Interesting Green

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2010
By Apricot Cafe
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http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=16

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2010
By blue2342_2nd
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5093638190_9073b14f38_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35865184@N07/5093638190/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35865184@N07/5093638190/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=6

30th Asakusa Samba Carnival – Aug.28th, by Denise Iwamoto, Samba Carnival in Japan
From: http://brastelcreative.wordpress.com/2010/08/16/30th-asakusa-samba-carnival-aug-28th/ (Texts)

Asakusa Samba Carnival is the one of the three major summer festivals in Tokyo, and the biggest Samba Carnival in Japan. Over the years, this celebration has grown in popularity, being exported from Brazil to Japan. Like Samba Carnival at Brazil, great sexy dancers with Samba costume shows exciting Samba Dance.

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2010
By blue2342_2nd
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5150903614_e8cd37724e_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35865184@N07/5150903614/in/photostream/
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http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=7

The carnival is held in daytime at the last Saturday of August. Over 20 dance teams will join and compete for the award. Those dance teams bring different concepts every year to show unique dance, music and costume. Some teams even invite the real great dancers from Brazil. The biggest size team have over 250 dancers in their parade.

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2010
By blue2342_2nd
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5093621738_e6eb079690_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35865184@N07/5093621738/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35865184@N07/5093621738/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=9

This festival take all the heat and hotness of summer to make a great finale of the summer season. It was started at 1981 by Asakusa people for its promotion.

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2010
By blue2342_2nd
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5093590092_f377b0a980_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35865184@N07/5093590092/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35865184@N07/5093590092/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=9

Asakusa Samba Carnival is definitely the most exciting summer festival in Tokyo!

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2010
By Apricot Cafe

I had a work until 3 pm on that day. After the work, I rushed to Asakusa to see the Samba Carnival. It's the first time for me to see this great festive parade!!
I took so many pictures at the carnival. It's really difficult for me to pick up some of them and discard others... I guess I'll upload 20, 30 or more festive pictures.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4945387072_1b765ddb9f_o.jpg
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/acafe/4945387072/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=11

Many audience will wait long time before to take a great view spot. If you want to see this festival in a good spot, you should come and wait at least 2 hours before the Carnival starts.

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2010 - Yay!
By Apricot Cafe
I believe this carnival makes everyone feel so happy! Yay!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/4950838513_fdeae6d6d9_o.jpg
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Time: 1:30pm ～ 6:00pm
Venue: Umamichi-dori ～ Kaminarimon-dori
Access: Ginza line, Asakusa Stn
Toei Asakusa Line, Asakusa Stn

For further information: http://www.asakusa-samba.jp/top.htm

Source Website: http://www.mustlovejapan.com/subject/asakusa_samba/ (Texts)
Asakusa Samba Carnival
Area: Eastern Tokyo
Category: Events Activities > Seasonal Events

Like Samba Carnival at Brazil, great sexy dancers with Samba costume shows exciting Samba Dance. More than 20 great dance teams around Asakusa will join this Carnival. Check out the Samba Rhythm with hot, sexy and interesting dancers with great original songs and music.

Tourist Info.

Many audience will wait long time before to take a great view spot. If you want to see this festival in good spot, you should come and wait at least 2 hours before the Carnival starts.

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2009
By oceanbaby
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3868605381_fc0b8f461d_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanbaby/3868605381/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanbaby/3868605381/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=15

Access

0. at Ueno Station
1. use Ginza Line to Asakusa (6 min.)

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2009
By oceanbaby
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2649/3868605493_1eaee960ed_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanbaby/3868605493/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanbaby/3868605493/sizes/o/in/photostream/

Featured in:
Tokyo Hot Summer Festivals

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2009
By oceanbaby
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3867017339_a293be1c03_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanbaby/3867017339/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanbaby/3867017339/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=14

Access to Eastern Tokyo Area
Eastern Tokyo (上野、淺草、両国)
Terminal Station: Ueno Station
Major Spots: Sensoji, Ueno park, Kiyosumi-teien, Ryogoku Kokugikan.

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2009 By oceanbaby
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3496/3867800718_ac896cd17c_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanbaby/3867800718/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanbaby/3867800718/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=14

Detailed Travel Guide for Asakusa Samba Carnival

Check out the hot, sexy and unique Japanese Samba Carnival at Asakusa in summer.

Asakusa Samba Carnival is the one of the three major summer festival in Tokyo, and the biggest Samba Carnival in Japan. This festival take the all the heat and hotness of summer to make a great finale of the summer. It was started at 1981 by Asakusa people for its promotion.

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2009
By oceanbaby
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3460/3867016943_34fff7629e_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanbaby/3867016943/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanbaby/3867016943/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=15

The carnival holds in daytime at the last Saturday of August. There are over 20 dance teams will join and compete for the award. Those dance team bring different concepts every year to show unique dance, music and costume. Some teams even invite the real latin dancers from south American. The big size team have over 250 dancers in their parade.

PHOTO: Asakusa samba carnival
By yasu_hara
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2079/2539193734_c2d740bc23_z.jpg?zz=1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26950941@N03/2539193734/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26950941@N03/2539193734/sizes/z/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=15

There are 4 separate competitions in this carnival:

Communication League for local school,
Sponsored League for local companies,
S1 League for Major dance teams,
S2 League for Minor dance teams.

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2010
By Apricot Cafe
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4951119946_50e27058d9_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acafe/4951119946/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acafe/4951119946/sizes/o/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=15

If the ranking was low the team will be demoted to lower league, and winner of the S2 league will be promote to S1 League.

PHOTO: Asakusa Samba Carnival 2010
By Apricot Cafe
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/4950528131_48d899860c_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acafe/4950528131/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acafe/4950528131/sizes/o/in/photostream/

Therefore, many dancers keep up not just their quality of dance and performance better, but also more unique and fanny.

PHOTO: Asakusa samba carnival
By yasu_hara
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/2813355885_e760b7cd3b_z.jpg?zz=1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26950941@N03/2813355885/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26950941@N03/2813355885/sizes/z/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=15

You can buy special seat for view this carnival. They have also special stage show, and service area for taking pictures with the dancers.

PHOTO: Asakusa samba carnival
By yasu_hara
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2814205550_13d4b82949_z.jpg?zz=1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26950941@N03/2814205550/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26950941@N03/2814205550/sizes/z/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=15

Asakusa Samba Carnival is definitely the most exciting summer festival in Tokyo!

Official Web site: http://www.asakusa-samba.jp/

PHOTO: Asakusa samba carnival
By yasu_hara
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2814205702_bc3729dbd1_z.jpg?zz=1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26950941@N03/2814205702/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26950941@N03/2814205702/sizes/z/in/photostream/

PHOTO: Asakusa samba carnival
By yasu_hara
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/2814205396_8805e52b17_z.jpg?zz=1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26950941@N03/2814205396/
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http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Asakusa+Samba+Carnival&f=hp#page=16

PHOTO: Asakusa samba carnival
IMGP9658, By blue2342_2nd. This photo was taken on May 16, 2010.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/5128108120_ec450ffb48_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35865184@N07/5128108120/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35865184@N07/5128108120/sizes/o/in/photostream/

PHOTO: Asakusa samba carnival
IMGP9661, By blue2342_2nd. This photo was taken on May 16, 2010.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1170/5128107308_00e671381d_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35865184@N07/5128107308/in/photostream/
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Reference

Today Friday June 10, 2011, Page T23, Wine & Dine
From http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20110610/1006FTP093.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/WineandDine/EDC110610-0000019/Eat-a-bowl-of-sleep
By Trevor Baker, features@mediacorp.com.sg, 04:46 AM Jun 10, 2011

PHOTO: Saffron is the sleeping pill ... if you put saffron on your tongue it will fall asleep - Maria Jose San Roman
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
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http://www.todayonline.com/WineandDine/EDC110610-0000019/Eat-a-bowl-of-sleep

PHOTO: Trevor Baker
http://www.trevorbaker.ca/Images/splash.jpg
http://www.trevorbaker.ca/

A top chef has come up with a 'sleep menu' - food to help you nod off. But does it work?

Most people, if asked which foodstuffs will help you sleep, would probably put their money on roast turkey, followed by Christmas pudding, washed down with copious amounts of wine and port. So it's disconcerting when the first course arrives at Monastrell restaurant in Alicante, southern Spain.

PHOTO: Maria Jose San Roman
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4944669677_c61a5f005b.jpg
http://radaris.com/p/Jose/Sanroman/

I am here because its celebrated chef, Maria Jose San Roman (once summoned to the White House to consult on paella making), claims she knows of a secret ingredient that during the Roman empire was prized for its soporific qualities, and has built a "sleep menu" around it.

PHOTO: Chef, Maria Jose San Roman
http://eatthatyellowsnow.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/19-maria-jose-san-roman.jpg?w=497&h=384
http://eatthatyellowsnow.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/saffron-restaurant-alicante-monstrell-maria-jose/

But the starter, at least, doesn't say snooze to me. It's a plate of grilled octopus, gorgeously aromatic and peppery, chopped into discs. However, according to Elisabeth Weichselbaum of the British Nutrition Foundation, like milk (the classic bedtime drink), seafood contains tryptophan, "an amino acid that increases our serotonin. Serotonin is a natural sedative and it makes us sleepy."

Weichselbaum points out, though, that it's even more important to avoid overloading your digestive system if you want a good night's sleep. This is certainly the common-sense line that San Roman seems to be following. The second course is a light and delicate pumpkin "lasagne" doused in a sage and chicken broth.

Next, the main course of turbot with lemon calamari is just as simple and fresh. In fact it's all lovely but I'm still not convinced that any of this is actually going to help me sleep tonight.

Some sleep experts are doubtful about the concept of eating yourself sleepy. Professor Kevin Morgan of Loughborough University's Sleep Research Centre is suspicious even of the claim that milk helps insomniacs. "Back in the late 1970s," he said, "Horlicks commissioned some trials and they did seem to show that milky drinks promoted sleep ... (but) they'd tended to recruit people who like having a milky drink before they go to bed.

"People who don't generally drink these drinks, don't benefit from doing so," he said. "The secret is regularity and ritual."

Morgan said that while there's plenty of evidence that some substances prevent us from sleeping (fatty foods, excessive alcohol, coffee), there's very little that actually encourages sleep. After my meal though - which is topped off with a lemon sponge and an extraordinary olive oil sorbet that tastes just like ice-cream - San Roman revealed that the secret ingredient was in the lasagne. It's the highly expensive spice saffron (which is essential for paella).

"Saffron is the sleeping pill!" she said. "If you put saffron on your tongue it will fall asleep."

And, intriguingly, a 2009 study at Mashhad University in Iran revealed an extract of saffron did have soporific qualities - on mice at least. "The mice trial is interesting," conceded Morgan. "The rodent model of the nervous system has served us well. There is something worth investigating here."

Later, at home, I lie down and wait for sleep. Then, after five minutes, I turn the light on and make a note for this article. This happens twice but I do fall asleep within an hour. Not bad at all, for me. THE GUARDIAN

By Trevor Baker, features@mediacorp.com.sg, 04:46 AM Jun 10, 2011

Reference