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'Joe Millionaire' Zaps Jacko
Unknown to the world just a few weeks ago, Evan Marriott has overthrown the King of Pop — at least, on network television.
Marriott, of course, was the make-believe moneybags of Fox's "Joe Millionaire" who, on the finale of this unscripted-but-staged mating dance, chose Zora over Sarah as his lady love.
Meanwhile, viewers roundly chose Marriott over Michael Jackson, the subject of rival specials on ABC and NBC.
According to Nielsen numbers, the "Joe Millionaire" finale, which aired 8 to 10 p.m. EST Monday, drew an average 34.6 million viewers. The audience soared to 40 million in the second hour.
This figure approaches that of last year's Academy Awards broadcast of 41.8 million. It was the highest series telecast on any network since CBS' premiere of "Survivor II" in January 2001
in the post-Super Bowl slot — according to Fox, which also said it was Fox's highest-rated entertainment program ever.
The enormous number dwarfed the 11.9 million audience for the 9-to-10-p.m. hour of a "Dateline NBC" special, "Michael Jackson Unmasked," airing head-to-head against "Joe Millionaire." The "Dateline" 10-to-11-p.m. hour rose to 17.2 million viewers.
"Joe Millionaire" also substantially outdrew ABC's Feb. 6 broadcast of a two-hour Jackson special produced by British television; its audience averaged 27.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched show for that week.
ABC repeated that special Monday night from 9 to 11 p.m., drawing an audience of 9.5 million viewers. From 8 to 9 p.m., ABC aired a "PrimeTime" special, "The Many Faces of Michael Jackson," which drew 10 million viewers.
Fox, not to miss out on Michael-mania, plans to air an alternative, more sympathetic version of the ABC special, called "Michael Jackson Take 2: The Interview They Wouldn't Show You," on Thursday.
For the moment, however, Fox can savor its triumph by "Joe Millionaire."
The 28-year-old Marriott is presumably happy, too. On the finale
taped last Thanksgiving — he and Zora Andrich, the dark-haired, New Jersey schoolteacher, were presented with a $1 million check from the show.
Although such a windfall would be chump change to the $50 million heir Marriott was pretending to be on the show, in reality he was a construction worker making $19,000 a year.
But Zora, who beat out blond Sarah Kozer, didn't care that he had lied to her, along with the other 19 women who had vied for his affections through the competition.
"I really was turned off by the fact that you inherited all that money," she told him after digesting his confession.
One of several among the networks' latest crop of so-called reality series, "Millionaire" began its run Jan. 6 — and instantly proved a hit with its blend of dating game and practical joke. It attracted 18.6 million viewers for its premiere.
And Monday's smash conclusion isn't exactly a conclusion. Next week, millionaire lovebirds Evan and Zora will be back for a Fox special, "Joe Millionaire: The Aftermath."


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May 21, 2019, 8:00 AM - August 30, 2019, 5:00 PM @ Wichita Falls
Children wishing to visit the library during the summer months will be able to take a bus for free to the library. Any child ages 8 and up can ride the City bus to and from the library for free. Children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult, who may also ride to the library without paying a fare. Fare cards are available for pickup at the library. Children will have the back of their fare card stamped as validation that they have visited the library. The event begins May 28th and ends August 23rd, 2019.
August 1, 2019, 8:00 AM - September 1, 2019, 5:00 PM @ Backdoor Theatre
A gracious foundation has given its support to Backdoor Theatre's School! All registrations are only $100! Limited Spots Open! Open to K-12th Graders. Registration closes September 1st.
August 2, 2019, 8:00 AM - October 11, 2019, 5:00 PM @ The Forum
The latest exhibit in the Galleria at the Forum features the artwork of Lawton, OK artists The Divas. The group comprised of students brought together by well-known Medicine Park, OK watercolorist Tom Biggs. Beginning with a painting class in 2014, the students became close-knit and Tome started calling them his "Divas". Since that beginning these artists have expanded their artistic learning, branching out from watercolor to other media across a range of subject matter.
August 6, 2019, 8:00 AM - August 31, 2019, 5:00 PM @ River Bend Nature Center
Annual Membership Benefits: free admission during regular business hours, 4-guest passes for friends, 10% discount in the Nature Gift Shop, Subscriptions to their email, Free or reduced admission to select events, Check out books from their Rotary North Club Library, Free admission and discounts to ANCA Nature Centers and Museums.
August 9, 2019, 8:00 AM - September 3, 2019, 5:00 PM @ Wichita Falls Fire Station 1.
The WFFD is now taking applications for their Citizen's Fire Academy. This will be a 7-week academy meeting on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm. The dates of the academy are September 10th - October 22nd with Graduation on Saturday, October 26th. This will be a hands-on and classroom firefighter experience. Participants will learn the entire history of the WFFD from its inception to the present time. Citizens will need to fill out an application, which can be emailed, delivered in person, or online. Must pass a background check and be at least 18 years of age.

subset: commoncrawl


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Navaratri is an important HindufestivalNavameans nine andRatrimeans night."Nava-ratri" literally means"nine nights." Navarathri is celebrated through the first nine days of Hindu month of Asvij. This festival is observed twice a year, once in the beginning of summer and again at the onset of winter.During Navaratri,the Goddessis worshipped in her various forms as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Though the Goddess is one, she is represented and worshipped in three different aspects, on thenine days. The tenth day is calledVijayadasami.Vijayameans victory, the victory over our own minds that can come only when we have worshipped Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
Navarathri is the celebration of the end of the darkness of ignorance and evil. It is said to bring knowledge, goodness, and bliss, thus spiritually enlightening the human mind.
Associate Legend:
At one stage the gods felt powerless against the onslaughts of the demonical forces headed by mahishasura. In answer to their prayers for protection, they were ordered to part with a portion of their divine powers, to form into a new goddess. It was thus that Mahishasura mardini took a physical form as the combined might of 33 crores of gods. The dreaded demon mahishasura was killed by her after a ceaseless fight of 9 days and nights.
What's the Significance of Navratri?
Navarathri signifies victory over our minds. Navarathri is to destroy the ill thoughts and replace them with virtuous qualities. It signifies the process by which one removes the layers of ignorance and achieves the state of self-realization. During Navaratri, we invoke the energy aspect of God in the form of the universal mother, commonly referred to as "Durga," which literally means the remover of miseries of life. She is also referred to as "Devi" (goddess) or "Shakti" (energy or power). It is this energy, which helps God to proceed with the work of creation, preservation and destruction. In other words, you can say that God is motionless, absolutely changeless, and the Divine Mother Durga, does everything. Truly speaking, our worship of Shakti re-confirms the scientific theory that energy is imperishable. It cannot be created or destroyed. It is always there.
Why Worship the Mother Goddess?
We think this energy is only a form of the Divine Mother, who is the mother of all, and all of us are her children. "Why mother; why not father?", you may ask. Let me just say that we believe that God's glory, his cosmic energy, his greatness and supremacy can best be depicted as the motherhood aspect of God. Just as a child finds all these qualities in his or her mother, similarly, all of us look upon God as mother. In fact, Hinduism is the only religion in the world, which gives so much importance to the mother aspect of God because we believe that mother is the creative aspect of the absolute.
Why Twice a Year?
Every year the beginning of summer and the beginning of winter are two very important junctures of climatic change and solar influence. These two junctions have been chosen as the sacred opportunities for the worship of the divine power because:
(1) We believe that it is the divine power that provides energy for the earth to move around the sun, causing the changes in the outer nature and that this divine power must be thanked for maintaining the correct balance of the universe.
(2) Due to the changes in the nature, the bodies and minds of people undergo a considerable change, and hence, we worship the divine power to bestow upon all of us enough potent powers to maintain our physical and mental balance.
Why Nine Nights & Days?
Navaratri is divided into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the supreme goddess. Navaraathri is the nine nights that is observed in honour of the divine mother in her three forms as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. On the first three days, the Mother is invoked as powerful force called Durga in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. The next three days, the Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhaustible wealth. The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the mother as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order have all-round success in life, we need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother; hence, the worship for nine nights.
First 3 days of Navarathri is dedicated to Mother Durga who is worshipped as Icha Shakti (the power of will). Mother Durga removes all impurities miseries dangers and evil, which are the Rajastic qualities or animal like qualities. Goddess Durga is the mother of the universe and believed to be the power behind the work of creation, preservation, and destruction of the world. Since time immemorial she has been worshipped as the supreme power of the Supreme Being and has been mentioned in many scriptures.Goddess Durga represents the power of the Supreme Being that preserves moral order and righteousness in the creation.The word "Durga" in Sanskrit means a fort, or a place which is difficult to overrun. Another meaning of "Durga" is "Durgatinashini," which literally translates into "the one who eliminates sufferings." Thus, Hindus believe that goddess Durga protects her devotees from the evils of the world and at the same time removes their miseries.
Durga is a composite goddess who includes different elements of many Gods and Goddesses.Durga is depicted as having eight or ten hands. These represent eight quadrants or ten directions in Hinduism. This suggests that she protects the devotees from all directions.The trident is a symbol associated with Shiva, and its three points symbolize the creation, protection and destruction of the universe.
She rides upon a lion.The lion represents power, will and determination. Mother Durga riding the lion symbolises her mastery over all these qualities. This suggests to the devotee that one has to possess all these qualities to get over the demon of ego.Durga, also called Divine Mother, protects mankind from evil and misery by destroying evil forces such as selfishness, jealousy, prejudice, hatred, anger, and ego.Durga is the one who removes our evil tendencies.She is the destroyer of Mahishasura the buffalo headed demon. Buffalo represents tamoguna in us i.e. quality of laziness, darkness, inertia and ignorance.She personifiesShaktior divine energy. She is also calledMahishasura Mardini, the destroyer of demon.Mahishameans buffalo. Is not there a buffalo in our minds? We do have the qualities of laziness, darkness, ignorance and inertia. Durga Devis killing of the Mahisha demon is, symbolically, the destruction of these qualities within us that is difficult to destroy.Therefore by worshipping mother durga, we invoke the divine power with in us to destroy our animalistic tendencies.
The second three nights is dedicated to the worship of Maha Lakshmi as Kriya Shakti (The power of action)for knowledge to dawn within us, our minds have to be prepared. The mind must be pure, concentrated and single-pointed. This purification of the mind is obtained by worshipping Lakshmi Devi.She is worshipped in various aspects as the goddesses of peace, plenty and bliss.Mother Lakshmi bestows on her devotees inexhaustible divine spiritual wealth, health, success, fame and fortune to her worshippers and devotees. Fulfillment is more important than wealth itself. In order to receive this divine blessing one has to rid ones self of the Tamastic qualities like greed, anger, lust etc. The four hands of Goddess Lakshmi indicate that she has the power to bestow on humanity the four ends of human life. In one hand she holds a lotus flower – reminding us of ever-lasting life and the immortality of the soul. The other hand that holds another lotus symbolizes to us to detach ourselves from too much of the worldly power, position, considerations, etc. Another hand holds what symbolizes material wealth, prosperity which is to be used as a means / tools for the achievements or goal in life; while the other hand, the fourth one is shown open and pointing downward, showering wealth and reinforcing the message of sharing.
We think Lakshmi represents only material wealth. Real wealth is self-discipline and the values of love,kindness, respect and sincerity. By practicing these values, our mind becomes purified. Only they help us preserve our material wealth. Our wealth of virtues is our true Lakshmi. The six forms of wealth are calmness of mind, self-control, self-withdrawal, forbearance, faith and single pointed ness. Our goal is victory over the mind which comes only when the mind is prepared and this mental preparation is the symbolism of the Lakshmi Puja.By invoking her grace we are not only blessed with virtuous qualities but also by Daivi Sampatti and by gaining victory or self control over the mind.
The last three nights is devoted to Mother Sarswathi who is the bestower of light of knowledge and wisdom. Mother Saraswathi destroys the veil of darkness and brings light to the devotee in the form of wisdom.Sarswathiis theSakthi,the power and the consort ofBrahmathe creator. Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge and arts, represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. It is believed that goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. She is dressed in white which represents purity and her rejection of everything that is base and materialistic. The Swan represents the discrimination between the evil and the good, the eternal and the transitory. The four arms of the goddess suggest the four aspects of human personality i.e. mind, intellect, vigilance, and ego. She has sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus the symbol of true knowledge .The pearl string represents the power of spirituality. The peacock standing near Maa Saraswati represents arrogance and pride over its beauty. The Goddess teaches that physical appearance could be deceptive, by not taking peacock as the vehicle. Goddess Saraswati suggests that one should be wise regarding the eternal truth.
Victory over the mind is gained only through knowledge and through understanding.Saraswathi represents this highest knowledge of the Self.She removes the ignorance and darkness and grants us the higher knowledge of self. She is the goddess of the spiritual knowledge and the knowledge that frees us from this bind of this materialistic world. Mother Saraswathi is the (Gnaana Shakti) this is the power of knowledge. Mother Saraswathi represents the Sattwic qualities (Love, bliss and peace) once the devotee has rid him/her self of the Rajastic and Tamastic qualities. Mother Saraswathi herself appears as the Sattwic quality and imparts the wisdom needed to attain salvation
Thus we see that the theme of the entire Vedas is reflected in the Navaratri festival.


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After seeing the monster, and being told the monster is a monster by Dream Haruki, Kei wakes up…and that's it for the monster this week. After a new, jauntier OP with a latin-inspired beat (replacing the old whispery one), the story jumps from place to place and opaque, metaphor-laded conversation to conversation seemingly involving everything and anything but the monster.
Kei talks with the revived Sumire about how he's happy in the current situation (what with her being alive), but due mostly to his retained memories of the process by which she returned, it still doesn't feel real to him, and he doesn't see how he can stay living in that kind of world forever. Sumire reads it as a kind of rejection.
There's also precious little Michiru in this episode, as Sumire visits her in the dream world and talks about things she's not that interested in, and which Chiruchiru (in blue bird form) warns Sumire not to bring up around her. Chiru wants to protect Michiru by not upsetting her with things like the fact there's a way to save her from her present state.
Rather than Michiru or the monster, Kei, Haruki, and Nonoo investigate the "Stray Cat House Man" (SCHM) who, the way he's described, is nothing less than one of the most powerful beings in the world, as his ability is to write "The Script", which governs all people, things and events in the world, even resets and predictions of the future.
He's even ahead of the Witch or Sumire in that their ability is governed by his. There's also the fact he's more of a humble vessel for the ability than an arrogant braggart; after all, the pen in his hand moves on its own, filling books. His physical body has deteriorated to the point he can no longer write, so starting with Book No. 852, he's worked in the dream world exclusively.
Nonoo remembers him (and he her) from their interactions about five years ago, when she was the only visitor to his house, and whom he tried in his own small way to guide her on how to exist, live, and be happy in the world. In the present she tells him he "saved" her, because now she has people like Kei and Haruki she can call friends.
Kei goes through the manuscripts for The Script, but can find nothing before No. 852, while Sumire instructed him to find and carefully read No. 407. That, and all manuscripts before SCHM entered the dream world, are in the possession of the Bureau, members of which arrive to basically cordially kick Kei out of the SCHM's house.
Once Kei leaves, the leader of the Bureau members there isn't coy about his true feelings about Kei: he thinks his ability is a nuisance, especially when used in concert with Haruki or others, and he's generally an eyesore he'd like to "snuff out" if necessary. Who knows what that entails (he joked about stabbing him in the heart, but was that just a joke), but it's clear this cour has a more reliable villain than Oka Eri.
Like many earlier episodes of the first cour and a few there in the middle, I only really understood a little more than half of everything that was said and done, but as I refuse to let my enjoyment of this deeply intriguing and offbeat show be governed by my level of understanding, that's not really of great concern.
Still, moments like Kei calmly pointing out to Haruki and Nonoo that they should pay more attention to the fact they're wearing skirts while crawling through a drain to get into the SCHM's house, or Sumire's apparent displeasure with how things are with Kei (hinted at in the new ED as well), are easier to understand and appreciated.
With all the different players and agendas in play, combined with the new dream world setting, Sagrada Reset is poised to have an even more ambitious, and possibly more baffling, second cour. I'll be here to attempt to make some kind of sense of it.


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This is a new place for people to translate and read stories. Hopefully, this site will grow to be a place where people share more and more stories from across the world. I hope more and more people gather and share many stories. Translators and Authors are welcome. Regardless of what country you hail from.
Editors and Proofreaders are welcomed as well. If I get more translators, I will need more editors. ^_^
Now meet the Team
Author of Conquer God, Asura, and 1000 Beauties
Adam Aksara,-he is an Indonesian Author and also author of some other books. You can
check his works on goodreads. His dream is to write a good novel that can win a noble prize in literature for his country before he is dead.
His quote, "I dream a very big one, so I could share dream to
Translator of Conquer God, Asura, and 1000 Beauties
Araska is translator and number one fans of Adam Aksara, Fell_D
self-proclaimed as number two fans. Translating Conquer God, Asura and
1000 beauties, also offline project is translating one of the author
master piece book, Children of Light, to English.
The Editor of Conquer God, Asura, and 1000 Beauties/ Writer of Moemphera/Administrator of site
Celebration here. I pretty much got pulled in by Araska's (The Translator)pace. I am the inept one of the group…haha. But I also edit. This story has full permission from the author. I am pretty new to it, so corrections and complaints should be pointed at me. I am also the creator of this website. I am also new at this so criticism is welcomed. I will try my best. My novel is on the back burner. But I will work on it!!!
Always Celebrate LIFE!!! ~CelebrationMishca
Writer of Xian:
Hello, you can call me Deuxz,. Currently I'm still a noob writer and even though this is not my first story, it is my first story that somebody else other than my parents have read. There, of course, will be points which I royally screw up, but I do hope you all help me out down the line and give me your full opinions without holding back. Thanks everyone for reading!
Sincerely Deuxz
Editor and perhaps a translator in the future:
Hey all, I'm Paul. I don't have the creative capacity to come up with a cool online handle, so Paul is fine. I'm an editor, and am brushing up on my Korean to help translate cool Korean novels. Thanks for visiting the site!
Writer of The Black Dynasty:
Hey there peeps, I'm Einy (yes I know its a girls name, long story behind it) I'm not one for long intro's and speech's so I'm gonna keep this short. I'm quite happy to be apart of a team with such friendly, helpful and above all talented individuals. This is the first book that I am ready to put my all into and I hope everyone can enjoy not only this book but all the other wonderful books on the site. Thanks for taking your time and seeing what we and the site is about, I hope you enjoy your stay!
Author of [Guardian]:
How's it going, I'm DesulationIsComing, but you can call me Desu~. I joined this site to be an editor and potentially put out my own writings in the future, but with the urging of a few of our more vocal members who think I do pretty okay, I've decided to put my words to paper a bit early. I hope that everyone likes it, but please feel free to let me know what you think~
Translator of The Fall and Rise of the Flame Kingdom
Hello guys I'm Akhil I've worked on other projects as an editor here at wuxialovers and this is my first spear-headed project i hope to deliver to the best of my abilities if you have anything to share please do so in the comments section belowand I usually add my comments in italics so state your opinion on them as well


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text:
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text:
Holiday Magic Planetarium Show
- Show Member: $3.00
- Show Non-Member: $6.00
Holiday Magic is a delightful celebration of the holiday season that the whole family will enjoy! Featuring timeless classics and songs from the holiday specials we loved as kids, as well as modern holiday music, this show has something for everyone. Ring in the holiday season with the most amazing light show in town!


text: My 1953 M38A1 was converted to 12 volt after it was surplussed out of the Corps of Engineers (exact time frame unknown.). I have been working on getting it started again and found that the starter motor is 24 volt and looks original. Is this good, bad, or indifferent? Are there options in starters that would be helpful?


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Wednesday, May 30, 2007
After reading an evaluation into Kilburn Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) published in 2005, and now available online [Sean Baine January 2005] here at TheBigRetort one former board member couldn't resist stifling an almighty Told-Yeh-So.
This regeneration Programme supported a number of projects over a period of six years, but after the big bucks were exhausted, what did they actually achieve?
By 'they' one means those members of the Board charged with caring for the money that was filtered their way. And there was loads...
The report's author, Sean Baine (on whom more later), claims that 'to ascertain this fully would require in depth evaluations of each project which was not possible within the scope of this evaluation'. Which is just another way of saying I was not commissioned to look. Or, rather, I was commissioned not to look.
Not the only item of note left out of the Baine Re-evaluation – members of the Kilburn SRB (who funded the report) were accused of using public funds for their own self-interest. One local best described them 'as pigs at the trough'.
But here, I too must declare an interest…. as the community representative (and reporter) that the Board dismissed.
When I called for the creation of a Register of Members' Interests, I had just joined the Board in November 2002. I quickly discovered that many sitting on it were in fact gaining financially in one way or another. By March the following year, a register was still not in place - and this after millions of pounds (sterling) was allocated. As a result of emailing Board members, who were reluctant to create a register (one accused me of 'cyber bullying')I was 'axed' (See Kilburn Times, June 11, 2003, p1.) Ironically, the meeting at which I was dismissed had been called to discuss setting up the register. Board members questioned why I had sent the e-mails instead of airing my views through the meeting. (A bit of a chicken and egg situation I know.)
The story takes a bizarre turn… The Board in its paranoid state accused me of being an undercover journalist who had come to write a story about it. I had declared my credentials prior to being voted in and was puzzled by the 'accusation'. Also it would have been highly unlikely to get any story published if it had been acquired by deception... Unless it revealed wrongdoing. However, a local vicar, a beneficiary of funds and a board member (not unusual on Kilburn SRB) had steadfastly refused to declare his business interests - and fuelled much of what followed. (I already knew from Company's House files that amongst appointments held by the reverend was a company styled "beauty parlour".)
Three private sector members of the Board received funds; Nicholas Kent's Tricycle Theatre, £30,000 to produce a community safety video, the building frontage where Parvad Ahmed's Shamrat restaurant was extensively refurbished, in addition, St Mary's Church, Kilburn, represented on the board by Rev Andrew Cain received £19,000 for computer equipment following SRB 'bids'.
But the funds trickling down the Kilburn High Road to SRB member projects and/or businesses and the amounts acquired were by no means seen as unusual by the London Development Agency. Although Paul Owen of the Kilburn Times [kilburntimes.co.uk] did not report it at the time the funds were in excess of those above and still, a local government source who did not wish to be named (do they ever?) said "If businesses on the board were barred from accessing funding, it would be a disincentive for them to join."
Disincentive? Like Judas board members knew the value of 30 pieces of silver.
But what about the Kilburn SRB Programme, what was it aimed at, and, more importantly, did it represent value for money?
I believe the answer to at least one (if not all) of the above questions represents an own goal to the London Devlopment Agency. Unfortunately value for money was yet another item that the Baine Re-evaluation could not access. 'This would involve looking at the unit costs of particular programmes and projects i.e. the cost of individual outputs. However this is very difficult to calculate…" etc.
What guff! And why?
In words of plain speak the author (more on his services in a later posting) did not 'consider it useful' to carry out any specific value for money calculations. Why not? This was one of the main items of interest for those local community groups who did not manage to 'pig out at the trough'. (Kilburn had an agreed allocation of £6,598,800 and the potential financial gain in the wrong hands was therefore enormous.)
Such was the turmoil surrounding the Kilburn 'project' that an experienced manager from the London Development Agency was appointed as Programme Manager - Alan Dorricott. So this then was the LDA managing its own spend, with its very own Rottweiler, but without delivering bite (or rather value). Something that the George Baine report failed in its entirety to 'access'.
But, to be fair to all concerned, was there a blue flashing light on the horizon?
The report rightly claims that towards the end of 2002 complaints started to emerge from 'a small number' of local residents. One individual approached me after my being voted onto the board. Charlie's complaints, as with others, initially centred around the 'spend' that covered many aspects of SRB expenditure. However, an attempt at getting a sympathetic ear from the board members proved impossible, made an ill man even graver, and so he would sit ever-present at meetings, silent, waiting to be 'heard'. And never was.
Another complainant, Graham Bacon, seemed particularly hot under the collar. But he was also more vociferous than Charlie. And the more he was sidelined the further entrenched in his accusations he became... His voice grew ever louder. Something the board moved to defend itself against. (Bacon was reported to police. Programme manager Alan Dorricott was himself a former senior policeman. However, no charges were ever brought against Bacon and his character remained unblemished by any board-directed accusations. Soon others would join the voice of this marginalized 'crank'.)
But back to the report (which is also back to Bacon actually)…
Baine claims that 'actual civil and criminal legal proceedings and complaints to the district Auditor' were brought, which is partially true. The claims were brought by Bacon against board members or, specifically, Dorricott. But it remained a civil matter only.
Why should the report suggest criminal proceedings when it is clear there were none?
Author Sean Baine (sometimes he uses the first name George) displays his great aptitude for bias when he adds more whitewash to the blemish,'evaluation has not examined the issues raised by the complainants nor come to any conclusions about their validity.' Which is about where Kilburn-based Baine should have left it. However, instead he goes on to dig himself into the Kilburn High like a well-practised navvy. 'However they created an atmosphere that was damaging to NCK and, particularly, to plans to have greater involvement by the local community,' he adds. 'Individual members of the Board felt threatened and under attack while individual staff members felt harassed. The effect of the actions of the individual residents, and the manner in which they acted, could only be detrimental to the working of NCK and any future promotion of Kilburn as a distinct entity.'
Now if that isn't coming to any conclusions then what is?
The report continues… "Community involvement in the programme was always problematic. This was compounded by the actions of a few individuals in the area who brought complaints against board members and programme staff which affected both morale and commitment to the programme." However, the biggest giggle in this roll-out-the-same-old-barrel-of-laughs comes under the label 'COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION'.
"Community involvement and capacity building is a pre-requisite of the sustainable regeneration of the area. We will involve the community under each programme theme, ensure that every project adds capacity to the local community and that the community itself plays a lead role in project appraisal and delivery." Sean Baine ends his report with a worthy and fitting statement… 'the sum did not equal more than the parts'. (Not really a reference to what he was paid to deliver, but what he managed to deliver perhaps.)
Well done George from all @TheBigRetort.
[Footnote....The SRB Board later voted that a Register of Members' Interests was needed. And that it should remain closed to the public (and press). Further reading of this sordid tale continues below...]
Mayor of London PQT, 14 October 2003, Report of Proceedings - Economy, Environment and Regeneration.
I wondered what the Mayor and London Assembly members would think of an SRB that did not set up a register of members' interests until its sixth year of operation and then kept it secret; that did not hold annual general meetings open to the public, contrary to its own rules; that dismissed a duly elected member of the public without having the powers to do so and then took the powers retrospectively?
Toby Harris
Do you want to give us a hint as to which SRB partnership it might be?
Personally, I am from the Kilburn and Bromley [actually 'Brondesbury'] Residents Association Group and I think you can work it out.
Ken Livingstone
You need to tell us because there are literally hundreds of SRBs.
The Kilburn SRB does not hold annual general meetings, it has dismissed a community representative without having the power to do so, it refuses to divulge accounts of activities that it has funded and it has given the majority of its grants to individuals and organisations connected with board members.
Ken Livingstone
I will ask the London Development Agency to look into it and report back to me.
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A Texan aged 63 has won at scratch-off card games every two years since 2006. In 1993 she also won a lottery bringing her total winnings to ...
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Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who is he? It has been claimed that Dominique Strauss-Kahn (note the hyphenated surname) is the well-to-do son of G...


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Armidale, a town in northern NSW, gets a little chilly in autumn, but that gives it the perfect climate for growing quinces. I was staying in Armidale recently when a very excited young physicist came rushing into my cabin bearing two fruit. She didn't know what they were, but she'd found a tree full of them, and was eager to find out whether they were edible. I explained that they were quinces, and before I knew it I'd promised stewed fruit for breakfast, and was being rushed out the door on a foraging expedition.
By the end of an afternoon's stewing I'd learnt that quinces are an under-appreciated fruit. Almost every visitor to my cabin asked me what strange fruit I was cooking. Some people had eaten quince paste before, but they'd never seen the fruit it came from. But the one person who knew quinces could recognise them by smell. He told me that just the smell of quinces cooking brought him "flashbacks" of his grandmother.
In honour of grandmothers and quinces, here's a method for making stewed quince. It's terribly imprecise, but all you'll need is quinces, water and sugar. Arm yourself with a teaspoon for tasting and you can't go wrong. And the longer you boil your quinces, the pinker and prettier they'll be. Enjoy them on your porridge, with a dollop of plain yoghurt.
Stewed Quince
Quarter your quinces, core them, and dice them. You can leave the skin on – it should help them turn pinker.
Place them in a large saucepan with a few centimetres of water in the bottom. You don't need to cover the quinces, but you do need to stop them from sticking to the bottom.
Boil the quinces, for hours, until the pieces turn mushy and pinkish. You'll need to keep topping up the water and stirring them to stop them from sticking to the saucepan. The more boiling you do, the more intense the pink colour should be.
Sweeten the quinces to taste by adding a few tablespoons of sugar, stirring to dissolve, and then tasting until you're satisfied.
Stewed fruit can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge, or if you've made plenty you can freeze it. You can use it as the base for a crumble or as a topping on your cereal or porridge.


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Securing Data
Why should I secure my data?
With all of the news regarding fraud, identity theft, and personal information being exposed over the web, securing information is has become a never-ending battle at keeping one's own information and identity safe. And, even though you may feel that an attacker would never bother with you since there are others out there with way more to lose, attackers would be more than happy to use your identity or machine to further their own personal gain.
What can I do to prevent this?
Encryption technology is yet another method to prevent attackers from exploiting any information by obfuscating the data through the use of cryptographic processes.
Encryption tools
Here are some of the more popular tools that are used to help secure the data on a machine.
- Windows Encryption File System (EFS) – Windows provides the ability to encrypt files and folders so that no other user is able to view the data. Microsoft provides a list of best practices for data encryption on the Windows platform.
- VeraCrypt – This is a free multiplatform open-source encryption tool. VeraCrypt is able to provide "on-the-fly" encryption of files, non-system partitions, devices (USB keys) or an entire system drive.
- BitLocker – This is available on Windows Vista Enterprise and Ultimate editions and encrypts the operating system, user files, including swap and hibernation files. Microsoft provides a step-by-step guide for configuring BitLocker.
- FileVault2 – This feature is available on the Mac OS X Lion (10.7) operating system and later. Filevault encrypts a user's home directory and can be used in combination with Disk Utility to provide encryption on different volumes.


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CBDfx Vape Series 500mg (30ml)
NOTE: This product is NOT a Full Spectrum CBD product. It is made with Pure CBD Isolate Crystals and contains the CBD molecule only.
For Full Spectrum products, please check the rest of the CBDfx range and should you have any questions, please get in touch.
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This blog will be a kind of diary on the making of a new film, Coming to Terms, being shot in Butte and Walkerville, Montana. I'll try to be as clear and honest about the entire process of its making – in personal terms, in artistic/aesthetic terms, and in practical ones as well. For those interested in the filmmaking or creative process in general, I hope it might be of interest and/or useful. I will be undertaking later a Kickstarter or IndiGoGo campaign to try to help pay for it.
For those interested in following this in the order it is being written, I will make pages here, so it can be read sequentially.


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On 23 September, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos travelled to Havana, Cuba, where his government and the Marxist rebels of the FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) have been engaged in peace talks since November 2012. He did so to meet FARC leader "Timochenko" for the first time ever, and to announce that an encompassing peace deal would be signed within six months (with rebel disarmament to be completed no more than two months after that). The statement follows the reaching of a consensus on what was widely considered the thorniest topic on the negotiators' agenda: what to do with those accused of crimes during the fighting. On that issue, it was agreed that Colombian and international judges will be able to offer reduced or alternative sentences in exchange for full confessions. Yet while sentencing guidelines emphasise the importance of truth and reconciliation, perpetrators of crimes against humanity – such as torture or assassinations – will not enjoy amnesty.
Impact on country risk
The announcement of an imminent peace deal has brought Colombia closer than ever to ending the five-decade-old FARC conflict that left 220,000 dead and worsened the narcotics problem throughout the Americas. Clearly, this is good news for the Colombian business environment and longer-term growth potential. Indeed, the prospect of enhanced political stability will encourage investment and improve resource allocation. In that sense, the agreement comes at the right time. Economic growth in Colombia has slowed down markedly owing to adverse price evolutions of oil and coal, the country's two prime exports goods. Moreover, the resulting deterioration of the current account deficit and investment opportunities has caused a sharp depreciation of the peso, thus fuelling inflation and sapping confidence. The improved security outlook may somewhat alleviate the stresses, even if successful implementation of the expected peace deal is far from certain. For one thing, many Colombians fiercely oppose a deal, and President Santos promised that the eventual agreement would be put to a referendum. Also, the agreement will need to survive the scrutiny of Colombia's Constitutional Court as well as the International Criminal Court. Furthermore, there is the risk of certain FARC factions rejecting the eventual agreement and breaking away to form criminal gangs. Already, a host of criminal activities – ranging from drug trafficking to illegal gold mining, kidnapping and extortion – represent a major source of income for the rebels and it may prove hard to lure them away from these undertakings in favour of other employment opportunities. Here, the past provides an interesting example. Criminal gangs that emerged from the remnants of the right-wing paramilitary groups (that were formed in the 1980s and 1990s to confront the FARC) have in recent years overtaken the leftist rebels as the biggest security threat in Colombia. Analyst: Sebastian Vanderlinden, email@example.com


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Kevin Costner on Wolf Issues and Scene-Stealing
The star of Silverado and Dances With Wolves reveals behind-the-scenes trivia from two of his biggest movies. Watch these five clips to find out which role in Silverado Costner really wanted (hint: it's not Jake), what scene was cut from the movie to protect children, how animals nearly derailed production of Dances With Wolves, and more.
Tune in to AMC on Sat., Feb. 8, at 8PM | 7C, for Silverado and on Sun., Feb. 9, at 8PM | 7C, for Dances With Wolves.Read More


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Work to Finalize Your Video
Congratulations! At this point, you've assembled your footage, put it in the order of your storyboard, watched it with a critical eye and now are ready to take your video to the next level: the rough cut.
Rough cut is the first assembly of a film which the you (or the editor) prepares from selected takes, in script order, leaving the finer points of timing and editing to a later stage. Think of your rough cut as the draft paper that you're ready to share with a larger audience to get feedback. You have the core messages that you want in the order you want in the video and have the visuals, b-roll, to best support your message. At this point, you want to watch your video from your intended audience's point of view – or even have them watch it with you.
Arrange a test screening and be sure to not over-introduce your video. Show the video and have a set of questions ready for a discussion to get insights and opinions that can enhance your video.
Example Questions
- Who do you think this video is for?
- What are the major issues and themes in the video?
- What was the key message that came across? Were there other messages?
- Was there a request for action? If so, what was it?
- Could you understand all that was said? Were there any confusing audio or visual components? (If so, you might need subtitling.)
- How did you feel while watching the video? (Ensure the feeling viewers felt, particularly watching as the intended audience's perspective, is what you intend.)
- Was there too much information or too little information in the video to support the message?
- What was puzzling or unclear?
- Did the video keep your attention throughout?
- Which parts were slow? Moved too fast?
- Do you know where to go for more information or get involved from the video?
Moving your video to the fine cut
Once you get the feedback from your rough cut, you will take your video one step closer to completion: the fine cut! The fine cut is when you are making the slight tweaks and enhancements, ensuring the transitions are optimal, pacing your music, etc. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Think about what motivates each cut? Is there an action to carry the cut or a compositional relationship?
- What is the relationship to movement and the pace of movement?
- Does someone leave the frame?
- Does someone fill the frame?
- Are we following someone's eye?
- Is the cut motivated by a sound?
- What is the relationship of words to images?
- What is the relationship with words and images to sound?
SPOTLIGHT: Choosing the right music for your video
Music can give voice to a point of view, either a character or a storyteller. It can express an opinion or an alternative idea. It can imply what is not seen, or comment on what is seen. A primary mistake when integrating music into video: It is often used as a cheap dramatic crutch. Music should compliment the voice and visuals – it should not substitute but complement. Be wary of your choice of music. Be mindful of your audience and choose music that will work for them – it might not be what works best for you…


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Stone-carving with Forest Lodge
A newly formed group are learning new skills and setting chisel to stone to design and carve two new benches, which will find their home at Farnham Maltings later this summer. This stone-carving project is part of My Shout, a new project to celebrate ageing and encourage vibrant creativity in older people.
The carving is being generously hosted at Forest Lodge Garden Centre and on display for members of the public to see in the main part of the Centre until the end of June.
The group includes people aged up to 85 years, all are learning new skills and most of whom are stone-carving for the first time. Each of the designs reflects and celebrates different aspects of life in Farnham and the vibrant lives of each of the participants.
The stone was sourced and prepared by sculptor and artist Michael Disley, who will have his own work on display at upcoming Chelsea Flower Show. The stones themselves are Derbyshire gritstone from Grindleford, Derbyshire and between 250-300 million years old.
There are three other projects which are also taking place as part of My Shout including dance (created with Matthew Bourne's New Adventures), theatre and film. The theatre and dance pieces will be performed at Ignite, a special showcase at the Maltings (6pm, Sunday 17 June) which anyone can come along to.
My Shout is part of Celebrating Age, a programme funded by Arts Council England and the Baring Foundation to enable arts and cultural spaces to be more open, positive and welcoming places for older people; My Shout is also funded by Waverley Borough Council. The My Shout consortium consists of Farnham Maltings, Waverley Borough Council, New Adventures and Age UK Surrey.
The Maltings is very grateful to the support of all these partners and to Forest Lodge Garden Centre for generously hosting the carving. You can see the stone benches taking shape between now and the end of June; the garden centre is open 7 days a week and just ask at reception for more information.


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2 DAY PASS(New from 2017.09.25)
How to use the 2 Day Pass
The date and station name will be printed on the pass when first used.This pass is valid for 2 days including the printed date.
Special offers are available at 14 facilities, as well as discounts and benefits at certain tourist facilities. Special Offers Available Until: March 31, 2021
・The ticket is valid for all Fukuoka City Subway lines (Kuko Line, Hakozaki Line, and Nanakuma Line). The ticket is only valid for two days, starting from the first day of use.
・Please go through the automated ticket gate to use the ticket.
・Only the purchaser may use the ticket.
・If the ticket is misused, it will become void and collected. Extra fees will be charged.
・The ticket cannot be refunded even if trains are cancelled or delayed.
・Unused tickets may be refunded with a ¥220 service charge.
Refunds are available at designated sales offices.
・We are not liable for the loss of or damage to the ticket(s).
・With exception to the aforementioned rules, passengers are subject to rules set forth by Fukuoka City Subway.
Where to purchase
- ・Fukuoka Airport International Terminal ( TISCO JAPAN counter )
(8:00-20:00/open all year)
- ・Hakata Port International Terminal (7:30-18:00/open all year)
- ・Fukuoka Airport International Terminal ( TRAVEL RECOMMENDS counter )
(8:00-21:30/open all year)
- ・Fukuoka City Subway Tenjin Station Customer Service Center (Commuter ticket sales counter) (Mon-Fri, 7:00-20:00/Sat, 7:00-19:00/Sun and holidays, 9:00-19:00/closed Jan 1, 2, 3)
- ・Hakata Station Customer Service Center (Commuter ticket sales counter) (Mon-Sat, 7:00-20:00/Sun and holidays, 9:00-20:00/closed Jan 1, 2, 3)
- ・Hakata Station Information Center (8:00-21:00/open all year)
- ・Fukuoka City Tourist Information Center (Tenjin) (9:30-19:00/closed Dec 31, Jan 1)
Pamphlet on Facilities with Special Discounts and Benefits( PDF:4.02MB)
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIPYou can get discounts and other benefits at tourist facilities too! (Mark for facilities with special discounts and benefits: )
Fukuoka's History and Culture Course
- Historically, Fukuoka City prospered as a gateway to Asia.
Stop by historical and cultural spots in the city to feel Fukuoka's essence.
- Regular Price:1,830 Yen
Save 1,090 Yen with the 2 Day Pass
Day 1
Fukuokakuko (Airport) k13 Kuko Line 5-min. Hakata K11 10-min. Walk CANAL CITY HAKATA Canal City Hakata is one of Kyushu's largest commercial facilities that includes a variety of shops and eateries. Be sure to watch the water fountain show and stage show. 10-min. Walk Kushida Shrine・Hakata Machiya Folk Museum Locals are extremely familiar with Kushida Shrine, which is famous for its Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival that is held every year in July. Visitors going to Hakata Machiya Folk Museum will experience Fukuoka's history and traditional crafts through displays and hands-on experiences. 10-min. Walk Nakasu-Kawabata H01 K09 Kaizuka Line 6-min. Hakozaki-Miyamae H05 3-min. Walk Hakozaki Shrine This historical shrine enshrines the god of victory. The main hall, worship hall, and two-storied gate are designated as National Important Cultural Properties and are great for sightseeing. 3-min. Walk Hakozaki-Miyamae H05 Kaizuka Line / Kuko Line 8-min. Tenjin K08 3-min. Walk Shopping in Tenjin The multitudes of department stores and commercial facilities make Tenjin a great shopping destination. Be sure to see which facilities offer special benefits when you show your 2-Day Pass. Yatai (Food Stalls) Yatai line the streets of Tenjin at night. The lively food stalls serving local cuisine provide a uniquely Fukuoka experience.
Day 2
Tenjin-minami N16 Nanakuma Line 4-min. Yakuin-odori N13 10-min. Walk Shofuen Garden The well-maintained garden surrounds a traditional tea room built in the 1940s. The elegant garden and tea room provide a truly authentic, Japanese experience. 10-min. Walk Yakuin-odori N13 Nanakuma Line 3-min. Ropponmatsu N11 15-min. Walk Fukuoka Castle Remains Fukuoka Castle was built during the early 1600s by a feudal lord who ruled the region. Portions of the stone walls are still remaining. The castle is now known as Maizuru Park, which locals frequent. 10-min. Walk Ohorikoen(Ohori Park)K06 Kuko Line 5-min. Nakasu-Kawabata H01 K09 Fukuoka Asian Art Museum Considering Fukuoka has a rich history of international exchange with Asia, the museum appropriately displays a collection of modern art from Asia. Kuko Line 3-min. Hakata K11 Shopping in Hakata Hakata Station Building incorporates department stores and commercial facilities. Stop by each floor to find a variety of souvenirs on your final shopping trip in Fukuoka. Kuko Line 3-min. Fukuokakuko(Airport) K13
Heal Your Soul within the City Course
- Although Fukuoka is a lively city with multitudes of people, relaxing parks, nature, and the ocean are within the city limits. Take a break from your shopping and relax in nature.
- Regular Price:1,920 Yen
Save 1,180 Yen with the 2 Day Pass
Day 1
Fukuokakuko (Airport) k13 Kuko Line 5-min. Hakata K11 Kuko Line 5-min. Meinohama K01 *Showa Bus Approx. 15 Min. 100 Yen MARINOA CITY FUKUOKA This is Fukuoka's only outlet mall. Enjoy the best deals for shopping and observe the cityscape at night from the Ferris wheel. Restaurants are open until 23:00 so you can enjoy the mall all day long. *Nishitetsu Bus Approx. 5-Min. 170 Yen Atago Shrine(One of Japan's Three Greatest Atago Shrines) This is Fukuoka's oldest shrine and it is renowned for enshrining the god of marriage. Located atop a hill, you will enjoy the beautiful view. The shrine attracts many visitors and is a popular tourist destination in Fukuoka City. 12-min. Walk Muromi K02 Kuko Line 11-min. Tenjin K08 3-min. Walk Shopping in Tenjin There are plenty of dining options in Tenjin that serve fresh, delectable cuisine. Dine at a local eatery after your day of shopping. Yatai (Food Stalls) After dinner, stop by a yatai for a night cap or an extra bite to eat. *You may not use the 2 Day Pass on Showa Bus or Nishitetsu Bus
Day 2
Tenjin K08 Kuko Line 3-min. Ohorikoen(Ohori Park) K06 5-min. Walk Ohori Park Locals frequently stroll around the comfortable park in the morning. Relax at the café and have a great start to your day. 15-min. Walk Ropponmatsu N11 Nanakuma Line 1-min. Sakurazaka N12 15-min. Walk Fukuoka City Zoological and Botanical Garden The quiet botanical garden is adjacent to the lively zoo, making it the perfect destination for children and adults. 15-min. Walk Sakurazaka N12 Nanakuma Line 6-min. Tenjin-minami N16 3-min. Walk Tenjin Chuo Park Surrounded by office buildings in Tenjin, ACROS Fukuoka is covered in greenery. The staircase is called a Step Garden, which visitors are free to use. 7-min. Walk Don Quijote Nakasu Branch With a wide selection of products to choose from, this store is popular with international tourists as well as locals. Go shop for great discounts. 2-min. Walk Nakasu-Kawabata H01 K09 Kuko Line 3-min. Hakata K11 Shopping in Hakata Kuko Line 5-min. Fukuokakuko (Airport) K13


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Items where Person is "Dumestre, Frédéric"
Group by: Item Type | No Grouping
Jump to: Article
Number of items: 1.
Gleizes, Alain and Krisyuk, Vladislav V. and Aloui, Lyacine and Turgambaeva, Asiya E. and Sarapata, Bartosz and Prud'homme, Nathalie and Senocq, François and Samélor, Diane and Zielinska-Lipiec, Anna and Dumestre, Frédéric and Vahlas, Constantin. Iron amidinates as precursors for the MOCVD of iron-containing thin films. (2009) ECS Transactions, 25 (8). 181-188. ISSN 1938-6737


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Update your bookmarks to
because next year Toonarific will be closing and some of the information will be moving there.
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Characters & Voices
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Joe Leahy
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Ricardo Montalban
Candle Jack -
Jeff Bennett
Cave Guy -
Jeff Bennett
Debbie Douglas -
Tress MacNeille
Dexter Douglas -
David Kaufman
Douglas Douglas -
John P. McCann
Duncan Douglas -
Googy Gress
Fan Boy -
Stephen Furst
Foamy the Freakadog -
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Freakazoid -
Paul Rugg
Gulliver -
Frank Welker
The Huntsman -
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Jeff Bennett
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Tracy Rowe
Perhaps not the first internet-inspired superhero, Freakazoid is definitely the first comedic internet-inspired superhero. According to "The Chip" (Freakazoid's origin story), nerdy Dexter Douglas received a top-of-the-line processor chip for his computer. A fatal flaw in the design caused anyone who typed in a random series of characters then pressed "Delete" would be sucked into the internet and transformed into a super-powered, yet insane creature: A "Freakazoid." Obviously, through a bizarre coincidence, Dexter managed to type that exact sequence and become Freakazoid.
Freakazoid had a standard cast of characters for a superhero show: a Rogues' Gallery, a set of people who interacted Freakazoid, and another who dealt with his alter ego. Also, the first season of the show had side features starring other superheroes, The Huntsman and Lord Bravery, but these characters and others were "fired" after the start of the second season, returning only for one episode to ask why nobody called them when the second season started. This is, of course, typical of the style of humour for the show -- the characters are intermittently aware that they're in a cartoon, the villains put up a serious fight only to be defeated by ruses that wouldn't have suckered Elmer Fudd, and jokes are made about everything from Rush Limbaugh to old sci-fi films like The Island of Dr. Moreau. The truth of the matter, however, is that the stories are not the reason to watch Freakazoid!. They're run-of-the-mill fare for superheroics. What Freakazoid! was about was the inside jokes.
The crew of the show seemed to be given carte blanche by Steven Spielberg, and took the opportunity to simply amuse themselves on a national podium. Many episodes (especially in the second season) feature clips of film or lines of dialogue that the crew found so funny they were compelled to repeat them at random intervals throughout the show ("That was quite a jolt, Freak!"), or included clips of stock footage (four different shots of a chimpanzee were randomly played in the opening sequence, for example), but the most prolific running gag was Emmitt Nervend. In fact, throughout the entire first season, one of the credits at the end of the show told observant viewers (or those with a VCR) how many times in the episode Emmitt Nervend could be found.
Head writer Paul Rugg (who was also the Supervising Story Editor for Steven Spielberg's Animaniacs) also voiced Freakazoid (if Freakazoid sounds to you like Mr. Director of Animaniacs -- the Jerry Lewis-type character -- that's because Rugg voiced them both), and it's a fair estimate to say that what went on during an episode of Freakazoid! was essentially what Paul Rugg wanted to happen. In interviews, he has said that he went into the recording booth and started ad-libbing a scene, and the crew animated it. The show has a dedicated following, including a small webring that was maintained for several years after the cancellation of the show, a group called F.L.I.P. that has dedicated itself to pushing for Freakazoid to be brought into the mainstream DC Universe (the continuity in which all of their characters, such as Superman and Batman, coexist), and a steady stream of requests to Cartoon Network to run the show whenever they're not (of course, Freakazoid! has been relegated to the overnight time-slot on CN, but some people realize it's best to take what you can get) and to revive the show with new episodes. Of course, Paul Rugg's departure from the WB Animation Dept. is the official reason given for the cancellation of the show, which was dependant on his presence, so I guess it's all up to him.
The Cast!
Freakazoid: The titular hero wore red underwear with his "F!" emblem on the chest and had a stripe of white lightning in his hair, much like the Bride of Frankenstein. The Freak was a surprisingly effective crimefighter, considering his inability to focus on the matter at hand. According to his theme song, he defends Washington, D.C. from the various evildoers who seek to rule to world or aquire ill-gotten gains. His alter ego, Dexter Douglas (voiced by David Kaufman), was an average geek with computer smarts and socially awkward behavior.
The Douglas Family: Douglas (voiced by John McCann), Debbie (Tress MacNielle) and Duncan (Googy Gress) Douglas are Dexter's dysfunctional family. Douglas and Debbie Douglas (no, that's not a typo) encourage the semi-literate Duncan's high school sports career while oblivious to Dexter's intellectual interests. The lot of them are also oblivious to their younger son's crimefighting exploits, as they are very self-absorbed and stupid.
Sgt. Mike Cosgrove: Cosgrove (Ed Asner) is the lazy cop with the commanding voice. He is most often seen inviting Freakazoid to join him as he takes in the lesser-known attractions of Washington, D.C. or goes out to eat. In episodes he appears in for more than a few seconds, he works with Freakazoid, as he appears to have extremely high-level clearance, the keys to the city, and all the time in the world. Also, when Mike Cosgrove tells you to "Cut it out," you cut it out now.
Steff: Freakazoid's girlfriend is also a classmate of his alter ego. In the first episode, "Dance of Doom," we learn that Dexter is rather unsuccessful in his love life, and it's a fact of Dexter's life that the women who won't give him a second glance that isn't accompanied by laughter or revulsion are the same ones who swoon when Freakazoid is around. Steff got to be the lucky girl to go out with Freakazoid, and eventually learned of his dual identity and became one of Freakazoid's crack team of specialists for extra difficult missions during the second season.
Ingmar: Freakazoid's mute butler. He kept the Freakalair clean and brought our hero finger sandwiches. ("He's mute, ya know.")
Professor Jones: Ingmar's replacement. When Ingmar resigned from his position, he brought along Professor Jones (voiced by Jonathan Harris, Mr. Smith of Lost in Space) to take his job so Freakazoid wouldn't be left in the lurch. He does not handle adversity well, however, and is extremely easily frightened, causing him to run in circles while screaming. Occasionally, he lets out an "Oh, the pain!" for us, so it's all good.
Roddy McStew: Voiced by Craig Ferguson of The Drew Carey Show, Roddy is the designer of the chip that gave Dexter his Freakazoid powers. He also plays the role of mentor, teaching Freakazoid the subtleties of his powers, scanning the internet for things of interest to him and generally aiding him when a situation calls for more than Freakazoid can do on his own.
Fanboy: One of Freakazoid's former sidekicks, Fanboy (Wayne Knight) is the quintessential fanboy: He loves comics, movies, and tv shows, and anything else that has conventions encouraging attendees to come in costume. With his too-small T-shirt and jaunty little cape, Fanboy follows Freakazoid around as long as there's nobody more famous for works in the superhero or sci-fi genres, such as George Takei and Mark Hamill.
The Huntsman: Another of the superhero community in Freakazoid's world, the Huntsman lives in the forests on the edge of the city (don't ask which one) and only comes to town to fight crime when his signal horn is blown from the roof of the police headquarters, sort of like an archaic Batman. The Huntsman is a big tough guy dressed like Robin Hood with both a striking resemblance and an identical voice to those of Kirk Douglas in his prime. Having only appeared during the first season, the Huntsman did not have all that many appearances on the show, but those he did have were memorable, to say the least.
Lord Bravery: Lord Bravery was a British superhero, and dealt more with the difficulties of being a superhero than with the actual saving of innocent lives and the stopping of supervillains. Among the things Lord Bravery was forced to contend with were his unsupportive wive and mother-in-law, the low crime rate in Great Britain, and local copyright laws. Lord Bravery was an approximation of what would have happened if Monty Python's had decided to do a superhero show.
Toby Danger: Toby only appeared once, but is worth mentioning because of the impact his single short had. Toby was a blatant parody of Johnny Quest, complete with a mishap-laden revision of the original Johnny Quest opening sequence. In "The Doomsday Bet," the Danger family (Dr. Vernon Danger, young Toby, his adopted sister Sharon, and the family's bodyguard "Dash" O'Pepper -- Vernon and Dash were voiced by Don Messick and Granville Van Dusen, the voice actors that played Dr. Benton Quest and Race Bannon, respectively, from the original Johnny Quest) visits Las Vegas after one of Dr. Quest's -- I mean, Danger's -- inventions is sabotaged and goes awry. The short poked fun at the dialogue and stilted animation of realistic figures that constituted JQ's signature, featuring one of the most awkwardly animated fight scenes ever shown on television and a perfect distillation of Race Bannon's character ("Let me throw a barrel at it!"). Toby Danger's first and only appearance was in the second episode of Freakazoid!, as a backup feature to the feature, "Candle Jack."
The Villains!
Candle Jack: Candle Jack is an urban legend. He's a bogey man who likes to capture children at campsites. He can only do so if they say "Candle Jack," however, so obviously noone is safe from him.
Caveguy: A Neanderthal man of high culture and considerable intellect. Aside from his fearsome appearance and larcenous nature, he could conceivably be the perfect human; a combination of physical strength and mental prowess. Since Freakazoid is a comedy, however, this is never addressed.
Cobra Queen: Cobra Queen was a petty thief who once stole an amulet that turned her into a mutant human-snake hybrid. She now has the ability to communicate and control giant snakes.
Guittierez: The CEO of the company that created the Pinnacle chip that supplies Freakazoid's powers. His goal was to gain the powers bestowed by the Pinnacle chip. He eventually got them and was defeated again by Freakazoid, and again later. Voiced by Ricardo Mantalban, he has a number of eccentricities and deplores being called a "weenie." I dont' know why.
Jeepers: An expert in all things mystic, Jeepers is a creepy little man who created a magic watch that can turn beavers into gold. End of story.
The Lobe: The Lobe (voiced by David Warner) is a brilliant criminal genius whose head is actually his exposed brain. Presumably his brain grew to large to be contained by his skull or something. The Lobe is Freakazoid's most prolific enemy and seems to enjoy the chase even more than the fruits of his labors.
Longhorn: Longhorn was a trucker/criminal who had plastic surgury done to make himself look like a half-man, half-bull. He also aspires to be a country singer, but his criminal exploits come first.
Critical Review
Freakazoid was an all-around fun show. It always seemed that Steven Spielberg could show up at any moment and realize that he was paying the Warner animators just to play and wind up cancelling the whole show (although Spielberg loved the show, personally -- which is good, since he ponied up the money for it). Paul Rugg was not a versatile voice actor (he had a killer Jerry Lewis impression and not much else), but he certainly had a sense for what was funny, both as an actor and a writer.
What was best about Freakazoid was its total lack of convention. The second episode featured a two-minute long ad-lib by Paul Rugg that had nothing to do with anything, and this was edited and animated into Freakazoid defeating Cave Guy. The throw-away lines were a wonderful thing, and all the characters brought something fun to the show: Vorn the Unspeakable was a Lovecraftian demon who was always polite when introducing himself, the Lobe's henchmen enjoyed watching him have a good time, and Norm Abrams was the most popular TV carpenter ever.
Sure, there was stupid stuff, like "Frenching with Freakazoid," in which he teaches us the phonetically correct way to say "Who cut the cheese?" in French. It aired during Kids' WB. They had to keep children entertained or the show wouldn't stay on. Of course, Paul Rugg left the show, thus killing the show, but that was by choice rather than poor ratings. As mentioned above, though, Cartoon Network has the broadcast rights, and will likely run the show on and off in perpetuity unless there's a possibility of a relaunch. As of this writing, the show is on Cartoon Network at 4 AM Central every weeknight. If you want to watch the show through, set aside a month to record an episode every night starting with "Five Day Forecast," which is the first episode. It won't take much time, and you'll be glad you did.
Mike Albright
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