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Categories > Anime/Manga > Weiss Kreuz > Round and Round
Chapter 90 Reviews
Author's Notes: Sorry this took so long. My work obligations were pretty heavy last few weeks.
Beta Reader: My wonderful hubby, WingedPanther73. Thanks for putting up with this slashy-fic!
Word Count = 3,088
September 19, 2010 9:55pm/ picked up again: March 27, 2011
Author's Note: I want to apology for walking away from writing in the middle of a story. (Actually, three of them) There were a lot of personal things going on, including a paid writing gig. Kids' workbook, but it's a start! I hope you forgive me and will pick this up again. I've got time to be more faithful now. Thanks for all my loyal readers.
Ken's lips clenched tighter when Crawford pulled up beside his motorcycle. Crawford rolled down his window; all he said was, "Follow me."
The Japanese assassin bit down his frustration, but drove after the Austin-Healy. After several long moments, Ken parked across the lot in a Denny's restaurant. He really had no use for the American restaurant so popular with other Japanese his age. Crawford must be homesick, Ken thought dryly.
He gave Crawford a grim expression when he walked up to the car. Crawford jerked his head to the door, but Ken crossed his arms and said, "I'm not hungry."
"Well, I am."
Ken didn't have the energy to argue with Crawford; he just wanted to get this over with and end things with Crawford. He marched after the American. They were seated quickly. Ken noticed it was a little after one in the morning, so there were only a few high-schoolers scattered around, paying them no attention.
Crawford quickly ordered a large, American-styled breakfast and black coffee; the idea of eating anything that heavy turned Ken's stomach. He ordered orange juice, and the waitress left.
While they waited, and even after the waitress brought Crawford his large meal, they were both absolutely silent. She eyed Ken after placing a second glass of orange juice in front of him. Irritation crossed her face before she left, probably because he hadn't ordered food. Crawford attacked his pancakes, keeping his eyes on Ken.
"You're going to ask me why I shot at you tonight," Crawford said. Ken appreciated Crawford's bluntness, but he wasn't sure what followed was going to be the truth.
"I tried to warn you to stay away. I tried to protect you, but you wouldn't listen to me."
Crawford's face turned sour. "Didn't it occur to you that I had already foreseen everything? Including you getting stabbed by Hell?"
Ken flinched back, recalling what had played out earlier. "What do you mean?"
Crawford looked over the top of his glasses and said, "Hell was going to stab me, but you would have jumped down and let her hit you, protecting me. All very needless because I had everything planned, but your interference is not tolerable."
Ken was taken aback. He felt his face flush, his clenched fists rested on the table, but he didn't break eye contact.
"I recall you interfering with one of my missions at the start of this whole mess. You almost got Abyssinian's attention."
"There's a difference. I knew in advance what was going to happen. You didn't. When you charge in, like you were about to tonight, I have to split my concentration and work around you."
He glared before asking, "And all you could come up with is to shoot at me?"
"I wanted to get your attention," Crawford said so placidly it left Ken feeling thunderstruck. Crawford glared back and said, "This isn't a game. Stay out of my way outside the bedroom. This is the only warning I'm going to give you."
Ken shivered as Crawford's eyes unfocused. He knew Crawford just well enough to know he was seeing something that was going to happen. Suddenly, the man looked annoyed, almost vexed. The man started sipping his coffee.
"What was..." Ken started off, but Crawford held up his hand.
"Hell isn't finished causing me problems, but I'll worry about that later." Crawford continued, after setting his mug on the table, "We're destined to meet on missions. That's why there has to be clarity about where the boundary is."
Ken's heart thudded so loudly he was sure Crawford could hear it. He wondered how Crawford could split this so cleanly; then Ken flinched back. Hadn't compartmentalizing been how he justified this relationship in the first place? Now, it seemed Ken had crossed that clear boundary tonight by mixing a Weiss mission with concern for Crawford.
He started at his name and looked down to where he had his own left wrist in a firm grip. He yanked his hands off the table and hid them underneath. He looked up to see Crawford's face, very grave.
Choler pushed wariness out of Ken's consciousness; confusion over why he had started with Crawford in the first place stoked self anger. "What do you want from me?"
Crawford was silent for several long minutes before he said, "Stay out of my way."
Ken flinched back and gave him a determined scowl, "Not if what you're doing is going to hurt innocent people. I can't stay out of your way then."
A subtle smile came to Crawford's lips. Ken felt a sinking sensation in his stomach. "Fine, if you want it that way."
"Hun?" Bafflement smacked Ken as a smug expression crept across Crawford's face. He expected Crawford to storm out or make threats, but the man seemed perfectly at ease with the tenuous situation. The whole situation cause Ken to feel on unequal footing; once again, choler leaped to the surface. He detested feeling as if he were some pawn in a game.
Crawford reached over and picked up Ken's hand. Ken looked down at the fingertips Crawford was examining. "Your fingers are dirty. Very frequently. I wonder why there's always soil under the nails."
Ken yanked his hand away from Crawford when he noticed a group of high-school girl staring and whispering at them from across the restaurant. Crawford looked over and smiled at them. "They probably think we make a cute couple."
"Brad!" Ken hissed, hunkering down and wishing his face would stopping being so red.
The American stood up, threw some money on the table, and nodded towards the door. "If you have a few hours, I'd like to do some things to you that aren't so cute."
Ken looked up slyly. There was that smugness, but it had grown endearing to Ken. He sighed and stood up. "I still really don't like you."
"I still know," Crawford said, right before they left.
Schuldig opened the trunk of his car and stepped aside for Hirofumi Takatori to peer into the darkness. It was a moonless midnight in the middle of a Japanese woods. The man lofted a flashlight; the bound woman inside the trunk struggled and tried to scream against her gag. Hirofumi let out a low whistle and nodded.
"For free?" he asked.
"Absolutely," Schuldig said, flashing a sly smile as he picked up the dread from the woman's mental screams. "Crawford wants her gone. By the morning. No trace, no questions, no special request."
Hirofumi's eyes narrowed. "Masafumi warned me about Crawford. He seems to think any gifts like this come with strings."
"Not a one. She's just an inconvenience that could harm your father's interest. Now, be a dutiful son and get rid of the bitch," Schuldig said.
Hirofumi took out a cigar in contemplation, lit it, and puffed away. Schulidg read the man's mind. He was weighing his loyalty between his father and his brother. Schuldig could see loyalty to Masafumi was winning out, so Schuldig decided to tip odds in Reiji's favor. He reached in the darkness of the trunk and yanked the waif of a woman out by her upper arms.
He shoved her against the car and ripped open her blouse; she struggled and tried to run, but he kept her pinned. Schuldig kept his mind open towards Hirofumi. There it was: lust. Schuldig caressed her bare, creamy shoulder with the back of his knuckles. Her revulsion and fear was overwhelming, very powerful, absolutely intoxicating to Schuldig. Mixed with Hirofumi's lustful, masochistic impulse, it was almost more than Schuldig could take.
"Don't question our generosity. Just enjoy," Schuldig said. Hirofumi tossed the cigar to the ground, stomped it out, and grabbed the American spy towards him. Schuldig gave a half nod and got back into the diver's seat. He looked over to were Farfarello was staring off into space.
"Now that's done," Schuldig said. Farfarello's eye shifted to the rear-view mirror. "Let's get out of here before I ignore Crawford's orders."
"Too bad we couldn't have a little sport tonight," Farfarello murmured, still watching the struggling woman in Hirofumi's arms. Schuldig paused before turning on the ignition. He looked up to the mirror to watch the action. Hirofumi now had her free of her bonds. He fired a gun in the air as she fled from him. He stretched out his mind towards the hedonistic fantasy playing out in Hirofumi's mind.
"And I bet Crawford found some sport tonight," Schuldig grumbled. He started the ignition as Farfarello gave him a baffled expression. "Oh... you don't know... over the past few months Crawford has been keeping a little secret."
"You're trembling. Are you alright?" Crawford whispered in the darkened hotel room. Ken felt tiny bumps come to his skin as Crawford's fingers drifted down his bare arm. He moaned and laid his forehead on Crawford's shoulder.
"I..." There was so much he wanted to say. He caught what he was going to say out of fear of what Crawford would do. He felt Crawford tilt his chin upwards. His heart raced with the light, gentle kiss. His stomach fluttered as the kiss deepened; Ken could feel Crawford's hunger behind it. Want filled Ken, too, but there was also something underneath it that Ken had managed to push down in the past. Now, it was boiling in his chest.
"Don't say anything... I know what you're going to say," Crawford said softly in his ear.
Everything became a blaze of emotions. Ken fell back on the bed, taking Crawford with him. This felt different than every time before. He felt vulnerable, but there wasn't the nagging fear of betrayal. Crawford wouldn't share his motives with Ken, but he understood what had designed those motives. It was isolation, prejudices, and even anger. These were all things that united him with Crawford, and this is what quelled his doubts about bad intentions Crawford may have towards him.
Crawford's breathe was hot on his neck. Ken wrapped his arms around Crawford's shoulders, knowing his heart was totally open. Now, there was no going back for Ken; there was no getting his heart back from the clairvoyant, even if he wanted to change his mind.
"Hum?" Crawford didn't stop traveling downwards, trailing small, nibbling kisses across his chest. Ken's fingers moved to Crawford's dark hair.
"Do you know what's going to happen to us?"
Crawford froze and then rose slightly, meeting Ken's eyes in the dim light. "I thought you preferred the surprise and the challenge of confronting the unknown."
"I do, but... This is too good to be true. I just don't want things to change."
Crawford frowned, and shifted on top of Ken's body. "Do you really want to know, or do you trust me to do what's best?"
Something was so dour in Crawford's voice; he felt a slight trepidation. Ken took a deep breath and shook his head. "I can deal with what comes. I don't need to know. No, don't tell me."
Crawford nodded solemnly, and there was something in his eyes Ken had only glimpsed before. He had no idea what Crawford was feeling right now, but he sincerely hoped it was something close to what he felt. No more words passed as Crawford slowly continued giving Ken pleasure and then took his own.
It all seemed too brief when Ken came crashing downwards from the heady sensations. He was in for a surprise when Crawford didn't move. He pulled Ken into his arms and whispered, "Stay the rest of the night with me."
Ken knew there could be trouble in the morning if Yohji were coming into the flower shop from a late night, or if Aya was in a cranky mood. Still, this was something he wanted. It'd be worth the risk and worth having to tell a lie just for this one, dark stolen moment with Crawford.
Waking up beside someone was disorienting. When Ken realized it was Crawford, a thrill ran through him. He quashed it, knowing he had to leave soon. Crawford stirred and opened his eyes. His hand immediately went for his glasses on the nightstand. He put them on and sat up beside Ken.
"You have got to leave now," Crawford said.
"I know." Ken didn't confess he wanted to stay. He slid out of the bed, got a quick shower, and pulled on his clothing. He jammed his hands in his coat pocket, looking for his motorcycle key. The thought of running into Crawford during a mission started to nag at him, there was guilt playing at the edges. He was wondering if he could manage playing it cool in front of his teammates' scrutiny.
"Yes?" Crawford prompted.
"I, uh, don't want you to get into trouble with your employer. What was so important last night."
"Kritiker didn't tell you?"
Ken's face flushed at the implication. He was a tool to them and Crawford knew it. "Our job was to... eliminate Schwarz and gather information about what Masafumi Takatori is doing out there."
Crawford adjusted his glasses and leaned against the headboard. "It's information that could stop Masafumi Takatori's experiments. His father wants to cut his funding off, so I was trying to find out what he had invented, and who he sold it to. That way, Old Man Takatori can deal with his son and stop him."
"So in a way... you'd be saving Kritiker and Weiss a whole lot of trouble by letting Takatori deal with his son, and then we wouldn't have to."
"Exactly," Crawford answered blandly. Ken let out a deep breath and felt a sense of relief.
He gave Crawford a lop-sided smile. "Make sure Schreient gets a dose of their own medicine, too."
Ken was about to leave, awkward because he didn't know how to say goodbye gracefully. After all, it was always Crawford who left first. Crawford grabbed his wrist and traced soft circles with his thumb on the underside. "Next Thursday. Meet me in the lobby of this hotel. Seven in the evening."
Ken smiled and nodded, wishing Crawford wouldn't stop the tender gesture. He pulled away reluctantly. It wasn't long before he was on his motorcycle speeding thought the bright morning towards the flower shop.
Crawford walked into Schwarz's apartment. Nagi was sitting on the sofa; he looked up at Crawford and opened his mouth. Crawford held up his hand and shook his head.
"Your little girlfriend came by today, but she had an agenda. Looking for me?"
"You made her mad. Hell wants to have some words with you. About a mission last night," Nagi answered.
"Don't worry about them. Everything will be smoothed out. Schuldig and Farfarello?"
"Good. Stay clear of Schreient. That includes Tot." Crawford turned to walk down the hallway, but paused when Nagi made a small snort.
"Schuldig and Farfarello were gossiping last night. I heard them say something..."
"Nothing for you to worry about. I've got everything handled." Crawford turned to face Nagi. The telekinetic bolted off the sofa and glared at Crawford.
"You're a hypocrite," Nagi said, not exactly meeting Crawford's eyes, but he could see the angry trembling shoulders that told him everything. "You won't let me see Tot, but... but... you're seeing..."
"None of your business," Crawford snapped. He hadn't expected this at all. Nagi looked up at him, those eyes were wise, and very calm. The teenager was willing to listen, and Crawford felt as though he did owe some respect to Nagi for all their team had been through together. "Listen, I have a purpose for doing what I am. I'm working on caving in Weiss from the inside. It's rather complicated. You have too many feelings for Tot that can be used against you." He walked over and put a hand on Nagi's shoulder. "Trust me, it's for your own good, the good of Schwarz and our goals, that you leave Tot alone."
Nagi nodded, he wore a bitter, yet accepting expression. "Schwarz is the most important thing," Nagi agreed, but blushed horribly. He looked suddenly awkward. "It's just that Schuldig is convinced you're not playing the game with Weiss as you should. It's just that... Schwarz comes first, and... well... Schuldig is worried."
"Isn't it time you get to school?" Crawford snapped before the boy could continue in his misdirection and thinly veiled concern for his safety. Nagi seemed unsatisfied, but obeyed Crawford's orders. He picked up his school bag and left the dim apartment.
He'd deal with Schuldig's mouth later, but now he had to deal with Hell. No doubt she was waiting at Takatori's office, waiting to take a piece out of him. "May as well get this over with," he murmured before freshening up with a shower and a new suit.
Manx looked at the glossy photos with growing horror. She looked over to where Persia sat behind his desk. She put the folder back on the desk and shook her head.
"They found her early this afternoon," Persia answered. "Somehow, she was made."
"But she was American. Her file was clean," Manx replied, stunned. She'd read the detail of the woman's death; it was brutal and unforgiving. She was tortured, raped, and finally strangled to death. Her body was left mutilated in a public dumpster.
"Miss Camron was found. Somehow. We need to reassess everyone. Start doing covert surveillance and clear everyone. Start with Weiss. Check on their lives outside of their cover. Then move to Kritiker field agents. I want to make sure we have no leaks on our side."
"I'm sure everything on our side will check out. Takatori has some rather strong people working for him."
"Still, for my own peace of mind."
Manx nodded and turned on her heels. She left, pushing aside the horror and anger over Josie's untimely death. She hated feeling like she was chasing around in pointless circles, but she had to admit, it had been a while since Weiss and Kritiker field agents had been checked. It couldn't hurt.
To be continued.


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Ben Affleck is the worst choice for Batman, HORRIBLE casting choice, there are so many other people who are better for this role. What are you thinking!?!
Ben Affleck the director is pretty friggin' good. Ben Affleck the actor is still stiff. Less stiff now than, say, in Sum of All Fears. But I'm not sold on him in a big-time starting role.
You know…Cranston could be a Luthor
Deal with it? Pass, on this movie and on your future columns.
Perfect? Does anyone remember Daredevil? This news ruined my hopes for MOS2.
Deal with it? I think you've forgotten who has the wallet in their pocket. You aren't helping their cause.
It is a no brainer that Ben Affleck is the worst possible choice for Batman. Having spent over $500 for different batman memorabilia due to Nolan/Bale's batman movies, I can certifiably tell you that i will be voting with my wallet on this one and opt out. I am sure I am not alone.
How perfect for Batman is Ben Affleck if you have to say "Deal With It"?
Ben had his superhero chance and blew it miserably. I'd rather see Pee Wee Herman play Batman than Ben Affleck.
I'm just going to point out, that the last time he put on tights, Affleck was hardly a commercial success. He'd better up his game or this will be as poor a casting as we all seem to feel at first blush.
George Reeves?!?!
I was about to say he is the worst choice for job but you guys beat me to it.
For killing the franchise, he is the best choice.
Chris Evans and those movies flamed out, but look who got the part of Captain America, which also caused a lot of fan griping. Last I checked Evans was doing pretty well …
"Henry Cavill's superb Superman" strains Calia's credibility; MOS was an appallingly hollow smash-fest. Cavill was a humorless mannequin. Didn't Goyer and Snyder tout that their new Batman would be older? Bryan Cranston or even a return to Michael Keaton would have been far more interesting choices for a world-weary Caped Crusader to fight the dullard Snyder and Cavill unleashed in MOS.
Aflac No thank you I'll pass.
A friend recently posted comments from back when they cast Heath Ledger as the Joker for THE DARK KNIGHT. The reactions were similar to these.
I can't give an opinion one way or the other until I see him in action.
Good article!
to Anon: You should Google the difference between George Reeves and Christopher Reeve.
I can't believe this cast selection, Affleck is a wooden actor and he is frustrating at times on screen. I remember Daredevil and it was awful, he was awful. And Michael Keaton wasn't really a controversial choice, considering that he had already worked with Tim Burton. The next Batman film won't be the same, Christian Bale is gone and Christopher Nolan is done. That trilogy was a classic, none of the upcoming films should be associated with it.
And that paragraph on Affleck's good looks? How can you argue that good looks make him suited for the role? Especially after George Clooney's job playing Batman, he was probably the worst Batman in the last 30 years.
Three words – worst. decision. ever.
Thought the late Superman actor's name was Christopher Reeves and not George Reeves.
Nobody's gonna care what you think after reading "George Reeves." Give me a break!
Uhhh – dealing with this news says just that …..like putting lipstick on a pig.
If one remembers – Keaton was an established (and a fine) actor before he go the part for Batman …..Ben is just not in the same league, i think most sane long time movie goers can see that,
Bale was fantastic overall as Batman ….the Dark Knight is still my favorite by far.
Coming from the liberal Wall Street "Journal" i would expect rubbish, fantasy comments as posted above ….there are far better actors to suit this role, period.
I love any story with a Gung Ho reference. Great writing. Come back George Wendt, we miss you!
Christopher Reeve (not Reeves, by the way) wasn't the only late actor to play Superman. George Reeves played Superman in a 1950s TV series, and Ben Affleck played Reeves n a movie.
Since Brolin is the same square-jawed type as Affleck, I'm not sure his casting would have been "exciting and unconventional" as less obvious. And the only reason it is less obvious is that Brolin is less famous.
He also carries less movie baggage, and, thus, would generate much less discussion in social media. For splash factor alone, Affleck was a smart choice.
So…why isn't Christian Bale perfect, given that he completely revived the franchise?
BTW, this column gets major points for being one of the few discussions of Affleck that doesn't include lame Boston jokes. Good, smart, reasoned writing.
Wow. Just wow. Some people are making themselves look like idiots by not knowing who George Reeves is t seems. Sad. He protrayed Superman in the 50′s series.
Anyway, the author is wrong because Ben Affleck might have grown and become an acclaimed filmmaker. But he's still a mediocre actor. He has those acting tics that are all wrong for Batman and make me angry just to think about seeing him do them as Batman. The odds that he will surprise everyone with a perfect portrayal of Batman/Bruce Wayne are extremely slim. And the fans are all willing to tear him apart already and will make WB suffer for it. Affleck himself SHOULD HAVE KNOWN he would be torn apart for taking that role. If nothing else, his agent should have told him
Perfect? Your retirement, Calia.
I didn't think Affleck was that bad as Daredevil. I think the main reason for it not being considered successful is mainly due to the publics lack of familiarity with the character. As for him being cast in the dual role of Batman/Bruce Wayne, I would have to say definitely NO. Please someone correct me if I'm wrong-but isn't he TALLER that Cavill? If so then he's automatically ruled out. If you're going to do JLA correctly then casting is priority one! The only member of the JLA taller than Kal-el is Jon Jonzz. Get it RIGHT PEOPLE! And giving cudos to Cavill's role just lets me know to what degree this writers understanding of character casting is lacking. Cavill was HORRID-as was most of the casting in Man of Steel. The better choice in that role would have been Victor Webster. And because of the poor casting and abandonment of core canon mythology in MOS I can see no bright future for the DC based films. Sadly, I think their best work will always be,"The Dark Knight". That's my two centavos.
Kirk Alyn played Superman in 1948 in the serials. Affleck is a good actor when he directs himself. Snyder made Man of Steel a success but not a great film. I hope it doesn't suck. Meanwhile Marvel/Disney keep rolling out the hits!
Just killed the movie
Ben Affleck will be the worst Batman to date. RIP Batman franchise.
What's more shocking to me than Affleck doing this character, is that anyone is doing this character. I mean, another batman movie???? are you kidding me?
Are we doomed to nothing but remake after remake after remake now? Hollywood is in trouble and this is precisely why.
This will be worse than George Clooney and Val Kilmer.
It just doesn't work with certain people.
"forcing another nondescript young hunk on us."
It's worked out pretty well for Marvel. Affleck already has an on screen persona that we are all familiar with that does match up with Batman.
Nuff said.
The biggest downside here is I don't see him committing to a series of Justice League movies or doing the same thing with Batman that Robert Downey has done with Iron Man. So DC will have to cast yet another actor to play to role of Batman for the future Justice League movie (unless of course Warner Brothers throws a ton of money at him.) I am fine with him in the role. He has shown he can play a dark character with a heart in the past and I think he will do very well as the Dark Knight.
I'm stoked, he must have had a killer audition and an obvious vision for his version of batman…great article ! Keaton was my first thought too when people started ripping Ben
sorry, but your analysis is terrible. Michael Keaton was NOT the definitive Batman for generations of kids. I was a kid back then. Kevin Conroy was the definitive Batman until Christian Bale came along.
Ben Affleck is completely wrong for this role. If you had bothered to read "The Dark Knight Returns," which is the basis for Zack Snyder's upcoming movie, you would know that the Bruce Wayne in this story is a much older, conflicted and hardened character than the typical Batman. This movie is going to be terrible despite you hollywood sycophantic attempts to save it.
The best part of this story is that it will put the accelerator on the impending death of these comic book movies. Between hiring Stephanie Affleck to play Batman and the new Spider-Man actor suggesting that they make gay in the next film, it's starting to collapse. Maybe now we can get back to movies that didn't originate in ten cent funny books.
It's not just another Batman movie in the making. The attempt they are making in recasting the Batman character is to bring the DC universe together on film, by first uniting the two main characters. Then the introduction of the rest of the JLA members is more feasible. Since they've already brought Green Lantern to the big screen, they are left with, Wonder Woman, Flash and The Martian. The "World's Finest" film would be similar to what Marvel did with Iron Man, Hulk and Thor. Lay a foundation, then build on it. If ONLY they'd cast and written MOS correctly.
Wow Micahel Calia is on some serious cheerleading for a guy who has proven to be a brilliant director and, at best, a mediocre actor. The difference between Affleck and Keaton is that Keaton was considered a good actor; a term not really associated with your man Ben.
The analysis offered in this post is trite and just embarrasing. I hope the puff piece money was worth is Mr Calia.
Ppppppppffffffft. Way to ruin justice league. Why don't you cast Matt Damon as Robin while your at it. I smell another 100 million dollar flop.
There's a reason I have never heard of this writer. And now I know why.
I didn't read your "article". You sound like a Hollywood flack.
1/2 of Bennifer cannot and will not be a good incarnation of Batman.
Period. End of story. The best that thing that can happen is the movie fails abysmally, the morons who thought this is a great idea get fired and 2 years later, a new version is done.
Till then, bye bye Warner Brothers. You are not getting any of my money.
What about Jason Batman and Michael Cera as the boy wonder?
You made a point about Keaton; a good point. But….still.
Terrible choice. Affleck brings 20 years of A List baggage to a role that was perfected by Bale under the expert hand of Nolan. The Snyder/Affleck combination represents a big step back in the gritty, grounded Gotham world that Nolan created. I would be far more comfortable with Affleck directing than acting. And don't even think about comparing his selection to that of Ledger's Joker – Ledger was still untyped as an actor, unlike Ben.
Not sure of his height but if he is under 5'9 then he needs to leave it to some other taller actor.
Kinda like when I watch Worf bring forth a short Kahyless kilingon warrior. #shortnessdoesnotwork.
@ ArmySeal – The Dark Knight Returns is not the basis for this movie, unless you think this movie is going to have a geriatric Batman and take place 30 years in the future in a dystopian Gotham.
For people complaining that Ben Affleck is not leading man material and a horrible casting decision, you need to get your facts straight.
First–this is TECHNICALLY a MAN OF STEEL sequel so we really dont know how much Batman will play a factor in screen time.
Second-this is obviously a play to snag Affleck as director for JUSTICE LEAGUE (if that ever happens)
Three-WB is concerned about making a film that will run into aforementioned JL film, not if fans will buy collectibles .
Four–fanboys will never be satisfied. Complain about Cavill, Keaton, Reeve, Ledger, etc etc etc.
I just can't see Affleck pulling off Bruce Wayne, or Batman. What else is there to say? I know I am a grown up but this is a let down.
Affleck had me rooting for the Japs to shoot him in "Pearl Harbor".
Don Cheadle. Yeah, I said it.
I must say, I am nervous about Affleck playing Batman, he is an excellent director, but has shown limited range as an actor.
That being said, Affleck has grown as an actor and knows he has to prove many people wrong. He is obviously taking this role as a challenge and he might rise to the occassion.
So, still nervous, but also curious.
for me Affleck is not a smart choice… also… he is not a good actor.. common!!!…
the argo movie was ok, but why people insist that was his best role ever and one of the greatest movies ever… mediocre acting for me… and regarding the movie… ok.. just that.
nowadays the oscars are so overrated.
If Affleck could act he would be a good choice. How about we have him direct.
"Ben Affleck Is Perfect for Batman. Deal With It"
Seriously? Is WSJ slowly becoming …."Pufiington Host" ? To paraphrase another liberal moron: "… we have to cast him to see how he does."
I had no idea journalists were paid to be professional trolls. Shoulder heavy? Square jaw? It might be 10 years but he still doesn't have that look. He's just skinny and that photo you posted has a double chin. And then there is still bis acting. I think perhaps you have a secret crush on the man and you need to admit it to your wife.
I knew Bale was perfect for the role after I saw him in the underrated Equilibrium. Affleck? No.
The guy from "Fasionable Male" is playing Batman?
"Ben Affleck Is Perfect for Batman. Deal With It."
There really isn't a lot in your essay that supports this headline. Batman is more than a square jaw and a jock's physique, as Christian Bale so skillfully demonstrated. While Ben Afleck's directing on Argo may have been Oscar worthy, his performance was not. He does his best acting work playing to type – a scrub from Boston. Bale can't be Batman forever (no pun intended), but if there's one thing he's shown us, it's that the character needs and deserves an actor with the skills to really transform himself.
I like Ben Affleck, I really do. But he has never – not ever – been that kind of actor. Javiaer Bardem, Josh Brolin, Daniel Day Lewis – when you see them in a movie, you tend to forget who they really are. They are just that good at what they do. No matter how great the mask is or how big the cape, with Ben Affleck in this part the audience will only see Ben Affleck on the screen. He will never BE Batman.
Michael Calia forgot all about "Mr. Mom," but he is all over "Jersey Girl."
I have no problem with Ben Affleck as Batman. For some reason, I like Ben Affleck. I cannot stand Matt Damon movies.
Won't be wasting my $ on this one. Where are the John Wayne and Clint Eastwood type actors today?
Michael Keaton was awful as Batman. The only reason his Batman achieved any success was due to Jack Nicholson's Joker performance. Jack made that movie. Ben Affleck, while I appreciate his great work behind the camera (Gone Baby Gone, The Town, and Argo), he does not have the acting chops to carry on the role that Christian Bale has defined. As a previous contributor noted, in many of his roles Ben fails to make you forget that it's him acting. He's a capable actor but not a great one, certainly not on the scale of Bale. I think this is a mistake but hey, it's just my opinion.
Ben Affleck is an okay actor. There are only a couple of movies that he was in that I enjoyed like Paycheck and Jersey Girl. I find it hard to watch his dramatic roles because he doesn't come off as sincere. Good actors don't act, they become the role and Affleck hasn't mastered that yet. I like the Batman movies but I think I will wait for this one on Apple TV.
I'd like to think you are right, but I have seen a couple of Affleck's films and was never impressed, especially with the ruinous Dardevil. As a result of that, I haven't seen any of his more recent outings, or the films he has directed. I'm not sure who would be great for Batman, but it would have been better as an unknown. The vast majority of people will see only Ben Affleck in a pointed-eared cowl. NOT Bruce Wayne/Batman. Whenever I see Jack Nicholson on any film, I see him as the Joker and nothing else. With a new face as Batman Warner Brothers could have started off Fresh. Instead they will be stagnated by people's expectations. I have seen the film studio pull off only a few great super-hero films: Batman Begins and Man of Steel. Anything else has been good or worse, but not great. Since Affleck is the next Batman he should do a screen test for the general population, just to make sure they want to see the movie when it releases. I think your wife, has a better idea of Holywood and it's actors than you do, in this instance.
We watched the Marvel Comic series of films last weekend while we relaxed a rainy day away. We thought all the movies were underwhelming, but we preferred both Captain America and Thor because they were more interesting characters and more accessible development. Iron Man so increasingly lacks entertainment, it compelled me to get off the couch to fill the newly created void with something of value. Batman and superman is getting to the same place. Who cares.
Regardless, today, actors just spout marketing department one-liners today as bridges between the latest CGI effect. The whole experience is a contrived and formulaic multi-sense effort to manage a set of emotions over the course of 90m.
So, put Oprah in the batman suit and the film would deliver about the same overall experience. Not interesting enough to spend a money on or leave the house for and easily substituted with other activities.
I think Ben Affleck will be GREAT as Batman. I can't wait to see it!!!
I think Ben Affleck will be GREAT as Batman and I can't wait to see it!!!
Affleck is a good pick. Maybe not my first choice, but he'll make a good Batman. Can't wait for this movie!
People don't understand. This is the MOST IMPORTANT ROLE of the latter part of Affleck career. If he BOMBS he will return to being the Joke he was 10 years ago. For that reason I believe Affleck is taking this role VERY SERIOUSLY because he knows what it's like to have a crappy comic book movie and the humiliation that comes with it. For that reason I think he's going to knock it out of the park
Way to kill a franchise with this move, have you guys never seen an Affleck movie??? Was Adam West not available??
Please tell me this is a joke
***? . THIS IS ABSOLUTE BS. your going to have the daredevil play batman . way to kill two franchises.
Cranston as Luther… HAHAHAHA
I was really hoping to see Josh Brolin as Batman.
I hear they are "shooting" it in Tehran. I know what he's up to. Bring them home safe, Ben.
I certainly don't see this going over very well. This movie will tank, and it'll be another 20 years before another Batman movie is made because of it!!
APRIL FOOLS!!!!! Oh, wait . . .
Your better off going with a black guy the Ben Affleck! This makes as much sense as having Megan Fox playing the hulk!! Well this WAS gonna be a good movie! I won't be going to see it!
No way I will spend even $1 at the Red Box kiosk to see Ben Affleck suck as batman… hell I won't even waste my monthly FREE CODE at Red Box to rent it!!!
Horrible choice. He's too much of a dude. Will they dub his voice? Hope so.
I am smelling a flop already.
I dont believe that Mr Affleck is suited for this role. He is Not Batman or Bruce Wayne.
Please, consider Betty White before Ben Affleck
this SUCKS….I like Ben but he's not batman material……STUPID CHRISTIAN BALE…..WHERE ARE YOU??????????????????
I think Affleck is going to surprise a lot of people. This is the kind of film for which he is ideally suited — no pun intended. He has the physical stature — especially if he trains for the role — and he is completely capable of pulling off Bruce Wayne. He has made some terrible films in the past, but some terrific ones, too. This could turn out to be his best outing and I think people should make an effort to keep an open mind going in.
Argo was a great film. But not because he was in it. The story was good. He's going to kill my favorite super hero.
Ben Affleck!?!?!? If they were going to go that way, they shouldn't have just picked Steve Carell. He's more believable . . .
I hated Affleck with a hot, hot heat…Good Will Hunting hinted at true depth and talent on many fronts so we were all hopeful. Damon delivered. Affleck squandered it with colossal steaming piles hard to imagine. Then he came back…Town, Argo – I hated liking him but had to give him his due. I will be honest – I am not happy about the choice but I will go see the flick and so will all you other haters and my bet is Affleck will surprise us all again.
I'll pass. Glad I have the Batman Animated Series dvd collection. Nothing beats the characters, story lines and the veteran actors who did the voices from this series. Also glad Warner Bros follow thru with the Superman Animated Series and short-lived Batman Beyond. Let the Hollywood bean counters do their thing. No loss on my part since I prefer and enjoy watching movie classics at home with the wife.
"John wrote:
.I think Affleck is going to surprise a lot of people. This is the kind of film for which he is ideally suited — no pun intended. He has the physical stature "
HE does have stature-albeit TOO much if he's really 6'4″. THAT's how tall Superman is SUPPOSED to be-with Batman rising to 6'2″. No way Superman is supposed to be looking UP at Bats! A lost cause this film will be!
I would have preferred Barney Frank. At least it would have been a great comedy.
"In fact, if there's anything wrong with this casting, it's that Mr. Affleck is too perfect for the role. He has it all:" This has to be the most ignorant statement in years about casing and movie making…..really, do you have any concept of Batman?
This decision is really a travesty……sad day for Batman legacy.
But, at least the bar is set so low for Ben's return to acting!
Awesome article. I was saying earlier who would have thought the same guy who played Beetlejuice would make the Batman role. Ben is PERFECT. Love it! Awesome job WB!
Michael Calia is a complete idiot buffoon. Deal with it…
"Deal with it"? When nobody shows up to see it, you can deal with that.
Affleck is a terrible choice and this article provides no real reasons, besides physical ones, why Ben Affleck is good for Batman. So any chiseled, big guy should be Batman? I see thousands of tools walk in malls and gyms everyday like that; I don't want to look at Batman with his dumb, jock mouth half open the whole time. Calia just shoves the fact back into your face that he's Batman and that's his whole bratty way of writing. And there's a difference between Affleck and Keaton: Keaton is a good actor while Affleck, unsurprisingly, is not. Batman should have been Jon Hamm.
I'm afraid Calia is wrong, Affleck's best performance was in the "How To Eat With Your Butt" episode of South Park.
On a good note may be we can look forward to a Affleck sequel…. No, not of Batman, South Park.
What is this I don't even.
The Batman movies before the last three were a joke. A good, intentional joke perhaps, but a joke.
Bale and Nolan elevated it. Bale was PERFECT for a serious, dark Batman.
Affleck is as far from Bale as day is from night. If we want Batman to be a comedy again, Affleck is indeed perfect for this role.
At least Keaton had a deep voice as Batman. I can only imagine giggles when Affleck's high pitched.voice comes through. The new Superman is a gorgeous Brit, why couldn't they find a fresh face, or a younger one, for Batman? I think this will be worse than Clooney as Batman. I won't waste my time with this one.
I'm willing to give it a shot. It's crazy what people get worked up over. You know you're all going to see it!
May be the next Batman series will be parody.
This man is a joke and i refuse to see it and so deal with that MICHAEL CALIA
The thing is… Michael Keaton can act.
Ben against Superman? No way.
Ben against Wonder Woman? Yeah, that's more like it.
Ben as Batman…Daredevil was horrendous, what makes him suited for Batman. Maybe if they bring back the old POW, BOOM, KaPLOW days of Adam West….Nah.
Kudos to you on an admirable defense of Affleck Mr. Calia. Too bad Ben can't actually live up to half the greatness you bestowed on him. Comparing him to Keaton is insulting, show some respect, MK is a real entertainer not just a rich hunk with a pretty smile. And portraying an actor who played a superhero does not qualify you to wear a mask. If your attempt at playing a marginal superhero flopped miserably there's no way you get bumped up to wear a cape in the big leagues. It sounds like your Argo man crush has gotten in the way of your better judgement. Deal with that..
Mr calia, those were some nice words for ben. Too bad he is a mediocre player, and most definietey not an A lister by any means. He lacks about every skill as a convincing super hero as one could get. Daredevil was not that good of a movie, so to compare his so called talent based upon that is completely devoid of any logic. Yes, nice words, too bad you had to say that in order to keep your cushy job.
Ben did such a great performance in To the Wonder. I immediately saw him as Batman. Ben go direct a movie, quit pretending to be an actor.
now christian bale is the gold standard? wasn't it just last year when everyone was complaining about how much they hated bale's deep growly silly batman voice?
there's no satisfying the load of ya
He's a squinty-eyed trained monkey. Sure…make he sure he maintains his multi-million dollar lifestyle! Put him in a monkey suit. I won't be buying admission…nor will I be encouraging the masses to do so!
He's a squinty-eyed trained monkey. The most ignoble. Please…make sure he maintains his multi-million dollar lifestyle! Put him in a monkey suit. I won't be buying admission…nor will I be encouraging the masses to do so either.
what a total load of nonsense, do yourself a favour and don't ever write another article on anything. ever.
And who is George Reeves? This is pathetic. Get off the internet, and go watch your Ben Afflek box set.
"Mr. Keaton turned out to be the definitive Batman and Bruce Wayne for an entire generation of kids."
I suppose that's one way of looking at it. Another would be that our generation basically ignored Batman (except for Saturday morning cartoons) in favor of rewatching decade-old action movies like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The 1990′s Batman movies somehow made a superhero less interesting than an archaeologist.
I think an actor would have been a much better choice than Affleck. But it pays to have intelligence ties…
Nice article. Was it written by Ben Affleck? Sure sounds like it. Probably was similar to the pitch he made to studio execs and, after their first two choices passed on the role, they chose Affleck. This will be a disaster.
George Reeves is not a person who played Superman.
Sounds like someone got in a fight with his wife about the ill advised casting of Affleck as Batman, then wrote a torrid hate piece on anyone who disagrees with him…especially his wife. Affleck has a good acting career. This will be the equivalent of casting Russell Crowe to sing in a musical…
We will deal with it by boycotting it and watching the studio lose money. If you aren't going to listen to the fans, then who are you listening to?
I love to see reporters get educated by fanboys who's knowledge of Batman and Superman ends at Bale and Tom Welling, respectively.
For characters that have been around for 70 years, there is no such thing as a One True version. Comments like these expose your ignorance. Envelope yourselves in the history of the character..it's a vast world out there
Affleck is a poor choice because he's a poor actor. That's just my opinion and the opinion of EVERYONE I've heard talking about this. So, yes Calia, I will deal with it by not seeing the film at all. It's that easy.
I don't know what's worse, the fact that they cast Affleck for the role of Batman or the fact that they're making ANOTHER Batman movie.
This is why I don't go to the movies. They're not making any new ones.
Affleck is passable as the guy-next-door, but he can't really pull off a character with depth and he is horrible as a character that requires depth and athleticism. His work in Daredevil is cringeworthy. This movie sounds cool and I don't want to see Affleck screw it up.
"Now imagine that guy making a standalone Batman film, or using his ability to conduct a big-time ensemble to direct Justice League?" Even more cringe-worthy than Ben Affleck playing Batman is Michael Calia's lack of knowledge on how Hollywood works.
Wow. i must have missed a previous film in which Batman and Superman have appeared together..Please point me in the direction to the obviously talked-about film
To the people commenting about George Reeves, research before you comment, you are making yourselves look like idiots. From 1951-58 he played Superman on Television.
Anyone who signed that petition at change.org, needs to take a serious look at their life and priorities. There are way more important things in the world to worry about than who is playing Batman.
I remember groaning about Heath Ledger getting the Joker role and was proven wrong. I'm not a fan of the choice of Ben Affleck but I'll give him a shot. And everyone else posting here saying they won't see the movie will still go and see the movie. If not, maybe they can Netflix the 1950s "The Adventures of Superman" series to learn about George Reeves.
It is still not too late, cast someone else….The guy can't act at all. What a disappointment…
"Ben against Superman? No way.
Ben against Wonder Woman? Yeah, that's more like it."
Allow me to fix the above statement… "Ben AS Wonder Woman? Yeah, that's more like it."
And Choppah – Speaking as someone who has read and collected comics for over 40 years, I promise my understanding of the characters does not end at Bale and Welling, although I enjoyed their portrayals. If I was asked before this announcement to name five actors who would be most miscast in this movie, Ben Affleck would be high on the list.
Affleck lacks the testosterone on screen to deliver such a performance. He proved it in Daredevil and will fail in this endeavor as well. He may have the prerequisite square jaw and chiseled good looks but the guy comes off as a wimp in every movie he's ever made. He's one of the most milquetoast actors in Hollywood.
The world won't come to an end because the People magazine set will get a version of the character they may enjoy, but come on… Robert Pattinson wasn't available? That would at least draw in the Twilight fangirls and both have about the same acting range. Are they saving Tatum Channing for the Aquaman movie or something? Was Justin Bieber too busy making music on par with the Beatles (or at least I'm sure Michael Calia probably thinks so) to get the nod? I can see Ben rolling his shoulders forward now as he tugs on a suit jacket and ties his tie to unveil his best "Bruce Wayne in Beantown" before heading off to fight crime in his BVD's.
I'll search for re-runs on the old 60′s era Batman. Adam West may have had similar wooden acting chops but at least his treatment of the was meant to be tongue-in-cheek humor and he brought more dignity to the role.
Two Words… George Clooney! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!! A well known actor with a lot of charisma – ruined the franchise!
The problem is not Ben Affleck playing Batman. Its Ben Affleck playing Ben Affleck.
If we want to chop this up to good looks and to the equivalence that more movie experience means better acting ability then we should've given the role to Channing Tatum. There is no question that Ben Affleck has improved, Yes. The question is, has he improved enough to really embody batman? Probably not. I thought the MOS movie was done pretty well. This is also some one speaking from little interest to the Superman comics by themselves. Me as a loosely based fan of Superman, it wasn't the same calibur as Dark Knight but it did appeal to realities of Superman. I felt that was a great choice for the movie. It showed the genuine struggle of the character without being so corny or over the top. Christian Bale is an incredibly tough act to follow but lets not forget so is the Dark Knight series alone. Should we just be worried about Ben Affleck? How about the whole story line and execution in general? Trying to mix these visions? An extravagent, dark, incredibly well executed franchise that actually plays alot more to realism. Then one that was done pretty well… with alot more lightheartedness and animated in almost every scene… I'll watch though. Hell i'll watch every Super Hero unless it's the Blob monster fighting the evils of boringness. But yeah. Ben Affleck I feel as of right now, will not hold a candle to the Batman we've come to enjoy by Christian Bale. I mean common. At the same note though, there's LOTS of people who don't work well in this movie. I pray that when I watch it… that I didn't waste my 10 dollar movie ticket.
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16 . 04 . 2012
"A man pays his debts. A man owes three."
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A Tumblr dedicated to the members of House Stark, their bannermen, and allies. All characters created by George RR Martin for his series A Song of Ice and Fire, now on HBO as Game of Thrones.


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Over the past few weeks, there has been an ongoing debate on Slate and all over the Internet about the age women should marry. Susan Patton wrote a letter to Princeton University girls saying they should lock down the good boys now. Two writers at Slate debated this same issue, with Julia Shaw saying all women SHOULD marry young and another writer saying the opposite. It's no wonder women are confused.
But the reality is, whether you marry at 19 or 38, there is only one recipe for happiness and contentment and it has nothing to do with age. It's not what age you marry. It's who you marry. Period. End of story.
Who you marry is the person that keeps you warm at night, comforts you through all your sadness, and holds your hand as you birth children and grow old together. Marriage is a beautiful thing that shouldn't be rushed into and shouldn't be forced because you reach "a certain age." Here are 7 reasons age doesn't matter in marriage:
When did you get married? Was age a factor?
I was married at 25. Then pregnant at 26. Turned out he was completely unprepared for the up's and down's of marriage, and he felt the first thing "wrong" was that I was having his baby. The marriage failed because he was not mature enough to continue the marriage with the new baby. He dicorced us. He still only rarely sees his daughter whom I raised alone. She is now 18 years-old.
I got married at 29 and divorced at 32. I think in terms of age, it was a good time for both of us to get married -- we'd been together for four years, I'd sown my wild oats already, we both (thought) we wanted kids. Regardless of age or life experience, we ended up having to part ways. I'm very curious if or when I'll ever get married again. I'm so different now than I was when I got engaged at 28, but I do absolutely still believe in love.
I got married at 19 and divorced 28 years later (he had a midlife crisis). I'm getting married again at 52. My feelings about marriage are very different at the different ages. At 19 I didn't worry about anything except that I was in love. Thankfully it lasted a long time and I have 2 beautiful to show for it. Now I worry about all kinds of things. I think that's the biggest difference in when you get married is your maturity level.


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Being overseas you think it would be difficult to get your new items anytime soon. I have to say and I'm seriously telling everyone that this company...Read More ->
This store is great. I made my first order on Monday at about 6pm and recieve an email the next day that it was shipped. I received the order on...Read More ->


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The sys admin's daily grind: Miniflux
Sys admin Charly Kühnast typically follows 40 to 50 RSS feeds using Tiny Tiny RSS on his own server. Now, the good times spent with the faithful Tiny are coming to an end. Read on to discover the whole story.
I read about the demise of RSS about twice a week, or at least it feels that way; I cannot actually confirm that for my part. However, 200 to 300 new entries reach me every day in Tiny Tiny RSS. Of course, I mostly just skim over the headlines; I don't check the website of my online daily newspaper for the content that I want to read, I only subscribe to the feeds that are interesting to me.
From time to time, I try out alternatives to my loyal Tiny purely out of curiosity. This is how Miniflux recently landed on my server. The small Flux tool has been on my "must try" list since my esteemed colleague Dmitri Popov blogged about it last year [1]. My hesitation bothers me a bit because this RSS reader is really good.
Even the installation takes less than two minutes: Download the ZIP file [2]; unzip on the server, and customize the write privileges – all done, and ready to log in. The tool does not require any Apache or SQL wizardry. SQLite is the back end, which I do not have to touch outside of the installation.
More or Less Colorful
Then, there is the design (Figure 1). Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the architect to whom the saying "less is more" [3] is attributed, would be totally thrilled. However, if Friedensreich Hundertwasser is more to your taste, you can resort to colorful themes, including one aptly named Nostyle. All of the themes are designed to remain clear-cut, even on mobile devices.
The Miniflux feature list deliberately lacks support for categorization or social networks. In fact, Miniflux prevents user tracking wherever possible. When I click on a link, the tool opens it in a new tab with
rel="noreferrer". The tapped site does not recognize the fact that an RSS aggregator opened it. The fact that Miniflux imports feed lists in OPML format with a single click made my decision easy.
What provided the decisive impetus for leaving Tiny, however, was the program author's humor. Here is an excerpt from the FAQ: "I have 600 subscriptions, can Miniflux handle it?" – "Probably, yes, but your life is a mess." He might just be right … .
- "Miniflux: No-frills RSS Aggregator" by Dmitri Popov: http://www.linux-magazine.com/Online/Blogs/Productivity-Sauce/Miniflux-No-frills-RSS-aggregator
- Miniflux: http://miniflux.net
- "Architecture: Mies van der Rohe" by Charly Kühnast: http://charly.in/rohe (in German)
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Tag Cloud
Mozilla Labs Shuts Down
Mozilla's product think tank sinks silently into history.
Internet Giants Launch Collaboration to Improve Open Source
TODO group will focus on open source tools in large-scale environments.
Fedora Announces New Partition Manager App
New tool will look like GParted but support a wider range of storage technologies.
Mozilla Releases a New Firefox
New public key pinning feature will help prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
Tool Predicts Which Websites Will be Compromised
Carnegie Mellon researchers say 3 million pages could fall down the phishing hole in the next year.
SSH Key Management Guidelines
The US government rolls new best-practice rules for protecting SSH.
Knoppix 7.4 Released
Klaus Knopper announces the latest version of his iconic Live Linux system.
PHP Attack Puts WordPress and Drupal at Risk
All websites that use these popular CMS tools could be vulnerable to denial of service attacks if users don't install the updates.
Heartbleed Bleeds On
According to a report, many potential victims of the Heartbleed attack have patched their systems, but few have cleaned up the crime scene to protect themselves from the effects of a previous intrusion.
Drone Brain Goes Open Source
DARPA and NICTA release the code for the ultra-secure microkernel system used in aerial drones.


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Page Showing 1-10 of 41 Results
Avg. Customer Rating (Based on 41 Reviews)
Write a Review | Back to Product Page
Doesn't fit the same as other Diamondfit
from Philadelphia, PA
on 6/16/2013
I own more than one of the Tyr Piped Poly Racing Swimsuit, and decided to give this one a try just to have something that looked a little different. Unfortunately the fit is also different. I'm 5'9", 38B, narrow waist, big butt, dress size 10-12. The piped suit in size 40 fits me like a glove, but the splice suit sags/gapes in the lower back in a size 40, and isn't long enough in a 38. I didn't swim in it, but the fabric and seams all seem as nice as any other Tyr suit, so I assume it'd be of similar quality and performance. It just didn't fit my body, so I had to return it.
great fit!
from Wellesley, MA
on 12/26/2012
The splice design gives this suit a great fit around the bust and armholes. Not tight, but no gapping either. The fabric lasts very well too. The straps seem to be the first things to fail, but it took almost a year of constant use before they turned from soft and stretchy to hard and rigid.
Good quality suit
from Canada
on 12/9/2012
-Durable material that holds its shape when wet -Good everyday training suit -Style is flattering-Go up a size. I normally wear a size 7-8 and ordered this in a 36, which is listed as size 9-10 on the chart. It fits perfectly.
from durham, nc
on 7/13/2014
I love TYR suits and this one lives up to the reputation. I really like the shoulder straps. i was afraid they would feel to thin but they are strong but comfortable. This has become my everyday swimsuit. Just the right size and coverage--
Great Suit!
from Santa Rosa, CA
on 7/12/2014
This item was offered for half the price of other web sites - the exact same suit - so I bought two! Love TYR. They are long lasting, durable suits. The lines on this suit help suggest or accent an hourglass figure.
Great Suit
Busy Mom Six
from Pennsylvania
on 6/27/2014
Great design, nice soft, but thick material, great cut, modest for a young teen, we've had it a short time, but are hoping for lots of durability. My daughter uses this suit daily for swim team.
A little expensive
from Pittsburgh
on 6/21/2014
This is a good competition suit, but not really worth the price.
No Substitute for the Durafast Piped Poly
Sarah A.
from Huntington, NY
on 6/18/2014
The Tyr Durafast poly bled is my brand of choice for long-distance swimming in a chlorinated pool. The suits typically lasts a year or more and fit well. However, this suit was baggy from the get-go. It didn't fit around the chest or rear end. The blue trim is not elastic enough in my opinion. I'm 5'4" and weight about 112, usually buying a size 36.I'm still wondering why swimoutlet.com dropped the Durafast Piped Poly--it was my fav suit to buy.Not sure what's a good subsitute now. This purchase was disappointing.
from Potsdam, NY
on 6/12/2014
I bought this suit for swimming laps at a local pool for exercise. My other suits didn't have enough support and I always felt like I was hanging out. This suit is comfortable, fits great, stays in place everywhere and looks good too! I would definitely buy another and recommend to friends!
Comfortable and flattering
Coach NJ
from SW Florida
on 6/9/2014
I have always loved the TYR suits. they fit me best and are modest as well as long lasting. I had a Sporti Suit I was using as a Coach and teacher for a few years due to cost factors. With my body-type, it was close to the TYR fit, but cut a little high in the hip and tended to creep up where I didn't need it to, and due to the nature of working with kids and their parents, it wasn't working for me. I found this one on sale and figured the comfort-to-lasting factor was worth a bit more this time around. I am 5'7 and have gained a bit of weight so am now a 36-38 bust, depending on the brand. I loved that it was first, on sale; a duralast polyester and fade resistant, since I coach and teach outside and in a mix of either chlorinated and salt waters here in SW Florida- I am in the water teaching and coaching for anywhere from 1-3 hours a day. I consider myself to have a longer torso (26") which many suits just seem to feel too "stretched" to feel like they fit right. I read a lot of the reviews on this suit and decided to go for the 36 in the black and white. I read it is a little giving in the length, which can mean anything for me, but when I got it, it was easier to get on than my other polyester suits, and the rise in the leg area was modest and perfect without "squeezing" or cutting off blood circulation in the leg and the butt stayed in place, fully covered. The torso has a very slight bit of extra material, but I find it is actually more flattering at this time of use for the suit's use. Especially since I gained a little weight recently. It would be a good drag suit for someone looking to compete-it is a thicker suit than my competition suits, but will be a good one. I highly recommend it. the one downfall to the black and white color for me is the white straps pick up the sunscreen and skin discoloration to make it look "dirtier" faster than I would like. I will definitively buy this suit again, but in a different color most likely.


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Categories > Celebrities > Aerosmith > Journal
July 8, 1978 (part 2)2 Reviews
Joe and Elissa get in an argument.
Joes POV
I stood there and waited for her to start screaming at me. Her face turned red and she had an evil look in her eyes. I'm scared. I saw a knife on the table right by her. I pictured Elissa picking up the knife, and throwing it at me, hittin me right on the chest. I felt a sharp pain on my chest.
"Joe look at me!" Elissa said in a loud, angry tone. I looked at her. "Were you looking at my chest?"
She rolled her eyes and sighed "I'm not in the mood right now. We have to talk."
I watched her sit on a chair that was in front of the table. She picked up the knife. My eyes got wide when she picked it up. Maybe she really was going to throw it at me! Ok nevermind, she set the knife back down.
"Joe, come over here!" Maybe I should, she doesn't sound so happy. I walked quickly towards her and sat down on a chair. I looked at her and waited for her to tell me... ahem scream at me.
"Joe, I really want to have babies." She calmly said.
"Because I do."
That's a dumb answer. I raised my eyebrow at her. "That's not a good reason and I don't want to start a family." She flinched, as if I splashed water on her face. Oh no, I better change my answer before she starts yelling at me. "I don't want to start a family until later on. It's just too soon. Let's just wait."
She blinked and then slapped me.
"Hey what was that for?!" I felt my cheek burn after she slapped me.
"What, am I too ugly for you have kids with?!"
"What?! I never even said you were ugly!"
She pushed her chair back and stood up. She looked down at me and yelled "Shut up!" before slapping me again. She let out a frustrated yell and stormed out of the room. I turned back and watched her stomp outside then back inside and to the bedroom. She slammed the door when she got in the room and began yelling. I couldn't understand what she was yelling, but that has to be the weirdest argument I've ever been in.


text:
I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea and immigrated to the U.S. in 1986 to pursue my art passion
and dreams in the land of opportunity. After receiving a Bachelor's degree
in Fine Arts, Summa Cum Laude, I continued my education in art by completing a Master's degree in Arts with two
years of full scholarship. I received both degrees from Texas Woman's University.
My paintings
manifest my love of travel and study. My passion for travel has taken me to many countries, including China, India, Italy,
France, England, Scotland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, to experience classic and modern art collections with reflection
of different cultures and history.
My artwork combines trompe
l'oeil and other classical painting techniques with surreal settings of still life objects. My paintings and artwork
have been displayed in a variety of businesses and schools, including North Lake College and Texas Woman's University
Denton and Houston campuses.
I live and work full time as an artist
in Flower Mound, Texas with my husband, Mike, my mother, Choe, and my lovely maltese pet, Snowball.
M. A., Painting, Texas Woman's University, Denton. 2008
B. F. A., Painting, Texas Woman's University, Denton. 2006 Graduated Summa Gum Laude.
Individual Exhibitions:
" Metaphorical Pears",
North Lakes College Gallery, NLC Irving. 2009
"Music and Pears," Music Building/Margo Jones Performance Hall, TWU, Denton. 2006
"A Slice of Heaven," Fine Arts Building, East Gallery, TWU, Denton. 2006
Select Group Exhibitions:
, Norwood Flynn Gallery, Dallas, Texas, 2012"It's a matter of taste" Papillion Institute of Art, L.A.
California 2012
White Rock lake Museum, Dallas, Texas 2012"Small Works 2011 Holiday show", Norwood Flynn Gallery 2011
Naturalists", GoodRich Dallas Gallery, Dallas, Texas, 2011
Naturalists", Plano Art Center, Plano, Texas. 2010
"2009 Holiday Show", Norwood Flynn Gallery, Dallas. 2009-2010
"The Naturalists", Haley-Henman Gallery, Dallas. 2009
"Homage to….", Student Union Gallery 010, TWU, Denton. 2008
"Two Dub's Motley Crow," Student Union Gallery 010, TWU, Denton. 2007
"Kaleidoscope," Student Union Gallery 010, TWU, Denton. 2006
"NLC Student Spot Light Exhibition," Art Department, North Lake College, Irving. 2002
"D-Art Slam". Juried Competition, F.I.G, Dallas. 2009
Jurors: Chris Burne, Richard Davis, Eddy Rawlinson, Dan Rizzle, Gail Sachson
"TVAA Citation show", Plano Art Center, Plano. 2008
Juror: John Lambert Marcucci, Ph.D.
"Alliance Show", Annual Juried Competition, TWU, Denton. 2008
"20th Annual Juried Members Exhibition" 2008.
Juror: Stephen Zhang
"Visual Arts Society of Texas 3rd annual 125-miles Visual Arts
Exhibition" 2008. Juror: Judy Youngblood.
"Annual Voertman Art Student Competition," Fine Arts Gallery, TWU, Denton. 2007.
Juror: Maria Garcia Pedroche of the Dallas Museum of Art.
"Annual Voertman Art Student Competition." Fine Arts Gallery, TWU, Denton. 2006
"Annual Voertman Art Student Competition." Fine Arts Gallery, TWU, Denton. 2005
"Annual Voertman Art Student Competition." Fine Arts Gallery, TWU, Denton. 2004
"Student Art Exhibition," Art Department, North Lake College, Texas, Irving. 2002
Juror: Marla Morrison, Arts and Art Education Advisor for Winsor & Newton.
"Student Art Exhibition," Art Department, North Lake College, Texas, Irving. 2001
Juror: Susan Mollett, Ceramic Artists/Instructor.
"Innovation Competition," Mountain View College League, Dallas. 2001
"Student Art Exhibition," North Lake College, Irving. 2000
Awards and Grants:
Artavita Art competition 2011 (3rd place)
"New Dallas Nine" award, Juried Competition, D Art slam @ F.I.G., Dallas, 2009
Second Place in "Alliance Show", Annual Juried Competition, TWU, Denton. 2008.
Lynn Cox Purchase Award, "20th Annual Juried Members Exhibition" 2008.
Magic Light Images ll Award, "VAST 3rd Annual 125-miles Visual Arts Exhibition.
"Departmental Scholarship Competition," Department of Visual Arts, TWU, Denton. 2006, 2005 and 2004.
Juror: Department of Visual Arts Faculty
"TWU Graduate Student Scholarship," TWU, Denton. (2006-2007)
"TWU Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship," TWU, Denton. (2003-2006)
"Outstanding Art Portfolio Scholarship Award," North Lake College, Irving. 2002
"Student art Purchase Award," Student Spotlight Exhibition, North Lake College, Irving. 2001
Texas Woman's University, Denton and Houston, Texas.
North Lake College, Irving, Texas.
Commision Work:
Dallas Convention Center, Dallas Texas.
Work and Other Professional Experience:
Texas Visual Arts Association, Dallas, Texas (member).
Visual Arts Society of Texas, Denton, Texas (member).
Painters @ Large, Denton, Texas (member).
Exhibition Reviews and Publication:
"Studio Visit", Volume 14, p.100-101
"D Magazine", August 2009, p. 66-71
"Denton Time", August 7, 2008, p. 11.
"TWU Times," TWU, Denton. Fall 2006, Issue No. 2, p. 6.
"Duck Soup," Magazine of Creative Expression, NLC, Irving. Fall 2001,
Volume XV, p. 6.
References upon request.
My exhibitions represents
the theme of human life. My artworks combine trompe l'oeil and classical painting techniques with surreal settings of
pears to express messages of revitalization and aspiration.
My pear paintings depict the abstract form of the human body. The pears are presented as characters rather than objects. Each individual pear has its own distinctive shape, yet all pears possess the same
qualities and characteristics of milky smooth surfaces and off-white innards. Likewise,
all human beings exhibit a genuine heart and soul on the inside, despite different outer appearances. I choose subjects that
signify the realistic aspect of our lives and weave them into a surreal setting. I put them together in a way that mirrors
the mysteries of intertwining human imaginations and physical manifestations. This theme has extended into consideration of
human shortcomings, connection to reality, as well as issues of mortality and what is left behind.
Through my paintings,
I wish to create an atmosphere of humor, fantasy, mystery, and elements of human conditions.
Also, I transform everyday experiences into visual stimulation as a form of communication, to pose questions and seek
"Everything we see hides another thing; we always want
to see what is hidden by what we see."
Rene' Magritte


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Teketor (4480m) & Ak-Sai Glacier
© PJ, Jul 2006
Climbers: Simon & PJ
Camera used: Olympus mju 800


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R. Ted Cruz
Cases Argued
Kennedy v. Louisiana (2008)
Medellin v. Texas (2008)
Panetti v. Quarterman (2007)
Smith v. Texas (2007)
Medellin v. Dretke (2005)
Dretke v. Haley (2004)
Frew v. Hawkins (2004)
On May 5th, the Supreme Court decided a major Establishment Clause case. Check out our deep dive on the topic to find out more about the case.
Cases Argued