulating hormones and tells the pituitary to make hormones that directly tell the cortex to make hormones. This is called the HPA axis or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

All hormones are secreted on a circadian rhythm over a 24-hour period. Cortisol is especially representative of this rhythm as cortisol production is the highest in the early morning and then slowly tapers off as the day progresses. Cortisol levels are lowest at night so that the body can repair itself to the best of its ability. You lose two-thirds of your stored sugar while sleeping and cortisol production ensures balanced blood sugar during the night. If the adrenals are fatigued, you may have trouble staying asleep as the body will make adrenaline to raise blood sugar due to inadequate cortisol production which is enough to wake you up. If your adrenals are in overdrive with too much cortisol production, then you probably have trouble falling asleep. If you are a slow starter in the morning, your adrenals are probably fatigued and can't make adequate cortisol to raise blood sugar and get you going in the morning.

The adrenals will go through phases of adaptation to stress beginning with elevated cortisol due to the initial stress. In the second stage, the adrenals will begin to use sex hormone precursors to make cortisol and DHEA will drop. The final stage is adrenal exhaustion/fatigue when the adrenals can no longer produce cortisol and DHEA. If you have adrenal gland dysfunction you may have the following symptoms:

Can't fall asleep
Can't stay asleep
Fatigue
Salt or sugar cravings
Allergies
Slow to start in the morning
Headaches
Weakened immune system
Ulcers
Need to eat to relieve fatigue
Irritable before meals
Shaky or lightheaded if meals are missed
Blurred vision
Crave caffeine or cigarettes
Feeling full or bloated
Dizziness
Asthma
Varicose veins
Hemorrhoids

Remember that the hormone aldosterone made in the adrenal cortex regulates blood volume through sodium retention and potassium excretion. If you have the following symptoms you have low aldosterone levels indicating adrenal gland dysfunction:

Craving salt
Fluid retention in the arms and legs
Pupils do not stay constricted when exposed to light
Rough or sandpaper tongue
Excessive urination - up to 15-20 times/day
Excessive sweating even without activity

Your natural physician will order a salivary hormone profile to measure cortisol production at four different times throughout the day. This allows your physician to observe adrenal gland dysfunction during all parts of the day and will dictate the type of treatment you will receive. Symptoms cannot adequately diagnose if the adrenals are in fatigue or if they are hyperfunctioning. This is why testing is so vital to properly assess adrenal gland function. In addition, it gives a baseline to compare to follow-up testing so treatment can be adjusted accordingly.

Blood sugar is intricately related to adrenal gland function and vice versa. Chronically elevated cortisol levels from adrenal stress will cause insulin receptor insensitivity. This basically means that when insulin binds to cell receptors to allow glucose (blood sugar) entry into the cell, the receptors may not respond which leaves sugar floating in the blood stream. Remember that excess sugar will be converted into fat and stored mainly around the abdomen, hips and thighs. This also puts extra stress on the pancreas to make more insulin to deal with the excess blood sugar which increases the risk of diabetes. As discussed earlier, cortisol is very important for blood sugar stability.

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which there is inadequate cortisol to raise blood sugar into the normal range. We usually see adrenal fatigue and hypoglycemia together. Hypoglycemics develop symptoms of low blood sugar and need to eat something to normalize blood sugar levels. They may feel shaky, irritable, light-headed, fatigued or may crave sugar because their adrenal glands cannot raise blood sugar into the normal range. Once hypoglycemics rejuvenate their adrenal glands, the symptoms will subside. It's important for hypoglycemics to eat frequently throughout the day and not skip meals. Each meal should be a combination of protein, carbohydrates and fats as a low-carb meal or too many carbs will further throw off blood sugar levels.

You may ask which comes first - adrenal dysfunction or blood sugar dysfunction? It doesn't matter because when one starts to become imbalanced so goes the other. This is also important to understand in treatment because both aspects should be addressed at the same time for optimal results.

So how does all this relate to optimal thyroid function? In the chapter on thyroid hormone physiology, we discussed the enzyme that converts inactive T4 (thyroxine) into active T3 (triiodothyronine). Remember that 93 percent of the hormone produced by the thyroid is inactive T4 until it is activated mainly in the liver by an enzyme. Cortisol directly inhibits this enzyme (5'-deiodinase) which converts inactive T4 into active T3. This in part can lead to low T3 levels. In addition, elevated cortisol will cause thyroid hormone receptor insensitivity meaning that even if T3 levels are adequate, they may not be able to bind normally to receptor sites. Cortisol will also increase the production of reverse T3 which is inactive. Cortisol can also lower the levels of protein that binds to thyroid hormone so it can circulate in a stable structure. Iodine, as you know from a previous chapter, is extremely vital to thyroid health but high levels of cortisol will increase the excretion of iodide from the kidney. And finally, elevated cortisol will inhibit TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) production by disrupting hypothalamic-pituitary feedback leading to suboptimal TSH production in the range of 1.0-1.5. Has your physician adequately assessed your adrenals before treatment? It is very irresponsible for any physician to treat thyroid hormone dysfunction without thoroughly assessing adrenal gland physiology and of course, blood sugar.

Regarding cortisol's effect on thyroid hormones, Werner and Ingbar's The Thyroid: A Fundamental and Clinical Text, (8th edition), states: "Serum TSH, TBG (thyroid-binding protein), T4 and T3 concentrations are slightly decreased, albeit usually within the respective ranges of normal; serum free T4 values are normal."11

As discussed in our chapter on the liver, impaired detoxification can lead to abnormal thyroid function. Again, the adrenals come into play because elevated cortisol inhibits proper liver detoxification. It is sometimes necessary to support liver detoxification pathways while treating the adrenal glands and thyroid to optimize results and metabolize toxins, excess hormones and thyroid-disrupting chemicals. Signs of impaired liver detoxification include nausea, constipation, bloating, lack of response to treatment, acne, acne during menstrual cycle, medication sensitivity, and pale skin upon pressure.

There is also a powerful Adrenal-Gut connection as well. Elevated cortisol levels slowly eat away at the immune system that lines the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Cortisol also increases inflammation in the GI tract and prevents the cells that line the GI tract from regenerating which increases the risk of ulcers. This leads to increased infections from parasites, yeast, mold, fungi, viruses, and bacteria which further stresses the adrenal glands creating a vicious cycle. Leaky gut is another consequence of chronically elevated cortisol levels which is a condition in which gaps open in the intestinal barrier allowing undigested proteins and toxins to enter the bloodstream uninhibited. This puts a major stress on the body's immune system and can lead to immune dysfunction, adrenal stress, chronic fatigue and thyroid hormone imbalance.

Adrenals that are functioning at a low level tend to exhibit various symptoms and patterns. Adrenal-fatigued people usually have to run on caffeine and sugar throughout the day to keep going. They are dragging out of bed and say, "I need my coffee before I can do anything." This is a sad state because it indicates an extremely unhealthy individual who requires a legal drug just to function. These individuals crave sweets and crash many times throughout the day, especially in the afternoon, and need a "pick me up" such as another cup of coffee or something sweet. This further drives blood sugar and hormone imbalances leading to weight gain, insomnia, fatigue and an underactive thyroid gland. In addition, these people can usually fall asleep without problems but will wake up during the night. This happens because there is inadequate cortisol production to stabilize blood sugar so the adrenals release adrenaline instead which raises blood sugar but is also too stimulatory resulting in waking up and insomnia.

People with adrenal hyperfunctioning usually cannot fall asleep because there is too much cortisol production which has an excitatory effect on the nervous system. There are many possible causes of elevated cortisol that lead to too much cortisol production and eventually adrenal fatigue. The following cause adrenal stress:

Anemia - red blood cells cannot deliver oxygen to body tissues Blood sugar imbalances Low cholesterol - statin medications such as Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor, etc. Infections Gums Urinary tract Gastrointestinal Mold, yeast or fungus Lyme Disease/Tick-Borne Infections Chronic virus Dehydration - especially in athletes or those who fly frequently (it is important to drink half of bodyweight in ounces of water every day) Poor dietary habits (skipping meals, high intake of simple carbohydrates, etc.) Eating foods you are sensitive/allergic to Leaky gut Liver detoxification issues Essential fatty acid deficiencies Not enough sleep Overexercise Emotional stressors (usually severe) Heavy metals Autoimmune adrenals Chronic use of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Prozac, etc.) Chronic pain Environmental toxin exposures - damages mitochondria Surgical menopause Chronic tissue injury or inflammation (autoimmune condition)

It takes a great deal of time and effort to do the proper detective work to find out why someone is ill. The supplements covered here are meant to complement diet and lifestyle changes. In order for a treatment plan to be successful, it is very important that the following guidelines are adhered to without deviation.

Adrenal stimulants will disrupt your treatment plan and consist of the following:

Inadequate sleep
Eating sugar/simple carbohydrates
Caffeine and decaffeinated beverages
Nicotine
Alcohol
Food allergies
Trans fats (hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils)
Artificial sweeteners
Excess exercise

As long as blood sugar levels are out of balance, it will be extremely difficult to restore proper adrenal function. Practice the following guidelines to ensure stable blood sugar levels:

Always eat breakfast that includes more protein than carbohydrates Eat every two to three hours Snack on protein and fat such as nuts, eggs and seeds Do not drink juice - this includes ALL juices which are nothing more than plant sugar Consume protein at every meal

Blood sugar imbalances and a condition known as insulin resistance are major factors in optimizing thyroid and adrenal health. Insulin resistance basically means that insulin receptors are no longer able to respond to insulin. Insulin binds to receptors and allows blood sugar to enter cells. With insulin resistance, insulin's effects are negated leaving excess blood sugar. The following symptoms can indicate insulin resistance:

Fatigue
Sugar cravings
Abdominal obesity
High blood pressure
Inability to lose weight
Always feeling hungry
Fatigue after meals
Aches and pains all over
High cholesterol, glucose, and triglycerides
Low HDL ("good" cholesterol)

Remember that impaired liver detoxification can significantly affect optimal thyroid hormone function. Elevated insulin levels will reduce glutathione levels inhibiting the liver's ability to detoxify. This will affect the conversion of inactive T4 into active T3, increase thyroid-disrupting chemicals and may lead to excess estrogen levels which inhibit thyroid hormone function.

Thyroid hormone's main function is to regulate metabolism through the burning of sugar, fat and protein. Insulin resistance prevents adequate sugar transport into the cell decreasing the available fuel for energy production. This puts an increased strain on the thyroid to make more hormone and can eventually lead to hypothyroidism.

We have already discussed the importance of adrenal gland function and its relationship to optimal thyroid health. The following supplements will help to correct adrenal gland dysfunction. It's very important to have the adrenal hormones cortisol and DHEA tested to ensure precise treatment. Adaptogens are compounds that help to normalize the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. They will help adrenals that are in a state of fatigue, high stress or a combination of both. The feedback loop of the HPA axis is key in balancing adrenal hormones, and adaptogens are vital in healing this process.

Supplements That Help Correct Adrenal Gland Dysfunction

Magnolia & Phellodendron
Magnolia is a tree native to the rain forests of China. Its bark has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes including the regulation of stress and anxiety. Phellodendron grows in northeastern China and Japan. Together, these extracts restore cortisol and DHEA production in the adrenal gland. They bind to stress hormone receptors promoting relaxation and feelings of well-being.

Perilla oil & MCTs
These essential oils have natural stress-reducing effects. Perilla oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which stimulate repair and are anti-inflammatory. MCTs reduce cell acids and help to produce energy in the cell's mitochondria. MCTs are easy to assimilate and metabolize which is extremely important for those with delicate stomachs and impaired absorption.

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that is similar to panax ginseng. It has the ability to normalize adrenal stress syndromes. Stress responses can have many adverse affects on health and this herb will reduce these effects.

Eleutherococcus
Eleutherococcus senticosus is an adaptogen that supports the HPA axis under times of stress as well as enhance athletic performance. Eleutherococcus will enhance physical work capacity as well as brain function when under stress.

Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng is also known as Korean ginseng and is an adaptogen. Panax ginseng optimizes the functioning of the HPA axis. It has been shown to enhance physical performance, stamina and energy production. Panax ginseng will shift metabolism into a fat-burning state as opposed to a sugar-burning state due to an increase in oxygen availability for muscles.

Rhodiola
Rhodiola is popular in traditional Eastern European and Asian medical systems. Rhodiola is an adaptogen that has been shown to enhance immune function and brain function. It also has antidepressant properties, protects the heart and protects against cancer. Rhodiola will prevent adrenaline roller coasters due to high stress.

Holy Basil
Holy basil is an adaptogen that reduces cortisol production from stress, supports blood sugar, has antihistamine properties, optimizes the functioning of the HPA axis, improves the integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier, improves immune function, and enhances athletic performance.

Pantethine
Pantethine is required for adrenal hormone production. However, it will not over-stimulate cortisol production under times of stress but has the opposite effect.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabara)
Licorice contains compounds that increase the half-life of cortisol which removes stress on the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. It also has been shown to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and also reduce/minimize allergic responses. Licorice is antibacterial and antiviral. Due to estrogen's negative effect on thyroid function, licorice is of great benefit because it helps normalize estrogen metabolism.

Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is the "mother of all hormones" and is made from cholesterol in the adrenal gland. Pregnenolone converts into cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. Pregnenolone is a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to boost mood, improve memory and optimize brain function.

DHEA
DHEA is made by the adrenal glands and will convert into estrogen and testosterone. In men, it will mainly convert into estrogen and in women, DHEA will mainly convert into testosterone. DHEA has its own effects including resensitizing insulin receptors, boosting the immune system, preventing bone loss, enhancing memory and lowering cholesterol. When under stress, the body will make cortisol at the expense of DHEA.

Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine's greatest benefit is its ability to lower cortisol levels by optimizing the brain's relationship with the adrenal glands. After only ten days of high doses of PS, research has shown that excessive cortisol levels can be decreased in healthy men. PS has also been shown to enhance brain function and memory, decrease anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance metabolism. It is also an antioxidant. It is very difficult for the body to make PS as it requires many nutrients for production. Supplementation is vital for optimizing adrenal function so cortisol cannot have its negative effects on the body and the thyroid.

Supplements that Balance Blood Sugar

Blood sugar imbalances will greatly influence the ability of your thyroid to function optimally. The following supplements are vital in balancing blood sugar.

Huckleberry/Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
The extract from the leaves of this plant has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and has been used traditionally to treat diabetes.

Galega Officinalis (French lilac)
This plant has been utilized since the Middle Ages in the treatment of diabetes. French lilac lowers blood sugar by decreasing insulin resistance. Prescription medications for blood sugar control such as Metformin are derived from the active ingredients in French lilac.

Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre has been shown to regenerate the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This herb will enhance the effects of insulin, reduce fasting blood sugar, decrease the need for insulin and help with insulin resistance. It will not cause a state of hypoglycemia, however.

Chromium
Chromium stabilizes blood sugar and insulin levels after meals. It will also ensure optimal delivery of blood sugar into your cells. Deficiencies in this nutrient can lead to insulin resistance, high cholesterol and abnormalities in sugar's ability to bind to red blood cells.

Zinc
Zinc's role in blood sugar management includes optimizing insulin metabolism, protecting insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas and improving insulin sensitivity which ensures optimal uptake of sugar into your cells.

Vanadium
Vanadium is very important for insulin resistance by improving transport of sugar into your cells due to its insulin-like effects on cell receptors.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA)
ALA is another important nutrient for insulin resistance and is also a strong antioxidant. ALA increases energy production by your cells, optimizes sugar metabolism and lowers lactic acid levels.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E should not be taken in its alpha tocopherol form. Mixed tocopherols including gamma and delta tocopherol are the preferred form of delivery. Vitamin E improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood fats, is a powerful antioxidant and lowers the so-called "bad" LDL cholesterol.

Biotin
Biotin is important in supporting the liver's utilization of sugar. This nutrient will enhance insulin's effects as well as lower blood sugar levels after meals.

Magnesium
Entire books have been written on the king of minerals. Magnesium is involved in approximately 350 reactions in the body and deficiencies in our society are rampant. Magnesium deficiency will lead to insulin resistance and abnormal sugar metabolism. Magnesium appears to enhance insulin secretion by the pancreas.

L-carnitine
L-carnitine is a di-peptide compound that shuttles fatty acids in the cell to be burned as energy. Carnitine has similar effects on blood sugar by supporting sugar transport into cells.

The Thyroid Adrenal Pancreas ConnectionSekizenin Jyunteido Temple Kyoto Japan 2012 Jan 27 Tube. Duration : 4.02 Mins.

Panasonic LUMIX FX77

Keywords: Sekizenin, Jyunteido, Temple, Kyoto, Japan, Asia, 2012, Jan, January, Buddhism, travel, tourism, cultuer, 五大力尊

Onko Chishin Chapter 3 Yakuza

2012-01-26T06:50:00.001-08:00

Onko Chishin Chapter 3 Yakuza Video Clips. Duration : 4.58 Mins.

Check CC in de playermenu for subtitles ENG or JAP. In a country where tattoos are associated with the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia), we get a behind-the-scenes look at the art of Japanese tattooing. Still, even today, most Japanese style tattoos are inherent to the Yakuza. In the third chapter we explore if there is any truth behind this assumption. This documentary is a series of five. www.onkochishin.com

Keywords: Osaka, Horitsune II, Horitsune 2, Rob Admiraal, Sabado, Tattoo, Japan, Japanese Tattoo

5.11 Tactical Series RUSH 72 Review By MilPic Japan

2012-01-25T04:40:00.001-08:00

5.11 Tactical Series RUSH 72 Review By MilPic Japan Video Clips. Duration : 4.90 Mins.

the biggest backpack from 5.11 Tactical Series in FDE , great for hiking , travel or some shopping as well ;) long review in 5 parts as i need time to show all the highlights

Keywords: 5.11, Tactical, Series, RUSH, 72, Review, milpic, Japan

The Ten Best Cruise Destinations

2012-01-24T00:45:00.001-08:00

Generally when considering cruise popularity you will find that it is determined by a number of things, which can include how convenient it is to reach the cruise liner from your home, whether you have a young family, your age, whether it your first time or if you are single or married.

It is therefore wise to ask yourself what you expect from a cruise before making a decision. Are you looking for black tie glamour, informal luxury, to travel only with people your own age, plenty of entertainment, beautiful surroundings and nature, a good deal or activity and are you traveling on a shoestring?

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That is why the top ten cruise destinations are based on previous experience and include cruise holidays in a variety of temperate zones. In effect, there is something here for everyone:

The Ten Best Cruise Destinations

Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are a tropical paradise everyday of the year with its green clad volcanic cliffs and awe-inspiring tropical fauna and flora. Visit the magical Dolphin Cove, the fascinating Sealife Park and of course the Polynesian Cultural Centre.

The Caribbean

The best time to cruise the Caribbean is in January and February as the weather is perfect most days, but there is often threat of hurricanes from Mid June to the beginning of December. You can visit all the Caribbean islands as there is only a short distance between each of them, but the Caribbean is not as tropically lush as Hawaii.

Antarctica

Cruises to Antarctica are usually expensive so not suited to those on a low budget and cruise ships do not operate in the Antarctic winter, from March to September. These cruises combine a unique blend of comfort and adventure with soaring glacier cliffs, icebergs and penguin colonies.

The Mediterranean

The warmest months and the best time for sun seekers to visit the mediterrannean is from May to September. It should be noted that many of the
ports are often very busy during the summer, but there are certainly a large amount of destinations worth visiting, including the Greek Islands, Costa del Sol, Liguria Coast and the French Riviera.

Fjords of Norway

The best time to visit the Fjords of Norway is from June to August when it is not so cold. Cruises around these natural wonders are breathtakingly beautiful and humbling, as you sail inside enormous, yet narrow fjords surrounded by high cliffs.

Alaska

The best time to cruise to Alaska is in the warmest months of June to August, as daylight is longer for sightseeing and taking photographs. It's a special place to cruise by glaciers and snow caped jagged peaks on your way to numerous photogenic ports.

Mexico

November to April is the best time to cruise to Mexico, as they are cooler, dryer and less humid than the summer months. This is not the destination for those looking to relax, as Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and the other ports of call on the Mexican Riviera are full of life and music.

South Pacific

The South Pacific covers a broad area and its destinations include the fertile tropical paradises such as Fiji and Tahiti.

Galapagos

The Galapagos Island are home to giant tortoises, seal lions, penguins, fur seals, marine iguanas and are a place that Charles Darwin visited to observe the unique wildlife.

The Baltic Sea

A cruise to the Baltic Sea is not for the faint hearted in the colder months, but June to august is ideal for visiting Tallinn, Helsinki, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

The Ten Best Cruise DestinationsLiving in Japan - Ep.7: Smart Shopping, the Diaso Video Clips. Duration : 6.35 Mins.

I take you through my local Daiso. It's one brand of "hyaku-en" or 100 yen or dollar store where I live. Quite an amazing place, you can find just about anything you need and for really cheap! This place, along with other hyaku-en stores, is a life saver while living in Japan. Please enjoy! -Dusty

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Emergency kimchi

2012-01-22T23:20:00.001-08:00

Emergency kimchi Video Clips. Duration : 7.07 Mins.

www.maangchi.com How to make kimchi when you have limited time and ingredients. Ingredients: Cabbage, salt, hot pepper flakes, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, green onions, and carrot. see www.maangchi.com Directions: 1. Cut 2 pounds of cabbage into thin strips about 2-3 inches in length and ¼ inch wide. Place into a large bowl. 2. Add 1 cup cold water and ¼ cup kosher salt. Mix it well with your hands to properly salt the cabbage. 3. Set aside for 10 minutes. 4. Make kimchi paste by mixing these ingredients in a bowl: 1/3 cup hot pepper flakes, 1 tbs sugar, ¼ cup fish sauce, ¼ cup minced garlic, 3-4 stalks of chopped green onion (1/3 cup worth), ¼ cup's worth of julienned carrot 5. Wash and rinse the salted cabbage in cold water a couple of times. Drain the water. 6. Mix the kimchi paste into the cabbage thoroughly. 7. Put the kimchi into a container, jar, or plastic bag. 8. Press the top of the kimchi down with your hands to protect your kimchi from being exposed to too much air. 9. You can eat it right away, just like salad. Or keep it at room temperature and it will ferment in a few days. Fermented kimchi can be used for kimchi stir-fried rice orkimchi stew, and it will be delicious.

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Ways of Greeting People in Jamaica

2012-01-21T23:35:00.001-08:00

In Jamaica as in other countries, saying hello and greeting people are very important. There are many different and varied ways of giving salutations in Jamaican Patois; the local dialect. The ways of giving salutations in Jamaican could be categorized as formal and informal. We will take a look at the most common ways of greeting people in Jamaica; both formally and informally.

The Formal Way of Greeting People
Standard English is the official language spoken in Jamaica and it is the language most often spoken in formal situations. You'll often hear Standard English being spoken in job interviews, ceremonies, on local television shows and in such similar formal settings. Examples of formal greetings might include common expressions such as: "hello, how are you" which is often followed by "nice to meet you" or "it's a pleasure to meet you."

Tavel Japan,shopping Japan

Informal Ways of Greeting People
Jamaican Patois is generally an informal way of speaking. Patois is most frequently spoken at home, in the streets, sung in music, used in local plays, and in other such informal situations. It is interesting to note that Jamaican patois is increasingly gaining acceptance and as a result it is increasingly being spoken in (formal) social situations once people feel comfortable with each other. Below you will find some popular ways of greeting people informally, along with an example of the greeting being used in a sentence. Note that the greeting can either be used as is or as a part of a sentence.

Ways of Greeting People in Jamaica

whaa gwaan? - what's going on? / How are you?

Example: Whaa gwaan sah, nuh si yuh sence di daydah day - How are you sir? I haven't seen you since the other day.

Whe yuh ah deal wid? - what's the deal with you?

Example: Whaapm yute, whe yuh ah deal wid? - Hello young man, what's the deal with you?

Rispec - used as a greeting

Example: Yes sah, rispec - Yes sir. Respect.

ah yuh dat? - sometimes used as a greeting (said in such a way to suggest that it's been such a long time that the speaker hasn't seen the listener that now he isn't certain if he recognizes him or her)

Example: Whaa! Ah yuh dat? - Wow! Is that you?

There are many varied ways of greeting people in Jamaica. This article looked at some of the ways to greet people both formally and informally. Examples of the informal greetings, being used in a sentence, were given.

Ways of Greeting People in JamaicaThe Lotus Sutra- Buddhist Chant Video Clips. Duration : 9.63 Mins.

Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha. The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. He is recognized by Buddhists as an awakened or enlightened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings end suffering, achieve nirvana, and escape what is seen as a cycle of suffering and rebirth.

Keywords: buddha, buddhism, Chant, asian, world cultures, thailand, native american, sacred, lotus, flower, phrophet, yoga, china, japan, singapore, airplanes, food, travel, kachina, meditation, taiwan, news, history, guru, painting, christianity, philosophy, inspirational, photography, space, ufo, discussion, crafts, conspiracy theory, psychedelic, cruiser, commentary, religion, vinyl, science, arts, educational, mix tape, slideshow, spirituality

Olympic Equine Athletes enjoy travelling First-Class

2012-01-20T21:36:00.001-08:00

Olympic Equine Athletes enjoy travelling First-Class Tube. Duration : 2.50 Mins.

www.hkjc.org.cn Nearly 70 equine athletes in the Olympic Equestrian Events have landed in Hong Kong over the past three days, stepping off their flights and being whisked by first-class transport to spacious and cool accommodations in Sha Tin. The cosmopolitan horses represent 18 nations including Belgium, Finland, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Sweden, France, South Korea, Russia, Canada and Germany. Marie Johnson, stable manager for German legend and four-time Olympic-gold medallist Ludger Beerbaum, said the horses' transportation, particularly the flight from Amsterdam, was the smoothest she had ever witnessed in more than 50 such trips. The first batches of priceless horses, which the New York Times has likened to rock stars, arrived from Amsterdam and Atlanta on Saturday. They allowed a few photos to be taken at Hong Kong International Airport but declined to linger for interviews or autograph signing. Ushered into the Hong Kong Jockey Club's air-conditioned floats, they were taken to the Olympic Equestrian Venue in Sha Tin, accompanied by an entourage of Hong Kong police and Jockey Club grooms, veterinarians and mechanics. "The horses travelled by business class, as each container accommodated just two horses instead of the usual three," said Hong Kong's Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing, referring to the compartments in the Jockey Club floats. "The horses travelled very well. It was a smooth, trouble-free transfer to the venue." At Sha Tin, each horse checked into ...

Tags: Olympic, Equine, Equestrian

Before You Travel To Tokyo, Buy Japanese Yen From Your Bank

2012-01-19T21:50:00.001-08:00

Over the last few years, the Japanese currency has increased in value when compared with our British Pound, this has made goods from Japan become more expensive during this time. The irony of this currency fluctuation is that the prices for items in each of the countries do not change, so the changing value of the currency makes no difference to local transactions, however it will change the cost of international transactions. But no matter what if you plan to visit Tokyo, you will need to invest in Japanese Yen.

Tokyo marries the modern and the retro, with a flair that is distinctly Japanese. even English born things will be decidedly influenced by local tastes and customer demands. The same is true of American venues sited there. One can enter a McDonalds in Tokyo and find hot noodles and rice balls for sale.

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The architecture and physical layout in Tokyo is also remarkable. From the Sunshine City building which hosts the fastest elevator in the world to Yoyogi Stadium with its suspension roof design which was built to house the 1964 Summer Olympics Swimming and Diving events, there is much to look at in downtown Tokyo. Keep in mind that these buildings are all built to a much greater earthquake tolerance requirement than anywhere else in the world.

Before You Travel To Tokyo, Buy Japanese Yen From Your Bank

From the Outset it becomes obvious why Tokyo is often refereed to as a sea of concrete, with man made structures that seem to cover every square inch. However in the middle of this concrete jungle there are oases of green, such as the Imperial Palace, a peaceful and beautiful area in the middle of this bustling metropolis that was constructed over a 40 year period starting in 1593.

Travel in Tokyo can seem a nightmare in an automobile, but The Public transport system is one of the best in the world and is easy to use. Always running to time, if you have trouble reading the names of the trains, you can just take the train that arrives at the proper time and you will be fine. For the most part, however, the signs for the stations now incorporate Romaji, the English text, along with the Katakana and Hiragana alphabets.

For those who wish to travel to the Far East and enjoy the amazing place that Tokyo has become, they will have to convert their Pounds to Yen, and buying Japanese Yen here in England before the trip is a good idea. Locations to make the conversion, uncertainty over conversion rates and finding someone who understands enough English to accomplish the transaction are more problematic after arrival.

This is not to imply that the Japanese people would try to take advantage of one, they are notoriously honest in their societal and business dealings, but the rates are established using Yen as the basis for fees and profits in the conversion, and at the moment the Yen is rather strong, so the fess paid here would be expected to be less.

A trip to Japan can produce the memories that will last a lifetime. Tokyo by day is a exceptional place to check out the historical beauty of the Japanese culture. After the sun goes down, Tokyo is a modern city with nightlife and fantastic dining possibilities. While you get together your passport, tickets and other information, do not forget to buy Japanese Yen, you will need it to truly enjoy yourself.

Before You Travel To Tokyo, Buy Japanese Yen From Your BankDepartures part 3 Video Clips. Duration : 9.02 Mins.

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Ronin Taiko (raw demo)

2012-01-18T22:05:00.001-08:00

Ronin Taiko (raw demo) Video Clips. Duration : 3.32 Mins.

A collection of clips from Ronin Taiko's various performances. Founded by a close-knit family of dedicated members, RONIN TAIKO wishes to create a community where Taiko and Japanese Arts can be studied, practiced and performed. RONIN TAIKO performers practice wadaiko, or Japanese drumming. They travel frequently to Japan to train with taiko Sensei (teachers) to further develop their physical and mental discipline in this art form. With additional training backgrounds ranging from martial arts to dance and theatre, RONIN TAIKO hopes to continue bringing Japanese Taiko performances to wider audiences. www.ronintaiko.com

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Ford Motor Company - Case Study

2012-01-17T16:25:00.001-08:00

Background (General Facts)

Ford Motors is one of three leading automotive manufacturing companies in the United States. Based in Michigan in 1903 by Henry ford and grew to reach revenue of 0 billion and more than 370,000 employees by 1996 [1]. In the 1970's, the automobile market for the major auto makers - General Motors (GM), Ford, and Chrysler- was crunched by competition from foreign manufactures such as Toyota and Honda. In 1999, Ford acquired the Swedish Volvo model in an attempt to compete in the foreign market and expand to other regions. Furthermore, Ford launched a full organization re-engineering business process plan called "Ford 2000" aiming at reestablishing the company's infrastructure. The process meant reduction in their Vehicle Centers (VCs) to only five covering the operations that spanned 200 countries. It also meant cutting redundancies and requiring Information Technology (IT) to be the driving force and the link between Ford centers worldwide.

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In building Ford's IT infrastructure, the company focused on implementing a setup that supported the TCP/IP communication protocol based on the U.S. department of Defense requirements. At those days, Ford internal network was meant to serve files transfer unlike most companies that used the network mainly for email communications. Throughout the 1990's, Ford developed a cost effective Global Enterprise Network Integration (GENI) process to link all its locations compromising on the type of the connection and the cabling in favor of full coverage. During the same time, Ford started building its Web Farm, which was basically a set of hardware and software managed by a team for building Ford's public website. The work started by publishing documents for technical references and moved to more advanced images from a live auto show. As a result, the website received 1 million visits a day in less than 2 years after its official launch. Throughout the end of the 90's, Ford established its web services by increasing the amount of information published, building more intelligent and standard web application in 12 weeks period, purchasing more Netscape browsers for setup on its users' machines, and creating a B2B server to allow the suppliers secured access to Ford's Intranet.

Ford Motor Company - Case Study

In the path towards service cost reduction and bringing more business through the web, Ford worked closely with its competitors in the U.S. market GM and Chrysler to establish what came to be known as "Automotive Network Exchange" (ANX) certificate. The protocols aimed at providing a unified communications standard through the Internet to enable suppliers to provide common technology for all manufacturers. Moreover, Ford focused on making information on its web site more accessible and useful by deploying a team to manage the process of adding and updating information based on an analysis of how humans deal with information. One final aspect of Fords endeavor was to try to build a model through its infrastructure that benefited from the model implemented by Dell computers to improve their supply chain and delivery process. The direct model would not work well for automotives as it would with computers, as a result Ford worked on its retailing network remodeling and identifying what would eventually give it the extra edge in delivery time.

Enterprise Architecture Issues

Ford's regional expansion to address the competition for market shares demanded cost management for the infrastructure upgrades IT infrastructure places limitations on the type of application development based on the platforms Easy access to information and prompt delivery of vital data to key individuals requires proper knowledge managementOrganizations reengineering and process remodeling is necessary when adapting new technologies to maintain the cost and increase efficiency Supply chain errors and delays can severely affect the progress of the business and the market value of the corporation
Analysis

Infrastructure Upgrade

Since the inception of the Internet in the 1960's, much effort has been made in standardizing how computers connect to it. In 1982, the International Organization for Standards (ISO) realized that during that period many ad hoc networking systems were already using the TCP/IP protocol for communications and thus adapted it as a standard in its model for the Internet network [2]. The main driver for IP convergence, at that period, was the growth in data traffic through wide area networks (WANs) established by local companies. Furthermore, in 1991, the Internet was open for commercial use, and that demanded a reduction in the total cost of operating the network to cope with 1 million Internet hosts that materialized in only 1-year time. Telecommunications companies like AT&T understood the potential and worked on standardizing the network offering voice services over IP networks that managed the separation between voice and data transmission [3].

At the same time, Ford had launched its plan to update its infrastructure, and seized the opportunity brought by the global movement of integrating the voice, fax transmission network with data transmission and expanded its WAN to include its offices in Europe and elsewhere. The financial benefits also came from the fact that Ford adapted the TCP/IP protocol from the beginning and made sure that all its technical infrastructure upgrades adhere to the standards. This made the transition of its system to the Internet as cost effective as it could be.

Web Technologies

Intranets employ the hypertext and multimedia technology used on the Internet. Prior to 1989, when Tim burners-Lee invented the Web [4], most applications used standard development languages such as C and C++ to create desktop applications that were proprietary and dependent on the platform. For example, applications running on a command-based operating system such as UNIX would not run under Windows, and those working for PCs might not work on Apple computers and vice versa [5]. The invention of HTML (Hyper-Text Markup Language) introduced a new model for applications that conform to the standards provided by a single program, the "Web Browser". Unlike standard applications, the browser brought a unified interface that had a very fast learning curve. Users seem to require no additional training to work with web browsers. Furthermore, system administrators did not have to spend time installing upgrades on users' machines, since the Intranet client/server architecture facilitated all the updates through the connection with the web server [6].

Since Ford established its Intranet, it was aiming at building web applications through the initial analysis of "Mosaic", the early form of web browsers. The technical department at Ford used web languages to create the first web site in 1995. In 1996, the team started building applications making use of the unified "Netscape" browser that was deployed on all machines at the company, and working on a standard template to cut on the development life cycle. There was a substantial cut in training cost due to the user-friendly interface of web applications. Furthermore, the speed of development made vital applications available to different individuals across the company. For example, the B2B site allowed suppliers remote and secured access to various sections of Ford's Intranet. In addition, the development team created an application as a virtual teardown on Ford's website where Ford's engineers could examine parts of competitors' cars and evaluate any new technologies. The alternative would have been an actual trip to a physical location where Ford tears down cars to examine the parts.

Knowledge Management

While there are many definitions for knowledge, each company might adapt its own based on how it analysis data and information to acquire knowledge. The University of Kentucky, for example, defines knowledge as "a vital organization resource. It is the raw material, work-in process, and finished good of decision-making. Distinct types of knowledge used by decision makers include information, procedures, and heuristics, among others... " [7].

Organizations go through different activities to manage the amount of information they collect to form the knowledge base of the company. Activities include creating databases of best practices and market intelligence analysis, gathering filtering and classifying data, incorporating knowledge into business applications used by employees, and developing focal points for facilitating knowledge flow and building skills [8].

Ford was excited about the traffic it was receiving on the Web site and everyone was publishing all the material they have on desk on the Intranet. Nevertheless, there was a growing concern about the usability and usefulness of the material people were adding. As a result, Ford created a "Knowledge Domain Team" to build complete information in nine areas that were identified as vital to the business. The process Ford took was based on surveys and specialists input in how people perceive information, and what is considered vital and what is distracting in the structure of Ford's website. The aim behind the initiative was to reduce the time individuals spent in searching for information through proper indexing of the website content, and making sure that what was important could be accessed in due time, and what is trivial did not overwhelm the researcher with thousands of results.

Business Re-engineering

In the area of organization's re-engineering process innovation is the set of activities that achieve substantial business improvements. Companies seeking to benefit from process innovation go through the regime of identifying the processes, the factors for change, developing the vision, understanding the current process, and building a prototype for the new organization. History shows that organizations who define their processes properly will not have problems managing the issues and developing the change factors [9]. When introducing technology, business redesign is necessary. The industrial fields have been using Information Technology to remodel processes, control production, and manage material for generations. However, it is only recently that companies recognized that the fusion of IT and business would go beyond automation to fundamentally reshaping how business processes are undertaken [10].

When foreign companies were allowed to compete in the U.S. market, Ford understood that to succeed in business in a competitive arena it needed to implement strategies that competitors find difficult to imitate [11]. As a result, Ford bought Sweden Volvo to enter the European market, and partially owned Mazda to have a competitive edge with Japanese cars1 [12]. To achieve that it re-engineered its production development activities and global corporate organization and processes for dramatic cost reduction. Furthermore, it understood that expansion requires collaboration and alignment, and thus planned to establish the IT infrastructure through a WAN that connected all the offices. In the process of innovation and re-engineering, Ford has set policies to manage the cost of establishing the network, built models for continuous implementation, and organized global meetings to align all parties with the process. Adding to that, when it came to managing the website, Ford facilitated an awareness campaign for all the branches to understand that Ford is using the web to collaborate and research and adapting information technology as a way to maximize its business value. The goal for Ford was to maintain its leadership in the market and to do that in the most efficient and cost effective method that is there.

Supply chain management

Supply chain management (SCM) is about coordinating between suppliers, manufactures, distributors, retailers, and customers [13]. The basic idea that SCM applications revolve around is providing information to all those who are involved in making decisions about the product or goods to manage delivery from the supplier to the consumer [14]. Studies show that reducing errors in supply chain distribution, increases revenue, enhances productivity, and reduces the order-to-fulfillment period [15].

Ford often compared its supply chain process to that of Dell's, in an attempt to close the gaps in its own process and reach the level of success Dell has reached. The difference in the distribution model between Dell and Ford lies in the middle link of using retail shops. Since Ford cannot skip retail as a focal distribution point, it worked on establishing a network of retail shops that it owned. Ford made sure shops are not affecting each other in terms of sales, and gave them all a standard look and feel to establish itself in the consumer's market as a prestigious cars sales retail company. Furthermore, extensive re-engineering initiatives were undertaken to enhance Ford external network by eliminating the correlation with smaller suppliers. In that way, Ford made sure that key suppliers have access to forecasting data from customers' purchasing trends and production information to enable a faster order-to-delivery cycle. Ford vision was to create a model that allowed flexibility, predicable processes and delivered the product at the right time to the right consumer.

Conclusions

Ford is an example of how traditional organizations can mature to adapt what is current and maximizes the business value. The process that Ford went through necessitated the continuous support from management. In addition, it depended on alignment between those involved as a key for success. The correlation was not restricted to internal staff; it extended to cover competitors to reach mutual benefits, to work with suppliers to maintain similar grounds and adequate infrastructure, and to create training programs to educate all on the vision and organization's objectives.

Ford technical progress came at a time where the Internet was yet to reach its full potential. The introduction of Fiber-optic cables in the late 90's and the substantial increase in bandwidth would have helped Ford and cut on the cost in endured connecting its own offices. Furthermore, the ISP services that provided hosting servers were limited to only few players, which explained why Ford preferred to manage its own web server and maintain the overhead of the 24 hours uptime and backup.

From this case study, I understood the level of commitment large firms have to maintaining their position in the market. These companies know the revolving nature of business in the sense of how easy it is to fall back if they did not keep up with the change. The Ford process also shows the need for quick and resourceful thinking when faced with situations that might seem to be unfavorable. The way Ford ventured into the foreign market by acquiring local manufacturers was a strategic decision that did not only enabled Ford to merge with different technologies, but it also saved it the additional cost of establishing production centers in Japan and Europe.

Recommendations

Maintaining leadership in the market requires innovative organizations willing to reengineer to succeed. IT fusion with the business means restructuring and remodeling to understand the role IT would play to meet the business objectives Planning and modeling is vital when coordinating work with large teams. Constructing websites is not about content; it is about understanding what adds value and how humans interact with information. Knowledge management is a plan that companies need to develop as part of their initial business process modeling It is not wrong for large firms to try to adapt to successful processes implemented by other firms.
References

Robert D. Austin and Mark Cotteleer,"Ford Motor Co.: Maximizing the Business Value of Web Technologies." Harvard Business Publishing. July 10, 1997. harvardbusinessonline.hbsp.harvard.edu/b02/en/common/item_detail.jhtml;jsessionid=WDARNHINBSYKSAKRGWCB5VQBKE0YOISW?id=198006 (accessed July 30, 2008). Computer History Museum, Internet History 80's. 2006. computerhistory.org/internet_history/internet_history_80s.shtml (accessed July 30, 2008). Darren Wilksch and Peter Shoubridge, "IP Convergence in Global Telecommunications." Defense Science & Technology Organization. March 2001. http://www.dsto.defence.gov.au/publications/2400/DSTO-TR-1046.pdf (accessed July 30, 2008). Computer History Museum, Internet History 80's. H. Joseph Wen, "From client/server to intranet." Information Management & Computer Security (MCB UP Ltd) 6, no. 1 (1998): 15-20. R. Boutaba, K. El Guemioui, and P. Dini, "An outlook on intranet management." Communications Magazine (IEEE), October 1997: 92-99. Joseph M. Firestone, Enterprise Information Portals and Knowledge Management (OXFORD: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002), 169. David J. Skyrme, "Knowledge management solutions - the IT contribution." ACM SIGGROUP Bulletin (ACM) 19, no. 1 (April 1998): 34 - 39, 34. Thomas H. Davenport, Process Innovation: Reengineering Work Through Information Technology (Watertown,MA: Harvard Business Press, 1993), 28. Thomas H. Davenport "The New Industrial Engineering: Information Technology and Business Process Redesign." Sloan Management Review 31, no. 4 (Summer 1990): 11-28, 12 Gary M. Erickson, Robert Jacobson, and Johny K. Johansson, "Competition for market share in the presence of strategic invisible assets: The US automobile market, 1971-1981." International Journal of Research in Marketing (Elsevier Science) 9, no. 1 (March 1992): 23-37, 23. Austin and Cotteleer, "Ford Motor " , 2. Henk A. Akkermans, et al. "The impact of ERP on supply chain management: Exploratory findings from a European Delphi study." European Journal of Operational Research 146 (2003): 284-301, 286 Thomas H. Davenport and Jeffrey D. Brooks, "Enterprise systems and the supply chain." Journal of Enterprise Information Management 17, no. 1 (2004): 8-19, 9. Kevin B. Hendricks, Vinod R. Singhal, and Jeff K. Stratman. "The impact of enterprise systems on corporate performance:A study of ERP, SCM, and CRM system implementations." Journal of Operations Management 25, no. 1 (January 2007): 65-82.

Ford Motor Company - Case StudyTravel Japan! おわら風の盆2010【HD】富山県八尾町Owara kazenobon, Yatsuo Toyama Tube. Duration : 8.73 Mins.

富山県八尾町で毎年9月1日から3日にかけて行なわれている富山県を代表するお祭りです。越中おわら節の哀切感に満ちた旋律にのって、坂が多い町の道筋で踊り手たちが洗練された踊りを披露します。こちらの映像は、平成22年9月1日深夜から2日未明に撮影しました。 The Owara Kazenobon is annual festival in September of Yatsuo town. It used to be a local folk festival for the inhabitants of the town. However, word about the unique melancholic melodies and mysterious dance has spread, and in recent years it has been drawing large numbers of spectators from all over the country. Used 5DMark2 and Steadicam Merlin on September 2 2010, before dawn.富山にお越しの際には、是非富山駅北口、オーバードホール２階の蕎麦居酒屋けやき亭にもお立ち寄り下さい。

Tags: 越中, おわら, 風の盆, 八尾, 富山, 祭り, japan, matsuri, dance, owara, toyama, festival, shinto, kimono, folk, 5dmark2, Steadicam, Merlin, EOS, 5D, Mark, II

American Dream Trip To Japan - Part 1

2012-01-16T14:25:00.001-08:00

American Dream Trip To Japan - Part 1 Tube. Duration : 11.43 Mins.

After winning Kota Kiriyama's 2010 American Dream fishing tournament on Lake Wheeler, I was treated to a trip to Japan to visit his home. In the first film, I travel throughout Japan sampling the local culture and visiting Temples.

Tags: fishing, japan, travel, bass

Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids

2012-01-15T14:10:00.001-08:00

Admit it. When the going gets tough at home, we've all plopped the kids in front of the television and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, we can get started on dinner, maybe check email or sort that massive pile of laundry.

But when your five-year old yells at you "Mom, Kids Rule!" or your ten-year old horrifies you with language that would make a sailor blush, you realize there must be something amiss with what these "family programs" really teach our kids. And sadly, its happening all over the media today, from sports to cartoons, and our children are learning things that we, as parents, vowed we would never teach them. Old fashioned values like respect and self-discipline, seems to have been forgotten, replaced by the dreaded "bling bling" pop culture of today.

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Just the thought of your angelic three-year old morphing into a designer-clad, smart-mouthed, money-worshipping, me-obsessed, lay-about is enough to make any parent consider that threatening military school brochure, but there is a solution out there to consider.

Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids

Martial Arts training.

From Ninja Turtles to The Karate Kid

You and your kids have all seen the flying kicks, battle cries and mighty chops of their favorite TV characters, as they beat the bad guys to submission - but, you may ask, how on earth can these acts of violence teach my child anything worthwhile?

First, know that what you see on television (save perhaps the Karate Kid) is a far cry from what real martial arts are all about. The fact is, martial arts training is based on non-violence.

Originating in Asia (mainly Japan, China and Korea, although Thailand and Vietnam have their own practices as well), martial arts range from a variety of types and styles, all of which are based on well-rounded, moral teachings. The beauty of learning martial arts is that it encompasses not just the physical aspect of the "sport", but mental and emotional lessons as well.

Comparing that to other kid's activities and sports, where fierce competitiveness and "winning at all costs" seems to be the order of the day, it's not surprising that many children grapple with issues of self-esteem and misplaced aggression.

Now imagine your child actually learning valuable life lessons, skills that he will take throughout life, laying the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted and fulfilled adult life. If only karate for kids was popular in the 70's, when I was growing up!

The Advantages

o Karate, and other martial arts for kids, builds confidence and self-esteem as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy.

o Many martial arts schools also offer leadership courses for kids, in conjunction with their karate for kids programs, or similar lessons.

o Martial Arts is ideal for children who do not do well in team sports, giving them the ability to flourish this activity, while combining physical and mental practices.

o Many do not realize this, but it is a fact that martial arts training are safer than most school sports.

o Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in martial arts for kids because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques.

Kung-Fu Master or Ninja Warrior?

Before you sign up Junior for the first martial arts class you see, take some time to check out the different methods available, and match it with what you know would suit your child best. This is a good way to avoid any problems that may sprout from a conflict of your child's personality and the training techniques.

Is your little Zach a sensitive soul? Then maybe a class that doesn't center on sparring (full-on kicks and punches training) but rather, slower, defensive maneuvers would fare better for him. Kids with an aggressive streak, however, may prefer the more forceful moves and thrive in competitive sparring.

Here's a quick primer on the kid-friendly martial arts training you're likely to find:

Martial Arts From Japan

Karate

o Uses defensive and aggressive moves

o Centers on building strength and endurance

o Involves chops, punches, kicks, strikes, blocking and sparring

o May use weapons

Jujitsu

o Uses defensive and aggressive moves

o Involves lots of sparring

o Teaches a fair amount of weapons training

Aikido

o Uses a more "spiritual" and harmonious style in redirecting the aggression of the attacker as the form of defense, using throws, pins, rolls etc.

o Taught on the premise of disabling an aggressor without attacking, through your individual inner energy

o Does not involve sparring or competitions

Judo

o Uses gentle, "wrestling-like" movements

o Considered one of the safest methods of martial arts

o Emphasizes physical control as well as mental development

o Engages in competitions

Martial Arts From China

Kung-Fu

o The generic term referring to Chinese martial arts with a variety of styles

o Involves attack movements as well as defensive techniques

o Teaches kicks, punches, chops, throws, falls, grappling, katas, leg sweeps and blows among others.

o Engages in sparring competitions

Martial Arts From Korea

Taekwondo

o Competitive in nature, involves techniques using elaborate footwork and unique high kicks.

o Emphasizes strength, force and attack methods.

o Engages in lots of sparring and competitions.

Choosing The Right Instruction

If you have an idea of the type of martial arts class you'd like your child to participate in, the next step would be to find the right school. Finding the right class that not only matches your child's and your needs, in terms of teachers you feel comfortable with, the price, facilities and so on, are all important factors.

Say you've found a local place that specializes in Karate for Kids. What are the things you should look for?

1. Good Instructors

Check out their qualifications, teaching methods and watch carefully how they interact with the other children. It should be a fun learning experience!

2. Space and Safety

Obviously you would want to entrust your child in as establishment that is safe, well-maintained, and clean with ample space as well as decent facilities and equipment.

3. School Values

Different martial arts schools inevitably go by different values, for instance, one kid's karate class may handle aggression in one way, while a judo class would have a different approach. Take some time to observe which school's ideals match your family's principles.

4. Prices and Schedules

Prices for martial arts training can vary according to school and location, so make sure you the instruction you choose represents fair value. Finding the most effective way to fit martial arts training into your family's lifestyle is also essential, knowing what works best with your schedule and other activities.

Baby Blackbelts

Starting your child young in karate training is ideal (children as young as the age of four are usually accepted, as it is also a good way to hone fine motor skills), and lots of parents have found that in as little as a year, their children who were involved in martial arts had noticeably gained positive traits such as increased self-esteem, respect and overall physical fitness.

Many parents also opt to join a martial arts training program themselves, making it a great bonding experience for the entire family.

Benefits of Martial Arts Training For KidsUseful Japanese Culture Tips Video Clips. Duration : 10.32 Mins.

Useful japanese culture tips while traveling in Japan.

Keywords: japanese, culture, travel, japan, speekit

Japanese Fun!!!

2012-01-14T14:10:00.001-08:00

Japanese Fun!!! Tube. Duration : 6.03 Mins.

This is a quick video to recap some of the great memories we had during the first 2 months of our world tour with DL2, in Japan. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do. :D

Keywords: Travel, Japan, Disney, Live, World, Tour, Memories, Baseball, Giants, Castle, Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka, Friends, Funny, Adventure, Theater, wbboy, 29

Best Tech to Improve Your Video Productions: CineSkates, Konova Camera Sliders & In-Flight LCD TVs!

2012-01-13T13:50:00.001-08:00

Best Tech to Improve Your Video Productions: CineSkates, Konova Camera Sliders & In-Flight LCD TVs! Tube. Duration : 6.25 Mins.

GeekBeat TV #318: revision3.com Cali and the Geek Beat TV team show you how to step up your filmmaking game with CineSkates and the Konova Camera Slider for smooth tracking shots. We're also taking a further look at some of the tech and improvements All Nippon Airways is bringing to their new Inspiration of Japan service. ~~~~~~~~~~ 00:25 CineSkates If you've ever thought of putting roller skates on your video camera, you'll like this one. CineSkates are wheels that mount on a GorillaPod tripod to make your camera super-mobile. www.youtube.com 01:42 Konova Camera Slider For a slightly different look in your videos, you could try the Konova Camera Slider, a rail-mounted system you can set up on one or two tripods. www.youtube.com 03:45 ANA's Inspiration of Japan Service All Nippon Airways recently announced a new class of service with a number of amenities, among them the biggest LCD screens in the industry, in first class, business, and coach class. They invited Cali on board to check out all the new tech they offer. www.youtube.com ~~~~~~~~~~ Like, Comment & Share This Video!: www.youtube.com Never Miss an Episode of GeekBeatTV- Subscribe For Free!: www.youtube.com Cali on Twitter: twitter.com Cali on Facebook: facebook.com GeekBeatTV website: www.geekbeat.tv GeekBeatTV on Twitter twitter.com GeeBeatTV on Facebook: facebook.com

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How Much Do Pearls Cost? Or Pearl Value Factor - Shape

2012-01-12T14:15:00.001-08:00

Pearl Shapes are generally round or spherical. Truly perfectly saped pearls are a small percentage of all the pearls that are cultivated. Shapes can be round to near-round, to a pill shape, coin shape, drops, or completely free form.

Pearls are graded into three major categories. These are Spherical, Symmetrical, and Baroque. Spherical are either round or near round, non-round Symmetrical pearls have shapes that are the same on each side, and each side is a mirror image of the other. Baroque is the term used to describe those that are completely irregular shapes.

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Sometimes the pearl, when growing inside the oyster, develops rings, either grooves, or ridges around the circumference and then the shape of the pearl is modified by the adjective of "circled" or "ringed".

How Much Do Pearls Cost? Or Pearl Value Factor - Shape

The round or near round symmetricalgems have the highest value. The round or spherical pearls are a much more rare than all of the other shapes and therefore more valuable. Round pearls can be as low as 2% of the entire harvest.

As in all the other pearl values, the value of roundness by itself does not guarantee a high price. When we consider pearl value, we must consider all seven value factors affect price.

As with all the Value factors, one trait does not guarantee a greater value. A perfectly round gem with a dull and lusterless look is not going to be as beautiful as a slightly less round one that has a fantastic luster. Or a perfectly round pearl with surface irregularities will be appraised at a lesser amount than one that is less round with a perfect surface. Obviously shape is not the only factor in determining pearl cost.

How Much Do Pearls Cost? Or Pearl Value Factor - ShapeCharice Pempengco with Maya Soetero Ng (sister of President Barack Obama) Tube. Duration : 2.75 Mins.

Charice Pempengco singing God Bless America to Maya Soetero Ng, the half-sister of President Barack Obama at the Pearl Presidential Inaugural Gala on Monday, January 19, 2009 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC vietchino asked me "who is she?" and someone standing next to him answered "Charice, she sang with Celine Dion, Andrea Boccelli". Honors for this video (21) #5 - Most Discussed (This Week) - Travel & Events #28 - Most Discussed (This Month) - Travel & Events #10 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - Australia #3 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - Canada #16 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - United Kingdom #18 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - Ireland #9 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - New Zealand #28 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - Israel #7 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events #84 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - Italy #54 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - Japan #3 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - South Korea #39 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - Netherlands #7 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - Hong Kong #40 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - Taiwan #49 - Most Viewed (This Week) - Travel & Events - Sweden #49 - Most Viewed (This Month) - Travel & Events #2 - Top Favorited (This Week) - Travel & Events #13 - Top Favorited (This Month) - Travel & Events #4 - Top Rated (This Week) - Travel & Events #26 ...

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Full Circle with Michael Palin 1/3

2012-01-10T08:50:00.001-08:00

Full Circle with Michael Palin 1/3 Tube. Duration : 9.95 Mins.

Full Circle with Michael Palin Episode 3 Part 1 START Episode Three: China Arriving in China at the port city of Qingdao, Michael checks in to the Welcome Guest House, where Mao Zedong once spent a month right before the infamous Great Leap Forward. Michael gets a massage on the streets of Qingdao and then visits a winery in the Laoshan Mountains, where he samples Chinese chardonnay. He then climbs Taishan Mountain, one of the Five Sacred Mountains of Taoism. Catching a train to Shanghai, he notices how more modern Chinese trains have become since Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days in 1988. Arriving in Shanghai, he discovers a Harvey Nichols store. Michael also takes time out to dance with one of the locals. He also finds out that the Bund, the longtime economic heart of the city (even when he last visited), has been usurped by the Pudong area. Taking an inland route via the Yangtze River, he views the construction for the Three Gorges Dam and notes how a lot of area will be submerged after its completion in 2009. In the large town of Chongqing, he chats with a university graduate over lunch about modern Chinese society. From there, Michael heads south into Guiyang and then the land of the Miao people, a Chinese minority. Some people in a Miao village note that Michael is the first Westerner they had ever seen, as well as the fact he has a big nose. From there, he catches a bus to Pingxiang and Friendship Gate, on the Vietnamese border. About: The series ...

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Japan Tourism and travel

2012-01-09T07:00:00.001-08:00

Japan Tourism and travel Video Clips. Duration : 4.35 Mins.

Discover Japan, culture and activities with this video brought to you by Best Destination Travel TV channel (www.BestDestination.com), travel guides and travel directory by Travelindex Network (www.travelindex.com).

Tags: japan, travel, tourism, tokyo, tokio, narita, sumo, toyota, sun, luxury, hotels, bookings, bestdestination

5 Top Europe Travel Ideas

2012-01-08T07:00:00.001-08:00

If heading to the beautiful, culturally diverse continent of Europe is in your travel plans this upcoming year, here are the top five- or more specifically, the European cities - that can't be missed!

London, England - For tourists intimidated by their lack of foreign language skills, London is the perfect comfortable yet adventurous city to explore. With a rich culture and history, great pubs, and plenty of tourist sites, London is one of Europe's cheaper cities to visit.

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Paris, France - Ideal for lovers, art enthusiasts, and foodies, Paris is beautiful any time of year but particularly in the springtime. For first-time visitors, don't miss the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. You should also take the time to enjoy a genuine espresso at an outdoor Parisian café.

5 Top Europe Travel Ideas

Rome, Italy - The city of Rome is a great place to visit anytime of year. History and archaeology buffs will love the museums and historical sites while staunch Catholics will find Vatican City fascinating. If you love shopping, make sure you hit up one of the cities multiple ATMs and peruse the streets of Via Condotti, Via Borgognona and Via Frattina.

Madrid, Spain - Akin to New York City, Madrid is the European city that never sleeps. During the day, visitors can enjoy the rich culture and architecture the city offers. At night, enjoy fabulous food and dancing. Lively street life starts in March and peaks during mid-summer and Madrid's restaurant and nightclub scenes are some of the best in Europe.

Prague, Czech Republic - For travelers looking for an amazing city less frequented by tourists, Prague is the place to go. Filled with mystique, gorgeous gothic architecture, and historical landmarks, Prague is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Visitors can take in the charming cobblestone streets, famed bridges, and spiraled buildings. Sites not to be missed include Lobkowicz Palace, Old Town Square, and St. George's Basilica, one of the city's architectural highlights.

5 Top Europe Travel IdeasFallout: An Animated Nuclear Preparation Film Tube. Duration : 14.22 Mins.

thefilmarchived.blogspot.com Fallout is the residual radiation hazard from a nuclear explosion, so called because it "falls out" of the atmosphere after the explosion. It commonly refers to the radioactive dust created when a nuclear weapon explodes. This radioactive dust, consisting of hot particles, is a kind of radioactive contamination. It can lead to the contamination of ground and the animal food chain. There are two main considerations for the location of an explosion: height and surface composition. A nuclear weapon detonated in the air, called an air burst, produces less fallout than a comparable explosion near the ground. In case of water surface bursts, the particles tend to be rather lighter and smaller, producing less local fallout but extending over a greater area. The particles contain mostly sea salts with some water; these can have a cloud seeding effect causing local rainout and areas of high local fallout. Fallout from a seawater burst is difficult to remove once it has soaked into porous surfaces because the fission products are present as metallic ions that chemically bond to many surfaces. Water and detergent washing effectively removes less than 50% of this chemically bonded activity from concrete or steel. Complete decontamination requires aggressive treatment like sandblasting, or acidic treatment. After the Crossroads underwater test, it was found that wet fallout must be immediately removed from ships by continuous water washdown (such as from ...

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KANAZAWA (English)

2012-01-07T07:00:00.001-08:00

KANAZAWA (English) Video Clips. Duration : 19.95 Mins.

Kanazawa city landscape and culture, such as Noh, Japanese sweets, Garden and more.

Tags: Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan, Hokuriku, Travel, Kenrokuen, visitjapan

DJ Earworm - United State of Pop 2011 [FullHD]

2012-01-06T05:55:00.001-08:00

DJ Earworm - United State of Pop 2011 [FullHD] Tube. Duration : 5.57 Mins.

www.facebook.com (Press LIKE) (; Website : softinformatica.tk [ FREE DOWNLOADS | Translate in Right ] Ke$ha - Tik Tok Lady Antebellum - Need You Now Train - Hey, Soul Sister Katy Perry Featuring Snoop Dogg - California Gurls Usher Featuring will.i.am - OMG BOB Featuring Hayley Williams - Airplanes Eminem Featuring Rihanna - Love the Way You Lie Lady Gaga - Bad Romance Taio Cruz - Dynamite Taio Cruz Featuring Ludacris - Break Your Heart BOB Featuring Bruno Mars - Nothin' On You Enrique Iglesias Featuring Pitbull - I Like It Young Money Featuring Lloyd - Bedrock Jason Derulo - In My Head Rihanna - Rude Boy Lady Gaga Featuring Beyonce - Telephone Katy Perry - Teenage Dream Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are Mike Posner - Cooler Than Me The Black Eyed Peas - Imma Be Jay-Z + Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind Usher Featuring Pitbull - DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love Travie McCoy Featuring Bruno Mars - Billionaire Eminem - Not Afraid Iyaz - Replay Soft - Informáctica - soft-informactica.blogspot.com

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Learning Japanese Meanings - Tips

2012-01-05T05:55:00.001-08:00

If there is one skill that you can learn, which will benefit you in many ways, it is learning another language. Whether you want to visit a country that does not speak your current language, or you simply just want to learn the language of other cultures, it can help you a lot in life. Language is very powerful and having a second language that you know fluently can help you in life and in business. For instance, if you had to go on a business trip to Japan it would be crucial for you to learn the Japanese meanings of words.

The Nihongo textbook and video lessons are a great tool which will help you learn a new language very quickly. For most people, the idea of learning a second language can be scary. But with the right training system, it does not have to be a difficult at all.

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There are a few things you can do to help you along while you are learning a new language. Reading one article per day that was written in Japanese can help you understand the language. Similarly, listening two and news radio station in Japanese can help you learn pronunciation of words as well as the context that the words are normally used in. Watching YouTube videos can also help you learn the Japanese meaning of specific words.

Learning Japanese Meanings - Tips

The more Japanese meanings of words you learn, the more you will be able to understand the language. Soon you will be able to understand as well as speak the language fluently and easily. The language of Japan is a very interesting one to learn and knowing this language is sure to benefit shoe in all aspects of your life.

Learning Japanese Meanings - TipsHOLY PLACES OF BUDDHISM ❤☀ Journey toward Enlightenment Tube. Duration : 10.00 Mins.

HOLY PLACES OF BUDDHISM ❤☀Journey toward Enlightenment "Long, long journey through the darkness, Long, long way to go : But what are miles across the ocean To the heart that´s coming home ?" Enya www.facebook.com i.Introduction : Welcome to the Holy places of Buddhism. Awaken your Heart of Enlightenment. Dear Friend , on sacred Pilgrimage we visit 14 countries and holy sites, chanting the karma avoiding mantra. ii.Sacred Pilgrimage : Our Pilgrimage begins in NEPAL, at Lumbini garden & birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha. We also visit Kapilavastu & Amarban where little Buddhas are meditating. We proceed toward Kathmandu with Swayambu & Bodhnath stupas. We visit sacred caves of Asura, of Mandarava & secret cave of Padmasambhava. We pray at Amitayus Body print & Guru Rinpoche Footprint. In INDIA we meditate at Bodhgaya Mahabodhi temple & Bodhi tree, sacred space of Buddha´s Enlightenment. At Sarnath we reflect on 4 Noble Truths & 8-fold Noble Path. At Kushinagar we pay homage in Nirvana temple. Now we are at Nalanda ancient Buddhist university where many Mahasiddhas studied. At Rajgir -- Vulture´s Peak we circumbulate the Peace pagoda. At sacred lake Tso Pema we pray to the Lotus-born Padmasambhava & to female Buddha Mandarava. We meditate in Tara cave in Sikkhim and at sacred lake Khecheopari. In SRI LANKA we pay homage to Sri Pada at Adam´s Peak, to Kandy Tooth temple, to Mihintale stupa and other temples. Our Pilgrimage goes on to THAILAND where we meditate at Sulhathayi ...

Tags: openbuddhistforum, buddhadharma-OBFI, VISUAL-DHARMA, HERITAGE-OF-MANKIND, HOLY-PLACES-OF-BUDDHISM, NEPAL, INDIA, BODHGAYA, SRI-LANKA, THAILAND, BURMA, INDONESIA, LAOS, CAMBODIA, CHINA, S-KOREA, JAPAN, TIBET, BHUTAN, MONGOLIA, HEALING-ART, BUDDHIST-STUDIES, WISDOM-WITHOUT-BORDERS, BUDDHA-SHAKYAMUNI, BUDDHA-PADMASAMBHAVA, MANDARAVA, YESHE-TSOGYAL, STUPA, SACRED-MOUNTAINS-LAKES, Thinley-Norbu-Rinpoche, Tara-Tulku-Rinpoche, Mangala-Konchok-Norbu, Sagar-Rinpoche, Enya, MILLENNIUM-GOALS, UNIVERSAL-EDUCATION, Healing-Art-2012

The Best Holiday Destinations in October

2012-01-04T05:00:00.001-08:00

The weather in October is mild and this makes it one of the ideal months for you to take a vacation, whether it's for a few days or a few weeks. If you want a beach holiday in the Indian Ocean, then some of the best places for you to go on a vacation are Mauritius, Maldives and Seychelles. Mauritius has a very pleasant and mild weather in October and you can stay at fabulous hotels, enjoy water sports and much more in the Mauritian paradise. The hotels and resorts are fabulous and you are going to be served and pampered and you would never want to leave.

Seychelles has got one hundred and forty five beautiful islands that are all yours to explore, in addition to dreamy beaches and great hotels. For a perfect relaxing vacation, you should go to Seychelles and unwind. The islands of Maldives offer even greater luxury. They are perfect for those who can afford high standards of luxury.

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One of the greatest events that take place in October is the Festival of Lights. It takes place in Berlin, Germany and all the famous landmarks are illuminated on the occasion and exciting events and fireworks also take place. To taste the best foods, you should visit Tuscany during the food festival in October when the weather there is warm and sunny and different delicious menus are prepared to celebrate the time of harvest.

The Best Holiday Destinations in October

While making plans for travelling, another great sight is the wildebeast migration in Tanzania that happens at the end of October. More than a million animals head back to the South. You'll be able to get accommodation in a Safari camp.

If you want to take a vacation in early October, then the best places for you to visit and enjoy the sights and festivals of are Morocco, Nepal, Bhutan, Japan, Vanuatu, Korea and also Madagascar where the ceremonies of turning bones takes place during October.

In case you intend to take a vacation at the end of October, there are some places that you ought to visit first because of good weather and secondly due to exciting festivals that take place. The first place is Egypt where there is the Celebration of Ramses at the end of October. In Japan, there is the procession of historical costumes that is truly interesting.

In Korea, there is the cultural festival and Argentina has the trade fair at the end of October. All these things are evidence that October is a very happening month worldwide and it would be great if you take a vacation during October.

Some other great places for you to spend your October holidays are China, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, Tibet, Tunisia, Peru, Nepal, Mali, Jordan, Madagascar, and Zanzibar. All these are places that have the perfect October weather highly suitable for your vacations. For the perfect beach holiday, some of the places you can visit are Dubai, Bahrain, Crete, Bali, Hawaii and Cairns.

The Best Holiday Destinations in Octoberサーフィン,ハワイ,Surfing Hawaii: Kids Early Morning Summer Surf at Ala Moana Bowls Tube. Duration : 7.47 Mins.

dawn patrol surf session at ala moana bowls. longboard, shortboard, groms, stand up paddleboard, tourist, hang ten, japan top kid surfer shun murikami and hawaiian seth moniz enjoying a hot summer morning in hawaii. dawn patrol with egan inoue and other hawaiian locals. july 25, 2008 by go-naminori, kirby fukunaga

Tags: extreme, go, go-naminori, hawaii, japan, local, naminori, pro, shaping, surfer, tourist, travel, waikiki, サーフィン, セスモニーツ, キッズ, gonaminori

Muschu Island - Paradise Or Japanese Hell

2012-01-03T03:15:00.001-08:00

We had discovered the bones after a landslide had exposed a cave, whose entrance had previously been covered by a cave-in. The Headmaster at St. Xavier's High School, Brother Patrick Howley, had immediately sent off the tags and some transcriptions of the Japanese writing we had found, but it was several months before we heard anything back about them.

It took the form of an elaborate letter, embossed with many seals and characters, which in perfect English, firstly thanked us for our return of the artifacts, but more importantly, for our preservation of the remains of the soldiers they identified.

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They went on to ask if they might send a delegation from Japan to retrieve the rest of the artifacts, and to give the bodies a proper funeral. They explained that it was of the highest importance to the families of these men that they receive this final tribute of respect, and went on to ask if they might be permitted to send a Shinto priest to perform the ceremony.

Muschu Island - Paradise Or Japanese Hell

That evening, we sat around in the brother's library, on the second floor of the monastery. Although I was not a monk, I shared the monastery with them occupying a small roof on the main floor, and had joined them for a cool drink, and some after-dinner discussion about the letter we had received.

Brother William Borell, our resident scientific expert, seemed to have no doubts that we should allow them whatever accommodations we might have available, and welcome them to the Island. "It is our Christian duty to offer them our hospitality, and it is our human duty to give their families the peace they deserve after so long. You have no idea of the dishonor and humiliation that they have been subjected to, by the loss of their sons, in an unmarked grave. They would have been forced to live in shame."
The general discussion seemed to agree with Br. William, but Br. Pat, who had lived on Kairiru longest, brought up something that none of the others had thought about.

"We need to ask the locals about how they would feel about it first", he said, sipping his nightly Glenfiddich. "There are still a lot of hard feelings on Kairiru, especially in Kragur, on the North side of the island. The Japanese had caught some of their people and treated them very badly, and they haven't forgotten it. We need to have a Kebung (meeting) with the men on this side, and then get over to Kragur to talk to their men also. I don't need to remind you that there are no Japanese Trade-stores in Wewak yet, and Japanese tourists rarely come here."

This more or less tabled the discussion for the evening, but Br. Pat went on to tell us what he knew of the occupation.

"There were over a thousand troops stationed here on Kairiru, manning the anti-aircraft guns and submarine base at the eastern tip of the island. The placement of the guns allowed them to guard the aerial entrance to Wewak, and the geography of the sea-bottom there made it possible to approach very close to the island before surfacing. A natural bay granted them a hidden harbor for refueling and rearming".

My own father was a veteran of the war in Europe, so by now, I was enthralled in the story, and I questioned him more about the events that went on then. He took another sip of his whiskey, and then lit a cigarette, drawing deeply and thoughtfully, while gripping it with the cigarette close to his palm, as he often did.

"Yes, mate, there was a helluva fight around here, and the Japanese forces in New Guinea surrendered right there at Wom peninsula, not 20 km away on the mainland. In fact, there's a Japanese Freighter sunk in the strait, right off Big Muschu, as well as lots of other remains of the war lying around in the bush."

I had been to the small monument commemorating the men who died on Kairiru, located on the beach near the wharf at St. Xavier's. There, mounted in concrete, and regularly painted grey to keep them from rusting away, were a heavy machine-gun, and a mortar launch. Simple lettering in the wet concrete at the base read, "To those who fell on Kairiru Island." At the time I hadn't thought much about it, but now I felt like I needed to go back and look at it again.

As the school generator puttered to silence, and Pat got up to head for his room for the night, he added, "The worry we have now is the unexploded ordinance the Americans dropped all over the island, especially in the swampy areas on this side. They sank into the mud, and haven't likely all been found yet. The villagers of Bruniak found one a few years ago, and the boys uncovered one in a new garden we were making last year, both very much alive and dangerous. The army had to come out and set them off, bloody exciting!"

With that, he headed off to bed, and so did I, but I lay thinking about what it must have been like for the poor men back then. After a year on Kairiru, I couldn't imagine what it must have been like without Antibiotics. Cuts, scrapes and bites got infected almost as a matter of course, and I had gotten a number of them myself. It seemed that only antibiotics could stop the spread of infection, and I had unfortunately seen some rather horrific cases of ulcers that had gotten completely out of hand, on both students, and villagers. I drifted off to sleep with the images of misery in my mind, and a little thankfulness that I was born in my own time.

Over the next couple of weeks, in Papua New Guinea fashion, Br. Pat organized and hosted Kebungs on both sides of the island, and sought the reaction of all the Big (important) men of Kairiru. Of course, this meant providing all the food, and as much drink as he could afford, which truly wasn't much, being a monk. Everyone at the school chipped in a bit, and somehow it was enough so as not to embarrass anyone, and at the same time, get the job done.

Strangely, it was not the men of Kragur who objected to the Japanese delegation, so much as the men from Dagar on our side of the Island. It turned out that there had been payback made by the men of Kragur, whose relatives had been killed by the Japanese. Before the Americans were able to round up all the survivors on Kairiru, the men of Kragur had hunted them down in the bush, and killed many as they tried to evade the bombing and the Americans. They felt that their debt had been paid.

One "Big man" from Dagar, on the Southwest part of the island, got up and talked for a long time. I spoke Pidgin quite well by then, but it took me a while to understand what he was referring to.

It seemed that just before the Japanese were taken off the island by the Americans, a group of Japanese soldiers had raided the village gardens above Dagar, and while doing so, one village man had been killed, and his wife had been raped by the soldiers. This story became more relevant, when he finally finished by telling us that this woman was still alive, and that she had given birth to a boy afterward, who was definitely half Japanese. When he was pointed out to me, I recognized a man I had seen before while I treated villagers at the Aid post, but I had not spoken to him, as he had not required any medical help.

Now, the real problem became evident. This young man claimed the right of payback for the death of his "father", the husband of his mother, but his real father was the man who had raped his mother!

After this became clear, Br. Pat stood up in the center of the circle gathered around the village. Assuming the Melanesian style of oration, he first repeated what had been said by all the other Big men who had spoken, and agreeably complimented them on their wisdom. Then he turned to the young man in question, and spoke to him directly, which is uncommon in a Kebung. He spoke only in Pidgin, but what he said was simply this.
"If you want, I will write the Japanese Mastas, and ask them what payback will they offer for the death of your father Uliup, and also the offense against your mother, but what will you do if they refuse? You know, if you make trouble for them, you will have to go to court." With this final pronouncement, Br. Pat returned to his seat on the ground, and unconcernedly took out his Trade-store Cambridge cigarettes, and carefully passed out one to each Big Man at the circle.

While he was doing this, the young man nervously got to his feet and stood waiting for his chance to speak. Br. Pat whispered to me that normally such a young man without status in the village would not speak at a Kebung, so he was waiting for permission from the Big men.

Indeed, this was true, as after he had popped a betel nut in to his mouth, an old man near the center of the circle, wheezed out in Pidgin, "Whusat man I gat Tok?" This was basically a challenge to declare himself, what status he had, and what right he had to speak.

"Name blong mi Shaku", he began, giving his name. After that, he began in halting English to speak to the group, but mainly to Brother Pat. He told how he had grown up as a half-caste in the village in his uncle's house. His life had been very hard. His mother had grieved many years for his father, as no payback had been made for him. The Japanese had gone, never to return, and after he had grown up and understood, he only wanted justice for his mother and himself. He told how the priest at St. John's Seminary on Kairiru had taught him to read and speak English a bit, and through him, he had learned of the Japanese occupation. Now it seemed that there was a chance that they were coming back, and he could ask for payback for his father. Before sitting down, he also promised that he would make no trouble for the Japanese Mastas when they came, but asked if he could meet them.

This little speech was accepted amiably by the men, and consensus was soon reached. Br. Patrick would write to the Japanese and invite them to come to Kairiru, and he would also include a description of the claim Shaku was making, and await their response.

Walking back from Dagar village to the school, Br. Pat told me that he thought that the Japanese would definitely want to settle this issue agreeably, and since they had been so thankful for our assistance, he felt they could come to some sort of arrangement.

The letter was composed and sent off, and for a couple of months the whole discovery was forgotten in the day-to-day life of a boarding school with four hundred and fifty students.

Our first notification came in the form of the morning radio broadcast from Wirui Mission in Wewak. Br. Canute cheerily informed us, in his thick Australian accent, that there were, " aaff a bloody regiment of Nips sitting in the Marist Brother's Mission house in Wewak right then, waitin' for a ride out to Kairiru, at the soonest possible time. They're suckin' up all me grog, mate!"

Our boat, the TAU-K, normally made at least one trip a week into Wewak for supplies, and as it was just about to leave that morning, Br. Pat and a few other monks went along to greet our guests and accompany them on the trip back out to Kairiru. It was during the ""Talley-O" season at the equator, and this brought a brisk Northwest wind and rain virtually every day for three months, so the trip out to the island can be quite rough and tiresome, as well as a bit nausea-inducing in the choppy seas. It was a 12 meter Aluminum landing-craft, powered by two Volvo-Penta 105 hp marine diesels, with a drop-front loading ramp. It could make good very good speed, but in rough water the constant spray made the trip far from pleasant.

Meanwhile, Br. Bryan Leak, who was deputy-headmaster at St. Xavier's, supervised a school-wide work day to get the whole place ready for our guests. Br. William, who had been imprisoned by the Japanese in Hong Kong during the war, knew the culture better than anyone, and gave us our best advice.
"Everything must be clean and neat", he said with authority. "Keep it simple, and don't forget to bring lots of flowers for the guest house. I remember they loved the Roses in the Monastery garden in Hong Kong, and plundered them mercilessly to give to their girl friends. We have no Roses, but there are many orchids."

Br. William was a true expert on the flora and fauna of the South Pacific and Asia. He had written a number of scientific articles on the area around Singapore, which have since been published. He later earned a Masters Degree, without examination, from the University of Melbourne in Australia. We all took his advice as usual, and set to work.

The boat didn't arrive back to the island until just before dark that night, which is always around seven. The travelers were cold, wet, and tired, but not very hungry, since most were a little sea-sick. The wind had been so strong, that they had been forced to take the longer route around the eastern side of Muschu, in order to take advantage of the calmer water on the leeward side of the island. This had turned a two hour trip into a 4 hour trip against the wind most of the way, especially coming up the strait.

As the boat tied up to the wharf, the large group of boys from the school had gathered around it. They spontaneously struck up a loud chorus of an Island welcome song that they all knew, or had learned since coming to St. Xavier's. This seemed to greatly please the delegation, which waited respectfully on the boat until the song was finished.

There were seven men in the group, all dressed very neatly in either short-sleeved Tropical suits, or white shirts and shorts, with socks and sandals. The one who appeared to be the youngest, stepped forward and said to the assembly, "We thank you for your welcome song, and we also would thank Br. Patrick Howley for his invitation to Kairiru." With that he bowed formally, and everyone began to help unload the boat, and carry their luggage up the beach to the guest house.

Noticing the small monument off the path, they immediately turned toward it, and having translated the inscription, they knelt in a short prayer. This, the large group of boys that had gathered, witnessed in silence, taking their cue from the monks and others teachers present at their arrival.

Continuing on up to the house we had prepared for them, we were rewarded by much bowing and thanks for their accommodations. They seemed very satisfied that they would all have their own room, and the island-style shower we had rigged up from the tank up higher on the hill, created a bit of a joke, when they realized that it was cold water!

After leaving their luggage, they followed us over to the Brother's dining room, which was actually a small separate building from the Monastery. By now, they hand got their land-legs back, and with it, regained their appetites too.

Rice and Kau Kau (sweet potato) had been cooked in great abundance, and the cook girls had done something I really liked with the Mung beans which we grew on Kairiru. Stir-fried with Kau Kau (sweet potato), it made a wonderful side dish, and with all the many kinds of fruit for dessert, it was notably the best meal I had enjoyed since coming to Kairiru. Br. Desmond had contributed the main dish of roast beef, which he had carefully hoarded in the cooler at St. John's seminary, also on Kairiru.

With the monks leading the prayer this time, we all sat down together, and were just about to begin dinner, when one of the men stood up, and through the interpreter, asked if he might be allowed the honor of giving a toast before we began. He appeared to be the senior member of the group, as his hair was completely white, but undiminished in its fullness.

Of course, this permission was immediately given, and reaching into his pack, withdrew a large bottle of Japanese Scotch, top quality. The round of appreciation that this earned, gave him a few moments to compose his toast, while the glasses were filled. Finally, he turned stiffly and faced the east, and raised his glass.

As he spoke only Japanese, I have no idea what he said, but it was very intense and full of emotion. Finishing his toast, he snapped his glass to his lips and drank the libation in one quick gulp, which we all imitated. This formality complete, we sat down, and the dinner began in earnest.

Of the seven men, only the youngest, who had spoken at the wharf, could speak English, and he was there as their interpreter. Now, he rose again to introduce the delegation to the whole group of monks, and the other staff members, like myself, that had been invited. Four of the men, were family representatives of the men whose tags we had found. One was a Shinto priest, and the other, whom we had assumed was the eldest, was a veteran, who had been a Doctor on Vokeo Island, some 40 kilometers to the Northeast. He was amazingly fit and healthy looking, and I had noticed his agility when disembarking from the boat.

I had a flash of imagery what he might have looked like as a young medical officer thirty years earlier, and was somewhat lost in thought, when my turn at introduction came along.

When I stood to tell them my name, and where I was from, they made exclamations of surprise when they heard that I was from Canada. The Doctor told us he had been to Canada, and travelled to Banff National Park, and also attended the Calgary Stampede a few years before. He seemed to have been much impressed with the beauty of Banff and Canada in general. He went on to tell us quite a story, via the interpreter, about how he and his family had spent three days on a ranch in Alberta. They had gone on a trail ride into the mountains, and he got quite excited in describing a Cinnamon bear they had startled in the bush.

I was most pleased however, by the way he ended the story by saying what a wonderful place Canada was, and how friendly everyone had been to them while they travelled. I somewhat shyly assured him that the people of my province, Saskatchewan, would even outshine Alberta for hospitality, and that what we lacked in mountains, we made up for in breath-taking open spaces, and thousands of crystal clear lakes, teeming with fish.

The monks soon chimed in with their own recommendations for spots to visit in Australia, and the banter soon led to a lively discussion about a multitude of places and topics. The poor interpreter was barely able to eat dinner, he was kept so busy at his occupation!

They were all tired after a long day of travel all the way from Japan, but more so from the trip out to the island, so they asked if they might be excused. They had informed us that they intended to begin the funeral service at dawn the next day, and that it would take up most of the day. Br. Pat assured them they would be afforded as much privacy as possible for their ceremony, as the next day was a school day. He had requested that no one use the soccer field that lay adjacent to the small monument on the beach, where they intended to perform the service, and the villager's market day, normally held nearby, wasn't scheduled for that day.

We all retired for the night, but I noticed that the kerosene lights in the guest house remained on till long after the generator fell silent at ten. I fell asleep to the sound of what seemed like chimes ringing down below, and it steered my dreams into some uncomfortable territory that woke me several times.

The next morning dawned unusually clear and calm for the rainy season, and the morning deluge down the slopes of Mt. Malangis had ceased early. By seven, when the school bell rang for breakfast, the steam was rising off the lawns and the sun was so bright it hurt. As I dressed for breakfast, I heard the sound of a big gong ringing down from the beach. The normal roar of the waves on the beach was much subdued, and I could also hear chanting at intervals.

Walking down the path from my house on the hillside above the school, I could see that our guests had already built a large funeral pyre out of the driftwood that the boys had collected for them, as part of our preparations. As yet, it remained unlit, but I could see wisps of smoke coming from the several braziers they had placed around the site.

The day was a busy one for everyone at the school as usual, and we never noticed their activities until just before school broke for lunch, when the boy's attention was drawn to a large column of smoke rising from the beach. The flames leapt high above the pyre, and were clearly visible from the classrooms. The smoke billowed energetically upward for more than a hundred meters, and then was carried off to the east by the Tally-O wind, which had picked up over the day.

New Guineans do not cremate their dead, and this led to a number of discussions with the boys that afternoon during work in the gardens, as we all did, ten hours a week. They were very curious as to why the Japanese would want to destroy the bones of their Timbunas (ancestors), when they should take them home and keep them, as they do. I tried to explain a bit about Shinto Buddhist ideas to them, but they were mainly just glad that the bones of the soldiers were gone.

They had been carefully stored in Br. William's cupboard in the Science room, and many boys had been afraid to go into that room, even while Br. William was there! Now, at least, their spirits wouldn't come around to bother anyone. I bowed to their convictions, and went on with my hoeing.

By the time work was over at 5:30, we saw that the ceremony at the beach was complete, as the site had been vacated. We all headed off for a much anticipated shower and a rest before supper at seven. As I passed the monastery, Br. Bryan Leak called me over to ask if I might have some nicer clothes for dinner that night. It seemed that the Japanese delegation had asked if they might make a special presentation that evening, and we were to all gather in the library upstairs in the monastery after dinner. I decided to wear my best Canadian clothes, jeans!

We all seemed to rush through the evening meal, in anticipation of what might be in store later. By the time sunset had necessitated the lights be turned on, everyone had assembled in the main room of their library. Br. Pat was resplendent in his Pilipino shirt and colorful Lap Lap, wrapped island style around his waist. He had even trimmed his beard!

We all sat quietly holding our drinks, which poured condensation in the tropical humidity, while the Japanese men came in to take their places. They all bowed formally to us before sitting, while the Doctor and the interpreter remained standing.

He began by thanking us once more for all our hospitality, and also the respect they had been given to complete their funeral services. Then, he asked us to come together to the balcony of the monastery, where we could see large pile of the cargo they had brought with them, stacked beneath a blue tarp below on the lawn.

At his signal, two of the boys gathered around had pulled back the tarp to reveal and amazing display of goods. These were gifts sent by the families of the dead soldiers, and also the Japanese government, we were told. There were cans of many strange and interesting foods, and a multitude of electronic gadgets, from Tape decks to amplifiers and cameras. There were many items that were obviously for the boys, and they set up a great cheer when it was explained to them. When this was distributed with the assistance of the head prefects in the school, we all returned to our seats, as the Doctor seemed to have something else to say. After first refilling our drinks from his supply of Scotch, we once again waited for him to speak.

He began very softly, facing the ocean, and told us his story. I will retell it now, as best that I can.
He had been transferred to the sea-base on Vokeo Island in June of 1944, and he had been one of the thousands of others who had been rounded up by the Allied forces after the surrender of Japan. He had been brought to Muschu Island, along with some 9 or 10 thousand other men, and left there for three months, before they were repatriated to Japan.

As we listened, it seemed to me that he must have considered himself lucky to have been spared, when more than two hundred thousand of his countrymen met their end in New Guinea. I was wrong.

Muschu is a smaller coral island, located between the mainland and Kairiru, and it has none of the naturally occurring springs of Kairiru, nor does the soil support the rich vegetation found on volcanic islands.

By this time, he held his glass with a shaking hand, and his voice became emotional. The interpreter sat looking down at his sandals, quietly translating each phrase as it was spoken, and we were all cast in a spell of silence, broken only by the buzzing of the night insects.

As he turned to finish his story, I could see that tears were streaming down his face, although he remained in control of himself. He told how the Americans had left no guards on the island, only PT-boats patrolling around it night and day. There was no escape, as all the tribes on the mainland were against them, and the local people had been taken off the island.

The men had eaten every living thing on the island, right down to the coral, and also hunted the reefs out as far as they could, but there just wasn't enough food and fresh water for so many men. In the end, they had turned on each other, and he was only one of 900 men who survived. At this point he was so caught up in emotion that he had to stop for a minute. I have never forgotten his last words in the many years since.

He said, "Our men did many bad things in the war, but they weren't the only ones."

After such an outpouring of openness, it seemed that there was nothing to do but sit silently and grieve a little for his poor comrades. Br. Desmond, the spiritual leader of the monastery, suggested we all say a little prayer for the men whose bones we had found, and all the men who had lost their lives in the war, both Japanese, and otherwise.

The gathering politely broke up soon after that, and as I walked back up the hill with another teacher, we talked about the evening. We had both spent many happy hours snorkeling and swimming on the reefs of Muschu, which had no muddy streams to interrupt the coral. As we parted, we had to admit that it would never seem the same again.

The surprises weren't over however, as we were about to learn the next morning. We awoke to the sound of Kundu drums coming up from the village, and soon a procession was spotted coming down the trail. It was Shaku, coming for his payback!

Muschu Island - Paradise Or Japanese HellJapan Open 2010 | Disc Golf Trailer Video Clips. Duration : 2.55 Mins.

The 2010 Japan Open will be held at the beautiful Nasu Highlands Golf Course. The Pure Cottage disc golf tournament on June 5th & 6th will kick off the event. The Nasu course will then be open from the 7th to the 9th for practice. The Japan Open Tournament will start on June 10th and finish on the 12th. Stay up to date by visiting www.JapanOpen.info for Tournament Registration, Schedule Changes, Fund-Raising Discs, Travel Giveaways and MUCH more!

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Traditional Japanese Medicine

2012-01-02T03:30:00.001-08:00

Chinese medicine was introduced to the imperial court of Japan in the 5th century A.D. by Korean physicians. Monks and traveling physicians from Korea and China introduced Chinese ideas more generally during the 5th and 6th centuries. Medical works on acupuncture and moxibustion, with detailed diagrams, were made known in Japan by the Chinese doctor Zhi Cong around A.D. 560, and from the early 7th century Chinese medicine began to be adopted systematically under the influence of two Buddhist monks who had spent many years in China.

A Japanese adaptation of Chinese medicine still exists today. However, there are several distinctive features in Japanese medical practice.

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A strong tradition of blind practitioners has resulted in very well-developed palpation techniques of diagnosis and treatment, such as abdominal palpation; shiatsu, which is a specifically Japanese form of acupressure massage, has also developed.

Traditional Japanese Medicine

Japan also has a strong herbal tradition, which has close links with Chinese herbal medicine but tends to use smaller amounts of more refined ingredients and also has different formulas of its own. There are also a number of specifically Japanese manipulative and bone-setting therapies. Folk remedies, spa baths, and spiritual medicine in the form of prayers and talismans from shrines and temples are also popular.

The Japanese adaptation of Chinese medicine is known as kanpo, and the main foundations of present practice date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Japan was also exposed to Western influence at this time, when Christian missionaries began to arrive. Just as Buddhist monks had once cared for the sick, now Jesuits, followed by Dominicans and Franciscans, did the same. This type of medicine came to be known as "cosmopolitan" medicine.

During the 18th century, when the Dutch and Chinese were the only nations allowed to trade with Japan, Western understanding of anatomy was introduced, and at the same time many Oriental notions were introduced from Japan to Europe. Acupuncture and moxibustion became known for the first time in the West in this way.

"Cosmopolitan" medicine now officially dominates in Japan, but kanpo is also popular. This term is now often used to denote herbalism, but the whole range of Chinese medicine is practiced.

Traditional Japanese MedicineJapan Travel TV Narita Airport Bus or Suica Deal Express Train? Tube. Duration : 4.92 Mins.

Discover Japan, we will show you how to save $$, insider travel tips and how to plan a fantastic trip to Tokyo. Thank you very much for checking out JapanTravelTV. We have tons of videos coming up in the next few weeks! As always, if you have any requests, please let us know. Thank you! Music- Theme song by Brandon Strack "ようこそJapan!" logo used with permission from 日本国観光庁国際交流推進課We give permission to monetize, edit, and distribute this video in any way or form. To request written permissions, please contact Chris at JapanTravelTV@gmail.com

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Japan Airlines - oneworld Promotion / JAL+ワンワールド

2012-01-01T03:25:00.001-08:00

Japan Airlines - oneworld Promotion / JAL+ワンワールド Video Clips. Duration : 2.92 Mins.

A 3 minute video promoting JAL's entry into the oneworld alliance featuring LPGA golfer Ai Miyazato. Filmed in Los Angeles International Airport and the song used is "Brand New Day" by AI (the video response is the music video of the song).

Tags: JAL, Japan, Airlines, aviation, travel, oneworld, LAX, Plane, Freak

The Amazing Virtual Trip Japan - Iriomote Island, Taketomi Island Part 1

2011-12-31T03:35:00.001-08:00

The Amazing Virtual Trip Japan - Iriomote Island, Taketomi Island Part 1 Tube. Duration : 7.22 Mins.

www.facebook.com Here is the playlist for the Amazing Videos: www.youtube.com A Virtual Trip through the Islands of Japan - Iriomote Island, Taketomi Island. Music is by David Emonin Dreamscapes. Hopefully the devastating OIL SPILL is not going to affect any of these Islands, because the OIL SPILL is really heartbreaking and is doing serious damage to the beautiful nature of Planet Earth.

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[HD]SNSD - Beautiful Restriction [Hangul + Romanization + English Lyrics] @ Music Travel (La La La)

2011-12-30T01:40:00.001-08:00

[HD]SNSD - Beautiful Restriction [Hangul + Romanization + English Lyrics] @ Music Travel (La La La) Video Clips. Duration : 3.97 Mins.

[DISCLAIMER] I do not own this video or audio. All credits and rights go to their rightful owners [DISCLAIMER] I personally love this performance of Tae yeon, Sunny, Tiffany, Jessica, and SeoHyun :) and because i loved it that much i decided to do hangul, romanization and english lyrics for this song. And SNSD always do good in any performance they do, and you can't deny that fact :D! ------------------------------------------------- My favorite members in this performance would be Jessica and Sunny because their voices are so powerful in this performance :) I hope you like it ^~^ Sub.Comment.And Add for more SNSD ^~^! SO NYUH SHI DAE HWAITING ^~^!!! -------------------------------------------------

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Japanese Holidays and Peak Travel Seasons in Tokyo

2011-12-29T02:05:00.001-08:00

Japanese holidays and Peak Travel Seasons - Holiday periods to avoid when visiting Tokyo.

Tokyo hotels often raise their rates during Japanese holidays and peak travel seasons. They might also be fully booked, so try to do your booking well in advance. The weekends before and after major Japanese festivals are also likely to be crowded on trains and airports.

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On the other hand, staying in Tokyo can be a pleasure, since many Tokyo people leave the city and it becomes less crowded.

Japanese Holidays and Peak Travel Seasons in Tokyo

Japanese New Year - December 27 to January 4, plus weekends before and after. Note that some museums, shops and restaurants in Tokyo close for several days. "Golden Week" - Japanese vacation season (April 29th to May 5th). During this week there are three national holidays. Many Japanese take the entire Golden Week off from work to celebrate these events. Japanese families usually travel during school vacations, which are from the end of March through to the beginning of April and from July 20 to the end of August. Tokyo tends to be less crowded at these times since many people go back to their home towns. Booking hotels is not so tight during school holidays as during the peak travel seasons, but I recommend you make reservations in advance.

Tokyo festivals are tied to historic events, Shinto or Buddhism religion, and usually include processions, native costumes and booths selling food and souvenirs.

It's a good idea to come to Tokyo during Japanese celebrations.

Why?

A Tokyo vacation will become awesome if you participate in one of the Traditional Japanese Festivals. The Japanese Holidays and Japanese Festivals are a great way to get to know the Authentic Japan. The Real Japan you came to see.

Japanese Holidays and Peak Travel Seasons in TokyoMatsuriza, Japanese Taiko drummers in Epcot Video Clips. Duration : 8.58 Mins.

There is an abundance of live performances going on throughout the day at all of the parks across Walt Disney World. One of the long running shows are the taiko drummers at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot. Matsuriza is a group with several albums/cds of their music and combine a bit of physical humor in their performance with the traditional taiko drumming. etckt.com is your source for the most up to the minute information on the Walt Disney World Resort and all the attractions in Central Florida.

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Garden Travels - Heucheras / Portland Japanese Garden

2011-12-28T02:35:00.001-08:00

Garden Travels - Heucheras / Portland Japanese Garden Tube. Duration : 21.80 Mins.

Journey along as Dave travels to Oregon to enjoy Heucheras, Tiarellas, and Heucherellas, which are some of the most versatile and vibrant hardy perennials for gardens today! With leaf colors all across the color spectrum from peach, pink and yellow to deepest black, they can add year round color to shady gardens, sunny borders, patio pots, even handing baskets. Tiarellas offer deeply cut, two tone leaves, white, pink or rose flowers in masses. Heucherellas, a hybrid between the two genuses, give you a bit of both and then some! Then Dave is off to the Portland Japanese Garden, which has been called the most authentic and beautiful Japanese Garden outside of Japan by many, including the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, Nobuo Matsunaga. Professor Takuma Tono envisioned a series of gardens that revealed themselves slowly as the visitor strolled the paths. Each turn, step, or narrow passage moderates the pace of the journey, allowing you to take in the rich details and carefully placed features and specimens in all five areas. In this episode of Garden Travels, Dave's favorites include: Cordyline and Sophora.

Keywords: travel, documentary, North America, United States, Special Interest, Oregon, Travel Video Producers, Celebrity Hosts, Gardens, Educational Videos, 2010 New Releases, Garden Travels, LLC, Dave Egbert, Video, Store

Cool Science Project For Girls

2011-12-27T02:05:00.001-08:00

This science project is literally cool as it uses cold water or room temperature H20 and some balloons to complete the experiment. In this demonstration you will use a balloon and expose it to the heat of a candle flame.

This project was done by a group of girls and they loved the activity, however, it can be done by a 7th grade student or as an 8th grade science experiment. You can call it a middle school demonstration since both grades should achieve success with this project.

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Before you do this you will need the supervision of a parent or adult and they may actually want to hold the balloon over the flame and light the matches and candles for you. Please use caution when using matches and candles.

Cool Science Project For Girls

The materials needed for the demonstration:

· 2 balloons

· Water

· Matches

· A tapered candle in a holder

Here are the Instructions for the experiment:

Light the candle with the match.

Blow up the first balloon and tie the end. Hold the balloon over the candle flame. You may want to cover your eyes with protective goggles. This balloon will pop and does so very quickly. Relight the candle with another match. Fill up the other balloon with water. It does not matter what temperature the water is. Tie the end of this water filled balloon.

Hold this over the candle flame. What is happening? You will notice the balloon does not pop like the other balloon. The flame is not hurting the balloon skin. Why does the balloon not pop? The water is absorbing the heat and doing so very quickly that it avoids damaging the balloon or melting it in any way. You will notice some black debris on the outside of the balloon. This is just carbon emitted from the candle flame burning. It can easily be wiped off with a damp paper towel.

Here is an explanation of why the water keeps the second balloon from popping. It is protecting the balloon and keeping it cool enough to not allow it to break. Do a little research before you demonstrate this to your audience about the actual heat coming from the flame and why and how the water can absorb the heat even though the balloon is the actual material touching the surface of the candle flame.

This is another cool science project idea for your next fair experiment.

Cool Science Project For Girlsichiran Ramen Shibuya 一蘭 Video Clips. Duration : 2.17 Mins.

一蘭ラーメン屋渋谷this is my fav place in tokyo to get ramen!!! come get some !

Tags: ramen, ichiran, tokyo, tokyojosh, josh, tuj, temple, university, japan, campus, girls, travel, 箱根, 黒たまご, 温泉, テンプル大学, 芦ノ湖, ジョシュ, 東京, 一蘭, ラーメン

Japan Tokyo Travel - March 2011

2011-12-26T02:15:00.001-08:00

Japan Tokyo Travel - March 2011 Video Clips. Duration : 6.43 Mins.

travel video of my trip to tokyo 6-13 march 2011. all clips captured before earthquake. hopefully japan will recover and back to normal real soon... 1st song : 手紙 - 坂本真绫(Sakamoto Maaya) 2nd song: Rain - 宏実(Hiromi)

Keywords: Travel, Japan, Tokyo, 东京, Shinjuku, 新宿, shibuya, crosswalk, 渋谷, Ikebukuro, 池袋, Sunshine, City, サンシャインシティ, 雷门, Kaminarimon, Harajuku, 原宿, Asakusa, 浅草, 浅草寺, あさくさ, JR, rail, train, Ginza, 銀座, Kawagoe, 川越市, sony, nex-5, nex, canon, 7D, steadicam, merlin, tourism, camera, genkis

History and Origins of Pole Dancing

2011-12-25T01:45:00.001-08:00

This has been around a lot longer than many of us would think, but how did pole dancing originate and where did come from? The form of pole dance we know today and its origins can be traced back to exotic performance dance arts.

The first recorded striptease dates back to a myth from ancient Sumerian times involving Inanna, the Goddess of Love, and her descent into the underworld to find her lover Damouz. At each of the seven gates, she removed an article of clothing or a piece of jewellery. As long as Inanna remained in hell, the earth was barren. When she returned, the earth again became abundant and fruitful. Some believe this myth evolved in the 'Dance of the Seven Veils' of Salome from the bible.

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The bible records Salome's dance but the first mention of removing veils rises from Oscar Wilde's play of 'Salome' in 1883. Some have claimed this to be the origin of modern striptease, but other influences may have come from Parisian times and the Moulin Rouge striptease through to Middle Eastern belly dancing and American burlesque.

History and Origins of Pole Dancing

Today many women learn the arts of Belly Dancing and dancing with Veils. Belly Dancing has been carried over from these legendary events. The skill have traveled from ancient Sumeria and into the Asia counties. It is understood to have been picked up by the gypsies who brought Belly Dancing through Europe.

The ancient Middle Eastern belly dance was thought to induce fertility in women and to strengthen their bodies in preparation for childbirth.

Throughout history there have been many forms of dance emerging. Many formed from sensual roots and bringing with them much controversy.

Another sensual form of dance, Rumba, is a dance of enticement and teasing. The tango originated in brothels of ancient Argentina. 'Gouchos' would arrive after working in the fields and the girls would entice them into going upstairs through dancing with their heads turned slightly to avoid the smell.

In the early 1900s the strip tease dance was added to burlesques shows to entice men to return. These featured famous strippers including Gypsy Lee Rose. Traveling tent shows had strip tease acts. The smaller tent dancers started to use the pole in the tent's centre to dance around. These tents became known as the dance pole tents.

Another idea of where pole dance actually started is linked to the Maypole. This Pagan ritual was seen by some as a phallic symbol which may explain why some link it to the pole dancing we know now.

The earliest recorded pole dance was in 1968 with a performance by Belle Jangles at Mugwump strip joint in Oregon.

Today's pole dancing craze is believed to have started in Canada in the 1980's in exotic table dancing and lap dance clubs. Fawnia Mondey, originally from Canada, is one of the worlds first pole dancing champions. During the 1990's Fawnia started teaching pole dancing to every day women. She produced the very first instructional pole dancing DVD.

Pole dancing quickly spread to the US followed by the rest of the world, helped by multi corporations such as Spearmint Rhino. Pole dancing is recognized throughout the world including Europe, Australia and even parts of China.

Lap dancing clubs in the UK grew in 1990's featuring pole dancing on stage. Since 2000 onwards pole dancing has become more acceptable by the general public.

Pole dancing as we know it today involves dancing around a vertical pole. The old ancient strip tease became a forerunner to the modern updated variation. Pole dancing provides a display of acrobatics and strength, combined with a combination of sensual, flowing, feminine dance movements to form the art of pole dancing we now know and recognize.

The modern form of pole dancing has only been documented since the 1980's, yet the origins appear to go back many years prior to this. Only in recent years has pole dancing become more acceptable. The stigma attached to this art may be one of the reasons why the dance appears to have little history documented and appears to have been 'underground' for many years.

History and Origins of Pole DancingHelena's Promise Episode 1 allotment 1 of 6 Eng. Sub. Tube. Duration : 10.05 Mins.

As a single, unmarried woman in her mid-thirties, Lee Yeon Jae is meek and timid, considered a spinster by society. After spending ten years working for the same travel company owned by Kang Chul Man, she is falsely accused of stealing from a client. In addition to enduring the accusations of her superiors, she is diagnosed with gallbladder cancer with approximately six months left to live. Mustering up her courage, Yeon Jae resigns and embraces her remaining six months of life. Embarking on her first vacation alone, she splurges on clothes and flies first-class to Okinawa, Japan, where she runs into her dream man, Kang Ji Wook, the son of her former boss. Ji Wook is a young rich man, cynical and lifeless, until he falls in love with Yeon Jae. Together they live out a series of misadventures, both comical and bittersweet, as Yeon Jae completes each dream in her Bucket List.

Tags: helena's, promise, scent, of, woman, katrinegrace

Cherry Blossoms allotment 13

2011-12-24T02:10:00.001-08:00

Cherry Blossoms allotment 13 Tube. Duration : 6.52 Mins.

Film: Cherry Blossoms Directed by Dorris Dorrie Germany (2008) Family Drama 13 parts/125 mins In German with English subtitles (default) Please be sure to turn on the CC (closed captions) button to view subtitles Subtitles are translatable to any language and can be moved by clicking and dragging the subtitles. WARNING: Film contains adult language, adult situations, and brief sexuality (Rated NR by MPAA) Synopsis (Contains some spoilers): An elderly husband suffering from a terminal illness begins to appreciate his wife on a whole new level after an unexpected turn of events during a trip to see their children and grandchildren in Berlin. Rudi is not long for this world, but only his doctor and his wife, Trudi, know how serious his condition has truly become. As Trudi wrestles with whether or not to break the news to her ailing husband, the doctor recommends to her that the couple perhaps do something that they have been planning for years but could never find the time to fit into their busy schedules. Later, after convincing Rudi to travel with her to Berlin and visit their family for the first time in years, the couple is heartbroken to realize that their children have no time for them. When Trudi suddenly passes away and Rudi realizes that he never knew his wife as well as he wanted to or expressed his affection in a way that truly reverberated, the widower is devastated to discover just what sacrifices Trudi had made to be with him. In the aftermath of that discovery ...

Tags: Kirschblüten, Hanami, Kirschbluten, part, parte, fill, entire, trailer, cherry, blossoms, festival, japan, Tokyo, flowers, family, death, elderly, neglect, life, end, reunion, husband, wife, about, widower, story, monogatari, trip, marriage, traditional, culture, butoh, dance, blossom, dream, Japanese, nature, mount, mt., fuji, cinema, contemporary, alchemistkx

Osaka & Kyoto

2011-12-22T22:25:00.001-08:00

Osaka & Kyoto Tube. Duration : 24.92 Mins.

In which I fly to Japan again, this time to Osaka, where I take trains and make sometimes inaccurate comments.

Keywords: poagao, Taiwan, Japan, Osaka, Kyoto, travel, poagao.org, Canon

South Korea

2011-12-21T22:35:00.001-08:00

South Korea Video Clips. Duration : 8.50 Mins.

Standing for Demilitarized zone, the DMZ is a four mile stretch of no man's land that separates North and South Korea. The military guided tour of the DMZ give an insight into the struggle between the two countries that is still going on today.

Keywords: travel channel, south korea, things to see, dmz, travel, channel, VOD

Timelapse: Shibuya Square & Brian // Jet Set Zero - Short

2011-12-20T20:00:00.001-08:00

Timelapse: Shibuya Square & Brian // Jet Set Zero - Short Video Clips. Duration : 2.70 Mins.

Timelapse footage of Shibuya Square and Brian. Brian stands in the middle of the bustling Shibuya Square in the beauty and madness of Tokyo, Japan. Music by Higamos Hogamos "The Illumanoids" © P&C DC Recordings 2009 www.dcrecordings.comJet Set Zero is an adventure travel reality show that follows young travelers as they arrive in foreign countries with 90 days to find jobs, housing, relationships and earn enough money to do it all over again. Follow us to see what life in 90 days looks like and what happens next, or head over to www.jetsetzero.tv to see additional content, photos, daily blog posts, interact with cast and even get a Jet Set Zero shirt. Website www.jetsetzero.tv Twitter www.twitter.com Facebook: www.facebook.com Jet Set Zero Merch: www.merchline.com

Tags: timelapse, shibuya, square, brian, tokyo, japan, higamos, hogamos, the, illunanoids, neon, japanese, pedestrians, traffic, jet, set, zero, jetsetzero, season, two, asia, washington, reality, documentary, lifein90days, travel, adventure, adventuretravel, budgettravel, backpacking, nextnewnetworks, vlog, journey

Yatterman 2008 - Episode 3 (Part 1) (subbed)

2011-12-19T20:15:00.001-08:00

Yatterman 2008 - Episode 3 (Part 1) (subbed) Video Clips. Duration : 7.87 Mins.

Let's get the Demi Award for Moron The Doronbo Gang and Yatterman travel to Hollywood! Subs by Ittaku-Subs. Yatterman is owned by its respective copyright holder.

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World Travel on the Magic Pro Tour

2011-12-17T15:35:00.001-08:00

World Travel on the Magic Pro Tour Video Clips. Duration : 4.52 Mins.

2006 US National team members Paul Cheon and Luis Scott-Vargas, along with Sam Stein, travel to Japan for Pro Tour-Kobe.

Keywords: MTG, Magic, the, Gathering, Pro, Tour, TCG, wizardsmtg

Loituma - Ieva's Polka Ievan Polkka Lyrics + Translation

2011-12-15T14:45:00.001-08:00

Loituma - Ieva's Polka Ievan Polkka Lyrics + Translation Video Clips. Duration : 2.62 Mins.

finnish: Nuapurista kuulu se polokan tahti jalakani pohjii kutkutti. Ievan äiti se tyttöösä vahti vaan kyllähän Ieva sen jutkutti, sillä ei meitä silloin kiellot haittaa kun myö tanssimme laiasta laitaan. Salivili hipput tupput täppyt äppyt tipput hilijalleen. Ievan suu oli vehnäsellä ko immeiset onnee toevotti. Peä oli märkänä jokaisella ja viulu se vinku ja voevotti. Ei tätä poikoo märkyys haittaa sillon ko laskoo laiasta laitaan. Salivili hipput. Ievan äiti se kammarissa virsiä veisata huijjuutti, kun tämä poika naapurissa ämmän tyttöä nuijjuutti. Eikä tätä poikoo ämmät haittaa sillon ko laskoo laiasta laitaan. Salivili. GIBBERISH PART! Siellä oli lystiä soiton jäläkeen sain minä kerran sytkyyttee. Kottiin ko mäntii ni ämmä se riitelj ja Ieva jo alako nyyhkyytteek. Minä sanon Ievalle mitäpä se haittaa laskemma vielähi laiasta laitaa. Salivili. Muorille sanon jotta tukkee suusi en ruppee sun terveyttäs takkoomaa. Terveenä peäset ku korjoot luusi ja määt siitä murjuus makkoomaa. Ei tätä poikoo hellyys haittaa ko akkoja huhkii laiasta laitaan. Salivili. Sen minä sanon jotta purra pittää ei mua niin voan nielasta. Suat männä ite vaikka lännestä ittään vaan minä en luovu Ievasta, sillä ei tätä poikoo kainous haittaa sillon ko tanssii laiasta laitaan. Salivili. english: The sound of a polka drifted from my neighbor's and set my feet a-tapping oh! Ieva's mother had her eye on her daughter but Ieva she managed to fool her, you know. 'Cause who's going to listen to mother ...

Keywords: loituma, leva's, polka, levan, polkka, lyrics, german, finnish, english, driftking, 95

Places to See in Tokyo Japan

2011-12-14T14:15:00.001-08:00

You've probably heard it a thousand times and yes, Tokyo, Japan is really a must-see country. Becoming the capital of the most formulated nation, this city will surely boast its beauty from assorted tourists nationwide. The towering buildings are undeniably exceptional together with other sights which you must see.

Amongst the major attractions in Tokyo are located at Shinjuku, Asakusa, Roppongi and Odaiba. In Shinjuku, you are able to see most of the soaring high-rise buildings on the city. Tokyo Town Hall and the biggest amusement square are discovered here visited by various races. You'll also be taken back in the earlier period of Edo in Asakusa. Some of the worthy locations you can visit are Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate. In Roppongi, you may see the latest trend from the nation. Apart from that, you can also hold the chance to take a glance on the panoramic view of the illustrious Roppongi Hills. Odaiba, the last one, is just a newly produced island which has a lot of points of interest to give such as the Decks Tokyo Beach as well as the well-known Palette City.

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Other than the cosmopolitan living on the metropolis, you are able to see the symbol of Tokyo's skyline, Tokyo Tower. When you achieve the best of this tower, a extremely outstanding view from the two historical mountains of Japan is waiting to be found out. Up coming to this can be Higashi Gyoen Garden in Imperial Palace. The lawn is really designed in a meticulous manner. Several historical structures and art pieces are displayed right here for showcase. For that youngsters, they have the Tokyo Disney Resort with two large amusement parks and many buying locations to buy numerous souvenirs for remembrance.

Places to See in Tokyo Japan

What's stopping you from visiting Tokyo? This has been a very good place to invest the holiday using the whole household. With every single journey inside of the town, you may never neglect your trip in every destination you check out.

Places to See in Tokyo JapanThe World Atlas - JAPAN, KOREA and TAIWAN Video Clips. Duration : 39.12 Mins.

The Atlas steps into the digital age. This is a new one-of-a-kind World Atlas covering all parts of the globe with animated maps from Rand McNally and in-depth cultural and historical information. Each episode is dedicated to different countries, containing four distinct features - physical geography, political geography, popular locations, and thematic maps. In this episode, you will visit the Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

Tags: Japan, Korea, Taiwan, World Atlas, travel, destination, documentary, adventure, tourism, Video, Store

JAPANESE MINISTRY OF SELF-DEFENSE SHOWS OFF FLYING SPHERE ROBOT

2011-12-13T10:35:00.001-08:00

JAPANESE MINISTRY OF SELF-DEFENSE SHOWS OFF FLYING SPHERE ROBOT Video Clips. Duration : 2.97 Mins.

Check out www.oursecrethouse.com for Knowledge. World. Illuminati. New World Order! Follow us on Twitter! twitter.com Add us on Facebook for updates!: www.facebook.com ----------------------------------------------------------- Researchers working with the Japanese Ministry of Self-Defense have created what they claim is the worlds first completely spherical flying robot. The robot, which has roughly the same dimensions as a soccer ball, is able to travel at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, or hover in the general area of a stable spot such as a hallway. If the robot is tumbled to the ground, or swatted by someone with wants to toy with it, the bot will roll to absorb the impact and prevent as much damage as possible. This same trick works on other surfaces, should the robot bounce into walls, fixtures on the walls or anyone who happens to be in the room. Though, at this stage the robot cannot apologize for this breach of etiquette, which in Japan is an important detail.

Tags: self, japan, defense, takeover, world, war, conspiricy, Our, Secret, House

Departures Episode 6 (Part 2/5)(Season 1) Japan: The Future

2011-12-12T10:45:00.001-08:00

Departures Episode 6 (Part 2/5)(Season 1) Japan: The Future Video Clips. Duration : 7.45 Mins.

Departures Season 1 Episode 6. Japan: The Future Comment, Rate, Subscribe. All Episodes To Come Seasons 1-3 I Love Departures. I Don't Mean To Cause Any Problems, Just Trying To Help People Who Can't Access Departures As Much As I Can!

Keywords: Departures, Season, Episode, Justin, Lukach, Scott, Wilson, Andre, Dupuis, OLN, Travel, departuresentertainment, departurestelevision, Japan, Television

How To Get Cheap Airline Tickets to Tokyo, Japan

2011-12-11T10:45:00.001-08:00

(Sidenote: If by any chance you have plans to travel, then don't buy that ticket until you have read my review on a book that contains an insider's guide to help you get up to 75% discount on airfares. Refer to the bottom of the article for more info.)

When the Orient appeals to you more than anything else combined with top of the line modernity and urban sprawl, Japan is the place to be.

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Japan is rich in culture in history with the sights and sounds of mixed identities where the old culture meets with modern science and innovation.

How To Get Cheap Airline Tickets to Tokyo, Japan

A visit to Japan though would cost you. Finding cheap airline tickets to Tokyo, Japan would solve the problem of too much money going to be spent for a visit to Japan. It may take you a while, but eventually you'll reach your goal and get cheap airfare tickets to Tokyo, Japan.

The first place to look for cheap airfare tickets to Tokyo, Japan is, of course, the internet where huge sources of information are at your fingertips. Here, you can find all the information on cheap airline tickets to the place. All it takes is a lot of patience... and browsing.

The really cheap airline tickets to Tokyo, Japan, though may be found easily on the airline company's own website. You only need to do a little comparative analysis of different companies that could offer you cheap airline tickets to Tokyo, Japan in no time! However, some internet websites offer you an instant analysis so you need not do a lot of work. But you also need to check on the reliability of this statistics.

Definitely though most of these sites have access to different airline companies. So the results are pretty accurate and you can get the cheap airline tickets to Tokyo, Japan you are looking for.

How To Get Cheap Airline Tickets to Tokyo, JapanCulinary Travels - Japan - Savoring Sake Video Clips. Duration : 26.13 Mins.

I didn't know much about sake before this trip, but I can't say that anymore. Although only using three ingredients: water, rice, and yeast, sake is extremely complex. Come along on this show as I introduce you to some of the people responsible for crafting this time honored beverage. You'll meet a rice farmer, a sake brewmaster, and two owners of sake companies. All will share their passion for sake, which will put to the test with a variety of cuisine.

Keywords: travel, documentary, Japan-Savoring Sake, Asia, Japan, Special Interest, Cuisine, Celebrity Hosts, Wine, Educational Videos, 2010 New Releases, Vines Eye Productions, Inc, Culinary Travels, Dave Eckert, Video, Store

Living in Japan - Ep.7: Smart Shopping, the Diaso

2011-12-10T08:15:00.001-08:00

Living in Japan - Ep.7: Smart Shopping, the Diaso Tube. Duration : 6.35 Mins.

Keywords: Living, in, Japan, life, live, lifestyle, travel, smart, shopping, shop, tip, tips, guide, diaso, hyaku, en, 百円100, yen, dollar, store, culture, lifeinshiga, dusty, wittman, Shiga

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Episode 5: ESCAPE LIMIT ZONE

2011-12-09T03:20:00.001-08:00

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Episode 5: ESCAPE LIMIT ZONE Tube. Duration : 24.38 Mins.

Kinue's younger brother Saji and fellow student Louise travel into space for a study tour. The Human Reform League begins a performance test of the Tieren Taozi, an experimental mobile suit designed exclusively for super soldier Soma. Allelujah is sent to observe the test, but he and Soma react strangely to each other's presence. When Soma loses control and opens fire on the nearby low orbital station, Saji and Louise find themselves in deadly danger.

Keywords: bandainamcoholdings, bandainamco, Namco, Bandai, Japan, Toy, Anime, Gundam, powerranger, kamenrider, BEN10, Pokemon, Sunrise, 00, oo, Channel

Why Work in Japan?

2011-12-08T03:45:00.001-08:00

Even if you don't live and work in Japan, it's easy to fall in love with the country. Anyone who encounters its rich, enduring culture and history as well as its modern innovative society can't help but want to learn more.

There are many means to learn about Japanese ways. You can always read books or study a formal course. These days, you also have the easy option to just go online and take your fill. There are tons of websites that offer information about the country and its people. There are also countless communities that let you interact with Japanese friends or fellow enthusiasts.

Go Japan, Trip To Japan,japan Culture

Today's technology has certainly made it easier to immerse oneself in a different culture. Undeniably though, nothing beats actually having to live and work in Japan. This still is the best way to embrace an environment that is completely different from yours. It's easy to do this if you have a lot of money but living there can prove prohibitive to cash-strapped enthusiasts. The only other alternative is to apply for a job.

Why Work in Japan?

Getting a job is advantageous not just because you get to earn to support your potentially costly stay. It will also work well for you because it is one good way to legitimize your stay in the country. With a company to sponsor you, it's fairly a straightforward to get a working visa.

Clearly, finding Japan work is a far better way to get exposed to the place's culture and society than learning through online and offline means. In most cases, working can put you in a better position to get a genuine experience than if you just came as a tourist. As a worker, you live and breathe right in the thick of Japanese life.

There is one more reason why finding a job is best. While earning, you can actually experience the same level of enjoyment that tourists do. This is particularly true if you are involved in summer or winter resort operations. Of course, you are expected to work hard while on duty but you can spend your free time from Japan work enjoying the sun and sand of Okinawa or the fine powder of Nagano. There's just no better deal than this.

Before you decide to take this option, keep in mind that working in a different environment requires some adjustment. This is even if you are a great fan of the place. You may have to adjust for example to the notion of living in shared accommodations and in bathing in a communal shower area. Take note too that some work places are in remote areas and may not be easily accessible to night entertainment or activities. If you are used to the hustle and bustle of night life in your home city, you may have to look for alternative activities while working in a far away Japanese location.

It definitely is a great idea to find work in Japan. You get fun, compensation and education all in one. You might want to try checking your options online now. There are several sites that can facilitate your search for a good job placement.

Why Work in Japan?Lost Japan 19 aeon 2/2 永久に失われた美しい日本 2/2 Tube. Duration : 12.95 Mins.

日本の現在の国土と景観を何とかすべきです。美しい歴史と文化を取り戻そう。

Keywords: japan, japanese, samurai, ninja, ukiyo-e, geisha, art, photograph, 日本, 日本人, 侍, 忍者, 写真, 19世紀, travel, log, snow, bikes, tourism, banbana, 64

Japan Vlog 49 - Final Footage

2011-12-07T03:00:00.001-08:00

Japan Vlog 49 - Final Footage Video Clips. Duration : 4.75 Mins.

These are some remaining clips that I wanted to share with you from my year in Japan. Some of them are of my school, my host family, friends, and places I visited. Enjoy!

Tags: kat, gilbert, ciee, wys, japanese, japan, tokyo, foreign, high, school, exchange, student, host, family, sister, friends, travel, shinkansen, train, suburbs, okonomiyaki, food, karaoke, life, fun, classmates, classroom, english, katrandom

Around the World For Free - Around The World For Free - Episode 19: Day 27

2011-12-06T02:30:00.001-08:00

Around the World For Free - Around The World For Free - Episode 19: Day 27 Video Clips. Duration : 6.50 Mins.

Jeff leaves Japan via the Shinkansen (bullet train) and high-speed ferry, and hits the language barrier hard upon arrival in Busan, South Korea.

Keywords: cbsepisode, cbs, fashions, night, out, fashion

Okinawa Japan - A Place Apart

2011-12-05T03:00:00.001-08:00

Okinawa is a Japanese prefecture which is made up of nearly 60 different islands. In fact, the name Okinawa can be translated as "rope in the open sea", a reference to the distinctive appearance of the islands as a long chain. Okinawa Japan has maintained its own language and cultural traditions separate from the Japanese mainland.

Okinawa, Japan is often chosen for tourism and vacations due to its location and sunny beach climate. As it is far to the south of the main islands of Japan, its climate is more temperate than the other Japanese prefectures. It is mild enough that swimming in the winter months is pleasant. Avoid Okinawa during the typhoon months of September and October, however.

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Visitors may also enjoy visiting the many untrammeled islands of Okinawa. These islands -- which number about fifteen -- are uninhabited and covered with wild vegetation. Adventurers may enjoy exploring these wildernesses, which are otherwise rarities in Japan. Boat trips can be arranged at any seaside town. Camping in these wilderness areas is also a popular activity for tourists.

Okinawa Japan - A Place Apart

Okinawa culture is distinct from the rest of Japan, because the islands were given to Japan in the late 19th century. Karate is a native Okinawan sport tourists enjoy, as well as fold music, architecture which features guardian lions on top. The food is different from the rest of Japan, having Taiwanese influence. It includes bitter melon, pork, a kind of fish called Gurukun, and fried dough, as well as American food, since there is a strong United States military presence.

The stunning Shuri Castle and the rural Taketomi village are two of the most notable Okinawa attractions for tourists. Each one is an excellent example of pre-colonial native Okinawan culture. Tourists should also consider Okinawan activites such as scuba diving and exploring underwater ruins and the great reefs of Okinawa. An underwater tour is an experience not to be missed and should include the viewing of the numerous marine species only found in Okinawa.

Okinawa Japan - A Place ApartJapan Open 2010 | Disc Golf Trailer Tube. Duration : 2.55 Mins.

Keywords: Disc Golf, Japan Open, Innova, Innova Discs, Innova Disc Golf, Hero Disc, Frisbee Golf, Japan, Nasu Highlands, Tochigi, Japan Open disc Golf, Disc, Golf

Area Conversion in Japan

2011-12-03T21:25:00.001-08:00

If you're planning on a trip to Japan in order to teach English or for some other reason, hopefully you've learned something about the metric system - which is the official standard of weights and measures in that country.

Area conversion in Japan is a slightly different matter, however. For most purposes, the Japanese use the metric conversion of units; area however is still measured by a traditional method dating back some 1300 years.

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The ShakkanhM System and the Tsubo

Area Conversion in Japan

The shaku is a unit of length; the kan is one of mass. These words combine to form the term shakkanhM, which was adopted during the Nara Period in Japanese history, when the loose confederations of warring rival principalities were starting to coalesce into a unified nation. This system of measurement and area conversion was used until well into the 20th century.

The Japanese government adopted the metric system in 1924 and made it official for legal purposes in 1966; however, when it comes to real estate, the old shakkanhM system has prevailed.

The basic unit is the jo or go, which is considered to be the size of a tatami mat. When real estate transactions are discussed, a piece of property is often said to be valued by the tsubo, which is the same size as two "standard" tatami mats (the traditional type of woven straw flooring). Similarly, rooms in a building are measured in terms of tatami mats.

"Standard Area Conversion?"

The traditional size of a tatami mat is equivalent to 90 by 180 centimeters, or just a little under one by two yards. When discussing conversion area however, the term "standard" is a bit misleading, as the exact area of tatami mats vary slightly from one part of the country to another. A "standard size" room in Japan is supposed to be equivalent to 6 jo; an area conversion table will tell you that this is about 18 square feet. However, older buildings often have larger 6-jo rooms than newer ones. Different area conversion tables will correspondingly give you slightly different area conversion results.

Because of the variability in the size of tatami mats, there really isn't an area conversion calculator that will be of any help in giving you an exact area conversion figure. There are calculators that provide metric conversion functions priced around , but when it comes to area conversion in Japan, all it can do is give you a rough figure.

Area Conversion in JapanMoments of Illusion (Dawn Voyages, With Koto) Tube. Duration : 3.97 Mins.

Here is a remix of Dawn Voyages, featuring traditional koto music that should prove more soothing than the original 'exciting' mix.

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Customer Service in Japan

2011-12-02T21:15:00.001-08:00

Recently I spent over two weeks in Japan. I spent my time in Yokohama, Tokyo, Shizuoka and Kyoto. This article was originally written while I was still overseas.

Although I had been working with Japanese people in Toronto for 8 years this was actually my first visit to their country. There are many things I could write about, but today I will focus on the politeness that is ubiquitous here.

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Some of us may consider ourselves very polite, and/or very courteous in our jobs. I myself used to work in customer service so I understand how to be polite, even when handling disputes.

Customer Service in Japan

What I would like to discuss today is how mandatory politeness seems to be here in Japan. Even if I do not enter a shop, the clerks are still greeting the people walking by. If you do enter the shop or restaurant etc. then of course they will welcome you again. And usually it is not just one person but several. When you are paying for your food or product they are very polite in how they handle your money or credit card. Very respectful indeed and very gentle. It goes without saying that all of this is happening with a smile and with a soft tone of voice. Finally, when you leave they thank you for your business.

One of the strangest things I saw here so far was when we went through a toll booth, and both the driver and worker exchanged 'good mornings' and 'thank yous', in addition to an electronic image of a worker bowing to the driver!

I cannot say for sure how much of this society's politeness is forced, conditioned, or genuine, but it is definitely expected, and to not act politely is a terrible social offense here.

I really like the calmness of the people and the politeness of the service industry. It certainly is better than a lot of customer service in the world, and there are a few staff workers in the past that I have dealt with that could use this kind of training. The politeness is standard here too, so you can expect it and count on it. In other countries, we seem to be thrilled to get excellent customer service or to get a happy, efficient staff worker. Here, it happens 99% of the time. I found myself smiling all the time after purchasing something.

The big question remaining is, I suppose, how do the Japanese feel about it, and how do they feel about the perceived lack of social and professional courtesy when they travel or emigrate? If you know a Japanese person in your circle, why don't you ask them?

All the best from the land of the rising sun,

Customer Service in JapanTravel Japan Tube. Duration : 1.92 Mins.

My friends and i visited Japan on a skiing and snowboarding holiday, here is an edited scene from the DVD i created of the trip. This scene is about all the modes of transport we used while staying in Japan

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monkey thief!

2011-12-01T20:00:00.001-08:00

monkey thief! Video Clips. Duration : 0.70 Mins.

TheLittleTravelers.com - Travel the world with two young girls and experience different cultures through their eyes. Find out how friendship becomes their common language. Check out all the dvds- Japan, Bali, British Isles, Iran & Germany. Check out The Little Travelers today!

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Making The Most Of A Trip To Japan

2011-11-29T16:05:00.001-08:00

Are you thinking of visiting or studying abroad in Japan? Japan, known as the "Land of the Rising Sun," is a beautiful and fascinating place to live, learn, and work on your language skills. Before embarking on your travels, it may be helpful to learn a few facts about the country and its people so that you are better-informed during your visit.

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. It is actually an archipelago that contains 6,852 islands. The four largest islands, which are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, take up the majority of the land mass. The islands of Japan are located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is an active volcanic zone. Japan has 108 active volcanoes. The climate is generally temperate, though northern parts of the country experience long, cold winters. The Pacific coast tends to experience milder weather, while the Ryukyu Islands have a subtropical climate.

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Japan is one of the most densely-populated nations in the world. The capital city, Tokyo and its surrounding suburbs, is the world's largest metropolitan area, with over 30 million inhabitants. Japan contains 47 prefectures, or states, which are distinctly governed.

Making The Most Of A Trip To Japan

Japan is a constitutional monarchy. This means that Japan is ruled by an Emperor who has limited power. The Prime Minister of Japan and the elected parliamentary group, which is called the Diet, have the majority of political power. The Diet has a House of Representatives, which contains 480 seats and a House of Councillors with 242 seats.

Japan has the world's longest life expectancy rate, and over 23 percent of the population is over 65. All elderly people in Japan have health care provided by the government. As growing numbers of younger people are choosing not to have families in today's Japan, the population is expected to decrease considerably, causing a decline in the workforce.

School in Japan consists of mandatory elementary and middle school education from age six to 15. Most children go on to three years of high school, and over 75 percent of high school graduates attend an institution of higher education such as a university, junior college, or trade school. The University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are the two highest ranking Japanese universities. Education is greatly valued in Japan, and it is a leading nation in scientific research, particularly technology and biomedical research.

Japan has a culture rich in the arts, cuisine, and sports. Japanese restaurants have been ranked as some of the best in the world. Sumo is the traditional sport of Japan, but martial arts such as kendo, judo, and karate are widely appreciated, as is baseball. Popular music in Japan draws heavily from pop music in Europe and the United States, with pop karaoke being a favorite recreational activity for many Japanese people. As for religion, the majority of Japanese people follow Buddhism or Shinto.

Making The Most Of A Trip To JapanHartmann: A Fukushima survivor reveals all Video Clips. Duration : 10.93 Mins.

Aileen Mioko SMITH, Kaori Izumi & Kevin Kamps from Beyond Nuclear join Thom Hartmann. We here at the Big Picture and on my radio show have been doing our best to keep you updated on the latest developments coming out of Japan - as that nation tries to deal with one of the worst nuclear catastrophes in the history of the world. To help us do that - tonight - I'm joined by a few special guests in the studio who've flown here all the way from Japan to share their story - and to warn the world about the dangers of nuclear power. Later this week - they will travel to the United Nations where they will call on the UN to recognize human rights violations against children caused by the Fukushima crisis - and ask the UN to stop its global promotion of nuclear energy.

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Tokyo Drift - Feel and Experience Japan

2011-11-28T16:20:00.001-08:00

In spite of modernization, Tokyo blends the spice of the urban vibes with the sweetness of traditional ambiance of their culture. In the following Tokyo attractions, both modern and ancient collide in the nation's capital, letting the tourists experience Japan at its best.

Shibuya and Harajuku

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For the ultimate shopping experience in Tokyo, these are the places for you! Shibuya and Harajuku are only a train station away in the Yamanote line, so it's convenient. Not only is this district filled with the hottest apparel, but the people here, especially teens dress to impress.

Tokyo Drift - Feel and Experience Japan

Asakusa District

The Asakusa District is a great spot to experience the traditional Japanese ambiance. The district has many Buddhist temples and frequently hosts matsuri, a Shinto Festival.

Many years ago, the Asakusa District was a great entertainment center in Tokyo and was once known as a Theatre District featuring famous cinemas. However, Shinjuku surpassed Asakusa in modernity and entertainment.

Attractions are shrines such as the Sensoji and the Sumida River. Also, some geishas are still actively working around the area. It is noted for the establishments' affordable prices for travelers.

Ueno Park

Located in Taito-ku, the park is exceptionally beautiful on the months of March and early April as cherry blossoms adorn the place. The entrance is free and tourists can enjoy the garden without breaking the bank. Other spots in the park include the statue of Taigo Takamori, the Tokyo National Museum, Pagoda Kan'eiji Temple and Bantendo Hall Temple at the center of Ueno Park.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

This is the home of Japan's Head of the State and is available for pubic tour. It is surrounded by a moat and high walls. Foreigners can apply online for a scheduled tour inside. The gardens around the palace, including the famous East Garden, are available to the public for free. Like Ueno Park, it is also beautiful during the cherry blossom season.

Tokyo Drift - Feel and Experience JapanPokemon Black White FRIENDCODE EXCHANGE CHAT (BW FC ONLY) Video Clips. Duration : 1.60 Mins.

Pokemon Black and White Version ポケットモンスター FC ブラックポケットモンスターホワイ Pocket Monsters Black White pokemon black white friend code exchange chat ************************** Looking for Black White Battlers for mods in the chat! xat.com Please visit our community channel www.youtube.com Also, stop by the forum! z7.invisionfree.com ************************** This is a video for black white friend codes DONT KNOW WHERE YOUR PAL PAD AND FRIEND CODE IS? NO PROBLEM! www.youtube.com Click this video link to find it POST YOUR FC = Friend codes! and if you would like to battle people via live chat room, please visit the chat below xat.com Pokémon Black Version (Japanese: ポケットモンスターブラック Pocket Monsters Black) and Pokémon White Version (Japanese: ポケットモンスターホワイト Pocket Monsters White) are the primary paired versions of the upcoming Generation V. They will be, like Generation IV's games, on the Nintendo DS. Black and White, at this stage, appear to follow the trends set up by previous games in the series. Two player characters (one male and one female) travel a new region, Isshu, on their Pokémon journeys. This region is inhabited by various Pokémon, some of which have not appeared prior to Black and White. The first of the new Pokémon to feature in these games, Zorua and Zoroark, were revealed on February 10, 2010 in CoroCoro magazine, and the starter Pokémon were revealed in May. The games' names were revealed on the official Japanese ...

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Budget Travel Tips: What You Need to Know About Japan When Traveling on a Budget

2011-11-27T16:00:00.001-08:00

Japan is a country that's full of visual splendor and has a lot to offer to people who wish to travel here for a nice change of pace from their usual environment. This country, also known as the "Land of the Rising sun", is filled with such vibrancy and is home to a lot of locals who are cheerful, hospitable and enthusiastic. Japan is so large, especially in population, and has several landmarks and tourist spots that will surely keep you fascinated and drawn to its beauty. If you're looking for budget travel while planning a trip to Japan, below are just a few things you should keep in mind.

Affordable Accommodation

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For a start, you need to remember that it is not all that difficult to find affordable accommodation in the country. In fact, you will come across a lot of hotels which offer inexpensive rates, thus giving you the liberty to decide where you want to stay. What makes this even more ideal is that all the budget hotels are usually located in the central part of the towns, making it accessible for you to shop around or just take a nice stroll. If you choose to go for a luxury hotel, Japan offers tourist discounts, thus making things even better for you. These hotels also offer all the latest facilities available to make your stay a comfortable one.

Budget Travel Tips: What You Need to Know About Japan When Traveling on a Budget

It doesn't matter whichever city you decide to visit, as Japan has a lot to offer as far as reasonably priced accommodations are concerned. Generally speaking, accommodations in Japan fall into different classifications:

Hostels and Dorms (usually priced at 1500-3000 Yen/pax) Ryokan, Pnensions and Minshuku (pegged at about 3000-10000 Yen/pax) Business Hotels (usually 5000-7000 Yen for a single room and about 8000-10000 Yen for a double room) Capsule Hotels (these cost about 2500-5000 Yen/pax)

A Variety of Tourist Attractions

On the subject of tourist attractions, you can simply take bus tours or guided walks that give you the opportunity to appreciate the country's cultural and modern achievements. You may take a walk along the highly wonderful sea coasts, or even bask in the majestic splendor of the country's famed Mount Fuji, which sees no shortage of eye catching cherry blossom trees that will surely imprint an image that will last a thousand lifetimes in your mind. Several shrines, palaces and temples are also in abundance, allowing you to admire their architectural beauty and elegance free of any cost (e.g. Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple, Heijo Palace, Yamashita Park, etc.).

Delectable Dishes

Of course, another thing that Japan is known for is the food. There are numerous culinary delights you can try out, and they're also rather affordable on the wallet. Restaurants are plastered all over the country serving highly delectable Japanese food that you can surely relish over and over again, all of which are being offered to hungry patrons and tourists at minimal rates.

In Japan, budget meals can be found at convenience stores, supermarkets, fast food joints, etc. You can live on with 1000 Yen for one lunch. Or, you can enjoy bento boxes which will only cost you about 500 Yen per meal.

Online Booking is Key

If you want to take part in budget travel and have Japan on your bucket list of countries to visit, you'll find it much easier to book flight tickets and accommodations online, especially with several travel agencies offering discounts, packages and promotions that can guarantee you saving a ton of money.

Budget Travel Tips: What You Need to Know About Japan When Traveling on a BudgetTraditional Japanese Sushi Video Clips. Duration : 5.90 Mins.

Hey this is a sushi train kinda shop in Tochigi , i here with my host family, they were invented and made by Japanese people so there traditional Japanese sudhi ahahhahah

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Japanese knifemaker at Osaka flea market

2011-11-25T12:35:00.001-08:00

Japanese knifemaker at Osaka flea market Video Clips. Duration : 1.18 Mins.

osaka flea market knifemaker

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Japanese Can't Say No

2011-11-24T11:15:00.001-08:00

Japanese people don't say "no" as directly as people of some other cultures do. Cultural differences can create confusion about exactly what someone is trying to communicate when they say "no".

For some reason, Japanese people avoid the word no. This has caused people from other countries to think that Japanese people are too nice for their own good.

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While it's important to avoid cultural stereotyping, it's also important to recognize these differences when having conversations or doing business.

Japanese Can't Say No

In fact, there is a book called "Japanese Can't Say No", and the Japanese author who wrote it became very popular for a time for presenting this idea.

Of course, this reluctance to say no doesn't apply to 100 percent of the Japanese population, but many Japanese people have trouble saying no. That means that even they don't want to do something or can't do what you're asking, they often say yes and at least try to do it.

In some cases, they instead offer a bunch of excuses -- basically saying no in different ways.

Why don't Japanese people say no as readily as people of some other cultures?

Saying no to someone is considered rude or impolite in Japanese culture. People also have such pride that they're afraid of saying no to someone because it might hurt their reputation. Often, Japanese people just like to keep the peace -- and saying no could cause conflict.

In the business world, this creates a lot of confusion.

For example, if a customer asks a Japanese vendor to deliver something by certain time or day and the vendor thinks it isn't possible, the vendor wouldn't say no and reject the customer's order. Otherwise, the customer could get offended and never want to order again. Instead, the Japanese businessperson says yes and tries very hard to do as he or she promised.

When the businessperson is then late or unable to fill the order, he or she apologizes and bows until the back can no longer bend. (Perhaps that's a bit of an exaggeration.)

Even worse, if the vendor really doesn't want to take responsibility and needs to reject the customer's request or order, the vendor might give the customer a long list of excuses without ever actually saying the word no.

That, of course, could cause huge confusion.

In the social world in Japan, if an older person asks a younger person to do something, the younger one doesn't say no. That's considered disrespectful to the elder person.

I used to use this power over my younger sister. My father, who is the eldest of four boys, also took advantage of this. My eldest daughter has been trying to do that with my youngest daughter, but things are different in my family now, and it's not working at all.

Like my youngest daughter, I've learned to say no too. I've lived in United States long enough that I've been forced to learn to say no, but it doesn't come easily.

Japanese Can't Say NoSacral Nirvana - Oliver Shanti japan Video Clips. Duration : 5.53 Mins.

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Hanami Season - Enjoying the Beauty of Cherry Blossoms in Japan

2011-11-22T11:35:00.001-08:00

Throughout Japan, hanami is celebrated from the moment the first sakura (cherry blossoms) begin to bloom, up until the very last petal falls.

There are many ways to celebrate hanami season, but the two most common activities are the blossom viewing promenades and picnics under the trees.

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The promenades are usually in the major sakura blossoming sites, like parks, castle gardens, and temple grounds, while the picnics are anywhere the sakura are.

Hanami Season - Enjoying the Beauty of Cherry Blossoms in Japan

On any given day, you'll see couples or families strolling along paths lined with sakura trees, and groups of tourists peppered throughout the crowds, photographing and admiring the sights in awe.

Weekdays are the best days to go out and enjoy the scenery, because when the weekend hits, the chaotic fun begins.

Weekends at all blossoming sites are completely packed with people. Hanami picnics in Japan are famous and enjoyed by all. It's tradition to gather under the sakura trees to admire the surroundings and enjoy the company of friends and loved ones, while eating traditional foods and drinking modern beers or traditional sake.

In the heart of this picnic season, it isn't unusual to see thousands upon thousands of people tightly grouped in every park or anywhere the sakura trees are found.

In some cases, you'll see more people than blossoms, and late arrivals get to play an interesting searching game to find their friends.

The basic items found at almost every picnic party will be decorative plastic ground sheets, beer or sake, bento (traditional Japanese packed lunch), and a variety of traditional hanami foods like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), dango (dumplings), sushi, and takoyaki (octopus dumplings).

Overall, the hanami parties are great fun for everyone and the entire season brings people closer together between long work days and the rushed life in big cities.

Hanami Season - Enjoying the Beauty of Cherry Blossoms in JapanEpisode 37: The Day of Dakar Video Clips. Duration : 24.92 Mins.

Char and Kamille travel with their Karaba allies to the Earth Federation capital at Dakar. Here they take control of the Federation assembly so that Char can deliver a speech denouncing the evils of the Titans. Jerid and his comrades attempt to destroy Dakar's communications center in order to stop the broadcast, but their actions serve to turn both the politicians and the public against the Titans.

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Sharpen the Shovel: Spending Time to Save Time

2011-11-21T09:00:00.001-08:00

It is snowing heavily again today. It has been snowing for five days now. Over the past five days we have seen more snow, less snow, shoveled snow, piled-up snow. How much more snow can we take?!? Well, we can keep taking it as long as Mother Nature keeps dishing it out. And it looks like she will be serving it up to us on platters the size of those Jack found in the giant's castle when he scaled the beanstalk and did a "break and enter", for a few more days to come (http://weather.yahoo.co.jp/weather/jp/18/5710/18323.html).

Let's not talk about snow. Let's talk about taking time to "sharpen the shovel" instead. Stephen Covey, the author of all the "Habit" books (I use only this word because he now has out "The 8th Habit". "The Seven Habits of ... books" is insufficient) always talks about "sharpening the saw". My interpretation or understanding of this is basically taking the time to hone your abilities to a "razor edge finish" so that you are more productive in the goals you want to accomplish. This means not panicking nor rushing to get the job done.

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Like sawing through a tree with a blade that becomes dull, you just waste time and energy if you rush through your tasks and try to get them done as quickly as possible. Instead, if you take the time to put the teeth back on the blade, you can cut through the tree in less time, and with less energy while letting the saw do its job.

Sharpen the Shovel: Spending Time to Save Time

Like shoveling through a huge pile of snow, if you try to push the heavy stuff in big piles, try to rush through it, you only succeed in snapping the shovel like I did ([http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/camswitzer/detail?.dir=6034&.dnm=80cf.jpg&.src=ph]). We had to buy a new shovel.

Spend time to save time.

On a production line in business, here in Japan, managers of excellent companies take into consideration the "total running cost" of the system. This may mean that by spending a little more money or time here and there, in the long run they can decrease overall time (= money) and expenses. I have noted that this is not often done in the USA or Europe because "cost right now" is the only thing the managers see. In China, labour seems to be so cheap that nobody cares about "total running cost" because the human element is almost free (this will change as quality-of-product and quality-of-life increases in China).

Not to be waxing philosophically, here is a good real-life example for you to consider:

There is a very special tiny screw that I sell to manufacturers; it is designed in such a way that one simple screw cuts off an amazing amount of processes and time in the product's production line. Even though the screw costs about 4X the amount of a standard screw (.08 as opposed to .02) the labor costs are dramatically reduced. The managers that spend time to consider this and not just look at the "bottom line" are the true winners. They are the ones that save the company true costs by knowing when to spend a little more to save a lot more. Take the time to think about how better to do the activities you need to accomplish. It also means spending the time to learn about what you want to do, educate yourself, do due diligence, clear your mind of other things so that you can focus, develop other good habits to assist you in your ventures and so forth.

(Here I take a break in writing to help my wife get out to work by cleaning the path, shoveling out her can and pushing the snow off so she can drive away)

Let me get back to my "sharpen the shovel" theme if I may.

This morning I was out shoveling snow (again) into the street for the front end loader to push away. I do this every morning. I do it every few hours to be more precise. I even shovel the snow down to the concrete in the street in front of my house to reduce the load. By taking the time to do this, the amount of snow that piles up is dramatically reduced so that when the loader pushes the street snow away the boulders left behind blocking the parking area are much smaller than those heaped up in front of all the neighbor's homes. When they get home from work they have one giant backbreaking chore to take care of.

The man running the front end loader this morning seemed in a hurry. He sped through the narrow street pushing snow. When he was done I looked down and noted that the road had not been cleanly cleared, but that there was a lot of rutted snow, hard packed left over. Also, the amount of snow boulders piled up at each driveway was quite substantial. He did his job, moved the snow and moved on to the next street. The other three days a different driver took more time, went more slowly and cleared the snow much more professionally. After he had been through three times the concrete was visible, the ruts were gone, the street was wider than that which one-pass only would offer and the hard-packed snow chunks in front of people's entries were dramatically less.

He took the time to do the job slowly, efficiently and effectively. He "sharpened the shovel". In so doing, he dramatically reduced the work for everyone in the street when they came home in the evening from a long drive through the snowstorm.

The snow on the roof is near 2m now (over six feet). It is very heavy due to the warm temperatures we have (just above 0C/32F). I have a lot of work to do today but I know that if I don't take the time to "sharpen the shovel", get up on the roof and push the snow off today the house could be damaged from the weight.

In life and business, like in winter, things (like snow) pile up. If you don't take the time to "sharpen the shovel" you could get snowed under, or worse, your entire surroundings could come crashing down upon you.

Taking the time to set your priorities, to do the right things, to do things right, is essential in life. And what is business if not one aspect of life itself?

When you have finished reading this article, take a break. Go outside and breathe in the fresh air. Look around. Enjoy life. It will clear your head and you can come back and focus even better on your work at hand.

Sharpen the Shovel

Cam Switzer

Kamishii-mura, Japan 2005/12/16

P.S. No matter whether it is business, or household, or family, or friendship never forget to say "thank you" to people that are doing a job which somehow affects you. Even if it is "atarimae" or expected of them, a simple heartfelt "you did a great job. thank you" goes a very long way. In a company everyone has duties. They perform them. If you want them to excel beyond what they would do naturally take the time to tell them that you appreciate their work. It may seem strange to them at first because that is the reason they were hired, and the company is paying them to do the job. But by doing that extra little thing like showing appreciation for a job well-done, you are helping them to "sharpen their shovel". This will go a very long way. It also applies to family, especially family. Tell your husband, wife, kids that they did a fantastic job shoveling off the driveway, or cooking dinner, or putting their toys away, or doing the laundry, or even walking the dog. Everyone deserves praise. Everyone deserves a "sharp shovel".

I thanked the drivers of the front-end loader this morning by reaching up and giving them two cans of hot coffee. I didn't tell you this earlier, but they came back later for a second run at my street and helped me clean the boulders out of the entry to the parking pad. It works.

Sharpen the Shovel: Spending Time to Save TimeGion bend Kyoto Japan Video Clips. Duration : 4.67 Mins.

On my birthday we went to see the show at Gion corner, I really enjoyed it. For pictures of this day please visit my travel blog: leylajapantravel.blogspot.com

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Travel: Tokyo Quest: Ramen 101 - nytimes.com/video

2011-11-20T09:20:00.001-08:00

Travel: Tokyo Quest: Ramen 101 - nytimes.com/video Video Clips. Duration : 4.03 Mins.

The Frugal Traveler, Matt Gross, gives a quick course on the Ramen Mania culture in Tokyo. There is an art to ordering well and eating well. Related Article: bit.ly

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Life in Japan

2011-11-19T09:30:00.001-08:00

Life in Japan Video Clips. Duration : 5.87 Mins.

A comedic music video documentary on Tokyo, Japan shown in JASA Festival by the George Washington University's Japanese American Student Association. Music: m-flo "Miss You"

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Ramen (Japanese noodles)

2011-11-18T08:40:00.001-08:00

Ramen (Japanese noodles) Video Clips. Duration : 6.53 Mins.

Ramen is a Japanese noodle dish that originated in China. It is served in a meat or fish based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and uses toppings such as sliced pork , dried seaweed (nori), kamaboko, green onions and even corn. Almost every locality in Japan has its own variation of ramen, from the tonkotsu ramen of Kyūshū to the miso ramen of Hokkaidō.

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