Rick Martin on CNNgo
I occasionally contribute to CNNgo, a division of CNN devoted to travel in Asia. You can browse some of my articles listed below, or subscribe using RSS.
June Japan Tech Round-up | CNNgo
By Rick Martin on 03 Jul 2011A month-in-review piece for CNNgo, looking back at what happened in Japan tech during June. I experimented with a 'Tweet this' function for subsections of the story.
View original:Going green in the city as home fuel cells come to Tokyo | CNNgo
By rickmartin on 21 Feb 2011While the concept of fuel cells has been around for years, the technology still has a futuristic ring to it. I'm sure whenever my jet-pack arrives it certainly won't run on double-A batteries. But perhaps a compact fuel cell might be sufficiently cool. In the meantime, the reality of fuel cell technology on the ground in Japan just took a significant leap forward thanks to a joint development by Panasonic and Tokyo Gas that allows home-owners to energize their own house.
View original:Saori Kimura: Japan's rising volleyball superstar | CNNgo
By Rick Martin on 13 Dec 2010When the Women's World Volleyball Championships came to Toyko last month, hopes were high for the host side. Ranked number five overall, a place on the podium would have been a great result, and the team would need its stars to raise them to such great heights. Luckily for the host nation, Japan's best players are also among the world's best. Spiker Saori Kimura is the team's top scorer. Her nickname "Nippon no mirai Saorin Mugendai" or "Infinite Saorin" (Japan's future) tells us exactly how much she means to Japan volleyball.
View original:10 techie gifts for Christmas | CNNgo
By rickmartin on 03 Dec 2010Here's a run down of our choice of 10 gadgety, techie things to give or receive this holiday season:
View original:10 best running routes in Tokyo | CNNgo
By rickmartin on 15 Nov 2010Tokyo may be one of the most densely populated cities in the world, but it still offers a wide variety of wonderful trails and routes to cater to the city's enthusiastic runners. Tapping up the collective wisdom of the Namban Rengo club, a group of serious runners that includes both international and local individuals, we found out which areas they love most.
Read full article on CNNgo, see supplementary maps and charts here
View original:'Yakuza: Of the End' brings zombies, girls, guns and gangsters to Tokyo Game Show | CNNGo.com
By rickmartin on 22 Sep 2010If a book like "Pride and Prejudice" can be turned man-tastic by adding zombies, it's a wonder that game developers haven't produced more zombie spin-offs before now. Nevertheless Sega's decision to make "Yakuza: Of the End," a zombie spin-off of the popular Yakuza series, wasn't anticipated by anyone.
Read more full article at CNNGo
View original:2010 World Cup watching hot spots | CNNGo.com
By rickmartin on 11 Jun 2010Despite a time difference that's going to push more than a few games well into the early hours, Asian nations will be glued to TV screens both big and small for World Cup 2010. Whether you live here in Asia or you're just passing through, here are a list of spots where you can enjoy the games among the local fans.
Read full article on CNNgo.com
View original:Where to watch the World Cup in Tokyo | CNNGo.com
By rickmartin on 11 Jun 2010As one of the few Asian nations to qualify for the World Cup, Japan will be especially interested in what's going down in South Africa. Regardless of how the boys in blue perform, fans in Tokyo will have a variety of venues to choose from to follow all the action.
Read full article at CNNgo.com
View original:Final Fantasy XIII: An epic seller, but is it deserving? | CNNGo.com
By rickmartin on 07 Apr 2010Despite posting enormous sales figures both at home and abroad, more than a few gamers and critics think the latest Final Fantasy release is typical of a floundering JRPG genre.
Read full article at CNNgo.com
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