The Source Of The Siem Reap River

The Siem Reap River is one of there important rivers that flow from north to south through the region of Angkor. The Siem Reap River lies east of the Pouk River and west of the Rolous River1. The Siem Reap River, as we know it today from Bampenh Reach to the south (see map), is the result of a human intervention which worked to change and continuously improve land management during five hundred years of Angkorian rule.

The Siem Reap River rises from small streams that flow from various hills located to the north of the plains of Angkor. These waters come together in single before flowing onto the plains. Among these streams, I will only discuss two important ones below: O Thom, or Big Stream, and the O Kbal Spean, or Stream Above the Bridge.

1. O Thom

The O Thom has its source on Phnom Kulen Kulen located about 40 kilometers to the northeast of Angkor. Phnom Kulen is a high plateau, 25 kilometers in length (from northwest to southeast), and 15 kilometersin width (from southwest to northeast). This plateau stands 300 to 450 meters higher than the surrounding plains. The eastern end of the Kulen plateau has a large "Chup" (a marshy water source) which gives birth to two important waterways: O Thma Dap (Stream of cutting stone) to the southeast which flows into Teuk Lech River in Srok Suknikun, and O Thom which flows to the northeast into the Siem Reap River (see map). The Chup is located about one kilometer northeast of Anlong Thom village2. In addition to the source, the O Thom  is fed by many other small streams and rivulers from the plateau of Phnom Kulen. Amongst these small sources, the most important are: O Thnal Mtek O Thnal Dach, and O Ta Penh.

The O Thom meanders away from the Chup on the plateau of Kulen, winding down the slopes fo about 15 kilometers to the waterfalls found at the area of the Preah Ang Thom site. From the Anlong Pkay site, located above the waterfalls a few hundred meters, reliefs have been sculpted along the bed of the O Thom. These reliefs represent the god Vishnu reclining on the ocean in meditation, various gods, and many sculpted lingas. Very close to the waterfalls there is a temple which today is called the "Watefall Temple" but in earlier times was called the "rhinoceros stable"3. The temple is surrounded by laterite wall, which cuts the O Thom in half. Just above the waterfall is pool that serves almost like a reservoir or water rank, there are also relief carvings of gods in the water just above the waterfall. Just after the waterfall, a huge stone cuts the stream. This stone is also carved with many lingas. The villagers call this site "Kbal teuk muj" (head of the waterfalls), they call the linga "Kong" (gong). About 15 kilometers further down from the waterfalls, O Thom reaches the base of Phnom Hap (Hap hill) in te east . Finally, the O Thom flows to the west into Srung Russei (the Bamboo river), and then together the two run south forming the Siem Reap River.

2. O Kbal Spean

O Kbal Spean has its source on Phnom Kbal Spean (Kbal Spean hill) and Phnom Krol (Krol hill). These two hills are separated from Phnom Kulen to the west by a valley called "Kandol Sar" (the white rat valley)4 , which today is known as the passageway for the road to Sre Noy and Anlong Veng to the north. Kbal Spean is located in commune Khun Ream, Srok Banteay Srei, about 200 meters above sea level. It flows down from the northwest to the southeast, eventually flowing into the Stung Russei not far from the base of the hills. Several hundred meters to the north, two more important streams feed Stung Russei: O Chreap to the west and O Andaeng to the east.

About 2,000 meters from the road leading into the hills, we arrive at a waterfall about 5-6 meters high. Above the waterfall, there are many lingas, the symbol of the god Shiva's supreme essence, carved into the riverbed. The riverbanks, along with basins carved deep into the riverbed, are sculpted with a variety of scenes, symbols and inscriptions: the god Vishnu reclines on a serpent in the ocean in meditation, from his navel grows a lotus flower bearing the god Brahma5. The sculptures stretch along the streambed for a distance of 200 meters. These are also many "Poeung" (Stone shelters) located along the stream, some of which also have sculptures, inscriptions and stone pedstals.

Kbal Spean has been a sacred site for more than a millennium. Most of Kbal Spean's archaeological vestiges date to the 11th and 13th centuries. One inscription tells us that: "In the year 976 saka (1054 AD)  a minister of Kng Suryavarman I, had the site decorated with a thousand lingas (sahasrainga). In 980 saka (1059 AD) King Udayadivarman II, officially consecrated the engraved stream, the stream of a thousand lingas, and erected a large golden linga on the site".

Flowing past and over the reliefs of O Thom and O Kbal Spean, the water is sanctified before entering the Siem Reap and Pouk rivers, which continue south onto the plain and through the temple complexes of Angkor. Thus the water is seen as the source of prosperity.

The Siem Reap River can be compared to the compared to the Ganges River in India. The Gangas begins on the mountain of Himalaya. In Hinduism, the Ganges is believed to have its source in the heavens. The Ganges flows down to earth in the form of rain, then infiltrates the ground and flows out again as the source to all streams and rivers. The northern hills of Angkor, as well as the mountain of Himalaya, receive the monsoon rains of the same rainy season. These mountains are reservoirs of water and the source of all streams and rivers. Local peoples used and manged the water from the river for everyday use.

Cambodia doesn't have an equivalent to the Ganges River. So the ancient Khmer modified the existing rivers and consecrated them to form a kind of Ganges. The Khmer carved lingas and representations of various gods deep into the bed of O Thom and O Kbal Spean. These two streams give birth to Siem Reap River. The water flowing past and over these lingas in like the rain falling on chigon of Shiva. Thus the Siem Reap River is transformed into the Gangas.

1. For more on the hydrological system during the Angkor period see B.P Groslier, "La cite hydraulique Angkorienne: exploitation ou sur exploitation du sol?", BEFEO, vol LXVI, Paris, 1979, pp. 161-202.
2. This village is located in commune of Khnang Phnom , Srok Svay Loeu, Siem Reap Province.
3. This Temple was given the number 279 in the inventory conducted by Jean Boulber. See "Le Phnom Kulen et sa region", EFEO, Paris 1979. The temple was built at the same time as the Bayon temple.
4. Villaget call it "Khnar Rongveas".
5. See jean Boulber and Bruno Dagens, "Les sites archeologiques de la region du Bhnam Gulen (Phnom Kulen)" in Arts Asiatiques, vol. XXVLL. 1973, Paris, as well as Jean Boulber, "Kbal Spean , The Stream of a Thousand Lingas"in Nokor Khmer, #2, January-March 1970, Sangkum Reatr Nuym Editionsm, Phnom Penh.

The Cotroversy Over The Reign Of King Suryavarman I

 What did king Suryavarman I originate from?

There are many arguments about the origin of the King Suryavarman I. The first historians who studied Suryavarman, Coedes and .P. Briggs, thought that he was a foreign conqueror from the Malay peninsula. This is because he was given the title 'Kamtvan' which G. Coedes linked to the word 'Tuan' which means 'leader or master' in Maly language. In addition, the king had the posthumous name 'Nirvanapada'. G. Coedes believed that this posthumous name must have being connected to the Buddhism in Malaya1 (Srivijaya).

A Thai chronicle written in Pali language described a war between forces from the Malay peninsula and other places in the middle section of Siam called Lvo and the southern part called Nakhon Sri Dharmmaraja. In the Pali language, this later name is called Sri Dhammangera, which G, Coedes indicated was Ligor that was controlled by King Kambojaraja. Again, G. Coedes thought Kambojaraja was the King Suryavaraman I, who conquered from th esouth to the middle of Siam then to Cambodia.

Inscriptions Wat Thipdei (K. 125) and K. 834 proved that Suryavarman I was of the maternal line of King Indravarman. The inscriptions also praised Suravarman I , as a 'Moon of the Ocean of Milk' , and considered that he belonged to the family of the mother of IndravarmanII. Under the reign of King Harsavarman III (the son of Suryavarman I) there is another 11th century inscription, K. 136 which was sponsored by an important family called Saptadevakula (the 'seven gods family'). The inscription says that this family gad served since the grand parents of Rudravarman. The inscription also say that Suryavarman I, was born in to that family, rather than the royal family. Inscription K.125 (found at Sabor-Kratie) proves Suryavarman I was born in a family that had ancestors who were high-ranking officials in Jayavarman II's period.

The period Suryavarman I and local wars

Suryavarman I became the king after winning a war with Jayaviravarman (we don't know the origin of the King Jayaviravarman). Perhaps both kings were not of the royal family and they fought each other to become the king at the end of Udayadiyavarman I's period(?). We can not clearly understand the background of Jayaviravarman. It is known that he was a king at Angkor before or contemporary with, Suryavarman I , because there are inscriptions which are listed K.153, K.89, K.161 from Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham provinces. They prove that there is a name Jayaviravarman around 1003-1006 (?) (the same time as Suryavarman I). George Coedes believed that Jayaviravarman may have come from a great family at Angkor, as an inscription at Prasat Kravan (built in the 10th century during Jayavarman IV's period) says that there officials who were responible for the construction of this temple. One of them was named Kamsten Jayavaviraman who was perhaps an ancestor of King Jayaviravarman (?).

Why was there war?

If we read about the war from the period of Indravarman to Yasovarman, inscriptions say that many temples were built by the king himself in this period. Starting from the period of the sponsored by the king but rather belonged to the high-ranking officials. We see there was competition between the high-rankings officials. Philippe Stern, A French historian who was a specialist in art and architecture, said there was a regular pattern in the development of constructions during the reigns of the Angkor kings.

In the period of four kings Indravarman, Yasovarman, Rajendravarman and Jayavarman VII, he discovered that there were three similar paterns in their construction works. Between the period of Rajendravarman and Jayavarman VII are, firstly, public works such as building the Baray and roads, secondly, ancestral monuments such as Preah Ko, Lolei, Mebon and Preah Khan, and thirdly, state temples with a royal with royal Siva-linga (Bakong, Bakheng, Pre Rup, Bayon). In fact, the same thing can be seen in the Koh Ker of Jayavarman Iv, but as he was considered a usurper, Stern did not pay attention to him. He also says that after Rajendravarman's period we have not seen this pattern again except in Jayavarman VII's period as most of the buildings belonged to officials (Takeo, Banteay Srei Temple, and etc.)

Generally inscriptos are about people who were not related to the king, and these inscriptions were written in Khmer languge. In Jayavarman VII's peroid, we see this pattern of construction again, but the king's inscriptions are written in Sanskrit language. The war in Suryavarman I's period as stared by high-ranking official families who had the same status and owned land. When we compare the inscriptions, they reveal information about the families that had the same status and who always competed with each other. Starting from Indravarman's period, we know that high officials bore a tittle of Purohita, Guru, Hotar & ect.  The family that wrote the inscription known as Sdok Kakthom (K.235, dated 1052AD) says that in Jayavarman II's period, their ancestor name Sivakaivalya was Purohita of Jayavarman II. But another inscription K.989 dated 1008AD written before that of Sdok Kakthom proves that their ancestor named Vrah Manadatta was also Purohita of Jayavarman II.

Both families were the local chiefs of northwest Cambodia (perhaps they were in competition).

The writer of th Kakthom inscription claims that they were the Varna of Aninditapura who came from Satagrama district and their status was Purohita. Two other inscriptions, K.259 dated 1066AD reveal the family named Madhusudhana and K.534 dated 893AD reveal the family named Kesavabhatha. They claimed that were some exaggeration in order to control their ancestor's land.

There are two more inscriptions K.253 dated 912AD and K.382 dated 1047AD, which claim that the family of Sikhasiva and the family Sikhasanti were Hoter. Inscription K.842 dated family of Sivacarya was Hotar and Guru. Inscription K.91, which was found at Choeung Prei dated before Suryavarman I's period reveals evidence of competition and argument between an official's family in Jayavarman II's period at Jalingesvara in the Haripura region. Another family named Hyenpavitra in inscription K.278 dated 1007AD reveals that they were high-ranking officials at Jalingesvara in Haripura region. Inscription K.276 dated 1078AD reveals an official, whose name was Yogisvarapantita was Hotar, and this official built Takeo temple.

Be the inscriptions above, it is revealed that for about 200 years, great families from before or during, Jayavarman II's period there was a war. The families that supported King Suryavarman I, appeared in inscriptions, but other families who did not, were not mentioned.

There are three inscriptions that speak about the families who supported King Suryavarman I in the central region:  

          - K.354 (Khna temple) at Mlu Prei region daed 1060AD (Suryavarman I son's period) proves the status of a family called Vyajanadhara (the 'person who carries an umbrella') and the person who was close to the king called Adhipavyajadhana.

         - K.289 (Preah Ngok) describes land in the region from Phom Bok to Phnom Kulen which belonged to a high official from Jayavarman II's period to Suryavarman I's period. this inscription also reveals the action of soldiers whose status was called Camcarina (General) and their regions were to the northeast of Angkor.

             - K.125 (Ta Kin near Sambor-Kratie) is close to the Suryavarman I's period dated 1003AD. It reveals the chronological kings and we see the word "Ka.tvan" (Suryavarman I) This inscription proves the word "Vap" (the official who worked in the central state) wo asked King Suryavarman I to reclaim his postion in a place which he controlled. Before it was create by Kamsten, one of four Kamsten who were Rajakula of Paramesvara , and the four Kamsten in Jayavarman II's period. More clearly, one of the four Kamsten names, "Kamsten bhaavanukrsna" in K.124 belonged to there queens at Samborpura (803AD) which spoke of "Vrah punya bhagavaa kamraten an Utakrsna". This inscription relates to King Jayavarman II. This reveals that Suryavarman I, came from an official's famaly in the court of Jayavarman II.

Achievements of Suryavarman I in his period

Some schools think that Suryavarman I was Buddhist according to his posthumous name Nirvanapada, but most of this buildings were dedicated to Hinduism such as Phnom Chiso, Preah Vihear, Wat Baset, Preah Khan (Kampong Svay), & etc. He built a giant reservoir to the west of Phnom Bakheng called the Western Baray (Baray Tukthla). Coedes thought that his son Udayadituavarman II built this Baray. This is much evidence that he exended his authority to central Thailand by attacking to the west, and after this attack, the country of Lvo (Lopburi) was defeated).

Especially, an inscription at Lopburi states King Suryavarman I, received an oath from the Mratan who came from Lvo (which was not far north of the capital Ayuthya). There is much evidence of the extent of his authority which proves that many important persons in the northeastern, central and southern Thailand, were Khmer. these people had lived in these regions for a long time before Suryavarman I's reign. Up to the period of Suryavarman I perhaps there was peace and new relationships between the Khmer at Angkor and the Khmer in central Siam were developed after periods of no contact. We believe Suryavarman I died in 1049AD, as inscription K.229, found in Sisophon, is dated to the start of the period of Udayadityavarman II.

Conclusions

This study reveals that Suryavarman I, didn't come from abroad. His decent was from a royal family of the Angkor period. Coedes suggestion and other documents both differ from Dr. Michael Vickery's accounts, as Coedes suggests Suryavarman I, came from the northwest of Cambodia (southern Thailand). Dr. Micael Vickery, on the other hand, claims that the king came from the eastern region of Cambodia in Sambor-Kratie and started to conquer from the east towards the capital Angkor, then continued to Lopburi (Siam).

These points are opposite from G. Coedes who said Suryavarman I started to seize power from southern to central Siam and across to Angkor. The war in this period was started by competition between high-ranking officials who claimed they came from great ancestors (after the period of Jayavarman II) in order to control their land. The success of Suryavarman I, was to utilize the power of these great families that had begun to grow prior to his reign. In his period these was a war, and at the end of it, Suryavarman I, was the victor. 

Angkor Thom Findings For The Future

Angkor Thom covers an area of 9 square kilometers. If we compare its area to that of the region of Angkor as a whole, we can see that Angkor Thom makes up really only a very small part of the region. But if we consdider the quantity of buildings and structures found within Angkor Thom. we can see how densely inhabited and significant the area is. This is not strange really since the Kings of Angkor built their courts at Angkor Thom over a long period of time.

The 9 square kilometer area of Angkor Thom is surrounded by a moat which is the result of the last large renovations to the site at the end of the 12th century. If we only consider the historical (and not the pre-historical) period, the city of Angkor Thom was already at least four hundred years old by then. This meas that Jayavarman VII implemented his new symbolic plan fo the capital by trying to take into account existing older structures. The removal of older structures in order to fit them to new circumstances, was an ongoing process. Even in earlier times, this was so, and changes made could even include alterations in the natural layout of site. For example, we have recently come to understand that, up to a time which is not yet clearly determined, the O klot flowed across the eastern side of Angkor Thom (at that time there was not yet a wall surrounding the city) and perhaps even passed close to the base of Phnom Bakheng. The Phimeanakas which we had thought was the first temple built on the grounds of the old Palace was really built on the site of a previous wooden structure built during an even earlier time. This is a new finding based on recent excavations. In addition, we can surmise that there were villages and constructions dating from the prehistorical period as well, since we have evidence that the nearby Prasat Baksei Chamkrong (beginning of the 10th century) was built on a prehistoric site dating from the Bronze Age.

If we only consider the infrastructure established by Jayavarman VII, still our knowlede is very incomplete. We know that "Run Tradev"(figure 2), in the southwest corner of the wall around the city, was once used as a drain for water to be expelled to the outside, since today this channel still functions for the same purpose. But what function did an identical channel at the northeast corner of the wall, which today is almost completely blocked, originally have? Was it a channel for bringing water into the city for use? If so, how was the water made to run into the city? Did they use the Beung Thom as a place for allowing water to stand until it was clear before allowing it to run into the surrounding moat? And what about the Trapeang Don Mea, what was its junction? Were there water passages dug in the earth to allow water to flow under the five main roads of Angdor Thom as we have come to believe? All these questions indicate only one small part of the knowledge and understanding which we must still come to in order to comprehend urban planning during and after the rule of Jayavarman VII.

In short, that which we see today is only a partial skeleton or remains of a city which evolved over a long period of time. It's history is still full of conjectures. For example, we imagine that the city first began to develop when Yasovarman established his capital with its center at Phnom Bakheng. Because researchers found an inscription of King Yasovarman in the are of Tep Pranam, They have assumed that the King established a Buddhist ashram there. But this supposition is not at all certain since the inscribed tablet, found at the site, could have been brought from another area even during a later time period. There seems to be a consensus that after the city of Angkor was abandoned during the 14th century, jungle came to cover the entire site of Angkor with the exception of only  a few place which wee periodically  inhabited. This often passed down belief ought to be examined in more detail than has been previously given to it since at the end of the 16th century, for example, when a group of "foreigners" (at that time, Spanish and Portuguese travelers) arrived at Angkor Thom, they did not describe the city as engulfed by jungle at all. Instead, the local inhabitants pointed our to them the site of the old Royal Palace as well as various other sites in the area. In the 19th century, it was the same also note that it was not a small group of people who could have changed the second terrace of the Baphuon into the form of the Buddha entering nirvana.

Nowadays, more and more things are being found in the jungles of Angkor Thom including the foundations of temples which we surmise were mostly built during a later period when Angkor had ceased to be the capital. One fact that we know for sure is that the region of Cambodia as a whole launched into its greatest decline during the 18th century, and it was perhaps in this context that Angkor Thom underwent serious decline as well, We can see by these points that research on the Middle Period needs to be seriously expanded and emphasized.

Myanmar cross-border bombing kills 4, draws protest from China

Myanmar soldiers patrol in Laukkai, the main city in the Kokang region of northern Myanmar Shan state, on February 16, 2015.

 AFP

China flew fighter jets near its border with Myanmar and lodged diplomatic protests after bombs dropped by the Southeast Asian country's warplanes killed four farmers on China's side of the frontier.

The attack on a sugarcane field in the border city of Lincang in Yunnan province drew a sharp warning from a senior Chinese military leader that further incidents would be met by "firm and decisive action" by China, Beijing's state-run Xinhua news agency.

Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission told Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Defense Services that Myanmar must seriously investigate the incident, severely punish the perpetrators, and apologize to and compensate the families of the victims, the agency said.

Friday's bombing, the second case this week of spillover from the Myanmar military's fight with ethnic rebels, also injured nine people and prompted China's Air Force to launch fighter jet sorties along the China-Myanmar border areas to "track, monitor, warn and chase away" Myanmar warplanes, Xinhua quoted Fan as saying.

A diplomatic protest was also lodged by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin to  Myanmar ambassador Thit Linn Ohn in Beijing on Friday, while on Saturday, Chinese ambassador to Myanmar Yang Houlan made "urgent and solemn representations" to Myanmar's government and military, the agency said.

Earlier this week, Beijing had called on the Myanmar government to investigate an incident in which four bombs exploded in villages on China's side of the border on March 8, casing damage to some houses.

Fighting began on Feb. 9 in Laukkai between Myanmar government troops and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) rebel forces.

The MNDAA under ethnic Chinese commander Peng Jiasheng is trying to retake the Kokang self-administered zone, which it had controlled until 2009, forcing an estimated 100,000 refugees away from the conflict zone and across the border into China.

Reported by RFA's Mandarin and English Services, with wire reports.

Credit:   http://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/myanmar-kokang-china-03142015140332.html

Top 10 Places to Visit in The US

1. Grand Rapids & Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast

Beach bums, beer lovers, and art enthusiasts agree: there’s a lot to love about western Michigan this year. Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city, was voted best beer city in the US by the national Beer Examiner blog in 2012 and 2013, and its beer-tourism revolution rages on. Over 25 craft breweries pour in the area, and events like Cool Brews Hot Eats and the Winter Beer Festival (both in February), and the Summer Craft Beer Festival (August), keep the city festive year-round. Hops aside, the secret about Grand Rapids’ fabulous art scene is getting out. In addition to the impressive blooms and Rodin sculptures in the Frederik Meijer Gardens, and the excellent Grand Rapids Art Museum housed in a cool LEED Gold certified building, Grand Rapids is home to the world’s largest art competition, ArtPrize, in which more than 1700 creatives display their masterpieces.

A mere 30 miles away sprawls Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast, perhaps the USA’s most unexpected beach getaway. Some argue that these shores rival Hawaii’s and Southern California’s. Along 300 miles of seemingly endless beaches lie sugar-white dunes, wineries, antiquing, U-pick orchards and berry farms, cider houses, Hemingway haunts – you can even go surfing. In Michigan! So if you never thought you could head to the Midwest for a Cape Cod-esque beach vacation, think again.

2. Yosemite National Park, CA

Much to the world’s delight, after the national parks’ temporary closure due to the government shutdown in 2013, Yosemite’s majestic peaks, thunderous waterfalls, and flower-peppered subalpine meadows are welcoming visitors again. Relax under the gaze of the valley’s monolithic El Capitan and Half Dome, or attain stunning views by climbing to Inspiration Point and Yosemite Falls (North America’s tallest). The crowds thin – as does the air – as you penetrate the park’s pristine backcountry, where you can hike for months. And through summer 2014, the park and gateway communities will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant, signed by President Lincoln and a precursor to the modern National Park System. This milestone act was the first time a federal government set aside a piece of land purely for preservation by and for the people. Thanks, Abe!

3. Boston, MA

Hot on the heels of another Red Sox World Series win, in January 2014 Boston is hosting the 100th annual US Figure Skating Championships, where the US Winter Olympics team is determined. Come spring, the gaze of international sports fans – if not the world in general – will turn to the Boston Marathon. Despite concern that the bombings in 2013 would deter entrants from the 2014 race, this will be the second-biggest Boston Marathon ever, with 36,000 runners flooding the course. And once summer hits, the city’s usual festivities are in full swing: all sorts of festivals abound, beer gardens and restaurant patios overflow, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene keep Bostonians content as the humidity yields to stunning, vibrantly colored autumn. Year-round, the past is very much alive here: follow in America’s revolutionary founders’ footsteps on the Freedom Trail, stopping to imbibe a bit of history at the Bell in Hand Tavern, the oldest tavern in the USA.

4. Central Coast, CA

Often dismissed as flyover country between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this surreally scenic stretch of the Pacific coast is California at its best. Laid-back beach towns, sea-hugging Hwy 1 (one of the USA’s most iconic roadways), cliff-top lookouts, hidden coves, sea lion colonies and other wildlife, fantastical Hearst Castle, Spanish missions, pleasant weather (even if it’s foggy) and no crowds. Dip inland to the up-and-coming Paso Robles wine country for scenery rivaling Napa and Sonoma. Back to the coast, after gasping at the raw beauty and energy of the 100-mile stretch of craggy coastline that is Big Sur, stop at the world-renowned, ecoconscious Monterey Bay Aquarium, who celebrates their 30th birthday this year. (To beat the aquarium crowds, buy tickets in advance and arrive when the doors open. The jellyfish exhibit is otherworldly.)

Outstanding farmers markets dot the coast. Check out Santa Barbara’s on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, and San Luis Obispo’s, which turns into a full-on street festival every Thursday evening.

5. Jersey Shore

Perhaps the most famous and revered part of New Jersey is its sparkling shore. Stretching from Sandy Hook to Cape May, the coastline is studded with resort towns ranging from tacky to classy. Hurricane Sandy in 2013 and the more recent fire on the Seaside Heights boardwalk devastated the Shore; as the recovery efforts continue, the 2014 summer season will be an important one for local communities. So come embrace the kitsch and you’ll discover a coastal extravaganza filled with family fun: beaches, dunes, lighthouses, amusement rides, go-karts, funnel cakes, bike trails, fishing, shopping, galleries, and more. It’s mobbed in summer, but in spring and autumn you may find yourself wonderfully alone on the toe-kissing sands.

Highlights include Wildwood, a kitschy slice of 1950s Americana and home to the state’s widest beach and the grand-daddy of Jersey Shore boardwalks. And of course, there’s the legendary, not-exactly-Vegas-but-kinda Atlantic City, whose famous 8-mile boardwalk was the first in the world. The fun ends at southernmost Cape May, with stunning Victorian architecture, sweeping beaches, and the only place in Jersey where the sun rises and sets over the water.

Post-Sandy, Asbury Park’s downtown is getting a revamped, revitalized image. The Antique Emporium of Asbury Park has two levels of amazing finds.

6. Kansas City, MO

Wide open and inviting Kansas City is famed for more than its 200 fountains (on par with Rome). Over 100 barbecue joints feed the city’s grateful denizens (and tourists), and the jazz and blues scenes serve as an anchor for a vibrant African American community. Kansas City’s intriguing and walkable neighborhoods warrant exploration, from the 1920s shopping district of Country Club Plaza to the Crossroads Arts District, which lives up to its name, and Westport’s alluring locally owned restaurants and bars.

Particularly appealing to World War I history buffs: Kansas City is home to the National WWI Museum. As 2014 marks the war’s centennial, major celebrations and events will ensue, and the museum’s adjacent Liberty Memorial is getting a $5 million renovation for the festivities.

Take your appetite across the border into Kansas City, Kansas, for incredible BBQ at Oklahoma Joe’s. People fly in for their ‘burnt ends’, the crispy ends of smoked pork or beef brisket. Amazing.

7. Cumberland Island, GA

One of the most underdeveloped places in the US, Cumberland Island is magical. Picture virgin beaches, windswept dunes, feral horses, wild turkeys, tiny fiddler crabs, beautiful butterflies, skittering armadillos, mossy old oaks, breathtaking sunrises… that’s Cumberland. Most of this unspoiled paradise, the largest of the Sea Islands in terms of continuously exposed land, is national seashore. On the ocean side are 18 miles of pristine sandy beach you’ll have all to yourself. The rest is maritime forest, marsh, mudflats, tidal creeks, and astounding ruins of the Dungeness mansion, once owned by the Carnegies. The whole lot is laden with hiking trails – 50 miles of ’em – and backcountry camping is permitted.

St. Mary’s is the island’s gateway, and where the mainland facilities and ferry terminal are located. Stafford Beach has some of the best sands in the South (excluding Florida, of course), and the magnificent old Greyfield Inn houses non-campers and the only restaurant on the island.

8. Las Vegas, NV

It’s always happening in Vegas, baby. But this year there’s more to discover than how much your savings have been depleted, especially as this dazzling rhinestone of a city attempts to draw more lower-rolling tourists in 2014 (per-person gaming revenue has dropped by 30% since 2006). Fremont East and the Arts District near downtown are blossoming into vibrant neighborhoods in their own right; the former has recently developed into an artsy hub – this is where the locals come to eat and drink. Lots of hip new bars, cafes and galleries – not to mention the Burlesque Hall of Fame – give revelers excellent reason to venture off the Strip. For the Strip-bound, the world’s tallest observation wheel (aptly named the High Roller), part of Caesars’ new $550 million LINQ ‘district,’ is slated to open center-Strip in mid-2014.

For high-octane thrills, find time between Blackjack hands for Vegas Indoor Skydiving, go-karting at Fast Lap, or ziplining with Flightlinez.

9. Sun Valley, ID

Sun Valley is the perfect alternative to Colorado’s ritzy resort areas, especially in summer when costs and visitor numbers are smaller. Camping, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, cultural events, and great food abound. In winter, world-class skiing can be had at the first purpose-built ski resort in the US, and you can ride the lifts with swanky Hollywoodsters in a refined and pretty place, sans fast-food joints and condo sprawl. Also absent: crowds and lift lines!

The stunning location is as impressive as the snow, and nearby Ketchum retains its authenticity and rustic beauty despite the seasonal deluges. A bit further on, Stanley – which might be the most scenic town in the US – is nestled on the crook of the Salmon River, thus a perfect launch site for killer rafting with the aptly named Sawtooth Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.

Ernest Hemingway, who is buried here, had a deep affection for Sun Valley, and allegedly completed For Whom the Bell Tolls in the Sun Valley Lodge’s room 206 in between fishing and hunting excursions with buds Gary Cooper and Clark Gable.

10. Lana‘i, Hawaii

This unique speck of paradise boasts empty beaches, snorkeling and diving, shipwrecks, petroglyphs (!), otherworldly rock formations, red-dirt roads, rugged hiking (or 4WD) trails, and one of our favorite poke (raw fish salad) markets in the state. Lana‘i’s candy-colored plantation-style homes and teeny town center – yes, there’s only one town – offer a sense of isolation and small-island charm. It’s also about to undergo some serious change – and many say for the better.

The smallest of the visitable Hawaiian Islands is currently a mix of Hawaiian and Asian cultures, ritzy pools and rugged shores, and luxury and down-home travel experiences. Oracle bazillionaire Larry Ellison purchased 98% of the island in 2012, and his plans for Lana‘i are reputedly going to honor these distinctions while opening more high-end resorts and doubling the population. While some fear Lana‘i will become a playground for the wealthy, at least the playground will be, as Ellison puts it, ‘a laboratory for sustainability’ – and parts will still be accessible to budget-minded travelers, even if only by day-trip from Maui. Many feel this is all good, some not so much – it remains to be seen, but either way, see it now before it morphs.

Don’t worry, all the care goes into the food, not the décor, at the bare-bones Blue Ginger Café. Muffins hot from the oven are a must.

Credit: http://www.cheaptravelsonline.com/

Huh In Chang drops video teaser for “Taste of this Season” ft. Kang Min Hee

On February 1st, Huh In Chang dropped a dramatic music video teaser for his newest track “Taste of this Season” featuring Kang Min Hee.

The video teaser opens with intense scenes of the city both during the day and at dusk. After this scenic introduction, the clips are juxtaposed between a soulful performance on stage and the heartbreaking individual pans between a couple.

With a hip hop infused piano melody and synth beat, the video’s music picks up a beat and Kang Min Hee’s interpretive vocals enter in. While the slick car in the music video teaser has caught attention of many fans, some have commented that they stayed for the beat. This collaboration between the two artists seems to be one that listeners will enjoy.

BrandNew Music also shared what appears to be a cover image for the single release, photographing the hazy skyline as seen in the music video.

“Taste of this Season” will be released on February 4th so stay tuned until then!

Take a look at the teasers below:

Japan outraged as video purportedly shows hostage beheaded

TOKYO (AP) — Japan and other nations condemned with outrage and horror on Sunday the beheading purportedly by the Islamic State group of Kenji Goto, a journalist who sought through his coverage of Syria to convey the plight of refugees, children and other victims of war.

The failure to save Goto raised fears for the life of a Jordanian fighter pilot also held hostage by the extremists. Unlike earlier messages, an online video purporting to show an Islamic State group militant beheading Goto, circulated via social media late Saturday by militant sympathizers, did not mention the pilot.

Goto's slaying shocked this country, which up to now had not become directly embroiled in the fight against the militants.

"I feel indignation over this immoral and heinous act of terrorism," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters after convening an emergency Cabinet meeting.

"When I think of the grief of his family, I am left speechless," he said. "The government has been doing its utmost in responding to win his release, and we are filled with deep regret."

In light of threats from the Islamic State group, the government ordered heightened security at airports and at Japanese facilities overseas, such as embassies and schools, government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said.

He said it would be "inappropriate" to comment on the status of the Jordanian pilot, Muath al-Kaseasbeh. He was captured in December when his F-16 crashed near the de facto capital of the Islamic State group, which controls about a third of both Syria and neighboring Iraq in a self-declared caliphate.

A banner with a picture of Jordanian pilot, Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh, who is held by the Islamic State …

Jordan's government spokesman, Mohammed al-Momani, also declined comment. Earlier this week, Jordan offered to free an al-Qaida prisoner for the pilot, but demanded and said it never got proof he was still alive.

Goto, 47, was a freelance journalist and father who braved hardship and peril to convey the suffering caused by conflict and poverty.

"Kenji has died, and my heart is broken. Facing such a tragic death, I'm just speechless," Goto's mother Junko Ishido told reporters.

"I was hoping Kenji might be able to come home," said Goto's brother, Junichi Goto, in a separate interview. "I was hoping he would return and thank everyone for his rescue, but that's impossible, and I'm bitterly disappointed."

Japanese expressed shock and horror over Goto's killing.

Yukawa's father, Shoichi, said Goto was trying to rescue his son "only to suffer the worst possible outcome."

A Japanese television crew reports the news of a Jordanian and a Japanese citizen held by Islamic St …

"I just have no words. It's utterly heartbreaking," he said. "People killing other people — it's so deplorable. How can this be happening?"

Abe vowed not to give in to terrorism and said Japan will continue to provide humanitarian aid to countries fighting the Islamic State extremists.

The defense minister, Gen Nakatani, said that the police agency had deemed the video of Goto's killing "highly likely to be authentic."

According to his friends and family, Goto traveled to Syria in late October to try to save another hostage, Haruna Yukawa, who was captured by the Islamic State group in August and shown as purportedly killed in an earlier video.

The White House released a statement in which President Barack Obama also condemned "the heinous murder" and praised Goto's reporting, saying he "courageously sought to convey the plight of the Syrian people to the outside world."

The White House said that while it isn't confirming the authenticity of the video itself, it has confirmed that Goto has been slain.

Safi al-Kaseasbeh, father of Jordanian pilot, Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh, who is held by the Islamic Sta …

Saturday's video, highlighted by militant sympathizers on social media sites, bore the symbol of the Islamic State group's al-Furqan media arm.

Though it could not be immediately independently verified by The Associated Press, it conformed to other beheading videos released by the extremists, who now control about a third of both Syria and neighboring Iraq in a self-declared caliphate.

In Jordan late Saturday night, relatives and supporters of the pilot held a candlelit vigil inside a family home in Karak, al-Kaseasbeh's hometown in southern Jordan.

We "decided to hold this protest to remind the Jordanian government of the issue of the imprisoned pilot Muath al-Kaseasbeh," said the pilot's brother Jawdat al-Kaseasbeh, holding picture of Muath with a caption: "We are all Muath."

Al-Kaseasbeh's uncle, Yassin Rawashda, said the family just wants to be kept informed.

"We want to know how the negotiations are going ... in a positive direction or not. And we want the family to be (involved) in the course of negotiations," he said.

In a purported online message earlier this week, the militants threatened to kill the pilot if the al-Qaida prisoner, 44-year-old Sajijda al-Rishawi, wasn't released by sunset on Thursday. That deadline passed, leaving the families of the pilot and the journalist waiting in agony.

Jordan and Japan had reportedly conducted indirect negotiations with the militants through Iraqi tribal leaders, but late on Friday Japan's deputy foreign minister reported a deadlock in those efforts.

The hostage drama began last week when the militants threatened to kill Goto and Yukawa in 72 hours unless Japan paid $200 million.

Later, the militants' demand shifted to seeking the release of al-Rishawi, who is facing death by hanging in Jordan for her role in triple hotel bombings in Amman in 2005. Sixty people were killed in those attacks, the worst terror attack in Jordan's history.

Al-Rishawi has close family ties to the Iraq branch of al-Qaida, a precursor of the Islamic State group.

___

Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Cairo, Karin Laub in Amman, Jordan, Najib Abu Jobein in Karak, Jordan, and Mari Yamaguchi, Noriko Kitano, Kaori Hitomi, Emily Wang, Miki Toda in Tokyo contributed to this report.

Source by : http://news.yahoo.com