18 May 2011
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24 Apr 2011
Atlas Shrugged Movie
The Atlas Shrugged movie is finally coming out, but I'm not sold yet. There doesn't seem to be a star packed cast, or any star for that matter, and is only having a limited release. I believe Atlas Shrugged deserves more since it was originally rumored to have Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in it.
That being said, I hope it pulls through. Ayn Rand is one of my all time favorite writers, and that's not because she is the best writer, in fact, her writing ability isn't really that great at all. But it's the fact that she combines fiction and philosophy in such a fundamental way, that it forces reflection, and that to me is the very purpose of the creative process.
There's not many writers around like Ayn Rand. Most choose a target market, and right specifically for that market. And sure, this is fine enough, it will make money and fame, and possibly even create a really well written book. But in the end of the day, it goes against what the creative process is about, and that's about creating for the sake of the work its self. Not worrying about the reaction it will receive, and simply enjoying the clicking of the keys, the realization of the images and the knowing that you're creating something from your heart.
This is why Dystopian literature connects so much with me. It's very purpose is to express the subjects of philosophy, but put them in a reality that we can perceive directly and respond to. Ayn Rand has written entire philosophical books on the subject (If you haven't The Romantic Manifesto, do so immediately). All Dystopian novels are connected to philosophy, and Atlas Shrugged, I believe, is one of the best ever done because this purpose is so overtly visible.
Now, if you're new to Ayn Rand then I suggest a few things. First, don't dive into Atlas Shrugged first, it's a brick of a book. I would suggest reading some of her philosophy first, get an idea of what she is preaching. So pick up "The virtue of selfishness", "The romantic manifesto" and "Capitalism: The unknown ideal", then move onto "Fountainhead" (which should also get a remake), and then finish off with her opus, "Atlas shrugged." Do this immediately so you can embrace for the movie.
Anyways, the early reviews are out for the film, and so far, so good. But early reviews can't always be trusted, so fingers are crossed!
"Ask yourself whether the dream of heaven and greatness should be waiting for us in our graves - or whether it should be ours here and now and on this earth."-Ayn Rand
Maxey Thomas is an alias of Greg Thomas, and is the creator of Dystopian Novels which is a blog that explores philosophical issues in the modern world, and how the writer can reflect on these issues, so that their creative expression can be strengthened and refined. Thomas is an aspiring author of Dystopian Novels, and is currently backpacking the world.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maxey_Thomas
23 Apr 2011
Transformers the Movie
26 years passed since Transformers first appeared on Television. It all started with toys for children. Evil Decepticons and defenders of all good Autobots. Over the past decade, Transformers has become more than just a toy line, countless comic books and TV series, movies and video games have been released. All of which were successful. Kids from all over the world, and not just kids, everyone knows about endless battles between Optiums prime and Megatron. Several generations of TV series expanded into movie franchise. Transformers the movie 1 and movie 2 have become even more popular then TV series.
Mind Blowing Hollywood style spec-effects and Megan Fox guaranteed success for the movie; in fact the movie box office was astronomical. It was Over 319 Mln. USD Domestic total gross + global over 390 Million USD, total 709+ Million USD, First weekend only - over 109 Million USD. Only the opening weekend is more around 7.5 Million USD. Second movie was a total blast, over 402 Million USD Domestic and up to 435 Million USD Global, total 836+ Million USD. It would be a serious understatement to address Transformers as one of the best of its own kind. Transformers had unparalleled success in every media release, even despite the shallowness of the plot and practically nonexistent storyline. Transformers is an amazing movie. It delivers exactly what the original Transformers fans expected to. Smashing up Cities left and right changing the shape of the planet with just a single swings and Megan Fox.
In all honesty Michael Bay didn't disappoint us; there wasn't a single dull moment in the movie, it was nostalgic and futuristic at same time. Although movie definitely had some silly moments like "Sam" a teenage boy without any special ability, just a teenage boy managed to kill Megaton THE Ultimate evil. Also there were confusions in fights scenes. It was difficult to see who was shooting who. Despite the ultra high quality CG and robot details, It was really difficult to tell who was who in the middle of battle and sometimes not just in battles.
Transformers the game was another successful transformation. It's a pretty straight forward action game with some cool fight scenes (probably the reason why anyone would want to play Transformers) interesting and innovative missions where you actually NEED to transform into vehicles, cool soundtracks, interactive environment which is fully destructible, and of course some crazy melee actions involving unique abilities of Transformers.
11 Apr 2011
Samsara: A Movie of Deluged Traditions
Along the path heading towards the monastery is a stone-engraved words that literally asked about preventing a waterdrop from drying. Tashi also noticed the encryption.
A magnificent Tibetan tradition was spread in between barren mountains of Jammu and Kashmir of Ladakh. It is nestled at twelve thousand feet over sea level and can be considered a scenic landscape for movie shoots. If Pan Nalin would've known the place while stating the portrayals of the values in Tibetan system anchored on the ideas and teachings of the Buddha, Siddartha Gautama.
Regardless of the system influence during the Chinese invasion in Tibet, Tibetans' morality and values are preserved. It is known all over universe that they are wealthy in cultures and traditions, particularly on human links to nature. The principles of Buddha are well inculcated in their lives every single day. The thoroughfares of Ladakh are full of mantra chanting Tibetans. The prayers will echo around streets.
Ladakh is absolutely the Omnipotent's masterpiece. You can traverse beautiful sceneries amidst sandy highways in Rohtang Pass, approximately 50Km to Manali. The alluring river flows at the other side of the paths can captivate a tiring soul for a bathe. The conveyance left Manali around 2am dawn time. Even with drowsy perception, one will come to appreciate Rohtang Pass' loveliness. But, wait! There are more remarkable encounters as we go further to Ladakh.
The movie Samsara and Ladakh are both awesome. In the movie, Tashi was in the cave for the period of three days, three months, three weeks and three days for meditation. It has been monks' obligation to awake his being with noise from Tibetan bowl for the time has come to return to Samsara or the World. Tashi has gained knowledge on the language and came to retrieve his normal monastic routine and discipline, but only to recognize that his energy on sexuality was not taken directed well. For spiritual candidates, a mastery on sexual urge and huge amount of power over ejaculation and arousal are taught.
Accordingly, the sexual prowess is headed up to the brain and all the cores of the nerve are set in motion. The enormous heat of the semen unbolts up the subconscious mind towards illumination.
Tashi recognized this failure and was troubled on it. Sonam, his trusted friend and room buddy, felt his angst when he saw Tashi's struggle to surpass his wants for sexual pleasure. Apo, the senior monk, is concerned about it and verified Sonam if Tashi has the same wet dreams. Upon knowing that Tashi still has them, he told Tashi to engulf fresh airs and they take their time in an adjacent village to where they are provided with complementary feast. Tashi saw the woman named Pema and he was attracted to the beauty the woman possesses.
Apo noticed everything and kept on convincing Tashi about the path he must follow. In contradiction, Tashi left the monastery and followed his brand new yearning- Pema. They got married and he lives a farmer's life. He lost contacts for years with his spiritual practices. One day, Sonam arrived bearing a letter wrote by Apo. The missive asked about the comparative weighs on satisfaction of numerous Earthly desires and conquering just one.
In its entirety, the plots in the story are well done and it touches many insightful issues like the women's rights for crafting decisions in life. The screenplay, scripts, and direction is above average. Samsara is a good portrayal of life in Ladakh that is uniquely transformed into a movie that everybody will surely love.
10 Apr 2011
London Movie Location Tours Are Educational And Fun For All Ages
As a popular international tourist destination, London has an infrastructure that caters to the needs of the millions of visitors the city greets annually. Accommodations can be found to fit any budget and many offer easy access to various attractions. Several famous spots are within walking distance of each other but there is an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, taxis and the underground Tube. Tourists who are interesting in exploring this vibrant city will find a number of fun London tours to choose from.
There are several organized sightseeing tours available that will help visitors get a feel for the city. Options include excursions around the city by every type of transportation including buses, boats and bicycles. Some are tailored for various special interests like history, castles, politics, shopping and art. There is even one that shadows the moves of the infamous Jack the Ripper.
Trafalgar Square marks the exact centre of London with its monument to Lord Nelson. Several sculptures are displayed here including the four bronze lions that guard the base of Nelson's Column.
Members of the English Royal family once lived in the palace now known as the Houses of Parliament. Westminster Hall has been standing since 1097. Highlights include the Lords and Commons Chambers, the Royal Gallery and the Queen's Robing Room.
Westminster Abbey is located in Parliament Square near the Houses of Parliament and was the location of nearly every royal burial held from 1272 to 1760. The late 7th century edifice contains the remains or at least monuments dedicated to some of the biggest names in politics, science, literature and music including Isaac Newton and William Shakespeare.
Tourists flock to the Tower of London to soak up centuries of history. This formidable fortress served as a prison and many notorious inmates met their demise here. The site now houses the crown jewels in addition to an impressive collection of medieval royal armour and weapons.
Shoppers can choose from the many famous shopping districts. Quaint Covent Garden features a number of small boutiques while the shops on Portobello Road are known for dealing in fine antiques. Picadilly Circus is a lively area, bright with neon and Savile Row is home to several high end clothing designers and tailors.
Visitors will find London tours that are interesting, educational and fun regardless of age. Knowledgeable guides are available to point out various buildings of historical significance and provide detailed information about the city. There are also a number of self-guided walks for people who would rather explore the area at their own pace.