Thursday, December 23, 2010

A Short Review Of The Japanese Hit Movie Tetsuo The Iron Man

By Angelica Brewer


Tetsuo Ironman was the debut film by the legendary Japanese film director Shinya Tsukamoto. The film is of course in another language, but you should consider putting it on your downloads queue next time you sign into your movie download service because it's not THAT kind of foreign movie. It's a horror action film, so there's always something happening on screen. The dialog isn't what's important. You can follow the story with the subtitles off and still understand it about as well as anyone else... Which isn't saying much, considering how strange the film is.

The movie focuses on a Japanese salary man who suddenly starts sprouting pieces of scrap metal from his body one day. It's very much in the same category as Japanese surrealist authors like Kobo Abe, where weird things just suddenly start happening for no real reason in particular. It kind of drives home the point that... Life is weird and unpredictable, and there's really no inherent meaning to it all so... Just enjoy the long strange trip for what it is.

The movie was based on the idea of making a monster movie like Godzilla, but with a human sized beast. So the Salary Man, as he transforms more and more into a heaping hunk of metal, has to do battle with Tetsuo, who, also, has grown into a heap of metal. They have a showdown in a junkyard where both have developed the ability to absorb all of the metal around them through... Magnetism, or chemistry or something. Your guess is as good as anyone else's.

This is the movie people point to when they talk about Japanese cyberpunk, which has always been more focused on the imagery of industrial machinery, steam, sparks and electricity than on the relations between man and computers. If you want to see more of this genre, you should also check out Electric Dragon 80000v and Burst City, which are considered two classics in this genre.

The movie is fast paced, sort of confusing, but ultimately, it really works well as a sort of horror movie slash action flick. It has an incredible nightmarish look to it, utilizing stop motion special effects, cheap props and costume that look more real because they're not makeup. They actually glued pieces of metal to the actors faces in order to get the look they were going for.

The film draws a lot of influence from two sources: Eraserhead, and David Cronenberg's Videodrome. Both of these films greatly contributed to its look, with Shinya Tsukamoto being a particularly big fan of Cronenberg's entire library of work. A warning, though, if those movies made you squeamish, this one will make you twice as squeamish. As surreal as the imagery is, it still might gross you out just a bit.

Tsukamoto has since created some of the greatest films to come out of Japan in the last few decades. In particular, Tokyo Fist is a real classic, and one of the greatest films ever made on the subject of the male ego and what can happen when a conflict is allowed to snowball with neither side backing down. It's really a great, deep look at what it means to be a man.

Tsukamoto is also an interesting actor, doing some bit parts for various Takashi Miike films. He also has another Tetsuo movie coming out, Tetsuo: Bulletman. It's clear that, while he's already been making movies for twenty years, he is nevertheless just now warming up.




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Visiting Felixstowe

By Larry Armstrong


If your interested in Military history then Felixstowe is an exceptional seaside town located on England's beautiful Suffolk coast. It is one of many reasons tourist's make Felixstowe their favourite place to stay in the East of England. Visiting this unique destination means you will need to allow plenty of time to explore the local sights.

While touring is top priority, making sure you have a place to rest your head comes in a close second. Choosing a Felixstowe Bed And Breakfast is a great way to relax after a long day of sightseeing and entertainment.

When you have arrived at your accommodation the first thing you should do once you visited your room and stowed your luggage, is to get out and start exploring this quaint Suffolk seaside town. If you are peckish after your journey, there are many cafes, bistro's and restaurants to choose from. Fresh landed fish means that a plate of fish and chips would be a great choice.

If you are a golfer or sports enthusiast, Felixstowe is also known for its recreational activities. There are also activities for children to enjoy, including indoor and outdoor amusements. If you enjoy ballet or musicals, the Spa Pavilion Theatre provides a number of shows to choose from. When you are in this seaside town, one of the benefits of choosing your accommodation is that you get to experience the authentic culture. Most have no more than about 10 rooms, so it is much more quaint than a hotel. Plus, if you choose a bed and breakfast, such as the Ranvale, you will be taken back in time.

The Ranevale is located in a home dating back to the 18th century. It is like taking a trip back in time and reliving history. This bed and breakfast, and many like it, only have a few rooms, so you will be doted upon by your loyal hosts.

The Port of Felixstowe is an unusual tourist attraction. It is the largest container port in the UK and, both locals and visitors alike, get great pleasure from watching the large ships enter and leave the port. When booking your accommodation it might pay to inquire how close you are to the Port.

Felixstowe is a great base to easily get to, and explore, many of the places you have planned to visit. Another consideration to make when making your choice of Felixstowe Bed And Breakfast booking.

Larry Armstrong




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Captivating Berlin Attractions

By Robert Toth


Berlin is one of those German cities that are rich and abundant in history. The Berlin attractions play the role of appetizers even for the most tired as well as the most eager tourists.

City Overview:

The one city which is rich in European culture and tradition is Berlin. It was the centre of attraction even when the two world wars happened. You can find innumerable galleries and museums as you tour round this historic city.

Places which you must visit:

The Berlin Wall is packed and electric with emotions of the historical past. Brandenburg Gate is an extraordinary neoclassical architecture that worships Goddess Victoria who is regarded as the goddess of victory. Bebel Platz is one among the many Berlin attractions that personifies the location where the first Nazi book ever was burnt in May 1933. Make a trip to the Reichstag, an important sight which is the chosen place for the official government meetings and discussion related to the Parliament issues. Kaiser-Wilhelm church is that church which was attacked during the World War II. Some of the museum remains are still preserved. The capital city is packed with museums which symbolise art and architecture. The Holocaust Memorial was built in memory of all the victims of the tragic holocaust incident.

Things you must do:

Take a stroll across the Berlin streets to discover the inner beauty of the city. Gather sufficient knowledge to delve into the interesting history of the city. The monuments and museums which are the prominent Berlin attractions are the best sources of information for the tourists. Potsdamer Platz must be visited. It is one of the busiest places of the city. Museum Island must be conquered. It is the most ancient museum of Prussia. Take a stride along the remains of the Great Berlin Wall. Reach for the highest points of the city and test your limits and spirit of dare and adventure. All the local cuisines of the city must be tasted.

Shopping and Sports in the city:

The exotic shopping districts in Berlin are no less than any of the Berlin destinations. Some of the shopping districts are Ku'damm, High Street Heaven and the Berlin departmental stores. The shopping stops and Berlin markets own everything, right from crafts to clothes. The interesting Berlin sports include the games of skating, running, tennis, golf, horse-riding, climbing, cycling and water sports.

How to spend nightlife:

Berlin offers the most amazing nightlife. The Mitte district is famously know as the clubbing hub of Berlin. It is the best stop for the partying lot. The nightlife here hosts exotic music style and offers exotic drinks along with the most appealing options of entertainment.

Famous Festivals:

Apart from the Berlin attractions, tourists visit the place on account of the grand festivals celebrated like Columbia-Halle Exhibition, October Fest, the World film festival and Arena Glashaus Outdoor Show.




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Fantastic Ideas On Why The Festivals In Rio De Janeiro Are Worth Seeing

By Dennis Schwarts


There can be numerous reasons why people are attracted to visiting certain places all the time. It may be that these people like the historical aspect of the places they visit. They may just like scenic views of the open countryside or there may be other reasons. The choice could be as different as visits to the museum or visits to the national parks.

Then there are great sporting venues that people like to go and visit such as the FIFA World cup or the Olympic Games. Another place that people like to visit can be places that are always hosting great celebrations or festivals.

One of the most famous of these festival places has to be in Brazil. The famous Rio de Janeiro is known the world over for its magical festivals.

The carnival originates from its old African/Portuguese roots and it is the culmination of these two distinct traditional cultures that first brought rise to the famous carnival as we know it today. At the start of the last Century a dance was introduced that we now know as the Samba which is now a traditional Brazilian dance.

The carnival itself starts a few days before Ash Wednesday and can last for anything up to two weeks. This is a marvelous spectacle as all the Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro parade along the streets whilst dancing to different theme based topics. These themes are generally about music or politics or the like.

Each of the schools will perform their dances on their very own home made float as they follow the procession. The floats can sometimes take months to get the theme just right for the carnival.

The parades can last most of the day depending on how many different samba schools are actually taking part.

There is nothing more exciting than traveling to Rio de Janeiro and experiencing the whole carnival for your-self. This is a great way to learn all about the culture and history of Brazil. You will also get a warm welcome from the friendly people of Rio as they invite you to enjoy the carnival atmosphere.




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Quaint Beach Villages CAn Offer An Action Packed Vacation

By James Harden


For the family, you will find Delaware getaway houses and a variety of hotel and resort accommodations (and for the adventurous, camping destinations along the shore). For couples, the selection could be one of the nice Delaware bed and breakfasts that dot the Atlantic ocean. Either way, these are the very best places to begin your beach holiday along the Delaware shore.

Depending on when they are planning to visit, folks must plan ahead and reserve their Delaware beach rentals well ahead of time, especially for the summer time. Fortunately, there is an Internet site that makes this particularly easy. At HomeAway (http://www.HomeAway.com), tourists should find a unique tool that makes it stress-free to research the right beach rentals. Using virtual sliders located on the side of the page, simply set the parameters according to price range (per week), number of bedrooms and bathrooms, how many shall be staying and the type of accommodation one is seeking (for instance a house, cabin, condo rentals, etc.)

Prior to choosing accommodations however, one will want to settle upon a destination - and Delaware has a number of beach resorts and communities, each one offering its own distinctive holiday atmosphere.

For a more upbeat and dynamic experience that should be enjoyed by the entire family, Rehoboth is a good choice. This is a small but lively seaside community containing its own mile-long boardwalk lined with arcades and appealing specialty shops and unique cafes. For the children, there is also a small amusement park near the water along with an old-fashioned small town pavilion where live music is presented frequently.

Rehoboth is not far from Dewey Beach, a preferred Spring Break vacation spot. Dewey Beach is unique in being situated on a spit of land between Rehoboth Bay and the open Atlantic; the bay side of the community is well known for its suitability for water sports such as windsurfing and sailing.

Lewes is one more small seaside town of historical interest; settled by Dutch whalers in the 1600s, it was bombarded by British Naval forces in the course of the War of 1812. With the start of the Second World War, the Defense Department constructed Fort Miles, the largest, most heavily armed coastal base in the united states (due mainly to the number of war-related industries around Delaware Bay, potentially vulnerable to German U-Boats that prowled the Atlantic Coast). Today, Lewes is home to a nautical museum that attracts history buffs from all over. Another attractive characteristic of Lewes is that the waters around the region are fairly calm, making it perfect for people with young kids who like swimming.

For those seeking a more relaxed, laid-back holiday, we propose Bethany Beach along with Fenwick, Delaware's "Quiet Resorts." While these locations are considered family-friendly and feature a slower-paced atmosphere, they aren't deprived of facilities that the family will enjoy.

As you are able to see, the Delaware coast has quite a bit to provide in terms of variety of experience. Consider visiting in the off season to get the best rates on beach rental accommodations, romantic travel inns and additional getaway rentals.




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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

What To Expect On A Cruise On The Nile

By Rob Atherton


For a long time, cruises on the River Nile have been taking holidaymakers on a magical journey back in time along this wonderful river. A combination of exploring the wonders of age-old Egypt combined with a peaceful journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever sought after with travellers.

A regular River Nile cruise lasts seven nights and operate Monday to Monday. Direct flights from Britain bring visitors to Luxor and then they are moved to their cruise ship to check in. The next morning, the journey into ancient Egypt begins with a have a look at to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor such as the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.

The next morning, the sightseeing heads over to the West Bank of the Nile including the Valley of the Kings just before returning to the boat for lunch. Just after lunch, the cruise boat leaves Luxor heading south for Edfu. Immediately after an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are further trips to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo just before continuing to Aswan.

The following morning, its time to check out Aswan and a more advanced structure; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam produced Lake Nasser, itself a cruise holiday location. In the afternoon, there is time to sail on a traditional Egyptian Felucca along this very picturesque part of the river. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan overlooks the Nile and it is here that Agatha Christie authored part of her celebrated book, "Death on the Nile".

Immediately after an overnight stop in Aswan, there is free time available to explore the town or alternatively, there is an optional excursion to the superb Temple of Abu Simbel at the other end of Lake Nasser. It is a long way to Abu Simbel, either three quarters of an hour by air or three hours but it is really worth the effort.

Aswan is the turnaround point for cruises and now the cruise boat heads back north the 80 miles to Luxor. The journey lasts 2 days with an overnight stop at Edfu just before heading back to Luxor. The week sailing along the River Nile is over and holiday makers return to the airport and home.




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Cigars Although A Detriment To One's Health Continue To Be Popular

By Edward Alexander


Ever since Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World, cigars have been a part of modern-day culture. Early sailors brought tobacco to Europe from the islands off Central and South America, where they found natives smoking it. Tobacco became an addiction then and remains one today.

Tobacco is mostly grown in Central America and the final products are made there and in the United States and areas of Europe and Indonesia as well. There are two major cigar manufacturers in the world, but many smaller companies, many which have belonged within one family for generations. Some have their own tobacco farms; others buy from a variety of farms to develop their blends.

Tobacco leaves are harvested and stored for curing in sheds on or near the fields where grown. This usually lasts between 25 and 45 days depending upon the humidity and climate as well as the type of sheds used. The leaves must dry without rotting and during this time they lose much of their sugar. After curing, fermenting begins. It is in this time when the leaves' burning ability, aroma and taste develop, all of which is of the utmost importance.

Cigars are made of three types of tobacco. It is the wrapper that has the majority of the aroma and flavor and can also reveal where the tobacco was grown. Lighter wrappers have a dryer taste and darker ones have a sweeter taste.

Most of the cigar is comprised of filler tobacco, that which is filled in the wrapper. This is where the expression of blend comes in, as different types of leaves may be combined for each unit. The binder is as the name suggests, the leaves that actually bind the filler together.

Hand-making these products is considered an art and these boutique cigars are made in several smaller factories. Upon receipt, the leaves are organized by color, size and texture and stored in temperature and humidity controlled areas. Different employees are trained for specific jobs, and while being made each unit goes through a variety of hands. The master blender chooses what type will be made and brings out enough leaves to only be used in that day's work. They are distributed to the rollers who are responsible for pressing the filler leaves to the proper shape and consistency. The leaves are pressed in a wooden mold and then wrapped with the binder leaf before given to the master roller who finishes the work. It is up to the master roller to form the finished product and wrap it. He or she must also check for any imperfections.

The demand for cigars is on the rise again. Even women smoke them, and there are specific blends and sizes designed with femininity in mind. But, it is also well-known that smoking is bad for one's health. In the U. S. Where cigarette advertising must display health warnings, cigar smoking is not required to do so by current legislation. Like cigarettes though, it is illegal for minors to purchase any tobacco item including loose tobacco for self-rolling.

While non-smoking areas continue to increase in number, cigar smoking lounges have been developed. And while they may not be the popular item handed out by dads announcing the birth of a new baby, they are sold all most anywhere from convenience stores and groceries to specialty shops. Specialty shops not only carry a wide variety of individual and boxed cigars, but also a variety of smoking paraphernalia such as holder, travel cases, cutters and humidors.




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Choosing Road Service In Winter Time For Safety

By Adriana Noton


Anyone who has ever been stuck with a flat tire knows it can be hazardous trying to change a tire. With the cold weather coming, it is wise to consider choosing road service in winter time for safety. This is a cost effective way to protect yourself and your vehicle when an unexpected mishaps arises.

Benefits When Joining Auto Clubs

Several different options are available. Before you make your final decision, determine what your needs are and what various companies offer. If you drive long distances regularly but you have a newer vehicle, you may not need the same coverage as someone with an older vehicle. If you are mechanically inclined to handle little incidents like a flat tire you might not need the extra benefits as someone who has no idea about changing a tire.

Auto club memberships are great for individuals as well as families. Even new car owners will find auto clubs helpful in the event of a tire blowout or killing the battery when the lights are left on accidentally. One call will pay for the yearly fee, when you think of the time it takes to call a family member or a friend to come and help you. Tire changing, jumping a battery, even running out of gas is no fun, especially in the cold winter months.

What Clubs Do Not Cover

There are restrictions to what roadside assistance will cover. For instance, they will not service unregistered vehicles, nor do they perform actual repairs. The driver will attempt to get your vehicle back up and running, but they are not contracted to do auto repair. If you run out of gas, you may be charged the cost of the fuel, but the delivery is covered under your membership benefits.

Where to Find the Best Auto Clubs

There are many different clubs to choose from. First you must decide what type of benefits you want. Basic plans offer minimal towing, jump starting a battery, fuel delivery, changing tires, etc. Upgrading to a higher level membership may offer more towing mileage, fuel delivery at no charge, even concierge services. In addition, most organizations offer free travel planning and hotel and travel discounts, bond vouchers, and trip interruption certificates.

How to Sign Up

Once you have found a service simply sign up and pay the yearly fee. You will be sent a card and important information via the mail. Some companies allow you to download and print a temporary card until your new one arrives. When you need assistance, you call the toll free number, state your problem and location, and a company in the area who has contracted with the auto club will be dispatched to assist you. You will need to show your card and a form of ID once they arrive. If the issue is something like a flat tire or a jumpstart the driver will get you back on the road. If the vehicle needs to be towed, they will tow it to your requested location.

Whether you have a flat tire in your driveway or a dead battery 100 miles from home, roadside assistance and towing Brampton services can help 24/7. If you have never considered signing up with an auto club, now is the time, especially with winter fast approaching.




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Advice On Choosing A Cheap Holiday Deal

By Wayne Bromiley


If you are looking out for Cheap Holidays and Cheap Holiday Deals, it pays to be savvy and shop around for what is out there. Where you are going and how many people are going can affect the price of the deal but if you are sharp you can get the best possible deal.

The first thing to check is what you get for your money. For example, you may want to get travel insurance. This is advisable especially flying with a budget air travel company. Check if you are covered by an official regulator, especially in the instance of the company going bust or any possible delays.

One thing to be careful of when you get a cheaper holiday deal is who you are flying with. Ideally your travel company should be protected by a governing body. If you are not sure, check with the company before you book. Paying with a credit card can also ensure you have some payment protection. If you do not have adequate cover you may be stranded when you arrive and may have to pay accommodation costs yourself if you have booked a package holiday.

When choosing a destination it is worth considering where you want to go. While you may be lucky and find a great deal on your dream destination, it is worth looking at places where the exchange rate is favourable. Once you have chosen where you want to go, the next thing to consider is whether you choose a package deal or to pick and choose the various elements.

As well as comparing prices, it is worth getting in contact with companies to see if you can get special deals. In tough economic times they should be keen to get the business, especially if it means depriving a rival of money. If they are not able to offer a lower price, it may be worth seeing if they can throw in an extra like free travel insurance or car hire. The worst they can do is say no, so you might as well try!

When on holiday it is important to be wary of hidden charges. When using your phone, international calls can prove very expensive. If you are accessing the internet on a smart phone that can also prove deceptively costly. Send texts instead of phone calls and keep internet use to a minimum.

Paying on a card in a restaurant on holiday is also something to be careful of. Some banks may limit the amount of countries you can use your card, so it is worth checking this before you travel. It is also worth asking whether you will be charged extra for taking out money from a foreign cash machine. When paying by card, make sure you pay using the local currency as the exchange will cost you extra money.

A good cheap deal should cover all your needs and still be an enjoyable experience. With the right information, cheap really can be cheerful!




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Furniture Removals And Transport Europe Services

By Lupita Bing


There are several furniture removals and transport Europe services. Selecting the right one will depend on a number of different factors. First you will want to consider the rates. You will obviously want to select the company with the best rate plans. But you will also want to consider the reputation of the company. They should have a good, solid business reputation with years of experience.

Removal companies are plentiful but they do not all operate with the same level of professionalism and quality of care. Try to get referrals or look up various customer reviews on several removal services. This is very important when it comes the the transport and care of you valuables. You want to make sure it is a professional operation.

After you have made an informed decision on a removal service, find out about any additional services. Make sure the service your area and will ship your removals to whatever city you choose. There rates should be within reasonable depending on the amount of your removals. Ask around and get other rates just to make sure.

The removal companies will typically have different size vans and trucks depending on the load. There transport vehicles should be clean and in excellent operating condition. The movers will securely transport your goods using all of the necessary equipment to make sure your removals arrive to their destination safely.

Most removal and transport companies can service a range of request small and large. They are able to do jobs that require the removal of a few boxes to entire house removals. It all depends on the type of service you will require. The moving vans typically hold up to 17 cubic metres of items. They usually use a man crew to transport your furniture and boxes between the UK and other European cities.

Most of the companies offer additional services such as packing your items. This will be for an additional fee. Let them know how many items you need packed and they will give you an estimate. In most cases, they will have to come out to your home to give you and adequate quote.

A professional company will provide door to door service in an expedient manner. It is important that the removal company keep you abreast of the transport of your load just so that you have a handle on your delivery. They have tracking mechanism that can keep you up to day as often as you would like.

Almost anything can be transported using these services. Items large and small can be loaded on to the vans. They will even transport vehicles such as cars, SUVs, motorized scooters and motorcycles. Whatever you need, they will be able to transport it to your desired location.

There are many good furniture removals and transport Europe. They cover all of the major cities in Europe. These companies can perform large and small removals. They can also take care of dismantling and putting back together any items of furniture.




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