Japan

via vagary.tv Metal Gear Solid (Japanese: メタルギアソリッド Hepburn: Metaru Gia Soriddo?, commonly abbreviated as MGS) is an action-adventure stealth video game directed by Hideo Kojima.[4] The game was developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Japan and first published by Konami in 1998 for the PlayStationvideo game console. It is the sequel to Kojima's MSX2 computer game Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. The game featured cinematic cutscenes rendered using the in-game engine and graphics, as well as voice acting in numerous codec sequences.[5] Metal Gear Solid follows Solid Snake, a soldier who infiltrates a nuclear weapons facility to neutralize the terrorist threat from FOXHOUND, a renegade special forces unit.[6] Snake must liberate two hostages, the head of DARPA and the president of a major arms manufacturer, confront the terrorists, and stop them from launching a nuclear strike.[7] Metal Gear Solid was very well received, shipping more than six million copies,[8] and scoring an average of 94/100 on the aggregate website Metacritic.[9] It is recognized by many critics as one of the best and most important games of all time,[10][11] and heralded as the game which made the stealth genre popular. The commercial success of the title prompted the release of an expanded version for the PlayStation and PC, titled Metal Gear Solid: Integral;[12] and a remake, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes was later released for the Nintendo GameCube.[13][14] The game has also spawned numerous sequels, prequelsand spin-offs, including several games, a radio drama, comics, and novels. via vagary.tv Metal Gear Solid (Japanese: メタルギアソリッド Hepburn: Metaru Gia Soriddo?, commonly abbreviated as MGS) is an action-adventure stealth video game directed by Hideo Kojima.[4] The game was developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Japan and first published by Konami in 1998 for the PlayStationvideo game console. It is the sequel to Kojima's MSX2 computer game Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake. The game featured cinematic cutscenes rendered using the in-game engine and graphics, as well as voice acting in numerous codec sequences.[5] Metal Gear Solid follows Solid Snake, a soldier who infiltrates a nuclear weapons facility to neutralize the terrorist threat from FOXHOUND, a renegade special forces unit.[6] Snake must liberate two hostages, the head of DARPA and the president of a major arms manufacturer, confront the terrorists, and stop them from launching a nuclear strike.[7] Metal Gear Solid was very well received, shipping more than six million copies,[8] and scoring an average of 94/100 on the aggregate website Metacritic.[9] It is recognized by many critics as one of the best and most important games of all time,[10][11] and heralded as the game which made the stealth genre popular. The commercial success of the title prompted the release of an expanded version for the PlayStation and PC, titled Metal Gear Solid: Integral;[12] and a remake, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes was later released for the Nintendo GameCube.[13][14] The game has also spawned numerous sequels, prequelsand spin-offs, including several games, a radio drama, comics, and novels.

RT @LogicalD: MS Microsoft extends Azure's reach to China, Japan, and Australia

Submitted by Mark J. Grant, author of Out of the Box, "It's the lure of easy money. It has a very strong appeal." -Glenn Frey, Smuggler's Blues Investors borrowed $384.4 billion in April, a 1.3% gain from the previous month and a 29% rise from the same month last year. This is an all-time record for margin debt and it exceeds the previous high mark set in June 2007. Some may see this as an increased sign of investor confidence but I am not one of them. To me this is a giant red warning flag blowing in the financial breeze indicating the leveraging of dumb money making very risky bets. "Every swindle is driven by a desire for easy money; it's the one thing the swindler and the swindled have in common." -Mitchell Zuckoff Substances based upon some sort of white powder are quite dangerous. They can overcome your good sense and then they it can be quite difficult to extricate yourself from them. The Great Depression was caused, in large part, by massive leverage utilized in the equity markets. This was the white powder of 1929. It took a decade and a World War before America was able to loosen the grip of the stuff. The white powder of 2008/2009 was easy money provided by the American banks. It wasn't the subprime mortgages that caused the problem but the leverage that was used to buy them and then various securities that were appended to them. It took the coordinated efforts of the world's central banks to stop the carnage. Money for nothing, money from nothing and checks for free. Chicks were still expensive but at least we could afford them once again. "I came to a stark realization: chronic surpluses could be almost as destabilizing as chronic deficits." -Alan Greenspan The economies of Europe are in recession by any definition that you would like to use. America is sputtering and barely above the red line. Japan is now on steroids and the recent volatility in their equity and bond markets is astounding if not scary. All over the globe the white powder is being dispensed once again but this time there is far more of it than ever in history. It is being made by the central banks and so people think it is sanitized but let me tell you; there is no such thing! We are once again in the crack house of substance abuse! In each age the gods of the marketplace show up once more. The packaging may be different but the powder is the same. Each dealer uses the same line, "Nothing addictive here." "With the Hopes that our World is built on they were utterly out of touch, They denied that the Moon was Stilton; they denied she was even Dutch; They denied that Wishes were Horses; they denied that a Pig had Wings; So we worshipped the Gods of the Market who promised these beautiful things." -Rudyard Kipling

THE YARDBIRDS Sonny Boy Williamson & The Yardbirds Extremely rare 1969 original Japanese blue & silver Philips label stereo LP manufactured by the Victor Company Of Japan. This amazing rarity has a unique psychedelic picture cover, undulled & unfaded with vibrant colour retention. The sleeve is in excellent condition with the pale cream back pasted cover showing only few signs of age and storage wear on the edges. The heavyweight vinyl is in 'near as new' condition retaining a beautiful sheen with only a couple of light spindle marks on the label, also comes with the original 12" x 12" double-sided English language lyric insert - a supremely rare LP in any condition.   U2 October Rare 1987 Japanese limited edition 'Final Vinyl' series 11-track LP manufactured by Polystar, the second album by the Irish rock band originally released in 1981, including the singles Gloria & Fire. Comes in a picture sleeve complete with lyric insert & obi-strip. This copy is in outstanding condition showing very little signs of age with the vinyl in 'near as new' condition.   SMASHING PUMPKINS Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness 2012 UK Deluxe Edition 28-track 4-LP set pressed on 180gram Heavyweight Vinyl featuring the Smashing Pumpkins' masterpiece album remastered for the first time and spread over 8 sides [4LPs] to provide the optimum sound. The four LPs are housed in a 12" x 12" deluxe rigid slipcase and come accompanied by two books containing personal notes, lyrics and new collage artwork!

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013Hi everyone, The 7th Asian Dragons International Chess Tournament 2013 will be held in Taipei, Taiwan, from July 30 to August 6. The Asian Dragons Invitational Tournament was held for the first time in Kaohsiung in 2007 - being the first international chess event held by the Chinese Taipei Chess Association. The purpose of the tournament was to provide opportunity for developing players with ratings below 2200 to compete against players with similar strength, offering them a friendly yet competitive environment. With this purpose in mind, the tournament was played in round-robin format for the Open section and Under 16 section with players coming from the following countries: Macau, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Korea and the host federation, Chinese Taipei. The chess tournament was quite a success and requests poured in for participation. Players have been invited from Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Singapore, and Korea. Starting from 2013, the organisers are opening the invitation to all federations. 1. TOURNAMENT1.1 Swiss System 9 rounds2. TOURNAMENT RULES2.1 System of PlayThe tournament is FIDE rated and will be conducted as per FIDE Laws of Chess. The tournament will be conducted as Swiss system of 9 rounds and will be played according to FIDE regulations.2.2 Time controlThe time control is 90 minutes for each player for the entire game with 30 seconds increment per move from move one.2.3 Tie-breakFIDE Tie-Break Regulations shall be applied. Details of Tie-Break will be announced during Technical Meeting. 2.4 Chief Arbiter shall make announcement accordingly before the start of the games. If a player is not present during the start of the games, he/she shall lose by default.3. ELIGIBILITY & PARTICIPATION3.1 Eligible to participate are all players with Fide rating 1600~2200 for Open Section; Fide rating under 2200 for Youth Under 16 Section. 3.2 The host federation has the right to accept unrated local players to a maximum of one fifth of the total players per section. 3.3 To maintain Asian Dragons original spirit, those invited federations have the rights to send some players without FIDE rating, yet the players shall have approximate strength of the required rating range.4. Registration and entry fee4.1 Participants must pay entry fee of 100 EUR.which includes luncheon, dinner, one banquet and hotel – airport transportation. 4.2 Players with FIDE rating more than 2000 (FIDE rating 2001~2200 according to official FIDE July 2013 rating list) will have entry fees waived and receive 10% discount on Taipei Hero House accommodation.4.3 Invited Federations are eligible to have entry fee waived for two (2) players per section and for one (1) official. 4.4 Deadline for Registration is June 30th 2013In order to provide appropriate tournament conditions, the Federations or players must complete carefully the official registration form and send it back to the organizing committee no later than June 30th, 2013. Organizers reserve the right to refuse or decline late registrations. 5. VenueThe tournament will be held at National Taiwan University which is located at the center of Taipei city. 6. ACCOMMODATION6.1 For invited federations, free boarding and lodging for 2 players per section and 1 official per federation are provided to stay in the official hotel (Taipei Hero House) on a triple room or double room basis from August 01 to August 08. Meals are provided from breakfast of July 30 to breakfast of August 06 2013. Single occupancy or spouse occupancy will not be covered by the host federation.6.2 All accompanying person (including invited federation) and extra player has to pay 35 EUR per day per person for shared triple room or 45 EUR for shared double room at the Taipei Hero House hotel. 6.3 Taipei Hero House hotel – an official 3-Star hotel. Find more details at the Fide website.From Alexandra Kosteniuk'swww.chessblog.comAlso see her personal blog atwww.ch

A look at how decisions from television executives changed the entire history of pro wrestling over the last 30 years is the lead story in this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, that is on the web site today.           The issue goes back to 2001, when wrestling changed with the death of WCW and ECW, and trace the rise and fall of both companies.  We look at the planned angle in 2001 that would have ended up with Nitro every week on Monday nights on the USA Network and how it was supposed to open, why the obvious angle didn't happen, and how abruptly everything changed and why.           We also look at all the plans for that year that dropped, the most successful non-WrestleMania PPV that WWE ever did, the death of WCW, the time WCW came close to dying a decade earlier and why it didn't, the history of pro wrestling on TBS, what led to Vince McMahon's association with Ted Turner and why feelings ended up bitter, the decisions that led to the death of Mid South Wrestling, ECW and WCW going down the tubes and more.           We also look at what contract WWF signed that killed their chances to greatly expand their TV network, the real story behind Vince McMahon's backing of ECW, the strange goings on regarding the sale of WCW to Vince McMahon, how much Vince McMahon paid for WCW, what it was a WWE decision that is the reason TNA is still in business and thoughts on what if ECW could have continued.           We also have a look at the life and career of Mick McManus, the all-time greatest villain in British wrestling.             We also have a look at the Extreme Rules PPV, with background notes on the show, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results on the show.           We also look at HHH's angle, WrestleMania the next few years, Dwayne Johnson surgery notes, as well as Gina Carano talking about Rock, another writer gets fired, Lesnar's next program, repackaging of Joe Hennig, WWE donates to Sports Legacy Institute, WWE announcing, why the Colons aren't on TV, Linda McMahon at WWE headquarters, and more.           We also look at Bruno Sammartion Day in Pittsburgh, the brunette dancer with Fandango as well as business notes.           We also look at the situation with Nick Diaz, all the allegations against Bryan Caraway, why Diaz was fined, looking at suspensions of UFC fighters and more.           We also look in depth at the recent WWE hirings and firings.  We look at who has signed, their backgrounds, who has been let go, and notes on why certain people were hired and fired.           We also have coverage of the UFC show over the weekend, the Vitor Belfort controversy, the ratings and match-by-match coverage.           We also have coverage of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.             The Wrestling Observer ranges weekly from 35,000 to 50,000 words covering pro wrestling and MMA internationally. Each issue has coverage and analysis of all the major news, plus every issue breaks major news stories before the Internet sties and has the most complete look at the pro wrestling and MMA business anywhere, plus history pieces available nowhere else.         The Observer is now in its 29th year of being the leading insider pro wrestling publication in the world.  The biggest and most influential names in the pro wrestling and MMA industry, from bookers to promoters to Hall of Fame wrestlers and fighters to the biggest names on camera and behind the scenes, along with thousands of readers in all 50 states and more than 30 countries subscribe.  Many have subscribed for 20 years or longer consecutively.  They get the most detailed and inside coverage of what is going on all over the world.  Everywhere from Wall Street to the major offices to television networks in the U.S. and Japan turn to the Observer for what is going on in the business.        If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can get one free classic issue of your choic

Having already received antitrust clearance from the U.S., Brazil, India, South Korea, Japan, Israel, Mexico, South Africa and Ukraine, H.J. Heinz said it has now obtained regulatory clearance from China as well to pave the way for its acquisition by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway  and an investment fund affiliated with 3G Capital. Heinz has also received regulatory approvals in Russia, New Zealand, and Ireland but still awaits antitrust clearance from Russia and the European Union. Shareholders of the ketchup maker have already approved the merger, which will see Berkshire pay $28 billion for the company, which includes Heinz's debt. The deal was originally announced on Feb. 14 and still remains subject to certain customary closing conditions. It is expected to close in early to mid-June.

After taking you on a trip through Europe, today it’s time to get global once again as I give you the much awaited World roundup for April 2013. Who made the worldwide headlines in April? Hints: two Japanese and one German… A little bit like Iron Man 3 unleashing its power into virtually all countries in the world in the same period, the 4th generation Toyota RAV4, after an 8 year-wait, is now making waves instantaneously in every corner of the globe: it is #2 in Taiwan with 5.1% share, #3 in Puerto Rico, up 16 spots on March to #4 in Norway, up to #6 in New Zealand, up 219% on April 2012 to #8 in Ukraine, up 117% to #10 in Russia, up 38% to #11 in Canada, up 41% to #15 in Australia, up 8 ranks to #16 in Poland and up 22% to #17 in the US… Talk about a multi-pronged attack! Nissan Leaf The biggest single event this month is arguably the 2nd place of the Nissan Leaf  in Norway with 3.3% share, by far the model’s best ranking anywhere in the world, and no less than its fourth consecutive record month in Norway, after ranking #4 with 2.8% in March, #5 at 2.5% in February and #9 in January. In fact, Norway is the only country in the world where the Nissan Leaf has managed to break into the monthly Top 10! Audi A3 Another big single event is the arrival for the very first time of the Audi A3 among the Top 10 best-sellers in Europe at #9 this month, thanks to very strong showings in Germany (#4), the UK (#10) and Switzerland (#8). As an aside, nother landmark for Audi in Aprid is the Q3 breaking into any monthly Top 10 for the first time and it happened in Austria (#8) - note also that the Q3 makes its first appearance in the Chinese ranking at #107 as local production has now started. Renault Duster Along with the RAV4 and the Q3, another SUV making headlines worldwide is the Franco-Romanian Renault Duster. It lodges a third month (in the last 4) within the Russian Top 5 and stays within the Indian Top 10 for the 2nd consecutive month. Launched in January, it is already up to #12 in Ireland with almost 2% of the market, while on a Romanian note the Dacia Dokker is up to #5 in Romania and #3 in Bulgaria. Great Wall Voleex C10 Quick update on the most successful Chinese models overseas: the Great Wall Voleex C10 is up to a best-ever #2 in Bulgaria, the Geely CK maintains itself at #2 year-to-date in Ukraine, the Chery MVM315 (aka Fulwin 2) is up to #4 in Iran and the DongFeng S30 celebrates its 5th consecutive month within the Venezuelan Top 5. Opel Mokka Among recent launches, the Opel Mokka is already the brand’s best-seller in Switzerland both this month (#15) and year-to-date (#23) ahead of the Astra, it is up to #29 in Germany but up to a fantastic #8 in the German private sales ranking, always a good indication of future success. The Renault Captur is up to #22 in France and #63 in Spain, the Mercedes CLA is up to #61 at home in Germany but does better in Spain where it already ranks #58… Peugeot 207 Compact Weird development in Argentina where two decade-old models with a bit of makeup took command of the sales charts: the Peugeot 207 Compact (in fact a 206+) and the Renault Clio Mio (in fact a 1998 Clio). Tesla Model S In other news, after 6 consecutive months of Toyota Aqua domination the Toyota Prius is back in charge in Japan, thanks to an official sales update by Tesla we learn that the Tesla Model S is the best-selling plug-in vehicle in the USA so far 2013 ahead of the Prius and Volt, the Hyundai i30 breaks into the US Top 10 for the first time thanks to the addition of the GT hatchback version (called i30 elsewhere)… Honda Amaze … the Honda CR-V is up to a record 4th place in China, the Fiat 500 reaches a best-ever 8th position in the UK, the Suzuki Ertiga is back to a fantastic 2nd place in Indonesia for the second time in the last 3 months and the Honda Amaze is already #13 in India. Hyundai Maxcruz Finally, have you met the Hyundai Maxcruz? In South Korea, the Santa Fe

KANAGAWA, Japan, May 25. THE Japan Open continued to produce some outstanding efforts this weekend as some of Japan's best swimmers put on a show this evening. In what is quickly becoming the heav...

Stocks finally digested some of the stellar gains seen year-to-date after the latest FOMC minutes rattled investor confidence. During Chairman Bernanke’s testimony to Congress last week, it became clear that the Fed is discussing potential exit strategies, which inevitability sent a wave of worry across Wall Street as stimulus hopes faded away. U.S. equities took a dive in the second-half of the week, although bargain buyers helped to recover some lost ground on Friday after durable goods orders data came in better-than-expected [see also The Cheapest ETF For Every Investment Objective]. ETF Insider Recommendations Our Asia Pacific pick took a turn for the worst as selling pressures in Japan spilled over into the Aussie equity market, which also prompted us to take profits in our XLU position ahead of the prolonged holiday weekend. Last Week’s Actionable ETF Ideas Ticker Position Week Performance EWA Long -1.5% XLU Long +8.8% Closed Trade: Long EWA: [...]Click here to read the original article on ETFdb.com.Related Posts:How To Use A Pairs Trading Strategy With ETFsDaily ETF Roundup: DXJ Tumbles After Nikkei Freefall, XLU SlumpsETF Insider: Asia Pacific Country Fund Looks Ripe For Rebound, Gold Offers A HedgeETF Insider: Bull Run Continues, Short Trade Gets Stopped Out Daily ETF Roundup: YCS Pops On Weaker Yen, XLU Slides Alongside Utilities