Are There Too Many Supporting Characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Next summer The Avengers will unite for the first time on screen. Yes that's right, next year we will see Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor and Captain America assemble attempt to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. To get this far, it has taken five films that each intertwine with each other in order to set up this huge superhero team up. Whilst films in the Marvel cinematic universe are all connected, they are also their own franchises that contain other important supporting characters. With the Avengers fast approaching, are major supporting characters such as War Machine, Bucky and Odin likely to get bumped for the superhero team-up film?
Recent reports suggest a host of supporting characters such as James Rhodes/ War Machine from Iron Man and Bucky Barnes from Captain America: The First Avenger will not be appearing in the Avengers flick. This is understandable from Marvel's point of view, as it would save them money and prevents the film from overcrowding, but from a narrative point of view, are there too many loose ties to deal with that require these supporting characters in some capacity?
My first point is with Thor. When we last saw the Odinson, he was stranded in Asgard after destroying the Bifrost Bridge. (The bridge that connects the nine realms) Whilst his return to Earth is likely to be caused by the 'secret paths' Loki hinted at, how is the Avengers film really going to deal with this without using the likes of Heimdall, Odin and Jane Foster. Using Idris Elba in the film wouldn't seem too excessive as his appearance could be kept to a bare cameo, but stars such as Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman, who haven't yet confirmed if they're on board, would be extremely expensive to have for bare cameos, and would likely need to have some involvement in the story, considering the main villain is likely to be Loki (Tom Hiddleston).
The same goes for the supporting characters in the Iron Man franchise. Don Cheadle recently confirmed that unless he's recast, he definitely would not be in the Avengers as War Machine. This is understandable considering the team will already have Iron Man, but if the crisis in the film that brings the group together is truly Earth threatening, wouldn't Nick Fury want another armoured battle suit at his disposal? This is something I hope Josh Whedon acknowledges in the film and that he makes a reasonable excuse for Rhode's absence. Gwyneth Paltrow's Pepper Potts is fortunately unnecessary in the film, so at least her absence is taken care of.
The absence of Captain America's supporting characters in the Avengers is easier to explain due to The First Avenger being a period movie. Some key characters such as Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) will at least need referencing in the film, perhaps in flashback sequences in order to emphasize how Steve Rogers has become a man out of time. If the Avengers film were to set up storylines for future solo character adventures, Bucky Barnes could be featured as The Winter Soldier.
Lastly is The Incredible Hulk. Personally this is the hardest film to incorporate into the Avengers movie due to it being released back in 2008 with no further sequels and a recast in lead actor from Ed Norton to Mark Ruffalo. When we last saw Bruce Banner he was hiding out in British Columbia where we saw hints that either he had become able to control the monster within, or it was controlling him. Whilst this will surely be dealt with in the Avengers, the after credit scene with Tony Stark and General Ross hinted that Ross was somehow involved in the set up of the Avengers team. Will this be addressed in the film? I doubt it as I'm beginning to feel Marvel is slowly removing The Incredible Hulk from their continuity.
Hopefully the absence of any important supporting characters will be addressed intelligently, as this is where Marvel's connected universe will really begin to pay off. For instant I don't want to see Thor return to Earth with no mention of Jane Foster, nor do I want Tony Stark in combat without acknowledging War Machine's absence. Hopefully Josh Whedon will pay attention to detail and Marvel will surely pull of something phenomenal that sets new standards for comic book movies.

Reviewed: Green Lantern [2011]

First off, I have to say my knowledge of the Green Lantern extends as far as knowing that somewhere along the line a ring, a lantern, lots of green and a rhyme are involved and that's about it. Before the film I didn't even know our hero's name so in that respect I know not if this did the comic justice and stuck closely to the ideas and themes or it varied wildly. On the plus side this means I get to learn about a whole new character from scratch and that's what I love about the movies.
The story follows Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) a jet fighter test pilot following in the footsteps of his father. However his life is turned upside down when he finds himself face to face with an alien who gives him a ring which bestows unto him magical powers that enable him not only the ability to fly but allow anything he imagines to materialise. He is not the only one with a ring though and but part of a larger collective known as the Green Lanterns who are tasked with looking after the universe and protecting it from evil.
Unfortunately I found the action somewhat disappointing not only in its quantity (there wasn't much) but also in respect to its quality. The options available to our green lanterns are endless, whatever you can think can become real, it's a scriptwriters dream as anything is feasible as long as they could think of it and yet we are treated to an array of shields and various guns where just a bit more thought could have given us so much more. CGI was a massive factor in this movie as well and for the first time in while I noticed it with the effects feeling slightly incomplete on occasion.
In the supporting cast there was one impressive performance with Mark Strong as Sinestro who should have had more screen time and no poor ones as the cast went about their parts with a minimum of fuss. Reynolds does not quite suit the superhero role but that could just be because I cannot see past him as any character other than a comedic Van Wilder type.
My main gripe with the film though was the characters who were mostly underdeveloped- Hal's friend picks up Hal in his car and says wow when he sees him showing off his suit. That was it, no other point to him at all. Even stranger, Hal's sibling's and nephew were in the start of the movie and then completely cut from the script never to be seen or even heard of again. Also Hal's love interest Carol (Blake Lively) added looks but no real emotional connection with Hal questioning the inclusion of her at all.
As enemies go Parallax never had me worried and I never felt Hal was in real trouble. The Green Lantern has no weaknesses- Superman has kryptonite, Spiderman has limited powers but the Green Lantern can create anything and go anywhere which led me to never be concerned and so for a rather average viewing experience. I'm assuming in the lifetime of the comics, there were better villains that could have been used for the big screen than Hector Hammond (the giant head) (Peter Sarsgaard) and Parallax (the giant smoky head)?
I think that if this had been released before Thor or X-Men: First Class then it might have faired slightly better but it never captivated me in the same way those movies did. It seems set slightly more towards the younger generation with a few too many plot holes for my liking and I just hope that if a sequel does come about from this, who am I kidding, WHEN a sequel is made, more effort is put into developing the characters. It seems a bit like I hate this movie but it's not a bad film (remember Catwoman and Daredevil?), it's just I'd rather save my cash and go with something else instead.

Oscar Nominated Movies in Bollywood

Bollywood refers to one of the film industries of India, where many movies in Hindi are made. The fame of producing the highest number of films in India goes to Bollywood. Among the most popular movies in Bollywood, some are so rich in their content that they have competed with other foreign language films in the category of Best Foreign language Film in Academy Awards.
Mother India is considered to be one of the most admired movies in Bollywood. The story of this film is penned by Mehboob Khan and is a remake of his 1940 film Aurat. The film depicting the social set up of old India has Nargis Dutt and Sunil Dutt, playing the main characters in the film. A poor woman in rural India, in spite of all the hardships in life, holds on to good principles and values. Even then she murders her own son, at the end, in order to keep her promise given to the landlord. The film was chosen as one of the five Best Foreign language films at Oscars in the year 1958. Mother India is the representation of India after Independence and became the first Indian film to compete at the Oscars.
Salaam Bombay! became the second film to be chosen from India at the Oscars among other movies in Bollywood. Released in the year 1988, this film depicted the lives of many street children living in Bombay (now Mumbai). The movie has received numerous awards in many national and international film festivals. Some of the most revered awards, received by this Mira Nair film are Golden Camera Award at the Cannes Film Festival, National Film Award for Best Feature Film and Montreal World Film Festival.
Lagaan, starring Amir Khan, India's one of the most leading actors, became the third entry into Oscars. Released in the year 2001, the film is set up in the background of Victorian era, where British ruled the Indian subcontinent. Lagaan tells the story of a village, which unites to fight against the increase in taxation by the British Government. The film directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, with a budget of 250 million, also had some of the British actors.
Water, directed by Deepa Mehta, an Indian-born woman director, is the fourth film to be nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. With the backdrop of India of 1938, the movie explores lives of many widows in Varanasi. The film, which started off many controversies, starred many talented Indian actors and actresses like Liza Ray, Vinay Pathak, Raghubir Yadav and John Abraham.
Rang De Basanti, by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, had the contemporary India portrayed through the characters of young college going students. The film brings forth the evolution of these students from being passive to corrupt social system to changing the rules by giving their lives. The film became a huge influence on young Indians, who were disappointed with the corrupt Government. This film got nominated at the Oscars after competing with other movies in Bollywood.

Doctor Who Timeline

Doctor Who hit our screens back on the 23rd of November in 1963. The show was developed mainly by the head of Drama at the BBC at that time, Sydney Newman. The series title theme track was composed by Ron Grainer which went on to become as famous as the show itself.
The first ever Doctor was played by William Hartnell from 1963 to 1966. At first William was not sure about accepting the part of Doctor Who but it was the then director Waris Hussein which convinced him he was ideal for the role. This role and his character gained him the highest profile in his career and how he is best remembered.
When Hartnell left the continued survival of the show depended on audiences accepting another actor and that actor was Patrick Troughton. He took over from Hartnel in 1966 and played the doctor until 1969. Again his role as the doctor is what he is most widely known for. After leaving in 1969 he came back and reappeared in episodes in 1973, 1983 and 1985. Unfortunately many episodes which he appreared in were wiped by the BBC for economic and space-saving reasons.
Troughton found the schedule playing Doctor Who's very gruelling so decided to leave the series in 1969, after three years in the role. He was also worried about being typecast. Jon Pertwee replaced Patrick and played the Doctor until 1974. He was a popular choice and also famous for playing Worzel Gummidge from 1979 to 1987.
Next up came Tom Baker who was my particular favourite at the time. He made the character his own with his eccentric style of dress and speech and his trademark long scarf. This role made him instantly recognisable and he soon became a very popular doctor. His stint lasted 7 years until in 1981 when Peter Davidson took over. Because Tom Baker became typecast he took the advice from previous actors who has played doctor who and only stayed for 3 years.
The sixth doctor saw Colin Baker take over the role. He played the role for a short two years. His character was boisterous and 'larger than life' but this didn't do down so well with audiences and he took a lot of the blame for the shows steady decline in viewing figures at this time. Sylvester McCoy took over from Colin in 1987 and played the doctor until the series ended in 1989. It was thought at the time that the show was past its sell by date.
Paul McGann played the eighth doctor in the 1996 television movie. The movie was a joint venture between the BBC, Universal Studios and the Fox Broadcasting Network. The plan was to create a new TV series if the movie proved successful. The movie did quite well in the UK, but ratings were very low in the . Due to this Fox decidened not to create another series and around that time Universal could not find another network interested in airing a new Doctor Who series. So that was the end of Doctor who until a new series was produced in 2005.
The series came back with a bang with Christopher Eccleston as the ninth doctor. He only played the role for only one series until he released a statement via the BBC saying that he had decided to leave the role after just one series because like previous actors before him he feared becoming typecast. The show benefited from the advancement of special effects and was a complete success.
Next up was David Tennant who fitted into the doctors shoes very nicely and placed the role for 5 years. This was a childhood dream for David and he lapped up the role and attention that went with it. He was a very popular doctor and in 2007 he was voted the "coolest character" on UK television in a Radio Times survey.
Matt Smith took over in 2010 and is still currently playing the role. Today the show is listed in the Gusiness Book of records as the longest running science fiction show in the world. This is down to the shows overall ratings; book and DVD sales and iTunes traffic including illegal downloads. For a long time the show has been recognised for its imaginative stories and special effects and now is a significant part of British popular culture.

Review: Double Dhamaal

It's the season of sequels! After last week's Bheja Fry 2, which got a thanda response, all eyes were on Double Dhamaal, the sequel to 2007's comedy Dhamaal. With obvious comparisons in tow, Double Dhamaal manages to create just a stir and No Dhamaal, forget it being Double.
The movie is like a circus show, where various artists don different avatars, hit each other, fall down, make funny faces and do other amusing things with the sole aim to make you laugh. Sometimes they hit the Bull's eye, sometimes they don't. Similar is the case with Double Dhamaal, where various characters struggle to perk up the movie, succeed in some scenes but fail on the whole.
Director Indra Kumar, with wacky comedies like Ishq and Dil to his name, which were marked with some beautiful emotional and romantic moments, has tried to meet his fans' sky-high hopes in Double Dhamaal with an ensemble star cast, foreign locales and some mad-cap and adult humour, which definitely makes you giggle but strictly in some parts. Unfortunately, the man ended up making another mindless comedy, which is not at all 'hatke.'
What to say about the writers, must admit that they have done their homework well (read getting inspired by recent Bollywood comedies) as the movie exploits the sexual and adult humour to the core. So, be ready for some 'balls' and 'marbles' rolled at you and don't get zapped if the names of characters sound like popular expletives!
Talking about the story-line, first half looks quite clichéd and predictable, in the way Sanjay Dutt plans to fool the four boys and then they decide to take revenge. Post intermission, the plot begins to show some signs of twists in the tale but all that comes to the fore is usual jokes, typical funny situations and over the top scenes, which begin to irritate you after some time. However, the movie can boast of a few scenes that will definitely tickle your funny bone - gorilla scene, coat hanging scene and the spoofs on Guzaarish, Taare Zameen Par and Wanted, deserve a mention here.
Double Dhamaal begins where Dhamaal ends. The four friends of Dhamaal are back with Double Dhamaal - Roy (Riteish Deshmukh), Boman (Ashish Choudhary), Adi (Arshad Warsi) and Manav (Jaaved Jaafrey) are leading a life of paupers after donating all of their money to the orphanage. They meet the supah rich Kabir (Sanjay Dutt) and the two sexy ladies - Kia (Kangana) and Kamini (Mallika Sherawat) and that ignites their desire to lead a luxurious life. And soon, begins the mad race to become rich, richer and richest - a race that's marked with silly ramblings, mistaken identities, disguises and lots of tamasha.
As far as characters are concerned, you can say only they are the saving grace. While, Sanjay Dutt delivers what's expected - nothing more, nothing less, Arshad, is really asardar with his comic timing and dialogue delivery, Riteish once again takes the cake for his performance, specially for his outstanding mimicry. Aashish Choudhary is a revelation as sex-siren Barbara Horie and Do Do, though, he is just 'ok' as Boman. Jaaved Jaffrey will win your heart with his vulnerability, which creates some humorous moments. Mallika Sherawat is just a 'show piece,' a sexy one at that. We're wondering if she was funnier as the Hiss-torical Naagin or Kamini? Even the controversial and 'blink and you miss' bikini act and the anticipated item number 'Jalebi Bai' couldn't save her sinking character. Last but not the least, Kangana's character could have explored a lot more. The girl definitely has some comic sense, which if exploited well can work wonders.
Music (un)wise the film doesn't offer anything remarkable minus the 'Chal Kudiye' number by Mika, which might become a party-anthem for some days. 'Jalebi Bai,' which was being promoted as a competition to 'Shelia' and Munni, doesn't even come close to them. Rest of the songs are forgettable, and you will for sure! Anand Raj Anand has been better in the past.
On the whole, Double Dhamaal is a movie for those, who are in no mood to handle 'heavy duty' stuff and are looking out for just any movie to kill three hours with some under the belt humour. A statutory warning from us - A BIG tub of pop corn is a must! After all you deserve a treat for sitting through the movie!

Korean Film Industry

One salient feature over the past decade has been the increasing success of Korean films on the screens, where they have proved capable of attracting new spectators - a phenomenon similar to that witnessed in some European countries, according to what emerged during MEDIA Salles' Focus on Europe event at Cinema Expo International 2002, in Amsterdam.
Considering all these points, the following two reflections on the Korean film industry, especially from the 90s up to the present, may be offered to European movie concerns.
Increasing market share of Korean movies
From 15.9% to 45.2% within 9 years, the Korean film market share increased..Until 1993, the Korean movie had a very small market share, because of its low quality, due to the limited budget for production and the lack of a well-developed system compared to the mighty Hollywood majors, which had been present on the Korean market since 1988. Accordingly, the market share of Korean movies had been steadily decreasing for the above mentioned period, finally dropping to 15% and threatening its very existence.
However, in 1999 the film Shiri brought a positive turning. It was the first Korean blockbuster movie, recording around 5 million spectators: it catapulted to the top of the South Korean box office and ended up toppling the record previously held by Titanic. This exceptional event was enough to initiate large-scale fund-raising and the creation of a production system by SEG (Samsung Entertainment Group). Shiri's success, representing the opportunity for the market share to soar to 39.7%, inspired many Korean film-makers and convinced them that Korean productions could be successful if they were based on a good financial support and a selected, quality background.
Subsequently other Korean movies, like Joint Security Area and Friend were of great impact in the Korean film market, so that in 2002 the market share settled at 45.2% in terms of admissions and at a higher 46.7% in terms of box office. It should be remembered that, at the end of the nineties, the number of foreign movies released in Korea was six times higher than for domestic movies.
Apart from the development of the Korean movie in itself, the spread of multiplexes, mainly belonging to the Orion Group and CJ, and the legislation on the "five-day working week" have tempted the Korean people to visit theatres more during their longer weekends. As a result the Korean film market has continued to expand by 17% to 18% each year and total audiences in 2002 amounted to over 100 million.
In addition, major distributors of Hollywood movies, such as Warner Brothers, MGM, and Dreamworks began to obtain the copyright for remakes of several movies that had been big hits on the Korean market. Fox, Walt Disney and other direct-distribution companies also started to take Korean movies on board their global distribution runs. Most recently, Columbia signed a contract on world distribution and investment with a local production company.
Large Korean enterprises join the race for film business
In the turmoil of the national crisis and IMF aid, most of the funding for the film industry seemed to come to a halt as the major sponsoring companies became involved in corporate restructuring and attempted to do away with unnecessary expenses and investments. Nevertheless, not only small and medium funding but also financial capital were able to replace the void thanks to a series of Korean movie successes and the theatre franchising system for securing stable profits.
As the film industry recovered from the monetary crisis thanks to this massive funding and to the constant production of quality movies, the situation was reversed. Competition on this market is becoming fiercer day by day and the major Korean enterprises with nationwide multiplex chains, represented by the Orion Group, CJ and Lotte, strive to strengthen their market leadership in terms of production and distribution, as well as exhibition. Another dark horse on the market, Cinema Service, has made the production and distribution of Korean movies its top priority and is now starting to open its own theatres. Significantly, it is already known that this company has concluded a merger deal with its foremost competitor, CJ, and the Orion Group and Lotte are expected to launch survival strategies that will lead the market into the second round.
TOP 10 BEST KOREAN FILMS
MUSA
Musa (Musa), released as The Warrior in English-speaking countries, is a 2001 South Korean epic film directed by Kim Seong-soo, starring Jung Woo-sung, Ahn Sung-ki, Ju Jin-mo and Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi.
The setting is China, 1375. After ousting the Mongols, the Ming now face a rapidly deteriorating relationship with the Korean nation. When a diplomatic envoy from Korea arrives in China, the Ming troops arrest the innocent visitors as spies, exiling them to a remote desert. As fate would have it, the Koryo warriors escape their captors, but soon learn that freedom is not without its problems. Having failed in their mission, the Koreans find themselves at a crossroads. To return home to Korea as failures would be a shame none of them could bear, yet to stay in China would be a move that would effectively sign their own death warrants.
However, fortune smiles upon the disaffected heroes in the form of a captured Ming princess, the stunningly attractive Buyong (Zhang Ziyi). The Koryo troops realize that freeing the lovely maiden from the Mongols would not only reconcile them in the eyes of the Ming, but it could be their only ticket home. So the small band of soldiers embark on a daring raid to save the haughty princess and return her safely to Nanjing.They have to face numerous problems on the way.
All in all Musa is an enrapturing movie from start to last and thus is a must watch.
Old Boy
Imagine being imprisoned for 15 years; no, not in a real prison, but in a hotel room, held there by someone you don't know, and for something you can't remember. This is the situation Oh Dae-Su finds himself in, going slowly mad for a decade and a half until he is suddenly and inexplicably released. Director Park Chan-Wook based this movie on a Japanese manga, but took it totally in a new direction. The movie succeeds in being thrilling, entertaining and unexpected, and most of that is due to the intensity with which actor Choi Min-Sik tackles the role of Dae-su. The twists and turns are seemingly endless; and often shocking; yet Choi holds it all together. You just can't take your eyes off him.
The Chaser
Joong-Ho used to be on the right side of the law as a detective. Now he is a pimp, facing financial ruin because his girls are disappearing mysteriously, and he isn't making any money. The police don't seem to care, so Joong-Ho calls on his own former skills to find out what has happened to the girls. What he finds is horrifying in the extreme, and it takes a strong stomach to sit through all of it, but those who have to; namely, critics; have acclaimed the movie. It is a stunning movie, taking the audience in unexpected directions as Joong-Ho desperately tries to track down one of the girls, called Mi-Jin, before the worst happens. Directed by Ha Hong-Jin, The Chaser doesn't let up until you fall off the edge of your chair.
Brotherhood of War
Western movie goers rarely get to see the Korean War from the Korean side, although M*A*S*H gave us brief glimpses during its long run on TV. This South Korean epic follows the lives of two brothers roughly conscripted into the conflict. The older brother, Lee Jin-Tae, tries to secure the freedom of the younger brother, Lee-Jeon, by performing brave acts, but all he does is incur the boy's anger and jealousy. This intensely moving drama doesn't care which side is right or wrong, it shows the horrible consequences of war on families and ordinary people. It is harrowing to watch, but director Kang Je-Gyu gets his message across; war is hell, for all of us.
The Good, the Bad, the Weird
Manchuria in the 1940s; full of desperate characters and wild rumors of secret treasures; makes a great substitute for the wild west, in this South Korean re-imagining of Sergio Leone's classic The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (but then so did Spain in the original movie). Into this eye scorching landscape come three men in pursuit of a map that leads to a buried treasure. The men are bounty hunter Park do-Won (the Good) played by Woo-Sung Jung from A Moment to Remember; bandit Park Chang-Yi (The Bad) played by Lee Byun-Hun; and thief Yoon Tae-Goo (The Weird) played by Song Kang-Ho from Memories of Murder. The action is unrelenting as they pursue each other, and are pursued by Japanese soldiers, other thieves and bandits, and anyone who happens to like a good chase. The stunts are intense; Lee broke his leg, and Jung his arm, falling off horses. Director Kin Je-Woon calls his movie a kimchi western. Everyone else calls it one hell of a ride.
A Tale of Two Sisters
South Korean cinema is not all about murder mysteries and love stories. When it comes to psychological horror, this 2003 movie is guaranteed to creep out even the most hardened fan. Two sisters, Soo-Mi and Soo-Yeon, return to their home after a stay in hospital. What follows, when the elder sister believes her step-mother is abusing the younger sister, mounts in spine chilling horror and tension until the shocking truth is revealed. Director Kim Ji-Woon extracted consummate performances from his young stars, Lim Su-Jeong and Moon Gyung-Young, using a well known folk tale as the basis for this movie. A remake called The Uninvited in 2009 simply failed to catch the atmospheric essence of the original.
My Sassy Girl
Run, don't walk, away from the American remake of 2008 and watch the 2001 South Korean original instead. It is based on the real-life blog of Kim Ho-Sik, writing about his relationship with an unnamed girl. She's a terror, abusing him, testing him, embarrassing him in public, and generally making his life hell. Why does he put up with it? Because she is suffering and he believes he can help her. On one level, this is one of the funniest movies ever made; Char tae-Hyun plays the hapless hero, rescuer and victim, while Jun Ji-Hyun (now known as Gianna Jun from Blood: The Last Vampire) plays the girl. From their first meeting, when the drunk girl vomits on the bald head of an elderly train passenger, to the meeting with another old man that awakens her to the realisation that she knew real love, this movie couple will steal your heart.
A Moment to Remember
No one can do romance like the Koreans. If you want to be swept up in a love story that leaves you breathless, don't watch Love Story again, watch this. Starring current South Korean box office magnet Woo-Sung Jung as Cheol-Su, and the lovely Ye-Jin Son as Su-Jin, the movie is about two people whose love survives even the tragedy of Su-Jin developing Alzheimer's disease at a young age. Together they are building beautiful memories as they meet, and marry, but all those memories are soon to be lost to Su-Jin's rare illness. Woo-Sung gives a mesmerising performance as the man who goes from a loner with a chip on his shoulder to a loving husband who has to face the fact that his wife doesn't recognise him any more. Have the tissues ready, because director John H. Lee and his hand picked cast sure know how to get those tears flowing.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring
This haunting movie will linger long in the memory after the closing credits. The setting is exquisitely beautiful, a temple floating on a lake surrounded by hills and trees. It is home to an old monk and the young boy he is training. This is spring, in the boy's innocent youth. In summer, when the boy is in his teens, he gets his first taste of desire when he meets a young girl and her mother, who is seeking help for the girl's illness. When the old monk sends the girl away, the boy also leaves, and the seasons turn to autumn and winter, as the world outside intrudes. This lyrical poem of a movie was directed by Kim Ki-Duk.
Memories of Murder
Starring one of South Korea's most popular actors, Song Kang-Ho (from The Good, The Bad, The Weird and The Host), and Kim Sang-Kyeong, this movie is an all-time hit with fans of Korean cinema. Directed in 2003 by Bong Joon-Ho, Memories of Murder is based on the true story of the investigation into South Korea's first serial killings, in the 1980s. The impact of the grisly murders on a police force not trained or equipped to deal with them, and the efforts of unsophisticated country cops to track down the murderer, make for an engrossing movie. Song plays Detective Park Doo-Man, a simple soul, who is overwhelmed by the case, and is assisted by city cop Seo Tae-Yoon (Kim Sang-Kyeong). The two do not form an easy partnership, as Seo tries to impress upon Park the need for proper investigation methods. The setting, a small town outside Seoul, is beautifully realised and takes you right into the story.

4 Easy Tips To Help You Promote Your Music

Internet marketing is probably one of the most valuable skill sets a musician can have in their arsenal nowadays. No matter whether you are a producer who makes urban pop beats or a  rock and roll guitarist, you have to have your marketing hat on! With the millions of people online you might be wondering how you can begin promoting yourself on the internet. Here are 4 easy ways to help you promote your music online.
1. Start Blogging
There are tons of blog resources on the internet nowadays, a lot of which are free. Websites such as Blogger, WordPress, Tumblr, and Xangaallow you to start blogging for free!
On your blog write a biography, post your social networking links, and begin posting relevant content. If you can, add pictures and videos to give your blog some spice and get away from the monotony of just plain text. Offer people the opportunity to subscribe to your blog as well. This will help you begin to build a community around your content.
Don't make your blogging hard! You can write about just about anything that you want. However, try to get in a regular habit of blogging. You don't have to necessarily post something everyday, but try posting 1-2 times a week or whatever interval you setup for yourself. Get consistent! Think of your blog like a journal of sorts.
2. Get some Footage
Having an audio-visual element of yourself and your music online has become critical to the success of many upcoming musicians nowadays. Websites like YouTube and Vimeo have provided a platform for musicians to connect with other like never before!
To get started you can create YouTube videos with just your music in them. You can even use still images in these videos. If you have a webcam you can even do some Vlogging (Video blogging) of yourself. This is a great way to begin building a fan base for yourself.
When using video you should provide links back to your blog/website in the description of your YouTube video. This will help people connect with you. Also, work on getting people to subscribe to your YouTube channel.
3. Jump on your social networks
This almost goes without saying. Whether you are using Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Foursquare, etc, you should be on these websites and you should be using them to build relationships. Begin making friends and getting social. Meet new people and gradually begin sharing your music with them.
DO NOT SPAM YOUR MUSIC!
This is probably one of the worst things you could do on a social network! It will usually get you blocked, banned, reported, and unfriended!
4. Spread the Word
Word of mouth advertising is probably one of the most effective methods to begin promoting yourself. It is effective both online and offline.
Offline, tell your friends, family, teachers, neighbors, etc about what you are doing and ask for feedback. Use this feedback to improve and make yourself better.
Online, begin participating in music related forums. In these forums look for promotional avenues. Again, DO NOT SPAM.  Request feedback and begin to network with other forum members. BUILD YOUR RELATIONSHIPS FIRST THEN PROMOTE! You will be a lot more effective in your music promotion that way.

EVH Guitar Review

The Eddie Van Halen quality is something that many musicians treasure. For every EVH guitar, Eddie has put everything identical to the instruments that he used.
For many years, EVH has earned a distinguishing mark that only the brand deserves for its guitar lines, amps and musical products. Guitar reviews ratings have consistently put EVH guitars on top of the list. This is because of Van Halen's personal touch to every piece before it comes out in the market.
According to Eddie "The guitar is a very personal extension of the person playing it". His evident connection to his own instrument brought a lot of people to ask if they can get the kind of guitar he had always used. This is the idea why he himself is involved with every piece because he wants followers to get what he exactly used in his early tours and performances.
The EVH Frankenstein Replica is one of the most glorious innovations in the history of guitars, which was well rated in many guitar reviews. The incredible musical power of Van Halen is phenomenally crafted in this piece of art. The replica of Van Halen's first incredible guitar features a Seymour Duncan Custom Shop EVH humbucking pickup, a single master volume knob (labeled "Tone") mounted on a partial black pickguard identical to the original. Completing the replica is a non-functional three-way switch and single-coil pickup that takes two of the three pickup cavities.
The Frankenstein Replica is another EVH guitar, which every musician aspires to play because it produces the sound that they perfectly want. It comes with a signed 8x10 photo, note from EVH, signed certificate, a making-of DVD, and limited-edition VH/EVH picks. All packed in a time-tested Anvil VH case.
Representing Eddie Van Halen's over 35 years of expertise in guitar design is the latest addition to EVH guitars- the EVH Wolfgang. The making of this new line is backed by over two years of extensive research and developments as well as actual concert testing during his 2007-2008 tour.
It has features identical to the Wolfgang guitars he records and performs with. The EVH Wolfgang has a unique double cutaway body with an arched AA maple top on a lightweight basswood back, a quartersawn single-piece AA bird's-eye maple neck fitted with stainless steel frets, double-potted custom wound pickups, five-piece binding on the matching body and headstock, custom-made signature tuning machines and Floyd Rose bridge with the patented EVH D-Tuna drop D tuning system and Bourns low-friction pots.

Jazz: The Growth of Contemporary Jazz Music

Born in the early 20th century in African American cultures, jazz is a musical style that has developed and evolved all different genres of music. Dating from early 1910s to the 1990s, jazz has contributed to the growth of music. Sparking a rise to a variety of music styles, the spread of jazz across the world influenced trends from early New Orleans Dixieland styles to Latin Afro-Cuban even playing a part in the development of funk and hip hop in the 1990s.
Aside from playing a part in the growth of sub-genres, jazz within itself has been influenced by a variety of musical genres. Most commonly the trends of R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles helped shape jazz fusion into what we know to be smooth jazz. With tracks of encoded rhythms and down-tempo beats, smooth jazz is often confused with styling of contemporary(urban) jazz music. A modern growth is urban jazz, which slot in aspects of hip-hop; which is intended for listeners who would normally listen to radio stations that play an assortment of hip-hop and R&B. While smooth jazz is soft and mellow is content; contemporary jazz music is blunter and grabs the attention of its listeners.
Among the players who commonly perform this style of jazz are Dave Koz, Boney James, Paul Jackson Jr., Nick Colionne, Bobby Perry, Urban Jazz Coalition, Streetwize, and Tha' Hot Club. As well as other contemporary jazz artists such as Bob Baldwin, Michael Lington, Brian Bromberg, David Lanz, Bobby Ricketts, Kim Waters, Daniele Caprelli, Ken Navarro, Walter Beasley, and Peter White. As popularity for late night radio airplay throughout the years grew; doors where open for contemporary jazz music artist like Kenny G, David Sanborn, the late George Howard, George Benson, Marc Antoine, Bradley Joseph and contemporary jazz flautist Najee. These jazz musicians had a tendency to play their instruments in at such a harmonious frequency that it was rare for the measures to go un-noticeable.
The contemporary jazz radio arrangement, which commonly played fifteen-minute sets involving instrumentals wrapping a vocal song or two continued to grow and flourish over the 1990s and early 2000s. In the late 2000s, most markets began losing contemporary jazz stations and in a variety of media markets, this arrangement does no longer exist over the air except online or on HD Radio.
By 2009, as contemporary jazz remained on its persistent decline on the syndicated radio airwaves, an increasing number of non-commercial stations have grown an interest in the music and began to add it to their programming.
More recently contemporary jazz music downloads, in opposition to radio, has been at high volumes on iTunes. If you find these artist to be of interest, Richard Brown is must have in your collection.

The Chairman Of The Board: Defining The Music Of A Generation

To some collectors anything classic can only be defined as something that is antique. All you really have to be called classic vinyl is to just be a record because recording companies no longer make vinyl like they used to. Most of our music has gone high tech these days. However, before there was a CD or MP3 there was vinyl. And before there was American Idol there was the original Rat Pack leader himself, Frank Sinatra.
It's hard to imagine what kind of impact a singer can have before the age of MTV or YouTube.
As it turns out, Frank Sinatra created his own foundation of fan madness by just showing up to his venues. Lines of loyal female fans called "bobby-soxers" swooned at his every song. In the golden age of radio, Sinatra was one of the most regular performers.
It took a featured role in a popular film to put Frank on the charts once again. After an intense lobbying drive, Frank was hired to play a supporting part in From Here to Eternity. His work earned him an Academy Award and began his performing career all over again.
Frank Sinatra started creating music with Capitol Records in 1953 where he starred on a wide variety of classic vinyl albums. For these concept records, Frank worked with well-known arrangers Nelson Riddle, Gordon Jenkins and Billy May.
Swing Easy (1954), In the Wee Small Hours (1955), Songs For Swingin' Lovers (1956) and Come Fly With Me (1957) were all featured in this classic Frank Sinatra vinyl collection. All of these albums were chart-topping successes for Sinatra.
As the turbulent 1960s began, Frank separated from Capitol Records and created his own music label, Reprise Records. His first album, Ring-A-Ding-Ding (1961), was an instant classic. The much beloved Rat Rack started at this same time. The other founding members of the Rat Pack were Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford. The group played to sold out theatres in Vegas, Chicago and New York. A few of these Rat Pack shows were made into albums. Pretty much anything with the Rat Pack is considered a very cool collectible.
There are just a handful of recording artists who can make the declaration of having victories in several decades from Billboard album sales, to television specials to feature film box office champs.

Hurley By Weezer

Weezer has held my interest for many years now, and what keeps me coming back is their consistency. Their debut album Weezer (the "Blue" album) will always have a place in my heart as one of the few CDs I will never tire of. Sixteen years and eight CDs later, the band still has it, with their latest album Hurley. Although they have become much more commercial (hitting huge popularity after release of 2000's Green album) it is impressive they have survived so long without changing their original sound.
Hurley, released September 14, 2010, looks like it may be their most commercialized album yet, featuring the popular character Hurley (actor Jorge Garcia) from TV's Lost. Surprisingly, though, this is their first release on an indie label since the old days of the Blue album. The lucky record label Epitaph records will have a great year, with just this release alone.
Judging the album by its cover, I was expecting an hour of easy going beachy tunes. Wrong! I was hit in the face with a pop rock anthem- a theme that follows through much of the CD. "Memories" kicks off the 10 tracks with catchy lyrics, childhood flashbacks and pop culture shout outs. It's a track that can easily get stuck in your head. Moving on, there is a great pattern of loud obnoxious sing-along songs closely followed by the softer side of singer Rivers Cuomo. The 2nd track is pretty forgettable, but track 3, "Trainwrecks" picks it back up and from there it gets better and better. The cleverly written track 5, "Where's my Sex?" brings humor, arrogance and overall ridiculous lyrics. It could very well be their next single. The mood is brought to a calmer side by track 7. "Hang On," is about love lost but not forgotten. The sound is reminiscent of The Smiths, and is easily my favorite song on the album. I was convinced Cuomo is a man in love and there is a one and only for him-until "Smart Girls" started up. Apparently he just wants lots and lots of smart girls. There is even a name role call much like Lou Bega's "Mambo No.5." Maybe he'll call out your name!
The CD ends with the perfectly placed track "Time Flies." The track has a bluegrass, toe-tapping feel that I swear Conner Oberst had something to do with. It's a happy song, despite its subject, and it gave me the warm feeling I was looking for from Weezer.
Overall,  didn't let me down. The CD is more comparable to their last 2 albums Raditude from 2009 and the Red album from 2008. If you are a fan already, or are just looking for a feel-good CD, check it out. It wouldn't be the #1 CD I'd bring with me if I were stranded on a deserted island (a lame reference but I said it anyway!) but it wouldn't disappoint either. I think Hurley would approve.

Rockabilly Stars Hit The Stage With Wild Abandon

One of the things that made rockabilly music so great during its rise in the 1950s was the all-out, go-for-broke attitude that so many of the performers exhibited. The early performers were influenced by the two vastly different worlds of country music and rhythm and blues. While they may have taken many aspects of country music and utilized them in the look of rockabilly, they poured just as many aspects of rhythm and blues music into the attitude of their new music.
Rhythm and blues musicians had been pushing the boundaries of "polite" society for many years before rockabilly came along. The sassy attitudes of artists like T-bone Walker, Lowell Fulson, Amos Milburn, and Lavern Baker, was fine for "race" music, but not for polite white audiences. Rockabilly changed that. Early rockabilly performers--of course most noticeably Elvis Presley--took the raw sensuality of rhythm and blues music, combined it with the instrumentation of country music, and forged a new form of the newly emerging rock and roll that would shape music to come after it even up to modern times.
But Elvis wasn't the only rockabilly cat pushing those boundaries--he was just the most recognized. Watch old Carl Perkins videos and you can quickly see that although he lacked Elvis' moves, there's mischief in his eyes. You could see that he knew he was part of something that was pushing through the comfort zone of the adults even as it was energizing and exciting the teenagers.
Eddie Cochran was another performer who exuded sensuality without really even trying. Eddie was smooth, charming, and alarmingly talents in the most natural, easy-going way. He looked like a "nice" kid and didn't seem dangerous at all. But when Eddie hit the stage, he turned the girls in the crowd into a screaming horde. The whole scene shocked the establishment and Eddie, like the rest of his rockabilly contemporaries, was continually beaten up and chastised by the newspaper reviewers.
Gene Vincent showed an equally alarming persona, but in his case it was his brazen leather-clad bad-boy image that made waves. The permanently debilitating leg injury that he'd suffered in a motorcycle crash caused him endless pain, but also gave him a very distinctive stage presence. His stiff-legged stance at the microphone made him look mean and tough. He suffered with the leg, but he also used it to his advantage on stage.
The women of rockabilly were in on the act too. Wanda Jackson created a completely new image for "girl" singers with her high heels, tight-fitting pencil dresses, and bright red lipstick. She brought a sensuality to her performances that was similar to that which Elvis brought to his. Sparkle Moore was more akin to the "female Gene Vincent" than the "female Elvis" (Janis Martin laid official claim to that title) with her motorcycle-gang greaser image.
None of these performers were approved of by the adults in charge, but it didn't matter to them. Or, more accurately, it did matter to them. It mattered and they exploited the outrage. They hit the stage with reckless abandon and created music and a movement that has shaped rock and roll music for going on 60 years.

Points To Remember - Visiting A Guitar Store

Ok, so you have finally decided to chase your dreams and learn how to play the guitar. You are about to step inside a guitar store with firm resolve to walk out with that instrument that will help you achieve that dream. However, there's more to buying a guitar than just waltzing in, picking the first instrument you see on the shelf, paying for your purchase and walking out. Buying an instrument needs patience and judgment. Here are some of the most important points you need to remember when you buy a guitar.
This is not the end of the world. It's not the last day on planet earth. Just because you promised yourself that you will leave the guitar store with an instrument does not mean you have to. Have patience and look around in other stores too before you make a final choice.
Do your research on guitars. If this is your first instrument, you are probably need to hone your knowledge to find something that suits your style. Learn about the various parts of a guitar, the advantages and disadvantages of various types and styles of guitars and if possible, take someone along with you who knows about these things.
Consider going online. Thanks to the internet, you don't have to depend on your local brick-and-mortar guitar stores and their sometimes limited inventories anymore. Online stores usually have wider selections and a better range of prices, so make sure you look around in a few online guitar stores rather than just brick-and-mortar ones.
Don't let salespeople hurry you or push you. They are usually there just to ensure you buy the most expensive equipment, so their "advice" is just likely to be thinly veiled sales talk. They are also likely to hurry you to make your purchase because you are more likely to be more pliant to their suggestions that way. Of course, with an online store you don't have to worry about this problem.
When you walk into a guitar store to buy a guitar for the first time in your life, you are taking that initial step towards realization of a long-forgotten dream. Don't let your first guitar be the result of a snap decision. Take your time, do your homework and only then should you drop your money, confident that you are walking away with something you are going to treasure for the rest of your life.

3 Essential Ska Records - A History Lesson In Ska

People of all ages can enjoy the great sound of ska music. Finding out which records to purchase, however, can be a bit of a daunting task. With so many different bands, and albums released to the general public for the last half century, some music fans could be lost in the record store, but there's hope for a brighter future. After some careful research, this list came to being, and can help people of all ages get into the mighty music that is a close relative to reggae, and stands alone as one of the enduring styles of music for all ages. The following are 3 essential ska records to learn about the history of the genre.
Trojan Ska Rarities Box Set - 50 tracks across 3 compact discs, with every band that made a difference in the musical creation of this genre can be found on this box set. The Trojan Box Sets are often times rare and hard to find, but for those that are willing to drop upwards of $30 on each set, bliss comes quickly. No other compilation of music can truly be recommended for this genre, outside of the Trojan brand.
This Is Ska - A more modern take on the musical form from Jamaica is found on this compilation, and while it is not quite as massive as the aforementioned, it still packs a punch. This two-disc collection of ska music contains tracks from The Specials, The Selecter, Judge Dredd, The Heptones, Bad Manners and so many more. The two-tone artwork is a dead giveaway to the contents found on the 2-disc set.
Best of Ska - 54 tracks from all over the world, makes this set a must own. This set of music will create a foot tapping chorus line for anyone listening. Some of the bands featured include Madness, Rico, Desmond Dekker, The Maytals, Special AKA, The Melodians, The Swinging Cats, Carlos Malcolm and so many other big names in the genre, than most other collections. This amazing set rivals the aforementioned, but stands alone as a stand-alone option to collect.
The preceding was 3 essential records for anyone looking for a history lesson in the genre of ska music. Not everyone can appreciate the horn sections, bass lines, and great tonality that comes from this brand of music, but for those that can, the jazz notes transcend all others, creating a noise that is infectious.

The Five Best Love Songs of All Time

While every generation has its own favorite love songs, some love songs are timeless; they have struck an eternal chord with young and old alike.
What do UK lovers consider the five best love songs of all time? Here they are:
1. The Power of Love, from "Frankie Goes to Hollywood"
"The power of love / A force from above / Cleaning my soul..."
While it's hard to define exactly what the campy lyrics mean, the haunting tune of this song inevitably draws its listeners in and makes them want to "purge [their] soul" and "make love [their] goal."
The Power of Love was first featured during the John Peel Sessions on BBC and was released as a Christmas single in 1983. It caught up with the holiday spirit and went on to become a timeless love ballad.
2. My Heart Will Go On, by Celine Dion
"Every night, in my dreams, I see you, I feel you / That is how I know you go on..."
Anybody who has seen the 1997 epic romance film "Titanic" (featuring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio) will surely remember this song and bask in the delicious bittersweet pang it never fails to elicit from the hearts of its listeners. Performed by Celine Dion, the ballad passionately captures the heart-wrenching beauty and tragedy of a love that could never be and yet still was, right up to the afterlife.
Composed by James Horner and with words supplied by Will Jennings, this song is one of the best-selling singles of all time. It sold more than a million copies in the UK alone, and more than 15 million copies in the rest of the world.
3. Never, Never Gonna Give You Up, by Barry White
"Never, never gonna give you up / I'm never ever gonna stop / Not the way I feel about you / Girl, I just can't live without you..."
The age of disco and free love might be over, but Barry White's soulful "Never Never Gonna Give You Up" continues to seduce us with its smooth talk and sensual words that tease the senses. Turn this music on beside your petal-covered king-sized bed, light a lava lamp or two, then invite your lover in and see where the melody takes you.
4. Love Me Tender, by Elvis Presley
"Love me tender, love me sweet / Never let me go..."
This Elvis classic was the theme song of the movie with the same title. The fact that 'The King' sang it already puts it in great position for being a love song classic. Elvis first performed it on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1956. The record received an advanced 1 million orders the next day.
5. Unchained Melody, by the Righteous Brothers
"Oh, my love / My darling / I hunger for your touch..."
When composer Alex North and lyricist Hy Zaret wrote this song, they wanted something that would capture the feelings of someone yearning to see a long-lost lover. We will never know what went wrong with the first rendition, originally sung by Todd Duncan, but that version never hit the charts.
Nonetheless, "Unchained Melody" spawned more than 500 versions, and in 1965 - about a decade after its first release - it was sung by the Righteous Brothers, and the rest was history; the song remained a jukebox standard.
Its popularity further increased when it was used as the theme song of the 1990 box office hit "Ghost," which starred Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze, and Whoopi Goldberg.

How To DJ - Learn To Become A DJ - Mix Like a Pro

There is much more to knowing how to DJ than learning how to use DJ equipment to beatmatch and blend.
In fact, a good disc jockey will be the master of several skills simultaneously.
Knowing how to mix and use your gear is just one of these skills.
What else do you need to know?
If you want to play with the best, you'll need a few more tips!
1. Know your DJ music
Having a great collection of tunes and knowing them inside out will give a disc jockey rock solid confidence and countless secret weapons up his/her sleeve.
Only by knowing your music so well it becomes a part of you can you become a DJ capable of rocking any party and lifting any atmosphere.
2. Mixing and shaping your set
Learning how to mix your music technically is one thing.
Developing an intuition which tells you how to shape your set is essential for making people have a good time.
This isn't quite about reading a crowd, it's more about mixing properly and shaping your set.
3. Reading and reacting to the crowd
The DJ who dares watch how the party animals react is the winner.
In the land of the blind DJs, the one eyed and two eared DJ is king. Or something.
No matter how good your mixing skills are, you need to learn how to read a crowd and how to react to them.
I'd say this is even more important than knowing how to mix and what separates the very good from the mediocre.
If you want to know how to DJ right, you need to master this intuitive skill.
4. DJ Promotion
Knowing how to DJ is also about self promotion.
That not be what you want to hear, but it's true.
By being able to sell yourself well, you'll be able to prise open a load of new doors, getting yourself better gigs and being paid more for them.
Your ability to develop relationships and promote yourself is essential to your success.
Apart from reading through my advice you should think about getting yourself a book or an ebook which you can refer to and read when you like.
IF you're really serious about DJing and want to get the best gigs, you should be picking up DJ guides and books along your way and reading them.
After all, you can pick them up for as little as ten dollars. What's 10 bucks these days? The price of a McDonald's and a beer.
Skip your Maccy D's and beer for once, and get yourself a book which'll bring far more to your life instead. If you don't like books then getting video guides to learn to DJ work really well for many of us who prefer it.

Super Christmas Clip Art

Christmas clip art are images that may be downloaded and used in many ways. You may want to send out an e-mail to a business colleague, a friend or loved one. Clip art gives you the freedom to design your own well wishes and can be fun for the whole family.
The kids may wish to design cards for friends at school or tags for gifts. Simply choose the images you wish to use copy, past add your content and print or e mail.
They come in various types for example.

• Vintage Christmas Clip Art
• Animated Christmas Clip Art
• Christmas Tree images
• Religious Christmas Clip Art
• Santa Pictures
• Christmas Pictures
• Christmas Designs and so much more.

Many websites offer free images or pictures, however it is important to know that you cannot use just any as these are owned by company's or individuals under copy licence and could get you into trouble. My advise would be to ensure that they have the distribution rights or are the owners of these images before downloading. Ensure the quality is good.
There are many company's selling packs, the advantage of this is that once you have purchased the pack it is yours forever and can be used year in and year out. By choosing the right pack also gives you a wider variety that may be used for many types of people or religions and allows you to custom design what ever you feel is appropriate.
You may wish to start a Christmas card and gift tag business simply choose the images you like and print your own an sell to small stores or colleges. In these times any additional income is welcome. You may wish to design Christmas Animated e-mails for company's and send them out to there clients for a fee.

How to Relax and Entertain Yourself

In the modern society, people don't know how to relax and entertain themselves. They usually do one common thing which is watching TV at home without and do nothing on the weekend. They always say that they have no time to go outside with family members. As a matter of fact, they are too lazy to do so.
I suggest that people should do much outside activities which is benefit to your mental and physical health. You needn't to limit yourself in your houses. You can go out for a movie with your good friends.
Every year you can welcome a number of guests to your home during the holiday season when you are free. In fact the Christmas holidays are the busiest time ever. Although you need to do a lot of household work including - decorating homes, cooking, packing gifts, last minute shopping and many more, playing with your friends will take more smile you're your heart. However, taking care of your guests is an important thing to do. Otherwise the guests might feel offended. You must be wondering about what can be the right solution to this problem!
To sum up, you can watch some good movies and at the same time indulge in their favorite sports entertainment. You can also watch the favorite news and other programs that can help you stay informed and entertained throughout the day. You can choose any of these programs and entertain yourself to the fullest through the finest of music, movie and sports entertainment.
Enjoying different kinds of entertainment on the weekend, you will discover the life is so beautiful and comfortable never found in your life.

The Copper Kettle of Warring States Period (Part Two)

The right side of the second layer is the hunting shooting scene. Several people are waiting to shoot the target when a group of large birds flying in the sky, attracting them and shot to the birds. Of particular note is that the arrow in the bird who clearly have a long rope, this is because people have to put arrows back, they will use the raw silk thread tied at the end of the shaft, Ancient times, this raw silk thread is called "pay." The left side of the second layer is a grand banquet of the scene. Sitting on the hall floor is the master at the banquet, a guards hand-held copper gerben stood beside him, while being entertained guests stood up, hand glass, Toast to the host. This occasion is certainly not the lack of singing and dancing. The personnel to perform in the figure far more than the number of people to participate in feasts, they knock chime bells, hit melody, each figure to be light graceful, and seems to knocking and dancing. There also has a drum next to the pillar, two persons are beating on both sides of the drum,and others' dancers next to it, dance with the weapon. Relative the "wen dance", this is the "wu dance."
The third layer depicts the intense battle scenes. The right is the water war, the left is siege warfare. Look at the water war: two double battle flag flying on the warship, left the ship's battle flag is made of the fabric, the dots on a flag that represent the highest level commander; the right ship's battle flag use the bird feather and trim, compiled it, called "Victory flag". The soldiers are fighting on the top of ship, they are holding a long weapon, or stab or hook near the body. There are some soldiers swimimg on the right of ship, and waiting to destroy enemy ships, or fighting, seize enemy ships. Water forces was the new military services, which formed on the late Spring and Autumn Period. therefore, this group of images is even more precious water wars.
These images of the production process called "cross-embedding. " People first carved shallow groove of image on the copper kettle, and then copper, lead and metal embedded in shallow groove, the next and then something called "zircon"tool polish the image, so that as smooth as kettle. In the Shang Dynasty in China had a "cross-embedding" process.

Top 20 Carpenters Hits

The nucleus of the Carpenters was sister and brother Karen and Richard Carpenter, both born in New Haven, Connecticut; Richard in 1946 and Karen in 1950.
Richard began playing piano at the age of nine. Karen wouldn't realize her music ability until the family moved to Downey, California in 1963 and she took up the drums, while in high school. By then, Richard had formed The Richard Carpenter Trio with Frank Pooler and Wes Jacobs. The trio was signed to RCA Records in 1966, but failed to produce any hits.
In 1966, Karen tagged along with her brother Richard, who was auditioning a trumpet player at a studio owned by bassist Joe Osborn. Osborn asked Karen to sing and he was so impressed, he signed her to his Magic Lamp Records label. The label folded before Karen had a hit.
A year later, Karen and Richard joined a band called Spectrum. They performed at the famed Whiskey A Go-Go, but they disbanded in 1968.
After sending out many demo tapes, A&M Records co-owner and family friend, Herb Alpert (of Tijuana Brass fame) signed the duo under the name "Carpenters" in 1969. Their first album, "Offering", produced a minor hit with a slow version of The Beatles "Ticket To Ride." It was their second album, "Close To You" that put Karen and Richard "on the map."
On the charts, the Carpenters had twenty Top 40 hits on the weekly Billboard charts, with three going to number one. Here's a look at the Carpenters twenty biggest hits, according to Billboard's Weekly Top 40 Charts.
1. (They Long To Be) Close To You - 1970 - Originally recorded by Richard Chamberlain in 1963, the Carpenters first hit went to number one for four weeks.
2. Top Of The World - 1973 - When Lynn Anderson went to #3 on the country charts, this version was released from the "A Song For You" album.
3. Please Mr. Postman - 1975 - A number one single for The Marvellettes in 1961, the Carpenters also went to number one.
4. We've Only Just Begun - 1970 - Richard heard this song on a TV commercial for Crocker Bank in California and decided it would be a good song for them to record. It turned out to be their signature song.
5. Superstar - 1971 - Written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett, Richard heard Bette Midler perform the song on "The Tonight Show" and he couldn't wait to arrange and record it.
6. Rainy Days And Mondays - 1971 - Composed by Roger Nichols and Paul Williams, this song appeared on their album "Carpenters."
7. Hurting Each Other - 1972 - Originally recorded by Jimmy Clanton, Chad Allen and The Expressions (Guess Who) and the Walker Brothers, before the Carpenters got a hold of it.
8. Yesterday Once More - 1973 - Written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis for the "Now And Then" album.
9. For All We Know - 1971 - From the film "Lovers And Other Strangers.
10. Sing - 1973 - The Carpenters version of this song helped popularize a song written for "Sesame Street.
11. Only Yesterday - 1975 - Their last Top 10 hit came from the "Horizon" album.
12. Goodbye To Love - 1972 - Renowned electric guitarist Tony Peluso contributes the funky guitar work on this song.
13. I Won't Last A Day Without You - Co-written by Paul Williams, it was also recorded by Maureen McGovern.
14. It's Going To Take Some Time - 1972 - Written and recorded by Carole King in 1971.
15. There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World) - 1976 - A #4 hit for Herman's Hermits in 1967, the Carpenters took it to #12.
16. Touch Me When We're Dancing - 1981 - Officially, the Carpenters last Top 20 single, following a three year hiatus from the charts.
17. Solitaire - 1975 - Written and recorded by Neil Sedaka in 1972.
18. I Need To Be In Love - 1976 - Richard has reported that this was Karen's favorite song.
19. Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft (The Recognized Anthem of World Contact Day) - 1977 - Originally recorded by Klaatu in 1976, the Carpenters version boasts using a 160 member musical crew.
20. All You Get From Love Is A Love Song - 1977 - From the "Passage" album, Tom Scott, the saxophonist on the Carole King hit "Jazzman", can be heard here.
Although Karen and Richard projected a squeaky clean image, both had their share of personal problems. Richard had to take a break in 1979 to be treated for his addiction to Quaaludes. Karen, who had been battling her weight for years, suffered from anorexia nervosa, since 1975, and refused to seek treatment.
Karen's whirlwind romance and marriage to real estate developer, Thomas Burris, in 1980, only lasted a year, before the couple separated. Karen finally sought treatment for her anorexia, in 1981, where it was discovered that she had been taking ten times her daily dosage of thyroid medication.
In 1983, Karen returned home to her mother, in Downey, following an argument with Richard about her deteriorating condition. Two days later, Karen suffered cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead on February 4, 1983 at the age of 32.
During their reign, the Carpenters were the number one selling music artists of the 1970's. They won three Grammy Awards, including, Best New Artist in 1970. They also hosted several TV specials and they had their own variety series, "Make Your Own Kind Of Music" in 1971.
There have been a number of documentaries done about the Carpenters. "The Karen Carpenter Story", a 1988 TV movie, was based on her life.