Before anything, let’s establish that the ongoing debate between the GoT saga and the LOTR trilogy is, in a huge way, an unfair one. It’s like comparing the literature that started it all to all works of high fantasy that came after. That said, the polarizing nature of the discussions would not have been this widespread had both these series not made it to mainstream TV and film media. Tolkien’s books are obviously much older, conjured in the time of war, and still banked on the many stereotypes and naivete of its era. They were also the first to be adapted for the screen. Image source: theimaginativeconservative.org Martin’s books are obviously much darker and more violent, and the running narrative involves much of the politics that Tolkien didn’t really care much about to make central in his books’ plot. Tolkien was too busy creating Middle Earth and populating it with different creatures and races like elves, dwarfs, trolls, and orcs. Martin opted for a more human-based fantasy; tinges of magic were often overshadowed by the characters’ hubris and political maneuverings. Both series’ plots will eventually have characters come to terms with the fantastic, but the power of GoT is in its character development. After all, there are more books in the series for such, and one more is coming out. Image source: esquire.com Despite the seeming novelty of GoT to casual fantasy fans, there have been tons of similar dark fantasies that have come before it, from Donaldson’s Chronicles of Thomas Covenant to Le Guin’s Earthsea books. In the end, fans argue that both series succeeded in what they hoped to accomplish: for LOTR, to establish high fantasy literature; for GoT, to further the genre and add more grit, grime, and oft-blood-red realism.
Fitness enthusiast and Memphis resident Bob Mims is passionate about sports and films. Among his favorites movies is the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. More on Bob’s work and interests here.
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Cardio routines are amazing workouts that keep the heart and lungs healthy, and burn tons of calories and fat. However, many people still shy away from these routines, finding them boring. Here are a few ways to spice up cardio exercises.
Equipment Some cardio exercises are better done with equipment. Take combat fighting cardio such as those found in P90X and Les Mills routines. Doing the same punching and kicking movements can get boring after a few sessions. But for people with access to boxing gloves and heavy bags, a hybrid workout is possible. Instead of punching and kicking air, people punch and kick heavy bags, and it makes a world of a difference with resistance.
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Adding weights, but not too heavy ones at that, could make cardio routines more interesting. Usually, one-pound or two-pound weights are enough to introduce challenge into the routine.
Music Music always gets people’s hearts going. Now some people opt for the optimal beats per minute for a workout. We, however, recommend any kind of music that inspires you to work out. Great music helps set the mind of people for the workout ahead. And for cardio workouts, there are kinds of songs that take people to that next level of pouring their hearts out, and turning a jog into a sprint or a hop into a leap.
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With 8.4 seconds left in overtime and Philadelphia ahead by one, 98-97, Celtics coach Brad Stevens again showed the basketball world why he is one of the premier coaches in the league. He designed a sideline play that had Marcus Morris lobbing a pass to Al Horford under the basket. Boston got the lead. Philly wouldn’t score again.
In the succeeding play, Horford would steal the ball from an inbound pass to Embiid and get fouled to seal the game at the free-throw line. Boston now has a commanding 3-0 lead and need just one more to return to the Eastern Conference Finals.
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Stevens has been displaying his court magic not just throughout this season, but since he arrived in Boston. He has transformed a then-ragtag team to a championship contender, banking on the principles of solid defense. In fact, it’s the best in the whole NBA right now. And he’s reaping the fruits of his labor.
Last season, the Celtics succumbed to LeBron and the Cavs. This time around, they don’t have their best stars in Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, who are both nursing injuries. But the Celtics have unbelievably managed to continue winning with the superstar-less bunch of Jayson Tatum, Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and veteran swingman Al Horford.
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All this is because of Brad Stevens. If there were questions before the ongoing series on who’s most deserving of the award this year, those are now gone. Stevens is hands-down the 2018 NBA coach of the year.
The 1994 masterpiece “The Shawshank Redemption” isn’t your standard prison flick. This exceptionally well-made film offers a compelling narrative, a superb climax, and unforgettable life lessons, all endearing it to generations of audiences. Image source: TheBlogforMen.com Directed by Frank Darabont and Steven King, it follows the story of banker Andy Dufresne, who is convicted of murdering his wife and her lover in 1947 and serving two life sentences at Shawshank State Penitentiary. He becomes friends with a smuggler named Ellis Redding or “Red” in jail as well a number of people, earning respect and admiration where it seems impossible to thrive. The first lesson offered by this movie is one most people often learn the hard way: life is never fair, and you can be punished for crimes and sins you may have not committed. But it’s about not giving up and fighting to the end, no matter what difficult situations life hurls at you. The movie is also testimony that one should get busy living – or get busy dying. Being confined in a dark, hopeless place among the equally hopeless can get to one’s system, and it can appear unfeasible to have a free, comfortable life again. Brooks Hatlen, who has been in prison for five decades, was freed on parole but took his own life in a free world where he’s not equipped to catch up and live. For Andy, it’s making do with what he has, making life as meaningful as it can get despite the dire consequences. It’s also about persistence, where it took Andy nearly two decades to escape. Writing one letter a week for six years, for instance, got him the funding for the prison library. Never stop trying, regardless of how glum the situation may be. Image source: TheCinemaholic.com
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