miercuri, 25 februarie 2009

Aikido - article

http://www.newropeans-magazine.org/content/view/5140/45/
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The underlying ethic in Aikido is Stop the violence, don't hurt the other guy, an action-oriented ethic that improves upon the concept of "turning the other cheek," an ethic which was honored in practice by Master Miyagi. It is an ethic quite identical to the western medical ethical principal of beneficence to maximize good and to minimize harm.
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http://english.pravda.ru/news/society/26-06-2007/94038-chan-0
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Filming their first movie together, kung fu stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li are a bit fed up with questions about who is the better fighter.

"A cup of coffee and a cup of tea - both are drinks," Li said in an interview on Chan's official Web site. "Can you tell me which one is better? It's hard to say. Sometimes you want to drink coffee, and sometimes you want to drink tea."

Jackie Chan, Jet Li (Cinemablend)
Jackie Chan, Jet Li (Cinemablend)


The action stars are currently shooting "The Forbidden Kingdom" in China.
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"What he learned and what I learned are different," Li said on Chan's Web site. Chan said in his blog that Li is the better fighter.

They offer a contrast in martial arts styles. Trained in Peking Opera, Chan is known for his defensive, dance-like moves. Li, a former national kung fu champion in China, tends to dominate his on-screen opponents.


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He also praised Chan's on-set etiquette.

"He takes care of all of us, everyone on the set. He makes sure they have enough water, he gives us hats and clothes ... He cares if people get hurt and is concerned about security. He really cares about everyone. Thats our Big Brother Jackie," Li said.

Schwarzenegger to play himself in Stallone film

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090225/ap_en_mo/people_schwarzenegger_stallone

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – ... Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ... playing himself ... in a movie by Sylvester Stallone.

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Shooting on the film, "The Expendables," will begin March 28 in Brazil and move to New Orleans for two months.
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Stallone writes, directs and stars in the movie, a film about a group of mercenaries trying to overthrow a South American dictator. It also stars Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Eric Roberts, Mickey Rourke and Forest Whitaker.

marți, 24 februarie 2009

Why do we shake hands with people ?

10 Everyday Mysteries

Life is full of tiny everyday mysteries, most of which we just accept without asking questions. We did the asking for you in this slide show, so sit back and take a moment to learn more about these quirky, quotidian facts of life !
Israel and Jordan Make Peace (Image credit: REUTERS/THE BETTMANN ARCHIVE)
1. Why do we shake hands with people ?
The origin of the handshake lies in medieval history. By offering a right hand to a stranger, a hand that could otherwise be used to draw a sword, men were overtly displaying their intentions of peace toward one another. Nowadays, from signing a treaty to settling a bet with friends, "shaking on it" remains a symbolic sign of agreement.

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Young Miao (Hmong) Girl (Image credit: J.P. Gobert/Photo Researchers Inc.)
4. Why do we blush ?
When you're embarrassed or ashamed, your body releases a tiny amount of adrenaline. Adrenaline causes blood vessels in your face to dilate, allowing more blood to flow to your cheeks. This causes reddening, or blushing. Sociologically, blushing may be useful as a means of communication, as it can act as a wordless signal. For example, if we blush when we're attracted to someone, we are allowing what's on our minds to be known without having to say a thing.

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Collection of Rings (Image credit: Courtesy of the Trustees of the V and A)
6. Why are wedding rings worn on the fourth finger ?
There was an ancient belief that a vein, known as the "vena amoris," or "vein of love," ran directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. It was thought that this direct blood flow to the heart made it the perfect candidate for a wedding ring, as it solidified the union of love. However, in reality the veins running from the fourth finger are no different from those of any other finger, and it seems as if shrewd marketing, hearsay and tradition have designated the fourth finger as the "ring finger."

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