Movie Review - The Last Stand

Here's our man and he's old. He's seen the wars, been through the bloodshed and now just wants to settle down into peace and quiet, accepting that his time has passed. But every time he tries to get out; well, you know how it goes. Of course I am talking about Arnold Schwarzenegger's return to action. Although in this case, it's flinging himself bodily into it and hoping he'll land on his feet.

Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger, who definitely looks like an 'Owens' to me) who is the more pensive personality. After several years as an LA narcotics cop (living through what I assume was some version of a '90s Schwarzenegger movie), Ray has semi-retired to the sleepy town of Sommerton, Arizona. Unfortunately his plans are ruined when the most incompetent band of FBI agents the world has ever seen let drug-lord/racecar driver Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega) escape. His goal is to get to Mexico as quickly as possible, which means going right through Sommerton.

It's been quite a while since Schwarzenegger has tried his hand at this sort of thing, and he and the filmmakers know it. With his weather-beaten face he looks more tired than angry after nearly a decade in politics. Whether he realizes it or not, Schwarzenegger himself seems to be making his own last stand as a still-relevant action star. It's a look and feel which director Kim Jee-Woon (in his first Hollywood film) plays to the hilt, trying his best to build Ray as a reluctant warrior.

But it doesn't really work.

Part of that is the script by Andrew Knauer which is all over the place. You know any story that starts with a state trooper eating a donut is going to be 'playing with well-worn genre concepts' which is a nice way of saying cliché-ridden mess. And a lot of "The Last Stand" is like that, particularly the dialogue, which is flat at best and filled with oddly-timed 'comic relief' like a restaurant full of customers who refuse to leave before a fight starts because they just ordered their meals.

It's a feeling which culminates in Johnny Knoxville's poor impulse control gun nut Lewis, who fortunately does not have enough screen time to be as fully annoying as he could be. But he certainly tries his level best.

Lewis points out another speed bump in the pace as "Last Stand" is filled with side characters drawing attention away from Ray, who they would like to develop more, without offering anything of substance to make us care about them. Will Deputy Torrance ("Thor's" Jaimie Alexander) ever forgive Frank (Rodrigo Santoro) for having PTSD from serving in Iraq. Will Deputy Bailey (Zach Gilford) make it to LA like he dreams? Who knows? Who cares? They're not really characters or subplots, they are distractions to get us through the movie's run time and the filmmakers aren't really sure how to do that.

Which is the real disappointment. Jee-Woon is a fantastically talented director; "I Saw The Devil" managed the difficult juggling act of combining drama, action and horror into a satisfying whole without losing out on character or story. One would hope even a degree of that could be translated to "The Last Stand," but that's a hope in vain.

And it must be said, Schwarzenegger himself is badly miscast. Yeah, he may be an aging acting star, but he doesn't really act one. He's the same statue he's always been, so exhibiting sadness at the loss of a deputy, or frustration at having to use glasses now doesn't come off with any punch at all.

Nor does he get much in the way of villains to test himself against. Cortez spends most of his time behind the wheel of a car and the promised confrontation we've been promised once he finally reaches the town is lackluster at best.

As action movies go, it's okay. 

The Last Stand - Movie Trailer

Movie Review - Friday The 13th Part 3

It's hard to argue that it is the best of the slasher saga, as its filled with repetitive stalking sequences, dragged down by slow pacing, and possessing some of the dumbest dialogue in any of the 'Friday' movies (and that's saying a lot). But particularly when viewed in its original 3-D dimensions, it's just so much fun - at least if, like I do, you never tire of corny shots of sharp instruments being stuck into the camera.

The plot regurgitates the first two 'Friday' movies, except for a change in locale. With Jason (and his mum) having slaughtered two summer's worth of counselors, finally no one is stupid enough to venture back to Camp Crystal Lake. Instead, with the authorities hot on his trail, Jason high-tails it to the surrounding countryside. After a bloody detour to a local convenience store (where he dons new duds and, apparently, finds time for a haircut and a body-building regime), he gets himself down to Higgins Haven, the summer home of one Chris Higgins (Dana Kimmell). Of course, she doesn't watch the news, so she invites her friends out for a weekend of carefree partying and sex. One by one, Jason picks them off in predictable (if always creative) fashion, only this time, the gimmick is 3-D.

No, there is absolutely nothing new in 'Friday the 13th Part 3' aside from its extra dimension. But what I've always liked about 'Part 3' is the same thing many find fault for in the films - the combination of unknowing teens who are not proactive, combined with a deliberately slow pace. What always bugged me about later 'Friday' flicks (and most slasher films in general) is that they so overtorqued the editing and kills that there was little time for build-up, mood, or stalking. 'Part 3,' however, is so darn slow that all Jason seems to do for most of the first hour of the film is walk around and stare. Director Steve Miner (returning from 'Part 2') swipes even more from John Carpenter's 'Halloween' playbook, and constantly places the hulking, shadowy Jason in the foreground and/or background of shots, as stupid teens wander about, blissfully unaware that they are about to be killed. Unlike later 'Fridays,' where everyone was uber-smart and already knew Jason was out there, allowing the filmmakers to turn the flicks into action movies (see 'Jason X' for a perfect example), here the characters are still largely unaware of what is going on. I find slasher movies much scarier when the threat is unknown and largely unseen - and unexpected - so the old-school approach of 'Part 3' has always worked for me.

'Friday the 13th Part 3' also gives us a new, scarier looking Jason. This is the one that would introduce the world to the now-iconic hockey mask, and as played by former circus performer Richard Brooker (who has a unique slouch and arm movement), there is a creepy, deranged side to Jason in 'Part 3' that is unsettling. Watch how he goes berserk near the film's climax, when he is unable to find the hiding Kimmell in a barn. I like when actors are able to give Jason enough recognisable human dimension to make him more than just a lumbering piece of meat, as well as avoid turning him into a MTV-ready, posing superstar. Brooker does that quite well in 'Part 3'.

None of this, of course, will convince anyone that 'Part 3' is actually a good movie. It's a predictable, exploitative, poorly written, and sometimes even worse acted, slice of '80s slasher camp. Indeed, much of 'Part 3' is now simply hilarious (love that bad-ass biker gang!) Add to that the over-the-top 3-D (which is even goofier in 2-D), and you may spend as much time laughing during 'Part 3' as being scared. Yet, with its deliberate mood, a kick-ass Jason, and legitimately suspenseful third-act chase sequence, 'Part 3' is totally entertaining, quintessentially vintage 'Friday the 13th'.

Friday The 13th Part 3 - Movie Trailer

Bionetics Hair Test

So I read this online and was intrigued:

Have you been ill for sometime and unable to make a breakthrough that brings you real improvements?

Would you like help to change your diet, nutrition and lifestyle to get your health and life back on track?

Bionetics is a well-established company that is the UK’s leading provider of non-invasive Body Field Analysis Testing. We are proud to have helped many thousands of people improve their health by identifying and helping to eliminate many of the basic underlying imbalances which have caused the problem. 

Take advantage of our NEW pre-test consultation to find out if this test is suitable for you. The most informative sites often don't answer all of your questions or help to alleviate your doubts about ordering a service online. A simple 5 minute chat with one of our advisors may help you to make a decision. Simply call us on 0845 456 0570 (local call rate numer) or email us your contact details to info@bionetics.co.uk and we'll get back to you. We can only offer this service for consultations on landline numbers.

Regardless of the condition or symptom you are suffering from, the Bionetics Test and resulting Personal Health Program can help you rediscover good health!  We have successfully helped people suffering from a varying range of health problems including Allergies, Food Intolerances, IBS, Chronic Fatigue, M.E, M.S, Acne, Eczema, Fibromyalgia, Asthma, Weight Gain, Constipation, Arthritis, Thyroid Imbalance, Anxiety, Depression and more.

Non-invasive hair testing is proving to be an increasingly popular tool, used by more and more people seeking a natural, safe and effective path to better health and wellbeing.  Hair testing is a very cost-effective alternative to conventional tests such as saliva, blood or urine.  It is also extremely convenient as you simply send us several strands of your hair in the post and receive your results by post or email in the comfort of your own home. 

We even offer a FREE 15 minute phone consultation or email support should you wish to discuss your results with an expert and learn how to make positive changes to your health.

The tests and recommendations are designed to look beyond the specific condition or symptoms and address many of the dietary, nutritional and lifestyle influences that are real underlying factors dictating the state of your health.

These influences include food intolerance's, nutritional deficiencies, pathogenic influences (bacteria, fungus, parasites and viruses) and toxic burdens (toxic metals, chemicals and radiation), which are undermining the body’s homeostatic and immune functions, which in turn leave the body weakened and prone to poor health.

For Example: food intolerances and gut pathogens may be the cause of IBS symptoms or toxins and nutritional deficiencies could be causing fatigue related illness.

How does the Bionetics Test work?

We use samples of hair to carry out our testing. Hair has become a very important factor in forensic and complementary medical practice due to its ability to store information about an individual. The government recently released information about the use of 'hair testing' as a method of tracking terrorists; where they have been and what they have eaten. Although relatively new when compared to more conventional blood, stool, urine and saliva screening, hair testing is proving to be a popular, non-invasive and cost effective alternative to normal tests.  The technology used is manufactured in Germany under ISO standards and carries CE Mark IIa approval for medical diagnostic use.

Body Field Analysis uses well established electromagnetic frequency principles to generate waves that cause the hair sample to vibrate setting up a unique resonant pattern for that sample. This sample is then scanned.

So I got my test results back on Saturday. My food sensitivities are Buckwheat (WTF?), Cow's Milk, Yellow Pepper, Cauliflower, Rhubarb, Paw Paw (piss take surely?), Goose, Chicken (no way!!!), Coconut, Lemon.

To eliminate my primary stress, herbal remedies Astaxanthin & Capsicum are required. My nutrional deficiencies is Zinc.

 

 

FES Foot Drop Device

I still suffer issues with my left leg, mainly what is known as foot drop. I exercise everyday but have purchased an FES device to hopefully help. See below for the website address and full details of product.

http://www.stressnomore.co.uk/xft-2001-foot-drop-system-91846.html

The XFT-2001 Foot Drop System is a pioneering home-treatment device designed to alleviate drop foot in people with upper motor neurone conditions.

What Is Foot Drop?

Foot drop is the inability to lift the foot and toes properly when walking due to paralysis or weakness in the muscles on the top side of the foot. This makes it difficult for the sufferer to fully lift their foot up when talking a step, causing them to drag their toes along the ground. This scuffing of the toes affects their gait (the way they walk) and balance, making walking even short distances incredibly tiring and with the risk of stumbles and falls.

There a number of different conditions which cause foot drop, all of which affect the motor nerves and reduce muscle function. The motor nerves carry impulses from the central nervous system which triggers muscles to contract, so if these nerves are damaged it results in paralysis of the muscles. The most common conditions which result in foot drop include:

1. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
2. Stroke
3. Cerebral Palsy
4. Muscular Dystrophy
5. Myositis
6. Acquired Peripheral Neuropathy
7. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
8. Nerve damage below the knee
9. Motor Neurone Disease
10. Spinal Stenosis

Foot Drop Treatments

One of the most common ways to manage foot drop in the UK is with ankle-foot orthosis, a hard, plastic brace that supports the foot and ankle to hold it upright at all times and prevent the toes from scuffing the ground with each step. Although this helps to some degree it doesn’t correct gait or help to strengthen and rehabilitate weak muscles, and it still means that walking is laboured and unbalanced. Plus, when worn for long periods of time these braces have been known to cause chafing and soreness as the plastic rubs against the skin, even when worn with socks.

The most effective treatment for foot drop is Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). This is where the nerves and muscles that control muscles on the top of the foot are stimulated with electrical impulses. The nerves are stimulated when the patient lifts the affected leg from the ground so that the muscles contract and flex the foot upwards, preventing the toes from scraping on the ground.

FES can be undertaken by implanting electrodes into the skin via surgery, or alternatively by applying self-adhesive electrodes on the surface of the skin which connect to a battery-operated stimulator.

FES for Foot Drop has been fully approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Despite this, the treatment is not readily available throughout the UK due to budget restrictions in certain health authorities. Just like many other expensive medical treatments, it’s a bit of a postcode lottery as to whether or not FES will be available to you.

Now though FES technology is available to use at home via the XFT-2001 Foot Drop System, an advanced medical device that is simple to use and incredibly effective in overcoming foot drop.

How Does the XFT-2001 Foot Drop System work?

Self-adhesive skin electrodes are placed over the peroneal nerves at the top of the lower leg. A cuff is then wrapped over the top to connect them to a Functional Stimulation Unit. A wireless foot sensor is then placed in the shoe of the affected foot.

When the user takes a step and lifts their heel the sensor uses Bluetooth technology to notify the Stim Unit to apply a mild electrical impulse via the skin electrodes. This impulse stimulates the nerves, causing the muscles in the foot to contract. This causes the foot to flex upwards (dorsiflexion) and tilt slightly (eversion) in order to lift the toes up and prevent them dragging against the floor.

This improves balance and means that the ankle is supported when the foot hits the ground once again. Each step is less laboured, making the user’s ability to walk much easier, more comfortable and faster.

Plus, using FES technology for long periods of time helps to strengthen weak muscles and rehabilitate damaged nerves as it retrains the entire leg. With the exception of degenerative conditions such as MS, users will find that with time the severity of their foot drop will improve and they will be able to walk without the device and their muscles will naturally work to lift the foot.

This process is aided by the Training function on the Stim Unit. In Training mode the XFT-2001 will deliver targeted, persistent stimulation to exercise the muscles and make them stronger. There are five Training levels to choose from, each different depending on the existing strength of the muscles. The user will be able to slowly increase the intensity of their Training session to speed up the rehabilitation process.

Who Can Use the XFT-2001 Foot Drop System?

The XFT-2001 Foot Drop System can only be used in conjunction with your clinician or physiotherapist. The device has a simple and accessible interface which makes it easy to use at home once it has been set up and adjusted for you the medical professional treating you. A medical expert will know your existing muscle tone and level of nerve damage and be able to show you where to place the electrodes for the most effective treatment. They will also be able to support you during training sessions in order to help you work towards recovery.

The XFT-2001 is suitable for anyone who has upper motor neuron lesions as a result of Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s disease, brain injury or spinal cord injury. Upper Motor Neuron lesions are when there is nerve damage within the brain or spinal cord.

Please note that the XFT-2001 is not suitable for lower motor neuron lesions including Poliomyelitis (Polio) Guillian-Barre Syndrome, peripheral nerve lesions and Motor Neuron disease. This is because the nerve running from the spinal cord to the muscle is damaged and electrical stimulation will not work on these damaged nerves. If you are unsure whether the XFT-2001 is suitable for you ask your doctor, clinician or physiotherapist.

Foot drop is most commonly found in the left foot but it can occur in the right foot also; please select ‘Left’ or ‘Right’ when purchasing as the design of the cuff and foot sensor differs slightly for each. Some people can experience drop foot in both legs and if this is the case you may wish to use an XFT-2001 on both feet, which is perfectly fine. Your physiotherapist or clinician should advise you on this.

The Fray: How To Save A Life - Song Meaning

I've always thought this song was about someone who blames themselves for their loved one's suicide.

"Step one, you say, "We need to talk"/He walks, you say, "Sit down, it's just a talk"
Have you ever tried talking to someone about their health when they're obviously mentally ill? They don't want to talk about it. They just want to curl up in themselves, and whenever you confront them about their well-being, they try to walk away.

"Let him know that you know best/'cuz after all, you do know best"
They try to convince their loved one to get help, get better, etc. To me, this line always sounded a little sarcastic. Maybe they didn't know what was best, maybe their advice actually made their friend even more depressed, or, if they weren't already, suicidal.

"And I would have stayed up with you all night/had I known how to save a life"
If they had only known what their friend had been attempting, they would have stayed up and talked them out of it, or at least tried to. Instead, they either didn't know what was happening, or didn't know how to deal with it and let their friend slip away.

"As he begins to raise his voice/You lower yours and grant him one last choice"
The loved one gets angry and defensive, and an argument ensues. The two choices they give him--"driving until he loses the road" or "breaking the ones he's followed"--may have been taken wrong and the loved one was driven to suicide.

This is just is my take on it, but it's probably actually about drug use. 

The Fray: How To Save A Life - Music Video

Snow Patrol: You Could Be Happy - Song Meaning

Beautiful song.

The message is easy enough: let go of the person who wants to be happy without you, but never let go of the happy memories. What's exceptional is the way it achieves this message, its pairing of lyrics and music.

The lyrics are simple and bittersweet. They are sung with a tiredness and loneliness that is very appropriate. The music is simple too, but almost cute and child-like. Absolute sweetness and absolute caring with undertones of sadness & truth.

I'd like to have it go on longer and become a real valley in the album. Not more lyrics, just repeating chords over and over and over. To linger on this gem would give it more weight, which it is certainly deserving of.

It seems that within this song lies the realization of true love: wishes of happiness without selfishness. A realization that was perhaps made a little too late...

...a realization that doesn't feel as good as you thought it would.

Snow Patrol: You Could Be Happy - Music Video

Paolo Nutini: Last Request - Song Meaning

He wants to end the relationship the way it started, with meaning and love and warmth. He ultimately wishes it didn't have to end but it's clearly just a lost battle and holding someone you love for the last time, leaves a beautiful memory and you try to forget all the bad that's gone on and just remember the love you have for each other.

Paolo Nutini: Last Request - Music Video