Aerial photos present a bird #39;s-eye view of Scotland
One of the largest collections of aerial photography in the world is being celebrated in a new book and exhibition. "Above Scotland" gives a bird #39;s eye view of Scotland #39;s islands, cities and landmarks. The photographs are part of a government database and are taken during regular reconnaissance trips.From:sandyvideozViews:1 0ratingsTime:01:52More inNews Politics
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Islands of Adventure - Wiki Article
Universal #39;s Islands of Adventure, commonly known as Islands of Adventure, is a theme park located in Orlando, Florida. It opened May 28, 1999 as part of an expansion that, along with CityWalk Enterta... Islands of Adventure - Wiki Article - wikiplays.org Original @ http All Information Derived from Wikipedia using Creative Commons License: en.wikipedia.org Author: Snowman Guy Image URL: en.wikipedia.org Licensed under:This image is ineligible for copyright and therefore is in the public domain, because it consists entirely of information that is common property and contains no original authorship., This work is in the Public Domain., This work is in the public domain in the United States. Author: Kjersti Holmang Image URL: en.wikipedia.org Licensed under:Creative Commons ASA 3.0, Licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License., GNU Free Documentation License, Creative Commons License Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported This work is in the public domain in the United States. Author: Snowman Guy Image URL: en.wikipedia.org Licensed under:This image is ineligible for copyright and therefore is in the public domain, because it consists entirely of information that is common property and contains no original authorship., This work is in the Public Domai...From:WikiPlaysViews:0 0ratingsTime:40:36More inEducation
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SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea said on Sunday it would rename peaks on islands disputed with Japan in an attempt to reassert its sovereignty over the territory after a decades-long dispute flared up again this summer.
The two main peaks at the rocky outcrops roughly midway between the two nations will be renamed to highlight historical evidence of the South's centuries-long ownership, the land ministry said.
The row over the Seoul-controlled islands -- called Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan -- boiled over in August when the South's President Lee Myung-Bak made a surprise visit to them.
Tokyo said the trip to the islands, the first ever by a South Korean president, was deliberately provocative.
One of the two peaks will be named "Usan" after its ancient title dating back to the Joseon dynasty that ruled Korea from 1392 to 1910, the ministry said in a statement.
The other will be named "Daehan", South Korea's official name in Korean. The peaks were previously called the East and the West hills.
"The move is aimed at firmly asserting our territorial sovereignty over Dokdo," said the ministry.
School textbooks, official maps and major Internet websites would use the new names beginning Monday, it said.
The recent flare-up prompted Seoul to lash out at Google after the US online search engine changed the name of the islands on its web mapping service.
Google recently updated its Google Maps and -- on the English-language version -- replaced the name of Dokdo with Liancourt Rocks, a name taken from a French whaling ship that came close to being wrecked on the islets in 1849.
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SAINT CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands, Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Seaborne Airlines, the regional carrier based in St. Croix, USVI, today announced its capacity plans to and from the US Virgin Islands (USVI) for Spring, 2013 and beyond.
Starting in February 2013 Seaborne plans to introduce new equipment to the USVI on select flights - - the 34-seat Saab turboprop - - to both Cyril E. King Airport at St. Thomas and Henry Rohlsen International Airport at St. Croix from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport at San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Saab operates with two pilots, a flight attendant, in-flight service and a lavatory.
Effective April 1, 2013 more flights will be added between St. Thomas' Cyril King International Airport and St. Croix's Henry Rohlsen International Airport with 17-seat Twin Otter aircraft. Combined with existing Twin Otter Seaplane service between the seaplane bases in Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted, Seaborne plans to operate 300 weekly flights with over 10,000 seats into and out of the USVI becoming the Virgin Islands' largest carrier in terms of capacity.
USVI travelers will also have access to Seaborne's premium lounge at San Juan's Luis Munoz Marn International Airport. The lounge offers comfortable seating, work areas, charging stations, light refreshments, WIFI access, and Direct TV. Additionally, Corporate Seaborne customers have access to FasTrak SJU security access, which allows travelers to go to the head of the TSA line. This new capacity to and from San Juan International as well as continued seaplane equipment upgrades have been made possible by the expanded business partnership between Seaborne and the Government Employee Retirement System (GERS) of the US Virgin Islands, according to Gary Foss, Seaborne Airlines President. "As we move forward with this historic expansion we want to thank GERS and the Government of the US Virgin Islands for their support and confidence in the Seaborne business model and growth plan. We also want to thank our customers who have supported us for over 17 years. As one of the largest private employers in the USVI, we understand the importance transportation plays. In concert with the GERS investment that makes possible additional capacity with larger aircraft, we will enhance tourism and commerce, while adding more jobs in the USVI as we move forward through 2013."
Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty concluded, "We are extremely pleased about Seaborne Airlines plans to increase service to the Territory and between our islands. She said, "The added capacity and equipment upgrades encourage more inter-island travel and ensure that travelers enjoy improved access to the Territory, better connections, and greater comfort. This news is especially welcome from a locally-based airline that is uniquely positioned to bring additional employment and revenue to the Territory."
About Seaborne Airlines: Seaborne Airlines named Best Small Air Transport serving the U.S. Virgin Islands every year since 2007 operates over 350 weekly departures between San Juan, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Vieques and starting December 2012, Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Operating for 17-years in the Caribbean, Seaborne has carried more than 2 million customers since 1995. With both seaplane and Airport airshuttle operations, all aircraft operate with two pilots under US FAR Part 121 flight rules. Flights can be reserved via the Internet at http://www.seaborneairlines.com or calling 866-359-8784.
Press Contacts:
Gary Foss gfoss@seaborneairlines.com Omer Erselcuk oerselcuk@seaborneairlines.com Sandra Colon scolon@nlppr.com, +1-787-258-1186
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The United States might prefer that the territorial dispute between China and Japan over uninhabited islands simply go away. America, after all, has enough of its own problems to fix. And its loathe to meddle in a fight between two of its most important trading partners countries still grappling with their war-time history.
While the recent flare-ups over their rival claims to islands in the East China Sea may temporarily die down, the underlying causes will not be resolved anytime soon. The dispute also has the potential to escalate into a tempest that threatens the region and in turn, Americas security.
America rightly wants good relations with both Japan and China. However, sometimes one has to take sides. Intentional ambiguity can be useful in foreign affairs, but not here.
OPINION: Five tough truths about US-China relations
The US, then, should take this moment to ensure its position avoids any ambiguity toward the islands, called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. It should stand far more publicly with its democratic ally, Japan, and against the bullying tactics being applied by China. Asian countries are closely watching.
True, Japan has ongoing territorial disputes with South Korea and Russia. But Japan has not used or threatened force, or applied economic pressure to retrieve what it considers Japanese territory.
Chinese behavior in the last two years starkly differs. Chinese patrol boats continue a cat-and-mouse game of harassment near the Senkakus. Beijing has encouraged and apparently fomented rioting against Japanese interests in China. And it has threatened and carried out economic retaliation against Japan. Chinese officials and media have made crudely aggressive and derogatory statements toward Japan and Japanese people.
Chinas trotting out of Japanese behavior from nearly eight decades ago to inflame the public is cynical demagoguery. Demonization, as a government policy, is often a diversionary tactic to cover weaknesses within a regime. The world has seen too much of this in the last 20 years, and in simple terms, this is not how civilized nations behave.
One is hard pressed to find a more responsible country than Japan over the last 60 years. It has apologized repeatedly, even if perhaps imperfectly, for its behavior in the 1930s and 1940s, and provided billions of dollars in regional aid not to mention massive commercial investments in Asia that spurred regional economic growth. Todays Japan is not the Japan of the 1930s, as much as China would have its people believe. Moreover, Tokyo has been a reliable if sometimes prickly American ally.
The US policy to recognize Japanese administrative control of the Senkaku islands but take no formal position on ultimate sovereignty is sensible. That still obligates the US (under the US-Japan Security Treaty) to come to Japans defense if the islands are attacked, without entangling Washington in the twists and turns of the islands history.
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US must clearly back Japan in islands dispute with China (+ video)
Latest Press Statement 26 October 2012 Marshall Islands to receive over US$3million for Water Project PRESS RELEASE 128/12
Residents living on 15 outer atoll communities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands will soon have access to safe drinking water through a Project under the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands application for PEC funding of US$3,150,105.00 for a Potable Water Solutions for Outer Islands by Photovoltaic (PV) Reverse Osmosis (RO) System Project was approved by the Joint Committee overseeing the Fund.
A timely initiative that will aid the Marshall Islands Governments efforts in maintaining water supply while minimizing the effects of long, dry periods throughout the island in which communities are forced to endure long stretches of little to no rainfall.
Currently, the situation is addressed through the mobilization of volumes of drinking water to affected communities, utilizing various local vessels, a costly and time consuming exercise for the government.
The Project will see the establishment of small portable solar PV powered RO systems. These will be installed at community elementary schools in each outer atolls and will provide approximately 150 to 300 gallons of fresh potable water per day.
We hope that the introduction of this project will increase access to an additional source of safe drinking water for Marshall Islanders during times of water crisis, said Tuiloma Neroni Slade, Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat.
Mr Slade added, This is a great initiative by the Marshall Island government and will go some way towards improving the educational environment for our young people and the communities in the outer atolls of the Marshall Islands.
The Project will supply 0.5 to 1.0 gallon of safe drinking water per person per day for up to 600 people residing in each of the 15 atoll communities. Children will be given top priority during periods of drought, and the availability of safe drinking water will reduce the harsh impacts of the dry summer months.
The project will be implemented by the Marshall Islands Ministry of Resource & Development.
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A major 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook the Queen Charlotte Islands off the west coast of Canada, US government researchers said.
The epicenter of the tremor, which occurred at 8:04 pm (0304 GMT Sunday) was located 139 kilometers (86 miles) south of the town of Masset, the US Geological Survey said.
Numerous aftershocks, some as large as magnitude 4.6, followed the initial quake, Canadian officials reported.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no "destructive widespread tsunami threat" at this time.
However, the regional West Coast-Alaska Tsunami Warning Center issued a regional warning for coasts located near the epicenter of the earthquake.
Emergency officials in British Columbia said a small tsunami had been recorded on a deep ocean pressure sensor, but its effect was not immediately known.
The officials urged residents in low-lying coastal areas to be alert to instructions from local officials and be prepared to move to higher ground.
Natural Resources Canada said in a statement that the temblor was felt across much of north-central British Columbia, including Haida Gwaii as the Queen Charlotte Islands are otherwise called, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, and Houston.
"There have been no reports of damage at this time," the ministry added.
However, experts said tremors exceeding magnitude 7.0 were extremely dangerous.
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If you love snowshoeing, you may want to consider visiting New York's Thousand Islands Region. The area is home to architectural wonders, great winter festivals and miles of snowshoeing trails. With that said, here's a brief look at a few of my favorite snowshoeing destinations:
Whetstone Gulf State Park
Lewis County's Whetstone Gulf State Park features miles of snowshoeing trails, picnic areas, waterfalls, heated restrooms and opportunities for snowmobiling. The park also has a lookout tower. Snowshoe rentals are not available onsite. Hence, visitors should plan accordingly. Experienced snowshoers may want to consider exploring the 5.6 mile long Gorge Loop. It offers superlative views. The park's vehicle entry fees and hours of operation vary. The Maple Ridge Snow Park is also located nearby. It's a great place to go snow tubing with the family.
Higley Flow State Park
St. Lawrence County's Higley Flow State Park features more than 7 miles of snowshoeing trails, restrooms and picnic areas. Regrettably, there are no snowshoe rentals available onsite. Snowshoers may want to consider investigating the 2.57 mile long Warm Brook Trail and the 3.42 mile long Cedar Brook Trail. Park highlights include views of the Warm Brook Flow, the Higley Flow and the Raquette River. The park's winter hours of operation and vehicle entry fees vary. Lodging and dining opportunities are located nearby in Potsdam.
Wellesley Island State Park
Jefferson County's Wellesley Island State Park features more than 7 miles of snowshoeing trails, year round cabin rentals and an onsite nature center. Bird watchers should consider exploring the Eel Bay Trail. It often offers opportunities to catch a glimpse of bald eagles. Other routes to consider investigating are the Narrows Trail and the South Bay Trail. The park traditionally opens at dawn. Visitors should plan on bringing their own snowshoes and sundries.
Robert G. Wehle State Park
Robert G. Wehle State Park is also located in Jefferson County. It features more than 10 miles of trails and picnic areas. Snowshoers may want to consider investigating the .64 mile long Bobo Link. It leads to the Henderson Shores State Unique Area. Other routes to consider exploring include the 1.87 mile long Dancing Gypsy Trail and the 4.90 mile long Snakefoot Trail. Both offer great scenery. While on the trails, snowshoers should make it a point to look for the remnants of military fortifications as well. Although the park tends to open daily, its hours of operation are variable. There are no snowshoe rentals available. Therefore, visitor should bring their own supplies.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys winter sports and recreation with her family. She has also traveled extensively.
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New York’s Thousand Islands Region: Where to Go Snowshoeing
Black Turtle Cove. Image: Alamy
Black Turtle Cove is a labyrinth of salt-water inlets and home to three kinds of mangrove: black, red and white, named not after any obvious colouration but after their distinctive leaves and roots. As we were punted along, we spotted rays flapping their wings near the surface some were huge mantas, but others were covered in bright golden dots. Hernn said these were spotted eagle rays, smaller but if anything more beautiful. The surface went quiet for a moment, while I watched a lava heron hop from branch to branch, seeming to follow our zigzagging through the channels. A small bird a mangrove finch, I think was tailing the heron. I asked Hernn if this was some obscure act of symbiosis, and he said he didnt know. I found this comforting; the Galapagos should harbour mysteries.
Then someone spotted a shadow in the water. We all leaned over, looking out for rays again or, alerted by the guide, for small sharks which sometimes hunt in the mangrove. What we saw, however, were green sea turtles giant, peaceful beauties, rising to the surface to peer at us with one eye and take in some air before gently slipping back under the water.
One of the islands most iconic species, the sea turtle is an antidote to anxiety (even on a cruise, that most relaxed of pursuits, there is plenty of anxiety about as wildlife-watchers stress out with their cameras and competitive natures). At Punta Vicente Roca , I got to swim beside green turtles, their calm movement and manners seeming to belong perfectly in the silent chamber of the sea. I dived to watch them nibble on the moss-like algae that grows on coral and rocks, using flippers to propel themselves with surprising nimbleness through the currents and crevasses.
A giant tortoise at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Image: Alamy
If anything, the land tortoise is more talismanic still. At Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island , we disembarked to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see one of the two main towns of the Galapagos. This, as it happened, was just a few days before the death of Lonesome George, the most famous of the islands giant tortoises. The last of the Pinta Island subspecies , he was living with two females, Georgina and Georgette, at the time. Biologists were hoping he would get inspired, breed with these younger girls and provide us with some living genes but it was not to be. George did a lot to put the Galapagos on the map, but his most important legacy is the breeding centre at the research station, where hundreds of tortoises of every age and size munch away safely in their pens.
Puerto Ayora was also a bridge into a different reality. A cruise ship never feels quite normal, somehow the lavish food, the lazy rhythms, the Jacuzzi and the exam-free lectures but when you walk along the front at Puerto Ayora , you are back in Latin America. Its a pretty place, with that breezy air of a small coastal town, and it was lovely to stay on land while my fellow passengers returned to the Eclipse for lunch. My girlfriend and I shared a pizza and a cold beer, then strolled to the fish market where a land iguana was fighting with a pelican over a huge fish bone and a cheeky lava gull was stealing bass steaks.
With that kind of little drama unfolding in town, you could be forgiven for becoming a little blas in the Galapagos. Some species are extremely common (or at least commonly seen), such as blue-footed boobies , pelicans, Sally Lightfoot crabs and yet another species named after the volcanic soil the lava lizard. But the islands remain a fragile environment. After
one evening lecture, I asked Mark Carwardine how the islands were doing and what challenges they faced. People, he said, meaning both the number of people visiting and the number of people living there to support tourism. The government doesnt even know how much water the islands have, Carwardine added, or how much they need.
The impact of your own presence, lets face it is apparent as soon as you step off the boat. From Puerto Ayora, we travelled inland to visit a tortoise reserve and en route saw shoddy buildings and a swathe of forest being cleared for a large estate. In conservation terms, Carwardine explained, the Galapagos are a qualified success. The main endemic species have been protected, theres a cap on the number of visitors [150,000 per annum] and the authortities are trying to eradicate introduced species, in particular dogs. But there is still a lot to do. The key thing is to use tourism to pay for the conservation projects; people used to talk about completely closing the islands, but they do have to pay for themselves.
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12-10-2012 02:13 A graceful yet compellingly powerful Japanese armada has embellished the country's Sagami Bay, showcasing the latest firepower of seabound warfare. The tri-annual fleet review conducted special military maneuvers with more than 8000 troops spread over 36 vessels. Boasting an advanced Aegis radar system, new conventionally powered submarines and high-speed hovercrafts, the navy launched rockets and flares to enhance its overall display of power. READ MORE: RT LIVE Subscribe to RT! Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Google+ RT (Russia Today) is a global news network broadcasting from Moscow and Washington studios. RT is the first news channel to break the 500 million YouTube views benchmark.
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Japan Navy video: Armada flexes muscles amid islands dispute - Video
The Republic of Ireland scored four second-half goals to seal a vital win over the Faroe Islands in Torshavn.
The pressure was on Giovanni Trapattoni after the hammering by Germany, but the Irish have six points from three games.
After a blank first half, Marc Wilson's 25-yard shot and a header by his Stoke team-mate Jon Walters made it 2-0.
Arnbjorn Hansen got the Faroes back into contention but the Republic netted again with a Pol Johannes Justinussen own-goal and a Darren O'Dea header.
Veteran boss Trapattoni had insisted he would not resign as manager of the Republic but, according to the Irish media, the 73-year-old needed a victory over the Group C minnows to stay in his job.
The Irish certainly made a strong start and should have scored when Aiden McGeady crossed from the right, but Keith Andrews headed wide from a great position in front of goal.
As the half wore on, though, the small band of travelling supporters sitting to the right of Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney were growing impatient.
However, the visitors' nerves were settled in the first minute of the second half, when Wilson let fly to put the Irish ahead.
It took a slight deflection off the head of full-back Jonas Naes before flying past helpless Faroes keeper Gunnar Nielsen and into the top corner for Wilson's maiden senior international goal.
That settled the Republic, who began to play with confidence, and they increased their lead within seven minutes.
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Owning a private island is overrated and its actually a lot of work or so weve heard from our many island-owning friends. You have to deal with theastronomical taxes, the development, the upkeep its a full-time job (that island owners simply pay other people to do, of course). But visiting a private island? Its as great as everyone says and we know from experience. Weve stayed on some gorgeous private islands in our travels, in equally gorgeous hotels and resorts. Here aresix of our favorites:
#1: Gran Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic
The pool at Cayo Levantado features a swim-up bar as well as poolside drink service.
The details: The D.R.s only luxury resort set on its own island, the Gran Bahia Cayo Levantado offers a relaxing atmosphere for couples and families. There are scenic beaches andbeautiful pools, and we love the details in the rooms: Four-poster beds, private Jacuzzi tubs, and island-inspired artwork give them a romantic vibe.
How to get there: From the Samana airport, its a 45-minute cab ride to the Bahia ferry station. From there, its a 10- to 15-minute ferry ride to Cayo Levantado. In lieu of the ferry, you can also hire a private pangaboat to take you from Samana. We never said getting to a private island is easy, but its certainly worth the flight (and drive and boat ride)!
#2: Paradise Point Resort and Spa, San Diego
Quaint, Balinese-inspired gazebos dot the resort's 44 acres.
The details: This 462-room property near Sea World has sprawling grounds, activities such as tennis, a putting green, water sports, and basketball galore,five pools, a spa, and bonfire pits for roasting smores after dark. But perhaps the highlight of this private island retreat is that it sits on a tranquil, mile-long beach.
How to get there: In Mission Bay, Paradise Point is connected to the mainland by Ingraham Street so reaching the resort is easy enough, and takes just about a 15-minute car ride from downtown San Diego.
#3: Fowl Cay Resort, Bahamas
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17 October 2012 Last updated at 00:46 ET
Newspapers report the latest moves in the China-Japan islands row, as well as the fatal shooting of a Chinese fishermen by South Korean coast guards.
China Daily says "tension lingers" as US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns arrived in Beijing "as Tokyo launched a global propaganda blitz to support its claims over the islands that belong to China".
Meanwhile the Global Times, citing the Asahi newspaper in Japan, says a US-Japan military drill simulating the recapture of an island would be held in November.
The Global Times says: "Analysts said Washington has been attempting to use high-level official visits to persuade the two countries to seek a way out of the islands dispute, but at the same time is highlighting its regional interests through the joint military drill."
A People's Daily commentary says Japan "has been acting shamelessly" in the row. The article is promoted on the paper's website as a front-page top story. China Daily's editorial says Japan's lobbying "can't hide truth".
Shanghai Daily and Guangzhou's Southern Metropolis Daily report the Defence Ministry has said that its navy vessels' "routine training and navigation in the waters is justified and legitimate".
The ministry's comment was in reply to reports from Tokyo said Japan had dispatched surveillance aircraft to follow a fleet of seven Chinese naval vessels on Tuesday morning as the flotilla sailed through waters 49km (30 miles) south of Japan's Yonaguni island and 200km from the disputed islands.
The Global Times and the Beijing Times lead with the shooting in the Yellow Sea as China protested to South Korea over the fisherman's death.
The Global Times' bilingual editorial says: "When a South Korean coastal policeman was stabbed to death by a Chinese crew last December, nationalistic emotion boiled over in Seoul. Local media outlets were full of strongly-worded calls for tough measures against China. This nationalistic emotional outburst was surely the background of the tragedy of yesterday."
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Islands volleyball team starts slow, pulls out playoff victory
Oct 16 (Reuters) - Faroe Islands 1 Ireland 4 - World Cup qualifying Group C result.
In Torshavn
Scorers:
Faroe Islands: Arnbiorn Hansen 68
Ireland: Marc Wilson 47, Jon Walters 52, Pol Johannus Justinussen 73og, Darren O'Dea 89
Faroe Islands: 1-Gunnar Nielsen, 2-Jonas Naes, 3-Pol Justinussen, 4-Odmar Faero (14-Erling Jacobsen, 61), 5-Rogvi Baldvinsson, 6-Hallur Hansson, 7-Frodi Benjaminsen, 8-Simun Samuelsen, 10-Christian Holst, 9-Daniel Udsen (17-Arnbiorn Hansen, 61), 11-Joan Edmundsson (12-Hjalgrim Elttor, 80)
Ireland: 1-Keiren Westwood, 2-Seamus Coleman, 4-John O'Shea, 5-Darren O'Dea, 18-Marc Wilson, 21-Robbie Brady (9-Simon Cox, 46), 6-James McCarthy, 8-Keith Andrews (15-David Meyler, 90+1), 7-Aiden McGeady, 13-Jon Walters, 10-Robbie Keane (14-Shane Long, 80)
Referee: Lorenc Jemini (Albania)
(Editing by Tom Pilcher)
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UPDATE 1-Soccer-Faroe Islands 1 Ireland 4 - W. Cup qualifier result
13-10-2012 13:19 Valentino Lazaro scored a beautiful goal in the U17 European Championship Qualification.
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Valentino Lazaro great Goal // Austria U17 vs Faroe Islands U17 - Video
Beijing (China Daily/ANN) - Tokyo briefed Washington yesterday on its stance in the islands diplomatic standoff during high-level talks in Japan's capital as the country's month-long territorial row with China continues.
Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba met visiting US Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns in Tokyo yesterday.
Gemba sought Washington's understanding of Japan's position that no territorial dispute exists over the uninhabited islands, Kyodo News Agency reported.
Burns also said he endorsed the importance of the US-Japan alliance during the talks.
After arriving in Tokyo on Sunday, Burns also met Japanese Defence Minister Satoshi Morimoto and Shinzo Abe, leader of Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party and former prime minister.
Abe, who is promising to help his party win the upcoming general election, told Burns that "there is no room for talk" on the East China Sea's Diaoyu Islands (known in Japan as Senkaku), Japan's Jiji Press News Agency reported.
Burns embarked on an eight-day trip on Saturday to Japan, South Korea, China, Myanmar and India, and the deputy secretary will visit China today and tomorrow.
Washington has affirmed that it does not have a position on the row, and it rejected a mediation role.
Yuan Peng, an expert on US studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said Washington is making unseen efforts to keep the situation from spiralling out of control, and its public gesture of "no mediation" has given it greater flexibility in coordinating both sides.
"For Washington, keeping the situation on track now doesn't hurt it and, in return, will be more in its interests from a strategic view," Yuan said.
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Nielsen Naes, Bald'son, Faero, Just'sen Hannson, Benj'sen Samuelsen, Holst, Udsen Ed'son
Made up of mostly semi-professional footballers, the Faroe Islands have lost their opening two qualifiers in Group C, as they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Germany and a narrow 2-1 loss to Sweden.
Manager Lars Olsen is likely to field a 4-2-3-1 formation against Ireland with 21-year-old Joan Simun Edmundsson leading attack. Olsen possesses a relatively youthful squad and will be relying heavily on the experience of his captain, the 34-year-old Frodi Benjaminsen, as well as that of Silkeborg attacking midfielder Christian Holst in midfield.
Ireland opened their World Cup qualification campaign with a late 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan before suffering a heavy home defeat to Germany on Friday October 12. The Irish squad will be keen to put the loss behind them with a positive performance and result in Torshavn.
Trapattoni will be able to call upon captain Robbie Keane after the LA Galaxy forward recovered from an Achilles problem, while Andy Keogh, who scored the consolation goal in the 1-6 loss to Germany is out of contention after suffering a concussion.
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Giovanni Trapattoni's side face a crunch World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands on Tuesday night and you can watch all the action live through Goal.com.
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NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the most successful youth orchestras in the US Virgin Islands is called the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra. Based out of St. Thomas, the orchestra is a non-profit organization, designed to educate and inspire underprivileged students in the world of music.
The orchestra has just received critical funding from the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation. Known for supporting science research around the United States, the foundation also actively supports education and youth initiatives across the Virgin Islands.
The Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra has inspiring origins. It was established in 1981 by Judge Emeritus of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Verne A. Hodge, as a means to minimize the growing number of juvenile offenders appearing in his courtrooms. Concentrating on the magic that steel pan has always held for the youth of the Virgin Islands, Judge Hodge began an experimental after school program to inspire, educate and uplift students.
The program became so successful that today the orchestra serves more than 2500 students on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Many alumni now serve in professional orchestras around the world and the orchestra's flag flies proudly in front of the courthouse beside the US and Virgin Island flags.
The Rising Stars have also performed around the globe: from Lincoln Center in New York, to the Tournament of Roses Parade in California; in Japan, Taiwan, Chicago, Maryland, Washington, DC and of course, the Caribbean: Trinidad and the British Virgin Islands. They have also performed at the Reichhold Center with the Arturo Somohano Orchestra of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Symphony and the Red-I Reggae Band. Locally, the Orchestra plays at several annual carnivals and ongoing concerts.
"The Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra is a terrific example of how education in a field of interest can catapult a young person into excellence," Jeffrey Epstein remarked, who is the founder of the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation and a former member of the Trilateral Commission, the Council on Foreign Relations, the New York Academy of Science and a former Board Member of Rockefeller University.
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Jeffrey Epstein, Financier, Backs the Most Inspiring Youth Orchestra in the US Virgin Islands