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Profile for Andrew McCaffrey
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Content by Andrew McCaffrey
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: 294
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Reviews Written by
Andrew McCaffrey (Satellite of Love, Maryland)
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Sherlock Holmes:Voice of Terro
~ Basil Rathbone
23 used & new
3.0 out of 5 stars
Sherlock Holmes vs. the Nazis
July 18 2004
This review is from:
Sherlock Holmes:Voice of Terro (DVD)
The story begins with a printed disclaimer explaining why the famous Victorian-era detective is living and working in London of the 1940s. Sherlock Holmes' appeal is timeless, they claim, and he is quite capable of living in the then-present day. They are, of course, correct, although the real reason for updating him was that it allowed the filmmakers to produce a series of propaganda films wherein the greatest British detective of all time goes head to head with German spies and emerges victorious. The format works. I love these films, as far removed as they are from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories.
The beginning film in this Sherlock Holmes series as produced by Universal jumps right into its Sherlock Holmes vs. the Nazis motif. The British government is stumped. At regular intervals, a radio signal is beamed in from Germany. A voice (of terror) gloats about terrible acts of sabotage that occur just as the signal begins. The British Intelligence agency, unable to locate the source of the broadcasts or prevent the acts of terrorism is forced to call for Sherlock Holmes.
Many of the films in this series were less mysteries, and more straightforward thrillers. This is no exception. In fact, this is one of the weaker entries in the series as far as its plot is concerned. The storyline relies a bit too strongly on leaps of logic and sheer coincidences, and the climax is just a bit too silly. If you're looking for a mystery in the style of the original Doyle stories, you'll be disappointed. There's too much that is held away from the audience, meaning that there's not much left for the viewer to figure out before the detective does.
But where this film succeeds is in its style, regardless of its actual substance. A lot of the story takes place in dark rooms, smoky bars and other sinister locales. The direction, lighting and cinematography are great. The scene in the saloon where Holmes (via a widow) turns a den of criminal elements into a force fighting for the Allies is particularly strong. The director plays the visuals for all they're worth; the craggy faces of the outlaws peering out of the dark, raising drinks to their lips, while Sherlock Holmes' sharp features gaze out into the light. It's scenes like this that raise the film above the limitations of its plot.
The acting also serves to this film's advantage. Honestly, I could watch Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce reading the phone book. Yes, I realize that Bruce's interpretation of Dr. Watson is quite at odds with the original (in Doyle's stories, Watson, while not the equal of Holmes, is an intelligent and insightful character, capable of logic and independent thought; on the other hand, one wonders how Nigel Bruce's Watson manages to feed himself every day). But I don't care; I think the two of them are great fun and play off each other well. Henry Daniell makes the first of several appearances in the Sherlock Holmes movies here, playing a member of the intelligence council.
The DVD features are rather light (there aren't any), but the restoration that's been done to the print is astounding. The picture couldn't be any sharper and the sound is very crisp.
As the film reaches its conclusion, the plot holes become harder to ignore. It's a pity because the movie has so much going for it. It is worth watching though, just because it is so successfully stylish. The propaganda elements aren't at all distracting and in fact have become rather endearing as time has passed. This probably isn't the place for a newcomer to the series, as there are better films to choose from. But fans of these Sherlock Holmes films will almost certainly enjoy it as I did.
Doctor Who: Reckless Engineering
by Nick Walters
18 used & new
3.0 out of 5 stars
Plot Engineering
June 26 2004
This review is from:
Doctor Who: Reckless Engineering (Paperback)
I've read the argument stating science fiction stories have fewer interesting people in them because the author must spend so much extra time setting up their alien and/or futuristic worlds, they have less time to spend developing believable characters. I'm not sure I agree that this is a necessary or inherent failing in science fiction, although I must admit it does successfully describe a phenomena that occurs with some regularity. And I think the heuristic it expresses goes double for alternative universe stories. The author must not only evoke the real-world historical and physical setting, but he or she must also spend time meticulously explaining how, why and in what way it differs from our own Earth, leaving even less time for the story's characters. This may explain how Nick Walters could present us with a very detailed look at an alternative Bristol, 2003, yet populate it entirely with cardboard.
I found much to enjoy in RECKLESS ENGINEERING, but character development was not one of those pleasures. I wouldn't have minded so much (I'm perfectly capable of appreciating a plot-intensive story which exists at the expense of character), except that the book kept making half-assed efforts at injecting life into these people. There's a bizarre love-triangle subplot handled so clumsily that I wondered why the author bothered including it. The supporting characters are uniformly bland, with the sole exception of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. IKB is, of course, a historical figure, although one which I don't know a lot about, so I'm unsure how faithful this portrayal is. However, he works well here; the grumpy engineer is exactly what the story needed.
Despite not caring much for the characters, I found myself racing through the book's second half much faster than I expected. The reason for this was that I was completely engrossed in the plot and shot through it intent on finding out what was coming next. The TARDIS crew has landed in an alternative, post-apocalyptic 21st century, where the last remains of humanity have been slowly rebuilding their world for the past hundred and sixty years. There's a lone mansion that seems to hold the key to the mystery of how history became corrupted, and there's apparent alien influence in that situation. There's a hell of a lot going on, and while it's generally presented very well, I felt the ending was a bit short. Careful reading and going back to reread earlier passages suggested to me that everything necessary was actually there, it was just a bit rushed. It could have benefited from an extra ten or so pages, hopefully without unduly disturbing the pacing.
Another thing I enjoyed was the fact that we are not shying away from the consequences of the Doctor's actions. Putting the timeline (or space-time continuum or whatever it is) back to its proper state means having to wipe out these alternatives that are springing up. Remember how this was hand-waved in the final few pages of BLOOD HEAT, way back in the New Adventure days? Thankfully, we are getting a little more discussion concerning these side effects of the alternative universe arc than we did the last time. Walters puts the argument in favor of fixing the universe in the mouth of the Doctor (as it should be), while leaving the "what about...?" and "doesn't that mean...?" questions for Fitz to ask. This arrangement seems to work quite well. The audience realizes that the Doctor may be ultimately correct in his assessment, but that doesn't stop us from thinking the same questions that occur to Fitz, and it's only right that the book should address them in this way. I quite like how Walters handled this.
There are some wonderful descriptive passages detailing how Bristol has changed in this alternative timeline. Walters wipes out a huge percentage of the world's population in the 19th Century, and then flashes forward to the 21st to see what the world would look like after that amount of time had passed. He spends a lot of time mapping out this universe, describing what the population has become and how the physical world has decayed. And he balances out these lovingly written pieces of very effective prose with violent scenes that are almost cartoonish in their banality. I think this strange counterpoint sums up my opinion of the book as a whole: stunningly great in some places, but truly painful in others.
I liked Nick Walter's prose style, something I don't remember being particularly tickled by in his previous books. I was taken by his ability to create a genuinely oppressive and depressive atmosphere, and then to momentarily break the mood with a clever joke. Not to give away any punch lines, but I loved the bit near the end about the poet who isn't famous.
Despite some fairly serious problems, I did ultimately enjoy RECKLESS ENGINEERING. The pacing is just right. We leave events just before they can become tedious. For example, the storyline concerning the settlements is relegated to the sidelines in the book's second half (prior to it become stale) and the plot then becomes a series of time-travel hops. Since so much of the book's successes revolve around its plot, I wonder if I'll care for it as much the second time I read it when I'll already know how things unfold. Perhaps it won't be a book with much longevity, but it's a bit too soon for me to make that judgment. On my first reading though, I thought it was a pretty decent book.
Casino Royale (James Bond Novels)
33 used & new
0 of 4 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
A Royale With Cheese
June 25 2004
This review is from:
Casino Royale (James Bond Novels) (Mass Market Paperback)
I'm not the world's biggest fan of the James Bond movies, although I do enjoy them a bit. I've seen a handful of them in the cinema, and will gladly watch one on TV on a Sunday afternoon if there's no football on. But I'd heard good things about the novel series that the movies were based on and I was curious to see how James Bond worked in print. I'll probably read more books in the series, because I liked the style, but my overall impression of CASINO ROYALE, the first James Bond novel, was negative.
The plot revolves around the need for government agent James Bond to beat a Russian spy decisively at the Baccarat table in a ritzy casino/vacation resort. It doesn't get much more complicated than that, although the sections of the book involving the initial stakeout and the game itself are satisfying and competent. They seem to be very influenced by the pulp thrillers that had come in years past, though they bring little new to the table. They're fun though. My main problem came once the initial conflict has been resolved, all the way at the two-thirds point. The final third of the book involves a bizarre romance and an even stranger set of ruminations on good vs. evil. This section is, to be frank, childishly inept, and ruins any good will I had stored up from the casino plot. Yes, deliberations on what separates agents working for the "good" guys and spies working for "evil" governments is an interesting idea and one which has sparked numerous thought-provoking debates and discussions. But this isn't one of them.
James Bond himself isn't terribly developed yet; I assume his persona would become better established in subsequent novels. He's humorless, moody and drab. I never really felt there was enough to get a grip on the character. The rest of the cast are sketchy as well. Of course, since most of them are lesser agents who only show up when they have a plot point to fill, that's to be expected. Bond's love interest receives more characterization from her slinky portrait on the cover than from anything that appears in the pages.
To be honest, I'm faintly surprised to hear rumors of Hollywood producers wishing to film this (on the premise that it's the last James Bond novel that hasn't been faithfully adapted to the screen). It seems to me it would be rather dull after the excesses recently displayed in the movies. There's only one explosion, a relatively tame car chase sequence, no helicopters, jet-planes, or space vehicles. In short, it's comparatively tame. Hopefully they'll adapt the better parts of the book (the gambling and casino intrigue) and cut out the bad (the last sixty or so pages). Merging the book's successes with the better-established characters may result in an entertaining film, but it has its work cut out for it if it wants to be great.
The Marx Brothers Collection (A Night at The Opera/A Day at The Races/A Night in Casablanca/Room Service/At the Circus/Go West/The Big Store) (5DVD) [Import]
~ Groucho Marx
Offered by MotionPicturesUnlimited
15 used & new
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Day and a Night at the movies
June 24 2004
This review is from:
The Marx Brothers Collection (A Night at The Opera/A Day at The Races/A Night in Casablanca/Room Service/At the Circus/Go West/The Big Store) (5DVD) [Import] (DVD)
Let's be perfectly honest. The films in this collection are not exactly the highest regarded films of the Marx Brothers' illustrious career. Oh sure, A NIGHT AT THE OPERA and A DAY AT THE RACES are almost universally praised, but the rest fail to completely satisfy the masses. I had some doubts when I initially thought about pre-ordering this set. Since some of the discs were being released individually, I wondered if it would make more sense to just purchase NIGHT and DAY, forgetting about the rest. In the end, I decided to take the plunge and buy the whole thing.
Thankfully, I found a lot here to like. While overall this is a far inferior set of films to their previous work at Paramount, it isn't without some merit. There's a lot of funny stuff here, and only one film that I would classify as an out and out failure (the awful ROOM SERVICE featuring the criminally underused Lucille Ball). NIGHT and DAY are rightfully regarded as classics (12th and 59th respectively on the American Film Institute's list of the hundred funniest films), and the rest of the films are at least amusing and entertaining.
The three constants in this collection are, of course, the Brothers themselves. Groucho with his quick one-liners, Chico with his sly crafty schemes, and Harpo with his utterly bonkers and hilarious silent persona. These films are at their finest when the Brothers are on screen and at their nadir when vainly trying to develop the supporting romantic subplots.
One sad thing I noticed while watching the film was not just seeing the Brothers age, but noticing how progressively cheaper the movies themselves looked as the years progressed. The earliest films in this collection, NIGHT and DAY, were produced under the careful eye of Irving Thalberg who had the entire resources of MGM at his disposal. Big musical numbers, high production values, sharp scripts, and lots of rehearsal time were the order of the day. But after his sudden death (while only in his late 30s) during the production of A DAY AT THE RACES, the Brothers found themselves bounced around different producers and managed by studios suits who just didn't know what to do with the talent that they had. The result is significantly less care given to each subsequent picture. The huge opera house set seen in NIGHT is wonderful and the cheap sets in, say, GO WEST just look woeful in comparison.
This set comes with a multitude of DVD extras, many of which have nothing to do with the Marx Brothers. Someone thought it would be a good idea to place some contemporaneous cartoons and short films on the DVDs, with the idea (one assumes) of giving the viewer the ability to recreate a night out at the movies in the 1930s in the comfort of their own home. All this taught me was that if I were a cinemagoer in the 1930s, I'd stay in the lobby through the cartoons and shorts until the main feature began. To be fair, though, I should mention that I did enjoy one or two of them; Robert Benchley's HOW TO SLEEP won an Oscar, deservedly so. There are also some trailers included, which are welcome. In the spot for THE BIG STORE, they address the camera in character and announce this as their first farewell picture, and as one can see from a quick perusal of the black print on the box, it would not be their last.
For Marx Brothers fans, there are two DVD commentary tracks: Leonard Maltin for DAY, Glenn Mitchell for NIGHT. Maltin's comments are informative and fun; I was amused by his shouting at one of the movie's bad guys. Mitchell is a little more reserved, and unfortunately allows a lot of dead air. According to the box, he is a "Marx Brothers Authority", which leads one to wonder if there exists an academy somewhere, churning out these experts. "Respect mah Marx Brothers Authority!" he never shouts, alas.
There are also two mini-documentaries featuring interviews. The two female romantic leads from NIGHT and DAY are, in fact, still alive and remarkably coherent; while it's nice to hear from contemporary "comedians" about what a great influence the Brothers were and are, it's more satisfying to hear from the co-stars themselves about how the Brothers were to work with.
One word of caution, however. Since Zeppo had left the act after DUCK SOUP, he doesn't appear in this set. Some of his replacements (and their songs and love-interests) are truly painful. Consider yourself warned.
This collection should truthfully be called a mixed bag, yet I enjoyed the films so much that I can't help but recommend this. The worst film here at least has some good jokes sprinkled in it, and the best films are priceless. Yes, taken as a whole, the Marx Brothers' MGM years were poorer than their Paramount years, but so are most other films by any great comedians. Take these movies on their own merits and hopefully you don't be disappointed. I wasn't.
A Night in Casablanca (Sous-titres fran�ais) [Import]
~ Groucho Marx
Offered by tonypotenza
17 used & new
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
"You schweinhund!"
June 24 2004
This review is from:
A Night in Casablanca (Sous-titres fran�ais) [Import] (DVD)
A NIGHT IN CASABLANCA is a film more famous for the correspondence it allegedly provoked (there's a possibility that the entire thing was a publicity stunt) between Groucho Marx and the Warner Brothers' legal department (WB stated they had a claim on 'Casablanca'; Groucho countered with a claim on 'Brothers') than for any of the gags it contained. I think this is a pity as, while it certainly can't compare to the Marx Brothers at their height, it isn't an awful film. In fact, taken on its own merits, it's quite good.
The first thing that struck me when I put on this DVD (this was the first time I'd seen the film) was how much older the Marx Brothers themselves looked, particularly Harpo. His character was always a sort of ageless clown and seeing wrinkles sort of spoilt the illusion for me. On the other hand, Groucho actually looks more in character at this age. It gives him easier access to his "dirty old man" routine, which he played perfectly.
Despite the title (and apparently the original intentions of the filmmakers), the movie doesn't have much to do with the more famous film with a similar name. The action centers in and around a hotel rather than a nightclub (Groucho is now the manager after the last few died under mysterious circumstances). The search is for treasure instead of travel papers. And, of course, instead of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman as the romantic couple, we have bland Zeppo-replacement and bland Zeppo-replacement's bland girlfriend. Well, we can't have everything.
While most of the secondary cast is uninspired, it is nice to see Sig Ruman and his eye-popping indignation back again after his stints in A NIGHT AT THE OPERA and A DAY AT THE RACES. His over-the-top, sputtering reactions almost make up for the lack of Margaret Dumont. In the sequence where he's trying to pack his suitcases and trunks while the Marx Brothers invisibly impede his progress, he helps turn a great scene into a classic one.
The joke writing in this movie is quite strong compared to some of the other MGM Marx features. In particular, Groucho's one-liners are at full strength; I have this movie on in the background while I type up this review, and I'm catching hilarious little jokes and double entendres that I missed the first time around. And while some of the gags have the hint of unoriginality about them, there's enough that's fresh. Sure, the scene of Harpo pantomiming that Groucho was about to be blackmailed by a femme fatale had already been done in A DAY AT THE RACES, but they wisely don't use the same lines to fuel the jokes (although strangely they do use the same music: both Groucho seduction scenes feature Johann Strauss' "The Blue Danube"). The same is true for the crowded dance-floor sequence that mimics the crowded stateroom scene from A NIGHT AT THE OPERA. Same premise, but different funny jokes.
The DVD extras are nothing special. I suppose someone must be enjoying the vintage cartoons that they're putting on these Marx Brothers DVDs, but that person isn't me. The extras aren't important anyway; unfortunately, they don't add anything to the experience. Picture and sound quality are both excellent for a film of this age.
This movie may come from the less celebrated portion of the Brothers' career, but to my surprise I really enjoyed it. No film can go wrong that features a scene of Harpo Marx grinning madly at the controls of an airplane. If you go in expecting DUCK SOUP, then you might be disappointed. But if you take it for what it is rather than what it isn't, you'll find a film that's funnier than most.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
by Philip K. Dick
79 used & new
4.0 out of 5 stars
Apocalyptic dreaming towards a futuristic day
June 21 2004
This review is from:
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (Paperback)
DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? is another classic science fiction novel that I only just got around to reading. And once again, I find myself wishing that I'd gotten around to reading it earlier. It was also my introduction to the writings of Philip K. Dick, and I also wish I had started exploring his output before now. This novel demonstrates what science fiction can do at its best. It tells an absorbing, thrilling story, but it also works on other levels.
The book's protagonist is named Rick Deckard, and he's a police officer in a post-apocalyptic future whose job is to track down and destroy rouge androids. Although this is clearly a science fiction work, I felt a strong flavor of noir creeping throughout the sections dealing with Deckard's career. The trappings of the fantastic are present, but they're presented in a clearly thriller-type way. Deckard may be a cop from the future, yet he owes a lot of his characterization to the hardboiled, fictional detectives who came before him. This makes him an extremely entertaining character, as well as an immediately sympathetic one.
As has been noted, this novel is doing a little more than just telling another adventure story (although it does a great job at that). While the themes of alienation and isolation and what it means to be a conscious, reasoning entity are well-developed and much discussed by readers, several other metaphors are also lurking beneath the surface. This is a book very much influenced by its time (it was published 1968), but pieces of it seem almost timeless (the war which nearly destroys the world is caused by a right-wing policy group wielding too much influence at the Pentagon; boy, does that sound familiar). The psychological testing done on the subjects to determine their identity (either human or robot) reminded me strongly of the infamous McCarthy hearings.
I was very impressed by the actual writing itself in this novel. Dick's prose is very strong. Science fiction writers often enjoy building up a new world/universe at the expense of characterization or plot, but that isn't the case here. He excels at painting a bleak future, taking the attitudes of today and projecting them into a world with few people and fewer animals. But he doesn't let this overwhelm the book. It's a hard balance to maintain, yet he manages it well. His satire is exactly what it should be: both hilarious and cuttingly accurate.
Philip K. Dick is a writer that I've heard a lot of good things about, and I'm looking forward to diving deeper into his back catalog. DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? impressed me in both its straightforward narrative and in the deeper topics that it touches on. The "social commentary" aspect of the novel, which can be painful in books by lesser authors, is actually one of the book's best features. There are a few sloppy points (the mechanical capabilities of the androids are a bit vaguely defined, and once or twice characters talk to themselves for no reason other than to convey plot-points to the audience), but overall I was a very happy reader.
Rendezvous With Rama
by Arthur C. Clarke
12 used & new
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Same ingredients as CHILDHOOD'S END, but better result
June 13 2004
This review is from:
Rendezvous With Rama (Hardcover)
RENDEZVOUS WITH RAMA showcases a lot of things that must fascinate Arthur C. Clarke, or at least a lot of concepts that he likes revisiting in his fiction. Once again, we have mankind's first contact with extraterrestrials, human colonies on the moon and on other solar planets, academic and political in-fighting, and, of course, a healthy dose of science. But the ingredients do well together here. This is, as you surely already know, one of the so-called classic science fiction novels, yet I only just got around to reading it recently. I'm happy to say that it matched my expectations, both compared to other Clarke novels and to its own lofty reputation.
An unknown object has entered Earth's solar system in the year 2130, and a rocket ship is dispatched to study this alien artifact (dubbed Rama) and report back on its findings. That sentence is a summary of almost the entire plot. But RENDEZVOUS WITH RAMA is not a story that is wholly concerned with plot. It's more a series of set pieces: the decision to explore, the examination of the immediate inside, the voyage across the interior's sea, etc. Each one is interesting on its own, but not all of them contribute much to the overall story.
The purpose these set pieces serve is to invoke a sense of wonder at this unknowable alien object. I'm reminded of Jules Verne's voyage-type stories, where his protagonist(s) would become engaged in a multitude of individual adventures. But instead of exploring (and inventing) Earth's wonders, Clarke is showing us a completely fictional environment. It's quite fun. Clarke put most of his effort into creating this landscape, and it becomes the focus and centerpiece of the whole novel. This entire endeavor would flop completely if Clarke had been unable to sustain the suspense for the full length of the novel. But he does it.
Character development is not one of this book's priorities. Too much time is spent developing the setting to provide us with people of any great depth. Clarke gets away with it here (while other science fiction novels have crashed and burned on this point) because he has set the book up as a mystery, with the setting as its question. Squandering time on the human characters would merely be a distraction, when all the reader is really interested in is Rama itself.
RENDEZVOUS WITH RAMA is now over thirty years old, but this science fiction novel isn't showing its age (although some of the aside mentions of polygamous relationships are attempting to sound modern and forward-thinking, yet instead end up seeming rather quaint). I've heard mixed things about the sequels which follow on from the end of this book. Given how much I enjoyed the first in the series, I think I'll probably at least try one or two of them. Maybe I won't like them as much as I did RENDEZVOUS, but that's a high standard to reach.
Big Store [Import]
4 used & new
3.0 out of 5 stars
Are you being served?
June 12 2004
This review is from:
Big Store [Import] (VHS Tape)
As is typical with the Marx Brothers films during this period of their MGM career, THE BIG STORE has its good and its bad points. Overall, I enjoyed it, although I can't deny that there were some truly painful moments along the way. The department store setting is a good one, but I think that they didn't quite get all the potential out of it that they could have. I imagine if this film had been done earlier in the Brothers' career (and while they were still at Paramount), it would have been one of their all-time classics. As it exists, it is merely good, not great.
First of all, it's great to see Margaret Dumont back after missing out on the previous GO WEST and having a diminished role in AT THE CIRCUS. She's always a delight in these films, and the scene of her initial hire of Groucho as a private detective is a joy. Unfortunately, the rest of the guest cast is totally unmemorable. The romantic leads in this film are perhaps the blandest ever seen in a Marx Brothers film, and that's saying something! Douglass Dumbrille returns to play the same sort of bad guy character he did the last time (the casino-owning Morgan in the far superior A DAY AT THE RACES) and does a pretty decent job, although his henchmen and co-conspirators aren't up to much.
I mentioned the blandness of the romantic leads, but their lackluster appeal is matched only by their insipid songs. I listen to this tedious, boring stuff and can only think to myself that rock'n'roll was still over a decade away -- hang in there, guys! On the other hand, Harpo and Chico get possibly the best musical scenes in their movie careers. Their piano duet is wonderful, and makes me wish they had done this sort of musical and comedy collaboration in earlier films. And Harpo also gets a great scene playing the harp while his various mirrored reflections play other instruments along with him. Fun stuff.
Of course, discussion of the singing and music can't ignore a mention of Virginia O'Brien. In the past six months I've watched the entirety of the "ART OF BUSTER KEATON" DVD box set (recommended), so I thought I knew all about The Great Stone Face. I was wrong. Singing a version of "Rock-a-bye Baby", O'Brien's eyes are staring straight in front of her, while her face is absolutely, completely and utterly expressionless. It's eerie but hilarious. A quick Internet search reveals that she actually made something of a career out of her bizarre (yet strangely appealing) delivery. Watch it and wonder. As odd as it is, it did get one of the biggest laughs out of me.
I think the director must have received a monetary bonus from the developers of the fast motion technique, which brings us to one of the film's bigger problems. There's a great reliance on gimmicky special effects jokes, usually involving stunt men dressed as the Brothers dangling from wires, while the director speeds up the film. The big chase sequence near the end is a full demonstration of this. We see the stuntmen in long shot (balanced by several close-ups of the Marx Brothers themselves in front of a unconvincing backdrop) going through their wacky antics, but knowing that it isn't really the Brothers detracts from the overall experience. It's amusing, but it isn't uproarious. The Brothers themselves were capable of doing much more funny stuff, even when they were going through pure slapstick.
THE BIG STORE has some good gags, some entertaining set pieces and some strong one-liners. On the other hand, there's too much fluff and inferior material for me to really recommend this as the Marx Brothers at their best. But if you've seen DUCK SOUP or A DAY AT THE RACES enough times that you can recite all the lines before Groucho does, then you might want to turn your attention here. It's nowhere near the greatest of The Marx Brothers films, but it's entertaining enough.
Go West
4.0 out of 5 stars
"It's just like a movie!"
June 11 2004
This review is from:
Go West (VHS Tape)
The Marx Brothers' GO WEST (1940) shares its title with a Buster Keaton film from 1925. And both films start with a caption card containing Horace Greeley's famous quotation: "Go west, young man, go west." This wouldn't be the only moment in the film when I was reminded of Buster Keaton. The goofy train sequence at the movie's conclusion seems to be at least inspired by some of The Great Stone Face's exploits. Of course, one major positive in Keaton's favor was that his movie didn't have any singing in it. But the most important similarity between the two films is that I liked them both.
GO WEST is a definite improvement on their previous two films, the average AT THE CIRCUS and the unfortunate ROOM SERVICE. The writing (in particular the one-liners) seems much sharper and wittier. The sequence of Chico and Harpo fleecing Groucho at the train station seems reminiscent of the more famous "Tootsie Frootsie ice cream" scene in A DAY AT THE RACES, but manages to draw laughs without simply recycling the same gags. Somewhat surprisingly (given that this is set in the Wild West), there isn't too much parodying of Western standard set pieces (apart from one or two gags). This is a Marx Brothers film that just happens to be set in the Wild West, rather than one specifically making fun of Westerns.
As for the plot that all these jokes are existing in... Well, I don't think of myself as particularly slow, but this is the first time I've ever had trouble following the storyline of a Marx Brothers film. The overall story is fairly simple (a railroad company wants to buy a piece of real estate for a stupid amount of money), yet the particulars eluded me. I just couldn't keep track of the specifics of the bad guys' plan.
Now, the reason I had trouble keeping track of the plot is actually a good one for a Marx Brothers film. There isn't enough time devoted to the storyline for it to actually make much sense. This, of course, isn't a bad thing, because the worst part of the Brothers' films (apart from many of the musical interludes that didn't feature Groucho, Harpo or Chico) was the endless romantic subplots. Fortunately, there's a relatively small amount of screen time that goes into non-Marx scenes, which is bad for figuring out what's going on, but great for anyone who is looking for entertainment and jokes (which, really, should be everyone).
I found GO WEST to be a very pleasant and welcome surprise. The reputation of their later MGM pictures is shaky to say the least, but this is a lot of fun. The gags are clever and funny, while the songs from the fake-Zeppo and the female romantic lead aren't intrusive (indeed Groucho's backing vocals on one of them is surprisingly good). This is definitely a highlight from the Marx Brothers' later movie career.
Asimov on Science Fiction
by Isaac Asimov
14 used & new
4.0 out of 5 stars
Asimov IS Science Fiction
June 10 2004
This review is from:
Asimov on Science Fiction (Hardcover)
Isaac Asimov is arguably the most famous science fiction author. He was certainly the most prolific. He also wrote numerous non-fiction tomes, the subjects ranging over everything from an annotated guide to the Holy Bible to introductory chemistry and physics texts. But, so the introduction claims, this is the only book that is a combination of the two -- a series of essays wherein Asimov discusses science fiction itself: its authors, its history and its flavor. Asimov is rather strict in his definitions and rigid in his opinions, but I didn't find this a hindrance. On the contrary, even the passages I disagreed with made me think further about my own positions and opinions. The mark of a good persuasive essay is not that it necessarily persuades, but that it provokes thought.
ASIMOV ON SCIENCE FICTION is three hundred eighteen pages long, made up of fifty-five essays which are categorized into eight sections. These subjects are: science fiction in general, the writing of science fiction, the predictions of science fiction, the history of science fiction, science fiction writers, science fiction fans, science fiction reviews, and science fiction and I (Asimov). These essays are primarily reprints from previously published material. The majority of them are editorials from his eponymously titled science fiction magazine, while the rest are taken from introductions to various collections or magazine articles or previously unpublished essays. There's a slight bit of repetition at times since there's a fair amount of overlap in the scope of these individual essays. But for the most part this is a nicely broad look at different aspects of science fiction.
The book is as intelligent as one would expect from this author. Asimov doesn't limit himself to speaking only on science fiction. Rather, he compares the genre and its history to changes in society and mainstream literature. In lighter moments, he also has some good-humored fun at the expense of both himself and his fellow writers. Virtually everything he says about the genre itself is reflected in his actual fiction. Not surprisingly to anyone familiar with his work, he is very much in favor of emphasizing the 'science' in 'science fiction'. While I may find this approach occasionally limiting as a reader, his argument does make for interesting reading.
The best thing I can say about this book is that it gave me a huge list of classic science fiction novels and authors that I need to check out soon. (I weep at the thought of the free time I will have to acquire if I'm going to get all this new reading done.) Asimov has an obvious love for the genre and he's familiar with virtually everything about it. And there are a few genuine surprises within these pages -- to whit, his critical drubbing of George Orwell's 1984 or his analysis of the science fiction that was coming out of the Soviet Union.
Asimov always had interesting things to say. I remember seeing him in a documentary made by a New Jersey PBS station about the television series "Doctor Who". Asimov, at a local convention, is discussing science fiction in general and angrily decrying those who would dismiss the genre as mere child's stuff. "Anything can be just kid's stuff if it's read by people with the mentality of children." His finger is dramatically stabbing the air. "I invite those people to actually read it themselves. Assuming, of course, that they know how to read." At this point the trajectory of his finger reaches its apex. "Which is not always a foregone conclusion!" That clip basically sums up this book. Opinionated, forceful, amusing and deeply loyal to his genre of choice.
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I'm currently trying to implement a silhouette algorithm in my project (using Open GLES, it's for mobile devices, primarily iPhone at the moment). One of the requirements is that a set of 3D lines be drawn. The issue with the default OpenGL lines is that they don't connect at an angle nicely when they are thick (gaps appear). Other subtle artifacts are also evident, which detract from the visual appeal of the lines.
Now, I have looked into using some sort of quad strip as an alternative to this. However, drawing a quad strip in screen space requires some sort of visibility detection - lines obscured in the actual 3D world should not be visible.
There are numerous approaches to this problem - i.e. quantitative invisibility. But such an approach, particularly on a mobile device with limited processing power, is difficult to implement efficiently, considering raycasting needs to be employed. Looking around some more I found this paper, which describes a couple of methods for using z-buffer sampling to achieve such an effect. However, I'm not an expert in this area, and while I understand the theory behind the techniques to an extent, I'm not sure how to go about the practical implementation. I was wondering if someone could guide me here at a more technical level - on the OpenGLES side of things. I'm also open to any suggestions regarding 3D line visibility in general.

subset: commoncrawl


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Crawfordville Welcome Mural
Favorite thing: I have been visiting Crawfordville - or passing through it - for more than 40 years, and it seems that this mural has always been there, proclaiming "A Dixie Welcome to Crawfordville."
The mural proudly proclaims that Crawfordville is the "Home of Alexander H. Stephens, Vice President of the Confederacy and Governor of Georgia." The sign also advertises that Crawfordville has "Fine Homes, Stores, Schools, Churches as well as Factory and Business Locations." Want to start a new business where there's no competition? They've got a spot for you in Crawfordville.
- Road Trip
- Historical Travel
Popular Movie Site
Favorite thing: When you arrive in Crawfordville you just might get a Deja-vu feeling as if you have been here before. Actually, you have very likely seen Crawfordville before at the movies but just didn't know where it was. The town is "picture perfect" for film makers who want to find a small Southern town which time has forgotten. Nothing much has changed here in a hundred years, except that lots of people have either died or moved away and now the downtown area is mostly empty.
Hollywood has discovered Crawfordville as a great set for movies and several popular motion pictures have been made here. These include:
Coward of the County (Kenny Rogers)
Summer of My German Soldier (Kristy McNichol)
Sweet Home Alabama (Reese Witherspoon)
Paris Trout (Dennis Hopper)
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, (Dennis Quaid, Kristy McNichol)
and several others.
- Theater Travel
- Arts and Culture
Camp Stephens
Fondest memory: My fondest memories of Crawfordville were the ten years that I directed a summer Youth Camp, using the group camp facilities of the A. H. Stephens State Park. The camp was sponsored by the church which I pastored in Augusta (an hour to the west) from 1977-1992.
Camp Stephens - some of the campers thought it was named for me - was the perfect spot for a summer camp. The excellent facility was built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in the 1930s. It consisted of a large old lodge overlooking an eighteen acre lake. There were four clusters of rustic cabins which accommodated about 150 campers and staff, and we were always filled to capacity. We also had a ball field, two covered pavilions, two outdoor arenas, a staff lodge, and other recreational facilities.
The camp is so picturesque that a couple of movies have been shot there - these were in addition to the films I mentioned in another tip that were made in the town of Crawfordville.
Of all the things I did as a pastor, nothing was more rewarding to me personally than the summer Youth Camps. It was an enormous amount of work for which I received no compensation, little thanks, and an lot of criticism from my (former) denomination. It was well worth the effort and if given the opportunity, I would do it again in a heartbeat.
- Religious Travel
- 1
Instant Answers: Crawfordville
Get an instant answer from local experts and frequent travelers


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Playmobil Children's Pool with Whale Fountain 5433
product code: 139422
see more in this range by Playmobil
while stocks last!
What better way to spend a sunny day than at the pool? This Playmobil swimming pool can really be filled with water, and features a working whale fountain and shower. Push one pump to get the shower going, and push another to make the Whale spout out water, and watch it flow into the pool. Now you can help the Playmobil people climb the steps and send them whizzing down the slide into the pool!
Suitable from 4 years.
Quick facts:
-Playmobil set 5433
-Working shower and whale fountain
-Use real water
-Includes Playmobil family of four
-Includes pool and holiday accessories
-Great for imaginative play
- Weight: 1.36 kg
- Height: 36.5 cm
- Width: 45 cm
- Depth: 12.5 cm
This product is available for:
Standard Delivery
Normally delivered within 3-5 working days (exclusions apply including postcode restrictions and extended timescales). Exceptional delivery circumstances beyond our control such as bad weather or courier delays may cause your order to take longer to deliver.
FREE for orders over £40, otherwise £3.95
Express Delivery
Order before 4pm for delivery on the next working day to UK mainland addresses. Regrettably this service is unavailable for deliveries to Northern Ireland.
£4.95 on all orders
UK returns
ELC are happy to refund or exchange any unused merchandise returned within 30 days of purchase upon production of your receipt, as long as they are returned in an unused condition and in their original packaging. Please see Terms and Conditions for details. This does not affect your rights if the product is faulty or mis-described.


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Probably the nicest and most appreciative client I have ever worked for. This was part of a rebrand for a printing company in the Netherlands.
You can check out the mini presentation and a video of the lettering process here https://www.behance.net/gallery/Sanders/13631649
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Banks Put Their Faith In Building Churches; Lending to Improve Neighborhoods
By LESLIE EATON
Published: January 10, 1999
The storefront was plain, the street unprepossessing, and the skies sent down torrents of rain. But inside last Sunday, more than 100 members of the New Jerusalem Church were rejoicing -- singing and dancing, swaying and shouting -- as their minister thanked God, ''who makes us sit together in heavenly places.''
Literally. For, Bishop Altamont G. Blackwood said, ''there is no more heavenly place than the church.'' And the congregation's new church, complete with a bell tower and steeple, is rising on Springfield Boulevard in eastern Queens, just a few blocks from the commercial strip that has been New Jerusalem's home for more than 20 years.
Though the congregation gives God most of the credit for the new building, He does have a most worldly partner: the Chase Manhattan Bank, which has lent the congregation more than $1 million for the project.
The bank is doing so not merely out of the goodness of its corporate heart. Under the Federal Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, banks are required to lend money to help struggling neighborhoods in which they do business. And while governments seem to have neither the will nor the power to help with community redevelopment projects, Chase and other banks are turning to God -- or at least, to some of His servants here on earth -- to do such work.
''We decided that these institutions are critical to the communities we care about,'' said Carol J. Parry, the bank's executive vice president for community development. ''Our ultimate objective is to make those communities better places to live.''
The theory behind the Chase program is fairly simple: if churches are bigger and have more seats, they can attract more parishioners, who will finance and work on more community projects. It is mostly black churches that have received loans, though the program is open to all types of congregations and faiths. The bank also provides grants and technical assistance to religious organizations. The churches pay regular commercial interest rates on the loans.
Banks have a long history of lending money for church-sponsored programs, like low-income housing. But financing church buildings as a way to help communities is something new. (Chase made its first such loan, for just $150,000, in 1994.) Other large banks, like First Union in Charlotte, N.C., are also trying to increase their involvement with churches, and the approach was featured at a conference on community redevelopment in October organized by the American Bankers Association.
Churches across the country have occasionally borrowed from banks before, though often only with the help of wealthy members willing to cosign the loans or to put up a lot of cash as security.
Black churches have had particular trouble getting loans, said Albert C. Tew, a former commercial banker who as a consultant to churches has helped arrange some loans, including New Jerusalem's. ''There aren't too many lenders who are aware of how African-American churches actually operate,'' he said.
Gradually, however, banks are becoming aware of the critical role churches play in poor neighborhoods.
''The church is the foundation of everything we do, in housing, health care, and for senior citizens,'' said Edwin C. Reed, chief financial officer of the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jamaica, Queens. ''Seats mean revenue to me.''
Allen's history serves as a sort of parable for those who support lending to religious institutions. Membership in the church, which was founded in 1834, has soared since the Rev. Floyd H. Flake became pastor in 1976, when the church had 1,400 members and a building that could seat 200. Today, the church has a congregation of about 10,000 and offers three Sunday services at a new building that seats 2,500. The congregation raised $10 million of the $25 million cost; the rest was financed by a group of banks put together by Chase last year.
The church has become a major employer in Queens, running a dizzying array of social programs, including low-income housing, a transportation service, a center for the elderly, a shelter for battered women, a school and a project to improve local commercial strips. The neighborhood, once one of the poorest in Queens, is thriving.
Even for such a powerhouse of a church, getting a loan was not easy, for reasons Mr. Reed said he understood. Not only can it be hard to figure out where a church will get the money to repay a loan, he noted, but there is also the question of collateral. No bank would want to repossess a church, and if it did, what would it do, get corporate executives to come in to preach?
''Walter Shipley is a wonderful person,'' Mr. Reed said, referring to the chairman of the Chase Manhattan Corporation, ''but he cannot pack my church every Sunday.''
But if lending $15 million to Allen took an act of faith, lending $1 million to New Jerusalem took a real leap. After all, the church has just 250 members, almost all immigrants from the West Indies, and they are by no means rich.
And unlike Allen, whose pastor was also a Congressman for many years, New Jerusalem is not a force in local politics. Not only is Mr. Blackwood not a politician, but he does not even know any politicians, he said. ''I haven't even shaken any one of their hands,'' he said. ''This is a straight loan. I had no strings to pull.''


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Anguistralobe Necklace – P188
Ask a question about this product
If our feet walk upon the path of destiny, then this device is essential to help us plot our course and read the messages sent from the heavenly bodies. Alchemy Gothic captures the celestial pathways with perfect ease in this replica Anguistralobe necklace.
Dials and esoteric numerology are picked out in pewter and brass for a complimentary colour-tone and a realistic Steampunk effect. The key features are brightly polished, contrasting with a matte, etched base plate which hints of the celestial sphere in which the path of mankind's destiny lies.
Created in 1996, this simple disc pendant is one of the fore-runners of Alchemy's Steampunk Empire collection, offering simple intrigue with its subtle design and hard-wearing style with its solid construction.
|Pendant Height
|5cm (1.9 in)
|Pendant Width
|4cm (1.5 in)
|Pendant Fall
|12.5cm (4.9 in)
|Chain Information
|Curb chain with lobster clasp
|60 g
Product Code: P188
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I am not sure what will be the best way to enforce participation in the following database design (can be for SQL server, Oracle, mySQL etc.). I have two tables: Factory and Worker. I have created two rules for the design: 1) Each factory hires at least one (or many) workers. 2) Each worker works for exactly one and only one factory.
I have created an ERD for the design:
[Factory]-||--- hire ---|<-[Worker]
The FACTORY table looks like this:
Factory_ID (PK) Factory_Name
The WORKER table looks like this:
Worker_ID (PK) Worker_Name Factory_ID (FK)
1 Tom 2
2 Ann 1
3 Jan 1
In the worker table, the Factory_ID is the foreign key (FK) and it is set to NOT NULL because (the ERD said) each worker have to work for one factory and only one. This participation can be enforced by setting the FK (the Factory_ID field in the Worker table) to not null.
Here is my question, what is the best way to enforce the participation of - Each factory hires at least one workers? I.e. I need to make sure each factory_id have to be referenced in the worker table at least once. So now factory #3 does not hire anyone which violates the participation rule in the ERD.
I am wondering what will be the best way to enforce this participation?


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'Text Neck' and Other Tech Troubles »
"Nov. 26, 2014 -- Gift-buying season is here, and on top of the wish list for most people is the latest tech gadget or gizmo. But some experts are concerned that more tech may equal more pain for frequent users.
For starters, we take"...
(Meperidine Hydrochloride) Injection, USP
Meperidine hydrochloride is ethyl 1-methyl-4-phenylisonipecotate hydrochloride, a white crystalline substance with a melting point of 186°C to 189°C. It is readily soluble in water and has a neutral reaction and a slightly bitter taste. The solution is not decomposed by a short period of boiling.
Demerol™ injection is supplied as: Carpuject™ Single-use cartridges with luer lock at concentrations of 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 75 mg/mL, and 100 mg/mL; Uni-Amp™ unit dose pak-ampuls at concentrations of 25 mg/0.5 mL, 50 mg/mL, 75 mg/1.5 mL, 100 mg/2 mL, and 100 mg/mL; and Multiple-use vials at concentrations of 50 mg/mL (1500 mg/30 mL) and 100 mg/mL (2000 mg/20 mL), which contain metacresol 0.1% as a preservative.
The pH of Demerol™ solutions is adjusted between 3.5 and 6 with sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid.
Demerol™, brand of meperidine hydrochloride, 5 percent solution has a specific gravity of 1.0086 at 20°C and 10 percent solution, a specific gravity of 1.0165 at 20°C.
What are the possible side effects of meperidine (Demerol HCl)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- weak or shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
- severe drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out;
- seizure (convulsions);
- cold, clammy skin;
- muscle movements you cannot control;
- confusion, mood changes;
- severe weakness or dizziness; or
- agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate,...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Demerol »
What are the precautions when taking meperidine (Demerol)?
Before taking meperidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: abdominal problems (e.g., gallbladder disease, pancreatitis), adrenal gland problem (e.g., Addison's disease, pheochromocytoma), large blood loss (e.g., recent blood donation, stomach/intestinal bleeding), brain disorders (e.g., seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure), kidney disease, liver disease, breathing problems (e.g., asthma,...
Last reviewed on RxList: 1/5/2016
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Demerol FDA Prescribing Information
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Demerol User Reviews
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text:
Is there any documentation for the WordPress admin PHP code, or do I have to look at the code in the: "wp-admin" folder to figure out? I am going to use it to create a custom control panel, not custom admin theme, for PHPBB3 or SMF and WordPress.
Any ideas?


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Everything That Linguists Have Always Wanted to Know about Logic but Were Ashamed to Ask / Edition 2by James D. McCawley
View All Available Formats & Editions
Pub. Date: 11/01/1993
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
McCawley supplements his earlier book—which covers such topics as presuppositional logic, the logic of mass terms and nonstandard quantifiers, and fuzzy logic—with new material on the logic of conditional sentences, linguistic applications of type theory, Anil Gupta's work on principles of identity, and the generalized quantifier approach to the logical
McCawley supplements his earlier book—which covers such topics as presuppositional logic, the logic of mass terms and nonstandard quantifiers, and fuzzy logic—with new material on the logic of conditional sentences, linguistic applications of type theory, Anil Gupta's work on principles of identity, and the generalized quantifier approach to the logical properties of determiners.
Product Details
- 9780226556116
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- Publication date:
- 11/01/1993
- Edition description:
- 1
- Pages:
- 656
- Product dimensions:
- 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.50(d)
Table of Contents
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
1. The Subject Matter of Logic
1.1. Logic and "Logical Form"
1.2. On the Nature of Propositions
1.3. Ambiguity
1.4. Logic and the Division of Labor
1.5. Some Syntactic Prerequisites
2. Predicate Logic I: Syntax
2.1. The Notion of "System of Formal Logic"
2.2. Quantifiers, Predicates, and Variables
2.3. Coherence Conditions on Variables
2.4. The Logicians' Favorite Quantifiers
2.5. Rules of Inference
3. Propositional Logic I: Syntax
3.1. Propositional Connectives and Their Formation Rules
3.2. Rules of Inference
3.3. Axiom versus Rule of Inference versus Meaning Postulate
3.4. More on If
3.5. More on Conjunction
3.6. On the Structure of Proofs
3.7. Predicate Logic Supplemented by Propositional Logic
4. Propositional Logic II: Semantics
4.1. Truth Tables
4.2. How Do the Rules of Inference Constrain Truth Values?
4.3. Language and Metalanguage
4.4. Different Kinds of Completeness
4.5. Appendix A: More on Metalanguage
4.6. Appendix B: Sketch of a Proof of Semantic Completeness
5. A Digression into Set Theory
5.1. The Notion of "Set"
5.2. Operations on Set
5.3. Finite and Infinite Sets
5.4. Relations and Functions
5.5. Ensembles
5.6. Valuations
5.7. Proof by Induction
6. Predicate Logic II: Semantics
6.1. Truth in Predicate Logic
6.2. Predicate Logic with Identity
6.3. Vacuous Truth and Pragmatic Restrictions on Domains
6.4. Restricted and Unrestricted Quantifiers
6.5. Satisfiability and Validity
7. Further Topics in Predicate Logic
7.1. Linguistic Justification for S: Q'S
7.2. Russell's Analysis of the
7.3. Sets in the Object Language; Extended Predicate Logic
7.4. Other Quantifiers
7.5. Mass Expressions
7.6. Polyadic Quantifiers
8. Sorts, Types, and Kinds
8.1. The Uniformity of the Domain; Sorts
8.2. Logical Types; Lambda Calculus
8.3. Kinds; Generic Propositions
8.4. Convergent ("Branching") Quantifiers
8.5. Conjunctions and Quantifiers
9. Speech Acts and Implicature
9.1. Speech Acts and Illocutionary Force
9.2. Conversational Implicature: Grice Saves
9.3. Conventional Implicature
10. Presupposition
10.1. Kinds of Presupposition
10.2. Some Possible Cases of Semantic Presupposition
10.3. Supervaluations
10.4. Pragmatic Presupposition
10.5. Broad and Narrow Conceptions of Falsehood
10.6. Discourse Referents
11. Modal Logic
11.1. Notions of Necessity
11.2. Syntax and Semantics for Modal Propositional Logic
11.3. Modal Predicate Logic
11.4. Strict Implication and Relevant Entailment Logic
11.5. Appendix: Converses of Theorems
12. Applications of Possible Worlds
12.1. "World-Creating" Predicates
12.2. Tense Logic
12.3. More on the Structure of Proofs
13. Many-Valued and Fuzzy Logic
13.1. Values between True and False
13.2. Fuzzy Predicate Logic
13.3. Fuzzy Sets
13.4. Degrees of Truth
13.5. Dimensions of Truth
14. Intensional Logic and Montague Grammar
14.1. Intensional Logic
14.2. Montague's Approach to Syntax and Semantics
14.3. "Generalized Quantifiers"
15. Conditional Propositions
15.1. Counterfactual Conditionals
15.2. Indicative Conditionals
List of Symbols
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text:
I'm using wp_list_pages to output the nav on a blog. However, the client wants a change to the nav links that'll require me, for CSS styling purposes, to give each nav li its own class or id. I guess I could use what's generated now, but it seems really messy. I also don't want to hardcode the navs, I'd still like them to generate, but my knowledge of PHP syntax is really remedial. Basically, here's my goal -- My code now:
<?php wp_list_pages('title_li=' ); ?>

Home

Calendar

Press

What I'd like to generate is:

Home

Calendar

Press

I could also work with li IDs instead of classes. And I'd still like to use the ".current_page_item" class, so if we could keep this or find a way to generate something that'll work the same, that'd be awesome.
Is it possible to use PHP somewhere in my header to do this?


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We loved this dish. It was SO simple to make. My only change was to leave out the oyster sauce. I just didn't think it would add enough to be worth the trouble. When I find a recipe my family loves, I print it out and add to my own cookbook.
Sharon, Little Rock


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Danmar EnterprisesServing: Wilmington DE
Dover Rent-All Tents & Events
Economy Tent Rentals
Bravo Bounce Inflatables & Party Rentals
Look no further when looking for tents and marquis for your event! Whether you are looking for tents to accommodate 1000's or smaller tents for exhibitions and festivals, we have it all! Search here for Tents in Wilmington DE.


text:
So quick question. This may not make entirely sense to some, but let's say you had a bunch of different authors. For example 10,000 and they were all going to generate a post each day. Is there technically a limit to the amount of post that can be published at one time?
As long as you had the correct hardware, could a blog built on WordPress handle thousand of authors publishing all at the same time?


text:
Creatures Of The Deep
Discovery Trail
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Seal Harbour
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Shark Bay
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Ray Reef
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Storm Coaster
Castaway Bay
Jet Rescue
Viking Revenge Flume
Sea World Monorail
Nickelodeon Character Meet & Greet
Affinity - Dolphin Show
Fish Detectives
Jet Stunt Extreme
Dora's Best Friends Adventure
Turtle Power Live
SpongeBob 3D
View park map
Explore our Sea World map.
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1 posts tagged with kimgandy.
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Today's brain teaser: a pro-life activist buys up a bunch of domains (full list at the bottom of this page) similar to organizations (and their directors), newspapers, and products.
Free speech or deceptive domain squatting?
Free speech or deceptive domain squatting?
Page: 1


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What is the easiest way to assign page parents with this plugin?
I'm trying to use pages because of the way wordpress handles the permalinks. I am trying to achieve the following:
What would the easiest way to achieve this url structure with this plugin be?
On the surface it seems parent pages and subpages would be. Any suggestions?


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Pyranha® Wipe 'N Spray is a pyrethrum-based formula that is applied directly on the horse. This ready-to-use spray provides fly protection and imparts a high sheen to your horse's coat when brushed out. Qt.
Control nuisance insects easily and without chemicals with BugPellent® Gel. This water-based, non-greasy, natural insect repellent makes controlled application easy for sensitive areas of the horse. Blended with aromatic essential oils, BugPellent Gel is free of solvents, alcohol, pyrethrins, pyrethrums, pyrethroids and other industrial pesticides. By VeruTEK®. 8 oz.
Economical Farnam® Repel X® PE fly spray concentrate mixes with water for spray-on application on horses. This fly repellent and insecticide contains prallethrin. It repels and kills many insects including horn, house, stable, horse and deer flies, plus gnats, mosquitoes and tick.
VeruTEK® BugPellent® Natural Fly and Tick Spray controls flies, ticks, mosquitoes and gnats on horses, ponies and dogs. Non-toxic and economical, water-based BugPellent is not greasy. 32 oz.
Ready to use Farnam® Repel-X is effective against six fly species, mosquitoes, gnats, fleas and ticks. Lasts 3-4 days even through sweating and washing. Non-oily. Can be spray or wiped on. Qt spray.
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Ecovet™ Fly Spray for horses is a completely different, chemical-free way to keep pest insects away from your horse. Active ingredients derived from fatty acids are easier on horses and the humans who handle the spray. EPA approved, one application of this non-sensitizing fly repellent lasts for two to three days. It won't harm honeybees and has no known resistance.
Farnam® Bronco E Fly Spray for horses repels and kills a wide range of insects. An economical, citronella-scented formula, it contains a prallethrin-effective synthetic substitute for natural pyrethrin. Qt.


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LEGALS & PUBLIC NOTICES: Alejandro J. Vilasuso,M.D. 1400 NW 12th Avenue Suite #1 Miami, Florida 33136 Tel. (305) 325-0913 Fax (305) 326-8661 May 15, 2016 Dear patients and friends: After 30 years in practice, I am writing to inform you that I will stop providing outpatient ...More info Email a friend
LEGALS & PUBLIC NOTICES: NOTICE Liana Ruiz Hofseth, DO and Guillermo Samper, MD are no longer practicing at PWS Medical, PA, 2601 SW 37th Ave, Suite 607, Miami, FL 33133. As of July 27th, 2016, the practice will be permanently closed. Patients may request copies of their medical...More info Email a friend
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The enormous flight-deck of the Short S-45.
ex Northwest Orient Airlines reg. N579 delivery 1958. Next operators United Arab Airlines, Yemenia, Sterling Airways, Sterling Sweden, United Nations, Concare Aircraft Leasing, Sis-Q Flying, T&G A... (more)
On display in the Oakland Aviation museum. During its heyday, the late 1940s, the Solent III would fly passengers from Southampton, England, to Johannesburg, South Africa roundtrip for $1,400—the ... (more)
The very nice and well preserved upperdeck cabin of this unique Short S-45 Solent 3 looks very need and is kept in a very good original state. There remain only two of these birds in the world, th... (more)
What a beauty this dubble deck airplane State of art vintage dubbledeck floatplane!
This aircraft is displayed at the museum at Oakland Airport.
Only two left on the world. T... (more)
Arriving from Phoenix. This plane entered service in May 1989 and was flown by several airlines including Canada 3000 and Thomas Cook before being converted to a freighter in 2010.
Flight 1082 from Salt Lake City.


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We're reintroducing a classic – with a few surprises! This iPod Classic Alarm Clock Radio has the appearance as though it's from the golden age of radio, but it's really a technologically advanced sound system. You'd expect a crooner to play from the speakers, but you can listen to your favorite playlist on your iPod or iPhone. And don't let the top speaker fool you, the sound is patented AroundSound® design that eliminates hot spots. Your music will play with remarkable clarity! The iPod Classic Alarm Clock Radio will wake you in true style, every morning.Compatible with all iPhones. Apple Lighting Adaptor needed for iPhone 5
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You'll love the classic analog tuning dial of the iPod Classic Alarm Clock Radio. It's so authentic looking, the only feature that gives a visual nod to the present is the iPod dock on the top. Otherwise, this alarm clock radio has the dials, buttons and clock face of a bygone era.
Don't worry that the sound quality is 'retro' because this iPod alarm clock is built with patented AroundSound® design that boasts great clarity, without the hotspots you might expect. Your listening enjoyment will be exceptional when you wake up to this iPod Classic Alarm Clock Radio in the morning.
Go ahead and enjoy looking at the sleek rounded corners of this alarm clock radio's design, coupled with the tuning dial and analog clock face. It's a great package visually, and when you play the iPod Classic Alarm Clock Radio, you'll fall in love with the sound quality.
•Alarm clock feature set to analog clock
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"GRASSE" Top 5 Page for this destination Grasse by vibi68
Grasse Travel Guide: 56 reviews and 154 photos
The birth of Grasse, which appears suddenly in Eastern Provence where the other cities are of Greek or Roman foundation, is probably due to the new economic structures and political installations created by the feodalism. At the beginning a small village located on a spur of tuff, Grasse owes its prosperity to its situation at the junction of major roads which allowed more trade through the mountain, via Castellane and by the sea via Nice's port, in particular towards Genoa. In spite of the civil wars, the invasions, the plague which blocked during four hundred years the area's development, the prosperity of Grasse, founded on the tannery then perfumery, thus the trade, knows a constant progression during the 13th century, period of peace; the city sees convents being established out of its walls but as of the next century it must increase its enclosure to ensure their protection. It then nominates its "chef-lieu" on a vast viguery, associating the spiritual power to functions of an administrative and legal center. To secure itself, while remaining safe in its ramparts, the industrial population, is then forced to raise the existing houses, to build in courtyards and gardens, even in clusters on top of streets, thus creating a city with the dark and narrow streets. It is only during the 17th century that the Grassois, in need of light, fresh air and hygiene, build a vast hospital next to the city, on a shone upon esplanade. At the end of this century and throughout the 18th century, beautiful private mansions and luxurious country houses appear on the city's periphery and in the close countryside. but on ly in the 19th century does the true explosion of the city occurs resulting into an exiguous enclosure, so the dark perfumery dispensaries disappears of the city center to relocate in large factories built in the plaines, in the flower fields. From that time the city does not cease to grow parallel to the development of its industry an activity of health resort and tourism, initially in the winter then the summer, which generates large and beautiful hotels, a casino and a whole infrastructure dedicated to the leisures.
From the very start of the Middle Age the prosperity of Grasse was based on the tannery. An abundant cattle, aromatic plants growing in a natural state in the countryside: myrtle and mastic tree which gives an extreme flexibility and an inimitable green color to leather, are as many assets to its industry. Since 1171 the first commercial treaties unites the city with Genoa and in 1209 a letter to the Genoa Consul stipulates that the Grassois send them cattle, wool and tanned skins. Parallel to these commercial treaties with Liguria, Grasse sets up an infrastructure favourable to the trade while obtaining, as of the 12th century, almost total immunity for tolls and grants their city, starting the 14th century, two annual fairs, one three days in mid-August and the other of fifteen days in Saint-Michel. As it is not surprising that as glove fashion born from the Renaissance, spreads on Italy, Grasse launches itself in that production. From the 16th century, the use of scents in leathers intended for the glove factory spreads widely and rapidly, so much that came the following century the profession of perfumed-glove maker knows such prosperity, it completely separates from the tanners' corporation. From the middle of the 18th century, heavy taxation on leathers precipitates the decline of tannery and perfumed-glove making to the end of its tradition; in 1789, the only industry remaining is that of perfumery. However the glove factory remains a regional and traditional activity which is practised during the 19th century in family workshops. Imported leathers from or fabrics replace the fine Grassoises skins from then on.
Today, Grasse is a modern and lively city, wearing historical clothes! Ideally located between the Mediterranean and the Alps of the south, its 45 000 dwellers live in a very privileged area, for its climate is of an exceptional softness and great cultural and historical events mark time throughout the year. Classified Town of the Arts by the Historic Buildings' Commission, it offers to its visitors an inspirational architecture taken as much from Provence than Genoa, which makes it a singular medieval site. With every curb, lane, alley... one discovers multiple small squares, all with their own particular scent and flavour. Throughout the world, it is in Grasse, World Perfume Capital, that the most raw materials are exploited: Rose "Centifolia", Jasmine of Grasse, Myrtle, etc. All those who go to Grasse discover with amazement its perfumed lanes. The factories and workshops fill the city with suave scents, it carries forever the print of France's most beautiful industries: Perfumery. Still today, a majority of famous perfumes such as Chanel No.5 are born and produced in Grasse. Make sure to visit perfume makers and their gardens, buy handmade soaps and enjoy the great views you have from belvederes... Frankly, given the chance to move anywhere I wanted on this earth, one of the first places that comes to mind is Grasse.
- Pros:Simply an extremely beautiful city, showered with flower baskets in the summer, easy, calm and just out of this world time
- Cons:Lots of uphill and circulation with a car is pretty hard in traffic and complicated directions
- In a nutshell:http://www.ville-grasse.fr/
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Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard are the Grasse perfumeries you can visit. From their museums and gardens, you will... more travel advice
This experience is not for people who get headaches with the faintess odor! It has to be one of the most enjoyable... more travel advice
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Autism and Communication Center - Cathedral City, CA
- WebMD Physician Directory of Cathedral City Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Doctors
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Cathedral City Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Doctors for Autism and Communication
Type of Physician: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
What is a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners have a special interest in the developmental, learning, and behavioral problems of children, and in the support of parents and children during normal development and illness.
Specialty: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
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Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Doctors in Cathedral City * results
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (In Children and Adults)
Autism facts
- Autism and related disorders are now referred to as autism spectrum disorders.
- Characteristics of autism include impaired development in social interaction, communication, and behavior. ...
Read the Autism Spectrum Disorder (In Children and Adults) article »
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Emergency Contact for Cathedral City
- In case of Emergency, call 911
Nearby Cathedral City Hospitals results
- 1Betty Ford Center
39000 Bob Hope Dr
Cathedral City, California 92270
(760) 773-410
- 2Eisenhower Medical Center
39000 Bob Hope Dr Frnt
Cathedral City, California 92270
(760) 340-391
- 3Desert Regional Medical Center
1150 N Indian Canyon Dr
Cathedral City, California 92262
(760) 323-651
- 4John F Kennedy Memorial Hosp
47111 Monroe St
Cathedral City, California 92201
(760) 347-619
- 5Oasis Rehabilitation Center
47915 Oasis St
Cathedral City, California 92201
(760) 863-860
- 6Hi-Desert Medical Center
6601 White Feather Rd
Cathedral City, California 92252
(760) 366-371
- 7Hemet Valley Recovery Center
371 N Weston Pl
Cathedral City, California 92543
(951) 765-490
- 8Hemet Valley Medical Center
1117 E Devonshire Ave
Cathedral City, California 92543
(951) 652-281
- 9San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital
600 N Highland Springs Ave
Cathedral City, California 92220
(951) 845-112
- 10Naval Hospital
Bldg 1145 Sturgis Rd
Cathedral City, California 92278
(760) 830-219
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The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined Hardcover – Oct 4 2011
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"For anyone interested in human nature, the material is engrossing, and when the going gets heavy, Pinker knows how to lighten it with ironic comments and a touch of humor ... a supremely important book. To have command of so much research, spread across so many different fields, is a masterly achievement." — The New York Times Book Review
"...an extraordinary range of research ... a masterly effort." — The Wall Street Journal
" ...Better Angels is a monumental achievement. His book should make it much harder for pessimists to cling to their gloomy vision of the future. Whether war is an ancient adaptation or a pernicious cultural infection, we are learning how to overcome it." — Slate.com
About the Author
Steven Pinker is the Harvard College Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. A two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and the winner of many awards for his research, teaching, and books, he has been named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World Today and Foreign Policy's 100 Global Thinkers.See all Product Description
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Almost the first half of the book is spent discussing the evidence for how violence has declined in the form of homicides, torture, war, genocide, and terrorism. Frankly, as someone who's read a lot of anthropological accounts of violence, as well as historical accounts, I didn't need to be convinced of this. We live in a candy cake la-la land compared to just about any of our ancestors. The section on torture alone is enough to make your toes curl. Water-boarding in Gitmo was (is?) terrible, but it's a walk in the park compared to the regular torture methods of medieval Europe. Or the Mongols, Huron, Iroquois, Aztecs, etc. War, especially larger wars, have all but disappeared since WW2. For all these data, Pinker tries to offer explanations why. For example, Pinker is reluctant to give much credit to nukes for the drop in wars since WW2, but I have to disagree with him here. Nukes bring something to the table that's entirely new- Mutually Assured Destruction. They take the uncertainty out of war (e.g, Hitler's Soviet gamble) and replace it with certain death for both winner and loser. No thanks!Read more ›
It's a beautiful, massive undertaking. Throughly researched and obviously long in the making. I can imagine Steven Pinker reading through his life and an idea slowly starting to gestate. On the shoulders of giants our civilization stands, and this book is no different. Pinker has taken thoughts, research, and ideologies that have helped shape our world and drawn them together into, if nothing else, a touching premise: Violence has Declined.
This book is more than that premise, yet focused all the same. It draws from history, psychology, philosophy, anthropology, criminology, and many other disciplines. It is the nature of such a broad topic that it must. I'm more than halfway through the book right now, and if I had to offer up what it has invoked in me in a few words they would be: hopeful, thoughtful, troubling, inspiring, and all around impressed.
You can get an introduction to the book through an audio lecture by Pinker at the RSA:
Despite it seeming that violence has increased (after all, when does the news ever report on peace?), the statistics show that violence has in fact decreased in almost every way. Pinker has some interesting ideas about why that is.
The main reason according to the book is that humans are becoming more civilized by the decade -- the average murder rate sharply declining from each century to the next; the decreasing occurrence and increasing unpopularity of all major countries to war; continued progress toward a more ethical treatment of animals; etc. Basically, I agree with most of Pinker's arguments here (in the book, he uses many statistics to back up each of his claims). His observations seem to ring true for most of humanity (with the exception of religious fundamentalism in the Middle East region).
Even if you think you disagree with Pinker's premise, I'd encourage you to read the book and then decide for yourself. It's a fascinating read and one that is very accessible to the layperson.
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Takes time but it's worth it. I don't particularly like Pinker's writing style but he makes his point and it's worth reading for the sociologist.Published 4 months ago by Michael Kearney
This is by far one of the most important books I've ever read. Especially in the current climate we live in.Published 5 months ago by Faduma Abdi
Superb book, well researched, well written, persuasively argued. A welcome antidote to the usual gloom and doom.Published 5 months ago by Amazon Customer
Highly recommended. Especially in light of the fact that our view of the state of the world is severely jaded by the fact that journalism focuses almost exclusively on the... Read morePublished 9 months ago by Brian
Right up there with "Guns, Germs and Steel" in terms of its potential for transforming one's world view. Comprehensive and scholarly. Well organized and edited. Read morePublished 12 months ago by Gina Louise
Interesting book that is a counter-point to all the doomsday over-reporting in our modern media. Everyone should read it.Published 12 months ago by Reuben
This is clearly not an easy book to read - incredible amounts of information, analysis, interpretation and judgement. Read morePublished 17 months ago by R^5
An excellent book, supported well with scientific data.Published 20 months ago by Ley Milton Davison
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Comments about 'FACT CHECK: Romney off on Obama's love for unions'
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Nice spin but the reality is Romney was still correct in his assessments. The real difference is one of perception and semantics. Unions as a collective whole gave more money to President Obama than the Koch brothers have in this election cycle alone. The President does cater to the unions at the expense of the rest of the country. School vouchers, Charter Schools, and test scores are a collective agenda that the President routinely defers to the union bosses.
- 7:33 a.m. May 25, 2012
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Has Mitt ever been able to speak the truth? You know a half-truth is also a
half-lie. A half-lie is still a lie.
Not a moral fiber in his body apparently.
- 8:12 a.m. May 25, 2012
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A politician bending the truth? I've never heard of such a thing.
As I have written before: A politician is a politician is a politician. I don't care if they are rep or dem, Mormon or Evangelical. They all spin, bend, and sometimes flatout lie during a campaign, the whole while saying they are out to help us. Reality: They just want the job!
- 8:17 a.m. May 25, 2012
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Just one more lie from Romney. Nothing new here.
- 8:22 a.m. May 25, 2012
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Romney, once again, shows an inability to tell the truth. Surprise, surprise . . . NOT! That's business as usual for him.
- 9:48 a.m. May 25, 2012
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Mitt Romney decried President Barack Obama as beholden to the nation's
teachers' unions and unable to stand up for reform?. What's
Romney's take on home schooling?. Romney loves The Dept.of Education,
bureaucrats and the Teacher's Union. He is a proponent of taxpayer school
vouchers on a wide-scale level across the country, and is open about his desire
to all students regardless of their ethnicity immersed in English-language
education. Romney currently supports the federal government's involvement
in education. THAT MEANS HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES for you. Husband and wife have
a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children,
not the government. Mitt Romney is off to his little fairytale world. Though
the Obama campaign has repeatedly attacked Mitt Romney for his career at Bain
Capital, President Obama still accepted $7,500 in campaign contributions from
three Bain executives. His campaign press secretary, Ben LaBolt told The
Politicker the president has no intention of giving the money back. We call
upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those
measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit
of society.
My truthful views.
- 11:14 a.m. May 25, 2012
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It's not a lie, if you believe it.
George Costanza
- 12:00 p.m. May 25, 2012
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Irony of the Week ---
Having to FACTCHECK everything the Republican Presidential candidate says [who also happens to be a devout Mormon].
Being LDS myself, I hold him to a higher standard.
"As Latter-Day Saints, Our integrity must be above reproach." ~ Pres. Godon B. Hinckley
- 1:19 p.m. May 25, 2012
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Andrew Z is not correct. In this case, money was spent by the unions on the least objectionable candidate, in the hopes that someone would listen to the needs of teachers. They did not. Obama was completely absent when we were protesting in Madison. He has not been a friend to education. You can't have "No Child Left Behind" while there is a simultaneous "Race to the Top." The real lie here is that both major parties are identical, in their wrong-headed approaches to education. I've read some of Mr. Romney's "new" ideas and it's just another plan to set up public school funding to be mined for private profit. Children should not be a commodity. If elected, Mr. Romney will become the "Bain" of education.
- 11:06 p.m. May 26, 2012
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