For those of you unfamiliar with ancient European history, The Battle of Thermopylae, which many say is the most famous, is when 300 Spartans face off against a force of an estimated 200,000 Persians. Using the terrain as a force mutiplier, King Leonitis of Sparta held this force of Persians for three days while covering the retreat of several thousand troops.
Although entertaining, 300 should not be watched for its historical value as there were more than 300 troops, overall, there. There were approximately 2000 other troops, 300 of which were Spartan. Although not quite as dramatic, it is still an astounding feat.
In the movie, Xerxes attacks using ninjaesque-type warriors and various machinations and troops that I have yet to find any historical basis in.
The acting in the movie is mediocre at best. Not Gerard Butler's best work.
The movie was based on a graphic novel of the same name by Frank Miller
What was truly impressive was the lengths the actors went to get themselves into extraordinary shape for the movie. Most of the actors were in their mid forties, some, believe it or not, were in their fifties.
That being said, I would recommend this movie simply because of the "manly grunt" factor. It's definitely a film that is thoroughly enjoyable and, when the movie is over, it will make you want to get in shape. Thus, so many people searching for the 300 workout.
I will warn you against going that route though. Those people in the movie trained for weeks before going through that high intensity workout. Some of them even worked out several hours per day.
The better bet for you, if you're wanting to get into shape is through healthy diet and exercise as well as using some vitamin supplements.
Some that I know for a fact work are products from AdvoCare. They don't even pay their endorsers but they have hundreds of world-class athletes like Gold Medal Winner for the US Soccer Team Carli Lloyd, Quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees, and Major League Baseball Champion Brad Hawpe. Again, they do NOT get paid for endorsing the products. They simply know they work.
As of right now, they do not ship outside of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. So, for my Aussie followers and buddies that are on here as well as people in various other countries, I will make this offer to you. If you decide you want some of their products, contact me and I'll try to help work something out for you.
The link is listed above, and also by following the link HERE
Typically, this blog is entirely about movies. But this post will be a little different.
In explaination, the reason for my recent absense from here and lack of posting for the last few weeks is because I was looking at other items of interest and dealing with a relapse of the flu.
I don't know if it was regular flu or not, but I will say this... I would not even wish it on a politician. I was miserable. Now, however, I am back, although not as often, between other interests.
Currently, I am writing a second novel while farming the first. Still teaching school (now transferred from teaching English to teaching Reading/Science), and learning more and more about how to make a little money online turn into more.
Orble is good. There is no doubt about that, but I have found a few other ways to make some cash and created another blog at another site. I guess I could have created it here, but I had a few issues concerning Orble and Adsense that were a little difficult to resolve, so I created another blog elsewhere.
The other blog is about different ways to make money on the internet. Most of which are free. I give some advice on books to buy to help change your way of thinking and am no longer stuck with just adsense for a revenue stream.
If you wish to know more, just go to my other site. (I also give a good review on Orble there. I really like Orble. Most of the people I have met on here are tops. There are a few people who take the 'P' off Pass, but people here typically respect one another, and that is something this world is beginning to seriously lack.
Anyway, if you want to visit the other site and maybe get some tips on things to do for your own blog, or some ideas you may not have thought of, go to:
themoneygrove.blogspot.com
Drop me a line while your there. I look forward to hearing from some of the regular readers from here.
There are some other blogs HERE at orble that I would really like to recommend.
Horrorphile and Salty Popcorn for movies. Both guys are great and you will never hear a negative word from either of them towards other people.
Want to see some interesting dishes? Find out some awsome recepies? Find a good place to eat (or a strange one!) Visit www.sydneytable.com.
I've had some wonderful (and sometimes heated) political discussions at www.singlebloke.com.au and www.apoliticalmind.com, and even though we disagreed on fundamental issues, they were great people who respected my opinion as I did their's and did not belittle my views.
So, if you happen to be one of my followers who are reading this, or even if you're not but you just happened upon this post. You can take my word for it. Orble is one of the best sites on the internet that I have found. Good people, responsive support, and talented writers.
This video showcases the talent of the two kids who created it. (They are in the video later on.)
Background:
A man breaks into a woman's room and attempts to rape her but is scared away by her brother. This was a news story, but has been modified by some incredibly creative, and talented, people. My hat's off to them.
Included is their music video, which can be downloaded from iTunes, and the original news broadcast just to show how talented these kids were.
The young man in the video has now appeared on CBS News, MTV, and BET. This video which started as a joke has now moved this one young man and his family out of the projects and into a 4 bedroom home. Very happy for them all.
Review:
I think I have not laughed that hard at something in many years. It is a short video. Enjoy.
My apologies to those who read this blog on a regular basis. I know that I have not had an update in a few days. It will be as such for a few MORE days. Myself, my wife, and my daughter all have the flu and we are, pretty much, taking care of each other.
That, notwithstanding, I would like to wish each and every one of you Happy Holidays. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Happy Kwanzza. Happy Hanukkah. And, even if you don't believe in or celebrate any of those things, I would like to wish you and yours happiness and joy today and for the many days to come
The year is 2016, and America is no more. The United States, Canada, and Mexico now comprise a single, unified front to the world: the North American Union. Implanted ID chips are soon to become mandatory for every citizen of the NAU, and Trez Sleighton, a disgruntled ex-Army officer, takes to the mountains of Colorado to come to terms with the changing world—and his own hand in the whole mess
US Foreign Policy has more in the recent, and not so recent past, been used more as a hammer than a scalpel.
However, that being said, the same countries who criticize us for being so forward with our thoughts and beliefs are the first ones with their hands out to the USA when trouble threatens them.
Case in point, Mexico.
El Presidente de Mexico comes to the USA to talk down about our foreign policy and how it is racist against Mexicans. However, it is THEIR people who violate OUR laws to come here ILLEGALLY.
Recently, the Mexican President asked for our assistance (monetarily of course) to help handle the drug problem in Mexico. Who did he blame for it? THE USA. Not the people violating the laws THERE by drug smuggling.
So, solution? Closing the border is too expensive. Deporting all of the illegals is too expensive. We just don't have the money.
So, here's a possible solution, and one that I have actually had feedback from a few select congressmen on BOTH sides of the political spectrum.
1. Require e-verify BEFORE employment if you own a business and have ANY employees.
2. First offense. $5000 fine to the business that knowingly hires an illegal PER PERSON. Place the illegal in a holding cell. The person who hired the illegal is required to get a ticket leaving within one week and the illegal is transported to the airport. ALL expenses must be paid PER PERSON...NOT... per incident. Reimbursements must be made to offset expenses including officer pay during transport.
3. 2nd offense. $25000 fine per person plus all else in #2 above.
4. 3rd offense. $50000 fine per person plus all additional expense in #2.
5. 4th Offense. SEIZURE OF ASSETS. BUSINESS AUCTIONED AND OWNER PLACED IN JAIL 5 YEARS NO PAROLE.
6. 5th Offense - Exile from USA and not allowed to return.
For those who hire "maids" and "gardeners" begin with #4.
All money would go to offset costs for businesses using e-verify as well as helping to create jobs.
I have to take a small issue with this article as it does not COMPLETELY paint the picture.
1. If he was going to kill someone, and gun control was more stringent, it would have done little to stop him. Why? Because someone who is going to kill someone else would have no issue with stealing someone else's firearm to do it. If this would not have worked, he could have just as easily used a stolen vehicle. It is likely that different people would have died in that incident. It is also likely that those dead and injured would have increased.
2. Palin is not the only person to use vitriolic rhetoric in a campaign. It has also been widely used by the Democratic party (including Obama.) I can cite examples if needed, but those examples are widely available.
3. I totally disagree with the use of violent speech to get a point across. To me, it is the same as two school-yard bullies going at it over who gets to abuse the little guy first. That being said, the politicians USING the terms that they chose (on BOTH sides) are not as responsible as the news media that incite people for the ratings. What ever happened to simply reporting the news? I can answer that question. They found a way to profit.
4. Interesting side note that links to this above, (and verifiable as well.)
Fox News is owned, primarily by one man. (5% ownership is from a Saudi Prince as well)
CNN is owned by GE (primarily)
Fox is conservative. CNN is liberal. MSNBC is liberal.
All are owned by big business and media moguls.
The same man that owns Fox also has stock in GE AND they own the National Geographic Channel TOGETHER.
CNN, Fox, and MSNBC ALL donated to GW Bush's re-election campaign.
GE is the primary producer of jet engines for the US Military.
(That is just the tip of the iceberg.)
SUPPOSEDLY, there were no WMDs found in Iraq. (Although the CIA, FBI, HMSS, Homeland Security, Mossad, and EVERY major intelligence office said it existed.)
I am in total agreement with you. There are too many people trying to politicize this tragedy and using the dead 9 year old to further their agenda. It's more than sad. It's dispicable.
His own friends and family have said:
1. He was anti-religion. (NOT Conservative at AL)
2. He was a staunch Obama supporter and supporter of Nancy Pelosi.
His problem was that he was CRAZY to boot!
It was not his liberalism that killed anyone.
(Unlike the attempted attack on the Discovery Channel Network by a Al Gore worshiper, who was also, incidentally, grossly anti-religion.)
Follow the link and you'll see the proof.
I do have a problem with the WAY that Palin said what she did, but I have no IDEA that she meant for people to go killing one another.
I am not a Palin supporter.
However, I think the problem does not lie with the politicians. I think it is with the media.
20 years ago, the media (left and right wing) did not so much exist. No one was placing much of a spin on the information given.
Today, if you watch Fox, they spin everything to the Right. The same story on CNN and MSNBC is spun to the left. So, no matter who we choose to get our information from, it has become twisted.
The news is supposed to give the facts, not the opinion of the reporter. THAT is what the editorial segment was for.
Another interesting thing is that if you do the research, all three major news organizations are owned by the same people in some grossly incestuous relationship.
Fox is owned primarily by one man who owns newspapers and news agencies around the world. (It is also partially owned by a Saudi Prince.)
CNN is owned by GE (who also owns the National Geographic channel WITH THE SAME MAN WHO OWNS FOX) GE Contracts with the US government to build jet engines for the FA-18 hornet and the F-14 Tomcat just to name a couple. The primary fighter aircraft for the US Navy.
MSNBC is owned mostly by microsoft, but has ties to GE.
We are told what they want us to hear.
But I digress.
I still think Twain's work should not be changed. Although it is a conundrum, truth is told through our fiction. He was telling the "truth" about the times when he lived. We do not have the right to alter an author's work. If so, we need to alter the writings of Harriet Beecher Stowe as well, since that term that so offends many people, is included in her book. We need to alter the writings of William Faulkner. We need to alter the writings of most of the authors of that time frame (and even later.)
History is supposed to be truthful, as well as the fiction that reflects it. If we deny what was originally said or originally done, then we do these people (the writers as well as the people of the time) an injustice.
Totally agree with you. Should add one thing.
Rappers not only do this with tobacco, but also with drug use.
Although, I dislike the tobacco use, I would say that the marijuana use (and it's classification as a transition drug) is worse.
Personally, I don't think they should change Twain. He is speaking as people spoke during his time. It makes me wonder if it is because he is white and using that rhetoric, even so long ago.
We defend the freedom of black artists, such as rappers like Lil' Boosie, and Lil' Wayne by stating that the "n-word" and "cracker" are terms that are acceptable because it is part of their "culture." But then people like myself from mixed heritage find both of the terms offensive and no voice is given.
Why do we concern ourselves with the words from books written 150 years ago, that is not, if you really read it, "hate speech" but popular music of today idolizes those who kill police officers and attack people because they are white? Our priorities seem backwards.
I am not liberal or conservative, but I do lean more right on issues.
The only amendment that I truly have a problem with is the 14th, and I'll tell you exactly why. This COULD happen:
To become president, you have to be a natural born citizen. (You do not have to be raised here, with American values.)
SO, a person born in, say in Chechnia, China, Cambodia, Britain, Australia, Japan, Tibet, Zimbabwe, Iran, or Peru can come here on vacation, give birth here, the child is an automatic citizen. They can return to their country, become raised with the values and beliefs of that country, and not return here until they go to college or become a professional in some aspect AND at age 35, qualify to become president of the US.
It can happen. I say plug the hole in the boat before it does.
Some people would say I am being "racist" in my beliefs. I deny it. I don't care where they come from. There should be a simple clause added to the 14th amendment that requires that if they are natural born that they are raised in the United States. OR another amendment added concerning the requirements for president that mandates that at least one of the parents is an American citizen and that the child lives at least 35 years within the country.
As far as immigration is concerned, I have no problem with it being done LEGALLY. My wife is from another country and I have paid my dues to get her here.
I have no problem with amnesty, providing they get documentation and pay the thousands of dollars that it costs to become legal. They are no better than me or my wife. So, all I am demanding is equal treatment. THEN we close the borders to illegals and any business employing illegals is fined the first time, shut down the next. If they can't get jobs, they won't come.
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The Writer's Nook
US Foreign Policy has more in the recent, and not so recent past, been used more as a hammer than a scalpel.
However, that being said, the same countries who criticize us for being so forward with our thoughts and beliefs are the first ones with their hands out to the USA when trouble threatens them.
Case in point, Mexico.
El Presidente de Mexico comes to the USA to talk down about our foreign policy and how it is racist against Mexicans. However, it is THEIR people who violate OUR laws to come here ILLEGALLY.
Recently, the Mexican President asked for our assistance (monetarily of course) to help handle the drug problem in Mexico. Who did he blame for it? THE USA. Not the people violating the laws THERE by drug smuggling.
So, solution? Closing the border is too expensive. Deporting all of the illegals is too expensive. We just don't have the money.
So, here's a possible solution, and one that I have actually had feedback from a few select congressmen on BOTH sides of the political spectrum.
1. Require e-verify BEFORE employment if you own a business and have ANY employees.
2. First offense. $5000 fine to the business that knowingly hires an illegal PER PERSON. Place the illegal in a holding cell. The person who hired the illegal is required to get a ticket leaving within one week and the illegal is transported to the airport. ALL expenses must be paid PER PERSON...NOT... per incident. Reimbursements must be made to offset expenses including officer pay during transport.
3. 2nd offense. $25000 fine per person plus all else in #2 above.
4. 3rd offense. $50000 fine per person plus all additional expense in #2.
5. 4th Offense. SEIZURE OF ASSETS. BUSINESS AUCTIONED AND OWNER PLACED IN JAIL 5 YEARS NO PAROLE.
6. 5th Offense - Exile from USA and not allowed to return.
For those who hire "maids" and "gardeners" begin with #4.
All money would go to offset costs for businesses using e-verify as well as helping to create jobs.