Akikazu Nakamurabegan his professional journey as a quantum chemist, having graduated from the Department of Applied Chemistry at Yokohama National University. However, it wasn’t long until he turned to the shakuhachi for his future career.
Akikazu studied under numerous shakuhachi masters, including Katsuya Yokohama. He then went on to study composition and jazz theory at Berklee College of Music, USA, graduating summa cum laude. He finished his tertiary studies at the New England Conservatory of Music as a scholarship student in the Master of Music Composition and the Third Stream program.
His compositions are diverse and include orchestral music, choral music, chamber music, big band music, and traditional Japanese music.
He has established a performance method that makes full use of overtones, multiphonics, the traditional Japanese breathing technique of ‘Missoku’, and his own originally developed method of circular breathing, which involves exhaling and inhaling at the same time.
ミソク
While staying true to the traditions of the Komusō monks and collecting, analyzing, and performing their repertoire, he also performs rock, jazz and classical music using a (previously unknown to the English-speaking world) Japanese Zen breathing technique of Missoku. Realizing that others will benefit from this technique and use it to pave a path towards a peaceful and mindful life, he has shared this zen secret of Japanese culture in this comprehensive book.
Missoku
The interest in all things Japan, as well as the increasing effort to center both physical and mental health as a core value of any flourishing society, leads to the nexus explored in this book, Missoku, a unique breathing method that has been handed down through Japanese Zen tradition.
Missoku is a form of breathing in which the pelvis is tilted and the abdomen is in an expanded state. It’s proven to be effective in sports, martial arts, dance, theatre, and playing musical instruments. The benefits to overall health and stamina are bountiful. One incentive includes an increase in respiration capacity, which in turn stimulates the brain, balances autonomic nerves, and improves immune defenses.
Those who are in the Armed Forces and the general population of Anime fanatics seem to overlap too often to be coincidence. What one armed forces deployment in Okinawa, Japan does to you…
Remember who you’re fighting for. For us, It’s always been Ankou team. Yukari is best girl.
To take a few educated guesses: there’s some of you who are still in denial about liking anime, some of you who are seething with rage that anime even exists in the first place, and probably a few older fellows who are about to be extremely confused. (we’re sorry)
BUT For those of you who already know what’s up: here’s the skinny- basically this post is just a heads up on a sale of all things anime at the kommandostore. Yep that store. Impressive surplus and new military style clothing and ephemera. That shit looks good and holds up. It is tough.
So what about the anime sale?
No codes, human instrumentality, getting isekai’d by truck-kun, or magical-girl transformations needed to take full advantage this weekend. Whether you’ve deliberately sought it out or stumbled upon it on accident, there’s no running from the appeal of anime merch. It’s fun, colorful, sassy, sexy, suggestive and playful. The perfect sort of addition to a pack or helmet cover or laptop or whatever. You get the idea. Maybe you didn’t even know that the kommandostore, known for high quality new and surplus military clothing and items even did that kind of stuff and are just finding out now? If that’s the case, know that all the merch is done in collaboration with Atamonica and is our magnum opus.
The founder of Anduril loves it so much that it’s officially licensed, but that’s a story for another day…
Anduril- transforming US & Allied military capabilities with advanced technologies.
So regardless of if you’re ready to disappoint and confuse your loved ones, or if you’re in the ironic denial phase of being an Anime-watcher ONE OF US! ONE OF US! ONE OF US! We hope you enjoy all the deals with us this weekend.
Just throw it all in your cart and we’ll do the hard work while you finish catching up on the seasonal shows/Vtuber VODs/manga… 2D > 3D (´･ω･`) We love the anthropomorphized missiles so much it’s unreal. Go follow Atamonica. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.
September, 2024 – Tokyo, Japan – Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially announced the release of the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro), set to hit the market on November 7, 2024. The PS5 Pro builds upon the success of the PlayStation 5 with significant upgrades in graphics performance, ray tracing, and AI-driven upscaling technology, positioning itself as the most powerful gaming console available today. Preorders for the PS5 Pro will begin on September 26, 2024.
Key Features of PS5 Pro:
– GPU Upgrade: 67% more compute units and 28% faster memory than the PS5.
– Advanced Ray Tracing: Provides 2x-3x faster reflection and refraction of light.
– AI-Driven Upscaling: PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution enhances image clarity with machine learning.
– Game Boost for Backward Compatibility: Applies to over 8,500 PS4 and PS5 titles.
Predicted Market Impact:
Based on previous console launch trends, the PlayStation 5 Pro is expected to capture a significant share of the console gaming market. Analysts predict that 15-20 million units of PS5 Pro could be sold globally within the first year of release. Early adopters and PlayStation loyalists are likely to make up the majority of these sales.
1. Demographics:
– Early Adopters (Ages 18-35): The core demographic, consisting of competitive gamers and tech enthusiasts, are expected to drive early sales.
– Casual Gamers (Ages 25-45): As the console matures, more casual gamers are anticipated to upgrade for the enhanced gaming experience, adding to overall sales.
2. Global Reach:
– North America and Europe will account for 65% of sales, with the U.S. alone expected to see 7 million units sold by the end of 2025.
– Asia, particularly Japan and China, will be major markets for growth due to strong console gaming cultures. Japan is expected to account for 3 million units sold.
– Impact on Rival Consoles:
The PS5 Pro is expected to attract current Xbox owners seeking better performance, with projections showing 5-8% of Xbox users considering switching to the PS5 Pro. The PS5 Pro’s launch, combined with exclusive titles like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, could lure high-performance gamers away from Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch.
Table: Console Market Share Projections for 2024-2025
Console
Projected Units Sold (2024-2025)
Market Share
PlayStation 5 Pro
15-20 million
45%
Xbox Series X
12-15 million
30%
Nintendo Switch OLED
10-12 million
25%
Sources: Market analysts at Statista and NPD Group
Predicted Impact on Daily Life and Gaming Habits:
With its enhanced performance, the PS5 Pro is expected to increase daily gaming time for players. According to previous studies, the average PlayStation user spends 2.6 hours per day gaming. With the PS5 Pro’s superior graphics and smoother gameplay, experts predict this number could rise to 3.2 hours per day, especially for competitive and multiplayer games, such as Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone.
Expert Commentary
Vadim Khrulev, CEO of The Solitaire online gaming, shares his perspective on the PS5 Pro’s expected impact:
“The PlayStation 5 Pro is not just an incremental upgrade; it’s a leap forward in gaming technology. Its advanced hardware will attract early adopters and high-performance gamers, positioning Sony to further dominate the console market. I anticipate that the PS5 Pro will likely capture 40-50% of the console market within a year, stealing market share from Xbox and even cutting into Nintendo’s casual gaming audience. The enhanced performance will undoubtedly increase daily playtime and keep players more engaged, which also opens the door for developers to push the limits of game design.”
Availability and Pricing:
– Launch Date: November 7, 2024
– Price: MSRP of $699.99 USD/ $952.41CAD [exchange rate at time of article posting], £699.99 GBP, €799.99 EUR, and ¥119,980 JPY
– Storage: 2TB SSD
– Preorders Begin: September 26, 2024
The PS5 Pro will be available at participating retailers and through PlayStation’s direct online store, direct.playstation.com.
About PlayStation:
Sony Interactive Entertainment is a global leader in digital entertainment and the PlayStation brand is synonymous with innovation in gaming hardware, software, and services.
An increasing number of Canadians can’t afford a house or find a decent-paying job. Some can’t find a date or are fed up with the bitter politics, while others are in search of adventure, are sick of the cold winters, or simply miss the feeling of ‘being home’.
The solution they seek? Leave Canada.
The rising cost of living, record-high immigration, a stagnating economy, and political tensions are prompting rising numbers of Canadians—both native and naturalized—to leave the country.
Canada is increasingly becoming a country of emigrants, as well as a country of immigrants, experts say.
“We’re definitely seeing a lot more interest from people wanting to leave Canada,” Michael Rosmer, founder of Offshore Citizen, a Dubai-based company that offers relocation services to people around the globe. “This is disproportionate to their numbers overall.”
He said many of his clients are motivated by the increasing ability to work from anywhere, plus political tensions within Canada accompanied by a feeling of lost freedoms. Also a factor is the rising standard of living of many countries that were once far below Canada in terms of health care, education, and other services.
While Canada was once considered among the best places in the world to live, “it’s like the world has flipped,” Mr. Rosmer said. “The alternatives have gotten meaningfully better. Today if you go to Kuala Lumpur you’re going to find that it is arguably better than any Canadian city.”
Some 94,576 people emigrated from Canada from mid-2022 to mid-2023, an increase of 1.8 percent from 92,876 in the year-earlier period, and up sharply from 66,627 in the period from mid-2020 to mid-2021, which fell during the pandemic lockdowns, according to data from Statistics Canada.
A study released last year by the immigration advocacy group Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) showed immigrants are also increasingly reluctant to stay, with the proportion who stick around to obtain full citizenship within 10 years of receiving permanent resident status plunging to 45.7 percent in 2021 from 60 percent in 2016 and 75.1 percent in 2001.
Cameron MacDonald, a 29-year-old from the Niagara Falls region of Ontario who left Canada in March for Japan, cited the high cost of living as the main reason for his move, which uprooted him from friends, family, and a job as an anti-fraud analyst with a major Canadian bank. He is now studying Japanese and looking for a job with a foreign firm, while living in Tokyo, which has a population density of 6,363 people per square kilometre compared to Toronto’s 4,427.8 per square kilometre.
“Here in Tokyo, the world’s biggest city, I pay $650 a month for a room that I would have had to pay $2,000 for in Toronto.” I had a routine and a cushy bank job and I was even living with my dad after a while but I still couldn’t get ahead financially.”
He said the high cost of housing in Toronto means that all of his friends of a similar age in Canada are still living with their parents and, as many of them consider starting families, they are watching his move with the thought of moving abroad themselves.
“My five-year goal includes a wife, a house, and kids and there’s no way I could afford that in Canada,” Mr. MacDonald said. “You can’t really date and find a wife when you’re living with your dad.”
“In Japan, I wake up with a smile on my face every day,” he said. “It’s like I have found a new passion—I can start a family here.
High Immigration
Like many people, Mr. MacDonald blames Canada’s rapid pace of immigration for driving up the cost of living and forcing him to move abroad.
As of Oct. 1, 2023, Canada’s population was estimated at 40,528,396, a record increase of 430,635 people in the previous three months alone, according to Statistics Canada. That growth rate, at 1.1 percent in a quarter, was the highest since 1957, amid Canada’s baby boom plus an immigration surge fueled by a refugee crisis in Hungary at the time.
In just the first nine months of last year, Canada’s population grew by 1,030,378 people, more than any other year dating back to confederation in 1867, the statistics show. And 96 percent of that growth came from immigration. Overall, the population grew 30 percent since it reached the 30 million figure in 1997.
Canada’s Plan to Welcome 500000 Immigrants by 2025. ascenda.com
Indeed, rapid population growth has outstripped economic growth in recent years, lowering the standard of living in Canada as more people compete for less housing space and place greater strains on health care, education, and other services, according to a study published in May by the Fraser Institute. The study shows Canada’s real gross domestic product per person dropped 3 percent between April 2019 and the end of last year, from $59,905 to $58,111. The only steeper drops in the 40 years covered by the study were from 1989 to 1994, with a decline of 5.3 percent, and the financial crisis of 2008 to 2009, when it dropped 5.2 percent.
Another factor propelling emigration may be the aging of the baby boomer generation. As more Canadians reach retirement age, emigration to the United States, particularly to sunny states such as Florida, is accelerating.
A study by Statistics Canada also shows that high immigration tends to push up emigration because some immigrants move back to their home country. The study showed that 15 percent of the people who immigrated to Canada between 1982 and 2017 returned within 20 years of admission.
Whatever the root cause, the interest in leaving Canada has caught the attention of the global industry of specialists offering services to wealthier emigrants around the world.
Videos created by people seeking to offer second-passport services and other relocation help are growing in popularity. “Nine Steps to Escape Canada,” a YouTube video watched 362,000 times, “5 Reasons to Leave Canada in 2024,“ watched by 261,000 and ”Canada is Dying!,” with 531,000 viewers are some of the most popular.
Jay Suresh, the founder of Goodlife Investor, which offers emigration services to people around the world looking to obtain second passports, foreign tax advantages, and other benefits, says the number of Canadians looking for dual citizenship jumped after the Canadian government banned unvaccinated people from flying or travelling by train in late 2021 until the summer of 2022.
“This was an eye-opener for a lot of people. They got frustrated with just that one citizenship and they wanted multiple citizenships,” he said in a video promoting his company. Now, he says, Canadians are nearly tied with U.S. citizens in searches for second passports, even though the United States has 10 times Canada’s population. For the Silo, Adam Brown.
Featured image: People line up to go through security screening at Pearson International Airport in Toronto on Aug. 5, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette)
In this, our new high tech world, a lot of people may think I’ve gone decidedly crazy.
I’ve always wanted the man cave ‘aka’ cinema room to have a nostalgic feel to it. I started collecting videos at the tender aged of 11. All my friends growing up called me videoboy lol because I was the go-to-guy to get films from on vhs videotape but one format that always intrigued me was laserdisc.
A Little History
LaserDisc (often abbreviated as LD) is a home video format and the first commercial optical disc storage medium, initially licensed, sold and marketed as MCA DiscoVision in North America in 1978. No one can say for sure if the disco craze at that time was responsible for its early name or if it was simply a play on the word ‘disc’. Whatever the reason, the early DiscoVisions have distinct cover designs which make them quite collectible and they have a certain unique retro-funk all of their own.
Although the format was capable of offering higher-quality video and audio than its consumer rivals- VHS and Betamax videotape, LaserDisc never managed to gain widespread use in North America, largely due to high costs for the players and video titles themselves and the inability to record TV programs. It was not a popular format in Europe and Australia when first released but was popular in the 1990s. By contrast, the format was strongly embraced in Japan and in the more affluent regions of Southeast Asia, such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, and was the prevalent rental video medium in Hong Kong during the 1990s. Its superior video and audio quality made it a popular choice among videophiles and film enthusiasts during its lifespan. The technologies and concepts behind LaserDisc were the foundation for later optical disc formats including Compact Disc (CD), DVD and Blu-ray (BD).
A Little Boasting
LaserDisc had a number of advantages over VHS (and Beta) videotape. It featured a sharper picture with a horizontal resolution of 425 TVL lines for NTSC and 440 TVL lines for PAL discs, while VHS featured only 240 TVL lines in NTSC (VHS HQ offered 260). It could handle analog and digital audio where VHS was mostly analog only (VHS did have PCM audio in professional applications but was uncommon), and the NTSC discs could store multiple audio tracks. This allowed for extras such as director’s commentary tracks and other features to be added onto a film, creating “Special Edition” releases that would not have been possible with VHS. Disc access was random and chapter based, like the DVD format, meaning that one could jump to any point on a given disc very quickly. By comparison, VHS would require tedious rewinding and fast-forwarding to get to specific points.
Please be kind! Rewind!
LaserDiscs were initially cheaper than videocassettes to manufacture, because they lacked the moving parts and plastic outer shell that are necessary for VHS tapes to work, and the duplication process was much simpler. A VHS cassette has at least 14 parts including the actual tape while LaserDisc has one part with five or six layers. A disc can be stamped out in a matter of seconds whereas duplicating videotape required a complex bulk tape duplication mechanism and was a time-consuming process. However, by the end of the 1980s, average disc-pressing prices were over $5 USD per two-sided disc, due to the large amount of plastic material and the costly glass-mastering process needed to make the metal stamper mechanisms. Due to the larger volume of demand, videocassettes quickly became much cheaper to duplicate, costing as little as $1 USD by the beginning of the 1990s.
LaserDiscs potentially had a much longer lifespan than videocassettes. Because the discs were read optically instead of magnetically, no physical contact needs to be made between the player and the disc, except for the player’s clamp that holds the disc at its center as it is spun and read. As a result, playback would not wear the information-bearing part of the discs, and properly manufactured LDs would theoretically last beyond one’s lifetime. By contrast, a VHS tape held all of its picture and sound information on the tape in a magnetic coating which is in contact with the spinning heads on the head drum, causing progressive wear with each use (though later in VHS’s lifespan, engineering improvements allowed tapes to be made and played back without contact). Also, the tape was thin and delicate, and it was easy for a player mechanism, especially on a low quality or malfunctioning model, to mishandle the tape and damage it by creasing it, frilling (stretching) its edges, or even breaking it.
My NTSC/PAL hybrid player.
LaserDisc players also had several advantages of VHS and other format playback machines. Some models, such as my Pioneer CLD-1850 are able to playback both NTSC movies and PAL movies. Since I live in the UK- this means that I can buy Laserdiscs from America or Japan (or anywhere in the world that uses NTSC video) and they will play in my machine. Try doing that with VHS or DVD. Another important innovation for Laserdisc was the fact that it was the very first home video format to offer Dolby Digital Surround Sound- often referred to as AC-3 on Laserdisc jackets and hardware. Many fans of Laserdisc are still enjoying this feature because some movies such as the Alien AC-3 LD were released with their original cinema surround mix on the AC-3 Laserdisc and those mixes are unavailable on today’s modern formats such as Blu-ray or UHD Blu-ray. Many early LD players can even be modified to turn them into AC-3 LD players.
The Death And Re-birth Of Laserdisc
By the time of the advent of the DVD, LaserDisc had declined considerably in popularity, so the two formats never directly competed with each other. In fact, combination LD/DVD players were introduced into the marketplace and continue to be quite popular with collectors as these players tend to be flagship models with advanced features such as digital 3D comb filters and digital frame memory and effects. It’s too bad that I couldn’t afford the format at the time , and I really don’t know why I’ve decided to pull the trigger now as Jez would put it lol.
Prices on the used market are still quite high on these combi players but other machines are affordable and the LD’s themselves can usually be found at affordable prices with exceptions for the ultra rare and more obscure releases. I can’t say exactly
Some of my LD collection.
what has me so excited again about Laserdisc and why I’m back in the hunt but I really like the way the discs are packaged in big vinyl like slips, they look so cool. The artwork has totally sucked me in. I’ve started my journey, but I don’t know where it will end. And of course that journey has to begin with Schwarzenegger LD’S. “Get to da choppa! Hurry!”
The Butchart Gardens, Canada, is the seventh most beautiful spring flower spot in the world, according to a new study.
#7 worldwide- Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia.
With springtime on the horizon, there are beautiful gardens all around the world filled with flowers getting ready to bloom. But which of these spots deserve a place on your travel bucket list?
Looking at flower locations across the globe, our friends and experts at Japan Rail Pass analyzed a variety of factors – including Google reviews and ratings, Instagram hashtags, and the vibrancy of the flowers in spring – to give an overall score and determine which flower spots you absolutely should not miss this spring.
The most beautiful spring flower spots around the world
According to the research, the most beautiful flower spot in the world is the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens of Lisse, Netherlands, which has exhibited spring flowers to the public since 1950.
The tulips in spring achieve an almost perfect vibrancy score of 9.96/10, proving just how bright and colourful these stunning gardens are.
Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo, Japan – 9.3/10
Credit – Sutterstock_Benny Marty
Next in the rankings, is the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo, Japan. From the wide variety of cherry blossoms in the national garden, it is the Somei (Yoshino cherry) that bloom in spring.
The beautiful Japanese garden has over 856,000 Instagram hashtags, more than any other spot in the top 10, with people all over the world travelling to view the cherry blossoms.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, UK – 9.2/10
Credit – Sutterstock_Charles Bowman
The third most beautiful spring flower spot according to the study is in London, England: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
With almost as many Instagram hashtags as Shinjuku Gyoen (764,996) and 44,465 reviews, it is clear that the flowers found here,cherry blossom, bluebells, and magnolias to name a few, are beloved by many.
Nabana no Sato, Mie, Japan – 9.0/10
Credit – Sutterstock_martinho Smart
In fourth place is the Nabana no Sato flower park, located in the Nagashima resort in Mie, Japan.
The spot is known for its illuminations throughout the park in winter through to spring, as well as the blooming cherry blossoms and tulips which scored a 9.34/10 for vibrancy in the study.
Dubai Miracle Garden, UAE – 8.9/10
Credit – Sutterstock_Sergii Figurnyi
The fifth most beautiful spring flower spot in the study was found to be the Dubai Miracle Garden in the United Arab Emirates, which occupies over 72,000 square metres, making it the largest natural flower garden in the world.
With over 75,000 reviews since its opening in 2013, and a vibrancy score of 8.78/10, it is clear that this impressive garden deserves its place in the top five rankings.
Methodology:
1. Japan Rail Pass wanted to find out which are the best flower spots around the world to see in Spring.
2. To do this they collected data on 25 popular flower locations around the world including the following variables:
Google ratings and reviews.
Instagram hashtags (using all relevant hashtags including where applicable local language versions)
Data calculated by Learnbonds.com shows that the United Kingdom has the highest tuition fees among the top ten world’s most influential countries at $13,900 per year.
Tuition fees compared
Among the top countries, Japan ranks second with an average of $12,400 to represent a percentage difference of 10.7% with the UK.
According to the data:
“The United States ranks third with average public college tuition of $10,000 representing a percentage difference of 28% when compared to the UK.”
Israel ranks fourth with $9,200 followed by Canada at $4,700. In the sixth position, is Italy with average tuition fees of $3,800. China and Russia are among countries that rank lower in average tuition at $3,650 and $3,500 respectively.
Among the top ten most influential countries, Germany and France are the only nations with average tuition below the $1000 mark. In Germany, the public college tuition fee is at least $900 while France is $620.
Germany’s cheap tuition fees can be attributed to the free tuition policy. In France, the fees are affordable for students with the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
In most countries, the cost of education is higher when you factor in the cost of living. Students have to incur extra costs in food and housing.
Top 10 Countries by International InfluenceDetails: according to 2019 dataData: US News
#
Country
GDP
Population
GDP per Capita
1.
United States
$20.5 trillion
327.2 million
$62,869
2.
China
$13.6 trillion
1.4 billion
$18,116
3.
United Kingdom
$2.8 trillion
66.5 million
$45,741
4.
Russia
$1.7 trillion
144.5 million
$28,797
5.
Germany
$4.0 trillion
82.9 million
$52,386
6.
France
$2.8 trillion
67.0 million
$45,893
7.
Japan
$5.0 trillion
126.5 million
$44,246
8.
Italy
$2.1 trillion
60.4 million
$39,676
9.
Israel
$369.7 billion
8.9 million
$37,994
10.
Canada
$1.7 trillion
37.1 million
$49,690
Apart from tuition fees, students also have to pay for other expenses, such as housing, food, and books, which can run into thousands of dollars a year. However, in the United States, the cost of education depends on the choice of institution. The student loan burden is at crisis levels in the US, say many observers.
Israel comes fourth with an average fee of $9,200 while Canada occupies the fifth position. Between 2019-2020, the average college fees in the North American country were $4,700 representing a figure almost three times less than the UK.
In the sixth position, is Italy with average college fees of $3,800. During the period under review, compared to the UK, a percentage difference of 72.6%.
China and Russia also rank among countries with low tuition fees at $3,650 and $3,500 respectively.
China has invested heavily for years in its education system to make it affordable for citizens and foreigners. Chinese universities have a reputation for offering quality education with high-standard facilities.
France, Germany among countries with the cheapest college fees
Among the top ten most influential countries, Germany is among countries with average public college tuition below $1000. During the period under review, the average cost was $900. Compared to the UK, this is a percentage difference of 93.5%.
In Germany, the low cost of education can be attributed to factors such as the existing free tuition system. However, students can incur extra costs in student union and semester fees. Despite the extra charges, compared to other countries, the fee is still affordable.
However, France has the most affordable college education among the rated countries. The average public college is $620 to represent a percentage difference of over 95% compared to the UK. Generally, in France, tuition fees are lower for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Students outside this region pay more.
Although most students can afford tuition fees in most countries, extra charges such as housing and food make college education more expensive. The situation is worsened especially in regions with a high cost of living. Globally, private tuition fees are usually higher compared to public institutions, ranging between $15,000 – $40,000.
Kanazawa remains one of Japan’s most curious cities. True to its deep roots, its architecture and layout continue to reflect the style and look that dominated its feudal era during the famed Edo period. Even today, its mysterious districts draw visitors and photographers from around the world who wish to experience and capture its intrigue, which is well-depicted on the Visit Kanazawa website replete with captivating visuals and trip planning resources.
One of its most intriguing elements is its Geigi culture—a world that is quite mysterious to many. In Kanazawa, Geisha is called “Geigi” and the life of these women is dedicated to mastering various forms of entertainment that is performed for guests, from dancing and singing to playing instruments and games. Brittanica notes that “many geisha are also adept at flower arranging, performing the tea ceremony, or calligraphy.”
A report on Bokksu.com notes that, “Nowadays, there are just 1,000 geisha left in Japan, most of whom live and work predominantly in Tokyo and Kyoto. These modern geisha tend to remain within their district, where they’re treated with the utmost respect by Japanese locals, and not approached for photos or conversation.”
For its part, Kanazawa is home to three distinct Geigi districts and, though it can be difficult to secure, a private appointment with a Geigi is actually possible. These opportunities are not for the budget conscious. However, the experience promises to be an unforgettable evening once you are able to get your foot in the door.
A private appointment with a Geigi must come by personal referral, or through a trusted travel partner with proper access when on-site. Once in, the evening is a captivating series of conversations, questions, performances and masterful displays of the arts accompanied by several courses of unique traditional Japanese dishes. Guests are able to engage, observe and take photos with the Geigi while they ponder such a lifestyle and glean a more defined understanding of the culture that is still so vibrant today in Kanazawa’s labyrinth-like streets.
For those who don’t need the private appointment to fulfill their curiosity, there are plenty of alternative options. Geigi Evenings are available at Kaikaro teahouse, the largest teahouse in Kanazawa, which offers guests an opportunity to see Geigi in full traditional dress, makeup and ornate hairstyle. One of the highlights at Kaikaro is to meet the legendary landlady, Lady Baba, who provides informative, entertaining speeches regarding the teahouse and Geigi culture entirely in English. And, if one happens to visit off season when Geishas take a break from full dress, it’s possible to take in the Geigi Practice Session where you can observe the ladies during daytime hours , roaming makeup-free with natural hair and casual dress as they practice their performances.
Geigi culture reconvenes annually each September with Kanazawa Odori, where performers from Kanazawa’s three teahouse districts unite to perform together with various musical instruments and traditional dances that tell stories.
The Visit Kanazawa Facebook page is a great place to get inspired and learn more about the wonders of this enigmatic destination.
~~~
Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analystwho reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder,Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the “Savvy Living” lifestyle TV show that airs in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta and other major markets on CBS, FOX and other top networks; as well as the “Savvy Ventures” business TV show that airs nationally on FOX Business TV and Bloomberg TV.
Merilee also hosts the Savvy Ventures Podcast & Radio show available globally on W4CY Radio—the #1 ranked live streaming radio station—among others as well asall major podcast platforms, including Pandora, Audible, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Streamyard, iHeart Radio and dozens more.As a prolific lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme.
Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications and she is a regular contributor here at The Silo.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
Keep your conversations and audio completely private with newly debuted technology featured in the nwm MBE001 True Wireless On-Ear Speakers ! In addition to proffering stellar audio quality and comfort, they also notably prioritize privacy via advanced “Personalized Sound Zone” tech that eliminates sound leakage while letting ambient sounds in, keeping conversations and other audio private (even if someone is sitting right next to you) while also maintaining situational awareness and ability to engage with others. The North Star Boys group (55+ million followers strong) pictured/quoted below are praising this comfortable, non-invasive on-ear speaker that can be used in public spaces without disturbing the wearer’s surroundings—or having prying ears listening in no matter how close the other person is.
Japanese Tech Behemoth ‘NTT’ Launches Next Generation of Open-Ear Wireless Earphones Only the Wearer Can Hear
Prioritizing Privacy: NTT subsidiary, NTT sonority, introduces ground-breaking, true wireless on-ear speakers featuring proprietary Personalized Sound Zone technology that eliminates sound leakage while letting ambient sounds in for utmost situational awareness;
Founders of the leading Asian-American creator group and pop band the North Star Boys, 55 million+ social media followers strong, praise the nwm-branded MBE001 wireless headphones—the latest innovation in the company’s ambitious R&D pipeline—which keep the listener’s audio private while enabling human connectivity, conversation and engagement fostering seamless sound for a seamless world
With the global earphone and headphone market’s size forecasted to grow to USD $126 billion usd / $170 billion cad by as soon as 2030, numerous factors are propelling the category to these extreme fiscal heights. This includes rising customer expectations for increased audio quality coupled with the expansion of the music industry, mobile technologies and Internet penetration at large. Earphones have also become a ubiquitous accessory for the numerous ways the device enhances daily lives. From 2-way communication, music, entertainment, fitness and gaming immersion to more utilitarian needs like concentration, noise cancellation and hearing protection, earphones enrich the human experience in so many ways. As this sector burgeons, one visionary company realized the still untapped potential of this product category and is single-handedly taking earphone technology to exciting new heights: NTT sonority—Japan’s audio brand that is a subsidiary of NTT, which is a leading global technology company.
This tech behemoth has significantly raised the bar and is permanently disrupting the market with the launch of its ground-breaking nwm MBE001 True Wireless On-Ear Speakers, now available at www.PersonalizedSoundZone.com, featuring its proprietary “Personalized Sound Zone” (PSZ) Technology. Revolutionizing the way we experience audio, the PSZ innovation allows users to enjoy audio with utmost privacy, situational awareness, sound quality and comfort. The technology minimizes audio leakage by containing sound to the ear, enabling users to use this on-ear speaker in public spaces without worrying about disturbing their surroundings—or having prying ears listening in … even if they are sitting or standing right next to you. This audio technology advancement is at the product’s core, providing users with the ultimate private acoustic space and balanced sound experience allowing them to hear their world differently than ever before.
“It is important for users to remain connected to their environment while indulging in their favorite audio content, and this additional safety element is among the key features setting nwm MBE001 apart from other earphones on the market—both wireless and wired,” said Hiroshi Sakai, NTT sonority Managing Director and CEO. “The technology enables users to enjoy their own personal sound zone without disturbing those around them or allowing them to accidentally or intentionally listen in. With the nwm MBE001 open earphones, audio is confined to within a few centimeters of the ear, ensuring music, audiobooks, videos, conversations and other sounds remain entirely private. These earphones concurrently allow users to stay aware of what’s around them, but without compromising audio quality, comfort or discretion. The wearer will hear more and miss less.”
So noteworthy the innovation, the music industry is quickly taking notice. This as the wildly popular Asian-American creator group and pop band The North Star Boys founded by brothers Sebastian Moy and Oliver Moy, which boasts over 55 million followers combined on social media platforms and a reported 20 million monthly views on their syndicated Snapchat shows, is praising the earphone advancement.
“I’ve always wished for headphones that don’t go directly inside my ear but also have perfect sound that cancels out noise,” Sebastian said. “I’m so happy to use NTT sonority’s nwm wireless headphones! They’re super comfortable and the special technology prevents other people from listening in, even if they’re sitting right next to me. Favorite headphones!”
Oliver Moy is also spreading the love for NTT sonority’s newest earphones, sharing, “Been using the nwm wireless on ear speakers for a couple of days now and, as a music producer, these on-ear speakers bring great quality with great practicality for everyday use. Cannot leave to the gym without them, as they are very comfortable and do not slip off my ear like other ear speakers… and they feel weightless while sitting on my ears.”
User Experience is Everything
The nwm MBE001 on-ear speakers are thoughtfully designed to address numerous factors that directly impact user satisfaction. These key benefits include:
Reduced audio escape for utmost privacy.
These earphones feature “PSZ Technology” creating a Personalized Sound Zone, which reduces audio leakage and ensures a private audio experience … whether that be a conversation, music, video or any other sound source. The PSZ technology resolves the long-lamented sound leakage problem, finally allowing users to listen to music, audiobooks, phone calls and attend online meetings in cafes and other public spaces with peace of mind.
Balanced listening comfort. In addition, the nwm MBE001 open-ear speakers offer balanced listening comfort by not blocking the ears, allowing users to hear ambient sounds and even their own voice clearly. The 12mm diameter drivers provide a natural listening comfort, similar to listening to background music, allowing a unique and equitable listening experience both through and outside of the earphones. Perfect for those who frequently use online communication, the open ears make it easy to speak without blocking the sound of your own voice.
Situational awareness and interaction. Because the device is not inserted inside the ear canal and does not block the ears, users can engage in natural conversations with people around them … even while listening to music or any other audio. They no longer have to remove the device when paying at the cash register, asking a quick question at the gym or responding to co-workers. Most importantly, users can remain alert to the sounds of approaching cars and other possible hazards—fostering potentially life-saving situational awareness.
Superior sound quality. Advanced sound technology allows users to experience crystal-clear audio. These on-ear speakers deliver rich, balanced sound across all genres, elevating the music listening experience to new heights.
Seamless wireless connectivity: The latest Bluetooth technology provides hassle-free pairing and a reliable, uninterrupted wireless connection that allows users to move freely, without any limitations.
Customizable sound via a dedicated app. nwm Connect (for iOS and Android only) is a dedicated app available as a free download. The EQ feature allows you to select your favorite preset and enjoy the sound that best fits to your environment.
Ultra-comfort for extended wear. The earphones are also ultra-light, weighing only 9.5g, ensuring those using the nwm MBE001 wireless on-ear speakers can avoid fatigue from extended use. Its ultra-lightweight, ergonomic design, coupled with the stability of the ear-hook, reduces stress on the ear amid prolonged wear.
Extended battery life: The built-in microphone and zero need to continually recharge throughout the work day or night makes these earphones ideal for remote work and online meetings. Users can enjoy conversations, their favorite music and other audio all day long. The nwm MBE001 wireless on-ear speakers boast an impressive battery life, ensuring the earphones are always ready whenever needed. Moreover, the included charging case and cable provides convenient on-the-go charging.
Button controls: Effortlessly control your audio experience with a simple physical button built into the wearable device. With a simple push, you can play.
“We are committed to pushing the boundaries of audio technology and delivering innovative products that enhance our customers’ audio experiences and lifestyle overall,” Sakai continued. “Our relentless pursuit of balance between sound pressure, quality, ergonomics and aesthetics has led to the disruptive, cutting-edge design of our new nwm MBE001 wireless on-ear speakers. They are not just about sound, but rather connection as they offer a new way of engaging with the world … complete with your very own Personalized Sound Zone. With them, you’re in tune with your world by being in control of your sound.”
Revolutionary Technology
NTT sonority’s journey taking the nwm MBE001 wireless on-ear speakers from concept to product launch was marked by countless trials and adjustments to balance sound pressure and quality while minimizing sound leakage. The company’s PSZ technology is a key innovation that applies the principle of noise cancellation by producing an inverted soundwave to neutralize sound. Unlike conventional audio devices that house the speaker unit in a box to prevent interference, PSZ technology has redefined this norm by confining sound within a 360-degree radius around the ear to minimize sound leakage. This non-directional speaker design offers stress-free, continuous listening without the pressure or vibrations associated with bone conduction earphones.
To incorporate PSZ technology into the nwm MBE001 on-ear speakers , the company had to reduce the size of the speaker units to their smallest possible dimensions. The challenge was to maintain sound quality while achieving sound pressure in the ear. The unique approach of using the inverted waveform from the back of the speaker to cancel out sound has also led NTT sonority to undertake R&D on both aircraft seats that provide a more private acoustic space as well as automobile seats that allow different audio playback for each user—all to improve comfort in ground and air transport vehicles WITHOUT using earphones or headphones. The ability to enjoy audio comfortably in a private space will make long journeys more enjoyable and comfortable while also enabling seamless communication with those around you.
For the Silo, Anne Gold.
About nwm
NTT sonority’s New Wave Maker (nwm) audio brand was created in November 2022 with the goal of creating an optimal audio experience. The company aims to expand its audio solutions to address future ways of working and living by creating not just a sense of immersion, but the comfort of being connected. Learn more at us.nwm.global .
About NTT sonority
NTT sonority is an audio engineering-focused subsidiary of NTT, which is a leading global technology company providing services in over 190 countries and regions to consumers and business as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications and consulting provider. The company’s mission is to foster connection through sound, by letting people choose what they want to hear, and what they want others to hear. The company’s core R&D in sound physics and related hardware powers ground-breaking consumer product lines as well as B2B use cases with wide societal impact. Learn more at https://ntt-sonority.com/en.
With driverless cars already on the streets, will there be similar AI breakthroughs in the future of parking?
In the ’60s, The Jetsons, a cartoon about a family living in the future, featured a flying car that folded down into a briefcase when not in use. It is unlikely that we will ever see that solution to parking become a reality, but many other sci-fi books and films have predicted self-driving vehicles, and we know they are coming because they kind of exist today.
Parking facilities in the future must make allowances for electric vehicles. (Photo by guteksk7/Shutterstock)
While brands like Tesla have pushed the boundaries of driver assistance to become a version of self-driving, including parking the vehicle automatically, currently the parking infrastructure has not really kept up.
But we know that cannot continue, and the reality is that as transport technology evolves, parking solutions will have to evolve as well. But what does that mean long term? Will we be able to arrive at a parking center, get out and leave the car to it, then call it back to us when we want to leave? That seems like the dream approach to parking, but what does it need to make it happen?
Parking tech
There are two parts to that kind of service, the technology in the car park itself, and the technology within the car. For such a seamless experience, the two will need to work together, in that the vehicle must be able to drive autonomously, but also receive information about parking locations and when it should return to the entrance, from the car park itself. Both sets of technology actually exist today, not as refined as required for a reliable autonomous parking experience, but that is only a matter of time and development. But is it the right answer?
Right now, parking systems know which cars are parked where within the car park, this data is used to establish remaining capacities and so on, and while not universal, there are cars that can go off and park themselves when needed. So that future service is nearer than we think, but in the meantime what does car parking look like? Some may say that the future is already here without needing self-driving cars.
In Japan and some cities in the US, lift-based parking solutions offer a similar experience today. You arrive at a parking garage; your vehicle is pulled into a cubicle which is then lifted away. When you want to return to your car, the system finds the right cubicle garage and then returns it to the entrance, so you can drive away.
There are advantages to this approach, without the need for ramps to drive up and down to reach the parking, more cars can be parked in a given space. Because no one actually enters the building where vehicles are stored, it is also incredibly secure too. These systems are being constantly refined, and in the future, it is likely such a garage could be completely automated. With the advantages of space and security, is that more likely to be the future of high-density parking? If we look at other factors, it may well be.
Cities are increasingly looking to decrease car numbers, opening up spaces instead for social areas, encouraging cycling and other more environmentally friendly approaches to transportation. This is unlikely to change even with the widespread adoption of electric cars, so parking will naturally require large hubs with high-density parking that allows easy access to walks, bikes or public transport to central areas. To get an idea for the future of parking, we can look at what technology best fits this scenario.
Robotic Solutions
It is likely that these robotic lift-type solutions that pack more vehicles into each parking area fit the needs of city designers better than any more traditional multi-story or underground system that requires ramps and so on, whether the cars are operated by drivers or park themselves. There are other things that are in favor of this approach too.
Architects are under pressure to soften the appearance of buildings in cities across the world, to create spaces that have more light and elegance. A more compact multi-story space, or an underground alternative with only one small entrance space is easier to disguise with cladding, color and other design tricks that much larger car parks that have ramps and so on.
There is also the matter of technology. While there are cars that can drive themselves in a limited way now, and numbers are only going to increase, they are not all cars, and may never be. Holden stopped making cars in 2020, but in 20 years’ time, there will still be Holden cars driving on the roads. Those cars can never use autonomous parking systems, but they can use the robotic systems that take your car away and bring it back via a crane lift. They can use them today, and they can use them in the future.
Machine learning to park
So, the dream of a car swooshing away into its own spot automatically could well be the future. However, it is more likely to be carried there by a machine rather than drive itself. But not all parking is in cities with integrated parking solutions ran by the local authorities. For parking elsewhere, things will develop alongside vehicle technology, and there is one area that must advance for the future of the automotive industry itself, never mind parking. That is electric car charging.
Right now, charging is a bit of a mess: different speeds depending on the charger installation, there is no real cohesive system and owners often have to wrestle with a number of different apps to access charging networks on the go. Then there are the mechanics of charging, a heavy cable that has to be plugged in, account information and payment input before the car can be charged. As with phones, wireless charging is the solution, it removes much of the hassle and fail points for a better experience. But what would that look like in cars?
The obvious answer is charging areas embedded into the road or parking space, with a vehicle stopping on top of it automatically charging. There are hurdles to this, it would mean an end to the various account systems currently used to access charge networks, and instead have something tied to the vehicle itself. However, this kind of solution offers easy and efficient charging without the hassle we have today.
This would also require new technology for parking. For instance, our robotic car parks could have a charge loop in each container or cubicle, so electric vehicles charge automatically once they are taken away for storage. Likewise, on-road parking at parking meters could include chargers under each space.
This makes the charging process so much less hassle but allows for electric car charging without having to install endless charge stations in streets, and avoiding all the cables that the current system will need. Given the sheer number of electric cars that will be in operation in just a decade or so, and one cable per car, you can see how much an alternative is required.
But while technology will continue to drive the parking experience, and in cities and communities the need for clean, open spaces will change where we park and what that parking looks like, there will still be areas where parking sits outside of these grand designs. At its heart, a parking space is somewhere to store a vehicle while you go off and do something, and that need is not going to change. Large robotic parking systems in cities may appear in numbers, but they are not going to be the norm in areas with a smaller traffic flow or specific needs.
What we may see, and it is happening now, is that entrepreneurs and visionaries can find ways to provide a more selective parking solution on a smaller scale, that caters to a very specific need in a specific location. Not only are these services essential and in high demand, but they can be a source of income for anyone who has access to suitable parking space. With more cars than ever on the roads, and with a shift to electric not changing that, the future of parking looks to be heading in multiple directions.
The centralized systems operated in cities and other large communities will follow an approach that minimizes the space required and seek to integrate such facilities into an overall plan for the area. However, in some areas where there is no overall control of parking operations, the idea that you can rent a parking spot from a single person makes sense. Some people have space, others need that space, and as more cars are used, that space is in ever higher demand. This article is an excerpt from the complete e-book Parking Made Easy by Daniel Battaglia.
More often than not, all our museum experiences are quite similar. We see some art or historical artifacts, learn about a subject, and sometimes listen to a lesson during a tour.
And while every museum is invaluable, sometimes the heart wants something quirkier and unusual. Evidently, many people had the same sentiment because if you really look, you’ll find some incredible gems in the world of museums.
Here are the world’s weirdest museums you must visit.
Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, Osaka, Japan
Ramen is synonymous with Japan, so no wonder there is a museum dedicated to it! Momofuko Ando, the Taiwanese-Japanese inventor, invented Chicken ramen noodles in his backyard shed in 1958.
The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum shows this Japan’s cult food that went global by displaying ramen noodle packages from around the world and giving the opportunity to taste limited-edition ramen from Hokkaido island and Tohoku region. Visitors can also design their personal soup packet at the “My Cupnoodles” Factory.
Spy Museum, Washington DC, USA
Love spy movies or novels? Then this museum is for you! International Spy Museum in Washington DC has the largest public collection of espionage artifacts that includes various gadgets, cameras, secret weapons, cipher machines, and counterfeit money.
It’s a rare chance to take a look at this secret profession and see how it’s developed over the years.
Museum visitors can participate in interactive spy adventures, watch never-seen-before videos of spies and revel in the impressive photo collection. And who wouldn’t wish for a super-gadget that would help make life easier, to help you in high-stakes situations like basketball betting on BetAmerica.com?
Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, New Delhi, India
Roughguides.com names the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, New Delhi, India, which shows the history of hygiene and sanitation from 2500 B.C. to today, as one of the weirdest museums a person can visit.
The visitors can see the toilet evolution over the ages – from Roman emperors’ gold-plated toilets to medieval toilets of peasants. A fun fact – you can find a collection of rare toilet poems in the museum as well.
British Lawnmower Museum, Merseyside, England
Can there be something more British than a Lawnmower museum? If you’re a garden enthusiast or simply like quirky things, you must visit the museum, which details this garden tool’s history.
You’ll find such items as the lawnmowers of Prince Charles and Princess Diana or the world’s first solar-powered robot grass-chopper in the collection. Probably the cutest lawnmower at the museum is less than five centimeters high and is fully functional!
Siriraj Medical Museum (Museum of Death), Bangkok, Thailand
If it sounds scary, that’s because it is. Even though officially named a Medical museum, most people call it simply the museum of death. If you’re squeamish or find the subject distressing, it’s probably best to skip this one.
You’ll find severed and mutilated legs and arms, brains, skulls pierced with bullets, lungs that have been stabbed, and other similar things in the collection. They all illustrate the dark and gruesome ways to transition to death and leave no one indifferent.
If that’s not enough, you can also see the mummified body of a notorious cannibal Si Quey and the museum’s founder’s skeleton.
The Museum of Broken Relationships, Zagreb, Croatia
It is just as sad and beautiful as it sounds. It started as a joke by two Croatian artists who broke up after a long relationship and said they wanted to create a museum to honor it. Well, they did, and it blew up all over the world.
You can see various mementos from people’s relationships in different countries that include an ax used to destroy a cheating partner’s furniture, jewelry, postcards, and more.
Paris Sewer Museum, France
Nobody likes to talk about it, but sewer systems are the basis for a civilized society! However, it’s not the first or even the fifth thing people want to see when visiting the city of love.
Still, it’s so fascinating and complex. Lifehack.org explains that it’s an entire network of tunnels as large as the city itself, and also a museum that tourists can visit and explored, complete with tour guides. Don’t worry, it doesn’t smell that bad, and you’ll see a part of Paris you never thought you would. For the Silo, Milda Urbonaite.
Audio-Technica Introduces Its ART Series AT-ART20 High-End Phono Cartridge
STOW, OH, June, 2022 — Audio-Technica recently reached out to The Silo and announced the introduction of its AT-ART20 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge, the latest in A-T’s ART Series of high-end phono cartridges. The AT-ART20 utilizes Audio-Technica’s magnetic-core design to achieve extraordinary musical realism. Complementing its superlative vinyl playback performance, the AT-ART20 has a striking, distinctive contoured appearance.
“Our goal in creating the new AT-ART20 was to capture the full expressiveness of the original recording,” said Bob Peet, Audio-Technica Global Product Manager – Analog Products. “
To that end, the AT-ART20 embodies technologies and know-how that are the result of our 60 years of experience in phono cartridge design and manufacturing.”
The AT-ART20 (SRP: US$2,900 / CAD$3,760) delivers expansive, detailed sound with unmatched imaging and dynamics. The AT-ART20 utilizes the advanced manufacturing and polishing techniques that have been developed in the eyeglass industry of Sabae City in Japan’s Fukui Prefecture. The cartridge’s body features graceful curves with a flowing, organic design that has never been previously achieved. The body is made of precision-machined titanium combined with an aluminum cartridge base and an elastomer under cover, a selection of materials that provides significant resonance reduction along with lower mass. The cartridge body has threaded mounting holes to facilitate installation.
The AT-ART20 features dual moving coils aligned in an inverted “V” shape which provides optimal channel separation for superior stereo imaging and wide dynamics. The front yoke of the magnetic circuit is 0.6 mm thicker than previous designs, to improve magnetic flux density and increase the output efficiency by more than 15 percent to 0.55 mV.
The cartridge employs a nude special line-contact stylus with a solid boron cantilever just 0.011 inches (0.28 mm) in diameter, to extract a remarkable amount of information from the record groove. The boron cantilever is connected to the armature utilizing a stepped-pipe construction, which provides increased rigidity and improved strength with decreased resonance for a purer audio signal with clearer, more detailed sound.
The AT-ART20’s tip reinforcement plate is made of titanium, which reduces overall mass and improves the cartridge’s high-frequency performance, which extends to 50,000 Hz.
The Audio-Technica AT-ART20 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge is now available. Contact us on where and how to place your order.
●Tokyo, Japan has the most expensive cannabis, at 32.66 USD per gram.
●Quito, Ecuador has the least expensive marijuana, at 1.34 USD per gram.
●Based on the average US marijuana tax rates currently implemented, New York City could generate the highest potential tax revenue by legalizing weed, with 156.40 million USD per year. New York City also has the highest consumption rate of cannabis, at 77.44 metric tons per year.
●Cannabis costs $7.82 per gram in Toronto, Canada.
Berlin, Germany – Automatic cultivator device, Seedo, after much research and data gathering, previously released the 2018 Cannabis Price Index, detailing the cost of marijuana in 120 global cities. Seedo is one of the many new ventures embracing the newly legalized cannabis industry. Their main goal is to allow both medicinal and recreational consumers to grow their own supply, avoiding extra taxes and bypassing harmful pesticides. The aim of this study is to illustrate the continuous need for legislative reform on cannabis use around the world, and to determine if there are any lessons to be learned from those cities at the forefront of marijuana legalisation.
Although Seedo’s technology enables smokers to get off the grid, this study considers one of the biggest byproducts of legalising cannabis—the potential tax revenue for the local government body. For this reason, Seedo decided not only to research the cost of cannabis around the world, but also to calculate how much potential tax a city could generate if they were to legalise marijuana.
The study began first by selecting 120 cities across the world, including locations where cannabis is currently legal, illegal and partially legal, and where marijuana consumption data is available. Then, they looked into the price of weed per gram in each city. To calculate how much potential tax a city could make by legalising weed, Seedo investigated how much tax is paid on the most popular brand of cigarettes, as this offers the closest comparison. They then looked at what percentage marijuana is currently taxed in cities where it’s already legalised in the US.
“This study has revealed some incredible insights into the kind of tax revenue that legalising weed could generate.” says Uri Zeevi, CMO at Seedo. “Take New York City for instance, which has the highest consumption level in the study at 77.44 metric tons of cannabis per year. If they taxed marijuana at the average US cannabis tax level, the city could make $156.4 million in potential tax revenue per year. This is equivalent to providing nearly 3 months worth of free school meals to every single public school kid in New York City.”
The table below reveals a sample of the results for Toronto, Canada:
City
Legality
Price per gram, US$
Total possible tax collection, if taxed at cigarette level, mil US$
Total possible tax collection, if taxed at average US marijuana taxes, mil US$
Total consumption in metric tons
Toronto
Partial
7.82
124.15
33.38
22.75
The table below shows the top 10 most and least expensive cities for cannabis:
Top 10 Most Expensive Cities
Top 10 Least Expensive Cities
#
City
Country
Legality
Price per gram, US$
#
City
Country
Legality
Price per gram, US$
1
Tokyo
Japan
Illegal
32.66
1
Quito
Ecuador
Partial
1.34
2
Seoul
South Korea
Illegal
32.44
2
Bogota
Colombia
Partial
2.20
3
Kyoto
Japan
Illegal
29.65
3
Asuncion
Paraguay
Partial
2.22
4
Hong Kong
China
Illegal
27.48
4
Jakarta
Indonesia
Illegal
3.79
5
Bangkok
Thailand
Partial
24.81
5
Panama City
Panama
Illegal
3.85
6
Dublin
Ireland
Illegal
21.63
6
Johannesburg
South Africa
Illegal
4.01
7
Tallinn
Estonia
Partial
20.98
7
Montevideo
Uruguay
Legal
4.15
8
Shanghai
China
Illegal
20.82
8
Astana
Kazakhstan
Illegal
4.22
9
Beijing
China
Illegal
20.52
9
Antwerp
Belgium
Partial
4.29
10
Oslo
Norway
Partial
19.14
10
New Delhi
India
Partial
4.38
N.B. These tables are a sample of the full results. To find the complete results for all 120 cities, please see the bottom of the press release.
The table below shows the top 10 cities who could generate the most potential tax by legalising cannabis, if taxed at the same rate as the most popular cigarette brand:
#
City
Country
Legality
Price per gram, US$
% of cigarette tax
Possible tax revenue, mil US$
1
Cairo
Egypt
Illegal
16.15
73.13
384.87
2
New York
USA
Partial
10.76
42.54
354.48
3
London
UK
Illegal
9.20
82.16
237.35
4
Sydney
Australia
Partial
10.79
56.76
138.36
5
Karachi
Pakistan
Illegal
5.32
60.7
135.48
6
Melbourne
Australia
Partial
10.84
56.76
132.75
7
Moscow
Russia
Partial
11.84
47.63
128.97
8
Toronto
Canada
Partial
7.82
69.8
124.15
9
Chicago
USA
Partial
11.46
42.54
119.61
10
Berlin
Germany
Partial
13.53
72.9
114.77
N.B. % of cigarette tax refers to the tax percentage on the most popular brand. Possible tax revenue refers to the total possible tax collection per year, if taxed at cigarette level. For a full explanation of how the study was conducted, please see the methodology at the bottom of the press release.
The table below shows the top 10 cities who could generate the most potential tax by legalising cannabis, if taxed at the average US marijuana tax rate:
#
City
Country
Legality
Price per gram, US$
Possible tax revenue, mil US$
1
New York
USA
Partial
10.76
156.4
2
Cairo
Egypt
Illegal
16.15
98.78
3
London
UK
Illegal
9.20
54.22
4
Chicago
USA
Partial
11.46
52.77
5
Moscow
Russia
Partial
11.84
50.82
6
Sydney
Australia
Partial
10.79
45.75
7
Melbourne
Australia
Partial
10.84
43.9
8
Karachi
Pakistan
Illegal
5.32
41.89
9
Houston
USA
Partial
10.03
39.32
10
Toronto
Canada
Partial
7.82
33.38
N.B. Possible tax revenue refers to the total possible tax collection per year, if taxed at average US marijuana tax rate.
The table below shows the top 10 cities with the highest and lowest consumption of cannabis, per year:
Highest Consumers of Cannabis
Lowest Consumers of Cannabis
#
City
Country
Legality
Price per gram, US$
Total consumption, metric tons
#
City
Country
Legality
Price per gram, US$
Total consumption, metric tons
1
New York
USA
Partial
10.76
77.44
1
Singapore
Singapore
Illegal
14.01
0.02
2
Karachi
Pakistan
Illegal
5.32
41.95
2
Santo Domingo
Dominican Rep.
Illegal
6.93
0.16
3
New Delhi
India
Partial
4.38
38.26
3
Kyoto
Japan
Illegal
29.65
0.24
4
Los Angeles
USA
Legal
8.14
36.06
4
Thessaloniki
Greece
Partial
13.49
0.29
5
Cairo
Egypt
Illegal
16.15
32.59
5
Luxembourg City
Luxembourg
Partial
7.26
0.32
6
Mumbai
India
Partial
4.57
32.38
6
Panama City
Panama
Illegal
3.85
0.37
7
London
UK
Illegal
9.20
31.4
7
Reykjavik
Iceland
Illegal
15.92
0.44
8
Chicago
USA
Partial
11.46
24.54
8
Asuncion
Paraguay
Partial
2.22
0.46
9
Moscow
Russia
Partial
11.84
22.87
9
Colombo
Sri Lanka
Illegal
9.12
0.59
10
Toronto
Canada
Partial
7.82
22.75
10
Manila
Philippines
Illegal
5.24
0.6
N.B. Total consumption is calculated per annum.
Additional quotes:
“The way that the legalised cannabis industry is rapidly evolving alongside new technologies shows how innovative emerging tech companies are today.” says Uri Zeevi, CMO at Seedo. “Take the way that cannabis and cryptocurrency have joined forces, with examples such as HempCoin or nezly, which manage processes and payments in the new marijuana industry. When you consider too the potential that these new technologies have to disrupt the cannabis industry, there’s no denying that these are very exciting times.”
“At Seedo, we’ve built technology that helps regular smokers to grow cannabis plants of the utmost quality from the comfort of their own home, avoiding pesticides and taking ownership of their personal supply.” says Uri Zeevi, CMO at Seedo. “We believe that by understanding the cost of weed around the world, we can help to educate smokers about the potential financial benefits of hydroponic growing technology.”
“That illegal cannabis use is so high in countries that still carry the death penalty, such as Pakistan and Egypt, those in power ought to see how desperately new legislation is needed.” comments Uri Zeevi, CMO at Seedo. “By removing the criminal element from marijuana, governments will then able to more safely regulate production, take away power from underground gangs, and as we’ve shown in this study, generate huge tax revenues.”
Further findings:
●New York City, USA has the highest consumption rate of cannabis, at 77.44 metric tons per year.
●Boston, USA has the most expensive cannabis of all the cities where it’s legal, at 11.01 USD, while Montevideo, Uruguay has the least expensive at 4.15 USD.
●While Tokyo, Japan has the most expensive cannabis of all cities where it’s illegal, at 32.66 USD, Jakarta, Indonesia has the least expensive at 3.79 USD, despite being classed as a Group 1 drug with harsh sentences such as life imprisonment and the death penalty.
●For cities where cannabis is partially legal, Bangkok, Thailand has the most expensive at 24.81 USD, while Quito, Ecuador has the least expensive at 1.34 USD.
●Bulgaria has the highest tax rates for the most popular brand of cigarettes, at 82.65%, while Paraguay has the lowest, with rates of 16%.
●Cairo, Egypt would gain the most revenue in tax if they were to legalise cannabis and tax it as the same rate as cigarettes, at 384.87 million USD. Singapore, Singapore would gain the least, at 0.14 million USD, due in part to the city’s low consumption of marijuana at 0.02 metric tons per annum.
●Based on the average US marijuana tax rates currently implemented, New York City could generate the highest potential tax revenue by legalising weed, with 156.4 million USD per year. Singapore, Singapore would gain the least, at 0.04 million USD
About “Seedo”: Seedo is a fully automated hydroponic growing device which lets you grow your own medicinal herbs and vegetables from the comfort of your own home. Seedo controls and monitors the growing process, from seed to plant, while providing optimal lab conditions to assure premium quality produce year-round. Seedo’s goal is to simplify the growing process, making it accessible for everyone, without compromising on quality.
The full results of the 2018 Cannabis Price Index:
#
City
Country
Legality
Price per gram, US$
Taxes of cigarettes, % of the most sold brand
Total possible tax collection, if taxed at cigarette level, mil US$
Total possible tax collection, if taxed at average US marijuana taxes, mil US$
Total Consumption in metric tons
1
Tokyo
Japan
Illegal
32.66
64.36
32.14
9.37
1.53
2
Seoul
South Korea
Illegal
32.44
61.99
31.61
9.57
1.57
3
Kyoto
Japan
Illegal
29.65
64.36
4.64
1.35
0.24
4
Hong Kong
China
Illegal
27.48
44.43
19.72
8.33
1.62
5
Bangkok
Thailand
Partial
24.81
73.13
99.11
25.44
5.46
6
Dublin
Ireland
Illegal
21.63
77.80
29.31
7.07
1.74
7
Tallinn
Estonia
Partial
20.98
77.24
22.13
5.38
1.37
8
Shanghai
China
Illegal
20.82
44.43
49.12
20.75
5.31
9
Beijing
China
Illegal
20.52
44.43
43.10
18.21
4.73
10
Oslo
Norway
Partial
19.14
68.83
19.28
5.26
1.46
11
Washington, DC
USA
Partial
18.08
42.54
47.51
20.96
6.18
12
Cairo
Egypt
Illegal
16.15
73.13
384.87
98.78
32.59
13
Reykjavik
Iceland
Illegal
15.92
56.40
3.97
1.32
0.44
14
Belfast
Ireland
Illegal
15.81
77.80
13.55
3.27
1.10
15
Minsk
Belarus
Illegal
15.80
51.15
9.08
3.33
1.12
16
Athens
Greece
Partial
14.95
79.95
7.42
1.74
0.62
17
Auckland
New Zealand
Partial
14.77
77.34
106.03
25.73
9.28
18
Munich
Germany
Partial
14.56
72.90
50.90
13.10
4.80
19
Helsinki
Finland
Partial
14.42
81.53
27.12
6.24
2.31
20
Singapore
Singapore
Illegal
14.01
66.23
0.14
0.04
0.02
21
Berlin
Germany
Partial
13.53
72.90
114.77
29.55
11.64
22
Stuttgart
Germany
Partial
13.50
72.90
20.20
5.20
2.05
23
Thessaloniki
Greece
Partial
13.49
79.95
3.17
0.75
0.29
24
Stockholm
Sweden
Illegal
13.20
68.84
15.06
4.11
1.66
25
Vienna
Austria
Partial
12.87
74.00
59.21
15.02
6.22
26
Copenhagen
Denmark
Partial
12.47
74.75
20.65
5.18
2.22
27
Moscow
Russia
Partial
11.84
47.63
128.97
50.82
22.87
28
Hamburg
Germany
Partial
11.64
72.90
50.16
12.92
5.91
29
Chicago
USA
Partial
11.46
42.54
119.61
52.77
24.54
30
Philadelphia
USA
Partial
11.30
42.54
68.37
30.16
14.22
31
Bucharest
Romania
Partial
11.18
75.41
17.23
4.29
2.04
32
Cologne
Germany
Partial
11.14
72.90
28.51
7.34
3.51
33
Geneva
Switzerland
Partial
11.12
61.20
5.90
1.81
0.87
34
Boston
USA
Legal
11.01
42.54
28.59
12.61
6.10
35
Adelaide
Australia
Partial
10.91
56.76
41.60
13.75
6.72
36
Istanbul
Turkey
Partial
10.87
82.13
21.79
4.98
2.44
37
Melbourne
Australia
Partial
10.84
56.76
132.75
43.90
21.58
38
Sydney
Australia
Partial
10.79
56.76
138.36
45.75
22.59
39
New York
USA
Partial
10.76
42.54
354.48
156.40
77.44
40
Düsseldorf
Germany
Partial
10.70
72.90
15.82
4.07
2.03
41
Brisbane
Australia
Partial
10.63
56.76
66.88
22.12
11.09
42
Hanover
Germany
Partial
10.51
72.90
13.46
3.47
1.76
43
Prague
Czech Rep.
Partial
10.47
77.42
63.95
15.50
7.89
44
Frankfurt
Germany
Partial
10.29
72.90
18.06
4.65
2.41
45
Wellington
New Zealand
Partial
10.11
77.34
19.53
4.74
2.50
46
Dallas
USA
Partial
10.03
42.54
51.01
22.50
11.95
47
Houston
USA
Partial
10.03
42.54
89.13
39.32
20.89
48
Vilnius
Lithuania
Illegal
10.00
75.76
5.20
1.29
0.69
49
Zurich
Switzerland
Partial
9.71
61.20
10.33
3.17
1.74
50
Montpellier
France
Illegal
9.70
80.30
12.21
2.85
1.57
51
Canberra
Australia
Partial
9.65
56.76
10.96
3.63
2.00
52
Zagreb
Croatia
Partial
9.43
75.26
24.35
6.07
3.43
53
Nice
France
Illegal
9.40
80.30
15.80
3.69
2.09
54
Phoenix
USA
Partial
9.35
42.54
58.26
25.71
14.65
55
Paris
France
Illegal
9.30
80.30
102.25
23.90
13.69
56
Miami
USA
Partial
9.27
42.54
16.24
7.16
4.12
57
San Francisco
USA
Legal
9.27
42.54
30.94
13.65
7.85
58
London
UK
Illegal
9.20
82.16
237.35
54.22
31.40
59
Colombo
Sri Lanka
Illegal
9.12
73.78
3.98
1.01
0.59
60
Riga
Latvia
Illegal
9.00
76.89
10.23
2.50
1.48
61
Bratislava
Slovakia
Illegal
8.92
81.54
7.24
1.67
1.00
62
Milan
Italy
Partial
8.85
75.68
46.06
11.42
6.88
63
Varna
Bulgaria
Illegal
8.83
82.65
4.84
1.10
0.66
64
Marseille
France
Illegal
8.69
80.30
36.23
8.47
5.19
65
Glasgow
UK
Illegal
8.65
82.16
15.21
3.47
2.14
66
Toulouse
France
Illegal
8.62
80.30
18.67
4.36
2.70
67
Birmingham
UK
Illegal
8.58
82.16
27.73
6.34
3.93
68
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Illegal
8.54
55.36
6.61
2.24
1.40
69
Monterrey
Mexico
Partial
8.45
65.87
4.17
1.19
0.75
70
Edinburgh
UK
Illegal
8.41
82.16
12.22
2.79
1.77
71
Lisbon
Portugal
Partial
8.36
74.51
4.69
1.18
0.75
72
Strasbourg
France
Illegal
8.35
80.30
11.13
2.60
1.66
73
Warsaw
Poland
Partial
8.31
80.29
29.27
6.84
4.39
74
Lyon
France
Illegal
8.20
80.30
19.45
4.55
2.95
75
Los Angeles
USA
Legal
8.14
42.54
124.88
55.10
36.06
76
Liverpool
UK
Illegal
7.94
82.16
10.86
2.48
1.67
77
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Partial
7.89
73.40
20.94
5.35
3.61
78
Manchester
UK
Illegal
7.88
82.16
58.99
13.48
9.11
79
Rome
Italy
Partial
7.86
75.68
88.16
21.86
14.82
80
Toronto
Canada
Partial
7.82
69.80
124.15
33.38
22.75
81
Denver
USA
Legal
7.79
42.54
20.53
9.06
6.20
82
Naples
Italy
Partial
7.75
75.68
29.82
7.40
5.08
83
Leeds
UK
Illegal
7.67
82.16
16.93
3.87
2.69
84
Seattle
USA
Legal
7.58
42.54
20.59
9.08
6.39
85
Madrid
Spain
Partial
7.47
78.09
93.40
22.45
16.01
86
Calgary
Canada
Partial
7.30
69.80
52.23
14.05
10.25
87
Luxembourg City
Luxembourg
Partial
7.26
70.24
1.62
0.43
0.32
88
San Jose
Costa Rica
Partial
7.23
69.76
7.84
2.11
1.56
89
Buenos Aires
Argentina
Partial
7.13
69.84
25.32
6.81
5.09
90
Brussels
Belgium
Partial
7.09
75.92
15.50
3.83
2.88
91
Santo Domingo
Dominican Rep.
Illegal
6.93
58.87
0.67
0.21
0.16
92
Graz
Austria
Partial
6.84
74.00
4.81
1.22
0.95
93
Budapest
Hungary
Illegal
6.74
77.26
7.70
1.87
1.48
94
Sofia
Bulgaria
Illegal
6.66
82.65
12.83
2.91
2.33
95
Ottawa
Canada
Partial
6.62
69.80
35.43
9.53
7.67
96
Vancouver
Canada
Partial
6.40
69.80
23.44
6.30
5.25
97
Sao Paulo
Brazil
Partial
6.38
64.94
68.55
19.81
16.55
98
Rotterdam
Netherlands
Partial
6.33
73.40
12.75
3.26
2.74
99
Ljubljana
Slovenia
Partial
6.32
80.41
3.43
0.80
0.67
100
Barcelona
Spain
Partial
6.23
78.09
39.59
9.51
8.14
101
Montreal
Canada
Partial
6.15
69.80
60.52
16.27
14.10
102
Kiev
Ukraine
Partial
6.00
74.78
14.73
3.70
3.28
103
Abuja
Nigeria
Illegal
5.88
20.63
7.40
6.73
6.10
104
Lima
Peru
Partial
5.88
37.83
12.28
6.09
5.52
105
Mexico City
Mexico
Partial
5.87
65.87
22.58
6.43
5.84
106
Cape Town
South Africa
Illegal
5.82
48.80
2.47
0.95
0.87
107
Karachi
Pakistan
Illegal
5.32
60.70
135.48
41.89
41.95
108
Manila
Philippines
Illegal
5.24
74.27
2.32
0.59
0.60
109
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Partial
5.11
64.94
28.82
8.33
8.69
110
Mumbai
India
Partial
4.57
60.39
89.38
27.78
32.38
111
New Delhi
India
Partial
4.38
60.39
101.20
31.45
38.26
112
Antwerp
Belgium
Partial
4.29
75.92
4.10
1.01
1.26
113
Astana
Kazakhstan
Illegal
4.22
39.29
1.78
0.85
1.07
114
Montevideo
Uruguay
Legal
4.15
66.75
19.54
5.50
7.06
115
Johannesburg
South Africa
Illegal
4.01
48.80
3.76
1.45
1.92
116
Panama City
Panama
Illegal
3.85
56.52
0.81
0.27
0.37
117
Jakarta
Indonesia
Illegal
3.79
53.40
1.92
0.68
0.95
118
Asuncion
Paraguay
Partial
2.22
16.00
0.16
0.19
0.46
119
Bogota
Colombia
Partial
2.20
49.44
15.80
6.00
14.53
120
Quito
Ecuador
Partial
1.34
70.39
0.56
0.15
0.60
Methodology
Selection of the cities:
To select the cities for the study, Seedo first looked at the top and bottom cannabis consuming countries around the world. Then they analysed nations where marijuana is partially or completely legal, as well as illegal, and selected the final list of 120 cities in order to best offer a representative comparison of the global cannabis price.
Data:
●Price per gram, US$ - Crowdsourced city-level surveys adjusted to World Drug Report 2017 of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
●Taxes on Cigarettes, % of the most sold brand – Taxes as a percentage of the retail price of the most sold brand (total tax). Source: Appendix 2 of the WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2015.
●Annual possible tax collection is calculated in the following way:
●Population: latest available local population data sources.
●Annual Prevalence (percentage of population, having used weed in the year). Source: World Drug Report 2017 of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
●Average Consumption of weed per year in grams (people who consumed weed at least once in the previous year).
●Estimation, with the assumption, that one use of weed on average means one joint.
●One joint is assumed to have 0.66 grams of weed as in the paper of Mariani, Brooks, Haney and Levin (2010).
●The distribution of use during the year is assumed to be the same as in Zhao and Harris (2004), where the yearly usage varies from once or twice a year to everyday.
●Population: latest available local population data sources.
●Annual Prevalence (percentage of population, having used weed in the year). Source: World Drug Report 2017 of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
●Average Consumption of weed per year in grams (people who consumed weed at least once in the previous year).
●Estimation, with the assumption, that one use of weed on average means one joint.
●One joint is assumed to have 0.66 grams of weed as in the paper of Mariani, Brooks, Haney and Levin (2010).
●The distribution of use during the year is assumed to be the same as in Zhao and Harris (2004), where the yearly usage varies from once or twice a year to everyday.
●US tax level - Average tax level in the states of US where weed is legal: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Includes retail sales taxes, state taxes, local taxes and excise taxes.
●Legality
○Legal, if possession and selling for recreational and medical use is legal.
○Illegal, if possession and selling for recreational and medical use is illegal.
○Partial, if
■Possession of small amounts is decriminalised (criminal penalties lessened, fines and regulated permits may still apply)
■OR medicinal use legal
■OR possession is legal, selling illegal
■OR scientific use legal
■OR usage allowed in restricted areas (e.g. homes or coffee shops)
■OR local laws may apply to legality (e.g. illegal at federal level, legal at state level)
First quote: Based on New York City Council’s free lunch initiative which began in September 2017, with 1.1 million public school children, at a cost of $1.75 per child per day.
Every Remembrance Day I try to tour the Canadian War Museum – a mammoth exhibition of battle since earliest times. Each year, “lest I forget”, the photos and exhibits tell a story of fear and courage, sacrifice and survival, humanity, brutality, violence, and hatred.
Early combat was limited to the distance you could throw a spear, fire an arrow or swing a club. Armour was made of wood. Much of war consisted of ambush and surprise. Today, though Canada’s military still use snowshoe and canoe, they not only prepare for ambush, but also for nuclear threat.
The War Museum describes 150 years of French-British conflict in North America, ending in the Seven Year’s War and the British conquest of Canada.
The Canadian War Museum
Then in 1775, American anger exploded into revolution – creating two countries in North America. For Americans, their invasions of Canada during the American Revolution and War of 1812 are considered minor campaigns. Yet north of the border, they were struggles for survival.
Canadian forces went abroad in 1899 and again in 1914 to fight wars as part of the British Empire. One thousand volunteers fought in South Africa; 620,000 fought World War I.
In 1914 Europe was a powder keg. Opposing alliances and secret treaties divided the heavily armed great powers. After the assassination of Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand, countries rushed to settle old scores or to support allies. Britain, France and Russia stood against Germany, Austria-Hungary and Turkey. The rest of the world was dragged into a war that killed nine million and destroyed empires.
The War Museum focuses on the trenches of France and Belgium from 1915 to 1918, and the battles of the Somme, Vimy, Passchendale and the Hundred Days. Systems of fortified trenches stretched the length of the Western Front. Frontal assaults led to tremendous casualties. It was a long, bloody war.
In the 1930’s, Germany, Italy and Japan became aggressive dictatorships. The leading democracies – Britain, France, and the United States – tried to negotiate adopting a policy of appeasement. But the dictators responded with even more aggression.
War Museum exhibits cover Adolf Hitler and the rise of fascism, including an infamous Mercedes limousine used by Hitler at Nazi rallies. As World War II became a reality, Canada was the first Commonwealth country to send troops to Britain in 1939 – by the end of the conflict, 1.1 million Canadians served. Museum exhibits cover boots on the ground, as well as the costly Battle of the Atlantic where Canadians sunk 50 enemy submarines. The story of Canada’s air war is told, as well as our involvement in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan – much of which took place at local airfields.
The Second World War alliance of the Soviet Union and the Western democracies was short lived. Opposing world views, and territorial disputes deteriorated into the Cold War of 40 years.
Communist North Korea’s invasion of South Korea in 1950 sparked a three-year war that killed or wounded 3.5 million.
And Canadians have gone on to serve in NATO, NORAD, the United Nations, the Persian Gulf, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.
The War Museum is well worth the visit.
It reminds us that history is filled with both horror and hope.
History is not only the story you read, it is the one you remember.
We will remember! For the Silo by MPP Toby Barrett
Global Consumer Spending to Plunge by 8.6% to $44.3trn by end of 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has changed almost every aspect of people’s daily lives, and consumer spending is no exception. The uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis caused considerable changes in consumer habits, forcing them to cut down their budgets and prioritize spending.
According to data presented by StockApps.com, the coronavirus outbreak is expected to cut global consumer spending to $44.3trn in 2020, an 8.6% plunge year-over-year.
$4.2trn Drop in Spending Amid COVID-19 Crisis
Falling consumer spending has significant effects on overall Gross domestic product (GDP) growth, considering it accounts for almost 70% of GDP.
Before the COVID-19 crisis, global consumer spending has witnessed steady growth for five years in a row, revealed Statista, IMF, United Nations, World Bank, and Eurostat data. In 2015, it amounted to over $41.5trn. Over the next twelve months, this figure rose to $42.5trn and continued growing. Statistics show that in 2019, consumers worldwide spent a total of $48.5trn, the highest amount in a decade.
However, the coronavirus crisis triggered a sharp fall in 2020, with global consumer spending expected to plunge by $4.2trn year-over-year. Nevertheless, statistics show the following years are set to witness a recovery, with consumer spending growing by 20% to $53.5bn in 2022.
Statista data also revealed that Switzerland represents the leading country globally, with over $40,000 in consumer spending per capita in 2020. Luxembourg ranked second with around $5,000 less than that. Iceland, Denmark, and Norway follow, with $34,300, $25,800, and $25,600, respectively.
60% of Consumers Changed their Shopping Behavior
The Mc Kinsey & Company survey showed consumers became increasingly cautious with their spending in 2020. Even after countries lifted lock-downs, many consumers still see their incomes fall, forcing them to reduce budgets and change shopping habits.
Statistics show that increased time spent indoors led to significant growth in consumer spending on groceries, household, and home entertainment. Brazil, South Africa, and India lead in this category, with up to 30% consumer spending growth. Major consumer markets like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and China witnessed around 15% grocery shopping growth in the first half of the year.
However, with consumers being mindful of their spending and turning to less expensive products, 2020 has witnessed a plunge in clothes and accessories, outside entertainment, services, travel, and transportation spending. Respondents in all countries said they cut down spending in these categories between 20% and 50%.
The McKinsey survey also revealed the COVID-19 outbreak triggered a significant change in the shopping mindset. More than 60% of consumers globally have tried a different brand or shopped at another retailer during the crisis, mostly for convenience, value, and quality.
In China and the United States, over 75% of consumers reported trying a new shopping method, and 60% plan to stick with it post-crisis. The United Kingdom and Germany follow with 71% and 54% of consumers who practiced new shopping behavior. In Japan, where lockdowns weren’t imposed, only 33% of consumers changed their shopping mindset. For the Silo by Jastra Kranjec.
In case you missed it, on June 30, France and the other Member States of the European Union adopted a recommendation on the reopening of Europe’s external borders from July 1, 2020, to a first list of fourteen countries, including Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia [this may not be the case considering Covid developments there the past few days] , Thailand, as well as China, subject to reciprocity. This list will be reviewed every two weeks.
In view of the satisfactory epidemiological evolution on European territory, new measures have been adopted following the decisions taken on June 15 with regards to the reopening of European borders (Schengen area) and the opening of borders to international visitors after July 1.
The first countries eligible for this reopening are: Australia, Canada, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Thailand, Uruguay, three North African States (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), two Eastern European States (Montenegro, Serbia) and Georgia.
The United States, Russia, Israel, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are, at this stage, excluded from this list, as the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic is considered to be more serious there than in Europe. The reopening of borders with China is moreover suspended on the principle of reciprocity (China has not yet reopened its borders to European travellers).
As a reminder, the internal borders of the European Union – Schengen area reopened June 15 (and Spain’s on June 21). All health and security measures are being taken on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the border restrictions are lifted in the best possible conditions.
However, the British government (the United Kingdom being, in the post-Brexit transition period, still considered as an EU Member State) has decided to impose since June 8 a 2-week period quarantine on foreign travellers, therefore France is applying the rule of reciprocity until further notice. However, the 2-week period quarantine measure should evolve in the near-future. For the Silo, Marie-Andree.Boucher.
France was visited by 1.2 million Canadians in 2018.
More information on reopening and sanitary precaution’s in France can be found on France.fr.
Paris, France May, 2020 — Sentiment over whether governments are doing a good job of containing the coronavirus pandemic has swung in a number of countries over a month, according to the latest Ipsos poll.
A majority of people in nine out of 13 countries feel their government is doing a good job of containing the spread of COVID-19 in a survey of nearly 26,000 respondents conducted on April 23 to 26. People in India (87%), Australia (84%), Canada (81%), Germany (75%) and Italy (61%) are most likely to say this, while those in Japan (62%) and the hard-hit European countries of Spain (60%) and France (51%), and Russia (47%) were most likely to cite a poor job by their government.
But when you look back to polling results from more than a month ago – March 19 to 21 – sentiment has fallen the most in some key countries at the center of the outbreaks. Japan is at the top with their view of government response down 18 percentage points, followed by France (-13), Brazil and Russia (-9), Italy (-5), and the United States (-4).
On the other end, a positive view of the government’s work has increased in Germany (+26 points), Australia (+24 points), Mexico (+13), and Canada (+10) since March. Sentiment in the United Kingdom has remained unchanged with three in five people (59%) happy with the government response.
In terms of how people view the work of an international agency – the World Health Organization – a majority of people in 11 out of the 13 countries surveyed think the WHO is doing a good job in containing the spread of COVID-19, but this sentiment has fallen since March in nine out of 12 countries where Ipsos has tracked opinions.
People in the emerging markets of Mexico (78%), India and Brazil (75%) are most likely to be satisfied with the WHO’s response, followed by the developed nations of Canada (69%) and the U.K. (64%). The only two countries where more people disagree with the job done by the WHO are Japan (63%) and Russia (42%).
Other Ipsos research shows when respondents are asked about the performance of institutions in preventing the spread of the virus other aspects of the issue, including the economic effects of shutdowns, also influence how they evaluate institutional performance relative to containing the spread of COVID-19.
The countries seeing the biggest decline in regard for the WHO’s response are France (-14), India and Russia (-12) and Australia (-9). Germany (+13) and Japan (+2) are the only countries where satisfaction with the WHO’s role has increased.
These are the results of an Ipsos survey conducted April 23rd to 26th, 2020 on the Global Advisor online platform among 25,992 adults aged 18-74 in Canada and the United States and 16-74 in Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom. Where available, tracking results from previous studies, conducted through April and March and selected results from February are referenced by date.
The sample for April 23rd to 26th consists of approximately 2,000 individuals in each country. The samples in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S. can be taken as representative of these countries’ general adult population over age 16 or 18 (as above) and under the age of 75. The sample in Brazil, India, Mexico, Russia, and is more urban, more educated and/or more affluent than the general population and should be viewed as reflecting the views of the more “connected” segment of the population. The data is weighted so that each market’s sample composition best reflects the demographic profile of the adult population according to the most recent census data.
Where results do not sum to 100 or the ‘difference’ appears to be +/-1 more/less than the actual, this may be due to rounding, multiple responses or the exclusion of don’t knows or not stated responses. The precision of Ipsos online polls are calculated using a credibility interval with a poll of 1,000 accurate to +/- 3.5 percentage points. For more information on the Ipsos use of credibility intervals, please visit the Ipsos website (www.Ipsos.com).
For the Silo, Darrell Bricker, PhD CEO, Ipsos Global Public Affairs
About Ipsos
Ipsos is the world’s third largest market research company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people.
Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. We serve more than 5000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions.
Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).
ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP www.ipsos.com Featured image: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images/CNN
Many think it’s unlikely the economy will recover quickly once COVID-19 lockdown is over
Most negative about an economic recovery in hard-hit countries except China
Paris, France April , 2020 — A majority of people in 10 of the 15 countries polled by Ipsos disagree that the economy will recover quickly once the lockdown from the coronavirus pandemic is over – suggesting a lasting impact.
People in Spain (76%), France (72%), Italy (68%), the United Kingdom (67%), Russia and Japan (64%), and Canada (62%) feel most strongly against a quick economic recovery in a survey of nearly 29,000 respondents conducted from April 9 to 12. Those in Vietnam (80%), China (68%) and India (63%) are most likely to say a quick recovery will take place.
At the same time, one of the countries most divided on this question is the world’s largest economy – the United States ̶ with nearly half of those surveyed (49%) disagreeing on a quick recovery, while 43% think it will happen.
In terms of actions taken, majorities in India (56%), Brazil and Germany (54%) say all of the restrictions on travel and mandates for self-isolation will not stop the spread of COVID-19. That compares with majorities in China (63%), Australia (59%), Italy and Canada (58%), Spain (57%), the U.K., and Vietnam (54%) and France (51%) who think the restrictions do work.
Countries that have the seen the most significant change on this measure since mid-March are the ones where optimism has increased. Australia saw a drop of 17 percentage points in the number of those that agree the measures will not stop the spread of the pandemic, while the number of respondents in Japan fell by 13 points.
About the Study
These are the results of an Ipsos survey conducted April 9th to 12th , 2020 on the Global Advisor online platform among 28,000 adults aged 18-74 in Canada and the United States and 16-74 in Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Vietnam and the United Kingdom. Where available, tracking results from previous studies, conducted through March and selected results from February are referenced by date.
The sample consists of approximately 2,000 individuals in each country with the exception of Vietnam each at 1,000. The samples in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S. can be taken as representative of these countries’ general adult population over age 16 or 18 (as above) and under the age of 75. The sample in Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Russia, and Vietnam is more urban, more educated and/or more affluent than the general population and should be viewed as reflecting the views of the more “connected” segment of the population. The data is weighted so that each market’s sample composition best reflects the demographic profile of the adult population according to the most recent census data. Sample sizes may vary in prior waves.
Where results do not sum to 100 or the ‘difference’ appears to be +/-1 more/less than the actual, this may be due to rounding, multiple responses or the exclusion of don’t knows or not stated responses. The precision of Ipsos online polls are calculated using a credibility interval with a poll of 1,000 accurate to +/- 3.5 percentage points. For more information on the Ipsos use of credibility intervals, please visit the Ipsos website (www.Ipsos.com).
School has ‘been in’ for awhile now. Does your child’s school lunches sound healthy to you? How do you think it compares to school dinners from around the world? And how much do school meals affect energy levels for post-lunch learning and does that have an impact on PISA test results?
Check out this infographic to discover what the school meals of other countries look like and how each nation scores on the PISA test. For the Silo, Dinah Makani.
Taiji, Japan – In Defense of Animals denounces the cruel dolphin hunting and killing season that officially opened on September 1 in Taiji, Japan. The hunting season, which goes until March each year, sees the brutal slaughter of hundreds of dolphins.
“The primary motivation for the hunting and killing of dolphins is the captivity industry, where live, trained dolphins fetch a much higher price than dead ones,” says Dr. Toni Frohoff, In Defense of Animals’ Cetacean Scientist. “We call on the captivity industry in the United States to stop contributing to the demand that fuels these cruel hunts.”
Photo- Liz Carter.
During the hunts, wild dolphins are driven into a cove along the coast of Taiji and held, sometimes for days, while “show-quality” individuals are selected and torn away permanently from their families. These individuals are then trained and sold to aquariums in Japan and around the world. Often, some or all of the remaining dolphins are killed and butchered for their flesh, or turned loose into the ocean where they suffer from the significant trauma of severed familial ties or in some cases witnessing the deaths of their podmates.
While demand for captive dolphin entertainment may be declining in certain places within the United States, in others the industry is attempting to gain foothold. The Mississippi Aquarium, slated for downtown Gulfport, plans on including a new dolphin aquarium.
“Promoting captive dolphin entertainment is tantamount to promoting the brutal killing of dolphins that happens each year in Taiji,” continued Dr. Frohoff. “The only way to stop these slaughters is to stop promoting captivity, which in itself causes enormous stress, suffering and premature death for dolphins.”
The quotas for this year’s dolphin hunting season in Taiji, set by Japan’s Fisheries Agency, total 1,940 individuals, including 414 bottlenose dolphins, 450 striped dolphins and 400 pantropical spotted dolphins, according to Cetabase.
In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 30-year history of fighting for animals, people and the environment through education, campaigns and hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi. For the Silo, Dr. Toni Frohoff.
All photos- Liz Carter.
IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS • 3010 KERNER BLVD. • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • 415-448-0048
LOS ANGELES – Bucky O’Hare – the original comic book series turned into a classic cartoon – made its debut in the digital domain with an 8-page exclusive Swipe Studio e-comic book written and illustrated by brand creators Larry Hama and Michael Golden together with Neal Adams and his Continuity Productions. Bucky O’Hare and the Toad Menace made its premiere appearance Day One of Stan Lee’s Los Angeles Comic Con recently held October 28-30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Designed utilizing the tools available on the all-new Swipe Studio design app, the latest offering in the Bucky O’Hare legacy follows Bucky and his crew as they do battle with the Toad Armada. The special Los Angeles Comic Con presentation featured legendary artist Neal Adams together with Swipe Studio’s famed creator Satoshi Nakajima.
The 8-pager provided fans with a glimpse into the creative for the planned Bucky O’Hare theatrical motion picture now in the works with Neal Adams producing and directing.
The brainchild of software genius Satoshi Nakajima – the engineering architect responsible for Windows 95 and Windows 98 along with Internet Explorer versions 3 and 4 – Swipe empowers everyone from consumers to creators to easily animate everything from emails to digital comics with media-rich digital elements and make use of animation, video, vector graphics as well as full audio for voice, music and sound effects on tablets and smartphones. Created to take full advantage of today’s touch-enabled smartphone and tablet technology, Swipe eliminates the need for complex programming typically required to build animation or other forms of design content. As a result, creators, designers, animators and artists have the tools to create media-rich animated digital content for consumption via touch-enabled devices including smartphones, tablets and touch-enabled set-top-boxes, such as iPhone and Apple TV.
In addition to the Swipe Bucky O’Hare comic book, artist Neal Adams also worked with the Swipe team to load into the platform an impressive portfolio of Bucky art elements and animation that can be adapted by anyone for any digital purpose, including e-mails or presentations of any kind, including all main characters and several backgrounds.
Creators and artists can now experience the free Swipe app instantly by downloading Swipe Studio to their iPhone/iPad/iPod touch and begin to create media-rich animated digital content. To download the Swipe Studio, go to App Store https://appsto.re/us/hlcDeb.iNote- Swipe Studio is available only for iPhone/iPad/iPod touch users with version iOS9 or later.
“We are thrilled to unveil the newest Bucky O’Hare creative from the team responsible for this celebrated and enduring property at Stan Lee’s Los Angeles Comic con,” said Nakajima. “I [had] tremendous enthusiasm towards sharing a panel with the great Neal Adams whose brilliant use of the Swipe Studio design tools helps us usher in a new era in digital design.”
“It has been a lot of fun to work with Swipe Studio and I encourage artists to check it out for their own design projects. In fact, Swipie – which is Swipe’s platform for consumers – continues to offer a wealth of art and animation applications to enhance everything from emails to digital presentations. Mr. Nakajima has built an extraordinary platform and I am proud to contribute Bucky O’Hare as a way of underscoring its power as a design platform,” said Neal Adams.
About Swipe, Inc.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Swipe, Inc. is the parent company for Swipe™, an open source platform embedding the full range of visual and audio media into digital documents for smartphones, tablets and other touch-screen devices. Swipe, Inc. Founder-Chief Technology Officer Satoshi Nakajima is recognized industry-wide as the lead engineer and architect of Windows 95 and Windows 98 which he created during his tenure with Microsoft. Visit Swipe, Inc. online at http://www.Swipe.net/.
Starting last month Habits Studio and QUANTUM formalized a new partnership that signaled an exciting collaboration between the Italian design studio and the Japanese innovation studio/accelerator.
With shared aspirations and values, the two companies plan to work closely to develop Internet of Things (IoT) products that breathe new life into everyday experiences. The first product created by the partnership was unveiled at the Digital Habits booth at the Salone del Mobile Milano 2016, held in Milan, Italy in April. Inspired by moon-watching, the teams introduced a unique interior lighting display, ‘Another Moon’, that showcases the delicate beauty of waxing and waning of the moon in real time.
Being enhanced through their collaboration, both companies are committed to developing future products and services that have appeal for the wider global marketplace. The partnership opens up new opportunities for both companies to incorporate global design perspectives into the earliest stages of product development.
In addition to this, QUANTUM and Habits Studio plan to leverage their partnership across a wide range of projects undertaken in conjunction with QUANTUM’s numerous partner companies.
HABITS Studio provides seamless experiences for users looking to adopt innovations and new technologies. The team includes product designers, mechanical and electronic engineers, visual and interaction designers, who together, bring their visions to life by making interactive prototypes as proof of concepts. Habits Studio has also an internal innovation platform, called ‘Digital Habits’.
QUANTUM was launched in 2014 as a division within TBWA\HAKUHODO to help foster innovative growth and exploration. It went on to establish its own brand called QM in 2015. The collaboration with Habits Studio started between QM and Digital Habits.
“We have a special link with Japan. We started working in the country in 2000 when we were still students. Now we feel somehow integrated with the habits and creativity of the Japanese people. Our design approach appears to be especially effective for Japanese advanced industries. The partnership with QUANTUM ideally fits this opportunity and the capabilities of both companies express together a whole creative heritage.” Innocenzo Rifino, Founder, Habits Studio
“Our work style at Ku-Mu (QM) is always to collaborate with partners flexibly depending on the products and services we produce. Through the project with Habits Studio, we realized that partnering with global design firms would make us enrich the products we develop with a broader perspective, especially at a time when both businesses and markets are becoming more global. Habits has lots of experiences working with global companies, including some in Japan, and we are very excited to continue our collaboration on more projects based on this partnership.” Futaba Maehara, General Manager, QUANTUM Makers, QUANTUM
printing will change everything. You heard it here first. CP
On September 11th, 2013 – (New York City, US – Global Release) botObjects finally announced the ProDesk3D the world’s first Full Color 3D Desktop Printer (the ProDesk3D).
The firm aims to change the face of the 3D desktop printing market with the launch of the ProDesk3D, enabling the advancements to trigger mass market adoption of this technology – opening up a new generation of innovation, by doing so – accelerating the customer growth around the world. On the back of recently announcing their US high school education plans and its 3DDPE (3D Desktop Printing Education) Program – the firm believes that this market and the ProDesk3D is rightly timed for ‘hype to turn to reality’ – with new types of consumers buying this technology to innovate at home, and high schools shifting their expense policies to accommodate this technology in the curriculum. The market is now seeing a much wider set of professionals buy too – seeking automation & manufacturing efficiencies, new ways to gain client satisfaction, and finally, identifying new business opportunities as a result of using this technology.
Co-founder of botObjects Martin Warner
“Our customers and friends are sharing with us their ideas for this technology and how the ProDesk3D gives them finally a product that can address the shortfalls in competitor products – such as professional resolution, better speed, amazing advantages of full color, and a product that is really plug and play. The ideas we are hearing are sensational from advancements in human prosthetics, to teeth dentures, to toy figurines, to advanced precision-based components, to food manufacturing testing and much, much more.
This revolution is happening at such a rapid pace that we won’t recognize it in 10 years time – everyone will touch this market in some way or another”, said Martin Warner, CEO & Co-founder.
botObjects announces expands its distribution footprint to UK, Austria and Korea We are pleased to announce today our Sole Distributor and strategic partner –EBM 3D Limited who in celebration will be launching Xerika, their brand supporting the best of new technology across the UK.
Today, botObjects proudly announced that 3D-Fabrik as their Sole Distributor and strategic partner in Austria. 3D-Fabrik will be announcing new web announcements & local pricing shortly. Continuing the Asian distribution release efforts, botObjects announced Alien Technology Asia as the Sole Distributor and strategic partner in Korea. botObejcts also confirmed that new web announcements due out shortly for this territory.
Co-founder of botObjects, Mike Duma.
“We are extremely proud to announce our new strategic partners today, and look forward to announcing more countries very shortly in the build up to the global release of the ProDes3D”, said Mike Duma, CTO & Co-founder.
Stress is ever present in current society, both personal stress and workplace stress contribute to the well documented link, between stress and chronic conditions. The most recent data available from Statistic Canada’s – National Population Health Survey, demonstrates that personal stress is predictive of the development of a chronic health condition over the next four years (Statistics Canada, 2003). The long term impact of these chronic health conditions can result in significant activity limitation from heart attack, diabetes, migraine, or arthritis or back problems. Even more daunting is the higher predictive value of death for individuals suffering from cancer, bronchitis/emphysema, heart disease or diabetes.
The practice of forest bathing itself is not a new concept. Prior to the industrial revolution being “in nature” was part of everyday life. The Japanese term Shinrin-yoku meaning “taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing” was officially coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in 1982. (Park et al. 2010)
This novel practice of being in nature, demonstrates a wide variety of health benefits from which individuals in modern society can stand to gain. With the increasing amount of individuals living in urban settings the exposure to nature is diminishing.
Field studies performed in Japan measured salivary cortisol levels (more commonly known as “stress hormone”) in university individuals. The students were divided into two groups, one to spend a day in a forest setting, the other in a city setting. Lower levels of stress hormone, as well as lower blood pressure and pulse rate was found in individuals in forest location. (Park et al. 2010)
Further evidence has been documented to the demonstrate the reduction of stress resulting from forest bathing, through the improvement immune function with exposure to the natural environment. Given that immune function is key in the prevention of chronic diseases this evidence is exciting. Natural killer cells as they are ingeniously named are cells within the immune system which kill tumours or virus infected cells, through the release of enzymes which break down the cells. In research studies natural killer cells have been found to be elevated for seven days after the forest bathing trip (Qing, 2010). This seven day window of improved immune function is great news for the weekend warrior in all of us.
Many of us who live in Brant-Halidmand-Norfolk are blessed with exposure to forest just outside our doorsteps. This being said it doesn’t mean we always take advantage of it, between commuting to work, family and social commitments, going from the house to the car may be the norm. For the Silo, Ashley Beeton.
References
Park, B.J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2010) The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing): evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Environ Health Prev Med, 15,18–26.
This allowed for extras such as director’s commentary tracks and other features to be added onto a film, creating “Special Edition” releases that would not have been possible with VHS. Disc access was random and chapter based, like the DVD format, meaning that one could jump to any point on a given disc very quickly. By comparison, VHS would require tedious rewinding and fast-forwarding to get to specific points.
Another important innovation for Laserdisc was the fact that it was the very first home video format to offer Dolby Digital Surround Sound- often referred to as AC-3 on Laserdisc jackets and hardware. Many fans of Laserdisc are still enjoying this feature because some movies such as the Alien AC-3 LD were released with their original cinema surround mix on the AC-3 Laserdisc and those mixes are unavailable on today’s modern formats such as Blu-ray or UHD Blu-ray. Many early LD players can even be modified to turn them into AC-3 LD players.
Reduced audio escape for utmost privacy. 
Designed utilizing the tools available on 
