Fine Crystal Specimens updated

We have updated our web shop to include some rare and very fine specimens from Madagascar and other places around the globe.

 

Head over to http://www.dewyucca.com/ to check them out.

My Calender Sentiment for 2010

As mentioned last month about my Calligraphy work for the new year to be attached to a calender, in Japan this is a way to sharpen your skills plus to have your New years resolution hung in the house to constantly remind us of what we want to achieve or to become, my theme for this year is 森羅万象 which means Universe.

Basic 大相撲 knowledge

From Highest and down
Yokozuna　　 横綱
 Ozeki　　　　大関　
Sekiwake 　　関脇
Komusubi 　  小結
Maegashira　 前頭
 The ranked Rikishi (力士) compete at the highest level of Sumo called Makuuchi (幕内). Rikishi get promoted or demoted to another rank depending on their performance after every tournament, there are 6 tournaments every year. Yokozuna is called the Grand Champion and they can never be demoted to a lower rank, they are expected to retire if they can no longer produce they prowess of a Yokozuna so in short once a Yokozuna will forever be remembered as a Yokozuna.

Shock Defeat on Day 7 of 大相撲

Baruto caused a upset on day 7 handing a defeat to the current leader of the tournament Yokozuna 白鵬(Hakuho) by a well and powerful executed Uwatenage Technique (Overarm throw). This is his first win over a Yokozuna and paves the way for discussions and considerations of the Sumo bigwigs to promote him to become an Ozeki.
 The other Yokozuna Asashouryu picked up a win and now joined by Hakuho and others at 6-1 record. It is a tight race. Game on!

Day 5 Hakuho in the lead.

Yokozuna Asashoryu got maneuvered out by Goeido and stumbled out of the lead leaving Yokozuna Hakuho as the sole leader with a 5-0 record.
Another day of good Sumo.

Sumo day 4 and Retirement announcement

小関千代大海 (Chiyotaikai) has officially announced his retirement from the sport after a 17 year run, he will now become a stable master and said to dedicate his time and effort to churn out good sumo 力士 (rikishi). Personally I think this has been long coming due to his performance over the last 2 years are nothing Ozeki like and one needs to know when to leave the game.
The Tourney is still on a tight race with both Yokozunas going neck to neck with 4 wins 0 loss each and leading the pack, all Ozekis suffered losses today.
 Overall good ol' sumo today.

大相撲 春場所 - Sumo Spring Tournament

 The first tournament of the year 平成22 has kicked off in an auspicious and heavenly vibe by the surprise visit of the emperor and empress who received a standing ovation and warm welcomes from everyone at the Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan.
 The first day was already full of surprises when the 2 小関　(Ozeki) 魁皇(Kaio)　and 琴美喜(Kotomitsuki) both suffered defeats in the hands of 雅山(Miyabiyama) and 豪栄道(Goedo) while both 横綱(Yokozuna) picked up wins against 琴奨菊(Kotoshogiku) and 鶴竜(Kakuryu) respectively.
 My pick of the day is the bout between 小関　日馬富士(Harumafuji) and 前頭　栃ノ心(Tochinoshin) where the light weight Ozeki gave the giant Maegashira a uchimuso (inner thigh propping twist down) winning technique.
 Day 2 action will follow.

Avatar the Movie

Watched Avatar 3D version for the New Years and I was completely blown away, great impressions from the elements of incredible 3D graphics and an aspiring, spiritual storyline. We are all connected by the energies around us and all we need do is try to control that energy inside our body to reach out connecting to others.
Highly recommended movie to anyone, It will win heaps of Academy awards this year now doubt, 間違いのない。

Happy Tiger Year! Roarrr

 お正月　is here and I wish everyone a great year of the Tiger (虎）, may you and your family be happy, prosperous and healthy. 元旦　gantan is what used to call the very first day of the New Year in Japan and normally we start the day by saying 明けましておめでとうございます to greet each other alongside the other wishes for the year to come.
 Second part to be continued.