Elizabeth Banks Bikini

Kevin Smith, the director of the movies “Clerks” and “Chasing Amy,” has won an appeal to lower the rating for his new comedy from NC-17 to R, The Associated Press reported. The decision came after the Motion Picture Association of America’s appeals board viewed the movie, “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.” The NC-17 rating would have barred anyone under 17 from seeing the film. “We didn’t set out to make an NC-17 film,” Mr. Smith told The Associated Press. “That’s just commercial suicide.” Mr. Smith said he had trimmed two sex scenes after the initial NC-17 rating. The appeals board, which is separate from the ratings board, viewed the film on Tuesday, and Mr. Smith was also able to present his arguments for changing the rating. “Zack and Miri” stars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks as best friends who try to make a homemade pornographic movie. It is scheduled for release by the Weinstein Company on Oct. 31.

nytimes.com

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Thailand – The Land Of Smiles And Cheap Travel

Thailand is known as the land of smiles, which is amazing considering the traffic jams in Bangkok. For budget travelers, Thailand simply can’t beat on price alone.

Thailand

Thailand is an odd mix of contrasts. It can be extremely stressful while trying to get around in Bangkok and gloriously relaxing while laying on practically any of the beaches that populate the coast of the country. Regardless of the situation, the Thais have a habit and custom or smiling regardless of what you ask or how you ask it.

Beaches

The beaches of Thailand need no introduction. Used as the setting for hundreds of movies, they come in a variety of styles. The beaches of Phuket and Phi Phi fall along the lines of traditional beach resort areas like you might find in a place such as Cancun, Mexico or Tamarindo, Costa Rica. On the other end of the scale, you can find more rustic beach areas in places like the island of Ko Chang where you’ll have a few beach bungalows, a couple of bars and one or two stores. If you’re looking for a little of both styles, just ask around.

Da North

Infatuated with the beach life, many people fail to head up country when in Thailand. This is a mistake as the north is the host to such locations as the city of Chang Mai, the Summer Palace of the King of Thailand and interesting little villages. For the outdoor enthusiasts, rafting, hiking and mountain biking are very popular and widely available.

Prices

If you’re on a budget, Thailand is a perfect travel destination. For some reason, flights to Thailand are particularly cheap with my recent flight on Korean Airlines running roughly $650 round trip. Once in country, your money will go a long, long way.

I think a note of caution is need at this point. Please beware. If you decide to take a trip to Thailand, you won’t want to come back to your native country. You will, however, definitely come back to Thailand!