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Killer Croc

Killer Croc (Waylon Jones) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Gerry Conway, Don Newton and Gene Colan, the character was introduced in Batman #357 (March, 1983). He has become one of the most enduring enemies of the superhero Batman and belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery.

In his comic book appearances, Killer Croc is depicted as a former sideshow wrestler who suffers from a rare genetic condition that gives him a reptilian appearance and superhuman strength. Driven insane by his irreversible transformation, he turned to a life of crime, over time developing animalistic tendencies. The character has also been a member of the Suicide Squad, debuting in the fifth volume of the comic series revolving around the team, and a romantic interest of Enchantress. While typically portrayed as a supervillain, he has also been occasionally depicted as an antihero.

The character has been adapted into various media, most revolving around Batman. Killer Croc made his live-action debut in the 2016 DC Extended Universe film Suicide Squad, portrayed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. A version of the character appeared in the third season of the Arrowverse series Batwoman, performed by Heidi Ben.

Publication history
Killer Croc was created by writer Gerry Conway and artist Gene Colan. The character made cameo appearances in Detective Comics #523 (February 1983) and Batman #357 (March 1983), with his full first appearance in Detective Comics #524 (March 1983).

Pre-Crisis
Waylon Jones was born with a rare form of atavism that imparted him with reptilian traits with his birth causing the death of his mother. He was raised by his aunt, an abusive alcoholic who called him names like "lizardboy" and "reptilian freak". Croc eventually killed his aunt and became a criminal in Gotham City. After committing several murders, he faced off against Batman and the new Robin, Jason Todd, who defeated him.

In these original, Pre-Crisis appearances, Killer Croc resembled a powerfully built man covered entirely in green scales, but was still basically human in his facial proportions and build. He was also originally depicted as killing Jason Todd's parents (this was later retconned to make Two-Face their murderer).

Post-Crisis
Killer Croc escaped custody and sought revenge on Harvey Bullock and two other criminals who got him in jail. Batman tracked him down and Croc went into a homicidal rage. When new water tunnels were built, which would flood Killer Croc's new home, Croc seemingly sacrificed himself to hold the water back when they finally were open.

In reality, Croc was buried under rubble and was freed from his prison by storm drains. Killer Croc survived on rats and was isolated for months, driving him further into madness. Croc later went on a rampage after a confrontation with a vagrant, and winds up in a shopping mall. After delivering several blows to Croc, Batman is distracted by a glimpse of Bane. Croc then grabs Batman and tries to break his back. He fails, and Bane pits himself against Croc, breaking his arms. Croc is then put back into Arkham Asylum.

When Bane breaks the inmates out of Arkham Asylum in the Knightfall saga, Croc attempts to get revenge on Bane. While in the sewers, he smells Bane and goes after him and the two fight each other atop a ledge. Bane casually breaks one of Croc's arms again, but Croc fights until the ledge they are standing on breaks and the two fall into the sewers. The fight ends up as a draw. Croc later returns, attacking the docks to try to lure Bane out for a rematch, but is defeated by Dick Grayson (now acting as Batman after Bruce defeated Valley before taking time off for self-analysis) without the villain realizing that he is facing a new Batman. Killer Croc is left for the police in a fishing net all bruised up with a broken arm.

Killer Croc is summoned by a paranormal force to break out of Arkham and make his way to the Louisiana swamps. Batman follows him there, only to find that the mysterious force is actually the Swamp Thing, who offers Croc a place in the swampland where he can finally give in to his animal side, live free from human persecution and have a peaceful and joyous life.

Killer Croc has appeared in both the "Hush" storyline and its chronological follow-up, Broken City. In the former, he is infected with a virus that greatly increases the rate of his devolution, 'overseeing' a kidnapping for Hush before Batman defeats him; this provides Batman's first clue that someone else is orchestrating events, as he knows that Croc is too stupid to attempt a complex scheme like a kidnapping on his own due to the many variables. Though Killer Croc was briefly restored to his original form, the Mad Hatter, under Black Mask's orders, implanted Killer Croc with a device that made him loyal to Black Mask and caused the virus to return. Batman freed Croc from Black Mask's control. Croc attempted to take revenge on the Mad Hatter, but was stopped by Batman. Croc then escaped.

When an attempt at a cure fails, Killer Croc devours the involved doctor and retreats to the sewers, vowing vengeance on Batman and Black Mask.

In Infinite Crisis, Croc becomes a member of Alexander Luthor, Jr.'s Secret Society of Super Villains.

One Year Later during the "Face the Face" storyline, Killer Croc is shown to have been feeding on the dead body of an orca. He next shows up in Countdown where he breaks free from his shackles in Arkham Asylum and attempts to kill Jimmy Olsen, who uses elastic powers to escape. Killer Croc is then subdued.

He is later seen among the exiled supervillains in "Salvation Run." After the Martian Manhunter is defeated and imprisoned in a fiery cage, Croc suggests that he will eat the Martian. Lex Luthor forbids it.

During the "Final Crisis" storyline, Killer Croc can be seen as the member of Libra's Secret Society of Super Villains. Killer Croc is later turned into a Justifier.

In the "Battle for the Cowl" storyline, Killer Croc is recruited by a new Black Mask to be a part of a group of villains aiming to take over Gotham and Bludhaven.

During the events of Brightest Day, Killer Croc is intentionally released from his cell by a guard whom Osiris kills when Deathstroke and his band of Titans infiltrate Arkham. While attempting to flee from the facility, he is attacked by Osiris who mistakes Killer Croc for his old enemy Sobek.

The New 52
In the continuity of DC's 2011 reboot The New 52, Killer Croc is established to have fought Roy Harper in Hell's Kitchen in a flashback seen in Red Hood and the Outlaws. He is then passingly referenced by Roy, as he is Roy's current sponsor for his alcoholism at the time when Roy was in a bar with Jason Todd. Roy is only drinking water, but knows that Waylon would disapprove.

During the 2013–2014 Forever Evil storyline, Croc began ruling over Gotham's lower class. He murders a corrupt S.W.A.T. team that murdered one of the few people who were nice to him. When the Crime Syndicate invades Earth, Croc takes over Wayne Tower. He is confronted by the villain Bane, who injects Croc with Venom, turning Croc into a hulking giant, whom Bane then defeats.

While institutionalized in Arkham, Killer Croc meets Sybil Silverlock, a woman with dissociative identity disorder. He bonds with her softer personality, and she shows him a picture of her daughter, Olive. Sybil has him promise to look after Olive if he ever gets out. After the destruction of Arkham Asylum, Killer Croc escapes and travels to Gotham Academy, where he watches over Olive, and tells her about her mother, who was rendered comatose by the asylum's destruction. After Batman confronts them, Olive and Killer Croc escape to a swamp. Before parting, he tells her that, if she is like her mother, to come and find him one day.

He recently helped Harley Quinn and her friends fight a gang of other Batman villains in Coney Island.

DC Rebirth
In the pages of DC Rebirth with the Suicide Squad, Killer Croc and the Squad go on a mission to retrieve a "cosmic item" from a Russian undersea prison, revealed to be a portal to the Phantom Zone, and come face-to-face with General Zod. He attacks the Squad and, when spotting Zod about to kill June Moone/Enchantress, Croc saves her just in time. After the mission, back in their cells, June Moone and Croc have a heartfelt conversation and embrace each other. Killer Croc and June Moone enjoy New York City and decide to explore their romance in the future. Croc encourages her to try, but later expresses fear and sheds tears that he will lose her if she is able to achieve her dream. Enchantress's rampage in New York City lasts until it is revealed that it is an editor from a magazine company who rejected June. After being convinced by Croc to reevaluate her, he decided to give her some freelance work. Moved by Waylon's actions, June reigns in the Enchantress and thanks her love for helping her. Wall escapes the battle after downloading the file. Two days later in the cell, Croc mourns, and breaks down in tears over June Moone's "death", as Rick told him that June Moone is the only one who did not see him as monstrous. He eventually leaves the Squad.

In Harley Quinn's series, Killer Croc joined the Penguin's plans to take over New York, but went off on his own to take Coney Island, revealing that he was on display there in a freak show as a kid driving out the other villains. After it was all torn down, Harley convinced him to join her side and help take it all back from the Penguin.

Killer Croc, deciding to go by his first name Waylon, later took over Tusk's hotel in Monster Town, granting second chances to any monster in need.

In Joker War event tie-in, the Joker and his goons assaulted Monstertown. He decided to create a new one in the sewers of Gotham, hoping that he and the others would be left alone and wanting no involvement in the war. Batman attempts to warn Croc of the dangers of the chemicals in the water, but doesn’t believe him. He makes a deal with Batman to fight him, only to lose. Although Croc and his gang are later taken to jail, he promises them the best of care, including a reversal of their conditions, if a cure can be found.

Infinite Frontier
In Infinite Frontier, Killer Croc, Firefly, Knockout, and Cheshire are brought together by Clayface as potential allies hoping to seek a second chance by defending Allytown.

Red Hood is on a mission to tracking down Bane until Croc goes after him for ruining his operation and costing him millions of dollars. However, after Red Hood proves unable to hurt him, Croc decides to settle the matter another time. Jason give a French book to him while they chat.

Dawn of DC
Croc, along with Man-Bat, the Orca and the Terrible Trio kidnap a doctor at Gotham Zoo, and encounter Batman and Robin. He decides to quit and check on Poison Ivy, whom Croc helps escape from a collapsing abandoned building. Later, helping Ivy look for a cure, she works with Croc since he is immune to Lamia mushroom due to his natural immunity as a crocodile. Although he wants to help with his blood, he starts to freak out at the sight of the needle because he has been scared of needles since he was a kid; doctors could not penetrate his armored skin, and the experience was traumatic for him. When a zombie-like creature is found attacking Ivy, Croc goes to her defense. Solomon Grundy arrives and grabs Ivy by the neck, but Croc rescues her. They end up fighting until Ivy stops them, realizing they have an even bigger problem to deal with. While sharing a meal with Ivy's friend Janet, Ivy starts to bleed. Floronic Man then arrives, and Croc defends Janet and Ivy.

During the "Titans: Beast World", Croc is exposed to one of Beast Boy's spores and temporarily mutated further.

Powers and abilities
Killer Croc's backstory explains that he was born with a condition resembling epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, a disfiguring skin disorder. However, it is actually a form of regressive atavism, meaning that he has inherited traits of ancestral species of the human race, such as reptiles. This condition has been augmented by the presence of a metagene. Consequently, he has several extraordinary physical abilities relating to his endurance, speed, and strength.

His skin is hardened to the degree that it is nearly impenetrable to ordinary forms of abrasion or penetration, including high caliber weapons fired from a distance. He also possesses an extraordinary amount of super-strength; for example, he was able to tear a bank vault door off of its hinges with minimal effort. He has demonstrated regenerative powers, allowing him to heal and restore lost limbs and teeth. He possesses superhuman reflexes and speed, especially while he is moving underwater. He can also see through his crocodile eyelids. Killer Croc also has an enhanced sense of smell. Once he has become familiar with a person's scent, he can track them from miles away. As his appearance and personality has grown more and more bestial, his misanthropy has increased dramatically. He is jealous and hateful of "normal" people and often lashes out violently without provocation. As a result of these feelings of jealousy, Croc will often entertain himself by grabbing hold of small, pointy objects as a source of comfort.

Croc's main weakness is consistently portrayed in most adaptations, aside from The Batman series, as being his low intellect. He typically resorts to brute force to solve most problems, allowing Batman to outmaneuver him in combat by thinking his way through the problems he faces in defeating the powerful Croc. Batman regularly describes his foe as an animal rather than a man. He acts almost solely on instinct and hardly ever takes the time to plan or rationalize his actions. This is a departure from his initial portrayal, where he was shown to be a ruthless and intelligent criminal who was able to plot his ascent from henchman to The Squid to perhaps the most powerful force in Gotham organized crime before being defeated by the Batman.

Appearance
In recent years, Killer Croc has been portrayed as being much more reptilian than in past incarnations. An action figure made by Kenner in 1998 featured a tail and dinosaur-like feet. When Mattel got the license to make DC products in the early 2000s, they released their own version of Killer Croc, sculpted by Four Horsemen Studios. This version also featured a tail and dinosaur feet. In late 2005, a re-release of this figure was modified so that the tail, along with his shirt, was removed. This version also sports a more "human" head.

The 2002-2003 Batman storyline Hush featured a more bestial Croc who had been mutated against his will to appear more reptilian. This version of the character was drawn by artist Jim Lee. In The New 52, he is shown to have a crocodile-like head, though how this came to be has not yet been revealed. Such a design had previously appeared in Red Hood and the Outlaws, drawn by Kenneth Rocafort.

Alternative versions

 * An alternate universe version of Killer Croc appears in Joker. This version is a member of the Joker's gang and sports a more humanoid appearance.
 * An alternate universe version of Killer Croc appears in Batman/Aliens 2.
 * An alternate universe version of Killer Croc appears in Batman: Crimson Mist. This version is a serial killer and member of Two-Face's gang who later works with Commissioner Gordon and Alfred Pennyworth to stop a vampiric Batman.
 * An alternate universe version of Killer Croc appears in the Flashpoint storyline.
 * An alternate universe version of Killer Croc appears in Batman: Earth One. This version is an ally of Batman and member of the Outsiders who was previously sold to Haly's Circus as a child.
 * An alternate universe version of Killer Croc appears in DC Bombshells. This version is a member of the Suicide Squad who was transformed into a crocodile monster by the Enchantress' magic.
 * An alternate universe version of Killer Croc appears in Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
 * An alternate universe version of Killer Croc appears in Batman: White Knight.
 * An alternate universe version of Killer Croc appears in Batman: Reptilian. This version was mutated after his mother was exposed to an alien mutagen while pregnant with him.
 * An alternate universe version of Killer Croc appears in Batman: The Audio Adventures. This version was mutated by Hugo Strange, from whom he sought a cure for his skin condition. Instead, Strange overdosed him with his "Monster Man" formula and revived him using a Lazarus Pit, turning him into a monster. Lost and distraught, Croc is taken in by the Penguin and joins his gang.
 * An alternate universe version of Killer Croc appears in Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham. This version is Ludvig Prinn, a wizard who was imprisoned underneath Gotham City and mutated by the fungi that grew there, later joining Ra's al Ghul's League of Assassins.

Television

 * An original incarnation of Killer Croc, "Killer Croc" Morgan, appears in series set in the DC Animated Universe. This version is a former pro wrestler who turned to crime.
 * Croc first appears in Batman: The Animated Series, voiced by Aron Kincaid. For this series, he sports lumpy, grey skin.
 * Croc returns in The New Batman Adventures, voiced by Brooks Gardner. For this series, he has been redesigned to have a more reptilian appearance with green scales and claws.
 * An android replica of Croc appears in the Batman Beyond episode "Terry's Friend Dates a Robot". Writer Stan Berkowitz originally had plans to bring back Croc for the series, as reptiles have long lifespans, but the idea was dropped.
 * Killer Croc appears in The Batman, voiced by Ron Perlman. This version is a crime boss who speaks with a Cajun accent and possesses greater intellect than traditional interpretations of the character. Additionally, his origins are unknown, though rumors have spread that he is a genetic experiment gone awry who then turned mercenary, someone who dealt with voodoo magic, or simply a circus freak. In issue #25 of the series' tie-in comic The Batman Strikes!, Croc is shown in flashbacks to have been both a lab experiment and a circus act.
 * Killer Croc appears in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, voiced by Stephen Root.
 * Killer Croc appears in Beware the Batman, voiced by Wade Williams. This version speaks with a Cajun accent, is implied to be a cannibal, and led a group of Blackgate Penitentiary prisoners while incarcerated there.
 * Killer Croc appears in Harley Quinn, voiced by Matt Oberg. This version is a member of the Legion of Doom in the first season and the Suicide Squad's "A-team" in the third who later enters a relationship with squad-mate the Enchantress.
 * An original incarnation of Killer Croc appears in the Batwoman episode "Loose Tooth", portrayed by Heidi Ben. This version is a teenager named Steven, who found one of Killer Croc's teeth and cut himself with it, which caused him to transform into a new Killer Croc.
 * Killer Croc appears in Suicide Squad Isekai, voiced by Tarō Kiuchi. This version is a rogue member of the Suicide Squad.

Film

 * Killer Croc appears in the Batman: Gotham Knight segment "In Darkness Dwells". This version is a cannibalistic serial killer who is rumored to have been born with epidermolytic hyperkeratosis and abandoned in Gotham City's sewers. As an adult, he filed his teeth into sharpened points, became a circus sideshow performer, and went on a killing spree that eventually got him incarcerated at Arkham Asylum, where Jonathan Crane experimented on Croc for his fear aversion program, worsening his homicidal impulses. Croc subsequently escaped and fled into the sewers, but Crane injected him with his fear toxin, giving Croc a fear of bats and the ability to transfer the toxin to others via his bite.
 * Killer Croc appears in Son of Batman, voiced by Fred Tatasciore. This version uses a genetic mutagen supplied by Kirk Langstrom to increase his abilities, granting himself extra muscle mass and a tail, though it eventually causes his body to fall apart.
 * Killer Croc appears in Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts, voiced by John DiMaggio. This version is a member of the Penguin's Animalitia.
 * Killer Croc appears in Suicide Squad, portrayed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. This version previously lived in Gotham City and fought Batman before he was imprisoned at Belle Reve. He is recruited into Task Force X and accompanies a SEAL scuba team to recover a bomb that was lost in a flooded tunnel to kill the Enchantress. Following the Enchantress' defeat, Croc is returned to prison and given a reduced sentence and improved cell conditions as a reward.
 * Killer Croc appears in Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs. Mutants, voiced again by John DiMaggio.
 * Killer Croc appears in The Lego Batman Movie, voiced by an uncredited Matt Villa.
 * Killer Croc appears in Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash, voiced by Nolan North.
 * Killer Croc appears in Lego DC Batman: Family Matters, voiced again by Nolan North.
 * Killer Croc appears in Injustice, voiced by Edwin Hodge.
 * Killer Croc appears in Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, voiced by Maxwell Jacob Friedman.
 * The Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham incarnation of Killer Croc appears in the book's film adaptation.
 * Killer Croc makes a non-speaking appearance in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two.

Lego Batman

 * Killer Croc appears as a playable character in Lego Batman: The Videogame, voiced by Steve Blum. This version works for the Penguin and possesses immunity to toxins.
 * Killer Croc appears in Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, voiced by Fred Tatasciore.
 * Killer Croc appears as a playable character in Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, voiced again by Fred Tatasciore. This version has a Cajun accent.
 * Killer Croc appears in Lego DC Super-Villains, voiced again by Fred Tatasciore.

Batman: Arkham
Killer Croc appears in the Batman: Arkham series, voiced primarily by Steve Blum and by Khary Payton in Arkham Origins and Arkham Underworld.

 * First appearing in Batman: Arkham Asylum, this version is a cannibalistic serial killer and gangster who has been charged with racketeering and smuggling illegal drugs and holds a grudge against Aaron Cash after eating his left hand amidst a failed escape attempt. Batman infiltrates Croc's lair in the sewers underneath Arkham Asylum to find spores capable of defeating Poison Ivy's mutated plants, where he manages to subdue Croc after a prolonged hunt.
 * Croc makes a cameo appearance in Batman: Arkham City, having been transferred to the titular super-prison and taken refuge in its maze-like sewer network.
 * A young Croc appears as the first boss of Batman: Arkham Origins. After being hired by the Joker posing as Black Mask to kill Batman, Croc helps the Joker kidnap and kill Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb before fighting Batman, who defeats him.
 * Croc appears as a boss in the Batman: Arkham Knight "Season of Infamy" DLC. After being captured by Warden Ranken of Iron Heights Penitentiary, Croc is experimented on for his regenerative capabilities, which cause him to mutate further. Eventually, Croc mounts a breakout attempt and joins forces with the other inmates to seek revenge on Ranken, only to be defeated by Batman and Nightwing and transferred to the Gotham City Police Department (GCPD)'s custody.
 * Croc appears as a playable character in Batman: Arkham Underworld.
 * Croc makes a cameo appearance in Batman: Arkham VR.

Other games

 * Killer Croc appears in Batman: Dark Tomorrow, voiced by Richardo Ferrone.
 * Killer Croc appears in DC Universe Online, voiced by Edwin Neal.
 * Killer Croc makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in Injustice: Gods Among Us via the Arkham Asylum stage. Additionally, he appears as a playable character in the mobile version, in which he is voiced again by Steve Blum.
 * Killer Croc appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.
 * Killer Croc makes non-speaking cameo appearances in Injustice 2 via the Batcave stage and Bane's ending.
 * Killer Croc appears as an alternate skin for Baraka in Mortal Kombat 11 via the "DC Elseworld" DLC pack.

Miscellaneous

 * Killer Croc appears in the novel Batman: Knightfall and Beyond. This version is said to have suffered from a "raging skin cancer" that turned the outer layers of his flesh into a hardened covering when he was younger.
 * Killer Croc appears in the Injustice: Gods Among Us and Injustice 2 prequel comics. In the latter, he becomes a member of Ra's al Ghul's Suicide Squad who goes on to marry squad-mate Orca, who becomes pregnant with his child, and leaves the squad with her to raise them.
 * Killer Croc appears in Batman '66 #28. This version is a former henchman of King Tut whose reptilian form and strength are derived from an elixir. With help from his girlfriend Eva, Croc goes on a crime spree in the hopes of becoming Gotham's biggest crime lord until he is defeated by Batman and Robin and handed over to the police.
 * Killer Croc appears in DC Super Hero Girls, voiced by Fred Tatasciore.

title: Killer Croc


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Agatsuma, Gunma

Agatsuma (吾妻町) was a town located in Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

As of 2003, the town had an estimated population of 14,881 and a density of 67.58 persons per km2. The total area was 220.20 km2.

On March 27, 2006, Agatsuma, along with the village of Azuma (also from Agatsuma District), was merged to create the town of Higashiagatsuma.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Agatsuma, Gunma


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Talk:Antics (album)

Untitled

 * Who wrote this? Mordant?  Seriously, this is either copyvio from a music review or someone tryng really hard to imitate the pompous stylings of a music reviewer.  It reads like a review, so ulness some source can be cited, much of needs to go because it's little better than some music fan's opinion.--Hraefen Talk 20:57, 21 July 2006 (UTC)

<^>v!!This album is connected!!v<^>

 * All song titles serve as redirects to this album, have their own pages, or have been placed at the appropriate disambiguation pages.--Hraefen Talk 21:05, 21 July 2006 (UTC)

 * It's NARC, not Narc..

--83.68.92.222 17:51, 15 August 2006 (UTC)

Antics features Opendisc technology that claims to offer "Exclusive video, audio and more" but is in fact a form of DRM designed to stop CD ripping and unauthorised distribution. Despite these measures Antics can still be found on all major peer-to-peer filesharing systems.

i have this cd "open disc" clams not to be a form of DRM - which i believe it is not and the CD is easily ripped to mp3 on any computer

Fair use rationale for Image:Interpol antics 600x600 alt.jpg
Image:Interpol antics 600x600 alt.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.

BetacommandBot 05:52, 7 November 2007 (UTC)

weird comparisons
"[..]reminiscent of The Chameleons." Who said that? Is that a fact? Plus, they're not even close to being reminiscent to The Chameleons, they got their absolutely own guitar patterns and style. These comparisons are pointless (more so when they are totally wrong) and quite weird to read on an encyclopedia. RonDivine (talk) 11:08, 19 September 2008 (UTC)

title: Talk:Antics (album)


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Frederic Thesiger, 2nd Baron Chelmsford

General Frederic Augustus Thesiger, 2nd Baron Chelmsford, (31 May 1827 – 9 April 1905) was a British Army officer who rose to prominence during the Anglo-Zulu War, when an expeditionary force under his command suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of a Zulu force at the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879. Despite this defeat, he was able to score several victories against the Zulus, culminating in the British victory at the Battle of Ulundi, which ended the war and partly restored his reputation in Britain.

Early life
Frederic Augustus Thesiger was born 31 May 1827, the eldest child of Frederic Thesiger, a lawyer who later became Lord Chancellor and was created Baron Chelmsford. Thesiger was educated at Eton College.

Thesiger's great-uncle Sir Frederick Thesiger was aide-de-camp to Lord Nelson at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.

Military career
He wished to pursue a military career. In 1844, after unsuccessfully trying to obtain a place in the Grenadier Guards, he purchased a commission in the Rifle Brigade. He served in 1845 with the Rifles in Halifax, Nova Scotia before purchasing an exchange in November 1845 into the Grenadiers as an ensign and lieutenant. He was promoted to lieutenant and captain in 1850, and became aide-de-camp in 1852 to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Eglinton, and then to the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland, Sir Edward Blakeney, from 1853 to 1854.

Crimean War
In May 1855, he left for the Crimean War, in which he served firstly with his battalion, then as aide-de-camp from July 1855 to the commander of the 2nd Division, Lieutenant-General Edwin Markham, and finally as deputy assistant quartermaster general from November 1855 on the staff at Headquarters, being promoted to brevet major. He was mentioned in dispatches and received the fifth class of the Turkish Order of the Medjidie and the British, Turkish and Sardinian Crimean medals.

Indian Rebellion of 1857
In 1857, he was promoted to captain and lieutenant colonel, and transferred (1858), as a lieutenant colonel, to the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot, serving with that regiment at the end of the Indian Rebellion, for which he was again mentioned in dispatches. He served as deputy adjutant general to the forces in Bombay from 1861 to 1862, and was promoted to brevet colonel in 1863. There, he befriended the then governor of Bombay, Sir Henry Bartle Frere, and this relationship would be important later when serving in South Africa. He served, again as deputy adjutant general, in the 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia, for which he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath and made an aide-de-camp to Queen Victoria in 1868. He was Adjutant-General, India from 1869 to 1874.

Thesiger returned to England in 1874 as colonel on the staff, commanding the forces at Shorncliffe Army Camp, and was appointed to command a brigade at Aldershot, with the temporary rank of brigadier general, in 1877. He had however requested a posting overseas in order to benefit from the cheaper cost of living.

Anglo-Zulu War

Thesiger was promoted to major general in March 1877, appointed to command British forces in the Cape Colony with the local rank of lieutenant general in February 1878, and in October succeeded his father as 2nd Baron Chelmsford. He brought the Ninth Cape Frontier War to its completion in July 1878, and was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in November 1878. His experiences fighting against the Xhosa created a low opinion of the fighting capabilities of African soldiers, which later led to disastrous consequences during the Anglo-Zulu War.

In January 1879, the official Sir Henry Bartle Frere, a personal friend of Chelmsford, engineered the outbreak of the Anglo-Zulu War by issuing the Zulu king Cetshwayo an ultimatum to effectively disband his military. Cetshwayo refused this ultimatum, an act which led to an outbreak of war between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. A British expeditionary force under the command of Chelmsford invaded the Zulu Kingdom, heading in three columns towards the Zulu capital, Ulundi. The force was attacked by a Zulu force at Isandlwana, during which the Zulus overran and destroyed the central column of Chelmsford's separated forces. The engagement was an unexpected victory for the Zulus, which threw British war plans into disarray.

Afterwards, the British government, anxious to avoid the Zulus threatening Natal, issued orders for the hasty relief of Chelmsford of his command and for him to be replaced with Sir Garnet Wolseley. However, this order could not be implemented until the arrival of Wolseley, and in the meantime Chelmsford ignored diplomatic overtures from King Cetshwayo and made plans to capture Ulundi, aiming to defeat them in a decisive engagement and salvaging his reputation before Wolseley's arrival. The Battle of Ulundi took place on 4 July 1879, being the last major battle of the Anglo-Zulu War. After a half-hour bombardment by the Royal Artillery, Chelmsford attacked a Zulu army massed at Ulundi, making full use of concentrated small arms fire from Gatling guns and rifles, leading to the destruction of the Zulu force. The British Army's casualties after the sharp but brief engagement was ten killed and eighty-seven wounded, in exchange for nearly sixty times that number of Zulu dead. quotes the London Standard reporting 473 counted dead and another 1000 or more wounded. Chelmsford ordered Ulundi to be burnt, after which he handed over command to Wolseley on 15 July at the fort at St. Paul's and left South Africa by ship for England two days later. The defeat of the Zulus at Ulundi allowed Chelmsford to partially recover his military prestige after the disaster at Isandlwana, and he was honoured as a Knight Grand Cross of Bath. However, he was severely criticised by a subsequent enquiry launched by the British Army into the events that had led to the Isandlwana debacle, and did not serve in the field again.

Later career
Lord Chelmsford became lieutenant general in 1882, Lieutenant of the Tower of London (1884 until 1889), colonel of the 4th (West London) Rifle Volunteer Corps (1887), full general (1888), and colonel of the Derbyshire Regiment (1889). He exchanged the colonelcy of the Derbyshires for that of the 2nd Life Guards (1900), and as such was Gold Stick in Waiting during ceremonial events at Court. King Edward VII appointed him Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) in the November 1902 Birthday Honours list, and he was invested with the insignia by the King at Buckingham Palace on 18 December 1902. He was the inaugural Governor and Commandant of the Church Lads' Brigade, a post he retained until his death.

Personal life
His sister, Julia (1833–1904), was married to Sir John Eardley Wilmot Inglis (1814–1862) who commanded the British forces during the Siege of Lucknow in 1857. She later wrote of her experiences during the siege in her diary, which was later published.

In 1867 Thesiger married Adria Fanny Heath (1845-1926). The couple had six sons, two of whom died in infancy. The eldest succeeded as 3rd Baron Chelmsford and later became Viceroy of India and first Viscount Chelmsford. Another son was Lieutenant Colonel Eric Thesiger who served in the First World War and was also a Page of Honour for Queen Victoria. The diplomat Wilfred Gilbert Thesiger, who served in Addis Ababa in 1916, was another son, and father of the author and explorer Wilfred Thesiger. He was the uncle of the actor Ernest Thesiger.

Death
Chelmsford had a seizure and died while playing billiards at the United Service Club in London on 9 April 1905 in his 78th year. His body was buried in Brompton Cemetery in London.

In popular culture
Peter O'Toole portrayed Chelmsford in the film Zulu Dawn (1979), which depicted the events at the Battle of Isandlwana.

title: Frederic Thesiger, 2nd Baron Chelmsford


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Guy Davis (comics)

Guy Davis (born 1966) is an American creature designer, concept artist, illustrator and storyboard artist who has worked on film, television, comic book and video game projects. He is known for his collaborations with filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, including the television series The Strain (2014–17) and the films Pacific Rim (2013), Crimson Peak (2015) and The Shape of Water (2017). Beforehand, Davis was the regular artist for the Hellboy spinoff comic B.P.R.D. (2003–2010), as well as the artist behind his own creator-owned comic The Marquis (2009).

Career
A self-taught illustrator, Guy Davis began his art career in 1985. Soon his independent work attracted the editors of Caliber Press, who published his first creator-owned series — the Harvey Award-nominated Baker Street. It was the success of Baker Street that got Davis work with DC Comics/Vertigo, illustrating Sandman Mystery Theatre. He illustrated Mike Mignola's ongoing B.P.R.D. series, The Zombies That Ate the World for Métal Hurlant, and his creator-owned series The Marquis for Dark Horse Comics. He has also provided illustration work for the White Wolf role-playing game series and TCM Underground, cover artwork for Criterion, and poster art for Mondo.

At the 2011 ECCC, Davis announced he would no longer be the ongoing B.P.R.D. artist. Since leaving comics, Davis has moved to a career in conceptual design, providing concept art, character design and storyboards for film, television and video games. He worked on Pacific Rim, designing the Kaiju Otachi and Slattern, various props and storyboards. Other conceptual design projects for director Guillermo del Toro include Crimson Peak, The Strain TV series and The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror XXIV opening. He has also provided concept for Steven Universe, ParaNorman, The Mill at Calder's End, Pinocchio, and video game projects including Evolve, InSane, and Alone in the Dark (2024).

Personal life
Davis currently resides in Michigan.

Awards
He won the Eisner Award in

 * 1997: Won "Best Serialized Story," for "Sand and Stars" (Starman #20–23) with James Robinson, Tony Harris, and Wade Von Grawbadger
 * 2004: Won "Best Limited Series," for Fantastic Four: Unstable Molecules with James Sturm
 * 2009: Won "Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team," for BPRD

title: Guy Davis (comics)


text:
Naganohara

Naganohara (長野原町) is a town located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

Population
, the town had an estimated population of 5,495 in 5630 households, and a population density of 41 persons per km².

Size
The total area of the town is 133.85 sqkm. The controversial Yamba Dam project is located within Naganohara.

Geography
Located in the northwestern portion of Gunma Prefecture, almost all of Naganohara has an elevation higher than 500 meters. The town has Mount Kusatsu-Shirane (2171m) to the north and Mount Asama (2568m) to the south.
 * Rivers: Agatsuma River, Shirasuna River, Kuma River

Surrounding municipalities
Gunma Prefecture Nagano Prefecture
 * Takasaki
 * Higashiagatsuma
 * Tsumagoi
 * Nakanojō
 * Kusatsu
 * Karuizawa

Climate
Naganohara has a Humid continental climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. The average annual temperature in Naganohara is 7.6 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1453 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 20.4 °C, and lowest in January, at around -4.7 °C.

Demographics
Per Japanese census data, the population of Naganohara has declined over the past 70 years.

History
The area of present-day Naganohara has human remains from the Japanese Paleolithic through Jōmon periods, although archaeological findings from the Kofun period are scarce compared with surrounding areas. During the Edo period, the area was part of the hatamoto-administered territory within Kōzuke Province.

Naganohara Town was created within Agatsuma District of Gunma Prefecture on April 1, 1889, with the creation of the modern municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration.

Government
Naganohara has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 10 members. Naganohara collectively with the other municipalities in Agatsuma District, contributes two members to the Gunma Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Gunma 5th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy
The economy of Naganohara is heavily dependent on agriculture.

Education
Naganohara has four public elementary schools and two public middle schools operated by the town government, and one public high schools operated by the Gunma Prefectural Board of Education.

Railway
JR East – Agatsuma Line
 * Kawarayu-Onsen - Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi - Gunma-Ōtsu - Haneo

Local attractions

 * Kawarayu Onsen
 * Asama Volcano Museum
 * Agatsuma Gorge, a National Place of Scenic Beauty

title: Naganohara


text:
Tsumagoi

Tsumagoi (嬬恋村) is a village located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. , the village had an estimated population of 9,546 in 3,999 households, and a population density of 28 persons per km². The total area of the village is 337.51 sqkm.

Geography
Tsumagoi is situated on the northwestern corner of Gunma Prefecture, touching Nagano Prefecture to the north, south, and west. Because of its elevated location and the ash deposits of Mount Asama, Tsumagoi is well known for growing cabbages. Parts of the village are within the borders of then Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park.

 * Mountains: Mount Asama (2568m), Mount Motoshirane (2171m), Mount Kusatsu-Shirane (2160m), Mount Azumaya (2354m)
 * Rivers: Agatsuma River
 * Lakes: Lake Baragi, Lake Tashiro

Surrounding municipalities
Gunma Prefecture Nagano Prefecture
 * Kusatsu
 * Naganohara
 * Karuizawa
 * Komoro
 * Takayama
 * Suzaka
 * Ueda
 * Tōmi
 * Miyota

Climate
Tsumagoi has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) characterized by warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall, due to the high elevation. Winters are cold, with a January 24-hour average temperature of −4.6 °C, while summers are warm and wet, with a July 24-hour average temperature of 19.5 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1345 mm with September as the wettest month.

Demographics
Per Japanese census data, the population of Tsumagoi has recently decreased after several decades of relative stability.

Tsumagoi has been recognized by Japan's Office for the Promotion of Regional Revitalization (Kishida Cabinet Secretariat), which promotes the development of new technologies to combat depopulation, for meeting a "high standard" (高水準) of digital transformation/telework infrastructure. Related projects have been awarded over ¥7.0M in government grants.

History
Numerous Jōmon period remains have been found in Tsumagoi, although later Yayoi period artifacts are almost non-existent, as the area is not suitable for rice cultivation. During the Edo period, the area around Tsumagoi was part of the hatamoto-administered territory within Kōzuke Province. Kanbara area (鎌原村) was severely damaged by the Tenmei eruption of Mt. Asama in 1783 (477 people died). With the creation of the modern municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration on April 1, 1889, the village of Tsumagoi was created within Agatsuma District of Gunma Prefecture.

Government
Tsumagoi has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral village council of 12 members. Tsumagoi collectively with the other municipalities in Agatsuma District, contributes two members to the Gunma Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the village is part of Gunma 5th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy
The economy of Tsumagoi is primarily agricultural, with cabbage forming the most noted local crop. Seasonal tourism primarily in connection with its onsen hot spring resorts and ski resorts are also major contributors to the local economy.

Education
Tsumagoi has two public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the town government, and one public high school operated by the Gunma Prefectural Board of Education.

Senior high schools

 * Tsumagoi High School

Junior high schools

 * Tsumagoi Junior High School

Elementary schools

 * Higashi Elementary School
 * Nishi Elementary School

Railway
JR East – Agatsuma Line
 * Fukurogura - Manza-Kazawaguchi - Ōmae

Local attractions
The main draw of tourists to Tsumagoi are the onsen (natural hot spring) resorts, some of which are also associated with ski resorts. There are two major hot spring resort areas within the town.

 * Palcall Tsumagoi Mountain Resort
 * Manza Onsen and ski resort
 * Kazawa Onsen and ski resort
 * Tsumagoi Onsen
 * Handeki Onsen

Noted people from Tsumagoi

 * Akira Kuroiwa, Olympic gold medalist speed skater
 * Toshiyuki Kuroiwa, Olympic silver medalist speed skater
 * Masato Kobayashi, professional baseball player

title: Tsumagoi


text:
Kusatsu, Gunma

Kusatsu (草津町) is a town located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. In September 2020, the town had a population of 6,255, in 3,407 households, and a population density of 130 persons per km2. The total area of the town is 249.75 sqkm. Kusatsu is one of the most famous hot springs resorts in Japan.

Geography
Kusatsu is situated about 1,200 meters above sea level. The active volcano Kusatsu-Shirane (2,160 m) and the inactive Mount Tengu (1,385 m) and Mount Motoshirane (2,171 m) are located west of Kusatsu.

Surrounding municipalities
Gunma Prefecture Nagano Prefecture
 * Higashiagatsuma
 * Tsumagoi
 * Nakanojō
 * Takayama

Climate
Kusatsu has a Humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) characterized by warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. The average annual temperature in Kusatsu is 3.3 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1,711 mm. September is the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 23.7 °C, and lowest in January, at around -1.4 °C. During the winter season the streets are kept free of snow using onsen water.

Demographics
Per Japanese census data, the population of Kusatsu has declined over the past 40 years.

Yayoi period
The legendary origin of Kusatsu goes back to the second century during the Yayoi period. According to the legend, either Yamato Takeru or Yamabushi discovered the hot springs around Kusatsu; however, there is no historical evidence for either claim. Per legend, Yamato Takeru named Tsumagoi and Agatsuma after his wife ("tsuma" means "wife" in Japanese).

Kamakura period
Up to the 12th century there is no specific record of Kusatsu. Local folklore recounts that Minamoto no Yoritomo came to Kusatsu in 1193 in pursuit of fleeing Taira clan warriors. He then bathed in the Yubatake. The Gozaishi (御座石) on which Yoritomo sat, and the Yoritomo-gū (頼朝宮) in which he is said to have bathed, still exist. Kusatsu's history began in 1200 when the temple of Kōsenji was founded.

Sengoku period
Almost 400 years later, during the Sengoku period, there is more evidence for the existence of Kusatsu, which had grown into a hot-springs resort popular with wounded samurai. The Tokyo University Historiographical Book of Facsimiles (東大史料編纂所影写本) contains correspondence during the year 1595 (Bunroku 4) between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi in which Hideyoshi recommended the Kusatsu hot springs to Ieyasu. The latter however, did not go to Kusatsu himself, but sent some servants to fetch some water from Kusatsu instead.

Edo period
During the Edo period, especially the Bakumatsu period, Kusatsu experienced unprecedented economic growth and became one of Japan's best-known hot springs. This was partly due to the increasing incidence of venereal diseases like gonorrhoea and syphilis, contracted in Tokyo red light districts like Yoshiwara, for which there was then no known cure besides bathing in a hot spring. The saying: "Kusatsu sengen Edo gamae" (草津千軒江戸構え) also goes back to this time and means: a thousand stores, just like in (the shopping districts in) Edo.

Hearing the praise of the Kusatsu Onsen the 8th Shōgun Tokugawa Yoshimune had hot-spring water drawn from the Yubatake source and transported into his castle for bathing. The area of present-day Kusatsu was part of the hatamoto-administered territory within Kōzuke Province during the Edo period.

Meiji period
In 1869, Kusatsu burned to the ground. The town was reconstructed within a few years, but the process left many local people in debt, causing the bankruptcy of many small enterprises, especially ryokans, over the next 20 years. At that time many of the inhabitants of Kusatsu abandoned the traditional practice of "Fuyuzumi" (冬住み), which meant leaving Kusatsu in wintertime and returning to their hometowns, located further down the mountains. Instead, the townspeople sold their old homes to repay their debts and began to live in Kusatsu all year long.

Kusatsu Village was created within Agatsuma District of Gunma Prefecture in April 1889, by the merger of former Kusatsu with Maeguchi and six other hamlets, with the creation of the modern municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration. In July 1900, the former Kusatsu and Maeguchi portions of the village was raised to town status, and the remaining portion formed Kuni village.

The infrastructure developed in the Meiji period and also people's knowledge, therefore many famous people were visiting Kusatsu. Especially foreigners were scientifically interested in this area, which became an important area for research of effects of hot springs, volcanoes etc.

In 1876, Erwin Bälz, a German internist came to Kusatsu for the first time. Bälz was one of the fathers of modern western medical science in Japan and court physician to Emperor Meiji. He was convinced of the healing power of the hot springs in Kusatsu, and began scientific research into them with a view to convincing the townspeople of the need to teach the correct application of the hot springs to Japanese medical doctors.

Taishō to Reiwa
In 1914, the Kusatsu ski club was founded.

The year 1915 saw the first visit of British Anglican missionary, Mary Cornwall Legh. In 1916 Cornwall Legh using her own funds established the St. Barnabas' Mission, providing residential care facilities to the sizable population of Hansen's Disease sufferers then present in the Yunosawa area of Kusatsu. Cornwall Legh devoted her remaining years to the care of the Kusatsu leprosy community, her work and dedication to this cause recognized with honors by the Japanese Government.

In 1941 the St. Barnabus' Hospital was closed, replaced by the, subsequently notorious, government run Kuryu Rakusen-en Sanatorium. St. Barnabus' Church and Cornwall Legh Park in Kusatsu attest to the charitable legacy of Mary Cornwall-Legh and the history of the community she sought to serve.

In 1926, the construction of the Kusakaru railway line (草軽電気鉄道) between Kusatsu and Karuizawa, which had been begun in 1908 was finished.

In 1948, a ski lift was erected on Mount Tengu, near Kusatsu. It was the first ski lift in Japan, with Kusatsu going on to become one of the country's first proper ski resorts.

Sexual assault allegations against mayor
In 2020, a local election in which over 90% of voters voted to recall town councillor Shoko Arai made international headlines. Arai, the only woman on the council, had accused mayor Nobutada Kuroiwa of sexually assaulting her. Kuroiwa denied the accusations, which triggered a backlash against Arai, who was accused of tarnishing the town's reputation with her allegations.

In December 2021, Arai filed a complaint against the mayor of the town for indecent assault. The Maebashi District Public Prosecutor's Office dismissed the complaint on the grounds that the mayor was not suspected. In response, the mayor filed a complaint against Arai for the crime of filing a false complaint. In October 2022 the Maebashi District Public Prosecutor's Office indicted Arai on charges of filing a false complaint and defamation against the mayor. In December 2022, Reiji Iizuka, a writer, stopped selling e-books meant to denounce the mayor and issued a statement apologizing to him.

On November 15, 2023, Arai's lawyer announced that Arai had admitted that her claim that the mayor had sexually assaulted her in the mayor's office was false, and that Arai would now claim in court that the mayor had touched her breasts and buttocks in his office.

On January 22, 2024, the Maebashi District Court found that there was no sexual activity between the mayor and Arai, and sentenced the writer, Iizuka, to one year in prison, suspended for three years, for defaming the mayor. According to prosecutors, Iizuka opposed the mayor's attempts to reform Kusatsu's hot spring management and published the e-book even though he knew Arai's testimony might be false.

On April 17, 2024, the Maebashi District Court ordered Arai to pay the mayor 2.75 million yen for defamation. This is a civil judgment; the criminal case for false complaint and defamation committed by Arai has not yet been opened.

Government
Kusatsu has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 12 members. Kusatsu, collectively with the other municipalities in Agatsuma District, contributes two members to the Gunma Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Gunma 5th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy
The town's main income is tourism. About 90% of the working population is employed in the tertiary sector, primarily in connection with its hot spring resorts, with very little industry and almost no agriculture.

Education
Kusatsu has a public elementary school, Kusatsu Elementary School (草津町立草津小学校), and one public middle school, Kusatsu Junior High School (草津町立草津中学校), operated by the town government.

The town does not have a high school. Gunma Prefectural Board of Education operates prefectural high schools elsewhere.

Railway
In 1964, rail services to the town ceased after the closure of the nearby sulfur pit and the ensuing loss of freight traffic, which made operation of the line uneconomic.

Sister city relations

 * 🇯🇵 Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan, since March 29, 1969
 * 🇯🇵 Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan, since September 8, 1997
 * 🇩🇪 Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany since October 11, 1962. The town in which Kusatsu's benefactor Erwin Bälz was born. The contacts with this sister town are the most intensive. There is an annual student exchange.
 * 🇦🇹 Neustift, Austria since March 21, 1986. Winter sports resort town. Contact established through the Austrian national ski team.
 * 🇨🇿 Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad, Carlsbad), Czech Republic since May 20, 1992. Spa resort town, was compared with Kusatsu by Erwin Bälz.
 * 🇦🇺 Snowy River, Australia since July 10, 1991. This town is located on the same latitude as Kusatsu, but in the southern hemisphere.

Kusatsu Onsen
There are about 100 hot springs in Kusatsu with a total amount of about 34,000 liters water per minute pouring out of the ground. The water is sulfurous and acidic. The hot springs are said to help cure: arthralgia, stiff shoulders, paralysis, hardenings, bruises, sprains, chronic indigestion, hemorrhoids, chills, arteriosclerosis, burns, chronic gynecological disorders. The water from the natural hot springs is used not only for bathing but also for heating of the city's primary and secondary schools, the municipal welfare center, the streets during winter and many households, as well as for the municipal swimming pool.

The Yubatake, one of the biggest hot springs and the main attraction of the town, is located in the center of Kusatsu. The spring water pours out of the rock and is then conducted through several rows of wooden boxes. In these wooden boxes Yu no hana (湯の花) one of Kusatsu's specialties is cultivated. The word Yubatake means "hot water field".

Around the Yubatake, there are 100 name plates of famous persons that visited Kusatsu. Internationally well-known are: Erwin Bälz (German internist), Julius Scriba (German surgeon), Bruno Taut (German architect), Ernest Satow (British researcher of Japan and diplomat), Kakuei Tanaka (Japanese prime minister 1972 - 1974), Rikidōzan (famous pro wrestler). On the lower part of the Yubatake there is a small cascade and the rock has an emerald shade. This is one of the most popular spots for souvenir pictures.

 * Netsu no yu (熱の湯), though located adjacent to the Yubatake, is a hot spring in its own right. The water is about 54 degrees Celsius, so it is not possible to bathe in it. For that reason there is the ancient tradition of Yumomi (湯もみ), which means kneading or bashing the water. Using 1.80 meter long wooden boards the hot water is stirred, bashed, kneaded and thus cooled down. The simpler method of pouring in cold water is not practiced as it would dilute the healing power of the water. During the Yumomi ceremony, the Kusatsu song is sung and Japanese traditional dance is performed.
 * Ōtaki no yu (大滝の湯) is named after spring water forming a waterfall. The building is made from wood and there is one basin on the inside and one on the outside (Rotenburo). Th
 * Sai no kawara (西の河原) is an outside basin of approximately 500 m2, which can be used by more than 100 guests at once.  There are separate baths for men and women divided by a wooden fence. Located in a valley overflowing with hot springs claims to be one of the most beautiful rotenburo of Japan.
 * The Bälz Onsen Center, situated on a plateau near Mount Tengu ski area, offers great scenery and is a popular Après-ski recreation spot.

Bälz Museum
The Bälz Museum is another of Kusatsu's attractions. Located at the entrance to Kusatsu, visitors can inform themselves about the life and work of Erwin Bälz. There is also a souvenir shop with goods mostly from Germany and the Czech Republic.

Flowers
Another of Kusatsu's attractions are the mountain flowers growing in and around the city. The most famous are:

 * Watasuge (Eriophorum Vaginatum, Hare's tail cotton grass)
 * Zazensō (Simplocarpus foetidus, Skunk cabbage)
 * Azumashakunage (Rhododendron Metternichii var. Japonica, a kind of Rhododendron)
 * Hakusanshakunage (Rhododendron brachycarpum, a kind of Rhododendron)
 * Rengetsutsuji (Rhododendron molle subsp. Japonicum, a kind of Azalea)
 * Yanagiran (Epilobium angustifolium, Rosebay Willowherb)
 * Nanakamado (Sorbus commixta, Japanese Rowan)
 * Ezorindō (Gentiana triflora var. Japonica, blue Gentian)
 * Komakusa (Dicentra peregrina, a kind of Magnolia)

Festivals and events
During the year there are a number of traditional festivals as well as a number of events.

 * Kusatsu International Summer Music Academy & Festival, in late August, which attracts famous musicians from all over Japan and abroad, and is often attended by members of the Japanese Imperial Household.
 * Kōsenji flower festival (光泉寺花祭り) on 7–8 May. The children of the kindergarten near the Buddhist temple of Kōsenji pull an elephant made of paper around the Yubatake in celebration of Buddha's birthday.
 * Ice-cave festival (氷室の節句) on the first of June. Ice is brought from a cave in Mt. Shirane, which was formed by an eruption of the volcano, and is used to make tea. According to folklore, anyone who drinks this special tea will not get ill in the following year.
 * Onsen gratitude festival (温泉感謝祭り) held during the first three days of August. This traditional festival has its origins in the Ushiyu matsuri (丑湯祭り), which in accordance with the Chinese calendar is celebrated during the hottest time of the year on the day of the ox. According to the lore, those that bathe in an Onsen in the hour of the ox (one to three AM) will not get ill for one year. In contrast, today's ceremony is totally different: The goddess of Onsen descends the stairs at Kōsenji symbolizing the descent from heaven.  She then gathers water from seven big hot springs in Kusatsu and distributes the water to the baths in Kusatsu. On the third day she ascends the stairs to Kōsenji, representing the ascent to heaven.  Through this ceremony the blessing of the gods is granted, which will make sure that the springs won't run dry.
 * Tour de Kusatsu (amateur bicycle race), Yuki no kairō walking (雪の回廊ウォーキング), (hiking through a valley of snow walls several meters high), soccer and skiing events.

Sports
The Thespakusatsu Gunma football club, although formed in and representing Kusatsu in the Japanese football league system, actually plays in Maebashi.

Souvenirs

 * Yu no hana ("hot water flower") is a powder extracted from the hot water at the Yubatake and consists of dried mineral sediment (mostly sulfur), which enable one to recreate the onsen waters at home.
 * Amanattō (甘納豆) is a kind of sweet made of a special sort of highland beans, which does not bear fruit below 700 meters above sea level. First the beans are dried, then put into water and finally they are cooked in sugar. The details of the making process are a company secret.
 * Manjū is a well-known Japanese sweet, consisting of a pastry crust made of flour, rice flour and buckwheat and a filling made of Azuki bean paste, and steamed using the steam rising from the hot springs.

Lakes and waterfalls
There are a number of waterfalls and crater lakes in the vicinity of Kusatsu. The most famous ones are:

 * Yugama (湯釜) located 2,100 meters above sea level is the crater lake of Mount Shirane. It boasts a very high acidity and an emerald-green surface.
 * Yumiike (弓池), 2,000 meters above sea level is located between Mount Shirane and Mount Motoshirane. Its water is crystal clear.
 * Ōsen no taki (嫗仙の滝) and the Jōfu no taki (常布の滝) are waterfalls near Kusatsu.

Ski area
The Kusatsu international ski area (草津国際スキー場) on Mount Tengu and Mount Shirane is over 90 years old and is one of the main attractions of Kusatsu. The ski area extends from 2,100 meters to 1,300 meters above sea level. The snow quality is very good and there are ten different routes for all difficulty levels as well as twelve lifts. The longest route is eight kilometers long.

Noted people from Kusatsu

 * Kenji Ogiwara, Olympic gold medalist ski jumper
 * Tsugiharu Ogiwara, Olympic gold medalist skier
 * Ichita Yamamoto, politician

title: Kusatsu, Gunma


text:
Kuni, Gunma

Kuni (六合村) was a village located in Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

As of September 1, 2007, the village had an estimated population of 1,788 and a population density of 9.41 persons per km². The total area was 202.81 km².

On March 28, 2010, Kuni was merged into the expanded town of Nakanojō.

Geography
Over half of the total area is covered by forests. Located on the border of Gunma Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture is Lake Nozori. There were two major hot springs in the village: the Shiriyaki and Hanashiki Hot Springs.

Surrounding municipalities

 * Gunma Prefecture
 * Kusatsu
 * Nakanojō
 * Naganohara
 * Higashiagatsuma
 * Nagano Prefecture
 * Sakae
 * Yamanouchi
 * Takayama
 * Niigata Prefecture
 * Yuzawa

History

 * 1889 - Kusatsu village is created in Agatsuma District.
 * 1900 - Kusatsu village is divided into Kusatsu town and Kuni village
 * March 28, 2010 - Kuni was merged into the expanded town of Nakanojō.

Name origin
Before the creation of Kusatsu village in 1889, there were six villages, called Akaiwa, Kosame, Hikage, Ooshi, Iriyama, and Irusu. When thinking of a name in 1900, Kuni, meaning six put together (六合), was chosen since there were six villages. The pronunciation of the village's name came from the Nihon Shoki.

title: Kuni, Gunma


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Takayama, Gunma

Takayama (高山村) is a village located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. , the village had an estimated population of 6,889 in 2449 households, and a population density of 110 persons per km2. The total area of the village is 64.18 sqkm.

Geography
Located at the easternmost point of Agatsuma District, Takayama is surrounded by mountains at all cardinal directions. The Gunma Telescope is located on Mount Komochi in the south.

 * Mountains: Mount Onoko (1208m), Junigadake (1200.9m), Mount Komochi (1296m)
 * Rivers: Agatsuma River

Surrounding municipalities
Gunma Prefecture
 * Minakami
 * Shibukawa
 * Nakanojō
 * Numata

Climate
Takayama has a Humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) characterized by warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. The average annual temperature in Takayama is 6.7 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1548 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 21.7 °C, and lowest in January, at around -5.7 °C.

Demographics
Per Japanese census data, the population of Takayama has remained relatively steady over the past century.

History
During the Edo period, the area around Takayama was part of the hatamoto-administered territory within Kōzuke Province. With the creation of the modern municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration on April 1, 1889, the village of Takayama was created within Agatsuma District of Gunma Prefecture.

Government
Takayama has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral village council of 10 members. Takayama, collectively with the other municipalities in Agatsuma District, contributes two members to the Gunma Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the village is part of Gunma 5th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy
The economy of Takayama is primarily agricultural.

Education
Takayama has one public elementary school and one public middle school operated by the village government. The village does not have a high school.

 * Gumma Paz Gakuen College

Transportation
Takayama is served by a rail line from Nagoya.

It is also home to one of 10 musical roads located in Gunma prefecture alone; the song played is "When You Wish Upon a Star."

Local attractions

 * Marble Village Lockheart Castle
 * Gunma Prefectural Astronomical Observatory

title: Takayama, Gunma


text:
Duesenberg

Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, Inc. was an American racing and luxury automobile manufacturer founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, by brothers Fred and August Duesenberg in 1920. The company is known for popularizing the straight-eight engine and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. A Duesenberg car was the first American car to win a Grand Prix race, winning the 1921 French Grand Prix. Duesenbergs won the Indianapolis 500 in 1922, 1924, 1925 and 1927. Transportation executive Errett Lobban Cord acquired the Duesenberg corporation in 1926. The company was sold and dissolved in 1937.

History
Fred and August Duesenberg began designing engines in the early 1900s, after Fred became involved with bicycle racing. The brothers designed a vehicle in 1905, and they formed the Mason Motor Car Company in 1906 with funds from lawyer Edward R. Mason in Des Moines, Iowa. F.L. and Elmer Maytag acquired a majority stake in the company and renamed it the Maytag-Mason Automobile Company until they sold their stake in 1912.

The Duesenberg brothers then moved to Saint Paul, Minnesota, where they established the Duesenberg Motors Company in 1913. Eddie Rickenbacker drove the first Duesenberg-designed vehicle to race at the Indianapolis 500 in 1914, placing tenth. During World War I, the Duesenbergs designed and built aircraft engines in Elizabeth, New Jersey. A Duesenberg driven by Tommy Milton won the 1919 Elgin Trophy. In 1919, the brothers sold their Saint Paul factories.

In 1920, the Duesenberg brothers relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, where they founded the Duesenberg Automobile & Motors Company, manufacturing the Duesenberg Model A. The brothers assumed engineering roles after signing over the naming rights and patents for Duesenberg engines to promoters Newton E. Van Zandt and Luther M. Rankin. The first ModelA was commissioned by Hawaiian businessman and politician Samuel Northrup Castle. The car had a 260 cuin straight-eight engine that output 88 hp, the largest engine in a commercially available vehicle at the time, and was the first to have hydraulic brakes on all its wheels.

The company continued to build race cars as well, and a Duesenberg driven by Jimmy Murphy won the 1921 French Grand Prix, the first American car to do so. Duesenberg cars also performed well at the Indianapolis 500 during the 1920s, winning the race in 1922, 1924, 1925 and 1927.

Van Zandt left the company in 1921, after which it struggled financially and entered receivership in 1924. Duesenberg was purchased by Errett Lobban Cord in 1926. August's role in the passenger-car side of the business declined after Cord's takeover, and August worked primarily in Duesenberg's racing division after 1926, designing all Duesenberg race cars built from that year until the company's dissolution. Two years later, Cord had the Duesenbergs make a new model to "outclass" all other American cars. In 1929, the company began selling the Duesenberg Model J, which was powered by a 265 hp straight-eight engine. The body and cabin were custom-built by coachbuilders. Prices for the cars ranged from $14,000 to $20,000 at the time.

Duesenbergs were considered to be among the most luxurious American cars ever made. Historian Donald Davidson called them the "most prestigious passenger car" in American history and likened them to an American version of the Rolls-Royce. The vehicles were popular with movie stars, royalty and other wealthy individuals. The company was sold by Cord and dissolved in 1937. The last Duesenberg to be made by the original company was completed in 1940, commissioned by German artist Rudolf Bauer and completed by August Duesenberg after the company had shut down.

In 1998, The Franklin Mint started producing collectible scale models of Duesenberg Coupé Simone, a fictitious custom-made luxury car allegedly manufactured in the late 1930s.

Revivals
Several unsuccessful attempts were made to revive the Duesenberg name. August Duesenberg failed to restart the company in 1947, and an attempt by his son, Fritz, and car designer Virgil Exner to revive the brand failed after the production of one concept car in 1966. In 1970, Bernard Miller bought the Duesenberg Corporation and produced the SSJ model from templates taken from the original 1935 SSJ La Grande body. The body was aluminum over ash. There were grand plans for over 300 SSJ's to be produced but over the company's life span of 1970-1974 only 8 were completed.

Duesenberg II

In 1978, Elite Heritage Motors acquired the trademark for Duesenberg and started producing the handmade "Duesenberg II" in Elroy, Wisconsin, under the name Duesenberg Motors Company. The "Duesenberg II" retained the styling of the cars from the 1920s and 1930s, but included some modern updates, such as stereo systems, air conditioning, and an automatic transmission. Each "Duesenberg II" was precisely measured using an original example as a template. Over 5,000 manhours of craftsmanship was put into each car. In 1981, a new Duesenberg II Royalton had a base price of $125,000. The company produced several models, including the Torpedo sedan and phaeton, and the Murphy roadster. The factory produced a total of 67 cars before closing in 2001.

Model A (1921–1927)

Duesenberg's first car was the Model A. It is powered by the Duesenberg Straight-8 engine and was the first car to be mass-produced with a straight-eight. The purchase price for a ModelA started at $6,500. The Duesenberg ModelA introduced several innovative features, such as an overhead camshaft, four-valve cylinder heads, and the first four-wheel hydraulic brakes offered on a passenger car. It had the largest engine of any consumer vehicle at the time of its production.

The Duesenberg Model A experienced various delays going from prototype to production. Deliveries to dealers did not start until December 1921. Sales lagged, and Duesenberg could not meet a 100-vehicles-per-month quota as the Indianapolis plant struggled to roll out one a day. In 1922, no more than 150 Duesenberg ModelAs were manufactured, with only a total of 650 units sold over a period of six years.

Model X (1926–1927)
The Model X is a sportier version of the ModelA with a heavier and longer (136 in wheelbase) chassis and 100 hp engine that enabled it to reach 100 mph. The most notable differences between the Aand the X were that the latter had hypoid differentials and all its valves were on one side.

The Duesenberg Model X chassis is an upgrade over the ModelA chassis, offering a reworked 260 cuin straight-8 engine, an overhead cam, with a new crankshaft, revised valve train, improved pistons and superior intake manifold. Power is 100 hp, which made driving at 100 mph possible. The chassis length increased to 136 in, with additional reinforcements. Improved leaf springs are mounted above the frame rails, thus, lowering the center of gravity. The Duesenberg ModelX chassis is the rarest Duesenberg street production chassis ever made, with only thirteen ever manufactured. Only five of the Duesenberg ModelXs manufactured are known to have survived.

Model J (1928–1937)

The first Model J prototype was created in 1927 and the first cars were delivered in 1929, shortly before the onset of the Great Depression. About three hundred ModelJs were completed by 1930, short of the original 500-vehicle goal.

The car's 420 cuin engine was based on the company's racing engines of the 1920s and was manufactured by another Cord company, Lycoming. It output 265 hp, aided by dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, making it the most powerful car of its time. The ModelJ was capable of a top speed of 118 mi/h, and 88 mi/h in second gear. Duesenberg historian Randy Ema wrote that the ModelJ spurred change in engine design, "single-handedly (starting) the horsepower race that drove the number of cylinders from twelve to sixteen," but noted those engines still could not match the ModelJ's power output.

Only the chassis and engine of the ModelJ were displayed, as the body and cabin of the car were custom built per custom for luxury vehicles at the time. The company's chief body designer, Gordon Buehrig designed around half of the ModelJ bodies, while the remainder were designed by coachbuilders around the world, including Gurney Nutting, Murphy, and Derham, among others.

The J was available in two versions of chassis with a different wheelbase; a longer one (153.54 in) and a shorter one (about 141.73 in). There were also other special sizes, like the SSJs with a wheelbase shortened to 125 in and a few cars with the wheelbase extended to 160 in and over.

The supercharged Model J, referred to as the SJ, was reported to have reached 104 mph in second gear and have a top speed of 135 - 140 mph in third gear. Zero-to-60 mph times of around eight seconds and 0 - 100 mph in 17 seconds were reported for the SJ despite having an unsynchonized transmission, at a time when even the best cars of the era were not likely to reach 100 mi/h. The SJ had a wheelbase of 142.5 in. The SJ was introduced in 1932. Only 36 units were built. A special version of the SJ, the Mormon Meteor, broke several land speed records.

Investors in New York City originally supported the ModelJ, but following the Stock market crash of 1929, the market for ModelJs switched to Hollywood stars. The one-off SJ Twenty Grand was produced in 1933 for the Century of Progress World's Fair to represent Duesenberg's automotive progress. Two modified ModelJs, known as the SSJ, were produced in 1935 for actors Gary Cooper and Clark Gable. The SSJ reportedly produced 400 hp and could go 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. Cooper's SSJ sold for $22 million in 2018, making it the most expensive American car ever sold at auction at the time. About 378 of 481 ModelJs of all types still existed as of 2002.

title: Duesenberg


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Agatsuma District, Gunma

Agatsuma District (吾妻郡) is a rural district located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. As of January 2015, the district had an estimated population of 56,994 and an area of 1,278.55 km2, with a population density of 44.6 people per square kilometer.

Towns and villages

 * 1) former Agatsuma (now part of Higashiagatsuma)
 * 2) former Azuma (now part of Higashiagatsuma)
 * 3) Kusatsu
 * 4) former Kuni (now part of Nakanojō)
 * 5) Takayama
 * 6) Tsumagoi
 * 7) Nakanojō
 * 8) Naganohara

History
The area of Agatsuma District was formerly part of Kōzuke Province, and per a census conducted at the start of the Meiji period, consisted of 42 villages administered as tenryō directly by the Tokugawa shogunate and four towns and 44 villages administered as hatamoto-territory, primarily by the Oguri-clan.

With the establishment of the municipality system on April 1, 1889, the area was organized into three towns (Nakanojō, Haramachi, and Naganohara) and ten villages

 * 1896, April 1 – Takayama village was transferred from Nishigunma District to Agatsuma District; Kuga Village was transferred to Tone District
 * 1900, July 1 – Kusatsu Village was reorganized into Kusatsu Town and Kuni Village
 * 1955, March 1 – Ōta, Iwashima and Sakaue villages, and Haramachi (town) were merged into Agatsuma Town
 * 1955, April 15 – Sawada, Isama and Nakuta villages were merged into Nakanojō Town
 * 1956, February 1 – Hara Town was merged into Agatsuma Town
 * 2006, March 27 – the town of Agatsuma, and the village of Azuma were merged to form the new town of Higashiagatsuma.
 * 2010, March 28 – the village of Kuni merged into the town of Nakanojō.

title: Agatsuma District, Gunma


text:
Shirasawa, Gunma

Shirasawa (白沢村) was a village located in Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

As of 2003, the village had an estimated population of 3,736 and a density of 132.67 persons per km2. The total area was 28.16 km2.

On February 13, 2005, Shirasawa, along with the village of Tone (also from Tone District), was merged into the expanded city of Numata.

title: Shirasawa, Gunma


text:
Tone, Gunma

Tone (利根村) was a village located in Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

As of 2003, the village had an estimated population of 5,025 and a density of 18.02 persons per km2. The total area was 278.90 km2.

On February 13, 2005, Tone, along with the village of Shirasawa (also from Tone District), was merged into the expanded city of Numata.

title: Tone, Gunma


text:
Katashina, Gunma

Katashina (片品村) is a village located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. , the village had an estimated population of 4,314 in 1694 households, and a population density of 11 persons per km2. The total area of the village is 391.76 sqkm. m2. Much of the village is within the borders of Oze National Park.

Geography
Located in northern Gunma, Katashina is bordered by Tochigi Prefecture to the east and Fukushima Prefecture to the northeast. The village is very mountainous, with the highest elevation being 2578 m and the lowest 640 m. The temperature can reach up to 36 °C in the summer, but in the winter, it can drop to -18 °C. The average temperature is 11 °C, the yearly precipitation is 1042 mm, and amount of snowfall is 95 cm, with the snowy period lasting for 120 days.

 * Mountains: Mount Nikkō-Shirane (2578 m), Mount Shibutsu (2228 m), Mount Hotaka (2158m)
 * Rivers: Katashina River, Ōtaki River
 * Lakes: Marunuma (Maru Swamp), Suganuma

Surrounding municipalities
Gunma Prefecture Tochigi Prefecture Fukushima Prefecture Niigata Prefecture
 * Numata
 * Minakami
 * Kawaba
 * Nikkō
 * Hinoemata
 * Uonuma

Climate
Katashina has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) characterized by warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall.

Demographics
Per Japanese census data, the population of Katashina has decreased by more than half over the past 60 years.

History
The area of present-day Katashina was part of the tenryō holdings within Kōzuke Province administered directly by the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. On April 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration, Katashina village was established within Tone District, Gunma.

Government
Katashina has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral village council of ten members. Katashina, together with the other municipalities in Tone District, contributes one member to the Gunma Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Gunma 1st district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy
The economy of Katashina is heavily dependent on seasonal tourism to ski resorts and to onsen hot springs.

Education
Katashina has one public elementary school and one public middle school operated by the town government. The town does not have a high school.

Railways
Katashina does not have any passenger railway service.

Local attractions

 * Katashina Hot Springs
 * Hanasaku Hot Springs
 * Oze Tokura Hot Springs
 * Marunuma Hot Springs
 * Shirane Hot Springs
 * Ozegahara - Oze National Park
 * Marunuma Dam
 * Sonohara Dam
 * Konsei Mountain Pass
 * Chigira Farm
 * Marunuma Plateau Ski Resort
 * Katashina Plateau Ski Resort
 * Oze Iwakura Ski Area
 * Oze Tokura Ski Area
 * Hotaka Bokujo Ski Area
 * Oguna Hotaka Ski Area
 * Ca et la Ski Resort Oze

title: Katashina, Gunma


text:
Kawaba, Gunma

Kawaba (川場村) is a village located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. , the village had an estimated population of 3,241 in 1127 households, and a population density of 110 persons per km². The total area of the village is 85.25 sqkm.

Geography
Located in north-central Gunma, Kawaba is in a mountainous area. Approximately 83% of its area is covered by forests, and five rivers (the Tashiro, Sakura, Tazawa, Usune, and the Mizomata) flow through the village. Kawaba, meaning "the place of the rivers" is thought to be named after its many streams.

 * Mountains: Mount Hotaka (2158m)
 * Rivers: Tashiro River, Sakura River, Tazawa River, Usune River, Mizomata River

Surrounding municipalities
Gunma Prefecture
 * Numata
 * Katashina
 * Minakami

Climate
Kawaba has a Humid continental climate (Köppen Cfb) characterized by warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. The average annual temperature in Kawaba is 9.1 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1763 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 21.7 °C, and lowest in January, at around -2.8 °C.

Demographics
Per Japanese census data, the population of Kawaba has remained relatively constant for a century.

History
The area of present-day Kawaba was part of the holdings of Numata Domain in Kōzuke Province during the Edo period. On April 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration, Kawaba village was established within Tone District, Gunma. In 2002, a proposal to merge Kawaba into neighboring Numata was opposed by young local politicians, who instead proposed that the village be merged with its sister city, Setagaya, Tokyo. However, this proposal was strongly opposed by the Gunma prefectural government and met with lukewarm response from Setagaya, and the village remained independent.

Government
Kawaba has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral village council of 10 members. Kawaba, together with the other municipalities in Tone District, contributes one member to the Gunma Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Gunma 1st district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy
The economy of Kawaba is heavily dependent on agriculture; primarily rice, and apples and blueberries. Seasonal tourism to ski resorts and to onsen also play a major role in the economy.

Education
Kawaba has one public elementary school and one public middle school operated by the village government. The village does not have a high school.

Transportation
Kawaba does not have any passenger railway service and is also not connected by any national highways.

Local attractions

 * Kichijō temple
 * Kawaba Ski Resort
 * Roadside Station Kawaba Denen Plaza

title: Kawaba, Gunma


text:
Tsukiyono, Gunma

Tsukiyono (月夜野町) was a town located in Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

On October 1, 2005, Tsukiyono, along with the village of Niiharu (also from Tone District), was merged into the expanded town of Minakami.

title: Tsukiyono, Gunma


text:
Minakami, Gunma

Minakami (みなかみ町) is a town located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. , the town had an estimated population of 18,383 in 7938 households, and a population density of 24 persons per km2. The total area of the town is 781.08 sqkm. Much of the town is within the borders of Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park.

Geography
Located in northern Gunma, Minakami is bordered by Niigata Prefecture to the north. The town is very mountainous.

 * Mountains: Mount Mikuni (1636m), Mount Sennokura (2026m), Mount Ōmine, Mount Tanigawa (1977m), Asahidake (1945m), Mount Hiragatake (2141m)
 * Rivers: Tone River, Akatani River
 * Lakes: Lake Okutone, Lake Naramata, Lake Fujiwara, Lake Dogen
 * Dams: Yagisawa Dam, Naramata Dam, Fujiwara Dam, Aimata Dam, Sudagai Dam, Takatsudo Dam

Surrounding municipalities
Gunma Prefecture Niigata Prefecture
 * Numata
 * Kawaba
 * Katashina
 * Nakanojō
 * Uonuma
 * Minamiuonuma
 * Yuzawa

Climate
Minakami has a Humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa) characterized by warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. The average annual temperature in Minakami is 6.8 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1864 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 18.6 °C, and lowest in January, at around -5.2 °C.

Demographics
Per Japanese census data, the population of Minakami has declined steadily over the past 60 years.

History
The Mikuni Kaidō connecting Takasaki with Niigata from the Heian period onwards passed through area of present-day Minakami, with nine post stations. The area was contested between the competing Uesugi, Takeda and Sanada clans during the Sengoku period. During the Edo period, it was partly under the control of Numata Domain, with the remainder as part of the tenryō holdings within Kōzuke Province administered directly by the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. On April 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration, Minakami village was established within Tone District, Gunma. It was raised to town status on August 10, 1947. On October 1, 2005, the town of Tsukiyono and the village of Niiharu were merged into Minakami.

Government
Minakami has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 18 members. Minakami, together with the other municipalities in Tone District, contributes one member to the Gunma Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Gunma 1st district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy
The economy of Minakami is heavily dependent on seasonal tourism to ski resorts and to onsen hot springs.

Education
Minakami has six public elementary schools and three public middle school operated by the town government, and one public high school operated by the Gunma Prefectural Board of Education.

Railway
JR East – Jōetsu Shinkansen JR East – Jōetsu Line
 * Jōmō-Kōgen
 * Gokan - Kamimoku - Minakami - Yubiso - Doai

Highways

 * – Tsukiyono IC, Minakami IC

International relations

 * 🇺🇸 - Huntsville, Texas, United States, sister city since April 1991 with former Niihari village
 * - Uherský Brod, Czech Republic, sister city since November 1995 with former Tsukiyono town
 * 🇹🇼 – Tainan, Republic of China, friendship city since December 2013

Onsen (Hot Springs)
Minakami has traditionally been an Onsen (hot spring) resort town with 8 major onsen sources and over 40 different bathing facilities to choose from.

Ski Fields
Minakami has a good reputation for good snow conditions. There are 9 ski areas:
 * Minakami Houdaigi
 * Minakami Kogen
 * Minakami Kogen Fujiwara
 * Oana
 * Tanigawadake Tenjindaira
 * Norn Minakami
 * Tanigawa Onsen White Valley
 * Kanosawa Ski Area
 * Akazawa Ski Area

Outdoor
There are many different outdoor pursuits available in Minakami and it has become a very popular destination for outdoor adventure seekers. Some of the outdoor activities include:
 * Whitewater rafting (grade 2- 4)
 * Canyoning
 * Bungy Jumping
 * Mountain biking
 * Paragliding
 * Rock climbing
 * Hiking
 * Canoeing
 * Kayaking
 * Snowshoe
 * Back country ski & snowboarding
 * Caving

Other
Doai Station is the deepest station in Japan and popular tourist destination

Noted people from Minakami

 * Kotoinazuma Yoshihiro, sumo wrestler
 * Hayato Tamura, professional wrestler

title: Minakami, Gunma


text:
Niiharu, Gunma

Niiharu (新治村) was a village located in Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

On October 1, 2005, Niihari, along with the town of Tsukiyono (also from Tone District), was merged into the expanded town of Minakami.

title: Niiharu, Gunma


text:
Shōwa, Gunma

Shōwa (昭和村) is a village located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. , the village had an estimated population of 7,228 in 2751 households, and a population density of 110 persons per km2. The total area of the village is 64.14 sqkm.

Geography
Located in central Gunma, Shōwa is on the northwestern slopes of Mt. Akagi, it is surrounded on the north, east, and west by the city of Numata and borders Shibukawa to the south. The Katashina River and the Tone River flow through the village.

Surrounding municipalities
Gunma Prefecture
 * Numata
 * Shibukawa

Climate
Shōwa has a Humid continental climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. The average annual temperature in Shōwa is 10.4 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1589 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 23.0 °C, and lowest in January, at around -1.6 °C.

Demographics
Per Japanese census data, the population of Shōwa has been in decline over the past 60 years.

History
The area of present-day Shōwa was part of the tenryō holdings in Kōzuke Province administered directly by the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. On April 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration, Kuroho and Itonose villages were established within Kitaseta District, Gunma. In 1896, Kitaseta District and a portion of Agatsuma District were transferred to Tone District, The two villages merged on November 1, 1958 to form Shōwa.

Government
Shōwa has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral village council of 12 members. Shōwa, together with the other municipalities in Tone District, contributes one member to the Gunma Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Gunma 1st district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy
Traditionally, the economy of Shōwa was heavily dependent on agriculture; primarily market gardening.

Education
Shōwa has three public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the village government. The village does not have a high school.

Railway
Shōwa does not have any passenger railway service. The nearest station is Numata in the neighboring city of Numata.

Highway

 * – Akagi-Kōgen SA, Shōwa IC

title: Shōwa, Gunma


text:
Tone District, Gunma

Tone District (利根郡) is a rural district located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. As of January 2015, the district had an estimated population of 34,946 and an area of 1,322.23 km2, with a population density of 26.4 people per square kilometer.

Towns and villages
Much of the city of Numata was formerly part of the district.
 * Minakami
 * Katashina
 * Kawaba
 * Shōwa

History
The area of Tone District was formerly part of Kōzuke Province. Per a census conducted at the end of the Edo period, the area was divided into one town and 66 villages administered as tenryō directly by the Tokugawa shogunate or various hatamoto and two towns and 47 villages under the control of Numata Domain. One village was under the joint control of the Shogunate and Numata Domain.

 * April 1, 1889 – With the establishment of the municipalities system, the town of Numata and the villages of Tonami, Ikeda, Usune, Kawada, Shirasawa, Kawaba, Komemaki, Momono, Azuma, Yunohara, Katashina, and Minakami were placed within the district. (1 town, 12 villages)
 * April 1, 1896 (1 town, 16 villages)
 * Absorbed Kitaseta District. The villages of Kuroho, Itonose (now the village of Shōwa), and Akagine (now the city of Numata).
 * The village of Kuga, Agatsuma District, moved to Tone District.
 * May 1, 1908 - The villages of Kuga and Yunohara merged to form the village of Niiharu. (1 town, 15 villages)
 * October 10, 1947 - The village of Minakami gained town status. (2 towns, 14 villages)
 * April 1, 1954 - The town of Numata and the villages of Tonami, Ikeda, Usune, and Kawada merged to form the city of Numata. (1 town, 10 villages)
 * April 1, 1955 - The villages of Komemaki and Monono merged to form the town of Tsukiyono. (2 towns, 8 villages)
 * September 30, 1956 - The villages of Azuma and Akagine merged to form the village of Tone. (2 towns, 7 villages)
 * November 1, 1958 - The villages of Kuroho and Itonose merged to form the village of Shōwa. (2 towns, 6 villages)
 * February 13, 2005 - The villages of Shirasawa and Tone merged into the city of Numata. (2 towns, 4 villages)
 * October 1, 2005 - The towns of Tsukiyono and (former) Minakami, and the village of Niiharu merged to form the town of Minakami. (1 town, 3 villages)

title: Tone District, Gunma


text:
Buggingen

Buggingen is a municipality in the district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald in Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany located between the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest on the northern edge of Markgräflerland.

Buggingen lies in the western part of the pre-Black Forest mountains.

It is home to many vineyards and is a largely agricultural center. It also is home to Germany's largest tech mail order company. Buggingen administratively also includes Seefelden and Betberg.

History

The village was first referred to in 778. It was mentioned in the "Urkundebuch" of the monastery of Lorsch as "Buchinger marca". In 940 the village shifted to the control of the Bishop of Constance.

As far as can be ascertained, Buggingen has been associated with vineyards throughout its history. The settlement of Buggingen has its origins in the alemannische. As a number of documents confirm, the majority of the property was in the hands of the church. Property owners were the monasteries in Lorsch, St. Blasien, Tennenbach, St. Peter, St. Trudpert, Sulzburg, Kappel, Neuenburg, Adelhausen, Sitzenkirch und Sölden.

In 1934, 86 people were killed in an accident at a salt mine near Buggingen. The site of the mine, which was opened in 1904 and closed in 1973, is now a museum.

Business
Perhaps the largest business in the town is a computer mail order catalog company called, Pearl, which also has an outlet store in Auggen.

title: Buggingen


text: Category:Ancient Roman festivals

title: Category:Ancient Roman festivals


text:
Hobbit (computer)

Hobbit (Russian: Хоббит) is a Soviet/Russian 8-bit home computer, based on the ZX Spectrum hardware architecture. Besides Sinclair BASIC it also featured CP/M, Forth or LOGO modes, with the Forth or LOGO operating environment residing in an on-board ROM chip.

Overview
Hobbit was invented by Dmitry Mikhailov (Russian: Дмитрий Михайлов) (all R&D) and Mikhail Osetinskii (Russian: Михаил Осетинский) (management) in Leningrad, Russia in the late 1980s. The original circuit layout was designed on a home-made computer (built in 1979 using ASMP of three KR580 chips - Soviet Intel 8080 clones), also created by Dmitry Mikhailov. The computer was manufactured by the joint venture InterCompex.

Hobbit was marketed in the former Soviet Union as a low-cost personal computer solution for basic educational and office needs, in addition to its obvious use as a home computer. Schools would use it on the classrooms, interconnecting several machines and forming a 56K baud network. It was possible to use another Hobbit or a IBM PC compatible with a special Hobbit network adapter card by InterCompex as a master host on the network.

The Hobbit was also briefly marketed in the U.K., targeted mainly at the existing ZX Spectrum fans wanting a more advanced computer compatible with the familiar architecture. It was mentioned on Your Sinclair September 1990 and January 1991 issues; Crash April 1992 issue, and on Sinclair User August and September 1992 issues, highlighting the available Forth language and CP/M operating system.

Though rarely available in the domestic market, export models featured an internal 3.5" drive, like the contemporary Atari ST or Amiga computers. Such models had both EGA and composite TV output connectors operational, as well as an AY8910 sound chip. Domestic models often did not include the TV output, the internal speaker or both. The AY8910 chip for the domestic models was sold separately as an external extension module, hanging off the same extension bus as the optional external disk drive.

Another extension was the SME (Screen and Memory Extension) board. This featured 32 KB of cache memory, some of which could be dedicated to a video text buffer in CGA mode (only supported by drivers in the FORTH or the CP/M environments; no known programs using the Sinclair-based BASIC mode used this feature). SME worked at astonishing speed - one machine code command made an output of an entire display line. SME was capable of rendering several dozens of windows per second, and its capabilities were fully utilized only in the Forth environment.

Technical details
Source:

 * Z80A at 3.5 MHz
 * 64K RAM
 * Disk drives: external 2 x 5.25" drives (up to 4 connectable) or internal 3.5" drive
 * Connections: joystick (2 x Sinclair, 1 x Kempston), Centronics, RS-232, audio in/out (for cassette recorder), system bus extension
 * 74-key keyboard (33 keys freely programmable)
 * Video output: Composite video TV out, EGA monitor
 * Operating system: built in disassembler, CP/M clone called "Beta", system language switchable between English and Russian

title: Hobbit (computer)


text:
Akabori, Gunma

Akabori (赤堀町) was a town located in Sawa District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

As of 2003, the town had an estimated population of 18,603 and a density of 763.04 persons per km2. The total area was 24.38 km2.

On January 1, 2005, Akabori, along with the town of Sakai, and the village of Azuma (all from Sawa District), was merged into the expanded city of Isesaki and no longer exists as an independent municipality.

title: Akabori, Gunma