Tuesday, May 8, 2012

LUKE SKYWALKER vs. FRODO BAGGINS



*The main protagonists of their respective stories.
*Both lost their parents at a young age.
*They lived with and were raised by their relatives (Owen & Beru Lars/Bilbo Baggins) for most of their lives.
*Lead plain, simple, and peaceful lives before going on their grand adventures.
*Both have access to a great supernatural power (The Force/The One Ring), leading to them being similar to and following in the footsteps of a relative (Anakin Skywalker/Bilbo Baggins).
*They had to start their adventures when a crucial item in the enemy's plans got into their possession (R2-D2 with the Death Star Plans/The One Ring) and found themselves pursued by the forces of evil.
*Inheritors of blue shimmering blades from relatives (Anakin's lightsaber/Bilbo's sword Sting).
*Both have a scene where they scream "No" as they witness the death of an elderly friend/mentor (Obi-Wan Kenobi/Gandalf).
*At one point they both have to disguise themselves in enemy uniforms for safe passage within the enemies' domains (Stormtrooper outfit in the Death Star/Orc armor in Mordor) alongside a companion (Han Solo/Sam Gamgee).
*Both see visions of their friends in pain and torment when with a being of great power and wisdom (Yoda/Galadriel), spurring them into action.
*Both are tempted by the powers of darkness (The Dark Side/The One Ring).
*They both suffer heavy damage to one of their hands while on their journeys (Hand cut off by Vader/Fingers bit off by Gollum).
*Eventually both came to believe that their quest would be the end of them.
*Both come across a tragic antagonistic character who had been on the same path to darkness that these characters are on (Darth Vader whom was seduced by the Dark Side/Gollum who was corrupted by the power of the One Ring), and try to believe and maintain to those around them that they can be redeemed.
*In the final installments when the heores are in the heart of the enemy strongholds (Death Star II/Mount Doom) they battle the same two characters, and later it is the last minute intervention of theirs when the main protagonists seem ready to fail that in the end causes the destruction of the dark lords, but also killing themselves in the process (Vader saving Luke to destroy the Emperor when he pinned Luke down with Foce Lightning, but the lightning damaged Vader's suit, the only thing keeping him alive/Gollum tried to steal the Ring from Frodo when he was going to try and take it for himself, and in the following struggle Gollum and the Ring plummeted into the volcano).
*When at the final moment where they must decide whether or not to give in to the darkness (When he has Vader down after the lightsaber duel and has the choice to kill him/When he is holding the Ring over the lava of Mount Doom) they are being watched by another who goads them to make the decision they desire (Palpatine to kill Vader/Sam Gamgee to throw the Ring in), but both are shocked when these character choose the opposite choice. (The only striking difference between the two characters being that they make the opposite choices concerning whether or not to give in to darkness).

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Capoeira- Brazilian Martial Art




Capoeira  is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance and music. It was created in Brazil mainly by descendants of African slaves with Brazilian native influences probably beginning in the 16th century. It is known by quick and complex moves, using mainly power, speed, and leverage for leg sweeps.
The word capoeira probably comes from Tupi, referring to the areas of low vegetation in the Brazilian interior.

Capoeira nowadays is not only a martial art or a small aspect of Brazilian society, but an active exporter of Brazilian culture all over the world. Since the 1970s masters of the art form began to emigrate and teach capoeira in other countries. Present in many countries in every continent, every year Capoeira attracts to Brazil thousands of foreign students and, often, foreign capoeiristas work hard to learn the official Brazilian language, Portuguese, in an effort to better understand and become part of the art. Renowned Capoeira Masters are often invited to teach abroad or even establish their own schools. Capoeira presentations, normally theatrical, acrobatic and with little martiality, are common sights in the whole world.


Roda


In a
 roda every cultural aspect of Capoeira is present, not only the martial side. Aerial acrobatics are common in a presentation roda, while not seen as often in a more serious one. Takedowns, on the other hand, are common in a serious roda but rarely seen in presentations.The Roda (pronounced HOH-dah) is a circle formed by capoeiristas and capoeira musical instruments, where every participant sings the typical songs and claps their hands following the music. Two capoeiristas enter the roda and play the game according to the style required by the musical instruments rhythm. The game finishes when one of the musicians holding a berimbau determine it, when one of the capoeiristas decide to leave or call the end of the game or when another capoeirista interrupts the game to start playing, either with one of the current players or with another capoeirista.








Rhythms or Toques

There are different rhythms (called toques) that are played by the berimbau during the roda that will determine the mood and the game to be played. Some toques were created so capoeiristas could communicate with each other within the roda without having to say a word, like Cavalaria, while others were created to define a style, like Regional de Bimba. Below is a short description of sometoques:
Angola: It is traditionally the first rhythm to be played in a roda. Its rhythm requires Capoeiristas to have a game that is slower and more strategical. Capoeiristas usually play with their hands on the ground for most of the game, displaying strength and equilibrium.
São Bento Grande: Probably the most famous toque. It calls for a lot of energy, acrobatic movements, fast take downs and leg sweeps, making it ideal for energetic presentations.
São Bento Pequeno: This rhythm is played to call an intermediate game between Angola and São Bento Grande. It requires both a high and low stance in the game, preferably in very close distance.
Iúna: Not played very often in rodas, Iúna determines a game where only Mestres and higher graduation capoeiristas can enter the roda, meaning a strong and very technical game. In other traditions,Iúna is a funeral toque.
Cavalaria: This toque carries anxiety and stress. Historically, when Capoeira was still prohibited this toque was used to alert capoeiristas that the police was coming, so they could escape before the practice being discovered. Today it is used to warn players of an imminent danger or disagreement in the game.
Idalina: A relaxed, dominant rhythm where the game is played with razors and knifes. Since the end of Capoeira prohibition, knifes or razors are unlikely to come around the roda, so usually this toqueis played only in some presentations.
Many other toques, like SamangoSanta MariaAmazonasRegional de BimbaBenguela or Miudinho have their own story, meaning and game style.


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