Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Watch The Film Terminator 2: Judgment Day

By Naomi Gilliam

Terminator 2 - Judgment Day has stood the test of time as one of the most fun science fiction/action movies to come out. The movie takes a premise that is so simple, yet so complex, and blends it with some amazing cinematography. The acting is a little campy at some points, but it only serves to add to the charm of the movie.

This movie pits the ragtag group of John Conner, Sarah Conner, and the Terminator against a much more futuristic Terminator known as the T-1000. The T-1000 is a nearly indestructible robot from further into the future than the original Terminator.

The heroes of the story are trying to stop the global Armageddon that lead to the rise in the machines. They believe that if they can change a few things in the present, then the robots will never be able to rise up against the humans. By the end of the movie they think that they have succeeded. We find out later, in the next movie, that they only moved back the date of the robots taking over.

There are many aspects of fate to consider in this movie. Sarah was fated to be the mother of the savior of the human race. John was meant to be that savior. They never were given a choice in this. Sarah wasn't even pregnant yet when the first Terminator showed up, so she clearly had no idea what was in store for her.

There are other issues at play here as well. Sarah Conner is in a mental institute at the beginning of the movie. This could be seen as a sort of discussion on the state of mental health care in America. Though her story does seem very crazy, and she has become quite a violent woman, she actually isn't crazy. The audience knows that.

Everyone in the movie treats her like she is insane, at least in the beginning of the movie. This might be saying something about the state of mental health care systems. Even though her story is true, everyone treats her like she has a mental illness. She knows that she is a sitting duck in that hospital, as well, so she has some violent tendencies and wants to escape to help her son. This only furthers their theory that she is simply insane and not someone who is, in reality, trying to train the savior of the human race for what is going to be coming his way when he grows up.

The major issue of fate is that of John Conner. He is supposed to be this great savior of mankind, and yet he isn't even really sure that he believes it. He is just a kid trying to get by and living with a mother who is probably crazy. He has no idea what to believe, and yet the audience knows what to believe - he's going to kick some robot butt when he gets older.

Strangely, without those robots showing up in Terminator 2 - Judgment day, there would be a very different story. Instead of a story rife with adventure and excitement, it would be a story of a boy being raised by a crazy woman who is teaching him to be a militant. There would be a lot of issues that could follow this, but with the Terminators showing up it ends up being a story that is more action than a sad story of modern day life for a broken family.

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Monday, August 30, 2010

A Tough Review Of The Movie The Wrestler

By Mark Nixon

What do you mean you haven't seen The Wrestler yet? It may well be one of the top ten movie downloads of the last decade! Everything you've head about this movie is true. Mickey Rourke gives the performance of a lifetime, making a strong comeback, and the film itself may well be director Darren Aronofsky's masterpiece.

The heart, soul and body of the movie is Mickey Rourke's performance as Randy The Ram Robinson. Well, his real name is Robin Ramzinski. He was a huge star in the hair metal eighties days of wrestling, but has since faded into obscurity. Now he wrestles on the weekends, but it doesn't quite pay the bills, and he has to supplement that by putting in hours at the local grocery store.

Randy's lifestyle has alienated everyone he's ever loved and seriously done a number on his body. He has to see if he can make a comeback, both in the ring, where he's washed up, and in his personal life, where he doesn't even have a loyal fanbase to keep him going.

The movie will rip your heart out, showing Randy as he is in a light that it as once both humane, and unforgiving. He's not given a pass for the mistakes he's made, but he's shown as a real human being, whose feelings are valid. He's made mistakes, but that doesn't make him a monster, and he's shown in a loving light, if not an always flattering one.

Rourke is, again, incredible here. He lived this role in life for years, suffering through all sorts of problems and losing his place in the Hollywood pecking order. This movie is Rourke's comeback, his story, just as it is Randy's. Rourke didn't just play this role, he was this role. Interestingly, Nicholas Cage was offered the job and dropped out because he knew his friend Rourke wanted it, and, in fact, would have done a better job.

Without Cage, they had to settle on a smaller budget, but the end result is a much smaller, more intimate film. Rourke wrestles for crowds of maybe a hundred people at a time, giving his all to each and every performance and bleeding it out for the fans.

It's an old story with cliche characters, but it never feels that way. Because it's imbued with such humanity and honesty, it feels fresh and new, despite the fact that we've all heard of the down-on-his-luck fighter before.

The movie manages to warm your heart and break it at the same time. It's something like Rocky meets Raging Bull in the world of sports movies, and the ending carries a double meaning. We won't spoil it for you, but it's worth a moment of reflection after the acoustic Bruce Springsteen song plays out over the end credits.

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Sunday, August 29, 2010

Spend Less On Movies

By Amalia Fitzpatrick

You have a few choices when renting or buying a movie today. A drive to the video store will get you the movie you want. After watching it, you must return the DVD, and risk late fees. If you want to find a new way of getting movies, you can certainly go online and try movie downloads. With just a few clicks you can have movies ready to view.

There are many legal movie download sites that will allow you to download movies which you can then burn into DVDs. These downloads are licensed from the film makers. A number of other movie download websites are low cost, or even offer free downloads. The low cost sites can be illegal downloads, and you need to be careful.

The procedure of downloading should be very easy for anyone. Most sites will have easy to follow instructions. The key to finding the best movie downloads site is looking to see if they have the latest hit movies.

Peer to peer filing sharing is another way people are downloading movies. A couple of these sites are the BitTorrent and Kazaa. Both sites allow what is considered pirated video sharing, which probably violates the copyright laws.

For the viewers to find their movies from the huge selection it is nice if the site will has titles organized by genre and other ways. In that way, it will be easier for users to scan the pages of the website to find movies. Some sites are requiring that download managers will be downloaded so that it will create a queue of your movies. Since this is a program, it will also keep track of the saved files. Video installation is also being required if your computer does not have the appropriate software for watching the downloaded movie.

Movie Capital is one example of website using a membership fee system. Once you join you have unlimited download access to all the movies they offer. This is a user friendly site as well.

YouTube is a legal site with the film producers allowing purchases with a "pay per click" download system. Now the whole world is getting in on the movie downloading frenzy. Finding high quality, user friendly legal movie download sites is getting easier and easier.

Your entertainment options will increase if you use movie downloads. You will enjoy being able to remain in the comfort of your home to watch movies rather than having to go out to watch or get your movies.

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Saturday, August 28, 2010

Movie Downloading Is A Clever Way To Get Films

By Tom Stein

If you love movie downloads and you enjoy the convenience of the internet you are probably one of the many who have accidentally stumbled upon free movie downloads. It's important to realize, well before hitting the download button, that these sites are generally not a good idea.

Of course, there is usually a hitch with some of these sites that creates additional issues for the user. You don't want to find yourself on an illegal movie download service that asks you to hand out some of your personal information.

It's ridiculously cheap to join a movie download subscription service. Unlike the movie rental store, a few dollars will get you access to a host of movies that span more than 20 years or even 50 years.

If you are looking for movie rentals you should know that you don't have to pay the high prices of the movie rental stores. Movie rental stores require a membership, plus a rental fee, plus late fees.

This can add up to quite a bit of money for the average movie watcher. If you are an avid movie watcher, the price of brick and mortar movie stores becomes exorbitant.

If you want the best of the best movies, you are looking for the simple straightforward legal movie downloads that give you access to the full array of movies that have been produced in the United States and around the globe. You won't find this selection in the movie store.

Movie rentals are highly expensive, especially if you enjoy more than just the occasional movie. The rental stores charge for their membership fee, then apply an additional fee for the few days you are permitted to borrow the movie for, and then a few more fees for returning it later than their time stamped preset time frame. This can be as much as $20 per movie.

Legal movie downloads are the simple solution to the internet based movie download. You have the option to watch directly from your laptop or you can interface with the television to watch movies on the big screen in your living room. Either way, you can be certain that you will be able to find the movie and the fun that you are looking for.

Legal movie downloads give you access to a lot more movies. The selection of brick and mortar movie stores and even the selection of movies available through television pay services pale in comparison to the selection offered through movie download subscriptions.

If you are a serious movie watcher, you might end up paying closer to $15, but you can anticipate spending less than one movie rental and a membership fee through your local movie rental store.

The internet has changed a lot about our daily life. The way we access movies is no exception. We all want to watch the latest and greatest movies. We can either do it the savvy movie download subscription service way or we can over pay through brick and mortar stores.

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Friday, August 27, 2010

Movie Download Sites Are Always Ready To Make A Sale

By Todd Rasmussen

Something to use when you work odd hours, or even if you don't. Movie download services are an excellent way to be able to watch a movie anytime of the day on any day. No more waiting for the stores to open.

These movie download services give you the chance to have legal movie downloads, and with paying very little money. In many cases you may have a small monthly subscription that you will need to pay, but it's saving you money in the long run.

With movie downloads many times you will not need to download software to watch these movies online. Most newer computers come set up with all those options already built in. But even if a software is needed you are still saving a lot of money.

The only time you will most likely run into a problem though is with those Divx downloads, and there are trail software's you can use before buying. Find one that you like and that gives you the best picture for those movie downloads.

Even available are foreign movies, with English subtitles. And some of these movies I would have never watched. But now have watched several by movie download services, and I've loved some of them. In fact many have been bought and added to our DVDs at home.

Getting any type of genre you've ever imagined renting. Heck with some of the subscription prices it's well worth even watching movies you wouldn't normally watch. With movie download services you can get those movies that just came out too.

That's right you're not limited to just a bunch of older movies, but new movies too. Good movies that you can watch online. It's a great option to use when you're not sure about buying a new movie that came out too.

Compare many of these movie download services; see what type of movies they offer. Also check out any subscriptions you'll have to pay. Many will give you a reasonable amount and even the ability for unlimited movie downloads and movie rentals.

You've all done it before rushed out to buy a movie gotten it home, and hated it. But you can't return those to the store. That's why movie rentals or watching movies online is so nice. It will save you money by far in the long run. And if you find a movie you love you can buy it online too.

Or watch a newer movie even, or a TV show that you love. Many programs are offered in many genres and sub genres even. You will not always like what movie you pick to watch. But with the inexpensive subscription prices you find you won't mind.

Really it's amazing what types of movies you can find, and TV shows. We recently added in "Leave it to Beaver". Heck I remember seeing those reruns when I was younger. It brings back a lot of memories, and these shows are still a great teacher to the youth of today. Yes the world may have gotten more advanced, and movie downloads are just one way.

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Thursday, August 26, 2010

A Full Synopsis Of American Beauty

By Tasha Russell

The best movie in the year 2000 was the hit film American Beauty. The film captured 5 Oscars including best picture. The film's star Kevin Spacey also received an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

American Beauty is a story about mid-life crisis and people coming to terms with who they are. It is centered on a married couple with a teenage daughter. We follow the struggles they all go through in coming to grips with the various issues each has in their lives.

Lester and Carolyn Burnham and their teenage daughter are finding themselves at odds with each other. Lester (Kevin Spacey) is fed up with work and looking for more in life. His life feels empty and he is going into a mid-life crisis.

His wife Carolyn is all about the money. She acts like a bitch, and is always disapproving of both Lester and their daughter Jane. She is also having an affair with a married man who is a real estate agent like she is also.

Jane is a teenager who feels unwanted. Her best friend is a sexy girl appearing to have it all. Even her dad has the hots for her friend Angela, and Jane can see it.

Lester finally starts to unravel. He quits his job, starts smoking pot, gets a job at a fast food restaurant, and starts to live life for himself. He quits taking crap from his wife. He fantasizes

Jane meets Ricky, the new kid in the neighborhood, and they become close. He is weird and also has a dysfunctional family. This seems to bond the two of them together.

I won't give away how things turn out so you will be able to enjoy watching the movie. This movie is a must see and the acting is simply outstanding. American Beauty is one of the new classics.

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Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Weeds Is A Showtime TV Hit Series About Selling Pot

By Alexis Snow

For the last ten years, there's been a defining trend in fictional television: Realism. It started with reality television and influenced fictional television before long like Sopranos, and Weeds is definitely one of the funniest in this trend, and certainly belongs on your downloads queue the next time you pay a visit to your tv and movie download service.

This trend towards realism began with shows like Survivor, which wound up really killing fictional shows in the ratings. See, sitcoms and dramas became incredibly formulaic and predictable. You always knew the punchline of every joke before it came: I get it, the dad likes watching football and the wacky neighbor wants to date his daughter.

Reality television really changed things and it became clear that fictional television had to adapt to survive, as people had come to prefer the realism of those reality shows. Even if reality television can be artless, crass, and not as real as it pretends to be, it remains a fact that it showed real human emotion and unpredictable situations.

Anyways, after the revolution of reality TV, people like David Chase took the hint. Chase's Sopranos started a new wave in fictional television: Take the realism of reality TV and mix it with the strong storytelling of fictional television, and you have a show that is literally the best of both worlds. The Sopranos led to similar shows like LOST, House MD, and, of course, Weeds.

Weeds follows a suburban widow and her two sons as they deal with family issues and... The family business. It follows Sopranos in a way, in that the family business is... Well, she's a weed dealer. She sells pot to all of the local yuppie potheads. A constant source of humor is the fact that she doesn't always fit in with the shallow vapid people of her neighborhood, being a weed dealer amidst investment bankers and soccer moms.

The show includes a lot of hilarious characters, like her supplier, a saucy old black woman in low rent housing who runs a family of her own with her street dealers, and The Candyman, a woman who seems based on that "Stop the Insanity!" fitness guru. She runs a bakery, and refuses to sell to any customers who don't promise to work out to burn off the fat they get from her excellent brownies, cakes and cupcakes.

When you watch the show, you have two big plot threads to root on: First of all, she has to keep her family in order and make sure her children are safe and happy, and secondly, she wants to keep building her weed empire to eventually become the primary provider of primo stuff in her sprawling suburban community.

Be warned that the show is quite addictive. Each season is really designed as a self contained story, as opposed to each episode, so when you watch one, you'll want to watch the next one right away. Make sure to download a whole season at a time if you really want to enjoy the series. Just be ready to set a few hours aside whenever you want to sit down and watch.

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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Lyon Just A Bit Better Than Real Madrid In Champions League Play

By Ross Everett

Jean Makoun scored early in the second half to give Lyon a hard fought 1-0 victory in the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League matchup against Real Madrid. The Spanish champions lost for the third straight time on Lyon's Stade Gerland home field and will now have an uphill battle when the teams meet at Bernabeu to advance to the next round. With the Champions League final slated to be held in their stadium, an exit this early in the competition would be nothing short of an embarrassment for Real Madrid.

Lyon controlled the play in the first half and held a decisive possession advantage. Unfortunately, they didn't get many accurate scoring chances with a number of them going wide or high of the net. Despite Lyon's time of possession advantage in the first half, Madrid actually got the best scoring chances in the first half. Following Makoun's goal just 2 minutes from the start of the second half, Madrid controlled play but could not score the equalizer. For the game, Madrid held a 66% to 34% time of possession advantage.

Real Madrid has won the Champions League title 10 times, but now must rally from this 1-0 deficit when play resumes on their home field in May. Despite their tradition of success, Madrid hasn't made it past the round of 16 for six straight years. Cristiano Ronaldo isn't particularly worried heading into the home half of the matchup:

"In football anything is possible. We've lost here but we have a game at home in which we can repeat what they did here. I'm calm. In this competition you have to suffer. I'm sure that we will give a good answer in the return game and that we will win. The Bernabeu will help us. We will have to give to give it everything from the first minute until the last. The tie is not lost."

Madrid General Director Jorge Valdano added:

"It's been a bad night in general, especially the result. We had ups and downs during the match, but at no moment were we ourselves. The result means we have to really concentrate at the Bernabeu. Lyon barely stepped out of their half in the final minutes, but they made things very difficult for us for a long time, especially in midfield."

Real Madrid will have to do without a couple of starters in the rematch. Marcelo and Xabi Alonso are suspending for the May contest due to bookings in previous contests.

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Monday, August 23, 2010

The Finest Holiday Locations On The World

By Peter Mario

You must choose a vacation spot that your kids will take pleasure in and at the identical allow you and your kids to spend nice time together. The destinations which suits finest to a family holiday at current are:

1. Angkor Wat- This is a temple located in Cambodia which is past doubt, a glorious place where households have now become target guests, since any such place primarily entice youngsters of different age groups.

2. Western Iceland - in case you are a family on the lookout for a spot remote from the rest of the world, then that is the place for an excellent holiday.

3. Tresco, Isles of Sicily - A place truly meant for these families who're prepared to spend for luxuries which can solely be experienced there. Situated off the west coast of England, this place has turn into a center of attraction because of its attraction in the direction of kids.

4. Yucatan Peninsula - Located in Mexico, this is a different kind of vacationer place where numerous cultures are seen together. Due to this, this place is meant for the household tourists. Speaking concerning the food, every delicacy that's served is influenced by the Lebanese, French and Spanish.

5. Monte Carlo - This vacation spot is a costlier one and isn't meant for these not wanting to spend much. Grand Prix takes place yearly, which is an event enjoyed by people of all ages.

6. Togo & Benin - Located in West Africa, these two locations afford an altogether completely different type of view of Africa.

7. Naples - A spot situated in Italy, not solely meant for its historic landmarks, as said by the ancient times, which have freshly been restored, but additionally a vacation spot having some world famous magnificent shops and restaurants. Including some extra polish, the visitors are within simple attain of attractions equivalent to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii.

8. Lincoln Farm Park, Oxford shire - this is the holiday destination, a family could ever want. For kids, the place contains different playgrounds, action boards and towers with quite a few ranges, totally different sorts of boats and plenty of more.

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Sunday, August 22, 2010

Taking A Tour Of England's South Coast

By Mark Walters

When staying in or near Southern England be sure to set some time aside to visit England's south Coast. Southern England is the southern counties of England. The areas that the UK considers to be part of Southern England include South West England, South East England, Greater London and the East of England. So now that we know where we are, here are some attractions and places to visit on England's South Coast:

- Beachy Head: is south of Eastbourne and is a snow white cliff on the end of the South Downs. It can be reached by traversing a scenic footpath. Don't miss its famous striped lighthouse.The cliff path that passes through Cuckmere, Haven and Seaford provides a great hiking opportunity and is 3.5 or 6km long.

- Bramber Castle: is on the west side of Bramber village and is an English Heritage property. The ruins of the castle gatehouse are from the original gatehouse built by the Normans.

- The Kent Battle of Britain Museum: can be found in Hawkinge. See the Luftwaffe Room, the Aircraft Armaments Room, the R.A.F. room and an art gallery all housed in an old armory.

- The Eurotunnel: is not to be missed. It crosses under the channel between France and Folkestone in Kent. It was complete in 1994 and is the fastest and newest transport system on the British coast. The visitor center is in Folkestone. There is also The Exhibition Centre in Cheriton which is west of Folkestone. This Centre explains the construction of the Eurotunnel.

- Borde Hill Gardens: is in Haywards Heath in Sussex. It's 200 acres of woods and parkland and is a well known botanical garden. It is famous for its year-long displays of colour.

- Romney Marsh: extends along the coast, beginning at Hythe. It is nearly 50,000 acres that is devoted mostly to the growing of flowers. It is an immensely beautiful visit in the spring.

- Mermaid Street: offers enchanting strolls in Rye. You will see The Mermaid Inn, a 15th century pub notorious as a meeting place for smugglers. Henry James lived out his last years here in Lamb House, a 19th century Georgian building, while writing his beloved novels "The Wings of the Dove" and "The Golden Bowl". Don't miss the Old Hospital. It's a triple-gabled, half timbered 15th to 16th century building.

When planning to visit England's South Coast, learn as much as you can about the many places to see and things to do in the area. There are many more than could be listed here. The South Coast of England is a wonderful place to visit.

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Saturday, August 21, 2010

What To See And Do In London, England

By Mark Walters

There are many, many attractions that tourists in London visit annually but there are several that every London visitor has to see.

- Big Ben: the bell in the clock at the north end of Westminster Palace. Big Ben is the largest chiming clock with four faces in the world. It is the largest free standing clock tower in the world.

- The Tower of London: is on the north bank of the River Thames. It was founded in 1066 during the Norman Conquest. The White Tower, from which the castle takes its name, was built by William the Conqueror. It became a prison in 1100 and has been used as one since. The tower of London is a group of building set within two concentric rings of walls and a moat that surrounds it.

- London Bridge: is a bridge that spans the River Thames and connects London City and Southwark in central London. It is the western end of the Pool of London. It was the only bridge over the downstream of the Thames until 1729 when the Putney Bridge opened. The present bridge opened in 1793, one of many bridges at the same site that have been called London Bridge.

- The Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard: London's number one tourist attraction. In 1702 it was built as the London Home of the Duke of Buckingham. The state rooms of Buckingham Palace are open to the public from late July to September. The military groups that guard the royal residences in London are the Queen's Guard and the Queen's Life Guard.

- The London Eye (Millennium Wheel): is the largest Ferris wheel is Europe. It stands 443 feet or 135 metres tall. The number one paid tourist attraction in the UK, it is the largest Ferris wheel in Europe. It is on the South Bank of the Thames in the borough of Lambeth at the western end of Jubilee Gardens.

- Princess Diana's Memorial: was officially opened in July 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II. It was designed to express Princess Diana's love of children. It is in the southwest corner of Hyde Park.

Today's visitors to London can pick and choose from a long list of things to do and see while visiting England's capital city. The sites on the above list are just a prelude to days and nights of exciting sightseeing in the city of London.

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Friday, August 20, 2010

Movie Download Sites Are Simply Very Easy To Use

By Roy Benjamin

Ever wondered why many film buffs download internet movies these days? That's because there are many benefits that come with it. So whether you like watching films from time to time or all the time, read on. And see for yourself why downloading can be a more convenient option.

Before, you have to go to a nearby movie rental shop to get a dose of your movie-viewing needs. Once there, you march from aisle to aisle, but only to find the rental shop doesn't have the title yet. Or even worse, someone else had rented it just seconds before you arrived. So sometimes you need to settle on something you're really not interested in seeing.

You will never run out of title to choose from in a downloading site. There are loads of great finds in every genre - be it classic, indie, or mainstream. Most sites got a search bar where you can key in the film or genre you're looking for. Or you can simply take some time to skip from page to page.

When it comes to rates, it will have to depend on how many titles you intend to download and watch. If you like to enjoy movies once in a while, go for something which charges you each time you download a title. However, if you're a heavy on watching, you will benefit from paying fixed monthly fees. This way, you can download many titles per month, but with a limit.

After you get home from your work, sometimes what's on the TV doesn't look too tempting for you to watch. And it's really a hassle to get dressed once more and go to the cinema or a rental store. But when you have previously downloaded movies, enjoyment is as easy as switching on your PC.

Time is precious, so one should use it wisely. Especially these days when everybody tends to be living busy lives. Just imagine the amount of time you spend in heavy traffic going to the cinema. Plus, you also need to fall in line for the ticket and wait for the filming to start.

So you might wonder: isn't it that movie downloads take hours to complete? While that is true, you can do a lot more stuff while waiting for it to be completed. You can clean the house, spend some time with your kids, or get much needed rest and relaxation. Of course, it's always a plus to have a fast and reliable internet connection.

It's not only time and money you save when you go for downloading movies on the net. You also save on space. If you frequently buy your own DVDs, in time you will have to purchase a shelf to store all of them. But when you download your movies on the net, everything is neatly stored in your computer's hard drive.

Another great thing about it is movie websites enable you to see previews before you download internet movies. Also, you get to read reviews from actual people who have seen the titles you are eyeing. And their opinion doesn't come for promotional purposes too. This way, you get your money's worth by getting titles that you'll surely enjoy.

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Thursday, August 19, 2010

NFL Flashback: Vikings Rout Cowboys In Playoffs

By Ross Everett

When legendary quarterback Brett Favre announced his return to the NFL from what has become a seemingly annual flirtation with retirement, many second guessed the Minnesota Vikings' decision to sign "The Gunslinger". On Sunday, Favre and the Vikings answered those critics in the best way possible-with a lopsided 34-3 beatdown of the Dallas Cowboys. Favre threw 4 touchdown passes in the victory and the Vikings' defense sacked Dallas QB Tony Romo six times in the blowout.

NFL football betting fans also cashed tickets on the Vikings as -3 point home favorites. This was the shortest pointspread of the divisional playoff weekend and many thought that Dallas' momentum would carry them to victory. The 37 combined points went UNDER the posted total of 45. Minnesota had gone UNDER in four of six games to conclude the regular season.

After the contest, Favre boasted that a playoff run was a large part of his motivation to return to NFL action:

""This is what I came back for. Probably the most fatigued I got today was celebrating. I feel like I'm playing the same way. I have the same enthusiasm. As long as I'm out there, the enthusiasm and the passion that you see is real. And I know the guys feed off of that. Fans enjoy that, because it is real and genuine. Today was like this season: It's been wonderful."

Former South Carolina Gamecock Sidney Rice caught three of Favre's touchdown passes:

"Same ol' Brett. He's doing thing he's done since he first came in the league: moving around, getting the ball out, breaking tackles and even running down the field and throwing blocks. That just shows you how big of a heart he has."

Head coach Brad Childress mixed up a bunch of metaphors as he took a swipe at the prognosticators who picked Dallas to win:

"The Tasmanian devils were coming from Dallas that were about to bombard the state of Minnesota and run through us like Sherman through the South. All of us felt it quite palpably."

Cowboys' QB didn't have much to say in defeat:

"Any time you come in with the expectations and goals we set and don't accomplish them, No. 1, it's frustrating. Right now, it's just hard to think the season is over."

Cowboys' head coach Wade Phillips had a similar take:

"It's like the elevator falling from the top. It's tough when it's over. If you don't win it all, you have not reached your goal."

The Vikings will now head to New Orleans for Sunday's NFC Championship game against the Saints. Minnesota is a +3' point road underdog with the total set at 52'.

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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Sunset Blvd Is A Fabulous Classic

By Cristina Adams

Sunset Blvd is a classic American film noir filmed in 1950 and a lesson in what refusing to grow old gracefully can result in.

Its director, Billy Wilder, directed other iconic films and Sunset Blvd was awarded three oscars. The setting for the film, as the title may suggest, is the classic boulevard running through Beverley Hills in Los Angeles. For many this is associated with money, opulence and fame.

The movie stars William Holden as screenplay and down on his luck bum and Gloria Swanson is the faded, glamorous Norma Desmond who used to be a big star in the silent movie industry.

Holden wants to be rich and famous and comes with the same dream of many a starry eyed writer drawn to the city. However, his debts are huge and the streets are not paved with gold. His checks bounce and his debts are never ending. Desmond needs to have a screenplay written which she hopes will jump start her career and Joe needs money. So they begin a mutually convenient relationship which quickly transpires into a romantic affair.

Norma falls in love with Joe and Joe falls in love with her money and through this mutually convenient situation they coexist. He tries to leave eventually, but she attempts suicide and manages to coax him back.

Desmond believes that her career will flourish again, but she is more mature in years now and the film company has no interest in her script.

However, unbeknown to Norma he is working on a private script with young writer Betty and he falls for her. When he tries to leave Norma the dramatic climax of the film sees a shot fired and Gillis floating in a swimming pool with sirens all around.

Her last line, often quoted is "I'm ready for my close up" showing how her mentally unstable mind is likening the events to being in a film and distorting what is actually happening.

This is a tragic movie and reveals the inner darkness and corruption in the film industry. People become dispensable commodities and the film is testament to an actress with a mental illness who cannot accept that her youth and beauty are behind her.

She is a sad reminder of an industry that worships the young over everything else. This is particularly poignant in this day and age of cosmetic enhancement and shows how an individual can suffer once they lost their film making appeal.

The servants she has treat her gently and pander to her need to look youthful. In this day and age of botox and plastic surgery the film is an uncomfortable reminder that there are some things that can't be bought.

Sunset Boulevard is suitable for all ages and is a thought provoking look at the lives of the rich and famous. Desmond's lavish mansion, swimming pool and servants are things that are associated with making it in life, but her mental instability arising from her lost youth makes all these material possessions meaningless.

Joe, her lover's untimely death, is sad and wasteful, but he represents the exploitative force behind Desmond's demise.

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Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Take Advantage Of The Money Saving Opportunities With Airlines In Mexico

By Mexicana Airlines

When you find yourself deciding to travel outside of Mexico you may be amazed to find out that there are many airlines in Mexico. While it may appear that many of these airlines in Mexico offer competitive prices, its important to look at what you are receiving from your travel. This is not a reference to the benefits or prizes which you get for using particular airlines in Mexico, but towards the quality of the flight and staff you might experience whilst traveling with airlines in Mexico. When travelers begin the usual search for cheap flights, one of the biggest blunders which are made is with paying a lot of attention to the price rather than the quality of the airlines in Mexico you'll be making use of.

Cheap flights are normally a great method to save money, however sacrificing service so as to obtain that lower price is a mistake that several individuals make and regret following their travel experience. When you find yourself on vacation your trip to and from the destination normally plays a big influence in the overall experience. When an individual goes on vacation and has a bad flight experience due to the cheap flights sacrifice, they'll remember that negative experience for the rest of their life, ruining the lovely experience they had during their vacation. Its not being recommended that you not take advantage of the cheap flights opportunity, only that you find the very best cheap flights available to you which do not affect quality of service or travel.

One of the very best methods to take benefit of the cheap flights opportunity from the higher quality airlines in Mexico is with the utilization of vacation packages. When you use vacation packages you are accessing a program intended to boost the business of most businesses with the utilization of discounts.

Most premier businesses and airlines in Mexico will be willing to provide cheap flights and services when it is incorporated into vacation packages. Additionally, vacation packages will help a person in scheduling a large portion of their vacation when they find that they are traveling to a place that they might not be familiar with. Vacation packages and the utilization of cheap flights are especially important when you find that you're traveling overseas or outside of the district.

There are many airlines in Mexico offering you with travel opportunities but remember that not all airlines are identical in flight quality and service. Utilize the possibilities that are available in vacation packages and discover the best cheap flights which will prevent you from having to sacrifice quality for price.

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Monday, August 16, 2010

Fun Things To Do In Tom's River NJ

By Jay R. Bryson

Tom's River is not only a wonderful place to live but also an amazing place to visit, with miles of Atlantic Ocean on Toms River's Ortley and Normandy beaches. Aside from oceanfront fun, Toms River's Silverton section and Toms River itself spill into the Barnegat Bay, making our township a fine boating and fishing haven with marinas and inlets to satisfy the avid fisherman and boater.

Blue Claws Baseball - This is minor league baseball at it's finest. Enjoy summer games with family and friends. It's always a good time on theme night. You can even schedule birthday parties or group outings.

The Robert J Novins Planetarium - Celebrating 35 years as your place for space. It's an amazing new dome shaped theater with all kinds of special effects. Definitely a place to visit while in Tom's River.

Cattus Island - This county park is 497 acres of unspoiled nature. There are numerous hiking trails as well as a butterfly garden and amazing collections of snakes and reptiles. Bring the kids for an experience they won't soon forget.

Downtown Walking Tour - This walking tour is in the village or downtown area of Tom's River. It is only seven blocks in length and can take less than a half an hour if no stops are made. If you visit the museums, browse through the library and stop at the County Administration Building to pick up literature, it can take two hours or more.

Specialty Shopping - The regional shopping center for this area is the Ocean County Mall. If you have little ones this may be the spot for you and your family. There are so many stores it's hard to take it all in. Browse the specialty boutiques and department stores. You are sure to find exactly what you want and more.

The Ocean County Library - This library is known for connecting people and the community. Ocean County Library has a tradition of excellence in providing services for all ages, with a special focus on children and their families.

Resort Community - Ride some amusement park style rides or stroll down the boardwalk at Seaside Heights. It's pure fun for the ultimate family get-away. There are also many restaurants and bars to choose from.

Boating Tours - Make sure you charter a fishing boat while in Tom's River. Many local businesses offer guided tours. This is a big attraction and one you can't miss out on.

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Sunday, August 15, 2010

Locating Legal Movie DownloadsOn The Web

By Tony Workman

Until recently, legal movie downloads have not existed on the Internet in any major way. Now there are many major companies offering legal movie downloads. Let's look into this a little bit.

If you are downloading pirated videos, not only are you breaking the law and risking getting into trouble, including the possibility of a large fine, but you also leave yourself open to getting malicious software on your computer. Many unscrupulous companies use these websites where you find the pirated videos to lace their software with viruses.

Legal movie downloads are now a very viable alternative, unlike a few years ago. There are many movie download sites which offer a large selection of choices. No matter what your taste in movies, you should be able to find something which suits you. To be honest, any respectable movie download database will have just about every movie ever published.

There are a few requirements that you will need to meet, including having a decent broadband connection. Reliability is important, but you should be able to use a download manager to pause and resume downloads. Certainly the download sites should have these built in. Life will certainly be much easier if that is the case!

Of course another alternative is to order the movies online and get them sent you by mail. This is both time consuming and expensive. If you have a good Internet connection there is absolutely no reason why you can't download movies online. However, there are still a few concerns that people have about downloading films which puts them off.

Most concerns about downloading movies are unfounded. One such worry is the lack of picture quality. Now you are able to download high definition movies which are often better quality than DVD copies. You should be able to see some samples first before you actually buy. Obviously, the higher quality the movie is, the larger the file size would be, so you will want to take this into account.

There are many different formats available for downloads. Nonetheless, there are only a few formats available which actually work on a wide range of different devices. For example, if you were to download DivX movies (which is the most common format) you will be able to play the movie on all sorts of different machines.

If you download DivX movies, you should be able to burn them to a conventional DVD and watch them on any normal DVD player. This is extremely useful of course, and something that most of us who download movies online will want to be able to do. Indeed, DivX is even supported on some mobile phones and portable entertainment systems, making it extremely versatile.

There are far more choices than just iTunes out there now and you should easily be able to find a site that sells movie downloads legitimately. Soon you will have a huge library of your favorite titles, and still have plenty of money in your pocket.

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Saturday, August 14, 2010

The Invention Of Cell Phones

By Adriana Noton

Images of old cell phones from the 90s are a surefire way to spark laughter-they are big, cumbersome, and look ridiculously outdated compared to the small gizmos we have today. So it should be surprising to learn that the first conception of crude, mobile phones actually dates all the way back to 1947. Researchers tried to evolve the technology used in walkie talkies. They realized that by using small cells instead of relying on single frequencies they could reuse the same frequencies, and thereby dramatically increase the traffic capacity. In other words, the initial kernel of invention was present, but unfortunately its potential was halted.

The FCC (the organization in the U.S which regulates anything to do with broadcasting or sending television or radio waves) blocked AT & T's request to allocate a large number of radio spectrum frequencies. This would have provided the groundwork for widespread cell phone use and would have given AT & T incentive to further develop the technology. Under the strict FCC regulations of the time, airwaves only allowed for twenty-three phone conversations to take place at any given time. This mentality was symbolic of the limited understanding of cell phone technology's potential. In hindsight it looks like a boneheaded decision, but it should be remembered that this was 1947, so the FCC should be at least partially excused for not understanding the full implications of modern communications technology. Still though, the idea lay buried for decades.

It wasn't until 1973 when Dr. Martin Cooper, former general manager of the Systems division at Motorola, was credited with making the first ever call on a portable cell phone-a privilege he enjoyed as its chief creator. Ironically, the first call was made to the head of research labs at Bell, their chief competitor. Perhaps this was actually fitting since Bell was responsible for inventing the crude mobile phone that was designed to be used in police cars in the 40s. Four years later, Bell created a prototype that was used on trial in Chicago by up to two thousand people. Two years after that, in a completely unrelated venture, a separate operation was undertaken in Tokyo. There was considerable international buzz about the new technology as it went from being something existing only in science fiction to something that would appear imminently.

In 1981 Motorola joined with American Radio Telephone to start a second U.S. cellular telephone system test in Washington and Buffalo. The movement was gaining momentum, and by 1982 the FCC finally authorized commercial cellular services for the United States. Ameritech made the first American commercial analog cellular service available in Chicago. Still, the technology was expensive and it was far from being as accessible as cell phones are today. But by 1987 cellular phone subscribers exceeded one million and airways were crowded.

The 90s brought on a new wave of cell phone technology that ushered in the modern era where one belongs to the average person. Yes, those big 90s clunkers look old, but who would have believed that the cell phone was actually conceived of so many decades ago?

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Friday, August 13, 2010

Swimming Pool Basketball Hoop For Athletic Purposes

By Robert Baldwin

You might have ignored it but a swimming pool can certainly help you perform a workout.

Individuals, regardless of age, love to spend summer afternoons swimming to be able to obtain a revitalizing feel from the water. For you to really make the most out of your pool, take the time to consider including a few athletic activities. These athletic activities are usually the kinds you play on dry land, only this time, they're poolside variations. Just like the swimming pool basketball hoop which gives you an opportunity to dunk, jump shoot and experience the excitement of the basketball game.

Universally, pool hoops have a few configurations. The mostly employed will be the one or two bases to which the hoops and backboard are generally attached. The base contained water to be able to anchor it next to the in-ground swimming pool.

Absolutely, there are some hoops whose base is clipped to the edge of the swimming pool. For a lot more ease, you can also choose those that are stand-alone baskets that can easily be installed onto the cement near the pool. Few quite high-end models can be rolled in and away in times that are needed. In case you want, you are able to purchase a backboard along with your preferred team's colors with logo.

Swimming pool basketball hoop can be created out of several different kinds of materials. Polyethylene is the most usual and cheaper material for basketball hoops. Polyethylene is good for swimming pools because it is not affected by water so it will not erode after several years of water play. It is guaranteed to be durable and will not be destroyed by the chemicals of the pool. If you opt to select another material like steel, you will have to see to it that it has a rust-resistant coating.

The moment you get to choose a basketball hoop, select the one with a smaller backboard. The smaller sized backboard will maintain your pole secure and will not occupy so much of your poolside area. Moreover, selecting a backboard created from acrylic offers durability and it is weather-resistant.

The poolside basketball hoop is certainly the very best way to enjoy summer. Setting up one in your backyard swimming pool can certainly provide you a number of choices for friends, family to enjoy during celebrations and could certainly enhance your versatility in sports.

The prices of the swimming pool basketball hoop can differ depending on the quality and the manufacturer of what you choose.

The base of the basketball ring can easily be utilized as the base of a swimming pool volleyball hoop. Hence, it's very economical and hassle-free simply because you can choose which sport you're most likely to play among the two.

Also, keep in mind that your swimming pool will be utilized if you invite sports enthusiasts to the party. It is assured that people will enjoy and have fun together while playing under the sun.

The hoop might be a simple item, but it is very helpful for people who are worn out because of work. It helps rid the stress and some negative energy and make a person mentally and physically fit.

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Thursday, August 12, 2010

Extraordinary Measures For Extraordinary Circumstances

By Mari Schultz

Harrison Ford stars in the movie, Extraordinary Measures. The movie is adapted from the real life story of a couple who sacrificed everything they had to find an answer to their illness which is killing their children. The parents take the unusual action of helping to finance research into treating or better still finding a cure for the genetic disease. Is this an extreme action? How many parents would take radical steps to protect the health and happiness of their children?

Without a doubt most parents would be devastated to learn their children had inherited a degenerative disease. Most parents would take any steps possible to ensure their child received the best treatment available. However, not every parent has the confidence to challenge systems designed to keep the cog in the wheel so to speak.

Parallel to the main story, the movie also seems to represents a new period of American History, when a Black Man became President of the United States. For Americans the fact that a Black Man has entered the highest office in the land suggests anything is possible, including restructuring a very ill health insurance system. The movie attempts to highlight the Extraordinary Measures the President will be required to take to accomplish his health reforms

The main theme is not about finding a miracle cure as it appears at face value. The main theme explores the many fears, prejudices and pressures placed upon parents living with children with illness and disability. It brings into the open, in a very Hollywood saccharine manner, an issue many families face at times of crisis, that of rediscovering the resilient human spirit.

The thorny debate surrounding the health care reform bill the new President hopes to push through is also evident in the narrative of the movie. The role of the Doctor, played by Harrison Ford, is to let people know that despite his expertise taking him to the top of his field he is nonetheless still just a human being with faults. He is trying his best, his best might not be good enough but it is all he has to offer.

Somehow the movie also gives the impression that taking a stance against injustice and carrying on despite incredible hardship is solely an American trait. Most people live in hope of a better, more cohesive society. Without inspiration from those who do survive despite the incredible circumstances of their lives, people everywhere would not be able to carry on living in hope.

There are numerous examples of people living full and happy lives in spite of their circumstances. Ordinary people everywhere have stories which defy the odds. That they manage to rise above their situations to consider the feelings and needs of others is testimony to their tenacity.

Extraordinary Measures are taken by parents the world over in an effort to progress their children's health and well being. People have the ability to retain hope even when is seems as though all hope is lost. This human need to hope for the best is what drives human beings to carry on. Engaging in meaningful relationships with others is a basic human requirement. For how long America keeps this feeling of optimism can only be guessed. It is hoped that it lasts long enough for much needed changes to take effect and impact positively upon American culture and society.

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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A List Of The Greatest Pasta Restaurants In Manhattan

By Adam Marcus

When it comes to Italian restaurants, New York City has some pretty amazing ones. Of course, it does not compete with the great cities of Italy, but it just may be the next best place. Regardless of the type of pasta you are looking for, there is somewhere to get it in New York.

While new restaurants will always be opening their doors, some pasta places will never lose their greatness. Here are my top five favorite places to get my pasta fix in New York City as of now.

I will start out by mentioning Michael White's newest restaurant, Marea. This recent is the recent James Beard Winner for Best New Restaurant. While it is not a traditional Italian restaurant (its predominant focus is seafood), their besh dish is the bone marrow fussilli with braised octopus.

When I want to have an epic Italian meal filled with some amazing ravioli and penne a la vodka, I go to Il Mulino. The original location of this increasingly popular franchise is unlike any other, and offers a true "old school" mafiosa Italian vibe.

No list of Italian pasta restaurants would be complete without mentioning a Mario Batali establishment. The man is a self proclaimed king of Italian cooking, and he just might be. People have different opinions on which is better, but you cannot go wrong with either Del Posto and Babbo.

For a special occasion, a great place to visit in New York is Scalini Fedeli down in TriBeCa. The room is absolutely spectacular as is the food. It is not a pasta restaurant per se, but any pasta dish you get here will leave you smiling.

Another place that is worth mentioning is Max. With three locations in the city, this place probably serves up the best pasta for the price. The portions are huge and you can get out of there for under $20.

These are just some of the best pasta places the Big Apple has to offer, but with so many options, there are many others that are worth writing another article about.

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Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Visit The Golfing Capital Of Canada

By Adriana Noton

Set between the Purcell Mountains and the Rockies, the town of Kimberley boasts stunning views and attracts tourists from around the world. Visit the golfing capital of Canada and you might find not just eighteen holes, but even to a real estate agent. If not, just be happy with improving your game.

Golf courses here include Bootleg Gap. This twenty-seven hole course hires out pull carts and clubs if you travelled light. Look for junior rates and play a round with your teenager, or just use the driving range for some practice. Kimberley Golf Club dates back to the early twentieth century and continues to thrive among the competition. Find yourself some gear in the pro shop then stop for a meal after your game.

Shadow Mountain is the newest golf course in Kimberley. Enjoy eighteen holes or nine, with short breaks in between each hole to simply admire snow-capped mountains and lush green mountain forests. The gift shop sells clothing for men and women plus accessories and souvenirs. Arrange for group or private lessons with a certified instructor. Golfing classes have been broken down according to age, with some also set aside for ladies only. Even send the kids to golf camp so they can develop a passion for this popular activity.

With a visit to St. Eugene Mission comes the opportunity to play golf by day and hit the casino at night. Instead of worrying about how to get back to your hotel room after a few drinks and some slots, stay right at St. Eugene. Arrive with a group and split up, some heading for tee time, others to a local spa. Eat out in style or opt for a casual barbecued steak at the on-site restaurant.

Golfing packages make it easy to spend the weekend golfing and hanging out. Stay in a chalet, condo or guest house. Bring a big group of eight to twelve people and split the cost, saving money to enjoy what you came for: eighteen holes. Some rentals include barbecues, hot tubs or even a fireplace.

Trickle Creek Golf Resort offers stay and play packages including a round on their green plus a room a the Lodge. Eat at the lodge restaurant then walk to golfing just minutes away. Come back to soak in a hot tub, swim a few lengths in their heated outdoor pool or burn calories in the fitness room.

Trickle Creek also sets families down right by ski hills, which could get them thinking. What about moving here? Perhaps compromise, laying down just holiday roots. Purchase property in the area for those gaps in a busy calendar that let you get away to golf or ski, alone, with friends or with family.

Should such a plan become viable, remember this is a high end location. BC Real estate can be scarce and expensive in Kimberley, but conveniently close to a local airport for commuting to and from Calgary and other cities. Purchase yourself a fabulous view and plant yourself close to places like Wasa Lake, Radium Hot Springs, and the Canadian Rockies.

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Monday, August 9, 2010

Check Out Kevin Smiths New Film, Cop Out

By Aurelia Coffey

Are you a huge Kevin Smith film? Are you skeptical of this film as it is his first film he did not write and is directing? Fear not, even though it is done by a major motion picture studio, it is a great film and still has that Kevin Smith flare that his fans know and love. Cop Out still has that special thing that makes his movies his own.

The movie pairs together two different actors that many would never suspect together. Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan, and their chemistry worked well together. They both play cops for New York City, and have an unusual method of working together. Paired with some very hilarious comedy, the two actors did a very good job with this film. In many scenes it looked as if Bruce Willis was trying to contain his laughter.

We already know that the actors are playing cops as the main characters of the movie. They are placed on suspension for not catching a criminal and during that pursuit causing a large neighborhood shootout. Being suspended for a month with out pay, Jimmy, Bruce Willis' character, is short of cash to pay for his only daughters wedding, and decides to sell a baseball card worth a lot of money. While he is taking that card to be looked at, he is then robbed by Sean William Scott's character, Dave. Sean William Scott is well known for his parts in the American Pie movies and he definitely keeps his comedy up in this movie as well.

And guess who else is in this one for all those di-hard Kevin Smith fans? Jason Lee, he plays the new husband to Jimmy's ex wife. Of course he plays the perfect scumbag as usual, tramping in where his nose does not belong, and offers to pay for the wedding and take credit for it, if Jimmy can not come up with the money.

After a series of twists and turns the two cops get involved in a major drug ring, and with out spoiling the entire movie you will have to see what happens next. With the great action and comedy, you will never guess the ending!

For those Kevin Smith followers, you can still see the typical Smith jokes and familiar tones in the movie. From the hilarious jokes of sexual nature, the way it was filmed and even the music chosen for the film, it has the same feel as all of his other cult classic films. And his reasoning for directing the film was classic, he felt that it was as if the two cops were married but not and it reminded him of Dante and Randal from his hit film Clerks.

It was originally released in the United States in February 26, 2010 and then in the United Kingdom in May 21, 2010. Before it came out on DVD, it had grossed about 53 million with a budget of only 37 million to work with. It is not a huge blockbuster, but one definitely worth your time viewing.

If you want to see something out of the ordinary, and a hilarious cop movie, seeing Cop Out is a must! It is currently out on DVD as well as on pay per view for many of the cable companies out there. It will be a great time spent for 107 minutes!

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Sunday, August 8, 2010

Custom Built Boat

By Skip Talmage

More or less all boats usually are built for a manufacturing basis, because it is basically the most effective way of production. There is only one couple of molds and a lot of boats currently being made with the mold, lowering the value along with tooling per boat. Commonly, you'll find a finite amount of options to create set up line production much better in relation to price.

Leaving behind the ranks connected with production boats, you will find various kinds customized structure. You will discover a number of boats built along with a only a certain funds, that is normally simply by amateurs. Whenever you won't want to construct the specific boat by yourself, next thing offered is in fact what precisely sailors call "partial customized" boats.

These types of partial customs are often created by way of small or maybe middle sized shops from one set of molds therefore the hull and also decks could turn into identical. The contractors can nevertheless, enable the seller to choose the internal as well as other choices.

The authentic customized boat, or maybe special boat, is in fact created specifically and as well made over completely from scratch for just about any single client having an unrestricted funds. The genuine custom made boat is often a one-on-one project, as well as will get very pricey in no time.

Prior to deciding to decide to buy a custom made boat, you need to provide the pre-loved marketplace another glance. Those people who have built custom made and even partial especially designed boats previously perform use them the market for sale in some point in time or perhaps another. This is often a way less costly method of take, just because you definitely will not investing a professional to create the particular boat more than completely from scratch. You will find pre-loved boats in which offer you definitely one of kind characteristics plus choices, all you need to try and do is actually research.

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Saturday, August 7, 2010

Ginger Sugarsnaps - Top Notch Ginger Sugarsnap Recipe

By James Cameroone

Ginger's Sugarsnaps. My grandma Ginger just died in a tragic hang-gliding accident but I don't want you to be sad. She died doing what she loved. For nearly 80 years my lovely grandma Ginger would hang glide over the most destitute sections of America's inner cities and shower them with her internationally famous sugar snap cookies, also known as Soundsnaps.

If you live in a destitute urban area of the United States then you likely know the distinct graupel-like sound of grandma Ginger's cookie storms all too well. That's why by 1960 people from areas of intense urban decay began to call these fantastic cookies "Soundsnaps."

As her only grandchild she took favor upon me and bequeathed me her sugar snap recipe which I share with you here today. You might ask why would I share this prized and closely-guarded family recipe? The reasons are two: 1.) I am a humanitarian at heart and don't see the sense in denying the slums and ghetto's of the world the intense pleasure grandma Ginger's scrumptious sugar snaps and the delightful Soundsnap they make; and 2.) I was born without arms or legs and though I have tried several times I have found that my condition prevents me from hang-gliding long distances. Since I can't hang-glide, I can not continue grandma Ginger's seven decade tradition of gentrification via inner city cookie showers.

If you can hang-glide and you can bake I implore you to take the recipe below and continue grandma Ginger's legacy. Don't let the Soundsnap die with grandma Ginger.

Without further ado here you go: Grandma Ginger's Secret Soundsnap Recipe.

Yield 5-6 dozen

Ingredients

1 and 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, Chiffonade of 2 skins of extra-crispy fried chicken, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup shortening, 1 cup white sugar, 1 egg, 1/4 cup dark molasses, 1/3 cup sugar

Directions: Heat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees Celsius). Stir the flour, ginger, baking soda, allspice, and salt into a large bowl. Stir the mixture to blend evenly, and sift a second time into another bowl, make sure it is really smooth. Put the shortening into a large bowl and beat until nice and creamy. Slowly beat in the white sugar. Beat in the egg, and dark molasses. Sift 1/3 of the flour mixture into the shortening mixture; stir to thoroughly blend. Sift in the remaining flour mixture. Remove the extra-crispy skins from 2 fried chicken breasts and proceed to chiffonade. Add the chicken skin to the bowl with the other ingredients. Mix together until a nice pliable dough forms. Pinch small amounts of dough and roll into 1 inch diameter balls between your hands. Roll each ball in sugar, and place 1 and 1/2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake in oven until the tops are rounded and slightly cracked, about 10 minutes. Cool cookies on a cooling rack of your choice. Store in an air-tight container or use your favorite vacuum sealer like a Food Saver, until you are ready to shower the inner-city of your choice with these Ginger's Sugarsnaps. Soundsnaps!

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Friday, August 6, 2010

Bounty Hunter The Movie And Reality

By Jerri Ortega

There is a hot movie that is coming out to the movie theatre and we think that you might want to see it right now. This is the movie Bounty Hunter and there are many things that people who are going to see it have to say about this movie which many are talking about.

The first thing is that when you think of bounty hunter, many of us have a wild idea. We think of the crazy guy in leather who hunts people down. It is right that a bounty hunter locates those who failed to show in court. Yet, they can look like anyone really. They do not have to wear the leather. That is what first brings this money into full force.

There are a number of reasons that you might go about to pick up someone. Some of them just have a warrant out for their arrest due to the fact that they failed to show up in court. This happens to be what this mans ex failed to do. She hit the road when she was supposed to appear in court and now she is paying the price.

Yet, who does he have to pick? He has to pick up his ex. Many of us are thinking that is a bit awkward. They did break up for a reason. Well, he is in search of his ex and when he finds her, he is wishing that he had not, although he enjoys the idea of bringing her in.

This couple that was once a heated couple learn that there are still things that they cannot tolerate about the other person even after not being together for so long. They are on the run and he is just trying to do his job, but he finds out that this job is going to be worth every cent that he earns.

Some of you might have seen some of the movies that Jennifer Aniston is in and you might not think they are very funny. This might be due to the low rating it gets in terms of what audience this is for. You might be used to those who are for a more mature audience, but just like others that she has been in, this movie is only PG13. That is something to keep in mind.

With Jennifer Aniston, you will find that in many cases, you will laugh like crazy even if the plot is missing a little something. It is something that we love about her and it is something that we encounter when we watch something of hers. She does add something to those movies that make you die of laughter at moments and here again, she does the same thing as she gets herself in one of the weirdest positions possible.

So, if you are looking for a movie to go to, then this might be the one for you. If you have been waiting to see a movie that you can take the teenage kids to, then this might have been the one that you are looking for. There are many who have waited for this and have found it to be the type of movie to watch when they are stuck on what new to see.

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Thursday, August 5, 2010

BC Lions Try To Salvage Season With CFL Win Over Saskatchewan

By Ross Everett

The BC Lions may have turned the corner after a disappointing 1-4 start to the CFL season. This past weekend, a clearly motivated Lions team defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 35-20 to improve to 2-4 in CFL play. The Lions first two losses were closely contested affairs, but the previous two had been fairly one sided. The Roughriders dropped to 3-3 in the early going in the CFL season.

Lions defensive end Brent Johnson said that the motivation for this game was simple--his team was just sick of losing:

"We were sick of losing. That was our only option - to win tonight. This was the must wins of must wins."

Johnson led a tenacious Lions defense with three QB sacks. Overall, the BC stop unit combined for five QB sacks and three interceptions in their best performance of the season.

Lions running back Martell Mallett caught one touchdown pass, ran for another and generally made himself a thorn in the side of the Riders defense all night. After the game, he praised the play of his offensive line:

"We just went out there and executed. The offensive line blocked well. I was just hitting the holes. They opened it for me and I got in it."

BC starting QB Buck Pierce had been hearing some criticism from the Vancouver media suggesting that he lose his starting spot. His solid play in the victory may have turned down the heat for now:

"I was very proud of our offence tonight. "The way we stayed poised, the way we moved the ball. Running and throwing the ball, we were very good."

Saskatchewan quarterback Darian Durrant blamed the loss on his teams lack of execution and failure to capitalize on opportunities:

"It was frustrating. B.C. gave us plenty of opportunities to put more points on the board. We just didn't capitalize."

Despite the satisfying victory, Lions coach Wally Buono realizes that his team still has plenty of work to do:

"We have to play much better football than what we did. I saw the intensity that you need, I see the resilience and I saw some guys make some plays."

BC now heads to Toronto to play the struggling Argonauts on Thursday. Saskatchewan will host the Hamilton Tiger Cats.

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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

An Interesting Review Of The Drew Carey TV Series

By Brian Bonner

Seinfeld is always regarded as the most innovative, and perhaps most important, television series of the nineties, but as far as sitcoms go, The Drew Carey Show certainly deserves to be listed right alongside Seinfeld. Most people don't remember the show quite as clearly as Seinfeld, but it really did make a lot of changes to how people regard the modern sitcom, and definitely deserves to go on the list next time you login to the movie download service of your choice.

The show was really just meant as a vehicle to get Drew Carey's face out there back in the era where every comedian really just wanted to be a TV star, and it could have been just another sitcom with just another comedian starring, but they managed to really take it in a different direction, starting with the subject of the show.

It's not a family sitcom, it's a single guy sitcom, about a guy in his forties who is not happy with his life.

The show made a lot of artistic innovations with its weird format episodes like the live, improve event episodes and some interesting directorial touches like the "World Keeps Turning" intro. The show allowed its writers, directors and actors to really take a lot of chances and explore new territory with every single aspect of the show, resulting in a quirky sitcom unlike anything else we'd ever seen on television.

By the end of the series, Carey was making something like a million dollars an episode but, sadly, the ratings were starting to drop and the show had to be canceled, even though it did garner a loyal following who would always make sure that they were at home after work in time to watch it.

The most refreshing thing about the show really was that its focus wasn't on the same thing as every other show. No football widow jokes, no stories about the son borrowing the car without asking. The characters are easier to relate to because they don't feel like generic television characters.

The show serves as an acknowledgement that mom, dad and the kids aren't the only people in the universe, that there are many definitions for the word family, and that the relationships between a man and his friends is every bit as important and valid as the relationship between a man and his wife and his children.

And of course, Lewis and Oswald are two of the funniest sitcom characters of all time. It's always funny when a show that's already a comedy has comic relief characters.

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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Philadelphia Has No Trouble With Struggling Washington

By Ross Everett

The 'new look' Washington Redskins offense under Sherm Lewis looked much like the old offense under Jim Zorn, and the Philadelphia Eagles had little trouble as they opened a 27-10 halftime lead en route to a 27-17 victory on Monday Night Football. DeSean Jackson scored a long touchdown both rushing and receiving, and Donovan McNabb threw for 156 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions in the victory.

The Eagles also rewarded NFL betting enthusiasts with the pointspread cover as -8' road favorites. Philadelphia is now 4-2 against the number while the Redskins continued their struggles against the NFL pointspread dropping to 1-6. The 44 combined points went OVER the posted total of 38. The Eagles have gone OVER the total in five of six, while this was only the second OVER of the year for the Redskins with 5 games UNDER.

Jackson's only complaint after the game was that a sore ankle undermined the artistry of his post touchdown tap dance:

"I was out there having fun, man, honestly. My ankle was kind of hurting. I really didn't feel it, but it did kind of affect my dance a little bit. I could put it to perfection a little bit better than that."

Redskins' defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth suggested that this team has to learn to play as a unit:

"You can say but so much. You've got to actually want to. So once we get to that point -- where we want to do something -- then we'll do something. But if we just keep going our separate ways, then we'll just keep getting slaughtered like we have."

Jim Zorn was apparently more interested in playing 'gotcha' with the management that replaced him as the Redskins' offensive play caller than in analyzing the game:

"Well, the result was the same. We got 17 points. It was difficult for me. It was difficult to stand and watch. The hard part is to keep your mouth shut."

Washington running back Rock Cartwright expressed Washington's struggles in a philosophical light:

"You have to take the bitter with the sweet. And right now we're at a bitter moment."

The Eagles will host the New York Giants this Sunday, with the game currently 'pick'em' and the total posted at 44. The Redskins have a much needed bye week before they travel south to play the Atlanta Falcons on November 8. They'll host the Denver Broncos the following Sunday before playing on the road against the Dallas Cowboys on November 22.

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Monday, August 2, 2010

The Night Time Is The Right Time In The Yucatan

By Ron Williams

The second edition, out of four total editions.

In our most recent article we covered the jungle yucatan peninsula vicinity south of Playa del Carmen as well as around Tulum. In this column we will focus on Playa and the recreational activities surrounding this flourishing beachfront Caribbean township. What began as a sleepy-eyed and tiny Mexican fishing community, has rapidly become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Back in the early 90's we visited that sleepy little village and I can say first hand it is a far cry from what it is today. Popularity sparks progress and change, but if you are looking for a good vacation and gobs of fun, Playa is the place.

Playa today represents a Caribbean destination that has it all. From world class shopping on the famed 5th Avenue to various adventure parks, first class Playa del Carmen hotels and all-out resorts to night clubs and restaurant options to satiate even the most critical palettes. Whether by day or nighttime, you should find no lack of things to do in this amazing city!

Playa is so much more than just miles away from the small Tulum hotels and eco-chic cabana resorts you'll find further down the coast, but it still continues to be a lovely, dynamic and culturally abundant spot to visit. By daylight hours, this town presents you with some of the better people observation to be found in Mexico, regardless of whether on the wide-open yucatan beaches or on the 5th Avenue walking mall you should see a extensive range of company from all over the planet. There is so much to do and experience in this centrally located small city, being a quick ferryboat ride to Cozumel for a wonderful day trip for snorkeling or scuba or heading up the seashore 30 minutes to the city of cancun for even more options.

Playa del Carmen during the day means beach runs, snorkel and SCUBA tours, day trip jungle safaris, adventure theme parks, golf and great shopping. The night time brings out the untamed side in nearly all who start out out beneath the light of the moon. In addition to the world class dining options there are at a minimum a dozen dance-clubs that cater to the late night dancing and adventurous crowds. Commonly accepted as a fun family vacation choice, it is rapidly establishing itself as a competitor for Cancun with the dance party entertainment options. A handfull of places you may get the urge to visit for the nightlife include; CoCo Bongo for entertaining stage shows with gifted music cover bands, The Blue Parrot for the fire shows on Friday and Saturday nights, OM Playa for a drink in comfort and La Santanera for a hip dance club.

Whether by daylight or nightlife, with family, a duo or single traveler, Playa del Carmen truly offers something for everyone who is looking for a little or a lot of the caribbean in their vacation. In our next report we will go inland and observe the majesty of the mexican world and culture of Merida and the encompassing areas. There is zero shortage of fun and positive energy when it comes to expeditions on the Yucatan!

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

The Film The Departed Is Certainly Worth Watching

By Vicki Mcguire

The year two thousand and six produced some awesome action based flicks and the departed is just one of them. Based on the back ground of mafia and police tussle, this movie inculcates the audience with introducing not one but two double crossers of which one is a good cop and one is a cop, gone rogue.

Briefly the story is a summation of action packed drama and thrilling sequences that is usually a part of every police and mafia box office release. The difference is created by the induction of two double agents within the movie plot of which one works for the cops and the other is cop but works for the rivals and criminals. The story line of this movie renders a lot of sequences in which you can see some genuine human reactions to the art of deception and betrayal.

Billy is a Massachusetts police graduate who plays his generic mafia ties to win trust and respect when he is inducted in the mafia as a double agent for the cops. His background and family cult relation makes him an easy amalgamation within the Irish American mafia and also helps in gaining reliability within the cult sectors. This helps him in knowing what is being planned and he accordingly tips off the police regarding them.

On the other hand Collin is the one who is the mafia guy within the police ranks and is doing the same work that Billy does; but for the criminals. He is as good as Billy and quickly becomes a looked forward to officer is the special investigation unit which helps him in tipping of the mafia of their any plans in sabotaging the crime activities. This character carries a heavy importance in making this flick a hot pick on the box office because most of the conventional mafia and police movies do not show such variance in double agent roles.

Later on in the movie, it becomes clear to both the bad guys and the good guys that they have some leaking point in their respective gangs and groups. The two double crossing agents find themselves in desperate struggle to uncover the other moles identity in order to prove themselves as innocent. Now this is the point that the film gets really interesting and gains the action and thrilling momentum in which both these double agents are on the verge of jeopardizing with their mates and fellows in their respective gangs.

The last part of the film basically revolves around the revealing struggle being carried out by Collin and Bill both. One might not categorize this movie in a pure action genre, but the drama mixed with essence of suspense and thrill definitely makes this movie a unique one. These last scenes depict the ultimate struggle from both sides to save their selves from the wrath of the mafia and police by going towards a head to head fight and interaction.

Billy is seen going after Collin in order to convince him to leave the gang and use his immunity in order to get a normal life back. This argument and trail ends up with Billy getting shot at by Collin which results in his death.

The departed also focuses on the strength of good versus bad. The whole film has the capacity to involve the audience within the story line. The movie is good drama with some great action parts.

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