Thursday, August 4, 2011

Japan Nanotech Fashion







The folks from Japanese research collaboration Life Beans yesterday displayed their nanotech fiber clothes at the Micromachine/ MEMS exhibition at Tokyo Big Sight. On display was a dress that incorporated nanotechnology which can be used to heat or cool the wearer, and ultimately allow the whole dress to become an electrical device itself.

BEANS or Bio Electomechanical Autonomous Nano Systems, is a collaboration project between a number of universities and science institutes throughout Japan and are the same team responsible for the glowing glucose tracking mouse ear. The technology on display yesterday incorporates a new fabrication process that allows more flexible layers of conductive cells within clothes. Woven into dresses or protective vests, for example, mean that the wearer can be cooled or heated depending on the temperature by activating the nanocells and also enable the transference of electronic data through the clothes themselves. 

The nanotechnology in the clothes is capable of being utilized in a variety of ways, including turning the article of clothing into a mobile phone complete with GPS, recording data for sports and health care, or even ubiquitous data exchange by using the fabric as the circuit board itself. With the advancement in flexibility and the ability to weave the layers of conductive materials into fabrics, wearable technology could be integrated into normal everyday clothes.

Communication clothing is a growing area where, as we are increasingly seeing, fashion and electronics become closer combined together. As we rely on electronic data and portable devices more and more in our lives and jobs this type of advancement in technology will be pushing the boundaries of how we communicate with our devices in the future. 


Thursday, July 28, 2011

Unagi - Grilled eel







Grilled unagi is a relatively expensive in Japan, prized not only for its flavor but also for its legendary stamina-giving properties. It's traditionally eaten during the hottest part of the summer (on the "Day of the Ox" on the lunar calendar) to provide strength and vitality for the rest of the year.

Well-prepared unagi combines a rich flavor, a bit like pate, with an appetizing texture, crisp on the outside but succulent and tender on the inside. The cooking process is what makes the eel crisp and tender: The eels are first grilled over hot charcoal, then steamed to remove excess fat, then seasoned with a sweetish sauce and grilled a second time. In the Kansai area (around Osaka) the steaming step is omitted and the eel is grilled longer, burning off the excess fat and producing an even crisper skin.

The ingredients in the sweet basting sauce are important to the final taste of the unagi, and different restaurants maintain their own secret recipes. The quality of the charcoal used is also important: The best charcoal is made from hard oak from Wakayama in central Japan, and the aromatic smoke adds a special flavor to the eel as it's grilling.

Watch Unagi video here!



Wasabi the japanese horseradish







Wasabi is Japanese horseradish. It's a green paste used on a variety of foods including seafoods and noodles. Sashimi (raw fish) is dipped into a mix of soy sauce and wasabi.

Wasabi is not an easy plant to grow and powdered wasabi actually can be a mix of western horse radish powder, mustard powder and food coloring. There can also be mixtures of wasabi and western horse radish.

Naturally, it's quite hot and a little goes a long way. Do not try to put wasabi on something the way you would squeeze out mustard; otherwise, the food you put it on could become almost inedible unless you like really, really spicy food.

Watch Wasabi video here!



Sunday, July 3, 2011

AKB48 Japan Group Cafe in Singapore

AKB48 is Japanese famous girl group, with their own theatre performance in Akihabara, Tokyo.. They consists of so many teams and personnels, and actually I also confused with their members and names.

Recently AKB48 try their business sense with opening cafe in Singapore, located at Scape level 3 along the famous Orchard Road.

The cafe has a similar design with their original original Akihabara theatre in the heart of Tokyo.

3 of the AKB48 members, Miyu Takeuchi, Haruka Shimazaki and Maria Abe opened the door from within the café to mark the café’s soft launch

The café in Singapore, which can seat 60, has been designed to replicate AKB48's very own theatre in Japan, where girls with potential to become next-generation idols are given a chance to audition.

Diners can also look forward to exclusive AKB48 video screenings specially created for the cafe here, and get a chance to meet with their idols when they are in town.

Fans will be delighted to know that members of the group are expected to make special appearances on stage, have meals at the cafe or greet fans from time to time.

As for the food, modern Japanese fusion dishes will be served, but the full menu - which will include over 70 dishes and drinks - has yet to be launched.

In the meantime, three set menus for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner will be available, featuring main courses such as Omu Curry Rice and Japone Pasta. Desserts include fruit parfaits and waffles with ice cream.

AKB48 Cafe Singapore
Three members of AKB48 at the opening of the AKB48 Official Cafe in Singapore.

AKB48 Cafe Singapore

AKB48 Cafe Singapore

AKB48 Cafe Singapore

AKB48 Cafe Singapore

AKB48 Cafe Singapore

AKB48 Cafe Singapore

AKB48 Cafe Singapore
AKB48 Offical Cafe Singapore Opening menu Special Kaki Gori


Watch AKB49 first cafe in Singapore video here

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Lovely Medium Haircut Trends


Take the plunge into your next makeover and choose one of these lovely medium haircut trends. Perfectly polished and texturized midis create the desired impact on your look and
are perfect to showcase your hair styling talent.

Make a voguish style stop and try your hand at the hottest hairstyles of the moment. Midis won the heart of millions of fashionistas all over the world. Some of them want it for the infinite hair styling options it offers, others would like to go for the perfect length to rock the transition from short to long tresses.

Regardless of your purpose, make sure you flip through this brief selection of lovely medium haircut trends. Versatility is one of the great benefits you'll get by trimming your locks to shoulder- or chin-length. Create body and definition using a few of the A-lister sculpting formulas.





Medium Bob Haircuts

Mid-length tresses when styled into a timeless bob can do magic with your warm season look. Go for the safest option to stand out from the crowd and make sure you define the ideal style and length that suits your personality and character. Sick of wrestling with unmanageable hair texture? It's high time to consider the advice of pro hairdressers and trim your plain locks. Shine through the crowd with your uber-sophisticated and easy-to-wear midi crop.





Medium Choppy Layered Haircuts

If your tresses are lusting after a brand new and versatile design, be sure you have the following medium layered haircuts among your inspirations. Banish the plain look of split ends and boost the volume of your locks by opting for graduation. Ease your task when looking for the best design to style your midi tresses. Asymmetry is the ultimate solution to add va-va glamor to your hair. Place the uneven sections in the crown area to inject some volume into your hairdo. On the other hand, you can create a delicate and revitalizing effect too if you stick to the lower sections. Choose depending on your mood and purpose with this stylish transformation.






How to Create Stylish Nail Art Designs


Doing your own nail art designs can save you tons of money. You'll not only look amazing, but you'll be able to sport different nail art designs whenever
you desire without having to wait for an appointment. Check out the following stylish designs and learn how to create your own nail art designs!

Nail art designs have become a definite must have which women should definitely not overlook as they can have a great impact over beauty and style. The new techniques and nail art tools developed have enabled nail art technicians to create a myriad of amazing and sophisticated nail art designs that can take your breath away. However, these nail art designs don't come cheap, so if you want to look amazing and be budget-smart at the same time, take some time and learn how to create stylish nail art designs in the comfort of your own home. This way you'll be able to sport xour favorite nail art design whenever you desire, without having to spend any money or wait for an appointment with your manicurist.

With a little bit of skill and the proper tools, you'll be able to recreate some fabulous nail art designs and show off your creativity through your fab nails. Pay attention to details as sometimes it's the small details which can make a huge difference. To make the best out of your nails check out the following nail art designs and learn how to recreate them: 



Red nails look amazing and are super popular this year, but if you want your nails to have that “je ne sais quoi” that makes a difference and draws attention, create a fabulous floral nail art on the nails of your thumbs and ring fingers. Start by filing the nail the desired shape and then apply a base coat to ensure the pigment from the red colored nail polish won't stain your nail bed. Use a nail art brush dipped in white acrylic paint to create tiny flowers on the nails. Soft precise strokes will help you create the flower petals which will look lovely. Once you've created the petals, use a toothpick dipped in black colored nail polish or acrylic paint to create the stems and tiny dots on the petals. Glue some rhinestones on for a touch of glamour and seal the design using a clear top coat.


Black and white nail art designs are a perfect option for formal occasions but not only, so make your nails look elegant by creating a French tip manicure. You can correct any mistakes with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover. Allow the white nail color to dry before you use a thin nail art brush dipped in black acrylic paint to trace out stylish curved lines and small dots. Add glitter or rhinestones to the nail and seal the design using a clear top coat to ensure it lasts longer and receives that glossy finish that makes a difference. 


Glam, glitter nails look amazing, so make your nails shine using your favorite glitter colors. Apply a clear nail polish on and use a nail art brush dipped in glitter to apply it uniformly on the tip of your nail. Seal the glitter in by applying another coat of nail polish and wait for it to dry. Once the nail polish has dried, take your favorite rhinestones and some nail glue and create a lovely design on your ring finger or on all nails if you desire. Apply a tiny drop of glue on the nail using a toothpick and apply the rhinestone in place to set. Repeat until you've created the desired design and seal with a clear top coat.