Japan win's women's World Cup and helps lift a ravaged nation

Cheers were hear near and far yesterday for Japan's win of the women's World Cup over the US. What a difference from what sadness fell upon them earlier this year after the devastating tsunami and earthquake ravage their nation. Thousands were killed or missing, villages were erased and homes destroyed. The players on Japan's women's World Cup team invoked the slow recovery from the tragedy. True to their word, they brought a gleaming World Cup trophy back on the plane - a sign of hope that can maybe lift some of the gloom for maybe a little while.

"Before we went to the match last night we had some commentary on television and we heard comments on the situation in Japan," coach Norio Sasaki said after Japan upset the Americans for the World Cup title in a riveting final Sunday night, 3-1 on penalty kicks, after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie. "We wanted to use this opportunity to thank the people back home for the support has been given."

This was Japan's fist appearance in the final of a major tournament, and it hadn't beaten the Americans in their first 25 meetings, including a pair of 2-0 losses in warm-up games a month before the World Cup. But, the Nadeshiko pushed ahead, playing inspired soccer and hoping their success could provide even a small emotional lift to their nation, where nearly 23,000 people died or were reported missing in the March 11 catastrophe.

Joyous fans wearing Japan jerseys hugged and sang in Tokyo as they watched the players hold the trophy a loft, confetti swirling around them and flecking their hair with gold. Special newspaper editions were printed by the national papers and handed out to pedestrians in Tokyo on Monday morning, while scenes from the game were replayed constantly on television.

It was the first World Cup title won by an Asian country.

Honestly - both Japan and the US are winners. Just one received gold and the other silver. It was a great game, but I'm glad Japan won in the end. I believe sometimes good news can help with healing and will help the Japanese survivors move forward and see there are many good things to hold on to and look forward to.

Royal Wedding: PR Firms Jump Right In

Press releases have come flurrying in once the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton this week.

Within minutes of the announcement that Prince William and Kate Middleton were engaged to be married, PR companies across the country jumped into action by using the engagement to publicise their travel clients. Here are a few of the travel offerings and wedding related press releases the couple has received thus far.

Kate and William: Dublin's on your doorstep, says Irish Ferries

"To celebrate the news that William and Kate are to marry and live in north Wales, Irish Ferris is offering the happy couple free crossings to Dublin."

"Dublin's bright lights, great 'craic' and top class shops are less than two hours from Anglesey, where William is based," says Irish Ferris Declan Mescall.

This makes the Irish capital closer and easier to reach than London's West End - perfect for Kate's girly weekends when William is flying, or a romantic break for the couple themselves.

Irish Ferris is giving Kate and William unlimited Holyhead to Dublin travel, in Club Class, as long as they live in north Wales."

Royal retreat fit for a King

"Finally, it's the news we've all been waiting for, Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced their engagement! Following the recent royal proposal in Kenya where should the couple celebrate their honeymoon? Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa in the Philippines, of course!"

Celebrating the Royal Engagement

"Today's announcement of the royal engagement is a cause for celebration, not just for the royal couple and their family, but fro the whole of England.

The engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton is wonderful news, and all that Visit England join the rest of the country in congratulating the young couple on their impending marriage.

The happy couple have yet to announce the location for the ceremony, or the honeymoon - and although traditional locations such as Westminster Abbey have been suggested, there are many other options to be considered.

Attached: 10 Alternative Locations for the Perfect English wedding."

With news of a royal wedding, try amaging retreats for your very own special day

"News of a certain engagement today will get many thinking of their own specila day and Amazing Retreats can offer a venue to make you feel like royalty! From a Scottish Castle, which has played host to many a celebrity bash, to country manor houses and even a fort in the Soleng Amazing Retreats has secluded wedding venues aplenty!"

Following in the footsteps of Prince William and Kate Middleton and propose to your loved-one in Kenya

"Folowing the exciting announcement of Prince William and Kate middleton's engagement, Kuoni has selected a range of romantic Kenya holidays that provide the perfect setting to propose to your loved-one."

Calling all Kate and WIlliams to Ten Manchester Street, Marylebone

"Ten Manchester Street is offering all engaged couples called William and Kate a complimentary afternoon tea with chilled bottle of champagne."

Complimentary Room for Newly-Engaged Couples at The Landmark London

"Marylebone's regal 5-star hotel The Landmark London are offering any couple who have become engaged in the last month a free night's stay at The Landmark London complete with a bottle of chilled Champagne in the room to celebrate their engagement."

Fit for a King - free overnight stay and spa treatments at The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

"For happy couples that have become engaged this week - The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate, a 43 acre woodland retreat and luxury hotel are offering a free overnight stay and a his and hers spa treatment."

Are Your Ready for Some Futbol?

I've never been a huge soccer (or futbol) fan, but I started watching the World Cup over the weekend and have become one!

Starting last Friday and going until July 11th, 32 nations will face off in soccer's World Cup. Across much of the globe - most of Europe and west Africa, all of the Western Hemisphere south of our borders - the tournament in South Africa is a bigger deal than the Olympics. However, not here. I'm surprised this is the case with the strong U.S. European history, but recently soccer is getting harder for Americans to ignore.

The so-called 90-minute "beautiful game" showcases balletic movement and momentum swings. Not to mention, for certain fans, hot guys running around in shorts. If you watch, you'll surely see fans from across the globe supporting their teams, the superstar players, who are on average a head shorter than your typical quarterback, in their hued uniforms and hear announcers bellow "goooooooalll." Very exciting.

As the United States population grows younger and more ethnically diverse, the globe is becoming smaller, soccer might finally be gaining a foothold on these shores. If you haven't checked it out yet, it's kind of a big deal, expand yourself. I recommend that you do.