Do-it-yourself funeral kits go on sale in Japan

If funeral hall prices are killing you, this Nagano-based company wants to help make your final purchase an affordable one.

Do-it-yourself projects aren’t just fun, they’re financially rewarding too. When you consider all the things you can do yourself, it seems like you’re practically throwing your money away by paying someone else to build your furniture, repair your car, or hold your funeral, doesn’t it?

What’s that? You said you’ve never heard of anyone having a DIY funeral? To be honest, neither have we, but there’s now a company in Japan that’s offering to set customers up with a kit to let them handle the ceremony themselves.

Tsubasa, a funerary services company based in Nagano Prefecture, has begun taking orders for its new DIY Funeral Set. The set includes a wooden coffin, with a fold-open window to show the face of the deceased, as well as a pillow, mattress, and blanket. The package also provides an urn for ashes and a silver-accented box to hold the bones left over after cremation, as well as three furoshiki wrapping cloths. Finally, there’s a handbook that explains how to perform the ceremony’s rites to put the soul of the departed at ease.

Priced at 25,800 yen (US$240), the DIY Funeral Set is a major savings over the services of a professional funeral hall. Not that we’re planning on dying anytime soon, but a bit of online research shows that the average price of a funeral in Japan is somewhere around 2 million yen, so Tsubasa’s kit is a huge savings.

We should point out that the kit is only meant to give buyers what they need for the funeral ceremony itself. The handbook doesn’t teach you how to use cosmetics to prepare the deceased’s face, so you may still need to contact a mortician for that, and you’ll also need the services of a licensed crematorium after the ceremony.

Oh, and since SoraNes24 is deeply devoted to linguistics, we must also mention that the DIY Funeral Set is really a do-it-for-someone-else funeral kit, since no matter how industrious you are by the time it’s your turn to be the one in the casket, you’re really not going to be in any position to carry out the ceremony yourself.

But provided you’ve got a friend or family member who you think would be willing to do you one last favor, Tsubasa’s DIY Funeral Set can be ordered online.

Source: https://soranews24.com/

Happy Chinese New Year 2018!

The 2018 Chinese New Year begins TODAY (Friday, February 16).

The celebrations are tipped to last for over two weeks - and if you fancy making a trip before the festivities end, read this guide for a first-timer's trip to China.

Chinese New Year takes place on a different date each year because it is based on the lunar calendar.

New Year's Day normally falls between January 21 and February 20.

The global celebrations are an explosion of light and sound, involving bell ringing, lighting firecrackers and watching traditional lion dances.

Chinese families gather together for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, and clean their houses to sweep away bad fortune on New Year's Day.

Traditionally, kids would be given red envelopes stuffed with 'lucky money' and positive wishes on New Year's Day.

Some teens now have red envelope apps, so their relatives can transfer cash digitally.

2018 is the Year of the Dog.

The Chinese zodiac moves in a 12-year cycle, and those born in 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018 are also known as Dogs.

According to the Asian astrology, your year of birth - and the animal this represents - determines a lot about your personality traits.

Although each of the twelve animals gets an outing every dozen years, there are different varieties - and 2018 will be the first Year of the Earth Dog since 1958.

Anyone born in an Earth Dog year will be communicative, serious, and responsible in the workplace.

The Chinese animal zodiac or shengxiao, which means 'born resembling', are arranged in a repeating cycle of 12 years.

The animal changes at the beginning of the Chinese New Year, and traditionally these animals were used to date the years.

However, Chinese New Year is a movable celebration, dictated by the lunar cycle, which can fall anytime between January 21 and February 20.

This year, for example, it will be celebrated on Friday, 16th February.

The choice of animals is significant - the ox, horse, goat, rooster, pig, and dog are six of the main domestic animals raised by Chinese people.

While the rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake and monkey are all loved by the Chinese.

The animals were separated into two categories - yin and yang - depending on whether they have an odd or even number of claws, toes or hooves.

They were then arranged into an alternating yin and yang sequence.

Legend has it that, back in the ancient days, the Jade Emperor ordered that animals would become part of the calendar and that the 12 who arrived first would be selected.

At the time, the cat and the rat were good friends. When they heard the news, the cat said to the rat: "We should arrive early to sign up, but I usually get up late."

The rat promised to wake his pal up so they could go together but, because he was so excited, forgot and went alone.

On the way, the rat bumped into the tiger, ox, horse and other animals - who were all much faster than him.

He hatched a plan and convinced the ox to carry him on his back - on the condition that the rat sang throughout the journey.

The ox arrived first, but the rat sneaked in front of him and became the first lucky animal.

By the time the cat arrived, the selection was over - which is why the cat hates the rat and will always try to chase and kill him.

Source: www.thesun.co.uk

Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay (California)

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, situated snugly between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is pretty—pretty breathtaking, that is. The Shingle-style hotel's weathered, wind-battered appearance evokes a nineteenth-century seaside lodge, and red- and gold-accented interiors showcase equally classic taste, with oil paintings, watercolors, and sepia-toned etchings lining each suite.

The northern Californian fare at Navio, set atop a stunning ocean bluff, is seafood at its best—subtle, savory, and fresh—offering standouts like the Skuna Bay salmon, paired with pumpernickel, sorrel, and smoked onion, and the olive oil poached Halibut, hailing from nearby Oceanside, which would please any lucky locavore.

The Conservatory, although a little less lavish, serves equally fresh farm-to-table fare, as befits coastal Californian cuisine.

As for leisurely activities, the Half Moon Bay has them in spades: Swing on over to either of two on-site championship golf courses, or take a jog on the hotel’s coastal paths and have the Pacific lapping at your feet. But if you’re looking to rest on your laurels—no judgment here—proceed to the 16,000-square-foot spa, with its Roman mineral baths and lavender facial treatments.

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay was the RCA Winner 2015and ranks #5 in Top Resorts in Northern California.

Source: http://www.cntraveler.com

Friday the 17th – Origins of the Unlucky

You might have heard of the unlucky nature of the number 13, especially when it falls on a Friday in some parts of the world, but in Italy the number 13 is actually a good one!  Except in one very particular situation:  13 people sitting at a table…take a look at DaVinci’s Last Supper and you may understand why…

In Italy the number 17 is avoided and feared, even to familiarly irrational lengths like skipping the number on airplane rows or street addresses.  Friday the 17th is a national day of sfortuna, or bad luck…and you’ll be hard-pressed to find an Italian who can coherently explain their motivation for avoiding travel and important events or decisions this particular day.

But why the number 17? There are a handful of potential reasons:

• The Pythagorean Greeks considered the number 17 a disgraceful number between two otherwise “perfect” numbers, 16 and 18.
• The Christian biblical flood (Genesis 7-11) started on the 17th day.
• In 9 AD the 17th Roman Legion, among others, was brutally defeated by the Germans in Teutoburg.  Some 20,000 Roman soldiers died in this unexpected attack.
• Confusion in the Middle Ages led to the Roman Numeral for 17, XVII, being associated with the Latin phrase “VIXI” (=”I lived”) seen on ancient tombs.

So why is Friday the 17th especially bad?

Likely because of Friday’s already tainted reputation due to Good Friday, which in the Catholic faith is the day that Jesus was crucified.

So on this Friday the 17th, if you find yourself superstitious, I suggest you grab a bottle of Italian wine and relax safely somewhere inside. After all, wine helps calm the nerves!

Source: https://venividivinoitaly.com

Rabbit hole leads to '700-year-old Knights Templar' caves

Footage has emerged of an intriguing network of caves found through a rabbit hole that many believe were built by the Knights Templar order 700 years ago.

The sanctuary in Shropshire is located under an unassuming set of what appear to be large rabbit holes in a farmer’s field near the town of Shifnal.

The caves, some of which have to be accessed on hands and knees, are one metre underground and are carved out of sandstone. They feature several alcoves and a font.

It remains unclear exactly what the caves were used for or when they were built, but Historic England describes them as a "grotto" and states it appears they have recently been used for "black magic rites".

The organisation estimated the caves were "probably late C18 or early C19, but undatable" and included "neo-Norman decoration to bays between columns, one neo-Norman doorway with beak-heads and roll moulding; decorative quatrefoils and designs abound".

The Shropshire Star reports the caves "have also been visited by pagans and druids wanting to hold ceremonies, and are popular at solstice and Halloween".

They were reportedly sealed by the owners of the land in 2012 to deter vandals and practitioners of "black magic".

Photographer Michael Scott said: "I traipsed over a field to find it, but if you didn't know it was there you would just walk right past it. Considering how long it's been there it's in amazing condition, it's like an underground temple."

"I had to crouch down and once I was in it was completely silent. There were a few spiders in there but that was it. It was raining so the slope down was quite sludgy but inside the cave was bone dry."

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk

Wat Sampran Dragon Temple in Nakorn Pathom Thailand

Wat Sampran Dragon Temple or Wat sampran Phutho-Phao-Wana is located at Sampran district in Nakorn Pathom province Thailand. Features of this temple is Red Building by the Dragon is surrounded the building. High outstanding, which can be seen from afar. This Building is a Buddhist monk where to stay, sphere 80 meters high as the age of the Buddha, There are 16 storey (for can to see it) as heaven 16 heavens.

This building allows visitors had only 2 floor (1 floor is basement for make The documentation of the temple). The 3-17 storey are the monks where to stay are not allowed to visit, unless the special chances of the temple only. About the red color. The Chinese believe that red Color of bringing fortune.  Thai people believe The color of sacrifice and unity. European believe Symbolized by the color of love Like a rose given to lover.

Dragons is meaning represent the strong, ascendancy high very halo are resolute, courage. Antique Chinese person used as a symbol of the Emperor. Dragon is entwined a the building the Buddhist monk from 1 story to 16 storey is meaning to The circulation of the low perspective to high perspective bores by take 108 with preaching by 108 monks to the nirvana in the heaven. Green dragon scales, gold bars is a peacefulness as a shade of the trees.

Fins and tail of the dragon is the compulsion,  poised to go the right direction and is a weapon for protect dangerous. Legs, fingers and nails dragon is moving towards the direction of greatness and captured, the braced, firmly without falling.

Inside temple area have Religious activities to the people to for practice Dharma. sample : a prayer, A prayer against the dragon, and the 12 zodiac. A prayer to the Lord Waitin, A coin toss in the pit Dragon. Throughout the shady walkway in the temple are a pilgrim’s footprint street model, Leads us to the important places inside the temple. Sample: walk to pass under the Elephant stomach, Couples Naga Bridge, Giant Turtle’s Buddha Hall, which is a tunnel and have Footprint model inside, when walking out, The walkway will lead us up to a hall to walk up to the fourth floor of Vegetarian hall.

Source: https://lifeseasiamagazine.com

Descendents gather for super-sized family photo

Extended family photos are not unusual in traditional Chinese families, but one this size is no ordinary feat. 

About 500 descendents of the same ancestor squeezed into a super-size family photo at a village in Shengzhou, a county-level city in East China's Zhejiang province, during the Spring Festival holiday. From the 25th to 31st generation, they were among 1,000 people surnamed Ren who reunited on Jan 31, 2017 in their hometown to celebrate their shared history and genealogy. [Photo/VCG]

Source:http://en.people.cn/

Super Bowl 2017, New England Patriots 34 Atlanta Falcons 28: MVP Tom Brady leads comeback from 25 points down to stunning overtime win - and his fifth Ring

Tom Brady led one of the greatest comebacks in sports history, lifting New England from a 25-point hole to the Patriots' fifth NFL championship in the first Super Bowl overtime.

The Patriots scored 19 points in the final quarter, including a pair of 2-point conversions, then marched relentlessly to James White's 2-yard touchdown run in overtime to beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 on Sunday night.

Tom Brady inspired one of sport's most remarkable comebacks

Brady, the first quarterback with five Super Bowl rings, guided the Patriots (17-2) through a tiring Atlanta defence for fourth-quarter touchdowns on a 6-yard pass to Danny Amendola and a 1-yard run by White, which came with 57 seconds remaining in regulation. White ran for the first 2-pointer and Amendola did the deed with a reception on the second.

Brady, winning Super Bowl MVP for a record fourth-time, finished 43 for 62, the most attempts in Super Bowl history, for 466 yards, also a record, and two touchdowns.

"You know, we all brought each other back," Brady said. "We never felt out of it. It was a tough battle. They have a great team. I give them a lot of credit. We just made a few more plays than them."

Before the stunning rally - New England already held the biggest comeback in the final period when it turned around a 10-point deficit to beat Seattle two years ago - the Falcons (13-6) appeared poised to take their first NFL championship in 51 seasons. Having never been in such a pressurised environment, their previously staunch pass rush disappeared, and Brady tore them apart.

"Deflategate" far behind them, Brady and coach Bill Belichick won their 25th postseason game, by far a record. It's hard to imagine a tenser victory. Belichick became the first coach with five Super Bowl crowns.

The Patriots won the coin toss for overtime and it was no contest. Brady completed six passes. A pass interference call took the ball to the 2, and White scooted to his right and barely over the goal line.

His teammates streamed off the sideline to engulf White as confetti streamed down from the NRG Stadium rafters.

It was almost an impossible dream for the Patriots a bit earlier. But helped by Matt Ryan's fumble on a sack, a spectacular catch by Julian Edelman , and Brady's passing, they never stopped coming.

White had 14 receptions for 110 yards as the key weapon, but Brady hit seven different receivers.

Until the Patriots took charge with their late surge, league MVP Ryan was outplaying Brady. It didn't last.

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn admitted the loss was hard to take. "No doubt that was a tough one for us," said Quinn. "That's a hard one in the locker room."

Quinn felt the Falcons were worn out by the end by the pressure the Patriots applied. "I think for sure we ran out of gas some," Quinn said.

Back in Boston,  hundreds of fans gathered late on Sunday night and early Monday morning in a downtown public park to celebrate. They were dancing, cheering and chanting "Brady."

The mayor of Boston ordered the city to "fire up the duck boats" for the New England Patriots victory parade.

Democratic Mayor Marty Walsh took to Twitter late Sunday night to offer his congratulations "to the greatest team, the greatest coach and the greatest quarterback of all time."

Mr Walsh said a parade celebrating their championship would be held on Tuesday, adding the Pats "have made Boston and New England proud."

Donald Trump was also quick to offer his congratulations. The president, who has often boasted of his friendship with Brady, tweeted: "What an amazing comeback and win by the Patriots. Tom Brady, Bob Kraft and Coach B are total winners. Wow!"

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/