Benefits Of Installing Bike Stands Near Train Stations

Many cosmopolitan cities in the world have train system that takes everyone from one point of the city to the other in a jiffy without the hassle of driving a car, getting stuck at traffic and contributing to the unnecessary pollution of driving.

A daily bike commute to the train station is a common activity of many people, whether students or workers, living in the city and suburb. A bike is usually the cheapest and the best way to reach the train station in time to catch the train for the commuter's next destination.

It is beneficial for cities to install bike stands near the train stations to accommodate commuters who prefer to reach the train station using bikes. Below are good reasons why local authorities and land developers must install bike stands near train stations:

Less traffic congestion
One less car on the street and multiply that to a hundred more will be a significant reduction on traffic congestion. Thoroughfares will be less congested as more people with bike will be encouraged to use the trains if they see bike stands or bike parks installed near the train stations.

Photo credit: lcc.org.uk

Less pollution
With lesser vehicular smoke emissions, there will be less pollution in the environment. Hence, it is essential for any metropolitan and even suburban areas to consider having bike stands near train stations and even establishments and schools to keep the city clean and green.


Not space-consuming
A bike park with bike stands will not take up so much as space as much as a car parking lot or building. A normal 6-bike stand can occupy around 34 inches of plot only.

Photo credit: yahoo image

Improves health and wellness by encouraging exercise using bikes
Using a bike can burn more calories than driving. It helps rev up your metabolism while improving your cardio and overall well being.


Easy to maintain
A bike park with bike stands is easier to maintain than a spacious car park because of the little space it takes to be cleaned, monitored and maintained.


Cheaper installation costs
A simple bike stand that can hold 6 bikes (3 for each side) costs approximately between $70-$100 only than building a car park with roofs. A bike park will also need overhead covers and cemented flooring but materials for these are lesser compared to the number of materials to be used for car parks.


I have been around many cosmopolitan cities in the world and I have noticed how plenty of commuters are using the bike stands and bike parks near the train stations to park their bikes and proceed using the trains. My recent trip to Tokyo, Japan also highlighted how well accepted by the populace the bike stands near the train stations. They even have exclusive bike path around the city for bikers. I saw plenty of men and women in their business suits, traveling by bike, parking their bikes at the bike park just adjacent to the subway station. As a matter of fact, I have watched from Danny Choo's website about underground electronic bike racks around Japan. I wanted to see one. Unfortunately, I did not go to Shinagawa Station to see the nearby Eco Cycle. I saw the usual bike racks near Maihama Station in Urayasu area which is really packed.

It is important for a city to encompass this kind of parking space for bike commuters. Not only does it help in keeping our carbon footprint to a minimum, it also helps in saving gas, improves health and well-being and decongests road traffic.

Enjoying Beautiful Tokyo

This is the first time we have visited Japan and we are so pleased to be in Tokyo right now to enjoy the sights, culture, food and the people's hospitality.

We have only been to Tokyo Disneyland and around Shinjuku, Harajuku and Omotesando areas. It's a bit tiring though to walk up and down the stairs in the train station to catch another train in a different line. We've already maxed out our energy reserves so did not manage to go to the Meiji Shrine and Shinjuku Gyoen National park which is close by to where we are staying.

We still have few days to go to explore and hopefully, we can manage to fit in time to visit more places. Today, we are off to Studio Ghibli and we're excited!

I'm On Vacation Leave

Photo credit: yahoo image

After many weeks of thorough planning, changing of minds, changing of bookings, rearrangement of itinerary, I can officially say I am on vacation leave!

It is not the long leave like I always have  but certainly a good break t have to get away from the craziness here. So, I won't be posting as regular as I have used to but will check in once in a while just to make sure I don't miss out on opps.

It's not a long leave. It's just a week-long vacation leave but it's a much needed vacation.

I'll chat with all of you on the 2nd week of December. Until then!

Stop The Killing of Dolphins And Porpoises in Taiji, Japan!

I am a staunch supporter of animal rights because these animals do not have a voice. However, a lot of people treat them cruelly and that is just unacceptable like how Taiji dolphin hunters kill the dolphins. And this has been happening for sometime now. When will it stop?

I saw this video from a friend's wall post. I was shocked and saddened that this happens in a country I respect and love - Japan. I don't blame the Japanese people because I think, not everybody knows that this kind of barbaric act actually happens in their very own country. (You can view the video here.)

Now is the time to give a voice to these precious mammals - the dolphins and porpoises. They shouldn't be killed for their meat which the Japanese brand under "whale meat." It is plain deception, cruelty, barbaric and evil.

Why does man do something to change the equilibrium that nature has intended? Leave the dolphins, whales and porpoises alone! The ocean is their shelter, who are you to take them out of there?

Put an end to barbaric killings of dolphins and porpoises in Taiji, Japan. The world has to know. Spread this to the world, educate the people and stop the killing.


Via: TakePart.com

Gross Eyeball Licking - A Trend In Japan

Photo credit: Blisstree.com

Would you? That's the question of the day. Even if I was dared and paid a large sum of money, I don't think I will lick someone's eyeball for the reason that, it is unhygienic and can possibly render that person blind.

Well, this eyeball licking or oculolinctus or worming is becoming a trend in the younger Japanese generation. Videos of such practice has appeared in Youtube done by Japanese teens to show their love or affection. It has also cause the spread of germs or bacteria in the licked person's eyes.  This practice has also caused the surge of pink eye or infection to the most sterile part of the human anatomy.

Japan is known for it's unique and often time outlandish practices and trends but this tops the weird-o-meter!

Licking an eyeball can cause a lot of health issues such as introduction of bacteria and small food particles to the eyes which can scrape the cornea, the person becomes susceptible to conjunctivitis, permanent scarring of the cornea and it's just plan gross!

You can show your love in many ways imaginable but this one is just way too freaky. Stick to holding hands and kissing instead.

Lost Creativity

I woke up one day and realized I don't feel like making handmade cards nor anything crafty. The last scrapbook page I made was a gift to a friend last May and ever since that time, I can't spew anything out of my think-tank. I rested for a while, diverted my attention to something else, went on a vacation and when I came back, nada! Still empty.

My daughter said it must be a creativity-block. I just feel empty there when it comes to creativity. Am I not exploring my brain's right hemisphere more than I used to? Or I am just pre-occupied with other matters that I cannot think of anything creative to do?

I hope this creativity comes back. If not now at least soon because Christmas is just around the corner and I need to make great handmade Christmas cards. Aside from that, I am planning to put into full swing my plan to make a small business out of my craftiness.

I have been researching lately on ways to monetize my hobby. I can sell my handiwork as long as this creative juice keeps flowing. I wanted to incorporate bead jewelry making using Swarovski crystals, Black Spinel Beads and other fancy beads but affordable which I can get back in the Philippines. I also want to create more kawaii plushies and other handmade accessories using cute, miniature food items which I can get from Japan.

I do know that to be able to go forward, I have to have my creativity back or else, there is nothing to make and sell. I am not worried about the e-commerce aspect as I have my own blogs and host which I can use as a platform for my small handicraft business. The problem lies on getting my brain revved up and let the creative juice flow or else. I will be stuck with this dream and plan that never materialize.

Let us learn all things from everybody

A Year After the Tsunami in Japan

I still see vivid images in my head when I watched the live devastation of the tsunami after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake in Japan 1 year ago. It took me several weeks to shake the images off my head. I kept seeing shaking buildings, spilling waves claiming the Earth and the trail of destruction the tsunami brought to Japan.

It has been a year now and Japan rebuilt its nation. It takes sheer perseverance and solidarity to pull oneself out of the greatest natural history of mankind. They are still picking up the shattered pieces and building the society that was once there in Northeast Japan.

Japan is mourning the victims of this natural disaster today as the whole world commemorate the events which transpired a year ago.

Here are some photos of the tsunami before and after. Photo credits: REUTERS/Kyodo

Anniversary After Shock in Japan

Exactly 1 month after the catastrophic 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami which rattled Japan, another 7.0 magnitude trembler was felt shortly after the ceremony to honor the victims of the event.

Sendai, the hardly hit northern town in Japan has issued evacuation alert citing health risk of living there in a long term basis.

Today's earthquake in Japan is about 100 miles North of Tokyo inland. 

Loyal Canine in Japan's Tsunami

I saw a poignant video of a dog who sat by his dog friend during the tsunami/earthquake in Japan. I cannot help but cry and wonder why humans cannot be like dogs - loyal and true.

If you have seen the video, you can feel the love of an animal to a fellow animal. Then you'll see why dogs are man's bestfriend - and a mutt's companion too.

Imminent Danger

Japan is still experiencing after shocks as we speak. The grim reality of facing the catastrophic effect of the recent off-shore quake and tsunami is overwhelming. The threat of a nuclear meltdown is also looming around the Japanese government and the world as a whole.

I am still following the development of the recent natural disasters which hit Japan last week. Bodies are now floating in the coastal areas and the hope of containing the scary nuclear meltdown is becoming dim.

I feel sad and scared. Much as we all want to do our share to help; these events are just beyond our capacity as humans. These things will remind us that there is certainly a higher power greater than mankind.

I pray all these imminent danger come to pass. We need to pray for Japan to have the strength to rebuild its nation. We cannot let the possible meltdown ruin the environment and the rest of the world. I believe that a prayer when said in unison becomes a prayer brigade. Let's do our part in any way we can.

Blasphemous Remarks

"Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you? - Deuteronomy 32:6"

I am really bothered why people who don't believe in a Higher power would leave irreverent comments in some websites about "our God" in the wake of the numerous news about the natural tragedy which struck Japan yesterday.

I will not dignify those people's comments anymore by posting them here but to say bad things about "our God" is totally blasphemous. If you don't believe in God then that's your prerogative. When people say they offer their prayers and pray to God for redemption, let them! BUT don't let us Catholics and Christians keep our faith to ourselves!

Japan's Quake Aftermath

As of this time, we still don't know the full extent of the off-shore quake that hit Japan today in the afternoon, local time.

We are keeping tab of the events as they unfold on TV and crossing our fingers and praying so hard that family and friends and everyone in Japan right now will be all right.

The tsunami swept through the northern part of Japan which is mostly an agricultural and fishing sector of the country. The quake hit around afternoon on a work day. That meant, farmers were on tending their fields and fishermen were on shore for a catch. The area is densely populated but there will be casualties involved if you have seen the raw footages in CNN and other news agencies.

If I lived there, I would let go of everything material, the house, the car, the things I have worked hard for to live. If I survive a calamity as serious as that, I won't even worry about any motorhome repair, dirty house, ruined vehicles and lost valuables. What is most important now is the right to survive.

My prayers go out to every Japanese people. May this trying times bring all of us together in faith.

8.9 Off-Shore Quake and Tsunami Hit Japan

Japan was struck by a strong off-shore quake today, Friday which hit on the Northern part of the country. The 8.9 earthquake caused tremors as far as Tokyo.

A tsunami followed thereafter and reached nearby areas in Tokyo like the city of Sendai where water swept some farmlands. Small vessels and even cars and trucks were swept to shore due to the power of the big tsunami.

So far, casualties have been reported but the agency is not yet certain.

Last Wednesday, Japan also experienced a 7.3 magnitude earthquake and now again. Tsunami alert has been issued to surrounding countries and as far as South America, Alaska, New Zealand, Philippines, Indonesia, Russia and Chile.

Please everyone, let us all offer our prayers to the Japanese people. We don't know how big the damage is but seeing the video footage of the tsunami sweeping across coastal towns will make our hearts break. Let's all offer our sincere prayers to all our Japanese brothers and sisters. May God help us all.

My Dream Vacation for 2011

I have been thinking about visiting Japan this year. I really love anything Japanese, from the language, to the clothes, culture, arts, food (except for the sushi and sashimi!), climate, Cherry Blossoms, and Mt. Fuji.

This is the reason why I took up International Studies back in college and had a major in Japan Studies. I almost got into the exchange student program with the Japanese government back in college but I bailed. I should have gone though. That was a "free" chance to see and feel Japan.

I am saving right now for a my dream vacation. My daughter also loves to see Japan as she is fond of animes. What is the best way to make her understand anime than to visit the country who started it all, right?

My husband has been to Japan so he is not as excited as we are. I want to see a lot of place there like the shrines, the numerous zen gardens and the beautiful Cherry Blossoms. I want to soak it all in and be one with nature.

Japan is one of the expensive countries to visit. I may need to really tighten my belt if I want to visit the country this year. If not, then I can delay it for another year or so but I will definitely visit Japan. It is one of the places I need to visit. And I will!!!

(Photo credit: http://www.doit-dongnai.gov.vn/)

My Daughter's Christmas Loads!

My daughter might find being a solo child advantageous especially on seasons like this - Christmas. Why you might ask? Well, she gets all the presents, that is why!

Her line of Christmas gifts came from her wonderful Papa (who happens to be my wonderful husband too...hehehehe) this year. They all came early though because part of them were rewards for being in the top 10 of her class.

For a young girl of her age to have so much is such a blessing. We try our very best to give her the best of life, as long as we can afford it. She also has disappointments but I know it's just a few because she got what she wanted for Christmas 2010.

Here are the rundown of her gifts (and what she requested!):

1. Converse - Her papa bought her during our trip to the US. We went to Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall in New Jersey on a side trip while enjoying a brief break from touring NYC!

2. Watch (any kind of watch) - Got her an inexpensive watch with dazzling gems on the clock face! Color - Purple!!!

3. Leather sneakers - Another shoes! Got it from the Dubai Outlet Mall and it looked like Converse but it's made in Germany ;) Very cheap but it's leather!!! Color - Purple again!!! I asked her if I can borrow it ;)

4. Trip to the US - Okay, this was a collective "like" from the family! My husband organized the trip on last minute although my daughter and I were hinting of having a week-long holiday break in NYC! So, off we went to New York last November 12 - 16.

5. New gadget! Her very own netbook. - Again, courtesy of my husband. We keep bickering who's going to use my laptop so to end the squabble, she got her own netbook. Of course, we only let her use it every weekend.

Well, she can't ask for more! We asked her already what she wanted for next year. I know it's too early but the earlier we know, the sooner we can save for it, right? TOKYO!!! Hmmmmm... Tokyo is a very expensive place to visit. Let's see. If she gives us great marks in school, her papa and I might consider.

Two Earthquakes

Haiti has not fully recovered yet and another catastrophe has hit the world. Japan was hit by an earthquake on 26 February, 2010. It registered with a magnitude of 6.9 in the Richter Scale. The news is still hot when another quake hit Chile yesterday, 27 February and it registered 8.8. in the RS. Reports indicate that plenty of people perished in the Chilean earthquake.

I am not a harbinger of bad news but the signs are everywhere such as weather disturbances, political unrest, and economic downturn.

Let's all offer our prayers to the people of Japan and Chile. Tsunami alert has been raised on countries lying on the Pacific region. Please take heed.