So yes, there could be an object flying in the sky that you may not be able to identify.
Have you ever seen a UFO?
Why are most UFO sightings in America? Do aliens from another planet think America is the capital of the world ( I ‘m sure certain presidents that do.)
I’ve seen mysterious flashing lights in the sky, but haven’t given it a second thought. I like watching a good Sci-fi movie with the best of them, but how close are they to the truth?
Are we alone?
Well, we all know from scientific evidence that there is life on other planets. If Earth could house this abundance of life, whose to say that in another solar system, universe or galaxy, there are not other planets that can sustain life forms. Do they look like lizard men, or jellied blobs? Who knows. I guess we have to leave that to the imagination of the movie studios.
So what are your thoughts?
Have you ever seen a UFO?
What’s your favourite sci-movie?
Does area 51 exist? Is there a conspiracy to hide the truth?
Lost boys: A family moves to Santa Carlo home of the vampires. The eldest teenager, Michael, played by Jason Patrick catches the eye of Star, the only female member of a biker gang. Michael is warmly invited to join the gang, only after his initiation, he shows signs of becoming a Vampire. This doesn’t go unnoticed by his younger brother Sam, played by Cory Haim. Sam and his friends decided to enter the vampires den and kill the head vampire. The film is edgy, sexy and has great music throughout. Also stars Kiether Sutherland, Corey Fieldman and Dianne West
Lost boys the tribe: Sexy, edgy and dark. Reminiscent of the original Lost Boys but without the seduction of Jason Patrick and Keither Sutherland. Don’t expect any surprises in this film. The plot is straight forward and viewers will know the outcome even before the movie ends.
The soundtrack sucks (excuse the pun) and cannot compare to the original Lost Boys. Cry little Sister is vamped up, and it’s cool to hear the memorable song again. Also. there are many pieces of dialogue that was used in the first film. Fans of Lost Boys will be disappointed. It’s a cool film but can’t compare to the original classic.
Covenant, film about sexy, young warlocks with untold power. Similar to Lost boys. Staring Toby Hemingway, Sebastian Stan, Taylor Kitsh, Chace Crawford and Kyle Schmid.
Dangerous Minds staring Michelle Pfeiffer as a high school teacher in an inner city school. She’s attempts to protect her students who want to learn, from gang members that are forced to attend school. The theme song to the film is the renowned Gangsters Paradise written by Stevie Wonder and performed by Coolio.
Outsiders: Based on the famous book by S.E.Hinton. Outsiders is a story about two gangs the Greasers and the Socialist. The Greasers are thugs and violence is an everyday part of their lives. But as you watch the film you’ll begin to respect and even relate to the characters. Two young Greasers are caught in a vicious fight and one Socialist is killed. The teenagers go on the run but it ends in tragedy. Staring the brat pack. Emilio Esteves, Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, Tom Cruise, Ralph Macchio, C.Thomas Howell and Matt Dillon.
Rumble fish. Another film based on S.E.Hinton’s novel of the same name. Rusty played by Matt Dillon, has a hard time living up to his older brother’s rep, The Motorcycle Boy, played by Mickey Rourke. Also stars Nicolas Cage, Laurence Fishburne, Chris Penn and Dennis Hopper.
Domino staring Keira Knightley and Mickey Rourke. After growing up in a boarding school, Domino becomes a rebellious model and gets kicked out of uni for fighting. She then trains as a bounty hunter. Domino is sexy, tough and pissed off with the world. also stars, Christopher Walken, Mena Survari, Lucy Liu and Edgar Ramirez.
Young Guns 1&2. Based on the true story of Billy the Kid and his gag of outlaws. Staring Emillio Esteves, Charlie Sheen, Keither Sutherland, and Lou Diamond Phillips.
Step Up is about Tyler, a teenager played by Channing Tatum, who lives in a foster home in a deprived community. Theft and violence is part of his life. He lives for music and dancing. After being caught breaking in to a school for art, he’s sentenced to do community service within the school. He meets up with Nora Clark, played by Jenna Dewan and becomes her dance partner for the end of year showcase. He has to make a decision between the loyally of his friends or a chance for a better life.
Step up 2 The Streets
Is about a teenage girl who is part of a dance crew who call themselves the 410. They are the favored crew around their area and being part of the gang involves dedication and time. Andie, played by Briana Euigan, lives with her aunt but after an incident where the crew are filmed causing a public disturbance and vandalize a tube train, her aunt tells her she has to leave. Tyler, played by Channing Tatum, from Step Up, gets Andie an audition with a school of arts. But Andie can’t give her effort to both projects and one has to give. She meets talented dancers within the school who have been isolated and forgotten. Andie starts up a new crew. They then compete against the 410 in the infamous street dance off. Also stars Robert Hoffman.
Honorable mention
The Wild One, staring Marlon Brando. The film that started it all.
Causing controversy, it was banned from being played in the UK.
Brando is the leader of the Black Rebels Motorcycle Club; unwanted and feared wherever they go. Lee Marvin plays the leader of a rival gang. The clubs battle it out for the right of power and status.
Two bikers go on a road trip only to be faced with bigotry from the town residents. Expect 60’s flower power mixed with with bikers, drugs and murder. Staring Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda, and Dennis Hopper.
I had a chat with Iron Mathew founder of the International Day of Metal.
Why did you want to do this and what made you decide on that date?
There are many recognized international days of this and that, but none for heavy metal music, and as an avid fan of this genre I decided to create one. As for the date, well it had to be something memorable and as 6/6 is International Slayer Day, I doubled the numbers and chose 12/12, which then makes the inaugural day 12/12/12
What are you trying to accomplish?
I want to get everyone talking about this day and maybe get it recognised as a yearly international day. Heavy metal is one of the most popular genres ever and it should be recognised and celebrated.
How many members have you gathered so far?
As at 21/4/12 the Facebook group has over 2,930 members, and there are 11 official supporters for this day. Official supporters are those organisations, people, bands or anyone who posts a link on their website for International Day Of Heavy Metal, in return, a reciprocal link is placed on our home page. 47 countries have signed up (so far)
Will you be organizing any get together or festivals?
Personally no, but my hope is that others will. I plan on taking the day off work and spend it with my windows open, playing as many classic heavy metal songs as I can. I hope clubs, and bars will organize get together. I know a few bands are planning on organizing some gigs.
So now you know the date 12/12/12
celebrate loud and proud the International day of Metal.
As most of you know my favorite heavy metal band is Iron Maiden. If you want to know what going to a Maiden concert is like then you need to read In Times of Violence, YA urban thriller. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/130101
For the Greeks, Easter is not about chocolate eggs, although there are more appearing in the shops every year.
The Greeks live by their religion (Greek Orthodox) so Easter is one of their biggest holidays.
Every town and city has their own traditions, but the beautiful Island of Corfu, where I have lived for over 19 years, is famous for their Easter.
Thousands of Greeks, as well as foreigners, travel to Corfu for the unique celebrations.
For forty days, traditional Greeks will fast, leaving meat, eggs, milk, cheese, and sweets from their diet. The rest of the country fast on Wednesday and Fridays, but all will diet for the last week before Easter.
Lefkimi is one of the largest villages on the Island. The first of the numerous parades begins when the sun goes down on Good Friday. Villagers dressed in black, congregate at the local church. Carrying lighted candles, they walk around the village while a band plays a funeral march. A wooden cross and religious icons lead the parade, while the priest and local villagers join up for the candle mass. Windowsills and balconies are lit up with tea candles, making the narrow village lanes look magical. Even though the parade represents the funeral of Christ, and the villagers are in mourning, it is an incredible sight. The atmosphere, although somber, is awe-inspiring.
On Saturday morning, thousands of spectators make their way to the Liston, in the centre of Corfu town, to see the pot throwing. Red cloths hang from the balconies of the homes above the cafes that make up the stunning French architecture of the Liston. Down below, thousand of Greeks crane their necks in anticipation. At eleven O’clock, once the first bell rings, enormous clay pots, filled with water, are thrown from the balconies. There are many representations for this tradition. Some say it comes from a passage of the bible, others that it derives from a Pagan custom that harvested products were stored in new pots and the old pots thrown away. It is also thought that the custom derives from the Venetians, who threw old items out of the window in order to receive new ones. I’ve also heard it said that the throwing of the pot represents Judas’s betrayal. Whatever the reason, this custom is a spectacular sight. Just make sure you get there before eleven because it’s over quickly.
At Eleven PM on Good Saturday, the villagers of Lefkimi gather at their local church. The children hold decorative candles and lanterns while the adults carry large plain candles. Each candle is lit from the holy flame, which comes direct from Jesus’ tomb. This flame travels around Greece and lights every candle around the country. Again, a candled procession, led by the priest, travels around the village. The atmosphere is exciting and upbeat, even the band accompanies the parade with happy, joyful music. The parade ends at the local church where the priest says a prayer and blesses everyone. At twelve o’clock, the church bells ring out; once the priest cries out ‘ Christos Anesti’ (Christ has risen) fireworks, gunfire, and loud bombs are let off. Everyone goes around kissing and shaking hands, wishing neighbours, friends and family present a happy Easter. At least, one candle must remain lit, so that the sign of the cross can be burnt above the front door of the home.
Back inside the house, the family feast on Mayirista, a soup made from lamb’s intestine. Dyed, hard-boiled eggs decorate the dinner table as the family competes to smash each other’s egg.
Easter dinner is fresh roasted lamb, which has been cooking all morning on a spit over an open fire. Some villagers prefer to leave the lamb for Monday and instead feast on (avgolemono) egg, lemon and rice soup.
Early Monday morning, each church has mass, and then the congregation leaves with their church flag. As the assembly walks through the village, other churches with their priests and flags join in the parade. By the time the parade reaches Portami (the bridge on the canal), the procession consists of Philharmonic bands, a dozen priests with their church flags and icons, and hundreds of villagers, all dressed in the fineries. At twelve o’clock, a priest says a prayer and a blessing, then deafening explosions blast in the cannel water, showering the unlucky spectators.
During the warm sunny days of Easter, you will find the cafes full of Greeks sipping Frappes (Iced coffee) and cold cappuccinos. In the evening, Tavernas and nightclubs open their doors after 11pm for bouzukis (live Greek bands) where the Greeks dance and drink until the early hours.
Corfu, (the emerald Isle) is an amazing place. Easter is exceptionally breathtaking. With flowers in bloom, and the freshly painted white-washed walls, you will fall in love with the beauty of the Island. With unique traditions and countless celebrations, Easter in Corfu is an experience you will never forget.
Originally published in The real Greek Islands Magazine
Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
SOA, for those of you that have been out of the loop, Sons of Anarchy, is a TV show on FX based on the thrilling life of a bad ass outlaw motorcycle club.
SAMCRO Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original lives and runs Charming a fictional town in the central Valley of Northern California, and the residents don’t seem to care (it’s all about tough love.)
The programme showcases some of the meanest talent on TV, and even the women are tough; well you’d have to be if you want to earn the title of LADY.
It’s not worth me going through a list of who’s who, as SOA is on its 5th season and season four left us with a change of power which most fans thought was well overdue.
Creator, writer, genius, Kurt Sutter’s original idea was to base the show on Shakespeare’s Hamlet… and we all know how that story ends.
Mr Sutter is not afraid to speak his mind as those that follow his tweets know. He also films regular video blogs called W.T.F Sutter, where he answers questions from his hard-core fans. Although he won’t admit it, he cares about what people think regarding the show.
Iron Maiden in Paris (Bercy Arena) on July 1st 2008 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Iron Maiden is notably the best rock band in the world. The band consists of six of the most talented musicians and song writers in rock!
What separates them from other great rock bands is sheer determination to give 100% to their fans. It’s never been about trying to make as much money as they can, or making records for air play; these guys love to play, sing, and entertain.
Steve Harris, who plays bass and writes the lyrics to many of the Maiden songs, founded Iron Maiden back in 1975. Even when band members dropped, and at one point there didn’t seem to be a band, fans stayed loyal. Steve never became disillusioned. Determined to keep the band going, he saw the magic even before we did.
As well as being one of the best bass guitarists around, if it wasn’t for him, Iron Maiden wouldn’t be here.
I salute him for his stubbornness.
Bruce Dickinson is lead vocalist and in my opinion IS Iron Maiden. He’s the front man for the band and his stage presence and vocal talent is awesome.
I confess I lost interest in Maiden when Bruce went off on his solo career, and Blaze took over vocals. Nevertheless, my love for the band returned when Bruce came back. It wasn’t that I was a fan of Bruce Dickinson, I was a fan of Iron Maiden with Bruce as lead vocals. I think many fans feel that way.
Nicko Mcbrain is the drummer and brings a comical presence to the band. He’s one of the best drummers I have ever heard. Have a listen to Where Eagles Dare.
Dave Murrey, Adrian Smith and Yannis Gers, play lead guitars. Acoustic, rhythmic, there is nothing these guys cannot play. What surprise me about this band is after all the numerous albums, they continue to create unique songs. Each guitarist comes up with their own riffs and lyrics, which gives new songs a fresh edge.
With any other rock band it might have been a mistake to have three lead guitarists. However, the songs as so epic, there’s plenty of melodies and riffs, and each gets a chance at their own solo. These guys work together like a well oiled machine.
Classics such as Hallowed Be Thy Name, Run to the Hills, Fear of the Dark, Can I Play with Madness, are rock classics that will never go out of style. Maiden still continue to play these songs in their concerts. The fans demand it.
Iron Maiden concerts are electric. After years of world-wide tours, the band hasn’t lost any of their energy or enthusiasm to play live. The stage productions are amazing, with lighting and theatricals that are second to none. Iron Maiden concerts are not to be missed.
The albums continue to get better. The songs are epic stories that take you on a journey through long, intricate riffs and great melodies. The bands talent continues to grow, as do their fans.
Fans are loyal to Iron Maiden because the band has never let them down. Continuing to release great albums and bringing their music to as many fans as they can with exciting, energetic live performances.
My favourite track at the moment, which I play repeatedly, is Journeyman. A haunting rock ballad with catchy lyrics I can relate to.
When I sit down to write, Iron Maiden is always playing in the background. The lyrics and melodies of their songs inspire me.
Many of the short stories in my new collection, Heads & Tales, are inspired from the Best of the Beast album.
When I’m asked in interviews about what inspires me to write; Iron Maiden always comes up.
Iron Maiden continue to travel the world via ED Force One, and playing sold-out concerts. The Final Frontier album reached number one in a record of 28 countries and sold 800,000 copies in the first week.
The original word derives from the Tahitian word tatau. ‘ta’ meaning hand, repeated twice to represent the action. And ‘u’ which means colour.
Tattooing is an art form that can be traced all the way back to 3300BC.
Tattoos were first used as a symbol of rank, identification, for protection, to display someone’s lifestyle; such as gang members, armed forces, and prisoners. Nowadays, they have become a popular body decoration. Including cosmetic tattooing known as permanent make up. Tattoos that enhance the eyebrows, permanently colour the lips, eye lines, and even moles.
Tribal cultures cut designs into the skin using non-electrical tools cut from bamboo or metal, and then rub ash or natural dye in the wounds. This is a ceremonial, coming of age custom, which is sure to hurt!
These days, in European countries, tattoo artists use a hand-held electronic machine. Groups of needles are attached to an oscillating unit. Needles drive in and out of the (dermis), second layer of skin, usually at 80 times per second while ink is inserted.
*Did you know* Samuel O’Reilly invented the first electronic Tattoo machine in 1891.
Be safe
A tattoo is a wound, and like all cuts and scratches, prone to infection.
To lower the risk of infection, follow these steps.
Make sure the Tattoo parlour is clean. If in doubt, look for somewhere else to get your tattoo done.
Check to see if the tattooist uses an autoclave. (sterilizer)
Is the artist a licensed practitioner?
If you surfer from allergies, heart disease, diabetes or are pregnant, contact your physician before getting a tattoo.
Contact your health department for a list of recommended tattoo shops.
Make sure the tattooist uses disposable gloves, needles, and facial masks.
There is a risk of Herpes Simplex Virus, Tetanus, and Hepatitis if the instruments have not been sterilized correctly.
There is also a chance of an allergic reaction caused from the ink pigment. Most tattooists will recommend performing a patch test.
Does it hurt?
It depends on your pain threshold. Some say they feel a tingling sensation, others like being stung by a nest of hornets. Again, it depends on the size of the tattoo and on which part of the body the design is tattooed. A recent survey carried out, showed that the fear of pain is the main reason why people will not have a tattoo.
After care
The tattooist should cover the finished tattoo with a bandage. Leave the dressing on for 24hrs.
Make sure you do not touch the tattooed area.
If you see and redness or swelling around the area, use an ice pack.
Wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap.
Do not go swimming or lay too long in a hot bath after having a tattoo.
Keep out of the sun until the tattoo has healed. When in the sun, it’s best to use sun protection factor (SPF) 30 on the tattoo, this not only protects your skin, but it stops the tattoo from fading.
Removal
There are two ways to get rid of an unwanted tattoo. The first is what’s known as Cover-up. You get the tattoo covered over with another. Not a great result, but at least you got rid of your ex’s initials.
The second way is to have laser treatment. This procedure can remove up to 95% of the tattoo, but it is said that the cost and pain will be greater than when you first got the tattoo done. Lesson learned I think!
A recent survey showed that the most popular place on the body to have a tattoo is on the back. People spend anything from $15-$500 on tattoos. 50% regret having the tattoo done. Surprisingly, only 30% felt any significant pain. The most popular kind of tattoo in Europe is symbols, such as star signs, Chinese symbols, and tribal patterns. In America, stars are thought of to be the most requested tattoos.
Henna tattoos are the most popular form of temporary tattoos. In the tourist resort where I work, there are 14 tattoo parlors selling Henna and permanent designs. Everywhere you look women are walking around with Henna tattoos on their arms, legs and back. The guys have then on their upper back, below the neck and the top of their arms. The artist will trace the design onto paper and place it on the desired part of the body. The print remains on the skin and then is drawn over with a special pen. These tattoos can range from lettering, symbols, to animals and flowers. Draw your own design and the artist will turn it into a tattoo. Henna Tattoos can last between 7-14 days.
*Did you know* tattooists traditionally refer to the small bikini line tattoo as ‘Tramp Stamp.’ Might be wise to think about having your tattoo on the shoulder or ankle.
Greeks don’t have a love for tattoos, so there was no way my hubby was going to permit me to get a permanent one. Actually, I had no interest in getting a tattoo until I had my first Henna. I’ve been collecting frogs since I was 15, so a frog tattoo was ideal for me. I had the Henna done on my left ankle it looked as though the frog was climbing up my leg. It was so cool and I deliberately wore skirts just so I could show my tattoo off. I was very disappointed when it started to fade. I wanted to grab a black pen and go over the design. However, I allowed it to die away, as hubby had already agreed how awesome it was and allowed me to get a real one. It hurt like a mother….
Paul, a professional tattooist from the UK, recommends anyone who is seriously thinking of having a tattoo done, to look through tattoo magazines, and when in a studio, ask to see the artist’s work. He said that people that come in already have an idea of what they want and pick a tattoo that means something to them.
Think carefully before you get a permanent tattoo. Many get them done on impulse and then regret their decision, soon after. Others love their life-long tattoo. It may be best to try a temporary tattoo first to see you can live with it. A tattoo is a big deal it’s a life-long commitment.
COPYRIGHT Karina Kantas March2012
Kabuki Mask from Chinese warlord. Thanks Nick (the bubble)Geisha. Represents beauty, peace, tradition, and tranquility. 9hrs 2 sittings.A tribute to lost family membersDoug is a fan of Fight ClubThis awesome tattoo of SAMCRO's logo took five hrs to create and was done in one sitting. I will be doing a blog on the fab TV show Son's of Anarchy, so make sure you subscribe to this blog.
Explosive Writer 