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Though it sounds like a classroom assignment from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, weather modification programs have been around for more than 50 years.

The problem is there are too many factors that affect the weather, making naturally occurring phenomena difficult to separate from man-made triggers.

"There was no strong scientific base for changing the weather."

Why We Celebrate the New Year A legend of China recounts how people along the Yellow River Basin lived a simple, nomadic life, very content and happy. On a cold winter evening a mysterious being attacked the village and destroyed the villager's property. A village meeting was held and precautions taken to protect them from the intruder. Noting happened and people went about their daily routines. Then the mysterious being struck again, causing even greater damage to lives and property. Again, the villagers gathered and prepared for their safety. And again, nothing happened and people went about their normal activity, feeling secure and safe. But the mysterious force struck a third time, causing much loss and great fear among the villagers. An elderly scholar had studied the intrusions, watching the stars and heavenly bodies and recording their movements. He explained that the intruder came when the heavenly bodies were in a particular order and after the sun had appeared 365 times. The villagers studied this theory closely and learned that the intruder feared three things: the color red, illumination and noise. They called the intruder Nien or year. On the following 365th day, preparations were made for the return of Nien. Houses were lit with lanterns, objects were painted bright red and loud noises were made until dawn of the next day. The villagers' plan worked and the mysterious intruder did not appear. It was decided that from then on, a thanksgiving ceremony would be held every 366th evening to thank all the god for their blessings. And that the same preparations would be made for the return of Nien, scaring away the evil deeds of the spirits. Thus we celebrate the new year, chasing away evil with fireworks and celebrating with festivity and food.

Etiquette and good manners are extremely important to the Japanese people.

On entering a Japanese home, temple, or shrine, shoes are removed.

Business cards are extremely important in Japan.

With 25 million inhabitants, Mexico City is the largest city in the world; it's therefore no surprise that it has so much to offer - from intriguing modern attractions to a variety of ancient cultural wonders. The roots of Mexico's capital lie in its historic centre, which is home to a number of museums, galleries and landmarks; visitors can also experience various religious festivities, cultural events and the 'spirit' of the city by spending time wandering through its centre. Some of Mexico City's top attractions include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Templo Mayor and the Catedral Metropolitana, which now dominates the city's main square, the Zacolo. What's more, Mexico City offers an exquisite opportunity for children to partake in its cultural splendour. The Papalote Children's Museum, for example, holds an array of treasures and is one of the most visited scientific museums in the world.

If you're looking for excitement, culture, and perhaps the best margaritas you've ever had, head to Mexico City.

As 'the largest city in the world' Mexico City has more than a bit of excitement in store for you

Japan is a country marked by contrast between old and new. The country values its complex and ancient cultural tradition.

The islands of Japan form an arc that stretches about 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) from northeast to southwest.

Much of Japan's original vegetation has been replaced by farming or by plant species brought in from other countries.

the only mammals naturally capable of flight

Bats are mammals

Megabats eat fruit, nectar or pollen