Volkswagen Bus T2 Cast of Little Miss Sunshine
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Volkswagen, Europeâs largest automaker and maker of the famous Volkswagen shocks also stars in one of this yearâs most celebrated movie the âLittle Miss Sunshineâ.
Volkswagen bus T2 is currently the seventh member of the odd but heartwarming Hoover family of the successful âLittle Miss Sunshineâ created by Twentieth Century Fox. Little Miss Sunshine is an independently made road movie which was presented last year at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and since then became very successful. The movie Little Miss Sunshine was able to snag up at least four Academy Award nominationsâBest Picture, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor.
The film is loaded with touching emotions and endearing kind of humor which makes this comedy perfect for family viewing. So far this movie has become a surprise success for this yearâs Hollywood awards. And now, to cap off an awards season that has brought the film both mainstream and independent film recognition, the offbeat family road-trip comedy also took the original-screenplay honor at the much coveted Academy Awards and the supporting-actor prize for Alan Arkin last night.
Previous to the Oscarâs honors, Little Miss Sunshine has already received an amazing number of nominations and awards from all over Hollywood including two Golden Globe nominations from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and followed by the Best Picture Award form the Producers Guild of America and the Best original Screenplay award at the Writers Guild Awards last February 11 for Michael Arndt. And only recently the Screen Actors Guild awarded the Hoover Family with the trophy for the âBest Castâ. Actor Greg Kinnear has also taken the opportunity to thank the automotive member of the cast, he said, âIâd like to thank the engineers at Volkswagen for making a beautiful vehicle back in 1969 that was comfortable and so safeâ, referring to the bus T2.
The movie revolves around the six human Hoovers that pile up in the almost 40-year-old Volkswagen but to take little Miss Olive (Abigail Breslin) to the Little Miss Sunshine Contest from Albuquerque/New Mexico to Redondo Beach, California. They have met nutty adventures during their two-day road trip which helps them to become one strong united family. The Volkswagen bus plays a major role in the family building process where they have to help each other especially when the bus gets into little problems.
One of the casts of the Little Miss Sunshine, actor Steve Carrell (who played Frank) said that he has fallen for the brave family vehicle because of its almost human faults. He also added, âI think that the bus is actually a real actor in this movie.â At least five identical buses have been used during the production of Little Miss Sunshine.
Little Miss Sunshine is not the first movie for the Volkswagen bus T2 as a matter of fact T2 has already starred in more than 80 movies. Among them are Back to the Future (1985), Free Willy (1993), Almost Famous (2000), Charlieâs Angels (2000), Spy Game (2001), Hulk (2003), and Scary Movie 4 (2006). This simply shows that Volkswagenâs vehicles are not only noted for their quality but also for their aesthetic appeal both onscreen and off-screen.
Really? Contact Lenses No Prescription?
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Believe it or not, some people actually wear contact lenses without a prescription. Such lenses are used for a variety of purposes; it is just that none of those happens to be eyesight correction. Instead, they will buy them for cosmetic or costume purposes. So exactly what types of lenses no prescription necessary can possibly be out there? The truth is that there are a lot. Consider some of these examples and you will see why lenses that are ordered with no prescription are quickly growing in popularity.
One type of lenses no prescription necessary that is available is the colored contact lens. Colored lenses offer people an easy and very natural looking option for changing their eye color. Whether it is to match an outfit or to simply give themselves a new look, colored lenses are perfect for many people. Since most colored contacts are offered with a no vision correction option, they can be ordered online without a prescription. So even those with no correction needed can change their eye color if they so desire.
For costumes, theater, or special effects in performance, many people purchase what are called special effects contacts. These lenses are available without a prescription because they do not offer correction of vision in most cases. On the other hand, there are some companies that do require some sort of medical waiver. Since many of the special effects lenses can hurt unhealthy eyes, the companies want a doctor to give you a clean bill of health before allowing you to use them. So what are special effects lenses exactly? They can be all black lenses, glow in the dark lenses, red contacts, cat eye contacts, and even contacts that make your eye look like it has a cross in the pupil. All of these may be used only for special occasions, but they do make for a good enough of an effect that the market is growing.
As you can see, there is a lot out there when it comes to contact lenses no prescription required. These types of contacts can be ordered online or through eyewear stores without a prescription when no site correction is being done by the contacts. Whether it is colored contacts for the vain or special effect contacts for the theatrical, contact lenses without a prescription are certainly gaining popularity. Are you ready for the trend?
The Producers Wins Over Broadway With Slapstick Humor
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The Producers has been enjoying a nice run on Broadway since it’s opening on April 19th 2001 at the St. James Theatre located at 246 West 44th Street. The production is considered an original musical comedy and critics as well as audiences agree the Mel Brooks classic holds up it’s end of the laughter which is expected and promised. The show runs for two hours and forty minutes with one intermission.
Based on the Mel Brook’s movie, of the same name, which played in 1968, the tale tells of a down and out producer who writes the worst screen play in the history of movie script writing and then continues to attempt of conning two old ladies out of two million dollars.
The hilarious Broadway power duo of Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick team up to play the classic characters of Max Biaystock and accountant Leo Bloom. Both actors received acclaim for their work with the production and the slapstick humor, which is often just plain silly is pulled of with perfection throughout the brilliant show.
The storyline of the show is based in New York around the 1959 time period, in which Max creates the worst screen play ever to be written, this of course was done purposely. Max wants the script to be a failure in order to back out of having to pay his investors, and con everyone out of their money.
The comedy begins right away when you think what could the worst screen play ever written possibly be named? Well, Springtime For Hitler sure seems to have the name for a bad screenplay. What could be worst, or really more funny is how the bill is advertised, as a gay romp through World War II. With all this said it seems doomed from the start, just like Max and Leo expect, but who could ever guess that it would soon become a huge hit.
Now there are very special comedic moments which occur throughout these events, and both Lane and Broderick really play the silly slapstick comedy of Mel Brook’s extremely well. The singing and music also adds a nice touch to the humor and story. The story then moves on into the main plot as the two con men are forced to try and take advantage of two older women for the two million dollars they set out to rob from the investors.
The show is perfect for adults who enjoy sill and more slapstick humor. The comedy is not very deep or intellectual humor at all, more of the silly little things which hit your funny bone hard and fast and just makes you laugh. For a light hearted night out on Broadway and some rea good laughs The Producers will most likely provide exactly what is advertises and probably more laughs then you can handle. With 11 Tony’s in 2001 including best musical score, best director and best musical you cannot go wrong. Broadway Producer show tickets are selling on average for seventy-five dollars
See America First Series: #8 - Richmond and Salem
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Thinking about those pristine lakes in Richmond, Australia, where the trout run freely, and experienced and trusted fishing guides teach you no-fail tips and centuries-old fishing secrets? …or, for the kids, the “Zoodoo Park, where alpacas, bison, camels, llamas and miniature horses roam? Empty pockets right now? Why not visit Richmond, Virginia while you’re waiting. There you can feel the presence of Patrick Henry’s famous words, “Give me liberty or give me death,” at St. John’s Church.
Also, as the former capitol of the confederate states, Richmond is home to many museums and battlefields, including The Museum of the Confederacy, which once serve as the White House of the Confederacy.
Richmond’s neoclassical Union Station is a popular spot for visitors because of its beautiful architecture. It was designed by Beaux-Arts-trained John Russell Pope in 1919 and houses the Science Museum of Virginia.
For mystery buffs, Edgar Allen Poe wrote some of his works while he lived in the area, and many of his writings and other things from his life are in the museum bearing his name.
It is an experience, too, to stroll down “Monument Avenue”, where monuments include the Christopher Columbus monument and the Bill “Bojangles” Robinson monument as well as one honoring Virginians who died in World War II, along with several other war memorials. There is much to be seen along the riverfront, too, including a former Slave Trail.
For a peek into the theatrical past, you can visit the Byrd Theatre, a classical movie theater from the 1920’s era that now features second-run movies on a regular basis.
That legendary “southern hospitality” comes into play whenever visitors “stop by for a spell”.
Or perhaps you heard about the Yercaud Hills of Salem, India. The word “Salem” literally means “surrounded by hills”, and visitors won’t be disappointed. On the descent from the top of Yercaud, which is 1,600 feet high, many picturesque sights await the traveler, such as Kiliyur Falls. Can’t go right now? Why not visit Salem, Oregon, which has been designated “Tree City, USA” 30 years running by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Salem’s dedication to urban forestry includes a major display of flowering cherry trees throughout the city as well as around the capitol - favorite spots for visitors seeking photographic mementos of their visits…
People from all over the world flock to Salem’s World Beat Festival, sponsored by the Salem Multicultural Institute, which features international crafts, music, dance, food and folklore from every continent and a traditional “Dragon Race”.
Also, Salem has 42 city parks, the largest having 898.9 acres, and one of the smallest in the world having a single Sequoia tree. For the kids, there is a toy museum and “discovery house”. There is so much more awaiting visitors - including a huge welcome.
The Broadway Production of the Producers Hits the Funny Bone
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The Producers has been enjoying a nice run on Broadway since it’s opening on April 19th 2001 at the St. James Theatre located at 246 West 44th Street. The production is considered an original musical comedy and critics as well as audiences agree the Mel Brooks classic holds up it’s end of the laughter which is expected and promised. The show runs for two hours and forty minutes with one intermission.
Based on the Mel Brook’s movie, of the same name, which played in 1968 the story tells of a down and out producer who writes the worst screen play in the history of movie script writing and then continues to attempt of conning two old ladies out of two million dollars.
The hilarious Broadway power duo of Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick team up to play the classic characters of Max Biaystock and accountant Leo Bloom. Both actors received acclaim for their work with the production and the slapstick humor, which is often just plain silly is pulled of with perfection throughout the brilliant show.
The storyline of the show is based in New York around the 1959 time period, in which Max creates the worst screen play ever to be written, this of course was done purposely. Max wants the script to be a failure in order to back out of having to pay his investors, and con everyone out of their money.
The comedy begins right away when you think what could the worst screen play ever written possibly be named? Well, Springtime For Hitler sure seems to have the name for a bad screenplay. What could be worst, or really more funny is how the bill is advertised, as a gay romp through World War II. With all this said it seems doomed from the start, just like Max and Leo expect, but who could ever guess that it would soon become a huge hit.
Now there are very special comedic moments which occur throughout these events, and both Lane and Broderick really play the silly slapstick comedy of Mel Brook’s extremely well. The singing and music also adds a nice touch to the humor and story. The story then moves on into the main plot as the two con men are forced to try and take advantage of two older women for the two million dollars they set out to rob from the investors.
The show is perfect for adults who enjoy silly and more slapstick humor. The comedy is not very deep or written with intellectual humor nor was that the intent, more of the silly little things which hit your funny bone hard and fast and throw the laughs out. For a light hearted night out on Broadway and some real good laughs The Producers will most likely provide exactly what is advertises and probably more laughs then you can handle. With 11 Tony’s in 2001 including best musical score, best director and best musical you cannot go wrong. Broadway Producer show tickets are selling on average for seventy-five dollars
Basic Curtain Adaptations:- Drawing the Facts Together
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There are various ways to trim basic curtains to obtain many different styles and themes. Basic curtains can be adapted to be feminine and frilly, grand and theatrical or sophisticated and smart, to name but a few. These effects can be created using a selection of the following methods.
Plain curtains can have borders of braid that contrast with them attached or complementary borders, made from fabric, can be inset into the curtain’s leading edge. In both of these instances it is very important to get the dimensions spot on. A good rule to follow is that the width of the braid should be approximately the same as the width of the curtain border. Borders can be applied to both the bottom and the leading edge of your basic curtains but it is important to carefully mitre the corners so that you end up with a professional looking finish.
It is possible to trim the leading, central edges of curtains in a variety of ways. The most common method that is employed is to use a frill that either matches or contrasts with the fabric of the curtain. This approach can be varied by adding multiple frills, one which matches and one which contrasts or one that is plain and one that is patterned. If your curtains have a rounded corner it is possible to extend a frill from the top of the corner to the base of the curtain and it is also possible to add piping that joins the edge of the frill to the leading edge of the curtain. It is possible to turn your leading edges into something more chic by employing fan pleats that extend down the curtain’s leading edge so that they do not collect dust in the pleat pockets. Picot edging can also be created using a pico braid, or by creating overlapping fabric triangles that are attached to the leading edge. This is an extremely elegant effect but it is quite difficult to achieve and may be a bit beyond the reach of the amateur curtain maker.
The leading edges of your curtains can have bullion edging attached. This is usually custom dyed to obtain an exact match to the curtains that you are applying it to. Make sure that you do not employ fringing that is too heavy for the curtain it is being applied to or you will end up with a very displeasing effect where the edge of the curtain is dragged down away from the pole or rail.
It is possible to tie and loop your curtains in various ways to create some extremely theatrical effects. The easiest way to achieve this is to use a stiff silk curtain that is then tied in two places to give a puffed out balloon effect. These are most commonly employed with a blind or other window covering as they are primarily for effect and not for practical purposes.
Whichever method you employ it is possible to completely change the appearance of your basic curtains with the minimum of effort and outlay.
Standup Comedians Its Not Just Jokes
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Some people might say you are witty. When making a joke your friends seem to laugh. It seems it is something you take pleasure in doing and when people chuckle sometimes it is the ultimate prize. You believe you value comedy, and you should go to the next stage by becoming a professional comedian.
But, being a stand-up comic and comedian is a lot dissimilar than retelling a common joke and waiting for your friends to giggle. With comedy, you should be cognizant about the meeting, become knowledgeable about the stage, and write jokes that express a universal charm.
While being a comedian can be tough, on the contrary sometimes it is also worthwile. Here is some recommendations on what you should know to turn into a comedian.
Build up your personality. Think about all the popular comedians out there. Each lucrative comedian has something really critical about them. Chris Rock. Dave Chapelle. Adam Sandler. Dennis Miller. After a while you hear the names and, you can mindlessly imagine what they are, what they say, and exactly how and why you giggle.
Sometimes it is exaclty what you need to do. As a trainee, it might be a while before you find your personality. Test it in front of the public. Ask for reviews wherever possible. Refine and tweak your stage presence until you’re content with the product.
There are quite a lot of diverse kinds of comedy. Knowing what they are should help you train fittingly. Do you prefer improv comedy, standup, or would you rather emotionalize in a comedy movie or a sitcom? Here are plenty of other options, too. Once you understand what style of comedy you would like to do, you can set objectives and amplify a plan that should help you achieve them.
Attend comedy classes. You will figure out and learn, standup or any extra forms of comedy don’t come as expected. Sure, you can express the physical gift, skill of timing, etc. But, you also need help realizing the dissimilar styles of comedy and how to perfect and draw on them to your advantage.
When you go and take a comedy session, you can improve yourself and get some help from a master comedian. After learning everything the educational and the learning curve has been reduced, you will need to work together with fellow comedians and get reactions.
Put in writing and prepare your act in front of family. Attend standup amateur nights. Essentially, get as much familiarity as possible so youcan get comfortable in front of people. Practice in front of the mirror. By timing your act you can gage the amount of time you will need. Modify and correct your jokes until you get the entire act perfected. Once you complete all of this, you are content to start working in a club for payment.
Enter competitions. Entering competitions is a fantastic way of getting familiarity and to practice your routines in front of audience. When it hits it doesn’t matter if you fancy standup or improv or something other, there are comedy competitions for it. You can join amateur internet talent shows. Yes alot of these may also enforce a prize. The benefit to this, is that agents may be lurking in the public looking to spot new talent.
What steps must i take to try out stand up comedy?
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I am 19 years old, and I write different pieces every once in awhile, and I am just wondering what steps I must take to try out stand up comedy. Thank you
Stage fright and then it will all come easy, but good material is a plus.Good luck.
Cirque Du Soleil’s Corteo Review
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Take a typical nightmarish dream sequence you may have deep in the night, add ponderous acrobatics and aerobatics, an eerie story of clowns, death and a funeral, sprinkle in a carnival-like atmosphere ripe with little people and balloons, and inject a heart-pounding live, original score that combines with strange scenes that surround you like a psychedelics-infused blanket, and you’ve got Corteo.
Last night I went to the Boston show of Corteo, another installment of the hugely popular Cirque Du Soleil. It’s a circus, a theatrical musical, a gymnastics show and more. The audience surrounds a perfect circular stage, all under a gigantic big top that successfully blocks out every single photon of outside light.
The entire circle, both stage and audience stands, is sliced in half by two curtains that were a semi-transparent gauze. Between these ephemeral barriers stand the props and actors/athletes who begin the spectacle.
The story is essentially about a clown’s funeral, although it took all six of my group to determine the exact plot post-show. It opens with a clown on his death bed, I think, although almost everything is a tinge unclear. And the ongoing mumblings of this doomed clown are in Italian to boot, so it was often tough following things. But he did take pity on the crowd occasionally and would blurt something out in English.
It’s difficult to put into words what I witnessed next. The lights and stage were gold, yellow, and earthy, the music was soothing yet bizarre, and this clown sat on a bed while accosted by all kinds of characters. They all started running by him on either side of the bed. Clowns prodded him, small men and women with sculpted bodies spun his bed around, and beautiful angle-wing laden women in tights clinging to elaborate and ornate chandeliers floated above him.
The whole thing truly felt like some kind of mildly disturbing dream. And not just watching the dream, but actually experiencing the darn thing. The ’scenes’ were rotated through strange and compelling theatrics and absolutely jaw-dropping acrobatics.
The performers started bouncing on three different beds, flipping over each other, onto other beds and actually dribbling each other, all the while the stage rotated at a stately pace. They bounced around the stage like super balls ricocheting around a metal room. Then the ornate chandeliers that hung over the bed which had beautiful women hanging from them began to swing. The woman swung themselves around the entire place, all the while writhing and climbing among the chandelier lights and chains.
It seemed like the show’s wardrobe was 18th century French or Italian, with men’s ballooning pants at the thighs, and capes and sharp collars, as they acted out some of the plot. But interjected in the plot were amazing physical feats. For instance, there was a scene where both men and women held onto man-sized sturdy hula-hoops that they spun around in while hanging on. They looked like they were just tossed onto the spinning circular stage out of the pocket of some benevolent giant.
From the roof came a steady air raid of angles that hung on to wires and floated around the set handing various props to the actors.
The second half was even more stunning than the first. It opened with some of the performers bouncing along a skinny, long trampoline that cut through the diameter of the stage. And then the trapeze act started above. Never a mistake, never a slip, just crazy body flinging at its finest.
It’s funny because I recently heard Howard Stern (the radio jock) try to get one of his regular listeners to do a stunt for his Sirius Satellite radio show. He wants Eric the Midget to “fly with balloons” by strapping him into something that would allow him to float from a bunch of balloons in Stern’s studio. The whole thing is hilarious since Eric is ornery and stubborn and won’t agree to it. Howard tries to continuously talk Eric into doing it, ostensibly a great idea that will launch Eric into stardom, really a thinly-veiled attempt at a desire for some good radio.
But Cirque Du Soleil’s Corteo beat Howard Stern to the punch. A little person flew, and it was magnificent, but it wasn’t on the Howard Stern show.
It was one of the most memorable scenes of the second half, and my favorite. It was a little person floating by balloons. Her name was Valentina, and her size was probably about three feet tall. The kooky Cirque people strapped Valentina into a little harness that was attached to five or six large, helium-filled balloons. I am not kidding. A teeny, tiny three-foot-tall woman named Valentina was floated around the inside of the big top by a bushel of weather balloons.
What’s more, she actually drifted over us, the audience, and would eventually descend onto the frenzied crowd. The clown on the stage instructed us to hold two hands up like a platform as Valentina came down out of the air. She would proceed to push off the pair of hands, squealing away like an exuberant pixie.
The stunts in the second half were amazing. A man climbed up and down a ladder that was not leaning against anything. A woman traversed a high wire on her tip toes like a ballerina, then proceeded to climb up another high wire that was at a 45 degree angle! And more gymnasts performed intricate, synchronized parallel bar feats.
The show ended with the whole crew out on the stage, the clowns, the gymnasts, the actors, Valentina, everyone. They all waved goodbye to the star clown who was flying up into the rafters, pedaling a bike that was suspended fifty feet in the air, and drifted away to heaven.
Throughout the show I looked over at the friends I was with and invariably saw lots of smiles. I was thoroughly entranced the entire time, and I would absolutely recommend Cirque’s Corteo to anyone, from eight to eighty years old. It was a great experience and I think it would be a great place to bring your kids, or a date.
Endless Gusts of Culture in the "windy City"
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When it comes to culture, Chicago has it all: from thrilling art and music scenes to remarkable theatre and tantalizing cuisine. Moreover, as one of largest cities in the US, Chicago guarantees leisure, entertainment and indulgence for everyone. It’s therefore no surprise that the city of Chicago attracts over 30 million tourists to take part in its splendours each year.
While Chicago is a large city, many of its districts are best seen on foot. The Chicago metropolitan area, for instance - also known as Chicagoland - is guaranteed to impress with its high rise buildings and lively atmosphere. And there’s simply no better way to witness the city’s position as a global architectural capital than to marvel at the buildings at a leisurely pace. While in the heart of the city, don’t miss Millennium Park - a rebuilt section of a former railyard. The park includes the original sculpture of Cloud Gate - locally known as The Bean - which, when faced, reflects a curved image of the Chicago skyline. Moreover, no visit to Chicago is complete without a stopover at Navy Pier, a 3,000-foot pier which houses restaurants, shops, museums, exhibitions and a 150-foot tall Ferris wheel. Attracting more than 8 million people in 2005, Chicago’s Navy Pier is said to be one of the most visited landmarks in the Midwest.
For anyone who’s interested in museum culture, Chicago is guaranteed to deliver. In 1988, the city officially opened the Museum Campus, a 10-acre lakefront park surrounding three of the city’s main museums: the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium. The Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago History Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art also hold prominent exhibits, as does the Oriental Institute, which houses an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern archaeological artefacts
Chicago also boasts a major theatre scene: the Goodman Theatre, the Victory Gardens Theatre and the Chicago Theatre all present a variety of plays and musicals year-round. And if you’re up for a bit of comedy performance, you’ll have much to look forward to since Chicago is the birthplace of modern improvisational comedy. The city is home to two major comedy troupes, The Second City and I.O., and hosts countless improvisational comedy shows throughout the year.
Moreover, the city is renowned for its blues, soul, Jazz and Gospel scenes, as well as for its reputation as the birthplace of House music. There’s also a flourishing independent rock scene, with multiple festivals featuring various music acts each year: Lollapalooza, the Intonation Music Festival and Pitchfork Music Festival are the most prominent. And for anyone who appreciates classical music, the Chicago Opera Theatre, the Chicago Chamber Musicians and Chicago a-cappella are sure to impress.
If you’re a culinary enthusiast, Chicago offers plenty to whet your appetite. Apart from ethnic restaurant districts such as Greektown, Little Italy and Chinatown, visitors can indulge in the city’s enticing signature dishes - including deep dish pizza, the Chicago hot dog and Italian Beef sandwiches - which also reflect Chicago’s cultural background. However, the city also boasts upscale dining establishments, particularly in areas like The Loop - Chicago’s business district. And if you happen to visit Chicago at the end of June, you can even take advantage of the annual food festival, Taste of Chicago, in Grant Park.
If you’re planning a trip to Chicago, you’ll find plenty of luxury hotels, such as the Hilton Conrad Hotel, located in or around the downtown area. And by staying in the heart of the city, you’ll never be far from the dazzling attractions of the spectacular “Windy City”.
Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist.