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First Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea videos filmed during Japan Earthquake - 3/14 : Updated with new videos
The first videos filmed inside Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea during the earthquake or the aftershocks are appearing on Youtube. As the damages in the parks appears to be relatively minors - which is good news - don't expect to see a collapsed Tower of Terror. The cast members in the parks seems to be well prepared for this kind of dramatic event and it seems that the instructions from TDR cast members to the guests during an earthquake is: "Everybody down!".
The earthquake happened while TDL guests were waiting for the day parade and as you can see on the first videos above and below everyone has been asked to remain sit on the ground. The message coming out TDL loudspeakers is not the one you generally hear in a Disney Park: "Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please, we have just experienced an earthquake...Please move away from the buildings to an open area..."
New and interesting video showing what happened to the poor TDL guests who were stuck in the park and the cold weather during all the afternoon and early evening. Apparently the guests were allowed to leave the park five hours after the earthquake.
Inside Tokyo Disney Sea now with this video filmed during the earthquake while the show on the lagoon was happening. The show stopped almost instantly.
NEW VIDEO: During the earthquake, near the Tower of Terror. At TDS too, everyone was asked to sit down, wherever they were.
NEW VIDEO: JTCent of jtcent.com web site was at Cape Cod in TDS when the earthquake happened, here is his video and you can have more infos on his site HERE.
This next TDS video was filmed during the earthquake aftershocks.
This next one shows TDL guests inside the Tower of Terror after the first earthquake.
Hours later, at sunset, TDL guests stuck in the park as the main rail line from Tokyo to TDR, Keiyo Line, has been damaged. "We"re all homeless!" say the video title.
NEW VIDEO: On this next video entirely from TDR monorail going all around the resort you'll see clearly at 4.10 minutes the liquefaction damages in TDR parking lot. TDL and TDS buildings looks in good condition.
Two other videos showing minor damages on the ground, apparently in the streets around the parks.
On this second video, recorded near Tokyo Disneyland Maihama-Station, TDR workers are already repairing the damages due to the earthquake.
However, another threat may come from the North as Japan nuclear agency announced that the Fukushima nuclear plant exploded this morning and there is fears of a nuclear meltdown after the plant blast. The blast happened while workers tried to cool nuclear rods as the plant have been damaged by the earthquake. A huge radioactive cloud - as you'll see on the video below - came out from the nuclear plant and dozens of thousands of people living nearby have been evacuated. As it happened when Tchernobyl nuclear plant exploded in 1986 the radioactive cloud will move and it's not known yet in which direction - but whatever the direction it will move it will be bad. This earthquake was already a tragedy of gigantic proportions, now it seems that the gates of hell are open.
Also, and i don't want to be too pessimistic, but all earthquake experts are saying that yesterday's earthquake probably had effects on another tectonic plaque located in the south, closer to Tokyo. It's too soon to tell how big the effects will be and if the earthquake had increased the tension on this other plaque but the experts seems to be afraid that it might increase the chances of another earthquake, this time close to Tokyo who didn't had a major quake since 1920. Yesterday's earthquake was really big but it might be nothing in comparison with the "big one" that earthquake experts are awaiting and afraid of. As always, no one can predict when this "big one" will happen although quake experts are saying they might be able to know more about the risk when they will have finished to study the infos collected from yesterday's earthquake.
Finally, it seems that the official TDR web site has deleted all opening hours until March 21 which could mean that both TDL and TDS might be closed until March 22.
I'll try to post more TDR videos when they will be available. Yesterday's article with the latest news about Japan devastating earthquake and its effects on Tokyo Disney Resort is HERE and you'll find below a new video to be watch full screen of the massive tsunami destroying a whole town of north-east Japan.
Libellés : javascript:void(0)japan earthquake, tokyo disney resort, tokyo disney sea, tokyo disney sea earthquake, tokyo disneyland, tokyo disneyland earthquake, tokyo earthquake
Danny Elfman video reveal HKDL Mystic Manor scenes model
This week, Hong Kong Disneyland released an interesting video. The goal was to announce a great news: Danny Elfman - who did the music of most of Tim Burton's movies - will compose the music for Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Manor attraction. WDI Imagineers could hardly do a better choice and Elfman who is a Haunted Mansion fan accepted instantly with great pleasure.
On the video - that you'll be able to watch at the end of this article - Danny Elfman is filmed looking at Mystic Manor's miniature model but as always in the video editing the shots are going pretty fast - mainly because they want to show you more of the project and in the same time they don't want you to see too much of it! So, we're going to "stop the time" once again with interesting screen captures.
As you may remind the main character of Mystic Manor's ride is a monkey who will open the "Pandora box" and the first screen capture of the model is a close shot on his face.
The first scene model that we can see on the video is the one of the "music room". Just to remind you which one it is here is the rendering of it.
And here is a picture of the model. Click on it to enlarge the picture.
The next scene of which we can see the model is "The Armory", here is the rendering...
...and here is a picture of part of the model.
In that scene a canon will blast at Mystic Manor guests, with a "ring of smoke" effect. In the video we see the effect but this time i think it's not from the model but a test done by Imagineers in a WDI facility.
The last model scene that we can see on the video is in fact one of the first scenes of the ride, the "cataloguing room".
Below, the model of that room from different angles.
And now that we had a look to this interesting models it's time to listen to Danny Elfman himself talking about his future score. By the way, Danny reveals that Mystic Manor's ride will last four and a half minutes. Good to know!
Finally, i remind you that you can see ALL the renderings of Mystic Manor in my previous article HERE. Have a great week-end!
Libellés : danny elfman, hong kong disneyland, mystic manor, mystic point
Devastating 8.9 Earthquake hit Northern Japan - Tokyo hit by Tsunami - Minors structural damages in Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea
Breaking News: An 8.9-magnitude earthquake AND a major tsunami hit northern Japan this Friday morning sending a massive body of water filled with debris that included boats and houses inching toward highways. The epicenter was 373 kilometers (231 miles) away from Tokyo, the United States Geological Survey said. This is a MAJOR earthquake which have already (and will have) important "replicas" . If you are in Japan, i hope you're safe. All my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan and those of other countries who will be hit by the tsunami.
No news yet about TDL and TDS. Did the park have been damaged by the earthquake? Did Tokyo Disney Sea which is close to the sea been hit by the tsunami? If you're a D&M reader living in Japan, thanks to let us know!
Update: According to Jiji, press agency TDR parking lot is completely flooded.
According to JoeInJpn, a mice chat member currently inside TDS "In this part of TDS, lots of people shaken up but no one hurt. No visible damage anywhere. Had a big aftershock 30 minutes after the first quake. I'm still stuck in Cape Cod in front of Aunt Pegs... We are just waiting outside for further info from CMs. It's currently 3:50pm sun is shining with some clouds, cool weather still.
From another person: "I'm looking at Sendai airport where the terminal looks like it is in the middle of a lake. People all on the roof of the terminal...". Here is a short video of the devastating tsunami in Sendai.
Steve Davison is saying on his Facebook fan page: "Rehearsal for Fantasmic tonight has been canceled due to the earthquakes here in Japan. It was crazy. The team is fine here. A little shaken up but doing fine. The parks have shut down".
Steve Davison posted two Tweeter pics HERE and HERE, the last one showing damages from the quake.
You can see HERE a picture of TDL visitors waiting out their fate after the 8.9 Earthquake. Right now TDL and TDS have been shut down which is probably the best thing to do, knowing that important quake replicas will happen in the next hours.
Those of you who live in countries or islands at risk to be hit by the tsunami in the next hours you can find the "tsunami arrival time" HERE . Just scroll down once on the page.
Update: "TDR Crowds are being properly evacuated. The tsunami only reached the parking lot and has seemed to settle. The park will most certainly be closed for an extended period of time".
Update: "Lots of structural damage in both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea. Parking lots flooded, can't confirm the carpark was destroyed, No injuries reported. The evac and process has been very organized".
Latest from TDL: The latest twitter reports are saying that people are not allowed to leave Tokyo Disneyland and have to spend night in the park as the main rail line from Tokyo to TDR, Keiyo Line, has been damaged. Picture of people stuck in TDL HERE and HERE. According to a TDL cast member, there is a huge logistics issue at the parks with so many people stuck there with no where to go.
You can watch live video coverage of tsunami hitting japan on CNN.com HERE.
Today's earthquake is now supposed to have been the strongest earthquake in Japan's history. If you're living in countries that are supposed to be hit by the tsunami be extremely cautious. You can see on the picture below the arrival time of the tsunami wave, depending where you're living. And yes, this also include U.S California coast.
Considering that this is the biggest Japan earthquake in decades, if not in history, there is no doubt that TDR will have to check and test all rides and infrastructures in days to come. I will not be surprised if the parks remain closed during the next days. If you were planning a trip to TDL and TDS this month it might be a good idea - if you can do it - to postpone your trip.
Latest: TDR confirmed that both parks will be closed tomorrow and probably Sunday too. No injuries were reported by TDR management and apparently damages could be minor - although this remains to be confirmed.
More news on Mice chat HERE.
Developping.....
Publié par Alain Littaye à l'adresse 8:26 AM 2 commentaires
Libellés : japan earthquake, tokyo disney resort, tokyo disney sea, tokyo disney sea earthquake, tokyo disneyland, tokyo disneyland earthquake, tokyo earthquake
WDI unveil Ursula huge Audio-Animatronic
The Little Mermaid ride will mark the return of great Audio-Animatronics in Walt Disney Imagineering grand tradition. The infamous evil sea witch Ursula that DCA guests will see inside "The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure" attraction will be 7 ½ feet tall and 12 feet wide, i.e a HUGE Audio-Animatronic!
Currently, the Ursula Audio-animatronic is being installed inside Ursula's lair - renderings above and below - one of the Little Mermaid ride eerie scene...
Others special effects in that scene will include a bubbling cauldron in front of Ursula and, all around, projection effects of "unfortunate souls" captured by her. At the entrance of the lair, if the plans hasn't changed, expect to see others unfortunate souls stuck inside bottles, another projection effect.
The video below was filmed for a big part at WDI North Hollywood facility with WDI Imagineers explaining the complexity of their work on Ursula's AA. Thanks to stretch velvet and flexible rubber for her body and the genius programming of WDI Imagineers be ready to be amazed when you'll see how Ursula will move in this awaited dark ride. In the meantime, don't miss the exciting video below!
Pictures and Video: copyright Disney
Libellés : little mermaid attraction, ursula audio animatronic, walt disney imagineering
Cars 2 Update: New High-res Pictures, Great Retro Posters, and Fantastic Trailer 3 !
New high-res pictures of Cars 2 were released yesterday as well as two different trailers 3 of the animated movie and great retro posters. Let's begin with the high-res pictures and above, one from the Paris sequence. Below, Mc Missile in action and Lightning McQueen and Mater.
The new trailers - the U.K and U.S versions - looks fantastic as they center on the spy theme. As you will see some of the scenes looks as great as they can be in a real espionnage movie. The two are different and first below is the U.K version. Full screen mode highly recommanded!
And, below, the U.S version.
Pixar also released four different retro posters, one for London, Paris, Tokyo and Porto Corsa, and as usual they look great, too!
See you soon for a new Cars 2 update!
Pictures and videos: copyright Disney-Pixar
Libellés : cars 2, john lasseter, pixar, pixar animation studios
Official Shanghaî Disneyland Plan Unveiled
An official map of Shanghaî Disneyland resort was made public yesterday and you can see it above. Four hotels are indicated on the plan, and one of them is so close to the theme park that it may be another hotel with "view on the park" like the Miracosta at TDS or the Disneyland Hotel at DLP. Also, no need to be a genius to understand that SDL second gate will be build in the future where the white space is, on the right of the first park.
I think we are close to the big final announcement during which the whole project should be unveiled! In the meantime you can read below what Shanghaî Daily reports about this SDL plan:
"The planned area covers 7 square kilometers, with the location of the theme park, hotels and parking areas clearly marked.
Two Metro lines, Line 2 and Line 11, will converge at the area. Line 11 is included in the project's first phase while the Line 2 stretch will be introduced later. They will share a station inside the area, according to the plan.
The 24.5 billion yuan (US$3.73 billion) phase 1 will cover 3.9 square kilometers, while the rest is listed as reserved land for future development.
Four plots in the phase one project are marked as hotel compounds, but the plan doesn't specify how many hotels it will contain. Two hotel compounds will be built by the southern side of the inner lake.
The amusement facilities and the inner lake are separated by support facilities including a parking lot, a hotel and recreational facilities.
Water will be a prominent feature of the amusement park. A river, about 10 kilometers long and 60 meters wide, is being created around the park area and a 0.39-square-kilometer lake will be inside.
The theme park is close to the Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, Kangqiao Industry Zone and the International Medical Zone, according to the blueprint.
The park will have two main entrance boulevards - Xiupu Road will lead to the western entrance and Liufeng Road to the southern entrance.
The theme park, in the southeast of Shanghai, is about 21 kilometers from People's Square, 18km from Lujiazui, 12km from Pudong International Airport and 30km from the Hongqiao transport hub."
Text: copyright Shanghaî Daily
Libellés : Shanghai Disneyland, walt disney imagineering
You've always dreamed to visit Tokyo Disney Sea? This five-part videos filmed for a TV special by the Travel channel will show you everything of this fantastic park, including interesting behind the scenes shots!
But first, the gift of the week with this great scan of the Mysterious Island artwork. I knew i had it somewhere in my artwork collection and since three years i could not put my hands on it! I finally did, and here it is above, clik on the picture to see it in big size!
Below are the videos, enjoy the show!
Youtube videos: copyright Travel Channel and Disney Parks
Photo: copyright Randie Soul
Libellés : mysterious island, tokyo disney sea, tokyo disney sea artwork, walt disney imagineering
Disneyland Paris Update : " Magical Moments Festival " official visuals
The new "Magical Moments Festival" will begin at DLP anytime soon and i have for you DLP's official visuals which will be used all along the year for marketing purposes. For those of you who have missed my previous article i also repost the Magical Moments Festival press release, this time without my comments and explanations which you can find in the article HERE where you will also find "real" pictures.
Also include below some of the concept-arts - for what will be simple photo locations - found on the cafemickey.com forum. You'll note how the marketing visuals embellish the reality in comparison of what we can see on the concept-arts. But, to be fair, the real thing should be in between, i.e less glamorous than the marketing visuals and better than the concept-arts.
2011 Jumps into Disney Magical Moments Festival
This year, Disneyland Paris offers its guests more than a new festival, but the promise to live and relive a series of everlasting "Disney Magical Moments."
Disney Magical Moments Festival: more emotion than ever before:
During Disney Magical Moments Festival that launches 6th April 2011 at Disneyland Paris, magic will reach great new heights. In 2011, guests enter the spotlight, starring in adventures inspired by Walt Disney Pictures films. From Fantasia to Alice in Wonderland, by way of Peter Pan, The Jungle Book and The Lion King guests take center stage and star in the stories. Girls get wrapped up in the classic Princess stories from Snow White to Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella or The Princess and the Frog. Children and parents alike take part in the adventures of the new Disney-Pixar generation from Ratatouille, Cars, Wall-E, Monsters, Inc. to the very popular and recent Toy Story films. And each guest will create his own adventures based on his own personal Disney experiences. All-new moments to be lived in enhanced reality for memories that will last a lifetime.
Come get swept away by the whirlwind of "Disney Magical Moments!"
In 2011, get ready to experience endless magical moments, full of action, adventure and emotion! Moments like no others, which will take you on a dream getaway alongside family and friends. There's something for everyone: all styles and all ages... Moments you create and experience, and which will be engraved forever as some of your most emotional memories.
A sparkling array of magical moments just waiting to be lived, captured and later retold by you! Precious instants in life that only Disneyland Paris knows how to create and which always begin with a simple yet emotional plea: 'let's go to Disneyland this year!"
Spotlight on 14 Disney Magical Moments
1 - Mickey's Magical Celebration
Who can resist the magic behind Fantasia, when Mickey becomes an incredible magician?
Each day, to celebrate Disney Magical Moments Festival, the Disneyland Park stages a spellbinding show in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. This fantastic new encounter stars Mickey surrounded by Disney Magicians, from Genie to Merlin, by way of Cinderella's Fairy Godmother. Mickey becomes the illustrious Magician known the world over. An enchanting moment to share with all the dazzling Disney couples, as well. Anything is possible with a sprinkle of pixie dust and a little imagination.
2 - Disney Princesses: A Royal Invitation
Just as every little girl dreams of becoming a fairytale heroine, few men can resist the charm of meeting a true Princess.
Where else than in Disneyland can you meet your favourite Disney Princess? Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Tiana… they're all waiting to meet you. A royal invitation to live and capture the most enchanting of Disney moments.
3 - Following the Leader with Peter Pan
Who hasn't ever dreamed of skipping out on time to run away to Neverland and stay a child forever?
It's going to be a real crocodile-snappin' adventure for Lost Boys and Girls and absolutely anyone who's never wanted to grow up. Help Peter Pan, Wendy and his band of Pirates give Captain Hook a real fright. A unique song and dance adventure with only one motto: "I won't grow up!"
Apparently, a photo location, probably with appearances of the Jack Sparrow character, will be built near POTC.
4 - The Wonderful World of Alice and The Mad Hatter
Who can resist celebrating each day for what it is—an incredible "un-birthday?"
The Mad Hatter has already set the zaniest of tables to celebrate thousands of un-birthdays in Wonderland. A great chance to savour a succulent cup of imaginary tea not far from the Dormouse and his teapot before returning to pursue the White Rabbit in Alice's Curious Labyrinth and taking a spin on the psychedelic attraction Mad Hatter's Tea Cups.
5 - Adventureland rhythms of the jungle
For those who, like Baloo, only need the bare necessities!
The "Hakuna Matata" terrace has become the new hotspot for getting down in the jungle to the sound of tam-tams with the heroes of great Disney Classics such as The Jungle Book and The Lion King. Untamed winds are blowing over Adventureland and may bring along performances from characters such as Baloo, King Louie, Timon, or the wise old Rafiki for a frenzied dance or two. Their sidekicks Zazu and Kaa won't miss the occasion to spice up your personal photo shoot.
6 - Moteurs… Action ! Stunt Show Spectacular featuring Lightning McQueen!
If you love thrills, spectacular special effects and the action of revving automobiles, then this show is for you…
The most exciting automobile stunt show welcomes a feisty new star! While the Disney-Pixar film Cars 2 is still in the makings, Lightning McQueen has decided to make a pit stop at the Walt Disney Studios Park! Lots of fast-paced memories await you during this exceptional appearance. Watch for the flag—Lightning McQueen is ready to hit the asphalt...moteurs ...action!
7 - Meet Rapunzel from Walt Disney Pictures' "Tangled"
The latest Disney heroine from Disney Studios has set a new trend for long hair—endlessly long hair... Decidedly modern from her temper to the tips of her magical hair, Rapunzel has a way of moving people... especially her beloved brigand Flynn Rider. Discover her story and world by stepping into a giant pop-up book decor for a magical photo. And great memories lie ahead on the 'hair'izon when you might come across them around Fantasyland!
8 - Disney's Once Upon a Dream Parade with interactive show stops
Have you ever dreamt of being part of Disneyland Paris Parade?
This year, the Disneyland Park grants your wish and invites you into its fabulous Disney's Once Upon a Dream parade. It's revolutionary—the Disney films' greatest stars and their friends encourage guests to take part as the parade moves along through numerous accessories, dance moves and other fantastic tricks!
9 - Green Army Men Meet & Play
Want to see what it's like to be a toy?
Destination Toy Story Playland(3), the all-new land in the Walt Disney Studios Park with three new attractions: Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop and RC Racer! Andy's Green Army Men enlist guests in an adventure in Andy's extraordinary backyard and invite them to experience excitement alongside Buzz Lightyear and friends while reduced to the size of real toys.
10 - Smile and say "Cheese" with Remy and Emile
Saying "cheese" before a photo has just taken on new meaning!
Remy the gourmet and his gluttonous brother Emile have specially ordered a huge French cheese platter for guests of the Walt Disney Studios Park. Guests will love to pop their heads through the holes, while saying "cheese" for the photographer alongside the stars of Ratatouille. A fun food moment to remember forever!
11 - Monsters, Inc. Scream Academy
What if you could scream to the top of your lungs with no limits?
Sully, top scarer at Monsters, Inc. and his faithful assistant, Mike, encourage guests to participate in a terrifying screaming contest. Meet them at Toon Studios to break the decibel meter and experience a spine-tingling moment with the Monsters, Inc. Scream Academy.
12 - Aladdin's Magic Lamp
What if you could have three wishes from a magical lamp just like Aladdin?
It has been said that Aladdin's famous magical lamp is hidden somewhere near Adventureland, in the newly-installed market of Agrabah... What could be the best way to release the Genie and receive your three wishes? Posing for a magical souvenir photo while rubbing the lamp!
13 - Share the love with Wall-E and Eve!
What if there was proof that love would still exist 700 years from now?
Come to Discoveryland for an encounter with Wall-E, the most lovable and earth-friendly robot who can't hide his love for Eve, the prettiest android in the universe. A timeless love story full of humour and romance shared by two heroes from the 28th century.
14 - Disney Dance Express
Feel like partying with your favourite Disney character?
The "Disney Dance Express" train crosses Main Street, U.S.A., several times a day, and invites guests to get down to the rhythm of Broadway. Goofy, Minnie, Donald, Chip 'n' Dale, and even Daisy and Pluto... They're all ready to bring the Disneyland Park atmosphere alive with the "Magic Movers"!
(end of press release)
In my previous article i've posted the emotional U.K TV Ad for DLP's new season. Here is another one based on the same concept - the kids reaction when they learn they're going to Disneyland - but this Ad was done by Disney Parks, not DLP. As the concept looks the same the question is: who had this (good) idea first, DLP marketing or Disney Parks marketing in the U.S?
See you soon for a new update!
All pictures, video and concept-arts: copyright Disney
Pictures: copyright Disney
Libellés : Disney Magical Moments Festival, disneyland paris, peter pan show
Shanghaî Disneyland: Shanghaî mayor clarifies the real price of SDL project
Last news from Shanghaî Disneyland, and this time they're coming from Shanghaî mayor himself who clarified this morning the real price of the SDL project:
"The approved investment for the first phase of the Disneyland project in Shanghai stands at 24.5 billion yuan (3.7 billion U.S. dollars), Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng said Sunday.
"I have read some media reports about the Disneyland investment, but they were incorrect," said Han while attending the ongoing annual parliamentary session in Beijing.
"I thereby clarify the figure seriously. The approved investment for the first phase of the Disneyland project is 24.5 billion yuan," he told reporters.
The long-awaited theme park project in Shanghai was launched in November last year, when the state-owned Shanghai Shendi Group Co. Ltd. inked a deal with the Walt Disney Co. for the development of the project.
The Shanghai International Tourism Resort Administrative Committee will manage the project.
It will be the first Disneyland theme park on the Chinese mainland and sixth in the world, and the U.S. entertainment giant's third theme park in Asia after Tokyo and Hong Kong.
The first phase of the Disneyland theme park will be built and put into operation within the 2011-2015 period.
"I hope construction on the project can start soon. Currently, both sides are endeavoring to do some preliminary work," Han said.
Shanghai's Disneyland project received the green light from the Chinese authorities in 2009.
Disney and the Chinese side had been negotiating on and off for more than a decade, and the last round of negotiation took months."
Libellés : Shanghaî Disneyland, walt disney imagineering
First Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea videos...
Danny Elfman video reveal HKDL Mystic Manor scenes...
Devastating 8.9 Earthquake hit Northern Japan - To...
Cars 2 Update: New High-res Pictures, Great Retro ...
Disneyland Paris Update : " Magical Moments Festiv...
Shanghaî Disneyland: Shanghaî mayor clarifies the ...


Four furnished rooms, 700 sensors (wide-angle cameras, smart tiles, presence sensors, microphones, etc.) and mobile robots - the Health Smart Home is a place dedicated to the experimentation and assessment of different solutions to help people who are frail, losing their autonomy or dependent to remain in their own homes. Different research projects at the centre use this platform, for subjects as varied as actimetric monitoring of people, interaction with service robots, detecting falls, the abstraction of sensor networks or the analysis of speech and other sounds recorded by the microphones present in the environment.
Hands-free vocal interface with domotic objects and multimedia services.
Monitoring of activity for the early detection and monitoring of pathologies.
Illuminated path to mark out the way when people get up during the night.
Detection of risk situations, such as falls.
Assessment of walking and balance.
Detection of emergency sound signals (call for help, etc.).


Manchester United icon Denis Law has revealed that he feels a certain sympathy for Dimitar Berbatov after another season in which the Bulgarian failed to win the affections of the Old Trafford faithful.
Berbatov joined United from Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 for £30.75 million but has struggled to live up to that price tag in the eyes of supporters.
He has netted just 26 goals in the two seasons he has spent at Old Trafford and Law admits he feels for the player.
"I don't want to knock him. He hasn't come up to the standard he set at Spurs, but when he was there he looked an extremely good player," the Scot told The Manchester Evening News.
"He's always had that laid-back style, even when he was at Tottenham, and that's what the fans admired him for but now he gets criticised for it."
Law added that he hoped that Berbatov would not turn out to be as big a failure at Old Trafford as Juan Sebatsien Veron, a player who joined United for £28m from Lazio in 1999 and spent just two underwhelming years at United.
"He looked an excellent player with Argentina and in Italy, but when he came to United he didn't do it," Law added.
"He was a commanding player, yet when he came to United he wasn't."
Despite having a widely criticised season, Berbatov is only eighth in the list of strikers in the Premier League, according to the Castrol Rankings. The Bulgarian comes in at No.65.
Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be concerned that Manchester United's failure to win the Premier League or Champions League this season proves they have been too reliant on Wayne Rooney.
The striker enjoyed arguably his finest individual campaign to date, scoring a career-best 34 goals in an underwhelming season for United, in which they finished second to Chelsea in the title race and lost to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Ferguson is thought to be convinced United's failure to land either trophy was linked to the injury Rooney sustained in the first-leg defeat to Bayern which affected his involvement in the climax to the club's season.
The Scot has already warned Chelsea his side will be back aiming to reclaim their title next season and he is likely to seek substantial reinforcements, particularly in attacking areas, to a team who struggle to brush opposition aside when Rooney, United's talisman, is absent or off-form.
Dimitar Berbatov has vowed to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford even if Ferguson, as expected, adds another attacker to the £7 million capture of the Mexican striker Javier Hernandez, while Rooney himself has suggested that further striking options would lend a greater balance to United's squad.
Certainly, it has not escaped the England international's attention that United have struggled to fill the goalscoring gaps left by the departures of Carlos Tévez and Cristiano Ronaldo last season, despite his own form, and one comment made in his speech to the Football Writers' Association Awards dinner on Thursday intimated he, too, is aware how important he is to his club side.
Asked to explain the dramatic increase in the number of headers he has scored this campaign, Rooney said: "The manager said before the season started that he wanted me to score more headers. I said to him that last season it was me crossing the ball. I asked him if he wanted me to get on the end of my own crosses.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Manchester City could mount a serious title challenge next season.
City missed out on a top four finish at the end of the campaign but the United boss expects the Eastlands side to spend big in the summer and push for the top prixe next year.
Punters may wish to use their free bet to back City to take the top spot in the Premier League with boss Roberto Mancini expected to oversee a massive overhaul in the summer, with plenty of players expected to leave to make way for new additions.
Ferguson is certainly expecting a tight contest in the fight for the Premier League 2010/2011 title and believes City will be among the contenders.
"They will be a lot stronger this time," said the United boss. "With the experience of last year behind them they'll be better equipped to go for the title because they will spend big money again.
"Winning the title is going to be more difficult for anybody. This time it's been ourselves and Chelsea and Arsenal for a period, but I think we can all hear the horses' hooves galloping closer."
City have already been linked with a host of big names, including Liverpool's Fernando Torres, since the Premier League season ended but most of the transfer business this summer is expected to take place after the World Cup.
Manchester United want to bring in one more player for next season but are not planning major changes to their squad despite losing the Premier League title, according to boss Alex Ferguson.
"There may be one signing," he said while promoting their North American summer tour.
"We'd maybe like to get one good player to the club, but it's not easy in the present day climate. We're still assessing."
United's quest for an unprecedented fourth straight title was blocked by Chelsea, who finished one point ahead.
"It was always difficult to go for four trophies in a row, but we felt we could have done it," said Ferguson. "The challenge is to bring that trophy back. That's an important trophy because the competition is so fierce in England."
Ferguson added that he liked the make-up of his squad.
"Sometimes you have to have trust and faith in what we've developed in the last few years and I'm going to stick with that, or most of it," he said.
"The structure of our squad is good -- the ages, the balance of the squad, the numbers. They are all good young players."
He also pointed out that United had already signed 21-year-old World Cup-bound Mexico striker Javier Hernandez from Guadalajara and defender Chris Smalling, 20, from Fulham.
Regarding their North American tour, Ferguson said setting up a training camp this summer in Chicago followed by three games against Major League Soccer teams and a final match versus the MLS All Stars would be good preparation for next season.
"We've got to get our show on the road," he said. "That means concentration and a rhythm of the game has got to be found quickly after the disappointment of last season.
"We want to start the season very quickly, start on the front foot."
The 24-year-old is an outstanding young goalkeeper and has been earmarked as the ideal successor to Edwin van der Sar, who turns 40 in October.
One of the outstanding players in this year's Champions League, Sneijder's vision, technique and passing make him the perfect heir to Paul Scholes.
They ruled out Silva who is a very strong possibility too now that Valencia is falling apart I guess he'll be looking for a way out aswell and he himself said Man Utd is a favorite, and SAF has expressed his interests in him for the last 2 years now, ba2a he's a strong contender for that spot, we can sure use him! Plus..SAF said he thinks Hernandez is enough for now as a striker so that lessers Benzema's chance to come, and Ribery will probably go to Spain as he has expressed his will to play for Real INCASE he is to be sold.
Sneijder and Rodwell aren't just that big of a target talked about by SAF as much as the rest and tbh i dnt see them as BIG trades, big enough to be the ONE trade for this summer.
Akinfeev isn't even the 2nd GK that Man Utd talked about for VDS' replacement! fi Da Gea and Lloris ablo as contenders. Plus, I doubt they'll bring a GK this season, they'll probably do so next year when VDS is retired..ma ra7 yjibo their number 1 w y2a3dou 3a janab for an entire year.


text:
import { Injectable } from '@angular/core';
import { Http, RequestOptions, URLSearchParams } from '@angular/http';
import 'rxjs/add/operator/map';

/**
 * Api is a generic REST Api handler. Set your API url first.
 */
@Injectable()
export class Api {
  url: string = 'http://127.0.0.1:3000';
  // url: string = 'http://10.0.2.2:3000';      // use this for android emulator

  constructor(public http: Http) {
  }

  get(endpoint: string, params?: any, options?: RequestOptions) {
    if (!options) {
      options = new RequestOptions();
    }

    // Support easy query params for GET requests
    if (params) {
      let p = new URLSearchParams();
      for (let k in params) {
        p.set(k, params[k]);
      }
      // Set the search field if we have params and don't already have
      // a search field set in options.
      options.search = !options.search && p || options.search;
    }

    return this.http.get(this.url + '/' + endpoint, options);
  }

  post(endpoint: string, body: any, options?: RequestOptions) {
    return this.http.post(this.url + '/' + endpoint, body, options);
  }

  put(endpoint: string, body: any, options?: RequestOptions) {
    return this.http.put(this.url + '/' + endpoint, body, options);
  }

  delete(endpoint: string, options?: RequestOptions) {
    return this.http.delete(this.url + '/' + endpoint, options);
  }

  patch(endpoint: string, body: any, options?: RequestOptions) {
    return this.http.put(this.url + '/' + endpoint, body, options);
  }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Some dual flush toilet converter kits do not fit in your toilet tank if there is less than 10 inches (25.5 cm) clearance between flapper seat opening and bottom of tank lid. Other kits may not fit if the flush opening from the tank to bowl is more than 2 1/2" (64 mm).
- It may require a bit more than just hand power to remove the old parts so keep a pair of water pump pliers handy.
- Some dual flush toilet converter kits are not compatible with all toilets, especially some older ballcock toilets. Before purchase open the box, or have a store person open it for you, and read the enclosed literature for compatibility.
Good water is a precious resource. By using water wisely, you help ease the burden on water treatment plants, storage and distribution facilities.
Regular (mostly older) toilets can account for approximately 33% of indoor water use and even more if the flapper doesn't seal properly. Poor fitting flappers are the number one reason why toilets leak.
Retrofitting a regular single flush toilet with a double flush converter kit can cut water use by up to 70%. A family of four can save about $100 per year on water/sewer discharge costs by Installing a dual-flush toilet system. Toilet converter kits are inexpensive and are sold for around $20.00.
The quick flush is for liquids and paper and can save water usage by up 70%.
The full flush uses the normal amount of water to remove solids.
Converter kits can be installed in 15 minutes or less. The tank does not have to be removed. Most toilet converter kits can be installed in toilets that have a standard flush valve.


Watch our past webinar recordings and register for upcoming webinars.
The College has a community of over 70 students from Australia and New Zealand. The majority of these students are studying undergraduate programmes with a strong tendency towards Engineering and Natural Sciences.
Our International Student Support team offers a range of dedicated support for overseas students, including an international welcome event for new students and a year-round social programme.
They can also provide information on a range of relevant issues, such as opening a bank account in the UK and accessing the National Health Service.
Our Centre for Academic English offers a three-week pre-sessional English course for students who have met our English language requirements, but wish to further develop their academic language and literacy before starting their course.
The Centre also provides free English language support throughout your time here. This includes courses and workshops on academic writing, presentations, social English and academic listening, as well as one-to-one consultations and online resources.
We offer specialist immigration advice, including on Tier 4 (general) student visas, before you arrive and throughout your studies. One-year Master's students can access a streamlined visa process and may stay in the UK for six months after their studies.
Imperial welcomes applications from a range of international qualifications at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Entry and selection criteria for each course vary and there are further details on each course page. You can refer to the general entry requirement pages for guidance on the minimum grades that are usually expected in your qualification.
Your relationship with Imperial does not end when you graduate. Some of our international alumni stay in the UK, for instance on a Graduate Entrepreneurs visa. Find out what some of our recent Graduate Entrepreneurs are doing.
Others move abroad again, and as an Imperial alumnus you will join a community of over 190,000 former students in 200 countries. We have alumni groups worldwide and you can join our online platform Imperial Plexus to help you build links with other former students.
"I came to Imperial to study because of its high level of education, its location and its links with industry. Not only am I studying at one of the best universities in the world, but I also get to live in one of the most interesting and vibrant cities in the world! Imperial has a very international feel to it. I think it's interesting and important to meet lots of different people from diverse backgrounds. It has really opened my eyes to learn about different people's beliefs and ways of life."


This week, a piece I wrote on Christian Parenting about going back to school. This year, my baby is going back for her last year of college. Let that sink in. (Meanwhile, I'll be over here ugly crying on my keyboard and short circuiting it. But whatever.) Enjoy — no matter where you fall on the spectrum of sending anyone (including yourself) back to school.
I'm not here at the take-out end of sending kids back to school to give you great tips for kale salads that look like ostriches playing kickball. I'm not going to tell you how to color-code your school supplies with brads and die cuts and washi tape. This is not something I am an expert in.
I'm here with five tips for life in all its beautiful feelings when you say goodbye to those kids, whether it be to kindergarten or college. Whether those kids are going on a bus, driving themselves to high school, or headed right back into your living room to go to school—remember these things.


text:
Q: Unexpected colors with solarized dark theme on emacs (blue background) I have set my iterm2 to use the solarized color theme:
I would also like to have emacs use this theme. Here's what it looks like:
I have my terminal set to xterm-256color. I don't know what I've missed, but it makes me sad.
Help appreciated.

A: You want to use the default background color set in iTerm2 itself.  The problem is, you also have emacs setting the default background color (which overrides iTerm's default)!
If you remove the command changing the background color, it should return to iTerm2's default.
You most likely have something like the following in your .emacs:
(custom-set-faces  '(default ((t (:background "blue"))) t))

To use the Terminal's default background color, do not set the ":background" attribute at all.  Note that setting it to black will NOT always work correctly (though in your case it probably will)!
I use gnome-terminal with transparency, and setting the default ":background: black" made the window completely opaque.  I had to remove the ":background" setting in order to get my transparency back.
You can still set the default ":foreground" attribute and it will work; just don't set ":background" (did you get that? maybe I should repeat it again. :) ) so you keep your Terminal default background!

A: Use only the solarized theme in your iTerm configuration and not in your console emacs.

A: It turns out that the official (or officially endorsed) soliarized git repo has a version that is less good than this one.
I switched to the latter and it fixed the issue.

A: For me the problem was having a gaudy dark green background colour on terminal emacs:

I fixed it by changing the background colour from #272822 to #222222. For some reason iTerm2 and/or command line emacs/aquamacs changes the very mildly green background colour into gaudy dark green hue.
(custom-set-variables
  '(default-frame-alist
      '((background-color . "#272822")
        (background-mode . dark))))

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Like a lot of historical fiction fans, I'm constantly on the lookout for new authors, and by the time I was halfway through Shona Patel's Teatime for the Firefly, I realized I'd found a gem.
My name is Layla and I was born under an unlucky star. The time and place of my birth makes me a Manglik. For a young girl growing up in India in the 1940's this is bad news. The planet Mars is predominate in my Hindu horoscope and this angry red planet makes people rebellious and militant by nature. Everyone knows that I am astrologically doomed and fated never to marry. Marriages in our society are arranged by astrology and nobody wants a warlike bride. Women are meant to be the needle that stitches families together, not the scissors that cut.
Orphaned at an early age, Layla is raised by her unconventional grandfather, Dadamoshai, who sees to it that she is both well-educated and independent. And when she defies tradition by marrying Manik, a man who has ruined his opportunity for a lucrative civil-service career by taking a position managing a tea garden in the jungles of Assam, Dadamoshai gives his blessing.
To the western mind, tea garden likely seems a misnomer. Tea gardens were, and still are, vast tea plantations in the jungles of India. In the 1940's, they were owned and managed primarily by the British, and worked by local Indian laborers called coolies. Teatime for the Firefly offers the reader a fascinating look at this culture.
Once Layla joins Manik in his company owned bungalow, their personalities blossom. This is where the Patel's story really came to life for me. Manik's dry wit and Layla's refusal to adopt his casual acceptance of a houseful of servants who don't work and a cook who can only prepare four different dishes, puts the newly weds in an entirely new light. As Teatime for the Firefly progresses, we not only share in their adventures and challenges, but we also experience the perils of living in the Aynakhal jungle—poisonous snakes, rogue elephants, rhinos and tigers—and finally, the greatest danger of all… civil war.
Teatime for the Firefly is an exquisitely crafted novel. I look forward to reading more from from Ms. Patel.
This entry was posted in Historical Novels and tagged Assam, Book review, historical fiction, historical novels, India, Shona Patel, tea gardens. Bookmark the permalink.
Your review and Cynthia Robertson's review have done justice to this unique book. "A gem" is a good way of describing something written so beautifully from the heart.
Many thanks for you lovely review, Diana. I am so happy you enjoyed Teatime!
Sounds like a great read, Diana. Thanks for introducing Ms. Patel to us!
I'm reading this at the moment – it really is a lovely book totally different to what I expected when I turned the first page.
It was different than what I expected, too. A great debut novel for Shona.
I'm so glad I'm not alone thank you.


text:
package com.streamsets.pipeline.stage.processor.fieldvaluereplacer;

import com.streamsets.pipeline.api.ErrorCode;
import com.streamsets.pipeline.api.GenerateResourceBundle;

@GenerateResourceBundle
public enum Errors implements ErrorCode {
  VALUE_REPLACER_00("Failed to convert value '{}' to type '{}': {}"),
  VALUE_REPLACER_01("Record '{}' does not contain fields '{}'"),
  ;

  private final String msg;
  Errors(String msg) {
    this.msg = msg;
  }

  @Override
  public String getCode() {
    return name();
  }

  @Override
  public String getMessage() {
    return msg;
  }

}


text:
Middle East Investment Initiative
An Innovative Approach to Development Finance.
Digital Brochures
MEII Staff
Founders Council
Cathy Isaacson
Cathy Isaacson has spent the last decade focused on smart investment in developing and low income communities. She serves on the boards of the New York Women's Foundation, The Greater New Orleans Foundation, the Link Stryjewski Foundation and is Vice Chair of the board of Idea Village. She has served as a regional judge for the White House Fellows and on the boards of Maret School and the Washington Area Women's Foundation.
Cathy worked for over 20 years as an attorney in private practice. She practiced at Hemenway & Barnes in Boston; Casey, Haythe & Krugman in New York; and Wright, Manning, Rips & Maloney in New York. Her areas of specialty included corporate transactions, business contracts, corporate and partnership formation, securities law and employment law.
She received her BA from Smith College and JD from Boston University School of Law.
The Middle East Investment Initiative breaks from traditional aid models and designs innovative development finance initiatives that foster economic opportunities and dignity, not dependency.
We identify sound businesses and entrepreneurs, provide them with targeted technical assistance, and facilitate access to finance so that they can achieve transformative growth.
1255 22nd ST NW #57094 Washington, DC 20037
Tel: +1 202.721.2329
info@meii.org
Copyright © 2021 Middle East Investment Initiaitve
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
How Thin Lizzy's 'Thunder and Lightning' Became Their Unintended Goodbye
Dave Swanson
Dave Swanson Published: March 4, 2016
Mercury Records
Thin Lizzy released what became their final studio LP, Thunder and Lightning, on March 4, 1983. Two years earlier, band leader Phil Lynott brought in guitarist John Sykes to replace Snowy White and join the core lineup of Lynott, guitarist Scott Gorham and the ever-loyal Brian Downey on drums.
Sykes' style and approach was somewhat heavier than his predecessor's, and producer Chris Tsangarides pushed Thin Lizzy toward a more contemporary sound. The combination resulted in a more metal style, which hasn't aged nearly as well as the band's more classic LPs. That being said, Thunder and Lightning is hardly a dud.
The title track comes barreling out pile-driver-style. Written by Lynott and Downey, it's a raucous opener for the LP with some guitar fireworks from Sykes. "This Is the One" and "Cold Sweat" are prime heavy-riffing Lizzy, while "The Sun Goes Down" is a haunting mid-tempo number.
On "Holy War," they unconvincingly mix in a bit of funk to the recipe, but out-and-out killers like "Baby Please Don't Go" and "Bad Habits" more than make up for the misstep. Sykes guitar blazes throughout and makes it known that Lizzy were as contemporary as the new breed of hard rockers roaming around at the time.
Listen to Thin Lizzy Perform 'Thunder and Lightning'
Sadly, this would be the final studio LP from the great band. Thin Lizzy toured in support of Thunder and Lightning, and though their live shows were as full-on as ever, times were changing and the band were trying to adjust. Phil Lynott was growing more and more frustrated with various aspects of keeping the band rolling. That, along with a growing heroin problem for Lynott, proved too much.
By year's end, he pulled the plug on the band. Within three years, the substance issues Lynott had been fighting would catch up with him and claim his life.
Thin Lizzy Albums Ranked
Next: Top 10 Thin Lizzy Songs
Filed Under: Thin Lizzy
Categories: Anniversaries


text:
home // News // U.S. Government Recommends Lower Level of Fluoride in Water //
U.S. Government Recommends Lower Level of Fluoride in Water
Source: Newsweek | April 27th, 2015 | By Douglas Main
Location: United States, National USA
For the first time in more than 50 years, the federal government has recommended lowering the level of fluoride in drinking water.
Since 1962, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) suggested that public tap water contain between 0.7 and 1.2 milligrams of fluoride per liter. But on Monday, the department said now it's recommending that the level not exceed 0.7 milligrams per liter (which is the same as 0.7 parts per million, or ppm). The announcement comes as no surprise; the DHHS first proposed making this change in 2011, and most large cities have already lowered their fluoride levels accordingly.
Water utilities add fluoride to the taps of two-thirds of Americans for the purpose of reducing cavities. Higher levels of fluoride have been shown to increase the risk of dental fluorosis, a staining of the teeth. Mild cases lead to white spots, while more severe ones can cause brown stains and mottling. The most recent data shows that 41 percent of American adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15 have some form of fluorosis, a number that continues to rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The DHHS said in a statement on Monday that the move should reduce the chance of developing fluorosis while still helping to prevent cavities. When the 0.7 to 1.2 ppm recommendation was first made, there were fewer sources of fluoride.
"While additional sources of fluoride are more widely used than they were in 1962, the need for community water fluoridation still continues," said Deputy Surgeon General Rear Admiral Dr. Boris Lushniak. "Community water fluoridation continues to reduce tooth decay in children and adults beyond that provided by using only toothpaste and other fluoride-containing products."
The American Dentistry Association and public health researchers lauded the announcement. But some don't think it goes far enough.
Fluoridation first began in 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and there is evidence that the practice helped reduce cavities when the mineral wasn't widely available in toothpastes and rinses, among other things. But there hasn't been enough research done in recent years to show that it is still necessary, says Dr. Philippe Grandjean, an environmental health researcher and physician at Harvard University.
"We need to revisit those benefits to make sure that the old reports are still valid for the current fluoride exposure situation," Grandjean says.
He advocates using fluoride topically (e.g. brushing your teeth with toothpaste), as opposed to swallowing it and subjecting all of the body's organs to the chemical. It became clear around 1999 that fluoride primarily acts topically and needn't be swallowed to be effective. He also noted that cavity rates have declined at similar rates in countries with and without fluoridation.
More recent research indicates that fluoridation may have unforeseen negative health effects. Studies published this year have suggested a link between fluoridation and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as an underactive thyroid. Scores of studies, mostly done in China, have also shown that high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in water harm brain development and reduce IQ.
"I'd say it's a reasonable concern that fluoride can affect brain development," Grandjean says. "Lowering the recommended fluoridation level to 0.7 mg per liter is very well-justified. I would in fact recommend that the level be reduced even further."
The new recommendations have been published [PDF] in Public Health Reports.
Rates of cavities have declined by similar amounts in countries with and without fluoridation. KK Cheng et al / BMJ
See original Newsweek article