text:
"A website to the detriment of good film"
Custom Search
Badmovies.org Home
B-Movie Reviews
Reader Reviews
Capsule Reviews
TV Show Reviews
Rated PG-13
Copyright 2004 Toho Film
Reviewed by
Andrew Borntreger
on 22 May 2006
The Characters:
Ozaki - If Keanu Reeves were Japanese, this is what he would look like.
Miyuki - A molecular biologist for the United Nations who would not mind a little mutant lovin'.
Captain Gordon - Hard-bitten commanding officer of the Gotengo. An imposing, but fun character, and perfect for a movie like this. His acting is a bit wooden at times.
Kazama - Ozaki's main rival in M-Force. Selfish and rudely competitive, but he does seem committed to doing the right thing.
Anna - Miyuki's older sister who is an investigative reporter.
The Shobijin - Definitely the least interesting version of these two ever.
The Young Xilian Leader - He possesses amazingly physical powers, including the ability to make people glow and fly around the room. It is the complete lack of discipline and self control that does him in.
Godzilla - Lucky for mankind that he is intensely territorial.
Mothra - Perishes in flames! And there is no egg or larva in sight! How is that for poor family planning?
Gigan - As the Xilians' pet heavy hitter, he keeps getting blown apart pretty easy.
Just About Every Other Monster - Knocked out or destroyed in record time, often in a silly way.
The Plot:
The return to super scientific technology in the Godzilla series was a delight to me. I have said that before; this time they went all the way. There are flying submarine warships, mutant humans who serve in an elite monster fighting army, and devious aliens. I should be in heaven, but there are a couple of problems.
We open with Godzilla stomping across a part of Antarctica strewn with destroyed tanks and wrecked deathray machines. Delivering a final near-suicidal attack is the Gotengo, looking just like she did in "Atragon." The flying battlewagon is knocked from the sky by Godzilla's breath weapon. Then a fortuitous earthquake strikes, opening a chasm beneath the leviathan's feet. Gotengo fires a full salvo of missiles into a frozen mountainside, causing an avalanche that buries Godzilla under tons of ice.
In reference to the tanks in Antarctica: why deploy that much heavy armor to such an inhospitable location? It makes little sense, since the tanks require resupply and would probably perform poorly. You also have to wonder about a military commander who would expend that much effort to defend a frozen desert.
Now that the movie has your attention, the credits begin. A montage of footage from older monster movies plays, providing a nice way to pass the time while everyone important receives their credit up front. This does become a little confusing, because the previous scene seems to indicate that Godzilla was defeated and encased in ice during the 1950's. Some of the footage is from more recent films. Since later plot revelations preclude the idea of Godzilla escaping his icy prison every few years, the scenes do not make sense. I should probably not worry so much about this sort of thing. Then again, if not me, who will?
After the introduction montage and some additional background we find the Gotengo, obviously upgraded, again fighting a huge monster. This time it is Manda and the submarine is in serious trouble. The crew is lucky that Captain Gordon is solid as a rock. The giant serpent is vanquished and Gotengo, badly damaged, limps home. The new and improved Gotengo looks really good, by the way. The design shows obvious Zentradi influence. Too bad that the other flying battleships are less inspired.
Everything seems to be under control until one fateful day. A sudden outbreak of monsters threatens a number of major cities. Anguirus in Shanghai, Rodan in New York, Deanzilla in Sydney, and Kamakaras in Paris, to name a few. Ebirah also makes an appearance, destroying a refinery as pickup trucks with missile launchers randomly crash in the foreground. Ozaki and Kazama lead a crack assault team to stop the colossal crustacean. The team blasts the shelled monstrosity apart (they have some really cool guns), but are thwarted in breaking out the melted butter when it suddenly disappears.
Huge spaceships appear over parts of the planet, sucking up the monsters with some sort of teleporter. They then return to the mothership, which is a really huge honking sphere. Yup, the aliens are here and they are going to make our lives better. Everybody rejoices when the galactic visitors start appearing on chat shows.
How come nobody guessed that the aliens set this all up? Every single monster on Earth going on a rampage at the same time must be unheard of (granted, maybe during a full moon). Alien benefactor's suddenly showing up and teleporting the monsters away should raise a few red flags. Even more so when the extraterrestrials state that their reason for visiting is not to stop the monsters, but to save the Earth from Gorath (a huge, very dense, rogue planet). Awfully improbable coincidence if you ask me. Maybe I would believe it if a bowl of petunias and sperm whale fell out of the sky.
Mankind, blind to the writing on the wall as it may be, is saved by the reporter and other main characters. They realize that the UN Secretary General has been replaced by a Xilian, because he never blinks. This culminates on live television when Anna tricks the doppelganger and reveals the deception. Well, heck, Capt. Gordon shoots the fake Secretary General. Dying makes his head split open, revealing some sort of fish monster. (Now things get really crazy.) The young Xilian leader shoots his mentor through the brainpan with a pistol. A squad of mutants enters the room to deal with the Xilians, but the aliens prove they can control the elite humans. Ozaki is not affected, for reasons unknown, and the human freedom fighters escape from the trap. They capture Kazama in the process.
Meanwhile, the new Xilian king (president, prime minister, scout master, whatever) sets loose all the monsters again. He also orders an all out attack, with waves of small fighters joining the larger support ships and kaiju. Against such an onslaught Earth's flying battleships have no chance; all are destroyed, except Gotengo in her secret repair bay.
You can probably tell that "Godzilla: Final Wars" contains many elements that seem to be drawn from "The Matrix" and "Independence Day." Yes, it shows very heavily, but the elements fit quite well into a Godzilla movie.
Aboard the Gotengo, Captain Gordon makes full speed for "Area G" in Antarctica. The super flying battleship survives an attack by Gigan, sending a huge volley of missiles into Godzilla's icy prison. As would be expected, this wakes up the world's greatest monster and puts him in a bad mood. He vents by blowing Gigan's head off, then chasing after Gotengo. That was exactly Gordon's plan. "Operation: Final War" is simple. The Gotengo leads Godzilla on a world tour, bringing him into proximity with all the monsters that are destroying civilization.
Apparently, the big G is pretty territorial. He kills many of the rival kaiju; though Anguirus, Seesar, and Rodan are left in a comical heap like the bad guys in a superhero cartoon. This probably sounds like the battles are over fast, which they are. If I could complain about anything, it is that Godzilla's world tour results in several record knockouts. Rather unsatisfying for the audience, including Seesar kicking Anguirus (rolled up) at Godzilla like a soccer ball. The king of monsters jumps in the air to deflect the kick like some sort of goalie. That is the sort of thing I am up against.
With all the rampaging monsters out of the way, the Gotengo makes a frontal attack against the Xilian mothership. Really nice work here, with the Earth warship firing destructive beam weapons as it plows through a swarm of alien fighters. Between that and the mothership's sphere shape I had a brief glimpse of what a "Lensmen" movie would look like. Granted, the next scene would be an even more advanced ship blasting away with even more destructive rays, but that is how the old science fiction went. Kazama redeems himself during the attack by flying his jet fighter into the heart of the alien craft and ramming the forcefield generator, thus providing an opening for Gotengo to drill into it. Way to go Kazama. Though, I would probably have fired a missile at the generator rather than crashing into it.
Ozaki, Capt. Gordon, and the others enter the alien ship to confront the evil star children. You can add "DragonballZ" to the credits for "where we got ideas for this movie," because it turns out the alien leader and Ozaki are both super-saiyan mutants. They battle it out while the other characters, including the real Secretary General and some other missing public figures, all run away. I swear, there are some new ideas in here; just not many. If a prehensile furry tail had popped out the back of Ozaki's pants, then he had grown into King Kong to fight Godzilla, I probably would not have been surprised.
While the human plot plays out, Godzilla and Mothra (yeah, she makes an appearance too) fight an "American Chopper" upgraded Gigan and Monster X. The latter looks just terrible. Imagine if you combined the Guyver with the funky hybrid monster from "Alien Resurrection," that or a culexus assassin. Anyway, both bad guys do get waxed. Gigan departs again in a spectacular explosion when a flaming Mothra slams into it. Monster X is not completely finished. It suddenly grows three heads on long necks, sprouts wings, and transforms into Ghidrah.
Between you and me, Ghidrah is much better than Monster X. I wish they had just introduced the final Xilian monster without the hidden identity twist. Cutting out that part of the battle might have allowed for more satisfying confrontations earlier. Anguirus vs. Godzilla should have been much longer, because the spiky little kaiju is a scrapper. To make matters worse, I did not find the quality of Godzilla and Ghidrah's combat very good. Superior battles between these two can be found in almost every other film where they met.
Once the citywide destruction is over, it appears Godzilla is about to roast the surviving heroes alive. Then Minilla shows up (there has been an annoying side plot with him running through the movie), stretches his arms wide in the universal sign for "Stop Killing People," and stands between the king of monsters and the pitiful humans. Godzilla just shrugs and stomps off into the sunset.
The director knew how to direct the human plot and model battle scenes to make them entertaining. With the crazy science, monster fighting mutant soldiers, and alien antagonists this is probably the best human plot in a while. Sadly, the monster battles mostly suck.
Oh, and something I started singing when the Secretary General was revealed in all his pelagic glory is still stuck in my head. "Fish heads, fish heads, doppelganging fish heads..." Try having that in your head for a month. Arrrrgggghhh!
Things I Learned From This Movie:
Flying super submarines should always have the best air conditioning that money can buy.
Kaiju rampages are financial disasters for fruit cart owners.
Those incarcerated in Japanese military prisons are allowed access to martial arts weapons.
The problem with being human is that every other race in the universe either finds your flesh tasty or needs your brain fluid to survive.
A good dirt bike can outrun a performance sport motorcycle.
Fishing would be a great deal less popular if salmon spit fire.
Cloud stopped Meteor by using his Godzilla materia.
Being a voyeur is okay; unless your subject is a twenty-five thousand ton radioactive reptile.
Stuff To Watch For:
14 mins - I know what you are thinking. The answer is: with the world's largest chainfall and lots of elbow grease.
23 mins - If Spiga were smart he would be in Alabama. The trailer density is much higher there compared to Arizona.
26 mins - This scene makes me wonder why MegaForce never took on Ebirah.
46 mins - Are we certain that the dog is not an alien? Ugly little pooch.
54 mins - Eye twitch combat!
68 mins - I wonder if any of the guys stationed there ever played hockey over Godzilla?
77 mins - Talk about lip gloss.
101 mins - How much do you want to bet that one of the bad guys is cursing that they are too advanced to use grenades.
116 mins - "Hey Godzilla, we found your naked mole rat."
Shobijin: "Gigan was an evil entity, and today the mutants have that evil in their blood cells."
Young Xilian Leader: "I told you, your type of being exists only to serve us. You understand? You're just cattle."
Audio clips in wav format
Starving actors speak out
M-Force Commander: "Try to distract its attention while those two fire the maser. We're going to fry that lobster!"
Mutant Soldiers: "Yes sir!"
Young Xilian Leader: "Resistance is useless. Our weapons and science are far superior to anything you have. What's more, the monsters are under our control." (Silly chuckle.)
The Gotengo XO verifies the plan with Captain Gordon.
Old Man: "Hey, Godzilla, it's over! You must forgive!"
Godzilla: "Rooooaarrrr!"
Old Man: "Damn lizard!"
Theme Song
Listen to a clip from the soundtrack.
Click for a larger image
Scenes from the movie
Watch a scene
MPEG video files
- 3.3m
Godzilla takes on Seesar, Rodan, and Anguirus in a brutal soccer match. Guess who gets kicked around as the ball.
Leave a comment
Buy the movie
Stumble This Review
Digg This Review
Buy it from Amazon.com
(United States)
Buy it from Movies Unlimited
(United States)
Internet Movie Database
Write Comment
Re: Godzilla Final Wars (2004)
Reply #41.
Posted on September 27, 2007, 04:02:24 PM by
Megalons Revenge
The one part I didn't like about this movie was how all the monster fights scenes were way to short. Other than that, I thought it was pretty good.
Re: Godzilla Final Wars (2004)
Reply #42.
Posted on September 29, 2007, 11:25:17 AM by
Just Plain Horse
Quote from: Megalons Revenge on September 27, 2007, 04:02:24 PM
The one part I didn't like about this movie was how all the monster fights scenes were way to short. Other than that, I thought it was pretty good.
...not only that, but they seemed more like references to other things in Japanese cultures, in a way:
The "Godzilla vs. Angiurus, Rodan & King Seesar" fight, where Anguirus rolled up in a ball and got kicked around reminded me of Shoalin Soccer...
...and the "Godzilla vs. Ebirah & Hedorah" fight reminded me of Neogensis Evangelion when Godzilla's beam blasted not only his foes, but moved the entire building behind them as well!
I liked the final match between Godzilla & Monster X was pretty good, even with the intervention of Gigan and Mothra- I just wish the rest of the monster battles were as good.
Re: Godzilla: Final Wars
Reply #43.
Posted on December 16, 2007, 10:00:50 PM by Tsukasa Macleod
I don't care what others say, THIS IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE GODZILLA MOVIE.
The fight with King Ghidorah is spectacular and Gigan's new makeover was awesome. VIVA FINAL WARS!
Re: Godzilla: Final Wars
Reply #44.
Posted on December 29, 2007, 09:06:19 PM by Kent
GFW is one of those Godzilla films where you either enjoy it or you don't. You have very few fans who are in between.
Personally, I didn't really know what to make of it when I first watched it back in December of 2005. After a few more watchings, the human drama is growing on me and the movie, as a whole, has as well.
I still have a problem with the short kaiju battles and the hit and miss coverage of the Godzilla Vs. Monster X battle.
Still, it isn't perfect, but it's a fun movie.
Gets a
from me.
Re: Godzilla: Final Wars
Reply #45.
Posted on February 08, 2008, 10:10:12 AM by jon
I recently downloaded this in a german dub. I was talking to a friend on AIM when i started it and within 5 minutes i was just repeating "WHAT IS THIS MOVIE!!!!".
I hated it at first but its growing on me (be that good or bad). I mean For 2004 they really could have done a better job on the CGI and effects. Its not like japan is the most technologically advanced nation on the planet or anything.
Still, seeing "zilla" obliterated in roughly 30 seconds (to Sum 41??!!?) was satisfying. seeing the rest of the seven monsters before the big final rumble go the same way wasn't. Kaiser King Ghidorah was a joke. And minilla just didn't need to be in this, or any movie made after 1970.
However i end up viewing this movie Kazuki Kitamura is my new favorite actor. If it hadn't been for his fits as the xilian leader on my first view i probobly would have burned a stack full of copies just so i could throw them off the roof of my house onto the driveway and then light them on fire.
Toho can do better than that.
Re: Godzilla: Final Wars
Reply #46.
Posted on September 10, 2008, 03:56:42 PM by
Bojik Arc
So, hmm, I see a very small number (very small) of blatant rip-offs from numerous movies and shows. Let's see...
Independence Day
Independence Day
....oh, that's DEFINITELY a
The Shining
(come on, two freaky twin girls appearing out of nowhere and talking in unison?)...
Star Wars
(the Force clearly isn't with this guy, so instead of proton torpedos he just becomes a kamikaze)...
Dragonball Z
Power Rangers
(just LOOK at the mutants' fighting stances in the intro!)...
Did I mention Matrix? I might have, I'm not sure.
This movie had me in tears the whole time, I was laughing that hard. If I had a dollar for every time one of my friends or I said "WTF" I'd be able to pay off my tuition. Especially when they started to play a Sum-41 song in the background while Godzilla fought his first round. What a riot!!
Watch this movie with a group, and you'll have one fun night!
Re: Godzilla: Final Wars
Reply #47.
Posted on September 10, 2008, 08:53:23 PM by
Quote from: Bojik Arc on September 10, 2008, 03:56:42 PM
So, hmm, I see a very small number (very small) of blatant rip-offs from numerous movies and shows. Let's see...
I can agree with all of the ideas ripped-off from other movies, except "The Shining." The Shobijin date all the way back to the original "Mothra" (1961). The film definitely took a lot of ideas from "The Matrix." Heck, the main guy is, as I said, almost a perfect Asian rendition of Keanu Reeves.
Re: Godzilla: Final Wars
Reply #48.
Posted on April 12, 2009, 01:58:35 PM by George
OK,forgive me my short comings on writting,when I do a job I do the best I can,however when it comes to writting,especially creative writing,I've always had trouble,my writing can't keep up with my thoughts,and that's why sometimes I forget words,then too sometimes I'm rushed for time.
Now I'll try to do this just once,and get it right!.
First this was $23.00s wasted,meaning it should of been better than it was!.This is a remake of the a fore mentioned Destroy All Monsters, at least it brings our good ship Atragon back into action(oh when Andrew are you going to have an Atragon sight!?),this time under the command of former wrestler Sargent Slaughter,oh I mean Capt.Gordon,who looks a lot like Sargent Slaughter!.
Basically it goes like this,for some reason monsters are everywhere,G-Force & Atragon are trying to stop them,then yet another ufo full of aliens comes to Earth,at first there friendly,humm hum,seems we've been down this road before,Xians say.
They get rid of all the monsters,then tell everyone Gorath's comming back!,they blast that,however trouble begins during the TV interview,it seems the young alien's intent on world conquest,he actually kills his leader before the stunned horrified viewers,and then has a physiological fit,unleashes the monsters again,and were right back where we started.
What follows is Capt.Gordon and crew plan to release Godzilla,our only hope to save Earth from destruction,my question is,where's Gamera!.
More time is spent dealing with the alien punk rather than good old monster fighting,even Godzillas son gets in on the act and befriends an elderly hunter and his grandson who are traveling the monster ravaged world.
Atragon bores through the ufo,and the big fight between good and evils on again,meantime,Godzilla disposes of all his foes with lightening speed!.
Truly this generation of Japanese seems to be quite different from the good old days of the original Creature Feature,they change Gameras looks and must of taken a cue from the 39 made for America Ultraman episodes,we want to see monsters fight!,on wonder they decided to put Godzilla on hiatus for a while.
I'm sure even David would agree with me on that.
Finally with the help of the only good alien left,the punk leader meets his deserved fate.Now it's back to the same old problem,Godzilla,this time his son actually raises his hands,meaning,you've done a lot of good so why not be like Gamera,sure Gamera comes back to Earth every once in a while,but like the Duke Boys he's meaning no harm to anyone,so why can't you try it for once in your life?.For some reason this time Godzilla's really touched so he and his son return to monster island in peace.
We are then treated to the end credits with clips from the movie,the them sounds like the end of of your evening news show.
This has been Godzilla: The Final Wars!.
Share on Facebook
Subscribe by RSS
Subscribe by Email
Recommended Articles
How To Find A Bad Movie
The Champions of Justice
Plan 9 from Outer Space
Manos, The Hands of Fate
Podcast: Todd the Convenience Store Clerk
Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!
The Human Tornado
The Educational Archives: Driver's Ed
Godzilla vs. Monster Zero
Do you have a zombie plan?
The Giant Claw
Earth is visited by a GIANT ANTIMATTER SPACE BUZZARD! Gawk at the amazingly bad bird puppet, or chuckle over the silly dialog. This is one of the greatest b-movies ever made.
Lesson Learned:
Osmosis: os·mo·sis (oz-mo'sis, os-) n., 1. When a bird eats something.
Subscribe to Badmovies.org and get updates by email:
B-Movie Reviews
Reader Reviews
TV Shows
Badmovies.org is owned and operated by
Andrew Borntreger
. All original content is © 1998 - 2014 by its respective author(s). Image, video, and audio files are used in accordance with
Fair Use
, and are property of the film copyright holders. You may freely link to any page (.html or .php) on this website, but reproduction in any other form must be authorized by the copyright holder.


text:
As an organizational change and strategic communications expert, I understand how crucial proper communication is within an organization. Sometimes, it can be the difference between getting things done and falling behind, losing motivation and morale in the process. Whether you are preparing a presentation or writing an email, it's important to communicate as clearly as possible so your point gets across as intended. In part 1 of this blog series, I will share 3 of my 6 tips for clear communication.
So how can you communicate better, inside and outside of the office? Here is where you can start:
1. Get the headline right- it matters!
Did you ever receive a message where the subject line wasn't clear and so you pressed the DELETE key only to learn that it was something important you really needed to know?
What is the core message? Getting your subject line right is crucial to being understood. It can be the difference between someone reading or deleting your message. Be clear and concise.
2. Consider what is being communicated and WHY
Have you ever lost interest in reading a message because it took too long to get to the point? Or, you didn't understand why the communication mattered to you? This is what I call the "so what?" element of a communication. As a communicator, it is important to get "under the covers" of a message. You need to make the communication interesting and relevant. It is time to follow your "inner reporter" – become curious; this is the right time to ask lots of questions. Stop and think about why and what is being communicated; both the intended and unintended messages. Consider the message from the recipient's perspective; how does it sound now?
3. Is your message tied to the company's strategic direction?
If you have received a message that seemed disconnected from your company's vision in the past, you know how confusing it can be. When developing your message, make sure it is relevant. This helps to keep people aligned around a common purpose and also reminds everyone where the company is going and how it will get there.
As you consider all of these tips you'll want to make sure that you involve the right team members and get approval from the appropriate leaders. Understanding and following internal processes and procedures will help ensure your success.
I would be happy to hear your thoughts and comments! If you'd like more information about strategic communication and my other services, please e-mail me at email@example.com
Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog series for the rest of the tips!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Essure Birth Control Device MDL Sought By Plaintiffs
(Brief available. Document #28-160804-008B.)
In a motion filed with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPMDL), the plaintiffs ask to consolidate the federal lawsuit involving more than 1,000 plaintiffs.
Essure is a metal coil inserted into the...
To view the full article, register now.
Try for FREE for fourteen days
Already a subscriber? Click here to login


text:
Women's Evening
Make Connections
Get Inspired
Leave Equipped
For more information:
Get Inspired
Leave Equipped
This is a free gathering that meets the first Wednesday of the month in the Youth Auditorium. The format (from 6:45-8:30 PM) varies but often includes coffee, worship, Bible study, community and discussion.
Invite your friends, co-workers, family, and any other women you know who want to learn more about God and the wonderful plans He has for each and every one of us!
Sorry, no childcare is available. Nursing babies only.
For more information pick up a flyer at the information center.
W.E. Upcoming Events
Fall 2018
- September 5
- November 7
For more information:
Email Jenny Hernandez
Call Jenny at 623.934.4000


text:
There are a lot of different ways for capturing your desktop screen of the web pages on your Google Chrome browser. You can make use of the very old print screen key option, or even capture the screen using a windows snipping tool or any other third party applications of your choice. There are also different Chrome extensions for taking screenshots.
But very few people know that the Google Chrome is actually capable of taking screenshots. It has the built-in capability to screen capture your desktop without the help of any third party application or extension.
- Open any web page using the Chrome browser
- Then go to Settings>Developer Tools or you can just simply press F12 key
- You can see a pop window open
- Click on the device toolbar icon and you can observe that icon turned into blue
- Now come back to the web page without closing the pop-up window
- Select the device from the list of devices available there
- Set the zoom to 100%
- You can click the rotate button if you wish to change the orientation
That is it, you are now all done with the setup and here is how you can capture the screen
- You can see a three dot icon on the right side of the webpage, click on it
- Click on show device frame option to enable it
- Now finally you can just click on the capture screenshot option from, the same menu, which will save a screenshot of the device in PNG format.


text:
What's the Latest?
Summer time and the living's easy, trusted you've got a pair of shades to protect you from the sun's bright blistering rays. But protecting your eyes isn't the only reason to put on a cool pair of sunglasses. There's a common social understanding that sunglasses make you look cooler and more attractive. Research from the academic world has begun to confirm those societal whims. Vanessa Brown, Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University and author of the upcoming book Cool Shades: The History and Meaning of Sunglasses, tells Melissa Dahl of NY Mag that wearing sunglasses in fact does make you hotter. The explanation exists in the eye of the beholder.
What's the Big Idea?
Brown tells Dahl her research has led her to draw several conclusions about why sunglasses make the wearer more attractive. The first is that wearing shades boosts facial symmetry, long connected with societal perceptions of beauty. Second, wearing sunglasses boosts your mystery factor. Many interpersonal connections and assumptions are made via eye contact. Shielding your eyes makes you more difficult to figure out and therefore more compelling. Other research suggests wearing shades makes people feel less at risk of scrutiny, empowering them to behave more boldly. Finally, a century's worth of sharp advertising has connected sunglasses to edginess and glamor; it's rare that our cultural barometers of "cool" aren't shielding their eyes.
Keep reading at NY Mag
Photo credit: Luna Vandoorne / Shutterstock


text:
Latest Telepresence and Visual Collaboration News:
Full Article:
ROVIO Rolls Out: First Impressions of WowWee's Surprising Telepresence Robot
October 6, 2008 | Chris Payatagool
We've always been enamoured with 'remote presence' as a future concept, but our experience this week with the new ROVIO robot quickly converted us from skeptics into true believers. This extremely well thought-out robot has been designed with the user's needs in mind from the start. The ROVIO is intuitive and is a pleasure to use from the moment you first open the box.
through a stargate.
The robots upper surface is ringed by blue LEDs that are not only a cool style point,
they also indicate the robots state, and make it easy to locate. The large circular sensor
picks up the True Track beacons reflected on the ceiling to determine it's location,
kind of like a mini-GPS system. The power switch and mini-USB port are located in
the center for easy access.
ROVIO has a built-in LED headlight to allow its camera to send back video and photos
even in darkened rooms. There is also an IR proximity sensor to help it avoid objects
when operating autonomously. This comes into play when you tell the robot to find
its way home by itself, or having it running a patrol route you've previously setup.
ROVIO's camera and location sensors are mounted on an articulated head so that
it can point the camera view at three different elevations - the floor view looking
straight ahead, slightly elevated (as in the photo above), or looking up (like a
puppy admiring its master).
The omni-directional wheels provide fantastic mobility - better than any other wheeled
robot we've tested, but do tend to pickup any stray hairs on the floor, as you can see
in the photo.
ROVIO's camera head in it's maximum elevated position.
For a quick test drive, we put ROVIO in our second floor storage room, then went back downstairs to drive it remotely using our desktop PC (Windows XP, though we also tested the robot using Vista) and our wireless network:
Painless Setup
Unboxing and configuring the ROVIO turned out to be much easier than we thought. We literally had ROVIO up and running within 5 minutes of opening the box. It was as simple as taking the robot and other items out of the box, installing the battery pack (Phillips screwdriver required - not included), connecting the robot to our PC, running the setup software, and answering a few prompts.
The battery pack is easily installed in the robots underbelly by removing the cover
(requires a Phillips screwdriver). The two large metal pads are the charging contacts
that mate with the charger when the robot is docked.
The robot supports both Windows (XP or Vista) and Mac users. The Setup CD that comes with the robot includes software that configures Windows systems and a step by step procedure is provided for Mac users, and advanced PC users, to configure their systems manually. It's as simple as adding a new network connection then setting the TCP/IP properties.
The ROVIO software supports control over your local wireless network, remotely via
an IP address, or can even be assigned to a domain that you own, like
johndoe.myrovio.com (just an example).
Initially we satisfied ourselves with just running ROVIO around via our home wireless network, which worked without a single glitch. After we were confident that everything was functioning perfectly, we followed the ROVIO manual instructions to be able to access ROVIO remotely over the internet.
That turned out to be a little more challenging since it involves opening two ports on the wireless router (80 and 554). We had to pull out the documentation for our router, and dig through it to figure out what settings needed to be changed. Every users situation will be a little different depending on their particular router and ISP. Some ISP block outbound traffic on port 80, so the ROVIO manual provides instructions for using other port assignments.
It's important to note that ROVIO is username and password protected, and that you can setup multiple users.
Unparalleled Mobility
The ROVIO mobility platform consists of three powered omni-directional wheels. The unique wheel design enables movement in any direction - forward, back, shift left or right, rotate slightly or 180 degrees, or even spin in a circle - all at the touch of a button.
The motion panel is logically laid out and simple to use. The ROVIO icon in the
center is used like a joystick - just drag it in any direction and the robot responds.
The large white arrows make it move forward, back, or move laterally left or right,
as long as you hold them down.
The two blue arrows at the top rotate ROVIO slightly clockwise or counter-clockwise.
And, the blue dots around the outside quickly rotate the robot to a preset angle.
Orientation is always relative to the robots body, and is intuitive since it matches
the view you see via ROVIO's camera.
Trail Blazing
The ROVIO allows you to create up to 10 'paths' or sequences, and play them back whenever you like. Each path can contain several actions, like driving a route, changing the camera elevation, or taking and emailing a photo. This can be very handy when you have regular surveillance tasks you want the robot to perform.
For example, your robot could scoot across the living room, take a photo of the front door and email it to you, scoot over to the dog's food and water bowls to take another photo and email it to you, then make a tour of the kitchen before heading back to its docking station. "Way Points" are like bread crumbs that you have ROVIO drop along any path you define.
Home Base
The ROVIO Charging Dock acts as its local home base. The robot backs up a short, shovel-shaped ramp until its rear wheel drops into a small trough allowing its charging contacts to touch the mating dock contacts. Thanks to the robots omni-directional wheels and dock design, when we backed our ROVIO into the dock for charging it aligned smoothly without any false starts or problems.
The Charging Dock also contains a mast that's used for alignment when the robot self-docks, and a TrueTrack Beacon that projects the navigation signals used by the robot to determine its location.
The beacon needs a clear shot at the ceiling to project its IR beams so that they will be reflected back down at the floor for the robot to track. This wasn't a problem for us, but if the room has extremely high ceilings (over 15 feet), tall furniture that could block the signals, or large windows with strong sunlight, the robot might run into some difficulty. The WowWee designers included two red alignment LEDs in the beacon that project dots on the ceiling to make it easy to setup properly. In normal operation the red dots are not visible.
One thing, that should have been obvious to us in hindsight, is that the Charging Dock needs to be placed against a wall or other stable object that will keep it from sliding on the floor when the ROVIO docks. The charging contacts in the dock are normally recessed, but pop-up to make contact when ROVIO's rear wheel drops into the trough at the back of the dock.
Just like Lassie or Rin-Tin-Tin, ROVIO can automatically find its way back home. Once the robot is operational, and you have the dock positioned where you want it, then you click on the "Save Home" icon. The robot drives off the dock, checks its position using the beacon signals, then automatically redocks. Later, whenever you want it to go back home, just click on the "Home" icon and it will find its way to the dock, and even try to avoid obstacles in its way.
The "Save Home" and "Home" icons are conveniently located on the control
panel's Paths tab.
Assuming the ROVIO is in the same room as the Charging Dock, when its batteries start to run low a warning message appears on the control interface. After you click on the warning, the robot figures out where the dock is located and trundles over and docks to recharge. Charging the batteries can take roughly two hours if the battery pack is depleted. Of course, if you continue to use the robot after the low battery warning is displayed, eventually it won't have enough power to find its way home.
Some Limitations
Note: These apply to the unit we tested and may change with future production units.
Wireless Access Passwords - At this point ROVIO only supports WEP passwords for wireless access points. If your browser uses WPA passwords, then you'll need to consult your router manual to determine how to change it to a WEP password. Apparently WowWee is working on a firmware update to support WPA since the manual suggests checking the WowWee support website for updates.
Browser Support - To get full functionality out of the ROVIO, you'll need to use Internet Explorer 6 or later. For IE, ROVIO supports MPEG4 video and mono, 8-bit, two-way audio. For the Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Opera browsers, ROVIO supports M-JPEG (motion JPEG) but audio functionality is not available at this time.
This Is Not A Toy
As the robots box clearly states, "This is not a toy" - far from it. With the ROVIO, WowWee has delivered a highly functional and extremely useful robot appliance that will find broad application both in the home and in office environments. In addition to remote viewing - like home security, we plan on using it for video conferencing, especially in situations where there is a need to pan around the room, or to look at items - like new product models, from different perspectives.
Also, the ROVIO is small and light enough that it's easy to pick up and carry. It would be the perfect tool to carry around and give remote clients a tour of our facilities. For that matter, you could use it to let the grandparents feel they were right in the middle of a birthday party, even if they are hundreds of miles away.
Sanity Check
To get a sanity check, and to make sure we weren't overlooking something important about this exciting new robot, we asked Robert Oschler, the founder of RobotsRule.com and the leading expert on all WowWee robotic products, for his perspective:
"I feel Rovio's biggest advantage over other consumer mobile telepresence robots is the Northstar navigation system which allows it to drive itself.
The reality is that people will find themselves fairly often in places where their broadband connection is spotty due to connection quality issues (frequent drops) or severe latency. Trying to drive with a poor video stream or where there is a severe latency between the time a movement command is selected and the time the effect of that movement becomes visible in your browser is a difficult task to say the least.
Rovio will still be able to execute patrol routes perfectly since it can drive itself and can take high quality pictures at each waypoint automatically, if you set that up with the patrol route. These photos can be set to be automatically E-mailed to you via a selected E-mail account. This means Rovio can still be successful in its role as a home surveillance robot even when faced with the reality of varying web connections."
We think ROVIO is positioned to be the hottest robot for the upcoming holiday season, and for a long time to come. This robots functionality, usefulness, styling, and ease of use sets new standards. Not only is it a fantastic mobile webcam platform, it also lends itself to other applications. We can easily imagine colleges and research labs using ROVIO as a robotic platform to investigate swarming, or, on the lighter side, a new robot soccer league.
[via robert-dreams.org]
Add New Comment
Telepresence Options welcomes your comments! You may comment using your name and email (which will not be displayed), or you may connect with your Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or DISQUS account.
28 April 2018 28 April 2018 24 April 2018
28 March 2018 21 March 2018
SelfArray Receives National Science Foundation Grant to Continue Research Toward Development of Direct-View LED Display Manufacturing Technology15 March 2018
Industry Calendar
24 April 2018 23 March 2018 14 January 2018
YouTube Channel
See what happens when YouTube and TPO come together at the Telepresence Options YouTube Channel.


text:
Growing Synergy sells for 17 Florida farms and artisans. Our goal is to Feed Florida From Florida. We have higher standards than most and require that our farms feed the best quality feed possible to remain sustainable. We want to make sure that the animals or plants are treated in the way that Nature intended. We only sell products from our state because we feel each state can feed itself! We want our local farms to be able to remain in business and continue to do what they do best, farming! Please let us know if you are looking for an additional product, it is our goal to find whatever is missing!
About Products & Animals
Our livestock farms treat their animals humanly and kindly! No antibiotics or added hormones. Our forage farms use the highest quality feeds and minerals for their plants.
Important Info!
- Will ship items
- Will deliver items locally
- Allows for pickup


text:
Four Corners Environmental, Inc. provided professional consulting and construction contracting services associated with the evaluation and closure of abandoned mines within two Maricopa County Regional Parks in Arizona. Four Corners understanding of project goals, health and safety issues, long time mining laws, and liabilities associated with abandoned mine sites provided Maricopa County with a cost effective plan to protect the safety and welfare of Park staff and patrons while preserving biological and cultural diversity of the parks for the public. Read More
Abandoned Mine Reclamation ProjectsSpotlight Cave Creek Regional Park and San Tan Park
City of Gallup Water
Resources Investigations
A regional groundwater numerical simulation model for the San Andres/Glorieta aquifer system of northwestern New Mexico has been prepared in support of the Application by the City of Gallup for Permit to Appropriate Groundwater. The numerical simulation model was mandated by the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer Hearing Examiner to support the City of Gallup's Application. The model framework stipulated by the Hearing Examiner included the need for a three-dimensional numerical model capable of simulating aquifer stresses to the Permian San Andres/Glorieta aquifer system, the Sonsela sandstone of the Petrified Forest Member of the Triassic Chinle Formation, and leakance through the Chinle Formation. Read More
Rio De Flagg Remedial Investigation/
Feasibility Study (RI/FS)
A significant amount of environmental work has previously been completed along the proposed flood control improvement corridor. On behalf of the City, Four Corners has historically conducted several subsurface investigations to assist in identifying locations of historic environmental concern, and the US Corps of Engineers and others have completed additional work. Read More
Buckeye Hills and Surprise
Shooting Range Closure Activities
To facilitate better training of Sherriff Officers, Maricopa County closed two main County shooting ranges and re-constructed a regional training and public use shooting facility in Buckeye, Arizona. Four Corners completed the closures of the Buckeye Hills and Surprise shooting facilities for Maricopa County to allow the construction of the new facilities without long term monitoring requirements associated with most hazardous waste sites. Four Corners conducted initial investigations into lead and other contaminants in soil and developed a strategy for Maricopa to remediate and close the facilities under the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP). Read More


text:
Below is a list of the Android and IOS apps currently available on iTunes and Google Play.
To visit the download page in your device's app store, you can simply use a QR Code Reader to open the app store page on your tablet or phone.
Or, you can click the app logo or link to go to the online version of the calculator, which includes links to the app store version associated to your device.
See About Calculator Apps under list for more info.
This calculator app will calculate the sales taxes on the price of a product or service given a sales tax percentage (price plus tax), and if you want, will also tell you the number of hours you will need to allocate to working in order to pay for those taxes.
Plus, if the price you entered already includes sales taxes, the sale tax calculator will calculate what portion of the price is for the product or service and what portion is for sales taxes (in reverse, or backwards from total).
The app also includes a route map, turn-by-turn directions, a fuel-cost estimator, a speed comparison chart showing your drive time and ETA at slower and faster average speeds, and a printer-friendly trip report.
Plus, the calculator will also tell you how many days remain until your next birthday, and even what day of the week your next birthday falls on.
AgeCalc (with ads) for iPhone or Android. Price: FREE!
Over the years I've received many requests for mobile app versions of the popular calculators on this website. However, due to the high cost of native app development ($4,000 to $10,000 per app), apps were simply out of the question.
Thankfully, recent developments in hybrid app technology has now made mobile app development much more affordable ($150 - $250 per app).
So in December of 2015 I partnered with a mobile app developer to help me convert the most popular online calculators into mobile apps that can be downloaded and installed on your mobile device.
We are building calculator apps from most popular/requested to least popular/requested. So be sure to check this page often to see if your favorite has been published to the app stores.
If your favorite is not currently available, please contact me and let me know which online calculator you would like to have converted into a mobile app.
Home > Calculator Apps
|+1 Free-Online-Calculator-Use.com
Follow me on any of the social media sites below and be among the first to get a sneak peek at the newest and coolest calculators that are being added or updated each month.
Monthly What's New Email Update!
Who knows if I will show up in your next search. These monthly updates will insure you'll always know what I've been up to and where you can find me!


text:
SAN FRANCISCO --The Balboa Park BART station in San Francisco has reopened Tuesday evening after a fatality was reported on the tracks, prompting major delays throughout the Bay Area.
The incident was reported at 4:35 p.m. when a person was reportedly under a train, BART spokesman Jim Allison said. That person was pronounced dead and the San Francisco medical examiner responded to the scene.
Trains were not stopping at the Balboa Park BART station for nearly two hours following the incident.
The Balboa Park BART station was reopened at about 6:20 p.m., Allison said, and trains are resuming normal service.
Riders can expect residual delays, according to Allison, but those delays should resolve themselves by about 7 p.m.
The person's death remains an ongoing BART police investigation, Allison said.


text:
This was a case of judicial slander, and the proposed issue was, a Whether, at Hamilton, on or about the 21st day of October 1840, in presence and ... a criminal court for these offences, and ought to be transported-or did use, or utter words to that effect, to the loss, injury, and damage of the pursuer ? ... Now, I confess, it appears to me it is scarcely possible for any man to hesitate to any they were relevant.
|Reports of Cases Decided in the Supreme Courts of Scotland and in the House of Lords on Appeal from Scotland
|- 1841
You must register with us as either a Registered User before you can Download this Book. You'll be greeted by a simple sign-up page.
Once you have finished the sign-up process, you will be redirected to your download Book page.How it works:


text:
Sierra Madre ATV Tour Puerto Vallarta
Cruiser Passengers:
YES! This Activity is available to you for a shore excursion.
Gear up at the office and have an expert English speaking guide show you how to drive our fully automatic or semi automatic ATVs. These ATVs are very driver friendly and their large size and cushioned back rests make it comfortable and safe for passengers, even small children.


text:
Head Protection
Goldline Head First Protective Head Gear
HEAD FIRST PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR is...
Nutcase Helmet
Protect your head in the event of a...
Nutcase Metroride Helmet
Light. Airy, Reflective. Magnetic.
HEAD FIRST PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR is...
Protect your head in the event of a...
Light. Airy, Reflective. Magnetic.
Not sure how to choose the best pair of curling shoes? Don't know what a grip or a slider is?
No problem, check out our online buyers guide for curling equipment and you'll be a curling pro in no time.
Join our newsletter for the latest in curling news, and to receive special coupons and discounts.
Retail Store Hours
9:30am-5:00pm Monday-Saturday
**Our last day in the retail store for the 2018 winter season will be Saturday April 7, 2018. During the spring and summer months we are open by appointment only by calling 902-404-3400 texting 902-448-1841. Web and phone orders will be processed normally. Our re-open date will be Saturday Sept 8, 2018**
80 Raddall Ave Unit 3
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Phone: 902-404-3400
Text: 902-448-1841
Toll Free:
Items sold online may not be available in store. Please contact us to inquire.


text:
The segment addition postulate states that if a line segment has three points, then this line segment may be considered two line segments. An example is a line featuring points A, B and C with A and C being the endpoints. In this example, AC = AB + BC.Continue Reading
To determine the length of AB, one must subtract BC from AC. If the length of AC is 18 and the length of BC is 4, then using this formula yields 18 - 4 = 14, so the length of AB is 14.
This postulate also allows a line segment that has only two known points to be broken into two line segments with the addition of a third point in between the endpoints. This is useful for proofs in geometry and analysis.Learn more about Geometry


text:
Powerful computer & fast network connection are recommended to play 1080p video smoothly
In celebration of the team's first game, Komari hosts a pancake party. The Little Busters' first party with everyone
together is full of smiles and good times! However, a certain group of classmates watches the party with contempt in their eyes.
Get the latest updates on show information, news, and more.


text:
Reuters Staff
1 Min Read
Sept 5 (Reuters) - Updater Inc
* Seeks trading halt in company's securities pending an announcement by company regarding completion of proposed capital raising Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:
All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays.
© 2018 Reuters. All Rights Reserved.


text:
A high level of stress is not good for anyone. When a person is constantly exposed to stress, the individual can develop anxiety disorders. People suffering from high levels of stress can exhibit uncontrollable behaviors related to acute stress such as anger and frustration. This should be avoided as much as possible. Fortunately, coping with stress is not that difficult anymore. There are foolproof ideas to keeping high levels of stress at bay.
The main combatant against stress is relaxation. While stressful events will guarantee that you cannot be relaxed voluntarily, there are several ways to make sure you get the relaxation you need. Stress-reduction techniques and an exercise regimen such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi are all great methods to introduce some relaxation that your body craves for. These activities can literally take your mind and body away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life without you physically traveling somewhere far away.
These activities are said to have the capacity to lower stress hormones and improve one's immunity. A study has shown that people who do yoga constantly can enjoy a significant decrease of their body's inflammatory responses. Therefore, not only will you decrease your stress level, you can also stay away from chronic diseases such as heart diseases caused by inflammation. No matter how draining your day is, dedicating a certain amount of time a day to focus on relaxation and not caring about what is happening around us is very beneficial.
Surround yourself with friends
A top stress buster is laughter. No sane person can genuinely laugh by themselves for any apparent reason. Therefore, if you want your stress levels to go down, go out and laugh with friends. Surrounding yourself with your friends who care about you is one great way to keep stress away.
Spending time alone may at times be good, but being cooped up on your own most of the time can be detrimental to your mental and heart health. At the very least, being alone all the time will make it harder for your to keep negative thoughts at bay and stress will drown you. Women are more particularly prone to this.
Stop striving for perfection
Striving for something that cannot happen immediately can be stressful. One thing that no one can be is perfect, no matter how hard you try. The more you strive to be perfect, the more you will become hostile and isolated against others. After all, it is quite difficult to strive to be the best and at the same time think nicely of everyone.
This behavior not only makes you feel sad, but it is also unhealthy for your heart. If you want to keep stress at bay, be nice to people and be optimistic. Forget being perfect, focus on being at peace.
Let go and lighten up
Nothing is more stressful than holding a grudge. Letting your anger stew for such a long time can eat you up. In fact, this can lead to a high level of psychological stress. Forgiveness is the best way to go. In relation to this, lighten up.
Stress might be a constant in your life, but you should not let this drown you. Fight back by relaxing more and worrying less. Let go of negative vibes and surround yourself with good friends. Learn to forgive and forget, and just laugh and live more.


text:
- News
- Volunteer of the Week: Adam Rosenthal '15
Volunteer of the Week: Adam Rosenthal '15
This week's Kenney Community Center Volunteer of the Week is Adam Rosenthal '15.
Adam is an active member of the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser planning committee. Coordinated by student volunteers like Adam through the Kenney Community Center, Empty Bowls features dinner, entertainment and a celebration of community, benefiting Bethesda House, Schenectady City Mission and Concern for the Hungry. Over the last three years, Union students have raised more than $8,000 to help fight hunger.
Originally from Mill Valley California, Adam is a Psychology and Philosophy interdisciplinary major. Adam started his first year at Union as a participant in the Kenney Center's Community Experience pre-orientation. Adam is a member of Union's Lacrosse team, as well as a regular volunteer at the Ozone Café.


text:
We Restore Lives!
NJ Expungements of Criminal Records — An Overview
Are you applying to nursing school? Would you like to be a teacher? Are you seeking a New Jersey firearms identification card? Perhaps you want to adopt a child, or coach a Little League® baseball team, or be a school crossing guard. Maybe you're looking for a job in securities, or at Home Depot. Were you ever charged with shoplifting? Or busted for smoking a joint? Are any felony convictions, or even arrests, on your record?
Expungement (or expunction) in New Jersey is the isolation of a criminal record. The actual record is not literally "erased." It does, however, become generally not available from government sources. In that sense, it is erased from the sight of people doing public records searches through the courts, through the police, and even through the FBI.
Why Have Your NJ Record Expunged?
Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tis something, nothing;
'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands;
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him,
And makes me poor indeed.
Othello Act 3, scene 3, 155-161
A clean criminal record is an asset. A very important asset. It often determines whether an applicant gets a particular job. Getting a criminal record expunged sometimes determines whether a person who already has a particular job can keep that job, or advance in the organization. It can also affect decisions of professional licensing boards. In our increasingly uptight society, criminal record checks are required of nurses, volunteer sports coaches, day care center workers, persons seeking to be foster parents, or adopt children, applicants for a firearms permit, and persons applying for school positions, to name but a few. Expungements enable an applicant to avoid unpleasant consequences of past situations.
Another benefit is psychological. The weight of the past is lifted from the shoulders of the person whose record was previously saddled with this blemish. As former client M.D. put it, "It's a new beginning."
About NJExpungements.com
This is the web site of New Jersey expungement lawyer Allan Marain. This site provides information on expunging New Jersey records of arrests and convictions. It discusses, in much more detail, concepts touched upon on this page. This site will hopefully assist you to learn the benefits of expungement of New Jersey criminal arrests, New Jersey criminal convictions, as well as limitations on when records can be expunged, and what expungement of New Jersey records of arrests and convictions can do for you. It will answer questions like these, and many more:
If you would like to expunge your NJ criminal record, Allan Marain can help.
A New Beginning FAQ Difficult Cases Our Guarantee Eligibility Review Your Arrest History
Testimonials "Plan B" *** New Law *** Court Decisions After the Expungement DNA
Mental Health Records Child Abuse Registry Motor Vehicle Offenses Radio Promo Contact Us!


text:
JA Teline IV Introduction
The much awaited JA Teline IV has been released as December Template for Joomla. With fresh styles and updated extensions along with support for K2 and FlexiContent, the adaptability for existing sites would be breeze. New extensions have been developed and older one's updated to support more features and be flexible to work for multiple sources of articles such as K2 and even FlexiContent. Not to mention, this Joomla template is powered with robust T3v3 Framework.
More features about Teline IV are outlined in the Blog Post Must Read . Dont miss it. Take time and view our complete Teline Series of News Templates JA Teline III V2, JA Teline III V1, JA Teline II and JA Teline I.
Complimentary extensions
3rd Party Extensions


text:
With an interest in all things cultural, when we stumbled across this gem we had to share it.
Japan is a country so rich in tradition it's not surprising that, to do business there, you need to know the ropes. Meishi, business cards in Japanese, are an important and often vital part of doing good business in Japan. Although the Japanese wouldn't expect a foreigner to know every rule when it comes to business card etiquette, knowing the basics could create relationships where others may stumble.
So those are the steps to a successful Meishi exchange… to take a look at it in action see the video below:
© 2018 Global Lingo Ltd. All rights reserved.


text:
Both species are real nuisance for humans and pets. They tend to be nagging and even threatening in some cases, so it is very important to identify who infested your house to start treatment as soon as possible. This article is written on materials of a site – getridpests.com, article "flea bites vs bed bug bites – characteristics and pictures". Here are five factors that will show who exactly attacked you or your pets.
How They Look?
Traces of fleas are most likely to be discovered in clusters of 4-20 spots on any place of human body. They often look like dots of 2-4 mm with dark red centre.
Crum bites are flat and somewhat raised huge spots 10-30 mm wide. As a rule, people find them in a straight line of 3-4 spots, but it is not necessarily so.
Here you can see that traces left by insects are located in different patterns:
2. How Fast Are They Revealed?
Spots left by hoppers swell in less than an hour. Right from this moment, they start itching considerably. Within two days, spots may turn into open sores, bubbles or blisters:
Since saliva of crums contains anesthetic components and anticoagulants, it delays skin irritation and itching for several days, or even weeks. When anesthetic wears off, itching appears, and it becomes worse later on.
Are Diseases Transmitted?
Bed bugs do not transmit any disease. So if you have high temperature, weakness, nausea, or any other symptom that accompanies itching, fleas might be the reason. The only consequence of the first insect's attacks is formation of bubbles in spots.
How Often Do Pests Feed On You?
Typically, crums need to eat every 7-10 days, so they appear on average once a week while you sleep. These insects do not disturb people often, leaving just a few spots. On the contrary, a female fleas eat several times a day and night, so it stings frequently and generates several dots within 24 hours.
Flea Bites vs Bed Bug Bites: How Often Pets Are Attacked?
Your pet is what can help to discern pest. Fleas prefer hiding in hairy coat of animals as far as it provides cozy shelter. Bed bugs live in mattresses and furniture, which is why they bite humans solely. When you see your pet scratching permanently, it must be flea infestation.
Above mentioned points will help you to indentify the root of problem. As soon as you learn who infested your house, kill insects immediately.


text: It's often said that variety is the spice of life, and that's true in many cases — just not on Super Bowl Sunday. As everybody knows, buffalo sauce is the preferred spice of life on Super Bowl Sunday, hands down. READ: New Study Says Guys Who Like Spicy Food Have More Testosterone That being said, you can still inject a little variety into your game-day gathering by swapping out a tray of buffalo wings for a different buffalo-drenched appetizer, such as popcorn, cauliflower, or even French-bread pizza. In fact, we've gathered 18 great ideas for buffalo-based recipes below, and each looks just as delicious as a plate of fiery wings. Try one of the following recipes at this year's Super Bowl party, but just be sure not to skimp on that sauce. (Like we said earlier, "variety" is fine and dandy, but it's no substitute for Frank's RedHot.)


text:
Overkill has done it again. They once again have written a crazy album that meets expectations and then keeps going. This time, our 10-track audio armageddon is called, The Electric Age. I don't know how they do it, but from "Come and Get It" to the closing notes of "Good …Read More »
Home / Tag Archives: the electric age


text:
Join the Jackpot Club at Blue Lake Casino & Hotel! Hit a jackpot over $1,200 and you'll be awarded an exclusive Jackpot Club t-shirt or hat, plus an invitation to our monthly Jackpot Club party! We'd love to give you a photo keepsake in a special frame too.
Interested in which machines have hit jackpots? Ask for the Jackpot Club Book at the Redwood Rewards Club! You'll see some of the jackpots that are hit below, but the book contains a list of all jackpots that have been hit recently.


text:
Republican presidential challenger Mitt Romney hailed Poland's economy Tuesday as something akin to a Republican dream: a place of small government, individual empowerment and free enterprise.
While it's true that Poland is one of Europe's fastest-growing economies and boasts dynamic entrepreneurs, Romney's depiction of Poland as a place of small government is debatable. Even 23 years after throwing off a communist command economy, the Polish government continues to have a strong presence in people's lives: it gives women $300 for each baby they have, doubling that sum for poor families; it fully funds state university educations; and it guarantees health care to all its 38 million citizens.
And while Poland's economic growth has certainly been impressive in recent years, this is partly the result of economic redistribution in the form of subsidies that have been flowing in from the European Union since it joined the bloc in 2004.
"Rather than heeding the false promise of a government-dominated economy, Poland sought to stimulate innovation, attract investment, expand trade, and live within its means," Romney said in a speech in Warsaw. "Your success today is a reminder that the principles of free enterprise can propel an economy and transform a society."
His comments appeared to be an indirect criticism of President Barack Obama's handling of the economy as it struggles to recover from one of the worst recessions in decades.
Romney hasn't yet described his own economic program in detail, but he has generally advocated lower taxes, free markets, less regulation and balancing the federal budget. He has also been highly critical of the government economic stimulus program under which Obama poured money into the economy in an effort to revive it from a deep recession.
He criticizes the new U.S. federal law aimed at increasing the number of people with health insurance, saying such policy decisions shouldn't be dictated by Washington, but left up to individual states.
In Warsaw, Romney heaped praise on Poland, saying that it "empowered the individual, lifted the heavy hand of government, and became the fastest-growing economy in all of Europe."
Poland is indeed one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, with growth of 4.3 percent last year and projected growth of around 3 percent this year — enviable numbers in an ailing Europe where some countries are in recession and many others are stagnant. Business people have also taken to capitalism, with small and medium businesses flourishing around the country.
But the government's role is bigger than in the U.S. According to International Monetary Fund statistics, total government expenditure as a percentage of GDP was about 44 percent last year — compared to 41 percent in the United States.
Romney is on target when he notes that Poland has been living within its means — more or less, anyway. Last year, for example, state debt was 55 percent of GDP, making Warsaw look virtuous compared to many other European countries — or even the United States, whose debt was 103 percent of GDP, according to the IMF.
The government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk is struggling to bring down debt further, mindful of the predicament that Greece and other countries are now in, and recent cost-cutting reforms have won the praises of the rating agencies.
But his depiction of Poland as a haven for innovation and investment is certainly exaggerated. Just attend a meeting of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Warsaw or another business group, and the complaints are many: red tape makes it hard to start new businesses, a rigid labor code makes it difficult to fire ineffective employees, corruption and a slow court system can make it hard to enforce contracts.
Some also say that while their companies benefit from a skilled work force, the legacy of communism is still felt in a fear of risk-taking that hurts innovation.
Most Americans would also not trade in their standard of living for Poland's. Growth has been dynamic in part because the country started off from such a low point after throwing off communism. Romney did not mention that unemployment is 12.4 percent or that wages are low. GDP per capita last year in Poland was $20,600 compared to $49,000 in the U.S., according to U.S. government data.
Gera is AP's chief correspondent in Poland and has covered the country since 2004.


text:
An Indian employee of Tata America International Corp. has filed Tuesday a lawsuit in an U.S. court, charging that Tata has unjustly enriched itself by requiring all of its employees in the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens to endorse and sign over their federal and state tax refund checks to Tata.
The employee's law firm, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP, announced Tuesday that Gopi Vedachalam filed a nationwide class action lawsuit in U.S. District Court in San Francisco against Tata America International Corp., and its parent corporations Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., and Tata Sons Ltd.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is India's largest software and services outsourcer. Indian outsourcers typically depute staff to the U.S. to work on client's sites.
A spokesman for TCS in Mumbai said that the company has as yet not received the papers relating to the case. "We have however been advised that we are compliant with all state and federal laws (in the U.S.)," he added.
The case constitutes one of the first class action lawsuits for violation of labor laws against a company engaged in "reverse outsourcing," bringing foreign citizens to the U.S. to work in U.S. corporations, the law firm said.
The complaint charges that most Tata employees in the U.S. are not U.S. citizens. These employees are granted visas, which allow them to work and live in the country. Tata requires each employee to sign an agreement which states that the employee's gross amount of compensation will be includable as earnings in the U.S. and reported to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The complaint alleges that these employees are not paid the amount promised them in these agreements.
The complaint further alleges that at least until July last year Tata required its employees that were not U.S. citizens to sign power of attorney agreements delegating an outside agency to calculate and submit each employee's tax return to state and federal authorities. Tata then required these employees who received tax refunds from state and federal tax authorities to endorse the tax refund checks and send them back to Tata, according to the complaint.
The complaint charges that Tata's conduct violates California Labor Code Section 221 which makes it unlawful "for any employer to collect or receive from an employee any part of wages theretofore paid by said employer to said employee."
From 2000 to 2003, plaintiff Gopi Vedachalam worked in Hayward, California, as a Tata project manager, according to information provided by the law firm. Since 2003, he has worked as a Tata project manager for a client in Woodland Hills, California. Vedachalam is asking the federal court to certify the case as a class action and issue an injunction against Tata, preventing it from requiring its employees to endorse their tax refund checks to the company to the extent it is still doing so. The complaint also seeks compensation and damages for current and former employees who were not paid what they were promised and who were deprived of their tax refunds.


text:
For added convenience, two analog output modes, 2V into 1 M ? and 1V into 50 ? impedance, are also provided. The enhanced 1830-R (-GPIB) Optical Power Meters are hot-swappable among detectors, such as Newport's low-power 818-series photodiodes and Newport's higher-sensitivity 918D photodiode detector series. The ultraviolet (UV), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), or indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) detectors operate in the 200-1800 nm wavelengths.
Newport Corporation
949-863-3144, www.newport.com


text:
Look out sunbeams nation we have a duplex for sale. Duplex or homes in pervasive about definite areas of California are expensive. Therefore, you privation resources to aid you near determination both of the high-grade bargains.
Today, you have more treasures than you can consider. The Internet opens doors to duplex for sale, as well as valid estate multiple in Baja, Orange Country, San Diego, San Francisco, Hollywood, and so on. Some of the listings online involve the triplex, fourplex, two fiction duplex and multi-family units. Rentals and chartered units are offered online at solid estate centers too.
Look say Baja, since you will brainstorm water panorama multiple homes for less than $400 per month. The iii bedroom duplex, include the standard.Post ads:
Trumpet Italian Charm Bracelet Jewelry Link / Hoter Double Flat Shoelace Sports Canvas Sneaker Shoe / Posey Heel Guard, Dimensions: 12'' L x 7 1/2'' H
Some areas put on the market duplex in a circle Mediterranean areas. You have the duplex for selling that product up the three stories near a wide the deep display. The borough unsocial will astound you. You have a attitude of the Pacific. The duplexes in several areas geographical area obviously exquisite Coronado Islands. Living practical the sandy beaches you will wallow in California homes next to ended 200 angular feet of metre lots, leveled intersecting charming Mediterranean attractions. Some of the duplex real belongings in California are, as low as $110, 000.
Around Baja, you will breakthrough delightful sand multiple for dutch auction California homes. Some of the multiple are situated at the deep orientation sites. You will brainwave the two bedrooms, with a azygous bath and so on. The duplexes, whatever have large patios so that you can slow down patch enjoy lavishing, views of the ocean. Some of the two chamber duplexes have one and fractional car outbuilding.
Real belongings sites online make a contribution you numerous resources. You will discovery thousands of listings at the genuine material possession web sites. Some of the listings list three-bedroom multiple for dutch auction. Some manager gives you the choice of transaction for a night, or other will discuss pricing if you take not to buy. Three bedrooms normally have two baths, duple sheltered slumber lofts. Some duplexes are effusive furnished; as well, you have utensils on hand beside few duplex homes.Post ads:
Spenco Orthotic Arch Supports - Full Length SIZE 3 / DueNorth All Purpose Traction Aid OVERSIZED / Tarrago Self Shine Color Dye 25ml. Double 101 Magenta
Some of the iii bedrooms determine implicit the sea. In addition, you have options with the duplexes geographical area the attractive California Mountains and Estuary. You have over 39 yards of aquatics strip at whichever multiple California homes.
Check the Internet for bargains since whichever are going spare. Specifically, if you are penetrating for duplex in California concrete estate, you poorness to the optimum deals you can breakthrough. Use the actual estate web sites to get quotes, equate costs, and check pricing, specifics and much. Most actual belongings sites submit uncommitted tools. It pays to reply near historical material possession agents also, since these relations alter in assisting you beside uncovering multiple for merchandising in California that fit you life style and budget. In addition, you will breakthrough duplex genuine belongings in else areas of the planetary.


text:
IHTM: I Tried a Skincare Product That Jacked Up My Skin Barrier So Here's How I Handled It
I basically called my mom for help. Except when I say mom, I mean an esthetician.
A few weeks ago, Madeline placed an order for adorable Korean beauty products from KollectionK, and then gushed about what she received on xoJane.
When KollectionK saw her post, they were all like, "HERE, HAVE SOME MORE!" and sent her the most adorable soaps in the history of hygiene.
They immediately reminded me of the erasers I collected as a kid. I looooooved erasers that looked like anything but erasers. and I sure as hell didn't use them to do any erasing! And I don't think I'd use these soaps to wash up, either.
Right now, she's keeping the smaller ones, like the ring cookie, in her lingerie drawer to make her unmentionables smell more mentionable, and she has the bigger ones, like the cupcake, up on a shelf with tchotchkes, including but not limited to a corgi figurine.
But should she actually use them in the bathroom for washy purposes at some point? Today's Quick Question By Proxy: Could you bring yourself to use soap THIS CUTE?


text:
Former West Side priest Daniel McCormack will not be released from custody on Friday, according to a spokeswoman from the Illinois Attorney General's office.
The Cook County State's Attorney's and Illinois Attorney General's offices will file a petition on Wednesday under the state's Sexually Violent Persons Act to have McCormack civilly committed.
Cara Smith, spokeswoman for the attorney general's office, said McCormack fits the criteria for the program based on the number of victims, his "offending pattern" and the fact that he molested children after law enforcement initially brought him in for questioning.


text:
You most likely know already that Zebra Print Wedding Invitations is one of the trendiest topics on the internet now. Depending on the information we got from adwords, Zebra Print Wedding Invitations has incredibly search online search engine. We expect that Zebra Print Wedding Invitations offer fresh options or references for followers.
We've learned lots of sources about Zebra Print Wedding Invitations but we feel this is the greatest. I hope you would also consider our opinion. This image has been published by the author of this blog page. You can get this picture by simply clicking the save button or right click the graphic and choose save.
We hope whatever we give to you can be useful. If you would like, you are able to distribute this article for your companion, loved ones, online community, or you can also book mark this page.]@
About ♦ Contact ♦ Privacy Policy ♦ Terms of Service ♦ Copyright/IP Policy
Copyright © 2017 · Dels-mfg.com - Wedding Ideas and Inspiration. All Rights Reserved.
Any content, trademark/s, or other material that might be found on the Dels-mfg.com website that is not Dels-mfg.com's property remains the copyright of its respective owner/s.
In no way does Dels-mfg.com claim ownership or responsibility for such items, and you should seek legal consent for any use of such materials from its owner.


text:
We are selling a 2005/55 plate Volkswagen Polo E 55 1.2 5 door hatchback that is finished in Metallic Grey with Grey/Black cloth interior.
The car has covered a genuine 62000 miles from new.The car is MOT'D until the 6th of October 2018 but can come with a brand new 12 month MOT for a cost of £75.
The engine and gearbox is in full working order with no crunching as it moves up through the gears.
The car will come with the v5, mot certificate,previous mot history and service history from brand new. A full hpi is welcome.
The bodywork of the car is in very good condition for its age with only one or Two minor dings here and there, however, overall it is a great looking car.
The interior if the car is in superb condition with no rips or tears and has not been smoked in so has no nasty odours.
The tyres still have plenty of tread and show no signs of needing replaced soon. The overall car for its year is in great condition.
This car has colour coded bumpers,tinted glass,electric windows and many more options
This would be an excellent runabout, family car or first car for someone and i am sure first to see will buy.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our office on 01416470333 or on our out of office number 07880331332 and one of our team will be delighted to assist you.
***Any trade in considered and Cards Accepted***
Please visit www.watersidevehiclesales.com to see our fabulous range of cars under £3000. we always keep over 30 lovely cars in stock at one time and our team of fully qualified engineers ensure that the cars are prepared and inspected to the highest standards available


text:
Can the GOP Get Out of Its Own Way?
January 28, 2014
(The Daily Beast) Another day, another idiotic comment by a Republican—or at least that's what it seems like. At this point I have to wonder if the advisors hired by the GOP actually hate the Republican Party.
Could it be that Republican National Committee Chair Reince Priebus accidentally hired Democratic consultants? Or perhaps certain Republicans have a fear of success, so they are subconsciously sabotaging their own party? Of course, there is the possibility that what many of us view as cringeworthy statements are actually the views held by most in the GOP.
Whatever the reason, the Republican Party in the last month alone has churned out more jaw dropping sound bytes than Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus combined. And that's no easy feat.
At this point, being the RNC chair means always having to say you're sorry. Or at least being called upon to contextualize and explain outlandish remarks made by some in the Republican Party.
And the biggest irony is that this is supposed to be the "new and improved" Republican Party thanks to the famed "Growth and Opportunity Project" released last year. This autopsy report was billed as the GOP's treasure map to electoral gold with helpful hints for Republicans to improve their messaging so that they could attract more women, minorities, the young, etc. Clearly, some Republicans haven't read the report—or perhaps some just don't know how to read.
In any event, lets take a quick a look at the Republican gaffes that have occurred in the last month alone:
To continue reading please visit The Daily Beast.com


text:
I watched my son and his preschool group on the playground this past fall. I saw a little boy filled with compassion, the only child who worked to not only acknowledge the tiny girl with Downs Syndrome, but to actively invite her into activites, and help her with her shoes. His teachers commented on this at the teacher-parent meeting, and how the previous year he was known for not hesitating, running to hug any crying child and ask, are you ok? He was 2. This child, who seemed to wriggle out of the womb with a smile, who hardly ever cried, and can charm even the coldest stranger, this child who never takes a bad photo (he has even had photo development folks ask to copy his photo for their stands), I fear for him. His greatest gift is that he has a well of instinctive compassion, and a skill for kindness. He is a typical boy too- he competes with his brother from time to time, and has been known to recklessly throw a shoe at the cat in a moment of high enthusiasm to get her to pay attention to him. But he feels instantly regretful, running up to her and telling her he is sorry. I have cried at night when I have seen him earlier in the day rejected by another child, or treated with distanced curiosity by children who are not as open, enthusiastic, or kind. He struggles with his impulsiveness and lack of focus (distractibility) to a degree that makes me fear he might be dyslexic (like his grandfather, and genetic links for dyslexia are becoming clear in research), or have attention deficit issues. Yet at the same time he sings precisely in tune, and has lyrics memorized effortlessly. He is altogether a normal kid, but for his outstanding ability for kindness.
I have given the notion of kindness a lot of thought in the past few weeks. Spontaneous/random acts of kindness has become a hip bumper sticker, a phrase for talk show hosts to throw about; setting up the expectation that a single act gives an individual moral integrity, even authority–but the truth is, it does not. Real kindness is not popular. It does not make one popular, it is not profitable, it does not seek attention, nor does it offer clear long-term benefits. There is no sell advantage, no advertising, that addresses real kindness.
It does not take the Bible, the Koran, the Bhagavad-Gita, or any text to determine and instruct anyone on kindness, though they have been known to help. I argue that our current dominant culture pressures us NOT to develop the skills of kindness, from a very young age. When moral and religious texts are used to popularize hate and war, kindness is gone from the message. When money, prestige, appearance, and being first- and only first- dominate all forms of media and symbolism, there is no kindness. Token PSAs reminding people to drive with caution, to learn to negotiate instead of fight, fall on deaf ears. Any instinctual, social drive to be kind is quickly eradicated by fear. Fear of failure, fear of association, fear of rejection.
My in-laws are on a trip through the Southwest right now. In the snow with night falling, they found themselves in desolate northern New Mexico with a bad tire. A young Latin man stopped, made sure they were o.k., and helped them fix it. When Pops offered him money, he shook his head with a smile, thrust his hands into his pockets, and got into his car and drove away. Enacting kindness is difficult, but accepting it can also be hard. It can make us feel weak, vulnerable, or needy. Accepting kindness, especially with grace and sincere thanks, even pleasure, is none of those things.
I read a recent study reporting that even very small babies had a way to intuit who was kind and who was not. This has clear evolutionary advantages for babies, but might it also be a sign of the deep need for compassionate social interaction- that lasts until we die? Critics of the technological revolutions of the 20th century claim the worst that has happened is that our humanity has been diminished, that we have become even less communal and more isolated, reduced to cogs in machines, or passively vegetated in front of one. While this is certainly true to some extent, it has also offered new ways to connect to people. It is not a balanced picture, and not in a vacuum, separate from the bigger context of what has been happening on a global scale. We in the US have of late bought into innuring ourselves from criticism or self examination with desperate exclamations of fight for freedom, we are the free world, and lots of other catch phrases intended to salve the fears of struggling people, reduce complexity to simple ideas, and most importantly, obfuscate any ability to show self-examination or self-knowledge. We are, as it has been said, entertaining, or Amusing ourselves to death (Neil Postman, Penguin, 1986).
When we crawl out from the barrage of media, objects, and activities we immerse ourselves in, what do we have left? Do we surface, heads above it all for a moment, and see family members? Good and true friends? Do we feel hope, a shifting quality about life that is not immediately tied to anything in particular, but is a force in our lives we cant live without (Hope dies last: Keeping the Faith in Difficult Times, Studs Terkel, New Press, 2003)? If we see or feel none of this, then it is a desolate horizon we turn from, sinking again into the obfuscating madness.
How do I value, encourage, and nurture the ability for kindness in my son? This thing which comes so easily to him now, and is only beginning to cost him emotionally? How do I help him feel connected when he is inevitably rejected, when he is discouraged, and when he is lonely? How do I remind him that accepting kindness is often one of the kindest things we can do? Who will be there for him when I am gone?
Perhaps if anyone had asked these fundamental questions early on about the children who perpetrated the Columbine massacre, it would not have happened. It is just an idea, and the backlash can already be heard. We dont want to think about preventative medicines, preventative social efforts, or the what ifs that implicate us all in what we do. We want to toss change into the pickle jar for the cancer victim at the gas station, make the donation to the United Way, wave a driver in front of us in traffic and let that suffice for kindness, and feel good about it. We dont want to think about these actions as less than the very baseline of action we ought to have in order to live real kindness. We dont want to risk that fuzzy place in the social order we fight for every day, risk being seen as weird or unacceptable, or weak. We dont want to ask why we fear these things, or think of them as risks at all. Self knowledge is scary, and sticking your neck out is dangerous, right?
Who hugs the old man who waits for his free Monday breakfast outside the Co-op diner, alone and set apart from the cluster of chain smokers huddled at the other end of the walk? Who runs up and asks the woman waiting at the bus stop if she is ok, and why is she crying? Who helps the old couple stuck on the highway in the snow to change their tire? Who asks the little boy playing by himself in the sand what he is doing and what he likes? Who helps the little girl with the funny eyes struggling to put her shoes on? And WHY ARENT WE DISCUSSING THESE QUESTIONS?
Imagine theres no heaven
Its easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine theres no countries
It isnt hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that Im a dreamer
But Im not the only one
I hope someday youll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that Im a dreamer
But Im not the only one
I hope someday youll join us
And the world will live as one
John Lennon, 1971


text:
Frank Mir has always been a fantastic speaker, meshing eloquence with a seemingly limitless depth of knowledge in regards to the topic of beating dudes the hell up. This was true in at UFC 34 in 2001, when I first interviewed him, and it's still true to this day (as evidenced by my interview with him at UFC 169). Some fighters' mental faculties degrade when they've been in the game a long time, but despite all his years in the cage, Mir's brain cells are intact.
Which is why he should retire. Immediately.
We all saw the beating he took at the hands of Alistair Overeem on Saturday night. At no point was the former UFC heavyweight champ really in the contest. Sure, he survived an onslaught that would've surely killed lesser men, but no one wants to watch a fight with the presumption that a competitor's best means to merely come out alive. We want a match-up where either warrior can come out on top. Sadly, somewhere along the timeline between now and when he snapped Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's arm at UFC 140, the Las Vegas native lost the ability to win, and now when we see him he's either taking beatings and losing decisions – to Overeem and Daniel Cormier – or taking beatings and losing consciousness (Mir vs. Junior dos Santos and Mir vs. Josh Barnett).
It's clear at this point that Mir will never again come within shouting distance of a heavyweight title shot, and that sucks, because the times he's worn the belt, he's been a great, exciting champ and rock-solid ambassador of the sport. Unfortunately, what's also clear is that despite this, the premium on violence still reigns, and unless Mir retires, there will always be a steady stream of young bucks waiting for a turn to batter the former champ on their own way up the rankings.
What do you think? Should Mir call it quits?


text:
After a long, hot summer of sad Thursday nights, Fox's popular television series The OC has returned. It's about time.
For those who still haven't tuned in, the show revolves around a group of teenagers and their families in sparkly, sunny Orange County, California. The action centers on the Cohen family–Sandy (Peter Gallagher), Kirsten (Kelly Rowan) and their son Seth (Adam Brody), who is described on the show's official site as "an existential hero in the spirit of Holden Caulfield." In episode one, they took misfit Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie) into their gorgeous mansion and set him up in their gargantuan pool house. Shootings, overdoses, book deals, fisticuffs–and, of course, plenty of teen romance–provide the drama for these rebels-with-many-causes; savvy, self-conscious dialogue and a finely tuned soundtrack make it into something more than just another nighttime soap opera. But the season premiere showed, once again, that all things are not equal in TV land.
When The OC debuted in 2003, creator Josh Schwartz crowed that this would be a show that focused on the relationships of adults as much as on the relationships of teenagers. For its first year, Kirsten and Sandy's marriage functioned as a model relationship. Last season, when they began to have problems, super-bitch Julie Cooper Nichol (brilliantly played by Melinda Clarke) told Kirsten that she wouldn't know what to do if the two of them split. "You and Sandy are, like, the moral center of the universe," she declared, and many viewers–this one included–nodded in assent. Who wouldn't want to be one-half of Sandy and Kirsten?
It's really a question of which half. Sandy is a big-hearted former public defender and a model dad. Virginia Heffernan, in a 2003 article for Slate, hailed him as "what's best about The OC.") Bushy-browed, bagel-buying Sandy is the glue that holds the Cohens together. He cracks the jokes. He sees through the hypocrisy. When he goes in for a hug, the music swells.
Not much happens when Kirsten goes in for a hug. Come to think of it, it doesn't seem like Kirsten does that much hugging. When she isn't fighting with her dad (he died at the end of season two) or working late at the office, she's… well, it's not really clear what she's doing.
We know plenty about Sandy: He likes to surf, he loves Steve McQueen, he has a knack for performing corny love songs. We know about his serious college sweetheart and their radical politics. Yet all we know about Kirsten is that she's a mom, and that she's not so good at it: She can't cook (they order takeout on Thanksgiving); she doesn't clean; and when she's not not-cooking or not-cleaning, she's drinking. She chugged margaritas at Thanksgiving, took a wine tour with a co-worker and downed vodka at her dad's funeral.


text:
North Kansas City Hospital is seeking a Content Marketing Coordinator (CMC) to develop copy and raise public awareness of NKCH and its physician practice network Meritas Health. Through earned, owned and paid media initiatives, the CMC is responsible for promoting the brand tone, hospital mission and new services in publications, marketing materials, social media, blogging, e-mail outreach and digital marketing communications. The CMC is an integral part of the marketing team and reports to the Marketing and Communications Director.
EXPERIENCE: 5+ years of relevant experience with a focus on healthcare communications and/or public relations. SPECIAL SKILLS: Excellent verbal, interpersonal, public speaking and presentation skills. Editorial competency: ability to create concise, compelling content and follow AP style. Copy editing skills and attention to detail are imperative. Excellent project management skills and ability to juggle multiple deadlines. Can work in a highly collaborative environment. Must have portfolio of writing samples, including news releases, feature stories, pitch letters, talking points and targeted messages for various media outlets. Understanding of search engine insights that drive content improvements.
EDUCATION: Required: Bachelors - English, Bachelors - Journalism, Preferred: Masters - English, Masters – Journalism


text:
TRIPOLI, Libya – The chief of Libya's former rebels arrived in Tripoli on Saturday, greeted in a boisterous red carpet welcome meant to show he's taking charge of the interim government replacing the ousted regime of Muammar Qaddafi.
But even as Libya's new leaders tried to consolidate control over the vast country, Qaddafi loyalists pushed back hard against an assault on the town of Bani Walid, one of Qaddafi's remaining strongholds, suggesting the battle is far from over.
Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, head of the anti-Qaddafi forces' National Transitional Council, landed Saturday at an air force base on the outskirts of Tripoli. A tattered red carpet was rolled out, and hundreds of fighters and officials in suits rushed toward the plane as he walked down the steps. Some flashed victory signs or shouted "God is great."
Abdul-Jalil was mobbed by the crowd as he tried to make his way to the air force building. At one point, a fistfight broke out between two guards. One of the guards waved a pistol in the air and was knocked down by bystanders using a metal detector and a potted plant, before Abdul-Jalil was rushed into a secure area.
Despite the chaos, no shots were fired.
Abdul-Jalil's arrival was meant to show that the former rebels are getting ready to establish their government in the capital. Until now, most of leaders of the anti-Qaddafi movement had been based in the eastern city of Benghazi.
The leader's presence "means that Tripoli is safe and that we can look to the future," said Atia al-Mansouri, a former air force pilot who was among those waiting on the tarmac.
Revolutionary forces entered Tripoli on Aug. 21, six months after the uprising against Qaddafi began.
The fall of Tripoli effectively sealed the fate of Qaddafi's regime, but Abdul-Jalil stayed away from the capital until Saturday. His absence had at times raised questions about the former rebels' ability to take charge.
Officials close to Abdul-Jalil cited security concerns as one of the reasons for his prolonged absence.
While anti-Qaddafi forces have driven armed loyalists out of Tripoli, the security situation remains shaky. The capital has been flooded with weapons, including those in the hands of civilians.
Earlier Saturday, as reporters waited for Abdul-Jalil's arrival at the air force base, a group of fighters escorted a wooden coffin to a nearby plane. The coffin carried a fighter who was killed Friday by a young civilian in Tripoli's main square. The assailant drew a pistol and shot the fighter in the chest, after being told he could not enter the square, said Rafa al-Mogherbi, a fighter who witnessed the shooting.