alice in wonderland

(CNN) — Tim Burton goes through the looking glass: This is what CGI was invented for, surely?

Over the last decade, digital effects have developed so fast, the most outlandish visual trickery can be integrated seamlessly with live action. Actors — living, breathing human beings — can coexist with the kind of fantastical environment that once was the realm of the animator, and with results that seem, if not perfectly natural, then perfectly supernatural.

You can observe the same phenomenon in “Avatar.” But where the technocrat James Cameron gives us fantasy science, a utopia you can practically reach out and touch, the dreamer Tim Burton shows us a head-trip to a place — “Underland” — where nothing seems like what it is. (It seems reasonable at the end of “Avatar” when — spoiler! — Jake trades in his old life for this brave new world of the Na’vi, but how much more sensible of Alice to see how crazy it would be to stay in Wonderland.)

Burton’s Wonderland is something else, as the hippies used to say. The biggest stumbling block for previous film adaptations of Lewis Carroll’s Victorian fancies (and there have been plenty) is the dream logic that runs through the books, which throw up numerous memorable scenes but precious little in the way of narrative spine.

You wouldn’t normally associate Burton with rock-solid linear storytelling either, but he and screenwriter Linda Woolverton (”The Lion King” and “Mulan”) have banged Carroll’s nonsense literature into narrative shape, producing an emancipatory allegory in which Alice (19-year-old Mia Wasikowska) leads a rebellion against the tyrannical Red Queen (Helena Bonham-Carter providing an overgrown head perched upon a diminutive CGI body).

Borrowing bits and pieces from “Through the Looking Glass” and inventing freely, this isn’t your Cliffs Notes “Alice in Wonderland,” not by a longshot. It’s more like a dream of Alice, jumbled up and reassembled. (I suspect a little Dorothy Gale has blown in there, too.) Be wary of preconceptions; that’s one of the keys to this puzzle.

Another is the idea that Alice is a growing girl — literally mushrooming — a conceit from the books that the filmmakers run with. A prologue at a Victorian stately home finds her fending off an aristocratic suitor who proposes marriage. He’s everything a young lady of the period should be looking for — which is to say, rich and respectable — but already Ms. Alice is inclined to independence.

Even so, after her tumble down the rabbit hole she’s not at all sure she measures up to the Alice everyone else seems to be expecting — even the dormouse is unimpressed. She doesn’t have so much of her “muchness,” worries a gap-toothed, scarlet-haired, white-faced Mad Hatter — a dandy and sympathetically distracted Johnny Depp — but this is a quality she grows into precisely by departing from the script.

Shot in 3-D — a mixed blessing in my book — Burton is able to have some fun with the curious and curiouser spatial and perspectival reversals that delighted Carroll.

And if on one level it’s a pity to make sense of nonsense, this “Alice” is replete with blissfully silly idiosyncrasies, derangements and disturbances, like the warm pig the Red Queen uses for a footstool, or British comedian Matt Lucas pulling double-duty as pudgy twins Tweedledum and Tweedledee, or the heart-shaped eyepatch that adorns the villainous knave, Stayne (Crispin Glover).

Everywhere you look you’re sure to find something else to wonder at and smile — a smile as wide and lingering as Stephen Fry’s fat Cheshire grin.

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What I did not know was that between the first kiss and the “happily ever after” there are certain things a woman should learn in order to get that fairy tale rolling.

It can take months or years to discover them, so I thought I would just share this happy relationship secret with you, so that you guys do not waste your time and tears on something that would have never worked.

Back to the secret, here it is – the 5 Secret Rules a woman should follow in order to make her fairy tale happen:

Secret Rule 1:

Tell Him Compliments

They say women like compliments. What they do not say aloud is that men LOVE them. And there is nothing to be ashamed of! When it comes to compliments, we all go weak in the knees…

Where do you start? Well, I am sure your man is great, so there should be thousands of things you can compliment on. Just go with the flow and compliment on whatever he does!

Something simple like “You always make the best coffee, sweetie” or “What a great idea to park here!” wil be enough to light up your man’s face. And the best part, is that we actually think that, so basically you just need to say it aloud.

Not only the compliments will make your man happy, but they will also serve as a nice way to change your man’s behavior.

My husband used to be a heavy smoker, instead of nagging him about this habbit, I would just say: “You haven’t smoked for 4 hours, honey, wow, I did not know you had such a great will-power!”. And guess what? He would always last for another couple of hours without a cigarette to impress me, untill he finally kicked that habit!

Secret Rule 2:

Always, and I mean – ALWAYS support your man

No matter how crazy his ideas are, support your man. Wether it’s something small and insignificant (like a destination for a picnic) or something big (like his desire to change his career), you should always be there for him.

When my husband told me he wanted to quit his $120 per hour job, my first impulse was to freak out and make a scene. But I got my act together and listened to what he had to say. And guess what? Within a year he built a business which makes him happy and which brings us 5 times more than he used to make at his last job!

The thing is that there are NO right or wrong choices, they are just choices, you will never know what’s best in a long run anyway. No matter what he decides to do, just believe that he can do it. It’s your support that makes it all possible! You know that every great man in history had a great woman by his side who truly believed in him. So, be one too!

Secret Rule 3:

Take a Good Care of Him

With all love and respect to men (and I DO mean it), they are not “designed” to take care of themselves. They forget to eat regularly, they forget to shower and change/wash/put away their clothes, they are so involved in doing more significant things that these little details just skip their attention.

Men might not say it, but they absolutely need our help organizing the household. Either by yourself or with hired help – it will be truly appreciated either way.

Secret Rule 4

Learn to Cook Something

I know, I know, there is plenty of restaurants and professional chefs who can cook anything you and your man like. But that’s not the point. Here is what is:

All men without exception like to eat well. My husband does, and I am sure your Prince Charming does too. And what makes your home (except for your beauty, of course) the best place to go back to from work is… a nice home prepared meal!

It can be something simple or you can cook only some part of it and order the rest from a restaurant (like I do , but the whole “at home dinner” experience is something you two should definitely try! Your house will feel like “home” once you guys do it.

And the last, but not least:

Secret Rule 5

Always Stay Pretty and Sexy

Remember when you first started going out and you were trying to look your best every time he saw you? Just carry on doing it!

In general men feel happy just looking at a pretty woman, it’s how they are wired. So, just make sure you still are an eye-candy to your man. Try to look polished every time he comes through the door. Say “no” to old sweaty T-shirts, hair in a dull bun and a shiny face, opt for sexy robes and lingerie and it will definitely work!

And please do not underestimate sex and intimacy in long-term relationships – I saw many couples splitting over that. Just try to be as inspiring sex-wise as you used to be at the early stages of your relationship, or better yet, become even sexier! Strip dance classes in the gym did the trick for me!

About Author:

Amanda Davidson is our “Be a Happy Woman” expert. She studies Kabbalah and has a PhD in sociology. She is also a fab woman, a loving wife and a great mother of 2 living in LA, California.

Photo credit: pm_soofiani, love_hate290

Source : allwomenstalk.com

How do you decide on the right fragrance?

Fragrances are categorized broadly based on the ‘Fragrance Concentration’ factor. This factor depends on the concentration of the ingredients used in the fragrance.

Scented products – Lotions, creams, powders, body splashes, aftershaves, soaps and other scented cosmetic products contain variable amounts of fragrance (mostly less than 3%).

Eau de cologne – Eau de cologne solution contains about 3% perfume compound in an alcohol-water base. This solution is much lighter than a concentrated perfume. Acca Kappa White Moss Eau de Cologne 100ml Spray evokes warm and sensual notes of wood, amber and moss and has relaxing and soothing qualities. You can also choose to go in for California by Jaclyn Smith Eau De Cologne Spray 30ml (1 Oz).

Eau de parfum – This is an alcoholic perfume solution that consists of 15% to 22% essential oil concentration. Flowerbomb by Viktor and Rolf 100ml Eau de Parfum Spray is a contemporary fragrance used by modern women. You can choose Pure White Linen by Estee Lauder 100ml Eau de Parfum Spray that has a sharp, gentle, floral fragrance for daytime.

Eau de toilette – Eau de toilette is an alcohol or water based perfume solution that contains 3% to 8% perfume compound. When compared to Eau de parfum, toilette is less concentrated (8% to 15%) and is mostly used to create a lighter concentrated fragrance. Chanel No. 5 by Chanel 100ml Eau De Toilette W is a good choice for evenings. Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior 50ml Eau de Toilette Spray has an enticing scent.

How do you decide on the size of perfume you want?

Fragrances come in several sizes. Here are a few regular ones:

Miniature: Miniature fragrances come in very small bottles. These are most ideal for bottle collectors who just want to try the fragrance out. Average size 7ml (0.25Fl.Oz.)

Trial Size: These are useful for trying new fragrances out. Normally 25ml (0.85Fl.Oz) to 40ml (1.3Fl.Oz)

Standard fragrances: Normally come in two sizes, either 50ml and 100ml (1.7Fl.Oz and 3.4Fl.Oz) or 75ml and 125 ml (2.5Fl.Oz and 4.2 Fl.Oz)

A careful co-relation of the points above with what you are looking for in Women’s perfume will help you make the right pick at Getprice!

Imagine a small tropical island with incredible snorkelling and scuba diving, a rich jungle in the centre and surrounded by remarkably quiet, palm tree laced beaches. You’re imagining Koh Tao, a small island off the southern coast of Thailand not far from the better known (but more crowded) Koh Samui.

SAIREE BEACH

Sairee’s white sandy beach stretches about 1.7km over most of the west coast, interrupted only by a few huge boulders. Mae Haad is only a 10 minute walk away.

Being the most popular area on Tao, Sairee offers a wide range of accommodation, dive centers, restaurants, shops, beach bars, travel & email services, nurseries, etc.

Here, you can have the best view on Koh Nang Yuan island. A cluster of rocks called Suan Hin Jor Por Ror highlights King Rama V’s inscription that he made on his visit in 1899. You will also find the Fishery Museum, and on the way to Mae Haad the police station, the public school and the local Buddhist temple.

Mae Haad

All boats arrive & depart here. Highly developed now, but still managed to keep some of it’s old fishing village charm.

Money exchange, post office, government office and health center are located in Mae Haad. Most dive centers have an office here.

Expect to find lots of travel agents, email services, supermarkets (SevenEleven), bike rentals, good restaurants and party places. A few up-market resorts are located on it’s southern end.

CHALOK BAAN KAO

Third largest beach, located on the southern coast facing Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. This bay is smaller than Sairee, but offers a similar range of accommodation, eateries and nightlife.

The Last Paradise, a helicopter pad, offers a spectacular view of the bay and the surrounding beaches.Partytime is on Sat’s. Chalok Baan Kao is beautifully framed by Taa Toh Lagoon to the east and Saan Jao Beach to the west. It also connects to Thian Og Bay and Sai Daeng Beach. The rock formation at cape Taa Toh resembles a sitting Buddha, this is best to be seen from the viewpoint opposite (Buddha Rock).

Hin Wong Bay

North-east coast; this bay is abundant with intact coral reefs. Four small hillside resorts and one diving school (Hin Wong Divers).

One of Edmonton’s newest “shoetiques,” Katwalk Shoes  (18336 Lessard Rd., Edmonton, 780-481-1936) carries a bevy of niche labels just right for the season. Owners Tom and Kathy Holub (who trade in comfort and specialty footwear at Katwalk’s sister store, Wener Shoes, which has been around for over 60 years) do all their buying in Milan, focusing on bringing exclusives to the boutique. With warmer temperatures upon us, it’s time to stock up on spring’s big colour trend—pastels. Update your basics with the blush-toned peep-toed “shootie” (that’s a shoe-meets-ankle boot) by Mjus, the lavender pump from Spain’s Virus Moda, or the slingback with mint accents by Brazilian label everybody.

925e.com has a piece of jewellery to fit any occasion from a beaded necklace that can be worn every day on the beach,  to a lustrous pendant that can be worn at the most sophisticated dinner party. This jewellery wholesale company cater for just about every need possible. If you are a retailer or wholesaler of fine Sterling Silver Jewellery then you should take a quick look at the “New arrivals” section on the site I’m positive you will not be disappointed.

Monnalis New Collections 2010 @ 925e.com :

http://www.925e.com/silver-jewelry-list.php?SetMCID=5&SetCTID=131&Subject=Wholesale%20COLLECTIONS%20-%202010%20Monnalis

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair is a dynamic place to conduct good business and network with over 1,200 exhibitors in 16 key product categories and thousands of international jewelers and traders pursuing supplies. It is organized twice a year, in March and September, at the Impact Challenger, with more than 3,500 stalls spread over 80,000 square meter in a single-floor layout, BGJF has been a vibrant marketplace where over 1,200 exhibitors from over 35 countries such as UK., Italy, Russia, USA, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Israel and etc. participate in each BGJF which attracts 35,000 international delegates and visitors.

The members of Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association have worked closely with the Department of Export Promotion towards building the success of the fair and then through a unified effort to increase Thailand’s reputation as The World’s Gems & Jewelry Hub.

The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair organizers are committed to make the 45^th edition, scheduled on February 26 - March 2, 2010,even more dazzling than before in order to promote trade and business partnership as well as industry exchange.