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| Welcome all Infected members |
| Welcome to Daniel Mania 2 Link Net Mainframe!
Here you will be able to access any other interests columns you want posted. So go ahead and take a look around. |
| New Movie: Constantine |
| 7 out of 17 people found the following comment useful:-
actually quite good for a comic book action movie., 14 February 2005
Author: alexander zeier (flashbeagle) from milwaukee
Based of the DC comic book Hellblazer, Constantine is the story of John Constantine, a supernatural detective who possesses the rare gift of being able to see the demons and angels that walk amongst us. Constantine teams up with a skeptical policewoman, Angela, who is trying to uncover the truth to her sister's suicide. Their investigation leads to the uncovering of an otherworldly attempt to transform the world into a harboring for hell's demons. The two must defeat the demons and make peace with peace with themselves and of course save the world.
To be honest, when I first saw the trailers for this movie, I had pretty low expectations. Very low. The movie pretty much looked like any other big action comic book movie, and with Keanu Reeves, it just looked too much like him following the same formula of the matrix. However, I was pleased to see that the movie was better than expected. I actually walked out liking what I just saw.
I found myself very interested in the story of an agreement between heaven and hell, that they would each control their respective domains, but could not control earth, just attempt to influence it. That story and the separate stories and lives of Constantine and Angela were rather interesting, and, in my opinion, pretty well developed for a film of this nature.
The acting is decent. Keanu is, well…Keanu. If you've seen any movie with him in it, you know what that means. But this role doesn't really require him to make any big stretches. Rachel Weisz does a good job as Angela and as my friend Alex says, "She sure is nice to look at." And in my opinion a very good job was done by Shia LaBeouf as Constantine's young apprentice Chaz Kramer. Shia LaBeouf, famous from Even Stevens, does a good job as the comedic relief but also puts in his share of dramatic acting. And, I just like Shia as a young actor. Also look out for in the movie, Bush frontman, Gavin Rossdale as the demon Balthazar.
What I liked most about this film, other than the story, was the fact that the movie was believable. Many of the big blockbusters coming out, especially those based of comic books, seem to really push the computer animation. While there was plenty of CGI in the film, the makers of the film didn't over do it, and made it look much more believable than other films. I was never distracted by any fakeness of the film and was able to sit back and enjoy.
I call Constantine a mix between the Matrix, Lord of the rings, and the Passion of the Christ, and you'll have to watch the movie to fully understand. Constantine pulls of the big comic action movie better than most. Constantine gets 4 stars, and, be sure to sit through the credits for one final scene.
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| Martial Arts News |
| WLE Martial Arts Programs
Learn Chinese Martial Arts, Wushu, Qigong or Taiji quan (Taichi) in the land of its origins, under the guidance of Chinese National Wushu champions. Popularly known as Kung-Fu, Wushu is the Chinese term for martial arts, it encompasses traditional and contemporary styles as well as external and internal forms.
AIM
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This unique Chinese Martial Arts program is designed to immerse participants in Wushu, Taiji quan (Taichi) or Qigong through class instruction, after-class training and optional electives. A wide range of Chinese wushu, taiji and qigong styles are offered.
Practicing martial arts develops participants' physical and mental fitness, improves self-esteem, self-control, mental agility and mental concentration. In addition, practicing Martial Arts improves general fitness, flexibility, coordination, balance, strength, and self-defense skills. Wushu training focuses on: stance training for balance, strength, stamina and flexibility; repetition of movements for control and speed; and series of movements for coordination and overall fitness.
FEATURES
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Study from 1 week to an Academic Year
Short Term programs: 1 to 12 weeks, start 1st Monday of every month
Long Term programs: Semester or Academic Year, start in February or September
Total Beginner to Proficient classes are available
Wide range of Wushu including Taiji and Qigong offered
Highly qualified and experienced Chinese martial arts masters
Free After-Class training under supervision
Free Electives in martial arts and non-martial art classes
Free Shaolin Temple Weekend Trip (for study durations of 8 weeks or longer)
Option to combine Martial Arts with Chinese Language Program
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
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This unique immersion program consists of 4 main components: 1) core training classes 2) after-class supervised instruction 3) martial arts, language and culture exchange program and 4) electives. The program is designed to meet the needs of individual participants, from Total Beginners to Advanced students. Each session is 45 minutes.
Class Class Times Total Classes
Core Training 8am - 10.45am
Monday - Friday 2½ hours a day,
5 days
After-Class Training 3.45pm - 5.15pm
Tuesday & Thursday afternoons 2 sessions,
twice a week
Martial Arts Electives 2pm - 3.30pm
Tuesday & Thursday afternoons 2 sessions,
twice a week
1) Core Training Classes
Participants train under the guidance of China's prominent Wushu masters and past National Chinese Wushu Champions. These highly experienced masters are dedicated to providing high quality training for all students, from total beginners to participants competing in National Wushu competitions. For more information, click here
Training is held at China's leading Capital Sports Institute. It is China's only institute of higher sports education specifically devoted to fostering elite athletes and instructors in areas such as Chinese Wushu. This unique program provides advanced students with the opportunity to train alongside Chinese martial arts students that have been admitted to study in the Capital Sports Institute's prestigious wushu program. The institute caters for all levels, from Total Beginner to Advanced competition levels.
The curriculum is based on contemporary Wushu. Training forms offered include Changquan (long fist), Nanquan (southern fist), Daoshu (broad sword), Jainshu (straight sword), Gunshu (staff), Qiangshu (spear), Taiji Quan (Taichi), Taiji Sword, Nan Dao (southern sword), and in addition others internal martial arts such as Qigong. For advanced participants, international compulsory routines established by the China Wushu Association are offered. These routines include both Taolu (competition forms) and San Shou (Sanda), a full contact fighting style also referred to as Chinese kick boxing. On the application form, participants should specify the martial arts form they wish to learn.
FORMS SHORT DESCRIPTION
CHANGQUAN (Long Fist) Consists of fighting techniques in the form of routine exercises and free sparring. Also known as long fist, the routine is practiced with or without traditional weapons. It incorporates kicking, punching, throwing and lock techniques integrated into set routines following specific rules and patterns.
NANQUAN (Southern Fist) Consists of close range fighting hand techniques with footwork combined with kicks. Originating from the Southern Shaolin Temple, this dynamic routine emphasizes speed.
DAOSHU (Broadsword) Consists of sweeping and spinning body movements combined with defensive and offensive sword techniques such as thrusting and blocking.
JIANSHU (Straight Sword) Consists of defensive and offensive movements with stabbing and cutting sword moves. The focus is on speed complemented by spinning and continuous body movements.
GUNSHU (Staff) Consists of offensive attacking techniques with the use of the staff. Techniques include strikes, thrusts, jabs and circular movements, which generate speed and strength.
QIANGSHU (Spear) Consists of defensive and offensive spear techniques such as side-blocks, thrust and strikes.
SANSHOU (Sanda) Consists of full contact fighting techniques with the use of protective gear (head gear, boxing gloves, groin cover and shin guards). Techniques incorporate punching, kicking, seizing, and throwing integrated into set routines following specific rules and patterns.
OTHERS DRUNKEN STYLE, PRAYING MANTIS (Tanglang quan), BAGUA ZHANG, TUMBLING BOXING (Ditang quan), SHAOLIN QUAN (Shaolin boxing) and a range of weapon styles.
TAIJI QUAN (Taichi Chuan) Consists of graceful, continuous movements combined with breathing control to promote relaxation, balance, flexibility, muscle tone, and coordination while improving participants' overall physical and mental agility. This ancient art, dating back to the 8th century, is based on traditional defensive and offensive techniques. In addition to bare hand techniques, weapons such as the sword, saber and spear are also used. Several schools of Taiji include the Chen, Yang, Wu and Sun. Taiji forms offered include: Yang Style 24 Movements, simplified and standardized form for beginners, and Combined 42 Movements, combining the Chen, Wang, Wu and Sun styles.
TAIJI SWORD Complements Taiji Quan with the use of the sword as an extension of the body. Defensive and attacking sword techniques. Yang and Chen Taiji Sword Styles.
QIGONG A form of energy exercise, consisting principally of breathing exercises and patterns. Derived from the ancient Chinese healing art, it combines slow movements with regulated and directed deep breathing to facilitate the movement of Qi (chi) throughout the body to increase vitality.
2) After-Class Training
After-class open training sessions are designed to enhance techniques that participants have learned in class. The optional sessions are held under the supervision of experienced and qualified Wushu masters.
After-Class Training: 3.45pm - 5.15pm Tuesday & Thursday afternoons (optional)
3) Martial Arts, Language and Culture Exchange Program
The exchange partners program provides martial arts, language and cultural interaction between participants and Chinese students, marking the beginning of many lasting friendships. The program provides the perfect opportunity to practice wushu, language and encourages cultural and social exchange. Participants schedule to meet at their convenience.
4) Electives
Participants are given the opportunity to learn additional martial arts forms or other aspects of Chinese culture. Electives are free and scheduled in the afternoons twice a week.
Martial Arts Focus Electives
Elective Martial Arts styles include Taiji quan and Qigong. These electives are generally held in the afternoons and the choice of styles offered differs according to each program. See description above.
Non-Language Focused Electives
Traditional Chinese Massage and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Classes introduce the ancient Chinese concepts and beliefs of what constitutes the human body and illness, and include diagnostic methods and treatments using herbal medicine and massage.
Chinese Painting: Classes introduce elements of the traditional art of Chinese watercolor painting under the guidance of a professional artist.
Calligraphy: Classes introduce the various calligraphy styles and features, participants then focus on perfecting one style of this ancient art form.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES OF THE CHINA PROGRAM
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This unique program aims to immerse participants in Chinese Wushu, as well as experiencing the culture and way of life by combining Martial Arts training with the following free total program features.
Shaolin Temple Weekend
Included in the program fee for programs 8 weeks or longer, is a weekend Wushu tour to the Shaolin Temple in Song Shan Mountains, Henan. The guided tour includes visiting the sacred Shaolin Temple, training under Shaolin Monks, watching a Shaolin Wushu performance, and sightseeing.
Activities with Native Chinese Speakers
Activities with Chinese students are held throughout the program to encourage cultural and social exchange. Activities may include: basketball, bowling nights, karaoke nights, games nights, Christmas party, and more.
Guided Tours
Free half day or full day tours are held on weekends to allow students to discover Beijing's major historical and cultural attractions, including the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square, and the Forbidden City. Admission, transportation and English speaking guides are provided at no extra cost. These tours provide an oppor |
| Other News |
| It was Ray Charles' night.
The late singer and pianist's presence was everywhere Sunday night at the 47th annual Grammy Awards, from performance tributes to wins in two of the biggest categories -- album of the year and record of the year.
Charles was highlighted early in the show with a performance by Jamie Foxx and Alicia Keys, who played the song "Georgia on My Mind," a Hoagy Carmichael tune strongly identified with Charles. Foxx is nominated for an Oscar for playing the musician in the movie "Ray."
Then, just before the final award was announced, Bonnie Raitt and Billy Preston performed a duet of another Charles song, "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind."
That final award was for "Genius Loves Company," an album of duets that -- even after a career of more than 50 years -- stands as Charles' best-selling album, overtaking classics such as "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music" and "The Genius Hits the Road."
The record of the year honor went to Charles and Norah Jones for "Here We Go Again," a duet from "Genius Loves Company."
"What can I say? Ray Charles," Jones said.
"I think it just shows how wonderful music can be. It's at a hundred percent with Ray Charles."
Charles and his album were represented on eight Grammy awards, including three prizes that went to the album's engineers, producers and arrangers.
The late singer was the most triumphant of the album of the year nominees, but all five did well.
Kanye West won best rap album for "The College Dropout," Green Day won best rock album for "American Idiot," Alicia Keys won best R&B album for "The Diary of Alicia Keys" and Usher, though shut out for his album "Confessions," won three Grammys for his songs.
West brought the crowd to its feet.
Fresh off a performance of his "Jesus Walks" -- a church-set turn he shared with Mavis Staples, who sang "I'll Take You There," and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, who did "I'll Fly Away" -- West took the stage to accept a Grammy for his album "The College Dropout," named best rap album.
Warning the director that his speech was going to be long, West alluded to his car accident -- a mishap that almost cost him his life -- and described how the event changed his focus.
"I plan to celebrate and scream and pop Champagne every chance I get because I'M AT THE GRAMMYS, BABY!" he exclaimed.
His emotional speech earned a standing ovation. West had been the leading Grammy nominee, with 10 nods. He won three.
Loretta Lynn also received a big round of applause for winning best country album, for "Van Lear Rose." She accepted the award with her producer, an abashed-looking Jack White of the rock band the White Stripes.
White observed that Lynn had told him that country radio stations had a hard time getting behind some of her more controversial material, and yet it was those songs that went to No. 1.
"Country radio wouldn't play this record either," White said, "and look who's No. 1 now."
Song of the year, a songwriter's award, went to John Mayer for "Daughters."
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| Page Updated Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:41pm EST |
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