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Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:37:12 GMT

The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail

by Vadim Rizov

[In celebration of Criterion"s AK 100: 25 Films by Akira Kurosawa box set, GreenCine Daily will be looking at four rare films only now available on DVD this week.]



There"s a moment early on in 1945"s The Men Who Tread on the Tiger"s Tail where you"re looking not at Akira Kurosawa"s third film but peering 35 years into the future. Up to that moment, the tone"s been one of busy comedy. Lord Yoshitsune (Shubo Nishina) and his retainers are fleeing from Yoshitsune"s brother Yoritomo, who"s trying to kill him. Disguised as itinerant monks, they"re being trailed by a pesky, noisome porter (Kenichi Onomoto) whose chattering and urge to please/fear of death make him a stock counterpoint to the stoic samurai, who only have two modes: glowering bad-assery and hearty laughter. The porter has informed them that they"re not going to make it across the border: Yoritomo"s messenger is already there, knows their disguise, and is fully prepared to wipe them out. In that moment, the film-up to that moment lively, in motion and stylistically kind of anonymous-suddenly stops as Kurosawa pulls back to a master shot: all the samurai sitting in a semi-circle, the porter to their right, dwarfed by trees and the mountains in the background. We"re now in the realm of Kagemusha and Ran, Kurosawa"s late-period masterpieces: serenity and ritual in the midst of violence, in the generic vicinity of Mt. Fuji. Posted by: ahillis      Read more     Source

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:00:03 GMT

Online Pharmacy Store: Save Time and Money

The evolution of the Internet has facilitated yet another necessity of the mankind - an online pharmacy store. While we all know how the regular shopping needs of consumers are addressed through ecommerce, online drug stores have registered their popularity only recently. Their popularity has been delayed owing to various laws that govern sales and shipping of medications, such as laws restricting shipping of drugs via national and international borders. The best pharmacies, however, are licensed and offer a range of prescription and non-prescription medications along with other products and are able to ship across borders. Purchasing from these online pharmacy stores is not only convenient, but also saves time and money.

Online Pharmacy Store: Benefits

Here are other advantages of purchasing drugs at an online pharmacy store:

Convenience: Online stores allow customers to purchase drugs anytime during the day or night or during emergencies from the convenience of their house. Customers can also get their queries clarified with an online pharmacist or over the phone. These stores also offer other products, such as first aid kits and over the counter medications. They are also a boon to people with restricted mobility or those who are housebound.

Privacy and anonymity: Online stores are the best bet if you want to keep y our medical condition private. The level of privacy and anonymity offered by online stores is unsurpassed. For instance, at the neighbourhood pharmacy, there is always a chance that someone might overhear your conversation.

Cost-efficiency: An reputable online drug store does not offer drugs at cost-effective rates due to savings on overhead expenses. Most have a real storefront, with similar operational costs, such as rent and utilities, and promotional costs. The savings comes from their ability to source the world for the lowest government price controlled products and in turn, the savings are passed on to the customer. Online stores also provide comparison tables for different drugs, which enable customers to purchase the drugs that best suit their requirements.

Information: Online drugstores provide comprehensive information on various drugs, their benefits, the right dosage and their side effects thorugh very helpful pharmacists. Physical pharmacy stores, on the other hand, may not furnish complete information on the drugs prescribed to you because their pharmacists often provide poor service. Hence, while online, you only need enough time to enlighten yourself on the effects of various drugs and by calling the pharmacist.

With the government's intervention, the stigma associated with online drug trade (involving illegal drugs) has been done away with. Customers must choose a licensed online pharmacy store to ensure legality and reliability. The enhanced security of online transactions has also added to the trustworthiness, safety and convenience of purchasing at these stores. One of the best Canadian online pharmacy stores that provide prescription and non-prescription drugs to customers at cost-effective rates is www.NorthWestPharmacy.com. Visit the drug store today to obtain the best quality products and customer service offered in the industry.


Posted by: Heather      Read more     Source

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:35:49 GMT

Invacare Wheelchair

For the differently-abled, Invacare wheelchairs provide one of the most cost-effective options for mobility. Manufactured and distributed by Invacare, Invacare wheelchairs come in an exhaustive range to meet all possible requirements. Boasting of a stable central wheel-drive mechanism, Invacare wheelchairs offer excellent riding characteristics too.

Invacare Wheelchair: Popular Models
True to their claim of being world leaders in innovation, as well as product range, Invacare wheelchairs come in options ranging from light-weight modular indoor use wheelchairs to heavy duty outdoor ones.

Listed below are some of the most popular Invacare wheelchairs:

• Pronto M94 Heavy Duty Power wheelchair: With an impressive load capacity of 500 lbs and a top speed of 5 mph, this wheelchair offers a sturdy stability lock that prevents forward tipping. This wheelchair also has a compact footprint.
• At'm Take Along Travel Power wheelchair: The perfect wheelchair for taking along; this Invacare wheelchair is light weight and sports a foldable lawn chair that weighs only 14 lbs.
• Pronto M41 Indoor Power wheelchair: A perfect indoor use wheelchair, it features a nifty 19” turning radius and a patented suspension system for smooth rides.
• Pronto M51 Indoor Power wheelchair: With 6 wheels and a turning radius of 19.5”, it can reach the top speed of 4 mph and is ideal for indoor use.
• Pronto M61 Indoor Power wheelchair: This Invacare wheelchair features an innovative power elevating chair and ‘Surestep’ technology for smooth rides over thresholds up to 2” in height.
• P9000 XDT Folding Power wheelchair: This wheelchair folds to be a slim 13” carry piece and be raised in height for better seating.
• Nutron R51 Folding Power wheelchair: It features a cross-brace frame that folds and features a powerful 350 watt high torque motor. It also comes with telescopic front riggings and adjustable height for better seating comfort.
• Pronto M91 Indoor/Outdoor Power wheelchair: Available in 300 and 400 pound weight capacities, this wheelchair is claimed to be the most economical mid-wheel drive wheelchair.

A reliable dealer for Invacare wheelchairs is EasyMedOnline, which features all these top models along with other mobility aids such as scooters, lift chairs and manual wheelchairs too.


Posted by: Heather      Read more     Source

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:14:58 GMT

FedEx's Cellular Sensor-Package

Senseaware is FedEx"s cellular-connected sensor-package. Drop it in your super-important packages (they"re targeting pharma, medical devices/equipment, diagnostic kits and samples) and for $120/month it will tell you everything about that package - where it is at this very second, whether it"s been dropped, how hot/cold it is, and so on.

A SenseAware device riding with a FedEx shipment can provide information about its precise temperature, its exact location, and when a shipment is opened or if the contents have been exposed to light.

(via Boing Boing) Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:09:29 GMT

Cheap Caribbean Eats at Bloor and Dufferin

In the world of Toronto cheap eats it"s tough to find better value than Teekam"s Taste, a new Caribbean restaurant near the corner of Bloor and Dufferin. Go for the jerk chicken (above) or their oxtail roti served unwrapped with smooth chickpea and green pea curry. But don"t leave without one of their cheap and tasty potato pies.

Read my full review of Teekam"s Taste in the restaurants section. Posted by: June Too      Read more     Source

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:43:46 GMT

Awesome Aerial Tramways Of The World

Take a look at some of the most awesome aerial tramways the world has to offer. From the tallest and the lowest to the longest and fastest, if you are afraid of heights, don"t look down.

(via Robert-John) Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:26:12 GMT

Daredevil Charlie

Any old cat can shin up a tree. But this brave moggy regularly takes his nine lives in his paws and climbs 13ft up the wall of a block of flats to his owner"s home on the first floor.

Seven-year-old Charlie hit on the idea after growing tired of having to wait outside the shared front door to the block for someone to let him back in after he has been allowed out for some air.

Instead, he heads for the rear of the building where only a roughcast wall stands between him and the balcony of his owner"s flat.

(thanks Cora) Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:25:02 GMT

Reduce Credit Card Debt to Improve Y our Finances

Generally people try to reduce credit card debt by paying off only the minimum balance which leads to the accrual of interest and penalty and piling up off the total amount owed. Credit card debt related problems can be easily resolved by taking the advice of experts, such as a reputed debt settlement firm.

Reduce Credit Card Debt: Take Control of Your Financial Position
The toll of living under a high level debt makes it imperative for an individual to take steps to reduce his credit card debt. A massive buildup in credit card balances cannot be ignored and corrective measures should be taken immediately. What is needed is to take stock of one's finances and chalk out a plan to use the money judiciously to repay or reduce the credit card debt.

The first and the foremost step to reduce credit card debit is to check which debts are secured and which are not. Also asses what funds are available for repayment of debts and which investments can be sold off to generate more funds if needed. The best way to reduce credit card debt is to first try and pay off a portion of debt which carries the highest interest rate. Since this is not easy, an expert's advice can prove to be very beneficial.

Support & Motivation: Essential to Reduce Credit Card Debt
Although several options are available to reduce credit card debt through one's own efforts, expert help is much more advantageous. Debt settlement agencies provide a range of services, including developing a savings plan, keeping in mind the customer's finances and encouraging them to reach the set goals. They not only provide the necessary support for negotiating with creditors such as banks, but also motivate clients to modify their financial lifestyles to avoid credit card debt related problems in the future.

Expert agencies help people developing customized programs for debt settlement. They routinely deal with various banks and credit card agencies and facilitate negotiations for debt settlement. However, try and select a reputed firm. Most follow a standardized disclosure form for customers seeking relief from their credit card debt developed by the Association of Settlement Companies.

Achievesecurity.com has been a leading provider of debt settlement services and is well known for providing regular counseling and other services that help a customer achieve his/her goal of reducing debt.
Posted by: Heather      Read more     Source

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:07:16 GMT

New Camera Puts Ladies First

The device is currently a Japan only product, but if you"re interested in importing one, it"s selling for $190. As a result of the collaboration between Greenhouse and fashion brand GAUDI (ah, so many jokes, so little time) the camera is available in pink and white. A matching bag comes with the camera to complete the ensemble.

I"m personally not a fan of pink tech on principle, but I wouldn"t mind owning the white version. What are your thoughts on these cameras and pink tech?

Via CrunchGear Posted by: Sarah      Read more     Source

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:26:03 GMT

Ramping up the alternative energy momentum

The Moroccans have announced a project to invest 9 billion dollars in a 2000 megawatt solar energy production system located where else but in a handy local desert or two. We’re talking 10,000 hectares of array, sucking the power out of 3000 hours of bright sunlight. Neat.

There is one puzzle though (and it’s not just the weird headline which implies the country is forgoing solar energy). The article claims that Morocco spent $6 billion in 2008 on oil products for energy, and this solar array will reduce the need by 42% when completed in 2020.

My question is this. If the payback on the deal is a mere 4 years, why on earth not go for the whole deal and aim for total self-sufficiency in the one project? Or am I missing something? And wasn’t there a map recently that showed the whole world could be served with electricity from one giant solar array in a desert somewhere in North Africa? (oh yeah here it is).

 According to AFP, the project will be located in five locations, to be completed by 2020 and all of them will cover 10,000 hectares. One plant will be located right at Ouarzazate and will have a capacity of 500 MW and the other four will have a capacity of 100 to 500 MW. After being done, this project will lead to annual savings of one million tons of oil equivalent of 500 million dollars and CO2 emissions of Morocco will be reduced by 3.7 million tons annually… Posted by: Redferret      Read more     Source