Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Monday, May 31, 2010
Manga, Anime, Game world becomes Reality!? Japanese Customized-Replica Cosplay Props Creator
A Japanese manga “BLEACH” has so many fans in the world, and I am one of them.
Some of you might know but that the key of the manga is “katana (sword)”.
I always wanted to hold a katana that the characters have, just like I wanted to wear Kamen Rider (Masked Rider: a classic Japanese hero)’s transformation belt in my childhood.
So, I searched online to find a dream craftsman who can make such props from manga worlds…and I found one!
SHOP website (Japanese)
A Japanese man, Mr. Yamamoto takes orders for custom-made replicas, and as you can see in the website, he exactly replicates things like a weapon that a video game character has.
I especially want the Gunblade from Final Fantasy!
His impressive works made me want to ask him some questions, so I interviewed him.
Are there all handmade?
“Yes. They are full customized handmade.
After I took a detailed order from a customer, I make a design plan and then start making it.
Are they made of metal?
“They can be made of metal or nonmetal. Both available.”
How long does it take to make one?
“About one month..”
What’s your hobby?
“I like manga. I have over 10,000 manga books. My favorites are; for example, “Spriggan” and ”Cobra”.
I love Video games (especially “Final Fantasy”) and plastic models (especially Gundam) too.
Your favorite characters are…?
“Gilgamesh for sure (I even use her as my website’s mascot character). There’re so many that I can’t write them all here LOL.”
Could you tell your personal history briefly?
“After graduated from an art university, I home-stayed in England, and also went to Taiwan to study a language. I came back to Japan after I got really sick because a company president whom I got to know in Taiwan fed me tons of alcohol. I worked at mahjong club as a part-timer and saved money. Then, I went to Nepal to have my sword made. Now I make battle-gears in Japan.”
I can tell he is a colorful man by reading his history.
Mr. Yamamoto, a dream craftsman who can make the actual props that your favorite characters have.
They are perfect for those who are into cosplay of a manga, anime or game character.
I want him to make a replica (the Byakuya Kuchiki’s sword) from BLEACH for myself too .
Some of you might know but that the key of the manga is “katana (sword)”.
I always wanted to hold a katana that the characters have, just like I wanted to wear Kamen Rider (Masked Rider: a classic Japanese hero)’s transformation belt in my childhood.
So, I searched online to find a dream craftsman who can make such props from manga worlds…and I found one!
SHOP website (Japanese)
A Japanese man, Mr. Yamamoto takes orders for custom-made replicas, and as you can see in the website, he exactly replicates things like a weapon that a video game character has.
I especially want the Gunblade from Final Fantasy!
His impressive works made me want to ask him some questions, so I interviewed him.
Are there all handmade?
“Yes. They are full customized handmade.
After I took a detailed order from a customer, I make a design plan and then start making it.
Are they made of metal?
“They can be made of metal or nonmetal. Both available.”
How long does it take to make one?
“About one month..”
What’s your hobby?
“I like manga. I have over 10,000 manga books. My favorites are; for example, “Spriggan” and ”Cobra”.
I love Video games (especially “Final Fantasy”) and plastic models (especially Gundam) too.
Your favorite characters are…?
“Gilgamesh for sure (I even use her as my website’s mascot character). There’re so many that I can’t write them all here LOL.”
Could you tell your personal history briefly?
“After graduated from an art university, I home-stayed in England, and also went to Taiwan to study a language. I came back to Japan after I got really sick because a company president whom I got to know in Taiwan fed me tons of alcohol. I worked at mahjong club as a part-timer and saved money. Then, I went to Nepal to have my sword made. Now I make battle-gears in Japan.”
I can tell he is a colorful man by reading his history.
Mr. Yamamoto, a dream craftsman who can make the actual props that your favorite characters have.
They are perfect for those who are into cosplay of a manga, anime or game character.
I want him to make a replica (the Byakuya Kuchiki’s sword) from BLEACH for myself too .
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Foods that Lower Cholesterol
1. Whole grains and oats – a five-year Insulin Resistance Athersclerosis Study showed that people whose diets contain the most whole grains “had the thinnest carotid artery walls and showed the slowest progression in artery wall thickness.”
2. Blueberries – a compound in blueberries (pterostilbene) may help lower cholesterol as effectively as commercial drugs with fewer side effects.
Shop for Blueberries
3. Pistachios, 4. Walnuts, and 5. Almonds – a Penn State study showed that eating pistachios significantly lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed eating walnuts after a high-fat meal might protect your heart. Omega-3 fats and antioxidants in nuts work to reverse the arterial damage caused by saturated fats.
4. Avocados, 7. Olives, and 8. Olive oil – 26 of the 30 grams of fat in an avocado are heart-healthy, unsaturated fats that can increase your levels of HDL cholesterol. The good fats in avocados, olives, and olive oil protect against heart disease and diabetes. Check out the Mediterranean Diet.
5. Flaxseed oil – flaxseed oil can lower blood pressure in men with high cholesterol. In a three-month study of 59 middle-aged men, those who took daily flaxseed oil supplements (with eight grams of the omega-3 fats, alpha-linoleic acid) experienced significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
6. 100% cranberry-grape juice – antioxidants in grape juice slow down LDL cholesterol oxidation, and cranberry juice raises HDL or “good” cholesterol.
7. Fish and Fish oil – a study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that people with type 2 diabetes who consumed high doses of fish oil over nine weeks lowered the size and concentration of several lipoprotein subclasses (cholesterol) in their bodies.
8. Black soybeans – a study from the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture shows that black soybeans may help prevent obesity, lower LDL cholesterol, and reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes.
9. Pomegranate juice – a National Academy of Sciences study showed that pomegranate juice reduces cholesterol plaque buildup and increases nitric oxide production (nitric oxide helps reduce arterial plaque).
10. Yogurt with live active cultures (probiotics) – Vicki Koenig, MS, RD, CDN said “several studies have shown that the probiotics Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Lactobacillus Reuteri actually help lower cholesterol. They work by preventing the reabsorption of cholesterol back in to the blood stream.”
You might be a person who is predisposed to high cholesterol, or maybe your diet could use a shape-up. Here are a few key points on cholesterol that I try to focus on:
* LDL or “bad” cholesterol deposits itself on the walls of your arteries, forming plaques that make them hard and narrow. HDL or “good” cholesterol removes excess LDL in your blood and brings it to your liver for disposal. The more HDL you consume, the less LDL you’ll have in your blood.
* You may need medication to help reduce your cholesterol, but eating a heart-healthy diet and getting exercise are very important.
* Everyone should have their cholesterol checked-it doesn’t matter if you are young/old, female/male, or thin/overweight.
2. Blueberries – a compound in blueberries (pterostilbene) may help lower cholesterol as effectively as commercial drugs with fewer side effects.
Shop for Blueberries
3. Pistachios, 4. Walnuts, and 5. Almonds – a Penn State study showed that eating pistachios significantly lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed eating walnuts after a high-fat meal might protect your heart. Omega-3 fats and antioxidants in nuts work to reverse the arterial damage caused by saturated fats.
4. Avocados, 7. Olives, and 8. Olive oil – 26 of the 30 grams of fat in an avocado are heart-healthy, unsaturated fats that can increase your levels of HDL cholesterol. The good fats in avocados, olives, and olive oil protect against heart disease and diabetes. Check out the Mediterranean Diet.
5. Flaxseed oil – flaxseed oil can lower blood pressure in men with high cholesterol. In a three-month study of 59 middle-aged men, those who took daily flaxseed oil supplements (with eight grams of the omega-3 fats, alpha-linoleic acid) experienced significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
6. 100% cranberry-grape juice – antioxidants in grape juice slow down LDL cholesterol oxidation, and cranberry juice raises HDL or “good” cholesterol.
7. Fish and Fish oil – a study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that people with type 2 diabetes who consumed high doses of fish oil over nine weeks lowered the size and concentration of several lipoprotein subclasses (cholesterol) in their bodies.
8. Black soybeans – a study from the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture shows that black soybeans may help prevent obesity, lower LDL cholesterol, and reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes.
9. Pomegranate juice – a National Academy of Sciences study showed that pomegranate juice reduces cholesterol plaque buildup and increases nitric oxide production (nitric oxide helps reduce arterial plaque).
10. Yogurt with live active cultures (probiotics) – Vicki Koenig, MS, RD, CDN said “several studies have shown that the probiotics Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Lactobacillus Reuteri actually help lower cholesterol. They work by preventing the reabsorption of cholesterol back in to the blood stream.”
You might be a person who is predisposed to high cholesterol, or maybe your diet could use a shape-up. Here are a few key points on cholesterol that I try to focus on:
* LDL or “bad” cholesterol deposits itself on the walls of your arteries, forming plaques that make them hard and narrow. HDL or “good” cholesterol removes excess LDL in your blood and brings it to your liver for disposal. The more HDL you consume, the less LDL you’ll have in your blood.
* You may need medication to help reduce your cholesterol, but eating a heart-healthy diet and getting exercise are very important.
* Everyone should have their cholesterol checked-it doesn’t matter if you are young/old, female/male, or thin/overweight.
Monday, May 24, 2010
beverages increase sexual arousal
1. Granola – MSNBC reports that granola is rich in L-Arginine, an amino acid that improves circulation and erectile response. Studies show that L-Arginine helps improve sexual function in men. No studies on women have been done yet, but it’s likely they would enjoy the same effects.
2. Red wine or champagne – Dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot recommends drinking a glass of red wine or champagne because it will awaken your libido and it actually helps keep your arteries open and blood flowing. Of course, avoid drinking too much because excessive alcohol decreases your sexual performance and desire.
3. Celery – Ava Cadell, Ph.D., author of Passion Power, says that “raw celery contains the male hormone androsterone, which can act as a pheromone to trigger female attraction.” Once a guy takes a few bites, the pheromone begins to release from his sweat glands. If women need a mood booster, they can eat celery too. The Journal of Fertility and Sterility says androsterone has mood-elevating effects in women.
4. Bananas – Women’s Health Magazine says bananas are the perfect food to give you endurance in the bedroom. Bananas have B vitamins which convert carbohydrates into energy and may help your body produce sex hormones such as testosterone. Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., author of Pleasure, recommends eating a banana a few hours before sex to keep your energy up.
5. Vanilla – Alan Hirsch, founder of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, says the smell of food is the most powerful aspect for making men feel “in the mood.” In his study on aromas and their effect on penile blood flow, Hirsch found that smells which remind men of the security and pleasure of their childhood make them turned on. Vanilla seems to work for this reason.
6. Dark Chocolate – Women’s Health reports that a recent Italian study concluded that women who eat chocolate daily have more satisfying sex lives. Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., author of Pleasure, says chocolate contains chemicals that are linked to relaxation, intoxication, and pleasure. Mark’s Daily Apple wrote that the chemical phenylethylamine in chocolate has been found to trigger feelings similar to “falling in love.”
7. Flaxseeds – Helen Fisher, Ph.D., author of Why We Love, says consuming one tablespoon of flaxseeds every day helps to increase testosterone in the body. Flaxseeds are also packed with essential fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, etc.) which Women’s Health says are “the major building blocks of all sex hormones.” Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., author of Pleasure, says that failing to get enough fatty acids forces your body’s hormone levels to drop along with your desire. Try walnuts if you don’t like flaxseeds.
8. Ginger – Fresh ginger root stimulates your circulatory system which in turn increases the blood flow to the genital areas.
9. Oysters – Oysters are high in zinc which is a mineral the body needs to produce testosterone. Nurse and holistic health practitioner Ellen Kamhi says that zinc “is often low in men who have sexual dysfunction. Adding foods high in zinc, like oysters, as well as pumpkin seeds and pine nuts, is essential for a healthy sex life.” Also, a recent study found that two types of amino acids in mussels, oysters, and clams induce a rush of sex hormones in the body. In addition, make sure to chew shellfish thoroughly because it helps pull out more of these amino acids.
Can’t stomach oysters? Zinc can also be found in beans, pork, turkey, brown rice, cashews, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
10. Asparagus – Dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot says “asparagus contains folate which is necessary for histamine production and histamine is necessary for both males and females to reach orgasm.” Asparagus is also a finger food which provides visual stimulus for your partner.
2. Red wine or champagne – Dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot recommends drinking a glass of red wine or champagne because it will awaken your libido and it actually helps keep your arteries open and blood flowing. Of course, avoid drinking too much because excessive alcohol decreases your sexual performance and desire.
3. Celery – Ava Cadell, Ph.D., author of Passion Power, says that “raw celery contains the male hormone androsterone, which can act as a pheromone to trigger female attraction.” Once a guy takes a few bites, the pheromone begins to release from his sweat glands. If women need a mood booster, they can eat celery too. The Journal of Fertility and Sterility says androsterone has mood-elevating effects in women.
4. Bananas – Women’s Health Magazine says bananas are the perfect food to give you endurance in the bedroom. Bananas have B vitamins which convert carbohydrates into energy and may help your body produce sex hormones such as testosterone. Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., author of Pleasure, recommends eating a banana a few hours before sex to keep your energy up.
5. Vanilla – Alan Hirsch, founder of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, says the smell of food is the most powerful aspect for making men feel “in the mood.” In his study on aromas and their effect on penile blood flow, Hirsch found that smells which remind men of the security and pleasure of their childhood make them turned on. Vanilla seems to work for this reason.
6. Dark Chocolate – Women’s Health reports that a recent Italian study concluded that women who eat chocolate daily have more satisfying sex lives. Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., author of Pleasure, says chocolate contains chemicals that are linked to relaxation, intoxication, and pleasure. Mark’s Daily Apple wrote that the chemical phenylethylamine in chocolate has been found to trigger feelings similar to “falling in love.”
7. Flaxseeds – Helen Fisher, Ph.D., author of Why We Love, says consuming one tablespoon of flaxseeds every day helps to increase testosterone in the body. Flaxseeds are also packed with essential fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, etc.) which Women’s Health says are “the major building blocks of all sex hormones.” Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., author of Pleasure, says that failing to get enough fatty acids forces your body’s hormone levels to drop along with your desire. Try walnuts if you don’t like flaxseeds.
8. Ginger – Fresh ginger root stimulates your circulatory system which in turn increases the blood flow to the genital areas.
9. Oysters – Oysters are high in zinc which is a mineral the body needs to produce testosterone. Nurse and holistic health practitioner Ellen Kamhi says that zinc “is often low in men who have sexual dysfunction. Adding foods high in zinc, like oysters, as well as pumpkin seeds and pine nuts, is essential for a healthy sex life.” Also, a recent study found that two types of amino acids in mussels, oysters, and clams induce a rush of sex hormones in the body. In addition, make sure to chew shellfish thoroughly because it helps pull out more of these amino acids.
Can’t stomach oysters? Zinc can also be found in beans, pork, turkey, brown rice, cashews, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
10. Asparagus – Dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot says “asparagus contains folate which is necessary for histamine production and histamine is necessary for both males and females to reach orgasm.” Asparagus is also a finger food which provides visual stimulus for your partner.
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