Many years ago in Greece a story was passed down orally from generation to generation until it finally arrived at the ears of a philosopher named, Plato. Plato retold the story and from there a legend was born. There are many who believe that it was never true and was all in Plato's mind. The account related was supposed to be from an ancestor called Solon that was originally told to him by one of the high Priests of Egypt.
The position of Atlantis was supposed to be in the Atlantic Ocean supporting a powerful empire first established by Poseidon, God of the Sea. As long ago as 1882 a man called Donnelly, an American politician, wrote a world-wide best seller on the theories of Atlantis. Another theory was then presented. Frost, a professor of history at Queens University in Belfast suggested that Atlantis was East of Gibraltar due to the fact that in that direction was the Minoan Empire. In that Empire was superb architecture and art and a code of laws that gave women equal status to men.
Unfortunately, the Minoan Civilisation suddenly ceased to exist; all that is left is Santorinas, several islands in a circle. It was know twenty-five hundred years earlier as a large island with a volcano in the middle. A massive eruption approximately 1500 years earlier, an explosion of such force that was four times as powerful as the one at Krakatau, completely wiped out the area and the Minoans'. The tsunami at Krakatau was 120 feet high so what was it at Crete? The time differences were not correct to Plato's story the Minoans' disappeared 900 years previous and Plato's time was 9000.
Some people believe that the Azores located 900 miles from the Portuguese coast are the mountain tops of the sunken continent.
Believers of the lost continent think that when Atlantis disappeared so did a great amount of knowledge and wisdom. We are slowly digging into the past to find more evidence of where we came from.
Lots of different ideas have evolved over the years, some startling. One is a book by Prof. Arysio Santos who says Atlantis was in the Indian Ocean about the times mentioned by Plato, and sunk about 11000 years ago.
Extraterrestrials' also emerged into the picture in an age where to be mobile was to have a chariot. Therefore explanations of vehicles or flying machines would be described as whirlwinds with flashing fire. Were the Gods of this era producing offspring by the Atlantean women?
Did men from space shape this great continent over several thousand years? We do not even know if Atlantis really existed. What is the real truth about Atlantis? Out of all the legends and myths that are told and distributed certain facts do become clear. A special complimentary report has been written by Jim Long entitled 'The Philosophy of Atlantis.' One conception or idea keeps shining through the mist of legend. Read the complimentary report by Jim Long to find out what it is.
Do you wonder how the world has developed to its present stage? How do you cope with the mystery of our existence? Please read and enjoy the report.
Resource box. Or author BIO
This article was written by Robin G Howard whose pseudonym is Jim Long. Have you wondered or pondered on the ancient civilisation that was presumed to exist thousands of years ago? Then please read this complimentary report by Jim Long – 'The Philosophy Of Atlantis.' There is an underlying truth that shines through the philosophy. You can read the report by clicking the text below- to instantly download the PDF copy. By reading this article you may understand more about the lost civilisation. Webmasters and Ezine owners please feel free to distribute the report to your lists without changing any texts.
The position of Atlantis was supposed to be in the Atlantic Ocean supporting a powerful empire first established by Poseidon, God of the Sea. As long ago as 1882 a man called Donnelly, an American politician, wrote a world-
Believers of the lost continent think that when Atlantis disappeared so did a great amount of knowledge and wisdom. We are slowly digging into the past to find more evidence of where we came from.
Lots of different ideas have evolved over the years, some startling. One is a book by Prof. Arysio Santos who says Atlantis was in the Indian Ocean about the times mentioned by Plato, and sunk about 11000 years ago.
Extraterrestrials' also emerged into the picture in an age where to be mobile was to have a chariot. Therefore explanations of vehicles or flying machines would be described as whirlwinds with flashing fire. Were the Gods of this era producing offspring by the Atlantean women?
Did men from space shape this great continent over several thousand years? We do not even know if Atlantis really existed. What is the real truth about Atlantis? Out of all the legends and myths that are told and distributed certain facts do become clear. A special complimentary report has been written by Jim Long entitled 'The Philosophy of Atlantis.' One conception or idea keeps shining through the mist of legend. Read the complimentary report by Jim Long to find out what it is.
Do you wonder how the world has developed to its present stage? How do you cope with the mystery of our existence? Please read and enjoy the report.
Resource box. Or author BIO
This article was written by Robin G Howard whose pseudonym is Jim Long. Have you wondered or pondered on the ancient civilisation that was presumed to exist thousands of years ago? Then please read this complimentary report by Jim Long – 'The Philosophy Of Atlantis.' There is an underlying truth that shines through the philosophy. You can read the report by clicking the text below-
DOES HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF……..ARE WE SAFE?
History repeats the secret police.
To travel back in time from today's troubled world a remarkable insight is revealed. Yesterday was also a troubled world but without the convenience of the World Wide Web. World events today are seen almost as they happen. I have often heard the phrase – history repeats itself. But does it? There are many categories to choose from to review this phrase including corruption of a political nature. The Greek Senate, the Roman Senate, the Houses of Parliament all suffer corruption and if history is correct at a future date the public will tire and abandon them leaving a possible worst regime to follow.
I have chosen political and religious creeds as a category to test this theory and leave the conclusions to you.
The great revolution early last century in Russia brought into power the first Communist State. The ruler of this giant country finally emerged as Stalin filling the whole country with Propaganda. He then had all his opponents' killed or assassinated and created the roll of secret police finally emerging as the KGB. Millions of ordinary people were denounced and taken away to labour camps by the secret police leaving everyone living in fear.
In the 1930's there came to power a Fascist Leader. Adolf Hitler was voted in by the people because of several terrorist attacks that built up National fervour allowing him to change the laws to protect Germany and gain absolute power for Hitler. The Nazis flag was introduced along with the Gestapo secret police that had a large organisation of informers, ordinary people in ordinary jobs, even boys in school directed against their parents. The secret police used people to eavesdrop and acted on all rumours in a climate of fear. They were not interested in the rule of law but just to support the Nazis' in power. The secret police routed out thousands of political adversaries who were sent to prison camps to certain death or disappearance.
Next comes 1949 and the advent of Communism this time in China. Mao Tse-Tung now rules the Peoples Republic of China with the will of the majority. Political dominance by the communist regime is established and also the Ministry of State Security. The secret police are now in business again, same agenda protecting the security of those in power from other political ideas and opposition. Controlling the people by the secret police is now essential in the policing of the state. People can now disappear and be imprisoned for long periods by the authorities, ignoring rule of law.
In 1979 religion steps into the equation, the Shah is overthrown and an Islamic Republic is declared. Iran is now under the control of a committee composed of clerics. They then purge and rid themselves of the conservative clerics and anyone who opposes their hard line policies. The leader Khomeini and the clergy promote the Revolutionary guards, the secret police of Iran. They patrol the streets enforcing and dispatching justice to all protecting the regime in power.
All these regimes were implemented by the people and when the leaders gained power they imposed their will on all by using the secret police and the comparisons are remarkable. Outside the rule of democracy man tries to stay in political power by subjection of fellow man. I wonder if God knows what man does in his name in countries with religious rulers. Well, do you think that history repeats itself? We shall have to wait and see what develops over the next fifty years. May I wish you all the best of luck.
History repeats the secret police.
To travel back in time from today's troubled world a remarkable insight is revealed. Yesterday was also a troubled world but without the convenience of the World Wide Web. World events today are seen almost as they happen. I have often heard the phrase – history repeats itself. But does it? There are many categories to choose from to review this phrase including corruption of a political nature. The Greek Senate, the Roman Senate, the Houses of Parliament all suffer corruption and if history is correct at a future date the public will tire and abandon them leaving a possible worst regime to follow.
I have chosen political and religious creeds as a category to test this theory and leave the conclusions to you.
The great revolution early last century in Russia brought into power the first Communist State. The ruler of this giant country finally emerged as Stalin filling the whole country with Propaganda. He then had all his opponents' killed or assassinated and created the roll of secret police finally emerging as the KGB. Millions of ordinary people were denounced and taken away to labour camps by the secret police leaving everyone living in fear.
In the 1930's there came to power a Fascist Leader. Adolf Hitler was voted in by the people because of several terrorist attacks that built up National fervour allowing him to change the laws to protect Germany and gain absolute power for Hitler. The Nazis flag was introduced along with the Gestapo secret police that had a large organisation of informers, ordinary people in ordinary jobs, even boys in school directed against their parents. The secret police used people to eavesdrop and acted on all rumours in a climate of fear. They were not interested in the rule of law but just to support the Nazis' in power. The secret police routed out thousands of political adversaries who were sent to prison camps to certain death or disappearance.
Next comes 1949 and the advent of Communism this time in China. Mao Tse-
In 1979 religion steps into the equation, the Shah is overthrown and an Islamic Republic is declared. Iran is now under the control of a committee composed of clerics. They then purge and rid themselves of the conservative clerics and anyone who opposes their hard line policies. The leader Khomeini and the clergy promote the Revolutionary guards, the secret police of Iran. They patrol the streets enforcing and dispatching justice to all protecting the regime in power.
All these regimes were implemented by the people and when the leaders gained power they imposed their will on all by using the secret police and the comparisons are remarkable. Outside the rule of democracy man tries to stay in political power by subjection of fellow man. I wonder if God knows what man does in his name in countries with religious rulers. Well, do you think that history repeats itself? We shall have to wait and see what develops over the next fifty years. May I wish you all the best of luck.
The total lack of good informative political material is a disaster in this century. Television spends hours after the voting by analysing the results. What about the previews to the vote? Television does have a preview which is centred on the government and main opposition parties. From a personal level a few leaflets scrambled through the letter box and maybe a quick visit by a candidate or agent is all you get. I could not tell you anything about my local election candidates. They are just faces on a leaflet. What is the story behind these faces? The generations that lead up to mine as a senior show that voting is usually on a party basis, Labour, Conservative, and Lib-dem plus the usual independent. I discount the BNP doubting that any senior in his or her right mind would vote for anything formed by the Nazi Party. We all lost many family members who fought this power crazed regime. I, and am sure many more would like to know about our candidates. In local elections do they live in the ward where I live, what is the ward I live in? Are they in work, what type of employment are they in? Do they have a family or are they mature as a senior? What are the boundaries of my ward?
The European elections are very hazy almost secretive in their deployment. Who is my European MP, where does he or she live? Where are the boundaries of his constituency? How much do they earn and what expenses do they receive? I searched on the internet and could not find a map of the MEP area I am in. I have no idea of its size or population. I am voting for someone I know nothing about. The voting form was quite long and none of the names meant anything unless you were voting for a party. My daughter just able to vote at the last elections asked me for advice. I told her she had to make up her own mind and vote accordingly. She picked three candidates with nice faces, one was UKIP. We are letting our children down!
This is an age of technology with computers and flat screen television monitors. Walking into a polling station is like walking into a past time warp of the 1920's/30's. Why not bring the polling stations into this century? A five minute slot on each candidate running continuously for voters to view on seats set out on one half of the available space. Maps on other screens showing the area set out for the constituency. Another screen showing all EU laws brought into the country. Let the voter have some degree of information free from press and media coverage. Update now so the young and old alike find it interesting to come along and vote!
The European elections are very hazy almost secretive in their deployment. Who is my European MP, where does he or she live? Where are the boundaries of his constituency? How much do they earn and what expenses do they receive? I searched on the internet and could not find a map of the MEP area I am in. I have no idea of its size or population. I am voting for someone I know nothing about. The voting form was quite long and none of the names meant anything unless you were voting for a party. My daughter just able to vote at the last elections asked me for advice. I told her she had to make up her own mind and vote accordingly. She picked three candidates with nice faces, one was UKIP. We are letting our children down!
This is an age of technology with computers and flat screen television monitors. Walking into a polling station is like walking into a past time warp of the 1920's/30's. Why not bring the polling stations into this century? A five minute slot on each candidate running continuously for voters to view on seats set out on one half of the available space. Maps on other screens showing the area set out for the constituency. Another screen showing all EU laws brought into the country. Let the voter have some degree of information free from press and media coverage. Update now so the young and old alike find it interesting to come along and vote!
I thought it would be interesting for taxpayers to see what our Parliament has been doing in relation to expenses. You can have a quick browse or a long look at the rules. The main implication is that it is all done 'in house' like an old boys or girls club and so can be manipulated in many ways. But who really is responsible? Andrew Walker from the 2006 green book says to MPs(Quote) Use of Parliamentary allowances -
This puts the onus fairly and squarely onto each individual MP. If the system is abused it is the complete responsibility of the MP. But is it? If an MP asks for advice and is wrongly instructed who is to blame? The MP is still to blame. The system of expenses devised and manipulated with obvious gray areas is constructed and voted by a majority of MPs in Parliament.
This is the government you voted in four years ago. They have the majority in this case to over rule others.
In the 2009 green book: (Quote)Governance of the allowances- A series of resolutions approved by the House over many years set out the purpose of each allowance and contain criteria for judging the appropriateness of a claim. The Members Estimate Committee, having been advised by the Committee on Members’ Allowances, has the power to modify the provisions of the resolutions in the interests of clarity, consistency, accountability and effective administration and conformity with current circumstances. However, the Committee may not create a new charge or increase any rate of charge or payment. The Committee on Members’ Allowances has the continuing duty of keeping the Green Book under review.(Quote)
This reflects high standards – clarity, consistency, accountability and effective administration. Why then are we seeing so much abuse of the system? It is still an 'in house' club that defies democracy being allowed to write moralistic and high sounding copy that in actuality does not have true accountability to the taxpayer.
Members of the public and taxpayers please browse through these three URL's and acquaint yourself with the green book of the Westminster Club of MPs. What is interesting is the additional costs claims!
http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/GreenBook.pdf
http://www.parliament.uk/mpslordsandoffices/finances/subsiste
This puts the onus fairly and squarely onto each individual MP. If the system is abused it is the complete responsibility of the MP. But is it? If an MP asks for advice and is wrongly instructed who is to blame? The MP is still to blame. The system of expenses devised and manipulated with obvious gray areas is constructed and voted by a majority of MPs in Parliament.
This is the government you voted in four years ago. They have the majority in this case to over rule others.
In the 2009 green book: (Quote)Governance of the allowances-
This reflects high standards – clarity, consistency, accountability and effective administration. Why then are we seeing so much abuse of the system? It is still an 'in house' club that defies democracy being allowed to write moralistic and high sounding copy that in actuality does not have true accountability to the taxpayer.
Members of the public and taxpayers please browse through these three URL's and acquaint yourself with the green book of the Westminster Club of MPs. What is interesting is the additional costs claims!
http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/GreenBook.pdf
http://www.parliament.uk/mpslordsandoffices/finances/subsiste
An historical analogy exploring the house of Gordon Brown. The UK like the USA is in a sorry financial state. How did we get there? Are governments responsible?
At the concept of the European Common Market, the idea was good. That day has long passed. The idea is still good today but the infrastructure is fallible, an infiltration of the needs of power mad politicians to turn it into a giant super state. The need for them to have all country identities abolished have been thwarted and stopped by referendum, a referendum never conducted in this country. The money in this huge creaking organisation thrown around like confetti at a wedding is feeding a plodding bureaucratic army in Brussels. The system allows Euro Members of Parliament to be extravagant with taxpayer's money in expenses and other quirks. It is out of control from within. Laws and manipulations created to keep the huge army in existence. The member nations are presented with laws dictating policy and direction oblivious to the needs of individual countries.
The fact that these individual countries have government and parliament voted in by the taxpayers is irrelevant to them. The Countries governments have allowed far too many laws to pass through to their own people. In the late eighties big companies realised that full centralisation would cost them dearly. The huge company operating only and fully centrally would meet disaster. It would be like a huge tanker in the ocean that would take several miles to stop and change direction. Decentralising except for accounts and middle management, in many cases transferred the day-to-day running to the branch operation. Here the manager could look at his competitors and local trading and adjust in a matter of days. Since then a creeping centralisation leaked back into existence from the start of the Blair dynasty
.
The conservatives made one huge error before Blair, the poll tax, and it cost them dearly, this was construed by the people as a direct tax on them. The conservative house learned from this and made changes, the unfair system of taxing did not take into consideration low and high income. If you were living in a million pound property or in a one-room bedsit everyone paid the same. Out of the decaying ruins of the conservative house rife with backstabbing and problems of leadership came the new shining house of Blair. It had all the answers, new ideas, new extensions, and a creative owner/landlord. At the time, the medical room (the health service) was functioning reasonably well, as was the library (education). The Blair house bubbled with idealism and enthusiasm. Blair created houseroom targets through the years, brought in because of failing standards, millions of pounds thrown into the medical room and the library along with targets. The human assessment was ignored the targets became top priority. The front and back door of the house left wide-open allowed entry to a million people without supervision and identity checks. Blair created a war in another house that drained the resources of his own property. Out in the streets during this period Brown operated the house accounts that showed unbridled boom in the financial sector with house prices having an unnatural tendency to rise steeply with exceptional ease
Brown then took over as owner/landlord of the house. The house allowed all its banks virtual unbridled power without a useful monitor creating a manifestation of reckless and greedy opportunists. The bubble then burst. Some banks and their CEO's cried out in anguish great despair running through the boardroom. The house of Gordon brown stopped their despair by throwing more money at them without conditions; rewarded by this money from their bank for past services rendered. A million or more Jobs in the country were lost whilst some Members of Parliament including Ministers grabbed all the money they could from expenses. Gordon Brown and the ruling ministers of his house all say the same; it is a world financial problem. The mess accumulated over the past ten years is not mentioned.
At the concept of the European Common Market, the idea was good. That day has long passed. The idea is still good today but the infrastructure is fallible, an infiltration of the needs of power mad politicians to turn it into a giant super state. The need for them to have all country identities abolished have been thwarted and stopped by referendum, a referendum never conducted in this country. The money in this huge creaking organisation thrown around like confetti at a wedding is feeding a plodding bureaucratic army in Brussels. The system allows Euro Members of Parliament to be extravagant with taxpayer's money in expenses and other quirks. It is out of control from within. Laws and manipulations created to keep the huge army in existence. The member nations are presented with laws dictating policy and direction oblivious to the needs of individual countries.
The fact that these individual countries have government and parliament voted in by the taxpayers is irrelevant to them. The Countries governments have allowed far too many laws to pass through to their own people. In the late eighties big companies realised that full centralisation would cost them dearly. The huge company operating only and fully centrally would meet disaster. It would be like a huge tanker in the ocean that would take several miles to stop and change direction. Decentralising except for accounts and middle management, in many cases transferred the day-
The conservatives made one huge error before Blair, the poll tax, and it cost them dearly, this was construed by the people as a direct tax on them. The conservative house learned from this and made changes, the unfair system of taxing did not take into consideration low and high income. If you were living in a million pound property or in a one-
Brown then took over as owner/landlord of the house. The house allowed all its banks virtual unbridled power without a useful monitor creating a manifestation of reckless and greedy opportunists. The bubble then burst. Some banks and their CEO's cried out in anguish great despair running through the boardroom. The house of Gordon brown stopped their despair by throwing more money at them without conditions; rewarded by this money from their bank for past services rendered. A million or more Jobs in the country were lost whilst some Members of Parliament including Ministers grabbed all the money they could from expenses. Gordon Brown and the ruling ministers of his house all say the same; it is a world financial problem. The mess accumulated over the past ten years is not mentioned.
A look at TV and advertising. Another view of television advertising.
It is time to sit down and watch a programme on television, a programme that features advertisements. The advertisers make their pitch to the watching audience on all commercial channels. The television company and its programmes are supported by the income of its advertising revenue without which it would be dead. A live programme, where the conversation and guests starts to become interesting is suddenly slowed down and stopped by the presenter to allow approximately three minutes of adverts. Why is this? The audience become bored watching a fast cavalcade of pushed product adverts until the programme resumes. Continuing the programme, conversation becomes exciting building up with great interest when it suddenly stops for more advertisements. To complete the annoyance this happens yet again for a third time. At least when you view BBC programmes you only see their own programme trailers so you can watch for an hour without being interrupted. The BBC is another story, why should we be taxed for watching television?
On the Commercial channels viewing a feature film of two, two and a half hours becomes an aggravation with three breaks each hour. Sky and Virgin add their own programme advertisements along with the paid ones causing an even larger time space. This is like viewing advertising with a programme break in between. I find myself pressing the control buttons to view snippets of programmes without adverts. Does anyone else do this? The original programme viewed is continually disrupted and the television executives are totally unaware that I am not watching their paid adverts. The companies that advertise are probably wondering why their products do not sell so well.
Surely, other methods are worth the experiment, why not all the adverts in one area of ten minutes on each hour along with sponsors of the full programme. Please, please, all you advertising executives try different experimental techniques to rid us of this 1960's outdated format! If it is government legislation then lets lobby to change it. Anything would be better than it is now.
It is time to sit down and watch a programme on television, a programme that features advertisements. The advertisers make their pitch to the watching audience on all commercial channels. The television company and its programmes are supported by the income of its advertising revenue without which it would be dead. A live programme, where the conversation and guests starts to become interesting is suddenly slowed down and stopped by the presenter to allow approximately three minutes of adverts. Why is this? The audience become bored watching a fast cavalcade of pushed product adverts until the programme resumes. Continuing the programme, conversation becomes exciting building up with great interest when it suddenly stops for more advertisements. To complete the annoyance this happens yet again for a third time. At least when you view BBC programmes you only see their own programme trailers so you can watch for an hour without being interrupted. The BBC is another story, why should we be taxed for watching television?
On the Commercial channels viewing a feature film of two, two and a half hours becomes an aggravation with three breaks each hour. Sky and Virgin add their own programme advertisements along with the paid ones causing an even larger time space. This is like viewing advertising with a programme break in between. I find myself pressing the control buttons to view snippets of programmes without adverts. Does anyone else do this? The original programme viewed is continually disrupted and the television executives are totally unaware that I am not watching their paid adverts. The companies that advertise are probably wondering why their products do not sell so well.
Surely, other methods are worth the experiment, why not all the adverts in one area of ten minutes on each hour along with sponsors of the full programme. Please, please, all you advertising executives try different experimental techniques to rid us of this 1960's outdated format! If it is government legislation then lets lobby to change it. Anything would be better than it is now.
Who watches T.V Adverts?
There is a second view on weather changes, the sun. Many scientists say the sun goes through phases that can cause severe climatic changes. All we can do with this is to have contingencies. We have to stay for the ride and hope that during this period the sun does not kill all life on the planet. Presently, in the United Kingdom all the politicians, energy suppliers, builders of cars, the Prime Minister and leader of the opposition, have jumped on a green bandwagon. People will vote for you if they know you are saving the planet, even if you are not! What I would like to have answered is this:
1. What percentage is the United Kingdom’s contribution on it’s own to stop the world over heating?
2. What percentage would it be if America and South America contributes to stop the world over heating?
3. What percentage would it be if India contributes to stop the world over heating?
4. What percentage would it be if China contributes to stop the world over heating?
5. What percentage would it be if Africa contributes to stop the world over heating?
6. What percentage would it be if Australia contributes to stop the world from over heating?
7. What percentage would it be if the rest of Europe and Russia contributes to stop the world from over heating?
8. What about the oceans covering two thirds of this
Planet- what do they contribute?
In other words, if all these countries became fully green what percentage would each give to combat the over heating of this planet? Two thirds of this planet is water, what percentage of that contributes to overheating? Come on you mathematicians work it out. I do not know the answers but I bet this country on it own would make very little or no difference at all. All the hype is telling us that Britain must do it to save the world or is it not just never-
I regularly go to the Vue with my daughter. As a male senior I have visited many cinemas' throughout my life. I always see entertainment as an event and when I visit my local complex I ponder on the great ages of cinema of the past - 1940's/50's/60's. As you entered the cinema and sat down there was background music playing, not pounding music or what the projectionist likes to listen to. The programme started with a comedy or an interest short followed by a cartoon then trailers. Cartoons are timeless – Donald duck – Looney Tunes with Bugs and Daffy etc – in other words an entertainment programme.
I refer this to my experience at my local. Many times I have entered – no music – no atmosphere. On two occasions the main film has started immediately and on other occasions no trailers. It certainly is not an entertainment experience any more. Why? Are all executives male and 18-25 years old catering only to this advertising group? You need to cater for all age groups. The front-of-house staff seems nice and friendly and I talk to them about films and they respond. The projectionists certainly need more training. Remember there are approximately 8 million seniors in this country always looking for entertainment.
KNOWING .......
I was duly impressed, it is not often you see a classic film of the genre and this was. This film had exceptional direction and casting with stunning special effects including the horrific air crash that created an emotional bond between the audience and the occupants of their craft.
The story built slowly with the number sequences at first ignored and then opening up a terrifying picture. It had a strong story line that was paced and structured for perfection. The film plants a strong message that life is fragile and precious and that humanity could disappear within seconds.
The final moments reveal the end of the old and the beginning of the new.
I was duly impressed, it is not often you see a classic film of the genre and this was. This film had exceptional direction and casting with stunning special effects including the horrific air crash that created an emotional bond between the audience and the occupants of their craft.
The story built slowly with the number sequences at first ignored and then opening up a terrifying picture. It had a strong story line that was paced and structured for perfection. The film plants a strong message that life is fragile and precious and that humanity could disappear within seconds.
The final moments reveal the end of the old and the beginning of the new.
WATCHMEN
Tremendous special effects keep this graphic
story book film alive for nearly two hours. If you
do not mind a story line that is difficult and
annoying to watch, and a love scene that does not
seem relevant to the situation thrown in to distract,
then you will reluctantly enjoy it. I feel that certain
content inserted is to attract the 18-25 male
audience and because of this it downgrades the
film. An adventure comic book fantasy it is, a
classic it is not. (5 out of 10)
Postscript:I shall not be writing a review of Lesbian
Vampire Killers – because I will not be seeing it.
I will leave that to the 18-25 male population to
Judge.
Tremendous special effects keep this graphic
story book film alive for nearly two hours. If you
do not mind a story line that is difficult and
annoying to watch, and a love scene that does not
seem relevant to the situation thrown in to distract,
then you will reluctantly enjoy it. I feel that certain
content inserted is to attract the 18-
film. An adventure comic book fantasy it is, a
classic it is not. (5 out of 10)
Postscript:I shall not be writing a review of Lesbian
Vampire Killers – because I will not be seeing it.
I will leave that to the 18-
SUPERNATURAL (Channel 6 Freeview)
I cannot understand why the second in the series
is not on the major channel. It has continued to
grow throughout the first series and into the
second. The introduction of angels into the
demon environment is a master story strategy.
Well worth watching. (9 out of 10)
I cannot understand why the second in the series
is not on the major channel. It has continued to
grow throughout the first series and into the
second. The introduction of angels into the
demon environment is a master story strategy.
Well worth watching. (9 out of 10)
HEROES (BBC 2)
High special effects drama with an intriguing
story line of several high profile characters.
The story moves back and forth in time but
Is not confusing to understand. There is no
central character as they are all essential
in this rapid moving tale. Still stimulating to
watch. (8 out of 10)
High special effects drama with an intriguing
story line of several high profile characters.
The story moves back and forth in time but
Is not confusing to understand. There is no
central character as they are all essential
in this rapid moving tale. Still stimulating to
watch. (8 out of 10)
DISTRICT 9
I do not think the audience knew what to expect from this film made in South Africa. The trailer looked good and mysterious presumably producing a half full cinema on the 1pm showing. It started off well in documentary mode building up the story. After the shock of the thick South African accents and attempts at humour calling the aliens 'prawns' the story wandered along with a barrage of integration between humans and aliens. Throughout the film when the aliens spoke there were subtitles for the audience to know what they were saying but I don't understand how the humans knew what they were saying. The F word was used many times in dialogue and across the bottom of the screen. I wonder if the director thought this would bring realism to the action? The story then continued losing for a while its documentary setting. An idiot of a leader was found to move the aliens to another site with attempted humour at knocking on doors and asking them to leave. He is then impregnated with a fuel source that starts to change his DNA to alien.
Meanwhile the alien ship with a bit missing stands ominously in the sky. The missing part buried into the ground is released like an afterthought early in the documentary piece. As soon as the leader starts to grow an alien arm the establishment want to dissect him and put a sadistic military commander on his trail. The aliens although having superior weaponry linked to their own DNA with only themselves being able to fire them, never do, and run about like aggressive headless chickens. The story unfortunately goes nowhere and gradually returns to documentary showing the emotions of the lives that have been affected.
As a lover of science fiction my gut feeling is that two screenwriters got together and concocted a cascade of ideas that changed many times over the writing period which in turn led to a poor story line. The professionalism of the visual and special effects held it all together and at one point did have a tremendous pace with visual excitement.
Films like Van Helsing based on fantasy and myths, seems more realistic because of a strong storyline and a definite climax. This is not classic science fiction but more to be watched when you want a knockabout alien film.
Have a look at for the visuals. I give it (5 out of 10)
I do not think the audience knew what to expect from this film made in South Africa. The trailer looked good and mysterious presumably producing a half full cinema on the 1pm showing. It started off well in documentary mode building up the story. After the shock of the thick South African accents and attempts at humour calling the aliens 'prawns' the story wandered along with a barrage of integration between humans and aliens. Throughout the film when the aliens spoke there were subtitles for the audience to know what they were saying but I don't understand how the humans knew what they were saying. The F word was used many times in dialogue and across the bottom of the screen. I wonder if the director thought this would bring realism to the action? The story then continued losing for a while its documentary setting. An idiot of a leader was found to move the aliens to another site with attempted humour at knocking on doors and asking them to leave. He is then impregnated with a fuel source that starts to change his DNA to alien.
Meanwhile the alien ship with a bit missing stands ominously in the sky. The missing part buried into the ground is released like an afterthought early in the documentary piece. As soon as the leader starts to grow an alien arm the establishment want to dissect him and put a sadistic military commander on his trail. The aliens although having superior weaponry linked to their own DNA with only themselves being able to fire them, never do, and run about like aggressive headless chickens. The story unfortunately goes nowhere and gradually returns to documentary showing the emotions of the lives that have been affected.
As a lover of science fiction my gut feeling is that two screenwriters got together and concocted a cascade of ideas that changed many times over the writing period which in turn led to a poor story line. The professionalism of the visual and special effects held it all together and at one point did have a tremendous pace with visual excitement.
Films like Van Helsing based on fantasy and myths, seems more realistic because of a strong storyline and a definite climax. This is not classic science fiction but more to be watched when you want a knockabout alien film.
Have a look at for the visuals. I give it (5 out of 10)
WHITEOUT
The story centres on the Antarctic a grim desolate place where death awaits outside at minus 50 degrees. You could almost believe you were on another planet as a storm and winter approaches. A glimpse of the past is shown as a Russian aircraft crew fight amongst themselves over a locked up box. There is then a spectacular crash into the ice and snow, as in most comic books the stories are thin and the action stunning. After a body is found the lone US Marshall designate (Kate Beckinsdale) starts to investigate. This leads to another camp where the murdered man worked from and a strange radio phone call from one of the team stationed there.
On arrival he is found dead and she only barely escapes from a violent killer with a mask and an ice pick. The story does have pace and turns into a (who-done-it) thriller. As the sixth month winter starts she races to try and find the murderer before the approaching bad weather hits the camp. There is some great action before the plane finally takes off leaving them behind. Here the ending is an anti-climax piecing together a rather flimsy storyline. To me this film has a disappointing ending but plenty of action to make up for it.
I noticed on the credits at the end that the film was made from a graphic comic book story. Is this where all films will come from in the future? The younger generation just do not seem to want to read normal books anymore and good stories have to come from somewhere.
The story centres on the Antarctic a grim desolate place where death awaits outside at minus 50 degrees. You could almost believe you were on another planet as a storm and winter approaches. A glimpse of the past is shown as a Russian aircraft crew fight amongst themselves over a locked up box. There is then a spectacular crash into the ice and snow, as in most comic books the stories are thin and the action stunning. After a body is found the lone US Marshall designate (Kate Beckinsdale) starts to investigate. This leads to another camp where the murdered man worked from and a strange radio phone call from one of the team stationed there.
On arrival he is found dead and she only barely escapes from a violent killer with a mask and an ice pick. The story does have pace and turns into a (who-
AVATAR
16/12/09
Avatar is a cinematic event in itself. I remember other such events, the first 3D films in the 1950's –Vincent Price – The Phantom of the Rue Morgue – One of the worlds heavyweight championship fights on at the News Theatres –The first 3D cartoon, The Owl and the Pussycat. A new age came into being at the arrival of 3D at Universal Studios and Disney – Universal won the first battle for me with the 180 degree 3D screening of Terminator. It was something special and way in advance of all others.
I was perturbed that I could only get a front seat at my local Vue cinema but I need not have worried it was stimulating and amazing. I would never sit in those seats for a normal film but for 3D it was great, the eyes seem to balance out wherever you sat.
The opening scenes nearly gave me a dose of space sickness – I thought I was in there with them. The graphics were stupendous except for 2 huge planetary backdrops which were amazingly 2D flat. The story opened with humankind almost invading this beautiful world needing the local inhabitants to vacate the area under which was a rich mineral that would be worth billions of dollars. The human scientists produced avatars of the planetary population transferring their own life energy into them. A bond is made by one of them allowing him to participate in the native lifestyle. Here, the story becomes magical introducing species of flowers, and strange animals and birds, some terrifying. He finds the locals have a special bond with nature and able to communicate with the animals, birds and the plants.
The human leaders, one of them military and both filled with corporate greed decide to attack. The attack is to destroy a place that holds the beliefs and expectations of local life thus shattering their will and determination. The bonded human then changes sides helping the Pandorians to fight back after their habitat is destroyed by the ruthless human invaders. A titanic battle ensues, flying men and birds against high technology with mass destructive weapons. The action was very much like Starship Troopers and other action films, but in 3D you are there amongst the carnage. As I stated earlier it was an event not to be missed. I hope 3D is here to stay. Going to the cinema now is an adventure. Go and see this film, I give it 10 out of 10.
PS. I hope Channel 4 on TV can sort themselves out – their 3D event was dreadful with a terrible yellow haze destroying the vision with no 3D at all.
